There are a couple things that didn’t get included in yesterday’s “News & Notes,” so I’m sending this brief update.

First thing was to mention that the music offered before the beginning of the service - the Prelude - on Sunday, will be presented by Miranda F. and her vocal teacher Melissa M.  (I’m not using last names because I haven’t asked permission - but I’m hoping you know the only “Miranda” is that we have in the church family).  That music will begin before 9:30 AM, so you may want to find a seat a little early.

And also our newest member of “the Band,” Ed M. (once again, I haven’t asked permission to use his name) - the saxophone player, will be playing a Postlude - music to conclude the service.  Though our tradition is usually to begin conversations and head out the door, you may choose to sit and listen to it.  Coffee Fellowship will occur out on the lawn (weather permitting).

And this:  Our Nursery Coordinator, Sandy S., has bought paint for the nursery and wants to get it painted, with the Trustee approval, before the fall.  She mentioned perhaps seeing if anyone wanted to volunteer to help scrub the two walls to be painted beforehand, and/or help her paint (she would prefer days during the week while she’s off from school…or she mentioned doing evenings if people were willing to help.)  If you can help, please call Sandy at 664-5549.

Remember that I’ll be on vacation for the next two weeks, so the next issue of “News & Notes” that I send out will be on April 21st - during Vacation Bible School week!!  Hope you have plans for your kids and neighbor’s kids and relatives kids to come!!!

See you in church!  Peace, Mark

Ah, we’ve reached the end of the seventh month!!  On one hand we can marvel at how quickly the year is going.  On the other hand we can offer thanks to our awesome God for all that God has done in our lives during these first seven months of the year!  It is amazing to think, isn’t it?  There have been Wesley’s Covenant Service; the institution of our healing ministry; the completion of our Natural Church Development questionnaires (with the goal of becoming a healthy congregation) and then “unpacking” the results once we found out “Passionate Spirituality” is our minimal factor; an early and cold and snowy Lent and Easter!; two - count ‘em - two Mission Teams who went to Louisiana; the Trustees completed several significant facility maintenance and upgrade projects; we hosted the Cluster Choir Festival and the Bishop’s Day on the District; produced incredible ongoing Sunday School and Youth Group ministries; confirmed six youth into the life and ministry of the church; and on and on!  Wow!  Thanks be to God for all that God is doing in us . . . and through us!!  Amen?

And then add to that list our first downtown worship service at the Rotary Shell!  It was a great time last Sunday, and unlike previous services under the tent, we made connection with some of the people of the community!!  It wasn’t a HUGE turnout, but we connected with a few visitors who might not otherwise have attended!!  It was a large undertaking, and a number of people performed Herculean duty, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all!  You’re the best!

Cheri Nixon must have stopped briefly during her trip out west, as she sent this brief note to send to you.  “Just a quick note to ask you to share thanks again to ALL those that were involved in the Jubiliation Service. What a joy it was! Special thanks to Jay Whitehouse who was able to borrow plants from his employer, Rolling Green Nursery and carefully placed them in our worship space. (I neglected to thank him on the bulletin but didn’t want to forget him).”

So, what’s up for next year?  We’ll have to see, won’t we?  May God be our guide!

And lest we settle back into complacency, I have already made plans for something unusual in worship this Sunday.  When you come to church you’ll be invited to find a seat in Hartford Hall - as the hall has been set up “in the round” for worship.  We will celebrate communion around the table of the Lord - literally.  I pray that this will enable a new and fresh sense/experience of community and fellowship for us. 

And because it’s Communion Sunday, there’ll be special offering envelopes in the bulletin for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.  Your generosity does sooooo many wonderful things to help people make ends meet.  You provide a powerful witness by your giving!

In last week’s “News & Notes,” and in the “Bell-Wether” that arrived at your homes this week, there was mention of a collection of (required) school supplies to the schools to help children whose families can’t afford all the materials that are required of them each year.  The collection box has been prepared and placed in the entrance of Hartford Hall, awaiting our contributions.  The list of supplies that are needed is pretty basic: #2 pencils, pens, single-subject notebooks, backpacks, colored pencils, calculators, erasers, index cards, etc.  I my last parish we found that crayons were not as popular among the kids, and the supply of crayons was overflowing.  I don’t know if that would hold true for schools around here too.  At any rate, the school supply collection is underway!!

