News & Notes 6/14/2012
Hello St. John’s!!
Have you ever noticed that, in the word of “holidays,” Father’s Day doesn’t make much of a splash? I know this might be self-serving to talk about this, but I remember thinking about that even before I was married. When I managed pharmacies, the Father’s Day Card section of my stores would fill only half as much space as the Mother’s Day Card section. I’m sure sociologists would have insight into the reasoning for something like this, but I don’t. I am, nonetheless, still very thankful for my Dad - and for all the men who have offered “fatherly” friendship, advise and support throughout my lifetime. I plan to acknowledge some of them in the next few days - and I would encourage you to do the same.
Last Sunday’s worship service was one of the best Children’s Sunday services that I’ve ever experienced. It was wonderful to hear the Parable of the Good Samaritan “told” in so many different ways! And wasn’t Katrina Winnicki’s sermon terrific! Many thanks to ALL the folks who carry the HUGE responsibility of teaching the faith to our children and youth!!
Do you have one or more children planning to attend Wanakee this Summer? Sandy has heard from NO ONE yet! As she plans to send the scholarship check off to Wanakee (in a week or so), she needs to know how much to send, and whose camp fee to credit. Please be in touch with her soon.
I’ll be on vacation next week. We don’t have any special plans. I will be working with the Bangor Seminary Trustees for a day or so, and have some projects to do around the parsonage, and plan to take a day trip or two. But most of the time I plan to stick pretty close to home and rest. While I love the trips that Wendy and I take - particular when it means visiting family and friends - I love “stay-cations” too! So, I may see you ’round town!!
BBQ Chicken is on the menu for our June 23rd Public Supper!! Sounds great. The sign-up sheets are in Hartford Hall. May everyone commit to make this month’s fund raiser allot of fun - and successful, too!!
Next Sunday (i.e. June 24th), we will have guests in our worship service. Jack and Hannah Shively will offer the message that day. They share a traveling ministry called “The Illustrated Word Christian Art Ministry.” What they will share with our congregation is a combination of video and chancel drama. I mentioned them in last week’s News & Notes, and you had information in your June “Bell-Wether.” Something I haven’t emphasized, though, is that they come to us, and share this ministry with us for no “set” fee - but are willing to have a “love offering” received. This is their only means of support, so I encourage us to come to worship prepared to give generously. There will be special offering envelopes in the bulletin for your gift to this unique ministry.
School is out, and the “End 68 Hours of Hunger” program has shifted into summer mode. While that means that backpacks aren’t being filled each week, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t collecting food. They are in the “restocking” stage now - so please continue to bring items every week.
Aaaannnnd, the Dover Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry is ALWAYS in need of support through food items and personal care items.
So, please keep up the practice of bringing those items EVERY Sunday, for these two vital ministries to our communities.
The Dover Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to help with the city’s celebration of July 4th which will be held in Henry Law Park. If you would like to volunteer to help, call Mike Mengers at 742-2218 or email him at Michael@dovernh.org.
He was a widower and she a widow. As high school classmates they had known each other for a number of years and had attended class reunions in the last 20 years without fail. This 60th anniversary of their class, the widower and the widow made a foursome with two other singles. They had a wonderful evening, their spirits high. The widower throwing admiring glances across the table. The widow smiling coyly back at him. Finally, he picked up courage to ask her, “Will you marry me?” After about six seconds of careful consideration, she answered, “Yes,….. yes I will!” The evening ended on a happy note for the widower. But the next morning he was troubled. Did she say “Yes” or did she say “No?” He couldn’t remember. Try as he might, he just could not recall. He went over the conversation of the previous evening, but his mind was blank. He remembered asking the question but for the life of him could not recall her response. With fear and trepidation he picked up the phone and called her. First, he explained that he couldn’t remember as well as he used to, then he reviewed the past evening. As he gained a little more courage he inquired of her. “When I asked if you would marry me, did you say “Yes” or did you say “No?” “Why you silly man. I said, ‘Yes. Yes, I will.’ And I meant it with all my heart.” The widower was delighted. He felt his heart skip a beat. Then she continued. “And I am so glad you called because I couldn’t remember who asked me!”
That’s all for today. See you in church . . . . on Father’s Day! Peace, Mark
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