Summer just hates to give up, eh?  Have you made a call to an elderly neighbor to make sure they’re holding up under this heat?  How ’bout checking in on someone who has been ill?  Are you drinking all the water that you should be drinking to stay hydrated?  Just checkin’.

Your Education Committee has a request to place before our church family.   Each Sunday that we have Sunday School, when the children from Pre-School through the fifth grade go downstairs in the church, they have a ten to fifteen minute “Chapel Time.”  This time consists of singing a few songs, offering a prayer, celebrating birthdays and taking the offering.  Donna Capern has lead this for many years.  Now that she has retired from teaching, she will not be leading this brief time, and the Education Committee is looking for someone - or two or three people to work on a rotating schedule - who might be interested and able to lead this time.  Would that be you?  Would you please call Wendy Kettlewood if you would like to talk about this possibility?

As you may know, I wasn’t in worship last Sunday, due to the funeral of Wendy’s uncle.  I noticed, before I left, that Emma Whall’s name was in the bulletin - that she would be playing the Prelude with Steve MacKenzie.  Before I left, I emailed Emma’s Mom and Dad, and told them I was sorry for missing that, and asked that they share my good wishes with her.  Well, for those who missed church last Sunday - and possibly for those who were there as well - I have been given the link to view Emma’s contribution to the worship service, as it has been placed on Youtube.  I want to share it with you here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbawMxEKtUI

I’ve mentioned in a previous issue of “News & Notes”, and written an email to most of our Sunday School parents, asking for volunteers to clean the Sunday School rooms - one or two people to clean just one room.  To date, only three of the eleven rooms have been “claimed.”  So I’m putting another plea for help out to our church family.  You don’t have to have kids in Sunday School - you may never have had kids in Sunday School - you may never have been a Trustee - you may never have picked up a dustrag before - but we could still use your help.  The sign-up “map” is on one of the rolling bulletin boards in Hartford Hall.  Please consider giving an hour or so of you time to do some spring cleaning in preparation for our new Sunday School year.

“I’m very sorry to announce that due to some recent changes in leadership, we are going to put off the ‘official’ start of youth group until September 26 to give us a chance to regroup.  We are studying the possibility of alternative times for youth group and appreciate any feedback from parents and/or youth.  On Sunday, September 19, the high school youth are strongly urged to attend the showing of the film “The Bible Tells me So”.  Registration for youth in grades 6-12 will continue this weekend before and after church.  Once registered, you will receive regular emails with updates, but events are also posted on the church website.  Thanks for understanding AND if you feel led to helping with the most fun and rewarding ministry we offer, give me a call!  Blessings, Brenda Borchers”

This Sunday will be Communion Sunday.  I hope you’ll be in church if you’re in town!  Our Communion liturgy was written especially for Labor Day - acknowledging the blessings of good, honest work that is carried out for the common good. 

Our sisters and brothers of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dover have invited us to the Dover Greek Heritage Festival - Friday from 4-11 PM, and Saturday from 11 AM till 11 PM - at the Hellenic Center on Longhill Road in Dover.  Food; music; dancing; rain or shine!

Our “Blessing of the Children” will take place on Sunday, September 12th, at 9:30 AM (notice that we’re extending our “summer” schedule one more week).  We’ll also be committing our support to the Sunday School teachers, as we dedicate them to the ministry of education.  I hope we’ll have a great turnout that day!!

Sunday School classes will begin on September 19th - with the children starting out in sanctuary with the adults, and then heading off to Sunday School after the “Time for the Child in All of Us.” 

Our Office Manager, Sandy, will be back from vacation next week.  Yeah!!  Need I say any more?

If you happen to be cleaning out your closets, don’t forget that the church is having a Rummage Sale on October 15 & 16!  Unfortunately we don’t have room to store your donations, but if you could hold onto them until the week of the sale, that would surely be appreciated!!

And remember that we’re having another “Multi-Family Yard Sale” on the Saturday of the Rummage Sale - October 16th.  A spot in our parking lot, along with a couple of tables - all for $25.  You can’t beat it!

How’s this for immediate answer to prayer:  During the minister’s prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews.  Tommy’s mother was horrified. She pinched him into silence and, after church, asked, ‘Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?’ Tommy answered soberly, ‘I asked God to teach me to Whistle, and He did!’ 