Both our Office Manager, Sandy, and I will be on vacation next week.  Rev. Jim Cann, from First UMC, Rochester, will be on call for me.  Call either Bill McWilliams or Betty Small if you need to reach him in the event of an emergency.  The office will be covered intermittently, but the phone machine will be checked regularly for messages.  I’ll also be on vacation the next week (August 11-15), but Sandy will be back.

This is to announce a “Casting call” for adults and kids for our Vacation Bible School’s “Holyword Studios.” (That’s not a misspelling!)  If you’re interested and available, please notify director Amie McGlauflin or Producer Natalie Hanson ASAP.  Roles are going fast.  Natalie’s email is natchip1 [at] comcast [dot] net or her number is 603-740-3621. Age 4-12 is perfect.  If we have any younger or older children interested we will find a role, crew, production or spot for them.  Thanks Natalie

I have permission from Joan Humphrey to share with you that her Mom passed away Tuesday evening - just hours after Joan arrived to be with her.  The funeral will be held Saturday, at 1 PM at Christ Temple in Harrisburg, PA.  Please hold Joan and all her family in your prayers.  And pray for Bill as he travels on Friday to be with Joan’s family - and then returns late Saturday.

Donna McAdam and I have been talking about the Adult Education program for this fall.  She asked me to ask if anyone receiving this note would be interested in leading a six-week study on a book entitled “Climbing the Sycamore Tree: a Study on Choice and Simplicity,” by Ann Hagmann.  This is the book that the Thursday morning Small Group worked with recently, and they had many good things to say about it.  It would also tie in with the theme of our Youth Group program this year: caring for the environment.  If you’re interested in leading the group, please contact Donna soon.

Then I was wondering if there might be any in our church who would be interested in taking part in a “Disciple Bible Study.”  I’m actually pretty late in getting this invitation out, so if you have interest, please speak to me ASAP.  The possible courses are:
Disciple: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study (we’ll read 70% of the Bible in the 34 weeks of the course)
Disciple: Into the Word Into the World - focusing on Genesis/Exodus & Luke/Acts
Disciple: Remember Who You Are - focusing on the Old Testament Prophets and the Letters of Paul
Disciple: Under the Tree of Life - focusing on the Gospel According to John and the Book of Revelation
The last three possibilities are 32 week commitments
We also have an eight-week study available entitled Disciple: Invitation to the New Testament
It is strongly encouraged that you would have taken the first class, “Disciple: Becoming Disciple Through Bible Study,” before you take any of the 32 week classes.   There is no prerequisite for the 8 week class.  Let me know if you have any questions, or have interest in one of the classes.  Thanks.

I mentioned the Thursday morning Small Group a minute ago, which leads me to remind you again that any of our Small Groups are open to new participants.  The Men’s Group meets in my office on Thursday evenings at 7 PM.  The Wednesday morning group meets in Hartford Hall at 8:30 AM - starting up again in September.  And the Thursday morning group meets at Donna McAdam’s home at 7 AM each week - starting up again in September.  There are new groups in the planning stages as well, and we’ll let you know about them as soon as concrete plans are made. 

A local news station was interviewing an 84 year old lady because she had just gotten married - for the fourth time!  The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to get married again at 84, and then about her new husband’s occupation.  “He’s a funeral director,” she answered.  “Interesting,” the newsman thought.  He then asked her if she wouldn’t mind telling him a little about her first three husbands, and what they did for a living.  She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years.  After a short time a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she first married a banker when she was in her early twenties, then a circus ringmaster when in her forties, later on a preacher when in her sixties, and now in her eighties, a funeral director.  The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers.  “Easy son,” she smiled.   “I married one for the money, . . . two for the show, . . . three to get ready, . . . and four to go!”

That’s it for today.  Enjoy this wonderful weather.  Be on alert for those places where God’s hand is at work in your life . . . and give God thanks!  See you in church!  Grace & peace, Mark
 

I begin with an interesting prayer that was sent to me.  It was part of one of Paul Harvey’s broadcasts, but I don’t think he wrote it.  Whether you agree with all of the petitions of the prayer or not, it certainly causes one to think:

‘Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance.  We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those who call evil good,’ but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition.  We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers [and mothers] and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!

