News & Notes 7/15/09
Hi Friends,
I’m writing a day early because tomorrow is going to be pretty busy, and I wanted to make sure that you received News & Notes for sure!!
In the event you haven’t heard, Don Cheney, Donna McAdams and Chuck Cheney’s Dad, passed away last Sunday afternoon. Visiting hours are this afternoon and evening, and his funeral is at our church tomorrow morning at 10 AM. There will be a reception in Hartford Hall after the committal service. BUT the reception will be a “light” reception, and the wonderful donations folks have made in the past for events like this won’t be needed. This time there’ll be beverages, maple squares (Don’s favorite from Harvey’s Bakery) and fruit.
Join your friends at Wanakee this Saturday July 18, 2009 at the
ANNUAL CHICKEN BBQ and CONCERT
Come for the 10am FOOTNOTES concert (which will include our own Ashlee Whitehouse and Chloe Bolton!) followed at 11am with the Chicken BBQ. Take time to visit with other Wanakee campers, alumni and friends. Wanakee will be open to self guided tours and games.
BBQ tickets
$8.00 adults
$5.00 children 12 and under
Tickets can be purchased at the door or reserved in advance (603-279-7950)
Sign-up sheets are posted:
For folks to host Coffee Fellowship - no one has signed up for this Sunday!!
For the July 25th Chicken BBQ at church
And for the “extra” childcare room during worship on Sunday - for the 3 y.o. thru 6 y.o’s
Won’t you check one or more of these lists out and see where you might fit in?
Just a note so everyone will be aware: Guy Eaton has been “chippin’ away” at cleaning the carpeting in the Sunday School area below the sanctuary. It’s looking good, Guy! Thanks very much.
I heard that things went very well at the Dover Friendly Kitchen last evening. We fed seventy-five (75) people - had lots of desserts - and the folks enjoyed the entertainment by members of “Rock My Soul” Gospel group! Many who are receiving this email helped to make the supper possible, as you gave $292.30 toward the Friendly Kitchen at the conclusion of worship last Sunday!! Thanks!!
I would ask your prayers for three of the education ministries of St. John’s. The first is our Vacation Bible School, which will happen for all those who are 3 years old through the fifth grade, on August 10-14. The kids are goin’ on a “Serengeti Trek!” It’ll be a great time. The second prayer request is for “regular” Sunday School. Aime McGlauflin has completed her service as our Sunday School Coordinator, and we are beginning the search for her successor. Who might God be calling? Please pray! And finally, I would ask your prayers for the “Disciple Bible Study” that I will co-lead with Ed Scully. We’re looking for a total of eleven folks to join us on this adventure - 34 weeks - 30-45 minutes of reading a day, plus a 21/2 hour class each week - “transformation rather than information” - NO previous Biblical experience/knowledge required - held either on Sunday or Wednesday evenings (whichever works best for the participants)!
I’m also looking for more input on possible subjects for sermon series for this next year. What are the issues that consume your time and energy? What are the pressing issues in your life - or the life of a neighbor or co-worker? I’m not talking about stereotypical “religious” issues. Let me know what you’re thinking.
And in light of our recent string of rainy days, this came from Diana Schuman: A curious fellow died one day and found himself waiting in the long line of judgment. As he stood there he noticed that some souls were allowed to march right through the pearly gates into Heaven. Others though, were led over to Satan who threw them into the burning pit. But every so often, instead of hurling a poor soul into the fire, Satan would toss a soul off to one side into a small pile. Watching Satan do this several times, the fellow’s curiosity got the best of him. So he strolled over and asked Satan what he was doing. “Excuse me, Mr. Prince of Darkness,” he said. “I’m waiting in line for judgment, but I couldn’t help wondering, why are you tossing those people aside instead of flinging them into the Fires of Hell with the others?” “Ah, those,” Satan said with a groan. “They’re all from New England … They’re still too wet to burn.”
That’s it for this week. God bless you - see you in church! Peace, Mark