That’s all for today.  Have a great holiday weekend.  See you in church.  Peace, Mark
 

My “plate” is pretty full today, so this issue of “News & Notes” will be short ‘n sweet.

Brenda Borchers mentioned to me that she will post the registration form for Youth Groups on our church’s website (www.stjohnsdover.org) tonight.  Check it out, if you need to register, or need your youth to register.

I would also mention that this is true for the Sunday School as well.  Go the “Ministries” - then to “Education” - then to “Registration Form.”  We will begin receiving registration this Sunday both before and after worship.

There are still quite a number of places still to be “claimed” in the clean-up of the Sunday School rooms.  Please check the sheet out on the rolling bulletin board in Hartford Hall soon.

No one has signed up for Coffee Fellowship again this week?  Can you do it?  Or probably more importantly, will you do it?  Give MaryAnne MacKenzie a call and let her know.

One of my wife, Wendy’s favorite uncles passed away this week.  His funeral will be in Burlington, VT. on Sunday, which means we will be away when our congregation gathers for worship.  Todd Warfield has agreed to fill in at this late time.  My thanks to Todd, and to my whole church family for affording me flexibility like this. 

A special offering will be received this Sunday - by Rita Murphy and other crew members for the Dover Friendly Kitchen.  They are seeking our support to purchase the food that they prepare for the meals that we offer to our neighbors.  The next time we will serve the Friendly Kitchen is in September, and our coffers are pretty low at the moment.  Please be as generous as you can.  The folks will stand, holding soup pots, in the narthex after worship this Sunday.

The Lay Leadership Committee was scheduled to meet in Sunday evening.  As I will not be home by then, I’m rescheduling the meeting until Monday evening at 7 PM.  I’m sorry that some of the Committee will not be able to attend then, but we simply need to keep plugging along to get our work done.  I hope you’ll understand.

Our Elevator is up and running!  We passed inspection, and got the go-ahead to use it!  Praise God!  The Trustees will be working on details about keys to the elevator, etc.  Instructions will be posted - ’cause it doesn’t run exactly like the elevators in hotels, etc.  But it’s great to have, and a great way to make sure that people with physical conditions prohibiting climbing stairs will be included in everything the church has to offer. 

I share the sad news that a member of St. John’s Church, Frances Browne, went to be with the Lord late yesterday afternoon.  Fran is Lois Smith’s sister-in-law.  She was diagnosed late last year with pancreatic cancer, and she put up a valiant, faithful battle.  Please keep her husband, Russell, and all their family in your prayers.  I don’t know the details of the funeral at this time.

We heard this great news from Claire Bloom today, about her husband, Keith Launchbury:  We have GREAT news!  Keith is being discharged, and we are coming home on August 30th!  No visitors please for the first few days while we
adjust to new living arrangements!  We will put notice out when we are
ready for visitors!

Then there was the time the preacher’s 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon.  One day, she asked him why.. ‘Well, Honey,’ he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. ‘I’m asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon.’  ‘So, how come He doesn’t?’ she asked.

Ouch!!  I think that’s all the news I have - and I know it’s all the time that I have!  I won’t see you in church this Sunday, but look forward to seeing you soon!  Peace, Mark

]]> http://www.stjohnsdover.org/sjd/20100822/sermon-%e2%80%9ckids-in-worship%e2%80%9d-by-mark-alley.html/feed/ http://www.stjohnsdover.org/sjd/20100820/lobster-fest.html http://www.stjohnsdover.org/sjd/20100820/lobster-fest.html#comments Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:26:20 +0000 Mike Willett All Posts forallages hospitality finance frontpage http://www.stjohnsdover.org/sjd/20100820/lobster-fest.html First UMC of Portsmouth is having a Lobster Fest on August 27th at 5 PM.

Proceeds to benefit the Buswell family and help cover medical expenses.

For more information see the bulletin board in Hartford Hall.

Vacation Bible School has been taking place at St. John’s all week long.  They’ve had a terrific crowd - have had a wonderful stockpile of resources that many of you have donated, and have had a great crew of leaders (coordinated by Wendy Kettlewood).  It seems to me the kids - some from our congregation and others from the community –  have had a great time!  Right now we’re eating “dirt cups!”  Hey, we’ve been talking about caring for God’s creation all week - why not partake of it? . . . actually it’s Oreo cookies, chocolate pudding, marshmallows and gummy worms!  Praise God!