May God direct our reflections on our attitudes and behaviors and always empower us to faithful living!!

Things filled in wonderfully on the Public Supper sign-up sheet!  Thanks.  There are just a couple places where I noticed the “ranks are thin” - kitchen help at 2 PM; and kitchen help during the dinner.  If you can help, I would suggest you just show up!!  And then of course, we need everyone to arrive for dinner!!  It’ll be a great BBQ!!  See you there.

Let me “rerun” one of my notices (modified) from last week’s News & Notes:  Our Worship Committee met this week, to finalize the plans for our “Jubilation Service,” to be held this Sunday, July 27th, at the Rotary Shell in Henry Law Park - at 9:30 AM.  There are some things that they’d like me to let you know.  (1) If the weather should be bad, and cause us to have to change plans, the change will be announced on WOKQ, and posted on our church’s website (www.stjohnsdover.org).  If it does rain, the service will be held back at the church.  (2) When you come to the park, you might want to bring a broad-brimmed hat or an umbrella, to shade yourself; suntan lotion (just in case); a lawn-chair; and a bottle of water (though we’ll have some folding chairs and a “water station” there, too).  (3) When you set your chair up, it would be wonderful if you would set-up in the lower section - leaving the back section for those who might come from the community, or might drop in at the last minute as they were walking by.  And finally, (4) please be sure to greet everyone - especially those you don’t know - as they’re arriving AND as they leave.  We’re hoping to have “official” greeters, but it would be much more effective if we all took on that responsibility.

In addition to these things, someone mentioned at Monday’s Church Council meeting, the wisdom of wearing our nametags - so visitors will feel more comfortable.  Do you know where yours is?  Why not brush the dust off it and bring it with you?  And also, would it be possible for you to carpool with someone to the service?  You could meet at the church parking lot and drive downtown - thus saving parking spaces and maybe saving a little bit of gas!!

This is to announce a “Casting call” for adults and kids for our Vacation Bible School’s “Holyword Studios.” (That’s not a misspelling!)  If you’re interested and available, please notify Director Amie McGlauflin or Producer Natalie Hanson ASAP.  Roles are going fast.  Natalie’s email is natchip1 [at] comcast [dot] net or her number is 603-740-3621.  Children ages four to twelve would make wonderful “cast members.”  If we have any younger or older children who are interested we will find a role, crew, production or spot for them.  Thanks Natalie

Folks have been doing wonderfully about signing up for Coffee Fellowship through the summer, but there’s one vacant spot on the sign up sheet - August 17.  Would you be able to host Coffee Fellowship on that day - either your household alone, or perhaps teaming with another one?  If so, please look for the sign-up sheet on the kitchen window doors.  Thanks.

Let me give you a heads up on a new mission that our Outreach Committee will present to our congregation:  Susan Kuzlowski and Patti Chappelle volunteered to spearhead Outreach’s Drive to collect school supplies (back packs included) that school children in our area will be needing before entering classes this fall.  For most schools, this is a requirement.   We know that due to the slow economic conditions, this will create a hardship on many families at this time. Sue and Patti will be gathering all the necessary information we need and present it to the Outreach Committee and the congregation as a whole. 

Dave Lepine wrote:  “Calling all piano lovers!!  I have two piano’s that I am trying to give away.  That means…FREE!  Plus we will deliver to your home, if it’s within fifty miles.  Both are upright pianos and are in great condition.  We need to get rid of one of them, and my friend wants to get rid of the other one.  Sadly if we can’t get rid of the one we have, we will be having a bon fire in the back yard.  Ask a friend, a church, or whomever, and let me know by phone (603-332-8320).  Love, Dave Lepine”

