News & Notes
Dear St. John’s Church Family,
I’m writing to you on Thursday because I’ll be taking Friday off this week. In fact our Pastor/Staff-Parish Relations Committee and I have decided that I will begin taking Friday’s off on a regular basis. With the significant number of Monday meetings that we have, I haven’t been getting a full day off on any regular basis, so we decided to give this a try. Stay tuned to see how it works.
I’m hoping to get this issue of “News & Notes” out to you without a problem - borrowing someone else’s computer. Both Sandy’s and my computers are unable to send any emails out. We can receive without a problem, but are unable to send. So if we don’t respond to an email from you, please have patience. Sandy will try to get this addressed by Verizon soon.
This morning we celebrated Bob W********e’s life as we worshipped our awesome God. It is wonderful to celebrate the life of a saint like Bob!! It’s also wonderful to continue the celebration as we share with others over table fellowship. And as always, Claramae Hebertt and her crew did a great job in creating the reception!! Thanks to Claramae, Joe and Phyllis C***y, Marion W******s, Ethel M******l and Lucille and Harold C*******r - as well as to the countless folks who brought food for the reception! You’re all terrific!
I lift up my thanks to those who gave to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering last Sunday. The offering was $141 so far. Remember, if you weren’t here last Sunday, or weren’t prepared to make a gift last Sunday, donations can be made at any time. The offering supports the work of our United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), and is very important to their (our) work.
Tomorrow morning the get-the-newsletter-ready-to-mail crew (a.k.a. “Holy Folders”) will gather for their monthly ritual - so you and I will be able to read our April issue of “The Bell-Wether” in a timely fashion. Our thanks to this faithful crew - and to Sandy who publishes it - and to Claire, our newsletter editor - and to all the contributors!!
Sunday afternoon, from 1 till 3 PM, our Sunday School will hold their annual Easter Party. It’s a great time, anticipated by all! See you there.
Dee W***l sent this note to share with you: Could you please announce that the Rummage Sale on 5/12 will include a White Elephant room, which will help subsidize Wanakee Scholarships (thanks to Deb H****s for the idea!)? We would like good, clean, saleable (!) items that are in working condition - please no TV’s, used computers, or exercise equipment.
And Donna Capern gave me this tidbit of information: Five of our youth — Ashley K*****y, Wilson H*******n, Carolyn and Katii C****n and Nicole B***n — are part of a production of that great musical The Music Man at Portsmouth Christian Academy gym stage, March 29, 30 and 31, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7.00. Come on out for a fun evening and enjoy the talents of these five young people and many others!
Let me give you the Holy Week schedule, just so you’ll be able to plan ahead:
Palm/Passion Sunday, April 1 - “A Journey Through Holy Week” at both services - we will trace Jesus’ footsteps through scripture, song and liturgy
Maundy Thursday, April 5th, at 7 PM - the “Living Last Supper” presentation by thirteen men in the church - a reenactment of DaVinci’s painting of “The Last Supper.” Communion will be served as part of the service
Good Friday, April 6th, at noon - the Ecumenical Good Friday Service at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, on Locust Street; at 7 PM there will be a quiet, solemn service of lessons, readings and prayers in our own sanctuary
Easter Sunday, April 8th
5:30 AM First Fire service at the outdoor chapel - bagpiper leading the music
6:00 AM Sunrise Service lead by the high school Sunday School class - in the sanctuary
7:00 AM (or thereabouts) Breakfast in Hartford Hall - served by the United Methodist Men
9 and 11 AM Easter Sunday celebration in our sanctuary
That’s about all the news that I have for today. Have a blessed weekend. I’ll see you on Sunday, in worship! Peace, Mark
PS I know the practice of not including an individual’s full name in this publication (unless they have given us permission) is frustrating for some who read “News & Notes.” This practice is part of the work of the Communications & Media Committee’s efforts to respect our privacy on the internet - and not “assume” permission is granted. They are still receiving your input on this issue, and it is a “work in progress.” I would ask that we exercise patience until we work out all the kinks. Thanks. M