News & Notes 7/15/2010
Dear St. John’s Church Folks,
What a wonderful summer we’re having, eh? We’ll have to remember these days come January and February of next year - when the snow is deep and the winds are biting!! May we also remember God’s love for us through the “lazy, hazy days” as well as the “cold and biting days” of our lives. As humans we tend to take the easy days for granted, and simply call on God for help in the tough times. For our deeper, richer walk with God, and for our more effective discipleship, may we acknowledge God at ALL times!
There’s a new decoration hanging on the door into Hartford Hall - it’s a Building Permit! Construction began Tuesday on the new elevator/lift that is being installed! Lots of dust was flying around downstairs yesterday (the crew did a great job of enclosing the area in plastic - to keep the dust down). And today there’s a hole - about 4 feet square - in the floor of the first Wesley classroom. I understand it’s supposed to take about two weeks to complete this project!
An interesting thing - relative to the elevator - happened on Tuesday. Following the Tuesday evening Al-Anon meeting, one of the attendees spoke to me saying that someone who attends the Friday Al-Anon meeting could not climb stairs anymore, and they were wondering if the Friday group could meet in an upstairs room. I was pleased to be able to report that the elevator was now under construction, and would be finished soon. And the person I spoke to was pleased as well!
Our Good Earth Garden will be in the press sometime soon. Someone from Foster’s met today with some of the Garden Committee members (and some of the Brownies, too, I think). Foster’s wanted to know what we doing and why. Look for the article!
Last Thursday I mentioned Jay Whitehouse and the trimming of the shrubs! Well, I can now report that he’s finished the job!! The grounds look terrific, Jay. Thank you for you great work.
This Sunday is “Food Pantry Sunday” at St. John’s. I mention that just as a reminder for you to bring some non-perishable food items - or personal care items - for the Dover Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry. Or you can make a financial donation to this ministry if you wish!!
The sign-up sheet for the July 24th Public Supper - a Chicken BBQ - is posted on the rolling bulletin board in Hartford Hall. Folks did a good job last Sunday of signing up - except for the volunteer slots!! I sure hope some more folks will show up to help out. The jobs don’t have to take long, but your assistance would certainly benefit the whole production! Won’t you consider helping - even if you’ve never done it before!?
I think there are still lots of vacant spots to reserve for the Yard Sale/Tag Sale for July 31st! Look on the church’s website, or in the July “Bel-Wether” for details. And speak to Jim Korth soon, to reserve your spot.
Let me share some news about people in our parish. I think I have the full scoop now, relative to Kim Willett. She is on dialysis, but is still in need of a transplant. The potential donor must have either type “A” or type “O” blood. Beyond that, there will be screening which would be necessary to find the perfect match. Several folks have spoken to Kim about being considered, I know! You’re a wonderful congregation you are!
Our brother in Christ, Cliff Kincaid is at the Portsmouth Hospital. After the surgery on his heart, he developed blood clots in his lungs, and his condition is quite poor. Please keep Cliff and his family and friends in your prayers.
And thanks be to God, Tony Induisi, who had a heart attack last Saturday, had triple bypass surgery yesterday, and things went very well. He’s uncomfortable today, but that’s just where he’s supposed to be. May his heart - indeed, his whole body - be knit together strong and healthy. This is our prayer!
I know plans are underway for this year’s Vacation Bible School - centered around our “Good Earth Garden.” I know that Wendy Kettlewood, who is planning this under the tutelage of Jinny Scott, would love to have some more help. VBS will take place August 16-20 - for 3 year olds through those entering the sixth grade. It’ll take place from 9 till noon each day. Watch the bulletin and future issues of “News & Notes” for more information.
Jinny Scott has felt today that she needed to give me her resignation as the Chairperson of our Education Committee - and that, in light of her health issues, she needed to step back from active participation in Sunday School . . . for now. So, the Lay Leadership Committee (aka Nominations) will be looking to find a successor for Jinny. And the Education Committee will be seeking some new Sunday School teachers (five of last year’s teachers will not be returning this coming year). I request your prayers - for Jinny; for the administration of our Education ministries; and for teaching staff for the 2010-2011 Sunday School year.
I will be on vacation for two weeks beginning this coming Monday. Call the church office (742-3046) or one of our Lay Leaders if you need to speak with a pastor while I’m away.
Never underestimate A Texas Redneck cowboy. A Redneck from Sweetwater , Texas walked into a Bank in New York City and asked for the Loan Officer. He told the loan officer that he was going to Paris on an international redneck festival for two weeks and needed to borrow $5,000 and that he was not a depositor of the bank. The bank officer told him that the bank would need some form of security for the loan, so the Redneck handed over the keys to a new Ferrari. The car was parked on the street in front of the bank. The Redneck produced the title and everything checked out. The loan officer agreed to hold the car as collateral for the loan and apologized for having to charge 12% interest. Later, the bank’s president and its officers all enjoyed a good laugh at the Redneck from the south for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral for a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then drove the Ferrari into the bank’s private underground garage and parked it. Two weeks later, the Redneck returned, repaid the $5,000 and the interest of $23.07. The loan officer said, ‘Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out on Dunn & Bradstreet and found that you are a highly sophisticated investor and multimillionaire with Real estate and financial interests all over the world. Your investments include a large number of wind turbines around Sweetwater, Texas. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow $5,000? The good ‘ole Texas boy replied, ‘Where else in New York City can I park my car for two weeks for only $23.07 and expect it to be there when I return? . . . His name was BUBBA….
That’s all the news for this week. See you in church on Sunday! Peace, Mark