Wesley Heritage Tour - which was written about in our July “Bell-Wether”
August 1st is the deadline to sign up for the nine-day Wesley Heritage Tour of England, departing November 5, 2008.  Visit many of the sites connected with John and Charles Wesley, George Whitefield, and Francis Asbury.  Included among them are Epworth where the Old Rectory was — the boyhood home of John and Charles; and St. Andrew’s Church where Samuel Wesley was rector for many years, whose tombstone once served as John’s pulpit.  Bristol has the oldest Methodist house of worship with its New Room; and Charles’ home where many of his hymns were written.  In London we shall visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, City Road Chapel and the site of “the little chapel on Aldersgate Street” where John felt his heart strangely warmed.  These and other sites are included on our Wesleyan Pilgrimage.  A four-day pre-tour of London and a four day extension to Ireland are available. Two groups are traveling from New England, one hosted by Pat MacHugh, 207-942-7885 (e-mail:  revdocpat [at] yahoo [dot] com) or Phil Schnell, 401-596-9615 (e-mail:  pschnell [at] riconnect [dot] com ).  You may contact either one to register for this trip.

Did you hear about the church that had a basketball team that was hosting a game against another church team.  The name of the sponsoring congregation for the second team was Christ the King Church.  The host team’s church bulletin ran a reminder to attend the match-up: “Our youth basketball team is back in action on Wednesday, at 8 PM, in the recreation hall.  Come out and watch us kill Christ the King!”  Hmmmmm.

That’s about all the news that I can think of to share with you today.  Stay dry.  Watch for God’s hand at work in your life today!  I’ll see you at the Jubilation Service on Sunday!!  Peace, Mark

Contact Natalie Hanson at natchip1 [at] comcast [dot] net about attending and volunteering.

I hope this note finds you well.  This edition of News & Notes is longer than I had intended, but I hope it’ll be worth your time reading!! 

There’s some sad news for our church family.  Mary Allen, a long-time member of our church, passed away last Saturday.  Her funeral is this morning, at 11 AM, at Wiggin-Purdy-McCooey-Dion.  Mary held several jobs over the years, but for seven of those years, she was the Administrator of Wentworth Home.  Several years ago, Mary and her husband, Clyde, moved to Rochester, and attended Bethany UMC in East Rochester.  Our prayers will be with Clyde and their family.

Our Friends at Wanakee wrote this to us:  Wanakee Annual Homecoming Chicken Barbeque:  Come one, come all and join us for a day of fun at Wanakee!  It all starts this Saturday, with the Footnotes concert [including our own Ashley and Chloe!!] at 10:00 am, followed by a delicious chicken barbeque at 11:00 am.  Meet up with old friends!  Swim at the waterfront!  Walk the trails! We can’t wait for you to visit us!  Bring your friends and family.  You don’t want to miss this special event!  Call (603) 279-7950, for more information or to R.S.V.P.

This Sunday is “Food Pantry Sunday” at St. John’s - an opportunity for us to band together to bring items for the Dover Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry.  Remember, too, that Jim Miller has asked us to consider bringing personal care items (except Ivory Soap), since they are in such short supply.  What will you bring?

Mike Weinberger, our Public Supper Coordinator, wrote, “Hope you’re all having a great summer; hot, hazy and humid, but great. We’re in need of grills for the [July} 26th [Public Chicken Barbecue Supper].  So if you or anyone you know can supply one, that would be terrific. We also need a call out for transportation for the grills to and from St John’s.”  Can you help?  Please be in touch with Mike!  There’s also a rumor that the dessert for this supper will be either strawberry shortcake or “make-your-own-sundae!”  The sign-up sheets - for donations and helpers - are still posted on the bulletin board in Hartford Hall.  Please check that out, too.

Our Worship Committee met this week, to finalize the plans for our “Jubilation Service,” to be held Sunday, July 27th, at the Rotary Shell in Henry Law Park - at 9:30 AM.  There are some things that they’d like me to ask you.  (1)  They’re making some special “personal air-conditioning devices,” (aka fans) special for this event.  If you can help with the simple construction process, please come to the church this Saturday, July 19th at 9 AM to help - and bring a heavy duty stapler or staple gun if you have one!  (2) If the weather should be bad, and cause us to have to change plans, the change will be announced on WOKQ, and posted on our church’s website (www.stjohnsdover.org).  If it does rain, the service will be held back at the church.  (3) When you come to the park, you might want to bring an umbrella, to shade yourself; suntan lotion (just in case); a lawn-chair; and a bottle of water (though we’ll have some folding chairs and a “water station” there, too).  (4) When you set your chair up, it would be wonderful if you would set-up in the lower section - leaving the back section for those who might come from the community, or might drop in at the last minute as they were walking by.  And finally, (5) please be sure to greet everyone - especially those you don’t know - as they’re arriving AND as they leave.  We’re hoping to have “official” greeters, but it would be much more effective if we all took on that responsibility.

