News & Notes 5/21/09
Hello My Friends,
In the life of the liturgical church, today is called Ascension Day - remembering when Jesus ascending into heaven to sit at the right hand of God (Luke 24:50-53) . What’s its meaning for the contemporary church? William Barclay spoke about it as an ending (of a time when the disciples’ faith was in a flesh and blood person), a beginning (of the realization that we serve a Lord from whom nothing can separate us anymore), and a “certainty that we have a friend not only on earth, but in heaven. Surely it is the most priceless thing of all to know and to feel that in heaven there awaits us that self-same Jesus who on earth was wondrous kind. To die is not to go out into the dark; it is to go to Him.” (From “The Gospel of Luke,” by William Barclay, page 314)
During Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week St. John’s was the location for a Conference training event. On our behalf, MaryAnne MacKenzie organized the noon meal and snacks for the attendees, and as she always does, she did a terrific job. And she was more than ably assisted by Lois Smith, Silvia Marshall, Carolyn Billington, and Wanda Winnicki. Thank you, ladies, very much!! You helped us live out our hospitality in a wonderful way!!
As I write, Sandy is printing off the June issue of “The Bell-Wether” - compiled by Claire Bloom. The “Holy Folders” arrive tomorrow to perform their magic once again - to get the newsletter ready for the post-office. Your mailbox will be visited by an important communication tool next week. Be sure to look for it, and to remember in prayer with thanksgiving those who created it.
Un (Under) Employed Support Group Starting: A small group is being formed to support those who are experiencing unemployment or underemployment. It will focus on finding the blessings in the midst of the travail, supporting each other, sharing our concerns, seeking God’s guidance, working on resumes, networking, job search strategies, etc., and other things that the group may need. An informational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 9:30-11:00 AM in Hartford Hall. If you have comments, suggestions, concerns, or cannot be there that morning and would like to be a part of the group, please let me know. Email is best: deeschu [at] Comcast [dot] net, or you can call me at 603-742-4858. With my “vast experience” at being unemployed myself (almost a year now), I am willing to facilitate the group. Diana Schuman
I will be working tomorrow, Friday, instead of Saturday, this week. On Saturday my extended family is gathering in Blue Hill, Maine, to bury my Father’s ashes. We would covet your prayers as we take this final step to honor Dad.
Next week many of us will venture to the church once again to have our pictures taken for the Church Directory. The Olin Mills folks will be here on Tuesday and Wednesday. If you have an appointment on one of those days, please be sure to show up!! Remember: we REALLY want you in the directory.
The sign-up sheets for the May Public Supper are on the rolling bulletin board in Hartford Hall. We have done quite well at filling in the sheets, but there are some blank spots - especially those willing to cook a Turkey at their home (and bring it back to the church early Saturday morning). If you haven’t already made a commitment relative to the supper, please check out the sign-up sheets this weekend!!
On Sunday, May 31st, eight of our youth will be confirmed in our worship services! What wonderful news! That’s Pentecost Sunday, too - the celebration of the birthday of The Church. I hope you’ll make an extra point of being in worship that day. And when you get dressed for church, how ’bout looking for something “red” to wear - so our congregation will reflect the “fire of the Holy Spirit.” That’s not this Sunday, but next Sunday we’re talking about.
Rolling Ridge, our Conference Retreat Center, is seeking a Registered Nurse: Come stay in the new Rolling Ridge for four nights and five glorious days as you serve Conference youth at Middle school week, July 12-16 and/or Senior High Week, July 26-30. Room, board, and a stipend are included in the historic estate in North Andover, MA. Call Larry Peacock, Director at 978-682-8815, or email thestaff@rollingridge.org. The youth weeks begin on Sunday evening and conclude on Thursday evening. Join us in being part of seving Christ and loving youth. We are also always seeking volunteers for odd jobs indoors and out. If you’d like to volunteer some time, please contact Larry Peacock, Executive Director at 978-682-8815. Just a reminder, that the deadline for Summer camp registration is May 31. Register on-line today at www.rollingridge.org, Thank You!
I don’t have a joke to share this week, but some words of wisdom. You may not agree with all of them, but maybe a few will make you think, or give you reason to smile:
An Old Farmer’s Advice:
* Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong. *
*Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.*
*Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.*
* A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.*
* Words that soak into your ears are whispered…not yelled.*
* Meanness don’t jes’ happen overnight.*
* Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.*
* Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.*
* It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.*
* You cannot unsay a cruel word.*
* Every path has a few puddles.*
* When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.*
* The best sermons are lived, not preached.
* Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen anyway.*
* Don’t judge folks by their relatives.*
* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.*
* Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll enjoy it a second time.*
* Don’t interfere with somethin’ that ain’t bothering you none.*
* Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a Rain dance.*
* If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin’.*
* Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.*
* The biggest troublemaker you’ll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin’.*
* Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.*
* If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try orderin’ somebody else’s dog around.*
* Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.*
*Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.*
That’s it for this week. Enjoy this wonderful holiday weekend weather. Be sure to make worship a part of your weekend - whether you’re in a church or not . . . but I hope you’ll be in a church . . . this one! Peace, Mark