News & Notes 7/10/08
Grace to you, and peace, my friends,
I’m going to jump right into the news, ’cause I want to get this out right away. The reason is that today is the Red Cross Blood Drive at Church, from 1 till 6 PM, and I want to send this reminder out early (or somewhat early) in case you forgot! Red Cross will be bringing the Blood-Mobile, and air-conditioned vehicle, to make the atmosphere for the drawing of blood better! The food and “recovery” will take place in Hartford Hall, though. We’re trying to get the air moving in there now, to have as comfortable as possible!!
When you come for the Blood Drive you’ll see that part of the parking lot has been newly re-striped. The company doing this for us - RCH - will be back in the near future to finish the job!! It already looks great, and will reduce much of the confusion about which set of lines to use when decided where to park!! An anonymous donor has underwritten the expense for this project, and the Trustees are overseeing it!! Our thanks to the donor and to the Trustees!!
A week from Saturday is the Footnotes concert and Chicken BBQ (Have you ever noticed I always use “BBQ?” That’s ’cause I don’t know how to spell barbacue . . . barbicue . . . barbucue . . . whatever!!) at Wanakee, in Meredith, NH. Take a look at the July issue of “The Bell-Wether” for the details (times, etc.) I’ve never been able to make it to one of these annual events, but I’m told they’re terrific!! Two of our own kids - Chloe and Ashley - will be in the Footnotes production!! Hope I can make it this year.
Our own Public Chicken BBQ supper will take place on Saturday evening, July 26th! The sign-up sheets have already found their way to the rolling bulletin board in Hartford Hall, and it would be great to have them filled up right away! We’ll need some extra help with this supper - just because of the nature of the beast. Won’t you help out?
Then our 2008 version of the tent revival - called “Jubilation Service” will take place on Sunday, July 27th,, at 9:30 AM. “Got Joy?” will be held this year at the Rotary Shell in Henry Law Park - downtown Dover. Have you wondered why we’re going to do this downtown? There are a number of reasons, but two stand out for me right now. The first is that it’ll be MUCH cheaper for us than renting the tent. We will end up saving almost $1,000 over last year. But the more important reason for holding it downtown is that it’ll be a way for us to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to community. I hope you’ll make an extra effort to invite friends and neighbors to this wonderful service! And since it IS downtown, it’ll take some extra work to get all our “stuff” (remember that technical theological term?) to and from Henry Law Park. If you’re called to help out, I hope you’ll be able to pitch in. We need you!!
Vacation Bible School is coming up quicker than we’d like, too! It’ll happen August 18 to 22. If you haven’t written it on your calendar yet, I hope you’ll do that soon!!
Thank you, to all those who shared kind words about my re-appointment to St. John’s Church for another year!! And to the Staff/Parish Relations Committee, for hosting the Coffee Fellowship in my honor!! I am looking forward to this next year - as we continue to grow in our sense of stewardship (and rely less on our invested monies), and as we reach out into the community in ever new and vital ways, with the good news of Jesus - in word and deed!! May God be our guide!!
Someone sent this web address to me, and I thought I’d share it with you. It’s inspiring and uplifting. Enjoy! http://www.thejoymovie.com/
I noticed in last week’s issue of “News & Notes,” that I forgot to include any humor. I won’t make that mistake twice!! These are actually bloopers from church bulletins:
“Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.” I’m not letting Wendy take me anyplace in the next couple of weeks!!
And then for those who are interested in justice issues: “The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.” I think they must have lost focus!!
That’s all that I have to share with you this week. I really look forward to being with you in worship this Sunday. Till then, God bless! Peace, Mark
Note: These last few items came from the Conference email. Thought you might be interested. M
Register Now for the New England Assembly of the Laity Event
“Stretch Out Your Hand”
The New England Assembly of the Laity (NEAL) invites all of God’s people to attend the 56th annual session July 25-27, 2008 at Merrimack College in North Andover MA. This is a unique opportunity for laity to come together as people of God, to fellowship with one another, learn from one another, and to praise our almighty God!
Our theme for the 2008 year is: “Stretch Out Your Hand”, and the special guest speaker for the event is Rev. Curtis Brown, director of congregational development for the New England Conference.
The excitement is building, so register now to attend this inspirational weekend that includes fun, fellowship, and spiritual enrichment!
Visit www.assemblyofthelaity.com for more information and registration materials, or to register online click here: NEAL Registration.
Online registrations can be paid with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. The Online Registration Deadline is July 18.
New England Assembly of the Laity
Place: Merrimack College, N. Andover, MA
Date: Friday Evening July 25 through Sunday Noon July 27
Registration check-in begins at 3:00 pm on Friday.
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Schools of Christian Mission:
UMaine, Farmington, July 18-20
Gordon College , July 25-27
Camp Aldersgate , September 18-20
There is Still Time to Register!
Schools of Christian Mission are a cooperative ministry of the New England Conference and United Methodist Women and are a spiritually-charged and fun/informal experience shared by men, women, youth and children. Please share this information with friends. You need not be United Methodist to attend. You need to love the Lord and enjoy Christian fellowship.
Studies and study leaders this year are as follows:
–I Believe in Jesus–The Revs. Lynne Josselyn, Luis Benavides and Jung Sun Oh
–Israel,/Palestine–Claire Lincoln
–Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival –Rev. Cheryln Gates and Patricia Parent
Children’s and Youth studies as well as nursery will be available at the Farmington and Gordon schools.
–Children’s Native American Study–Gail Dyer-Martin and Amanda Sweet
–Youth Native American Study–Catherine Janson and Becky Michaud
You may download the information and registration form at www.neumc.org/socm , or contact Pat Tebbetts, Asst. Dean, for a brochure. She can be reached at patjbb@maine.rr.com or at (207) 773-4521.
Questions? Please contact Rev. Barbara Schreier, Dean, at bstks@sbcglobal.net or (860) 928-0308.
Interested in Serving on the Conference Board of Trustees?
The Conference Board of Trustees Investment Committee is seeking additional members. The committee monitors the investments entrusted to the Board of Trustees, and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees. The committee meets three or four times a year. For more information contact: Mary Tremblay 603 926-2069 or mntremblay@earthlink.net.