And remember that the kids and leaders of VBS would love to have you join them for the closing program tomorrow, August 16th at 11:30 AM!!  It’s a brief program - and we hope you can come!!

We received word this morning that Chester Rines died yesterday.  He was married to a member of St. John’s Church, Marjorie.  They live on Portland Avenue in Rollinsford, and have not been able to be active in the life of the church over the last several years.  Please hold Marjorie, who has dementia, and their extended family in your prayers.  The funeral will be at Wiggin/Purdy/McCooey/Dion Funeral Home on Tuesday at 11 AM.  

This seems to be the week for invitations:

Trinity United Parish in Seabrook invites us to a concert on Saturday, August 21st, at 7 PM.  It’ll be present by the Glorification Singers, a Christian music ministry group based out of the Westhampton UMC. 

St. Mark’s would like to invite you and your friends to the following:  On August 22nd, we are having a picnic at noon; please bring your chairs.
Concert at 3:00 p.m.  St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (60 Government Street, Kittery ME 03904, 207-439-9686) is hosting MiXed Company (husband and wife duo Bill Humphrey/Jessica Rechner) in a contemporary sacred music concert on Sunday, August 22 at 3:00 p.m.  Jessica is a classically trained vocalist from Queens College (New York); Bill is a professional jazz musician (alto saxophone) with a Master’s degree from Queens College/B.A. Music UNH.  They are an active part of the music ministry in their church in New York City and have recordings that can be sampled at cdbaby.com, ITunes and Facebook.
Mike Effenberger (piano), Jim Rudolf (drums) and Nate Therrien (bass) will be accompanists. 

Then from our friends at Wentworth Home:  You and your family are invited to a concert on the lawn of the Wentworth Home (next to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital) on Sunday afternoon, August 22nd, from 2-3:30 PM.  Featured groups are the “Sounds of the Seacoast,” an internationally recognized group of women who sing close harmony, and the “Silver Strummers,” an 18 member Ukulele band who will play old favorites and sing-alongs.  Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and join the fun.

Finally, our Adult Choir and I would invite you to join us at the Vesper Service at Vincent Rock, at Hedding Campground, on Sunday evening, beginning at 5 PM.  This begins the closing exercises for Camp Meeting week at Hedding.  (Services continue tonight and tomorrow evening at 7:30 PM.)  To get to Vincent Rock, simply turn onto the campground road and drive straight as far as you can.  Vincent Rock is at the top of the hill.

No one has signed up for Coffee Fellowship for the next couple of weeks.  When that happens, it falls on members of the Hospitality Committee to do a very basic set up.  But we know there are lots of folks who might like to respond if they knew the need.  Would you do Coffee Fellowship for us one of the next two weeks?  Grab a friend to help you out and share the task.  There’s a written set of instructions - just email me and I’ll send them to you.  And please - if you’re going to do this - please let MaryAnne MacKenzie know so she’ll know things are covered.  Thanks!!

This is “Cents Makes Sense” Sunday - a time when we’re all encouraged/invited to place our loose change in the bucket on the “skinny table” in the narthex.  Our change goes to undergird mission projects designated by the Outreach Committee.  Won’t you clean off your dresser and bring your extra loose change this week?

This has also been a week for “workers” around the church.  Gorham Rowell constructed the new ramp into the storage shed outside.  The old ramp was destroyed by the snowplow last winter!  He’s also begun installing shelving in the new storage room (aka the former library hallway).  Thanks Gorham!   And Judy Strate and Karen Schutt have been painting classroom number five (5) - below the sanctuary!  It’s bright yellow - there’ll be no sleeping kids in that classroom anymore!!  Our thanks to Karen and Judy. 

On August 29th, members of the Outreach Committee will stand in the narthex after church for the purpose of receiving your donations toward our expenses at the Dover Friendly Kitchen.  The proverbial “monetary cupboards” are bare for that ministry, and we’ll be serving our neighbors once again in September.  Your gifts help make this ministry possible - that we might be the hands and feet of Jesus for many of our neighbors.  Thanks. 