Hope you’ve had a chance to “experience” the new parking-lot striping at church!!  I mentioned that RCH had begun the striping in last week’s N&N, but since then - on Saturday - they completed the work.  The blessing is that it takes the guesswork out of where to park!!  Many thanks to the anonymous donor of the $900 expense of accomplishing this task!!

The staging around the Bell Tower has been taken down - and is sitting on the lawn in front of the church (the rental company couldn’t pick it up till early next week).  The work on the bells isn’t quite finished though.  There’s a solenoid (sp?) yet to be replaced - we’re waiting for it to arrive - but we don’t want to continue renting the staging as we wait - Kenny G. will be able to reach the bell that needs that part with a long extension ladder.  And then one of the converters located in the electrical closet downstairs needs to be replaced.  We’re trying to track one down.  In spite of the remaining work that needs to be done, you’ll hear the bells this Sunday morning!!  It’s great to have them playing again!

Plans for our August 18-22 Vacation Bible School are coming together.  I understand that folks are needed to help - especially some “acting-type-folks.”  If you can help out, speak to Natalie H. or Amie McG. soon!!  Thanks.

We are looking for a Coordinator(s) for the new pictorial directory.  With their new program, Olan Mills does the majority of the work.  We need a person, who is primarily a contact person. . . really!  The work load is much lighter than for previous editions of our directory.  We already have a person who is willing to work with the coordinator.  Won’t you help us out?  Contact Patrick Murphy at murphnyjets10 [at] yahoo [dot] com.

A mom was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school.  He didn’t want his mother to walk with him.  She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe.  So she had an idea of how to handle it.  She asked a neighbor if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn’t notice her.  She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed. The next school day, the neighbor and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor girl he knew.  She did this for the whole week.  As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy’s little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.  Finally she said to Timmy, ‘Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week?  Do you know her?’  Timmy nonchalantly replied, ‘Yeah, I know who she is.’  The little girl said, ‘Well, who is she?’  ‘That’s just Shirley Goodnest,’ Timmy replied, ‘and her daughter Marcy.’  ‘Shirley Goodnest?  Who is she and why is she following us?’  ‘Well,’ Timmy explained, ‘every night my Mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, ‘cuz she worries about me so much.  And in the Psalm, it says, ‘Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life’, so I guess I’ll just have to get used to it!’   (Note:  Thank you, Jim Miller!)

That’s all the news that I have to share with you about life around here.  Stay cool - love the Lord - see you in church!!  Peace, Mark

These last things have come from our Conference office, and I share them with you, hoping that some of you will find them of interest!!

Passionate Spirituality: Global Context, Bold Witness
 
New England Annual Conference: Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation
 October 26-31, 2008; Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, Biddeford Pool, ME
 
In a time when mainline protestant churches are struggling to survive and many people often find local churches to be lacking in passionate spirituality, how does the growing multi-cultural world impact, challenge and enhance our spiritual practices, our evangelical task, and our social witness?   How does scripture guide us in a non-anxious, non-aggressive engagement with others? These questions and others provide the foundation for this session of the Five-Day Academy (see http://www.upperroom.org/academy/fivedayacademies.asp for general information about this program of the Upper Room).
 
Our faculty presenters will be Dr. Juan Bek from the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico and Dr. Valerie Bridgeman Davis from Memphis Theological Seminary.  For more information and registration brochure, go to http://neconference.brickriver.com/files/oFiles_Library_XZXLCZ/Five_Day_Academy_2008_PQBV72IY.pdf or call Rosemary McNulty, Academy Registrar, at 978-682-7676 x. 201.
 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
 Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Opportunities
 
Haiti VIM
Building a new church for the Croix des Mission Congregation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is a priority project of the Haitian Methodist Church.   This is a $150,000 endeavor.  Land has been purchased, the site prepared, and the foundation built.  Much more needs to be done.  Haiti is the hungriest country in the western hemisphere and is less than 900 miles from the United States’ door step.  The average annual wage is less than $350 per year.  Neither Croix des Mission nor the Haitian Methodist Church is able to fund the construction themselves.
 
