News & Notes 7/2/09
Ok, so the “mildewed” joke from last week didn’t turn out to be a joke!! And the “ark thing” may not end up being something from “days gone by.” As I’m typing this the rain is coming down in “sheets” around the church. But we’re a people of hope - and I hope that the church doesn’t wash into the Bellamy River!!
To be ready for an emergency escape, I’m planning on making this edition of “News & Notes” brief - actually beginning with a couple repeat announcements from last week:
The date for the Senior’s trip in August has changed because the Log Cabin overbooked for our original date. So the new date for the Senior’s Trip (that was mentioned in “The Bell-Wether”) is August 20th. All the other details that were mentioned in “The Bell-Wether” are correct. Get your reservation in early.
Ed Scully and I have arranged to teach the “Disciple - Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study” class beginning early in September. This is a 34 week course with reading for each day and a 21/2 hour class once a week. We’ll read through 70% of the scriptures in the year. While the participants will learn allot of facts, the focus of the Disciple classes is “transformation rather than information.” One of the resources says “Disciple offers the congregation a challenge and a promise. The challenge is to see the regular, in-depth study of Scripture, designed to develop biblically nourished persons committed to discipleship, as the foundation for all congregational ministry. The promise is that all who come to the Scripture allowing it to have its say will, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, experience a power that changes priorities and redirects lives.” At this time, we think the classes will meet either Sunday evenings or Wednesday evenings - whichever fits the schedule of more interested folks. We’re looking for up to eleven people who would be willing to join us on this journey. Please speak to one of us soon if you have interest.
Karen Schutt’s group, “Sounds of the Seacoast: Women’s A Cappella Chorus” is presenting a concert on Saturday, July 11th, at 7:30 PM, at Bethany Church in Greenland. Tickets are $15 for General Seating; $12 for Seniors and Children under 12 - call 207-363-3662.
Then on the next Saturday, Morgen Ames and our own Susan Williams would like to invite you to:
An Afternoon of Chamber Music
Saturday, July 18, 2009; 2:30 PM
St. John’s United Methodist Church, 28 Cataract Avenue, Dover, NH
We have prepared a beautiful collection of works for several different chamber group combinations. The performance will include Saint Saens’ Morceau de Concert for horn and piano, the Ballade movement of an Ewazen piece for flute, horn and piano as well as vocal and instrumental music by Mozart, Beethoven, Purcell, Rossini and others. This is a collaborative effort by Morgen Ames (piano, soprano), Susan Williams (horn, mezzo-soprano), Linda Wrightsman, (flute, violin), Seth Hurd (piano), Rebecca Whitmeyer (piano) and John Wallace (cello). We are excited to share these wonderful pieces with our friends and families and hope that you will be able to join us.
And if that isn’t enough music for you, Tina Weinberger’s group, “Rock My Soul,” is presenting a Gospel Lunch each Sunday in July (except July 19th), between 11 AM and 1 PM, at the Stone Church in Newmarket. It sounds like a great time. You might want to check it out.
Someone wrote to me this week: “About a month ago, I accidentally bought the wrong size batteries for a student’s hearing aids. I thought someone from the church might be able to use them. There are 7 left in an 8-pack of size 10 Duracell hearing aid batteries. I’d be happy to donate them to anyone who wants them.” If you could use them, let me know, and I’ll connect you with the donor.
I was recently told about free movies at the Regal Cinema in Newington. It’s only for G and PG films, and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but it might be something young families might want to explore. Here’s the link:
http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx?state=NH
A couple weeks ago I mentioned Sandy Shepard’s desire to have a second nursery room available in the summer - for children who are potty trained through the age of six - so more families might be inclined to come to worship. To do this, though, we need two volunteers each Sunday. If we got a bunch of folks to volunteer no one would need to do it more than one time this summer. It could be parents of the nursery/childcare children or someone whose kids are all grown up - it doesn’t matter. The sign-up sheet is taped to the Nursery door. To date we have just July 5 and 12 taken care of. That leaves eight more Sunday’s to cover. How ’bout you?
And Ann Kippley posted the new Coffee Fellowship Schedule. Only two Sundays have been “claimed” for the summer - one being this coming Sunday. You could do something light - maybe serve just cold drinks, like lemonade or iced tea - and even serve it on a picnic table outside! How radical is that!! We really seem to enjoy this time of fellowship together, and you can help make it happen. Please sign up soon . . . before someone picks your favorite Sunday!!
Don’t forget that Vacation Bible School is coming on August 10-14. Put that on your calendar now. And if Amie McGlauflin calls you to help out, please say “yes!”
On July 12th, the Church Health Team is helping to create our worship service around our stories, as we have four folks share their sense of how God has blessed them through a particular part of the worship service. They have some volunteers to speak, but I think they need more. Your story is a wonderful story, and we would love to hear it! We’re not looking for eloquent or polished. And it really can’t go beyond three minutes. Please speak to Deanna Gallant if you’re interested.
And remember that on July 12th, members of the Outreach Committee will be standing in the narthex at the conclusion of worship. They’ll be hold soup pots, inviting you to fill them with donations of money, so we can continue our fine tradition of feeding our neighbors at the Dover Friendly Kitchen (on July 14th). Desserts will be welcomed on the day of the supper, too. Have you never baked anything for one of these suppers before? How about sharing your favorite squares or cake?
A reporter interviewed a 104-year-old woman, and asked: ‘And what do you think is the best thing about being 104?’ She simply replied, ‘No peer pressure.’
Then there’s this to consider: The nice thing about being senile is you can hide your own Easter eggs.
I said that I was going to be brief with this issue of News & Notes. My head must be waterlogged! I know the weather folks are saying that Sunday is going to be the only fair day of the weekend, but I still hope to see you in church!!
Peace, Mark