Two things to look forward to - you can read about them in “The Bell-Wether” that arrives at your home soon. But let me mention them briefly here:  On the second Sunday of September, we will have a “blessing of the children” - and so the whole congregation can experience this, the Worship Committee has decided to extend our “summer” worship schedule one more week, and have just one worship service on that day - September 12th. 

And our Youth Groups will start up their formal programs for the fall on September 12th, at 4 PM - with parents and kids both coming on the first night.  Following the informational session, I understand there’ll be a parents vs. kids competition!  Check it out!

Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother’ s house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away.  ‘Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer.’ said his mother.  ‘I don’t need to,’ the boy replied.  ‘Of course, you do.’ his mother insisted. ‘We always say a prayer before eating at our house.’  ‘That’s at our house.’ Johnny explained. ‘But this is Grandma’s house and she knows how to cook!

That’s all the news that’s fit to print today.  Look for God’s hand at work in your life today, and be thankful for every incident that you see!!  See you in church.  Peace, Mark

I want to begin this issue of “News & Notes” with a link to a brief inspirational presentation.  While the setting for this story is a grocery store, I believe it has a powerful message for us in the church as well.  Please listen and view this for the blessing, and then for the message that it has for us.  Here’s the link:  http://www.simpletruths.com/simpletruths/a.aspx?af=219&mo=stsr
Enjoy it!

I got a good summary from Claire of Keith Launchbury’s progress, and thought I’d share it with you.  Many have been asking:
Keith is doing really well, and it looks very much like he is going to make a great recovery.  My guess is that he will be walking alone, without a walker, albeit carefully, soon.  I am guessing, however, that the numbness and lack of sensitivity that he has experienced since the beginning will continue.  It is risky, since he won’t feel if he hurts himself, and it will make his sensation of where his lower limbs are at any time, difficult to know.   He is so positive, and we are SO fortunate!  We met a woman here who has the same disease, and has had it for a YEAR, but she wasn’t diagnosed for two months, so she didn’t get the same treatment he has gotten. After a year, she has the same capability that he does.   He was diagnosed within 24 HOURS, and got the treatment right away!
He has had PT for 45 minutes every week day in the hospital, and is really going great guns!  I emailed a photo of him walking to the family from my phone.  It was cool!  I tried to upload a video, but I don’t think it worked.  I may try again!  Whenever we get back to rehab (TOMORROW I HOPE) he will be back to PT and OT, each twice a day, and I know he will do great.  Our next commitment is on September 15th, when we are scheduled to teach a three day class.   There will be three classes back to back, the 15th to 17th, the 22nd to 24th, and the 27th to 29th.  He is PLANNING on teaching all three, with me in the room.   HIS greatest fear is that he will be doing so well that they will discharge him from rehab long before it is time to teach, and we will have to hang out together at some hotel here in California until class starts.  We should BE SO LUCKY!
Mind over matter, he says!  Well, here is hoping!  In the meantime, we try to keep from going bonkers with boredom as we “WAIT” for it all to happen!  Love to you all! Claire

The elevator project is moving along a little slower this week - different contractors’ schedules not meshing perfectly.  But it’s moving along, nonetheless.  The Trustees are already planning for the clean-up.  The main contractor has been doing some cleaning as they go along, but there will still be allot of dust and “stuff” around after they leave.  So in order to fine-tune the cleaning that the contractors do - and in preparation for the beginning of Sunday School — I was wondering if we might recruit a couple people to come clean to each classroom - those affected by the construction as well as those under the sanctuary?  If two individuals took responsibility for each classroom, and did “spring cleaning” type work, no one would be over worked, and the whole place would look spiffy!!  A map-type sheet has been posted on the rolling bulletin board.  I invite you to grab a friend - or perhaps someone you’d like to get to know better - and sign your names up on the board.  We have 8 classrooms, one nursery and the “open” space (where Sunday School has done their gatherings.  That would take 20 people.  What do you think?  Can you help out with this project? 

Dallas and Miranda Freeman did a terrific job at their concert/recital last Sunday afternoon!  What gifted folks they are.  And what a gift they are to our congregation!!

This coming Sunday is Food Pantry Sunday.  Could you bring some non-perishable food items or personal care items for the Dover Cooperative Ministries Food Pantry? 