Lebanon UMC in Lebanon, NH is sponsoring a VIM team to continue the construction.  The dates are February 14 - February 22, 2009.   A willingness to work with the Haitians in a labor- intensive environment is required.  However, construction skills are not.  This will be a twelve-member team; space is available for you.
 
How can you help?  First, pray for the hungry Haitian people.  Secondly, consider giving for construction materials.  Donations can be sent to: Lebanon UMC, 18 School Street, Lebanon, NH 03766.  Thirdly, join us as a team member!
 
Bob Parker, the VIM team leader, is available to share his experience in Haiti with your mission committee or congregation.  Contact him at 603-863-7348 or e-mail: parker20 [at] juno [dot] com
 
Missouri VIM
Volunteer teams needed for clean-up after flood. We want to thank the State Emergency Management Agency for our Photo(s) of the Week: Missouri VIM: www.umocm.com .  Clean-up operations are starting in some communities.  Other communities are waiting for the waters to subside before clean-up can begin.  Recovery and rebuilding will continue for the rest of the year and beyond.  Hundreds of Volunteers in Mission teams are needed.  To sign-up your church team for clean-up and/or recovery contact Jeff Baker at the Office of Creative Ministries.  Phone 573-474-7155.  Email baker [at] umocm [dot] com
 
Iowa VIM
Iowa has been hit hard by the recent flooding.  The water is receding, and they are now in the cleanup phase and in need of all kinds of volunteers.  Teams interested in volunteering should contact Dan and Jean Houston, Iowa Annual Conference UMVIM Coordinators, at IAUMVIM [at] gmail [dot] com
or by telephone 515-432-1226.  Volunteers can keep abreast of the situation at www.iaumc.org/volunteer.  Volunteers are needed now and housing is available in churches as well as with other agencies.
 

I’m going to jump right into the news, ’cause I want to get this out right away.  The reason is that today is the Red Cross Blood Drive at Church, from 1 till 6 PM, and I want to send this reminder out early (or somewhat early) in case you forgot!  Red Cross will be bringing the Blood-Mobile, and air-conditioned vehicle, to make the atmosphere for the drawing of blood better!  The food and “recovery” will take place in Hartford Hall, though.  We’re trying to get the air moving in there now, to have as comfortable as possible!!

When you come for the Blood Drive you’ll see that part of the parking lot has been newly re-striped.  The company doing this for us - RCH - will be back in the near future to finish the job!!  It already looks great, and will reduce much of the confusion about which set of lines to use when decided where to park!!  An anonymous donor has underwritten the expense for this project, and the Trustees are overseeing it!!  Our thanks to the donor and to the Trustees!!

A week from Saturday is the Footnotes concert and Chicken BBQ (Have you ever noticed I always use “BBQ?”   That’s ’cause I don’t know how to spell barbacue . . . barbicue . . . barbucue . . . whatever!!) at Wanakee, in Meredith, NH.  Take a look at the July issue of “The Bell-Wether” for the details (times, etc.)  I’ve never been able to make it to one of these annual events, but I’m told they’re terrific!!  Two of our own kids - Chloe and Ashley - will be in the Footnotes production!!  Hope I can make it this year.

Our own Public Chicken BBQ supper will take place on Saturday evening, July 26th!  The sign-up sheets have already found their way to the rolling bulletin board in Hartford Hall, and it would be great to have them filled up right away!  We’ll need some extra help with this supper - just because of the nature of the beast.  Won’t you help out?

Then our 2008 version of the tent revival - called “Jubilation Service” will take place on Sunday, July 27th,, at 9:30 AM.  “Got Joy?” will be held this year at the Rotary Shell in Henry Law Park - downtown Dover.  Have you wondered why we’re going to do this downtown?  There are a number of reasons, but two stand out for me right now.  The first is that it’ll be MUCH cheaper for us than renting the tent.  We will end up saving almost $1,000 over last year.  But the more important reason for holding it downtown is that it’ll be a way for us to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to community.  I hope you’ll make an extra effort to invite friends and neighbors to this wonderful service!  And since it IS downtown, it’ll take some extra work to get all our “stuff” (remember that technical theological term?) to and from Henry Law Park.  If you’re called to help out, I hope you’ll be able to pitch in.  We need you!!

