News & Notes 10/18/07
Dear Friends,
Greetings, greetings, greetings! May the love of Christ shower you today!!
As promised, I wanted to share the details of the Memorial Service for Aura Smith. The service will be held on Saturday, October 27th, at 11 AM. I don’t know any details about visiting hours yet. We’ll have to look for that in the newspaper. There will be a reception after the service, and Claramae has asked once again for help baking cookies, cakes, squares, etc. for the reception.
I’m going to begin with three announcements that were requested of me. The first is from Lenny Colongione, who has asked me to remind you of the Trustee’s work day that will happen in nine days (on October 27th). Because of the Memorial Service for Aura, the hours of the work day have been shortened. We’ll work from 8 AM till 10 AM. There are a number of jobs to get done around the church. The Trustees would love to have your help. Some tasks will take just a matter of a few minutes and some will take awhile longer. The sign-up list is on the rolling bulletin board in Hartford Hall. Check it out. In the event that it would be an extra enticement, the coffee and donuts will be fresh!
And Debbie Hollis has asked me to remind you of the Public Chicken Pot Pie Supper that will take place in the evening of October 27th. Guess what! There’s a sign-up sheet for that, too — on the rolling bulletin board in Hartford Hall. I’m sure you’ve never heard that before, have you? And once again, because of the Memorial Service for Aura, we’ll have to “tweak” our set-up for the supper - it can’t begin until after the reception. I haven’t had the chance to speak to Mike W. or Debbie H. about this (remember how it’s easier to ask for forgiveness then permission?). I’m hoping we can rally together a good crew to get the preparation work done in a timely fashion on that Saturday. Donations of time and money and fixing are will help make the supper a success!
“Just one more day ’til the Corn Maze and Bonfire! Pray that the rain stays away! You can meet us there at 6:20ish or meet at the church at 5:50 and we’ll drive over together. There are 35+ of us going, and it’s not too late to sign up! Cost is $10.00 per person. Please let me know if you are going to drive directly there so we don’t wait for you. If you are driving directly there, Coppal House Farm is on Route 155 in Lee, either 2.2 miles in from Route 125 on the left or just over a mile beyond the center of Lee on the right if you stay on Route 155 all the way. If you need more detailed directions than that, you can get them on their website at http://www.nhcornmaze.com/easydirections.html.” Brenda B.
Last Saturday’s Rummage Sale went well, though not heavily shopped. It produced about $340 toward our current expense budget. Many thanks for the workers - you were great - especially to the “boss,” Debbie Hollis!! And to the donors of the clothing, etc.
The “Holy Folders” will be coming to the church tomorrow to prepare “The Bell-Wether” for mailing. Look for your copy in a mailbox near you, in the next few days!! It contains all the news that fit to print!!
The next quarterly blood drive at St. John’s Church is TOMORROW, from 2 till 7 PM. Jinny Scott is away, but she’s recruited a great group of folks to assist the Red Cross staff. They always need more snacks and goodies. But, of course, the greatest need is for blood donors. Can you help?
Friday evening there’s a public supper at First Parish Church-to raise money for their next mission trip to Slidell, Louisiana. Jambalaya, scalloped potatoes, cornbread, bread pudding and more - all for $8 for adults, and $5 for kids 10 y.o. and under. Their next trip will actually be the same week as our Youth Week - in February!!
Eight or ten of our men are heading off on retreat tomorrow evening! What a wonderful tradition that is for the St. John’s Church family - both men’s and women’s retreats!! I’m sure that faith has been nurtured and discipleship empowered through these events over the years. Please keep these men in your prayers through this weekend.
I don’t often remember to mention this, but the third Sunday of the month is the time when we are traditionally encouraged to bring some nonperishable food items to church for the Dover Cooperative Ministries Food Cupboard - which is housed at First Parish Church, downtown. If that’s not already a “habit” for you to do, won’t you consider making it one? Or at least bring something this time for the cupboard - even if it’s only this month? I’ve recently heard that the shelves at the cupboard are pretty bare.
Our Kids Fall Party will happen this Sunday afternoon, from 1 till 3 PM. Games, costumes, treats, fun and more!! Each family is invited to bring something “for the common good” to share. The Youth Groups are helping provide leadership for party. Thanks kids!!
The Older Adult Luncheon - for those who are 70 y.o. and over - will take place next Tuesday, beginning at 11 AM. If you haven’t made your reservations, be sure to give Sandy a call at the church office soon (742-3046). And if you need a ride, be sure to let her know that, too. It’ll be a great time of food and fellowship.
I guess that’s all the news for today. I’ll see you in church on Sunday!! Peace, Mark