News & Notes
Dear Friends,
My soul is fed by the “renewing” of the earth in these days. As the various flowering bushes go through their time of blossoming, and as the trees break out in shades of green, and as more and more birds find their way “home,” I am reminded of God’s continuing movement in our lives - to make us ever new creations in Christ. May we be open to God’s hand at work in and through us!
I don’t have too much news today, but wanted to remind you of these special things for this coming Sunday. This is the day to return (if you haven’t done so already) your Heifer Project “Arks.” Thanks for taking them and filling them!! If you won’t be here this Sunday, take heart! Your ark will be accepted whenever you return!!
And then, since this is Pentecost Sunday (the birthday of the church - recognition of the Holy Spirit coming to “create” the church - and “resting” on each of the believers “as tongues of fire”) we are all encouraged to wear something red to worship! Let’s make it a true celebration!
Many of you have heard about the fire in Somersworth that destroyed an apartment house, putting four families out. One of those families is the brother of our office manager, Sandy Dearborn. Virtually everything in their home (Leon, his wife and fifteen year old son) was destroyed. Our Outreach Committee would like to help. They are sponsoring a collection of items to restock the kitchen (They’ve received a number of donations for the other rooms in the house). Here’s the list of needed items. If you would like to donate one or more, there will be a collection box located inside Hartford Hall for the next couple of Sunday’s. (Duplicate items will be donated to Operation Blessing) Here’s a list of the obvious things:
Kitchen items needed: Dishes, glasses, cups, bowls, knives, measuring cups and spoons, cooking utensils, spatulas, tongs, potato masher and peeler, can opener, mixer, bake ware, crock pot, toaster, storage containers, cutting board, kettles, salt and pepper shakers, wastebaskets, aluminum foil, clear wrap, sandwich and storage zip bags, garbage bags. Also, gift cards for Market Basket and Wal-Mart for all the staples that are needed in a kitchen.
Brenda Borchers writes: “I am going to take the youth to some cemeteries this weekend to place flowers/crosses/flags on the graves. Could you please put the offer of flowers on the graves in the News and Notes and ask people to call me (343-4424) if they would like the youth to remember one of their loved ones this way?”
I want to remind you that we are NOT having a Public Supper at St. John’s Church this month. Due to the holiday weekend, the Hospitality Committee decided not to offer a dinner. If you have folks who were planning to attend, please let them know soon that this was taken off our calendar.
At the Church Council meeting on Monday, Patrick Murphy was elected to be the new Chairperson of the Council. Brad Bolton and Lisa Perrine co-chaired the Council wonderfully for over a year, and both felt the need to step down. Patrick accepted the invitation of the Lay Leadership Committee to serve, and has begun this new ministry. Welcome, Patrick! And thanks for saying “yes!”
While it was reported at the Mission Trip presentation in April, Mike Willett and Patrick Murphy officially presented to the Church Council that early next year St. John’s Church will be taking another mission trip - actually two. The first (Feb. 16-24) will be for youth as well as a few adults - and the next week (Feb. 23-March 2), a group of adults will be at work - both in Slidell, Louisiana again. Each group will be limited to 15 participants. Check your calendars now - and be in prayer about whether you might be led to be part of the 2008 Mission Trips!
Tomorrow morning the “Holy Folders” will gather to prepare our June issue of “The Bell-Wether” for mailing. I won’t be around to “supervise” . . . or to assist in the emptying of the “Munchkin Box” either! I hope they can manage without me!
“Work Day at Wanakee United Methodist Center — May 26, 2007. Join us this Saturday for Fun and Fellowship! Every hand is helpful and appreciated! Bring your Men’s Group, Women’s Group, Youth Group, bring a friend or come on your own. There will surely be a project for which your skills are perfect! 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Workers will be fed! Please call (603) 279- 7950 if you plan to attend. We hope to see you there. Grace and Peace, Mike and Jean Moore (Camp Directors)”
That’s all the news that I have for today (a couple items from the Conference will follow). Enjoy this wonderful weather! See you in church! Peace, Mark
DISCOUNT AVAILABLE FOR SOULFEST 2007
You can save 10% off of your adult multi-day passes by using a special code, provided by Damascus Road of Ashburnham Community Church. Just visit the following link: http://www.thesoulstore.com/c-17-sf07-band-passes.aspx and enter this code: SF07Band26…you can also purchase discount tickets by calling 978-346-4577. Soulfest will be held at Gunstock Mountain in Gilford, NH from August 1-4, 2007.
Volunteers Needed for Haiti Project
Seeking one or two volunteers who like warm weather and worthwhile projects to help the Haitian Artisans for Peace International (HAPI) co-op. The project is endorsed by the Grand Rapids District Peace with Justice Community in partnership with the Haiti Task Force of the two Michigan Conferences, the Methodist Church of Haiti, General Board of Global Ministries, Mission Contexts and Relationships and Women’s Division. We are specifically seeking an individual who is willing to commit 6 months (June 21-Dec 21, 2007) helping 30 women in the mountain village of Mizak (near Jacmel). Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Statistics show 70% are living on less than $1 a day. We are working to establish a repeatable model for creating businesses that change lives. Contact our Conference office if you have questions or are interested.