Vacation Bible School is coming up quicker than we’d like, too!  It’ll happen August 18 to 22.  If you haven’t written it on your calendar yet, I hope you’ll do that soon!!

Thank you, to all those who shared kind words about my re-appointment to St. John’s Church for another year!!  And to the Staff/Parish Relations Committee, for hosting the Coffee Fellowship in my honor!!  I am looking forward to this next year - as we continue to grow in our sense of stewardship (and rely less on our invested monies), and as we reach out into the community in ever new and vital ways, with the good news of Jesus - in word and deed!!  May God be our guide!!

Someone sent this web address to me, and I thought I’d share it with you.  It’s inspiring and uplifting.  Enjoy!  http://www.thejoymovie.com/  

I noticed in last week’s issue of “News & Notes,” that I forgot to include any humor.  I won’t make that mistake twice!!  These are actually bloopers from church bulletins:
“Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale.  It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house.  Bring your husbands.”  I’m not letting Wendy take me anyplace in the next couple of weeks!!
And then for those who are interested in justice issues:  “The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.”  I think they must have lost focus!!

That’s all that I have to share with you this week.  I really look forward to being with you in worship this Sunday.  Till then, God bless!  Peace, Mark

Note:  These last few items came from the Conference email.  Thought you might be interested.  M

Register Now for the New England Assembly of the Laity Event
“Stretch Out Your Hand”
 
The New England Assembly of the Laity (NEAL) invites all of God’s people to attend the 56th annual session July 25-27, 2008 at Merrimack College in North Andover MA. This is a unique opportunity for laity to come together as people of God, to fellowship with one another, learn from one another, and to praise our almighty God!
 
Our theme for the 2008 year is: “Stretch Out Your Hand”, and the special guest speaker for the event is Rev. Curtis Brown, director of congregational development for the New England Conference.
 
The excitement is building, so register now to attend this inspirational weekend that includes fun, fellowship, and spiritual enrichment!
 
Visit www.assemblyofthelaity.com for more information and registration materials, or to register online click here: NEAL Registration.
Online registrations can be paid with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. The Online Registration Deadline is July 18.
 New England Assembly of the Laity
Place: Merrimack College, N. Andover, MA
Date: Friday Evening July 25 through Sunday Noon July 27
Registration check-in begins at 3:00 pm on Friday.
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Schools of Christian Mission:  
UMaine, Farmington, July 18-20
Gordon College , July 25-27
Camp Aldersgate , September 18-20 
There is Still Time to Register!
 
Schools of Christian Mission are a cooperative ministry of the New England Conference and United Methodist Women and are a spiritually-charged and fun/informal experience shared by men, women, youth and children.  Please share this information with friends.  You need not be United Methodist to attend.  You need to love the Lord and enjoy Christian fellowship.  
 
Studies and study leaders this year are as follows:
–I Believe in Jesus–The Revs. Lynne Josselyn, Luis Benavides and Jung Sun Oh
–Israel,/Palestine–Claire Lincoln
–Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival –Rev. Cheryln Gates and Patricia Parent
 
Children’s and Youth studies as well as nursery will be available at the Farmington and Gordon schools.
–Children’s Native American Study–Gail Dyer-Martin and Amanda Sweet
–Youth Native American Study–Catherine Janson and Becky Michaud
 
You may download the information and registration form at www.neumc.org/socm , or contact Pat Tebbetts, Asst. Dean, for a brochure.  She can be reached at patjbb@maine.rr.com or at (207) 773-4521. 
 
Questions?  Please contact Rev. Barbara Schreier, Dean, at bstks@sbcglobal.net or (860) 928-0308.

Interested in Serving on the Conference Board of Trustees?
The Conference Board of Trustees Investment Committee is seeking additional members.  The committee monitors the investments entrusted to the Board of Trustees, and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees.  The committee meets three or four times a year.  For more information contact: Mary Tremblay 603 926-2069 or mntremblay@earthlink.net.