News & Notes 7/24/08
Hello St. John’s Church family!
I begin with an interesting prayer that was sent to me. It was part of one of Paul Harvey’s broadcasts, but I don’t think he wrote it. Whether you agree with all of the petitions of the prayer or not, it certainly causes one to think:
‘Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those who call evil good,’ but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers [and mothers] and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!
May God direct our reflections on our attitudes and behaviors and always empower us to faithful living!!
Things filled in wonderfully on the Public Supper sign-up sheet! Thanks. There are just a couple places where I noticed the “ranks are thin” - kitchen help at 2 PM; and kitchen help during the dinner. If you can help, I would suggest you just show up!! And then of course, we need everyone to arrive for dinner!! It’ll be a great BBQ!! See you there.
Let me “rerun” one of my notices (modified) from last week’s News & Notes: Our Worship Committee met this week, to finalize the plans for our “Jubilation Service,” to be held this Sunday, July 27th, at the Rotary Shell in Henry Law Park - at 9:30 AM. There are some things that they’d like me to let you know. (1) If the weather should be bad, and cause us to have to change plans, the change will be announced on WOKQ, and posted on our church’s website (www.stjohnsdover.org). If it does rain, the service will be held back at the church. (2) When you come to the park, you might want to bring a broad-brimmed hat or an umbrella, to shade yourself; suntan lotion (just in case); a lawn-chair; and a bottle of water (though we’ll have some folding chairs and a “water station” there, too). (3) When you set your chair up, it would be wonderful if you would set-up in the lower section - leaving the back section for those who might come from the community, or might drop in at the last minute as they were walking by. And finally, (4) please be sure to greet everyone - especially those you don’t know - as they’re arriving AND as they leave. We’re hoping to have “official” greeters, but it would be much more effective if we all took on that responsibility.
In addition to these things, someone mentioned at Monday’s Church Council meeting, the wisdom of wearing our nametags - so visitors will feel more comfortable. Do you know where yours is? Why not brush the dust off it and bring it with you? And also, would it be possible for you to carpool with someone to the service? You could meet at the church parking lot and drive downtown - thus saving parking spaces and maybe saving a little bit of gas!!
This is to announce a “Casting call” for adults and kids for our Vacation Bible School’s “Holyword Studios.” (That’s not a misspelling!) If you’re interested and available, please notify Director Amie McGlauflin or Producer Natalie Hanson ASAP. Roles are going fast. Natalie’s email is natchip1 [at] comcast [dot] net or her number is 603-740-3621. Children ages four to twelve would make wonderful “cast members.” If we have any younger or older children who are interested we will find a role, crew, production or spot for them. Thanks Natalie
Folks have been doing wonderfully about signing up for Coffee Fellowship through the summer, but there’s one vacant spot on the sign up sheet - August 17. Would you be able to host Coffee Fellowship on that day - either your household alone, or perhaps teaming with another one? If so, please look for the sign-up sheet on the kitchen window doors. Thanks.
Let me give you a heads up on a new mission that our Outreach Committee will present to our congregation: Susan Kuzlowski and Patti Chappelle volunteered to spearhead Outreach’s Drive to collect school supplies (back packs included) that school children in our area will be needing before entering classes this fall. For most schools, this is a requirement. We know that due to the slow economic conditions, this will create a hardship on many families at this time. Sue and Patti will be gathering all the necessary information we need and present it to the Outreach Committee and the congregation as a whole.
Dave Lepine wrote: “Calling all piano lovers!! I have two piano’s that I am trying to give away. That means…FREE! Plus we will deliver to your home, if it’s within fifty miles. Both are upright pianos and are in great condition. We need to get rid of one of them, and my friend wants to get rid of the other one. Sadly if we can’t get rid of the one we have, we will be having a bon fire in the back yard. Ask a friend, a church, or whomever, and let me know by phone (603-332-8320). Love, Dave Lepine”
Wesley Heritage Tour - which was written about in our July “Bell-Wether”
August 1st is the deadline to sign up for the nine-day Wesley Heritage Tour of England, departing November 5, 2008. Visit many of the sites connected with John and Charles Wesley, George Whitefield, and Francis Asbury. Included among them are Epworth where the Old Rectory was — the boyhood home of John and Charles; and St. Andrew’s Church where Samuel Wesley was rector for many years, whose tombstone once served as John’s pulpit. Bristol has the oldest Methodist house of worship with its New Room; and Charles’ home where many of his hymns were written. In London we shall visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, City Road Chapel and the site of “the little chapel on Aldersgate Street” where John felt his heart strangely warmed. These and other sites are included on our Wesleyan Pilgrimage. A four-day pre-tour of London and a four day extension to Ireland are available. Two groups are traveling from New England, one hosted by Pat MacHugh, 207-942-7885 (e-mail: revdocpat [at] yahoo [dot] com) or Phil Schnell, 401-596-9615 (e-mail: pschnell [at] riconnect [dot] com ). You may contact either one to register for this trip.
Did you hear about the church that had a basketball team that was hosting a game against another church team. The name of the sponsoring congregation for the second team was Christ the King Church. The host team’s church bulletin ran a reminder to attend the match-up: “Our youth basketball team is back in action on Wednesday, at 8 PM, in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King!” Hmmmmm.
That’s about all the news that I can think of to share with you today. Stay dry. Watch for God’s hand at work in your life today! I’ll see you at the Jubilation Service on Sunday!! Peace, Mark