News & Notes
Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We had wonderful time last Sunday evening as a “Love Fest” occurred between St. John’s Church and Bill & Joan Humphrey! Though it wasn’t the intention of the Special Church Conference, words of love, respect and appreciation were extended both ways as the sixty people present voted unanimously to recommend that Bill be accepted as a “Certified Candidate for Ministry.” Praise God for gifting Bill so wonderfully, and for using those gifts around St. John’s these past twenty-nine years! And may God continue to bless Bill in his years of Pastoral Ministry!
Last Saturday morning a small but mighty group gathered to evaluate our Five Year Plan - of goals for the church. I think we surprised our selves by discovering all of the plans that had been completed, or were well on their way! The affirmation was surprising. Then we proceeded to look ahead. A presentation will be made at the May Church Council meeting. I invite any who would be interested to attend - but even if you don’t, I’m sure you’ll hear about the plans in upcoming communications.
Our “Spring Clean-Up Day” takes place this Saturday, April 28th. I know the Trustees are very hopeful that a large group of folks will turn out to help. Never done this before? Don’t let that stop you! New to the church? What a great way to get to know some of the other people in our congregation - and for them to get to know you! Don’t have much time? The Trustees will take whatever time you can give! All the festivities begin . . . I’m not sure . . . maybe as early as 8 AM? By 9 AM for sure! The coffee will be on - and I wouldn’t be surprised if some donuts appeared on the scene as well (but I haven’t heard that officially!). Please come to offer a hand.
Then in the evening, we’ll have our Public Turkey Supper, from 4:30 till 6:30 PM. There are still a few openings on the volunteer sign-up sheet. Especially if you can’t help with the Clean-Up Day, I hope you’ll pitch in for the supper. You’re really needed!
Sunday morning, at the first service, we’ll welcome Bill Reichert as a member of St. John’s Church. Bill is Caroline’s husband - and she’ll stand with him as his sponsor. Go figure!! Bill is transferring his membership from the Anglican Cathedral of St. Paul, in Portland. Please be sure to welcome him.
The weekend comes to a close with our Mission Team’s presentation of their work last February. The program - created by Claire Bloom - will begin at 4 PM, and will be followed by a Pot-Luck Supper. Come for the program; come for the supper; come for the fellowship! But please come! If you’re coming for the supper, you’re invited to bring a salad, casserole or dessert to share - as well as your own place setting (so no one will get stuck in the kitchen doing dishes!).
April has been a wonderful month - incredibly busy - but wonderful. On top of all our regular ministries, we’ve had Holy Week and Easter, the Bishop’s visit on the District, the Youth Group’s “50’s Sock Hop”, the Parish Retreat, Native American Ministries Sunday, the special Church Conference for Bill Humphrey, our Clean-Up Day and the Mission Team program. Whew! While it has all been wonderful, I’m glad that May is almost here! We’ll get back to a dull roar.
The Heifer International “Arks” (along with the [educational] calendar of suggested donations) will be given out in church this Sunday. “The mission of Heifer International is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the earth. Since 1944, Heifer has helped more than 7 million families in more than 125 countries move toward greater self-reliance through the gift of livestock and training in environmentally sound agriculture. The impact of each initial gift is multiplied as recipients agree to ‘pass on the gift’ by giving one or more of their animals offspring, or the equivalent, to another in need.” Our arks will be collected at the end of May.
Dee Whall has asked me to remind folks that there will be a White Elephant Table at the May 11 & 12 Rummage Sale. The revenue from the White Elephant table will support scholarships to Wanakee (our United Methodist summer camp in Meredith, NH). She’s looking for clean, working, saleable items (no electronics, exercise gear……..) and volunteers. The hours for the sale will be 5-8 on Friday and 9-12 on Saturday. There will be s sign-up sheet posted this coming Sunday! If you can help out or have questions, please contact her at: deidredesiree [at] yahoo [dot] com
Finally let me mention that the Cluster Choir Festival will take place on Sunday, May 6th, at the Eliot United Methodist Church. Our Adult Choir will be participating along with several others from our Cluster (grouping of United Methodist Churches in the Seacoast area). I think you’d enjoy attending - and hope to see you there.
That’s all the news that’s fit to print! Have a great day! See you at the Clean-Up Day, the Public Supper and in Worship!! Peace, Mark