Vacation Bible School takes off next Monday morning - for every child who is 4 years old through those who have completed the fifth grade!!  Monday through Friday, from 9 AM till Noon - focusing on The Good Earth Garden, and God’s love to us through the gift of nature.  Remember the list of things that the VBS folks are looking for?  Can you bring one or more of them to church with you on Sunday?  The list includes:  1 liter plastic soda bottles with caps; small eye hooks; wooden spoons; jute rope; 16 glass jars with lids; potting soil; fish tank gravel; 6″ clear plastic potting saucer; 10″ clear plastic potting saucers; red licorice strings/shoelaces; one pint black exterior paint; activated charcoal (fish tanks); chocolate instant pudding; oreo cookies; gummi worms; mini-marshmellows; and birdseed.  Place your donations in the tub by the windows in Hartford Hall.

And remember that the kids and leaders of VBS would love to have you join them for the closing program on Friday, August 16th at 11:30 AM!!  It’s a brief program - and we hope you can come!!

Remember last weeks special request for a specific item you have, to share with someone?  If you haven’t done so already, please bring them to church this Sunday!!  Thanks.

At the annual conference session this June, we passed an updated Safe Sanctuaries policy, stating that “Every New England Annual Conference ministry at the local church, District and Conference level that relates to children, youth, and vulnerable adults in programming or oversight, shall create procedures for implementing a Safe Sanctuaries policy.”  To help support his endeavor, a Safe Sanctuaries Task Force is being put into place.  The primary work of this group is to locate resources (print, video, internet, organizations, etc.) that can be shared with local churches to help them in implementing this policy.   We are looking for folks who would be willing to assist with this effort.  All work is expected to be completed via phone and e-mail, thus no face-to-face meetings should be necessary.   The information the group compiles would be placed on the conference website so it could be easily accessed.  If you are interested in participating in this work and/or have questions, contact Wanda Stahl at the conference office (stahl@neumc.org; 978-682-7676 x. 221).

Did you ever wonder why there are no dead penguins on the ice in Antarctica.  Where do they go?  Wonder no more!!!  It is a known fact that the penguin is a very ritualistic bird which lives an extremely ordered and complex life.  The penguin is very committed to its family and will mate for life, as well as maintaining a form of compassionate contact with its offspring throughout its life.  If a penguin is found dead on the ice surface, other members of the family and social circle have been known to dig holes in  the ice, using their vestigial wings and beaks, until the hole is deep enough for the dead bird to be rolled into and buried.  The male penguins then gather in a circle around the fresh grave and sing:
   “Freeze a jolly good fellow”
   “Freeze a jolly good fellow.”

I think I’m out of news!  I know I’m out of time! So I’ll post this, and say “See you in church!!  Peace, Mark
 

]]> http://www.stjohnsdover.org/sjd/20100808/sermon-%e2%80%9cby-faith%e2%80%9d-by-mark-alley.html/feed/ http://www.stjohnsdover.org/sjd/20100806/blood-pressure-clinic-16.html http://www.stjohnsdover.org/sjd/20100806/blood-pressure-clinic-16.html#comments Sat, 07 Aug 2010 00:57:09 +0000 Mike Willett All Posts foradults outreach witness frontpage http://www.stjohnsdover.org/sjd/20100806/blood-pressure-clinic-16.html Blood pressure Clinic will be on August 22nd from 10:30-11:15 AM in Hartford Hall.

Hello My Friends,

It seems wonderful to have the chance to communicate with you once again.  I had a terrific vacation - no traveling; just did some work around the parsonage and did some day-trip sorts of things.  But it was great!  That’s really one of my favorite ways to spend a vacation.  That’s probably not the norm . . . but then again, who ever accused me of being “the norm?”

Miranda and Dallas Freeman invite you to attend a piano/vocal musical performance this Sunday, August 8th at 3 PM in our church. The brother-sister duo would like to share a little free entertainment as they explore their passion for all things musical together. Although each of them has been involved in music individually for as long as they can remember, this summer is the first time they have collaborated to put on a unique performance of their own as a team. Come curious… leave smiling! (And drag along a few friends while you’re at it!)

I hope your children (4 y.o. through entering fifth grade) are planning to attend this year’s Vacation Bible School!  It’s August 16-20, from 9 AM till noon each day!  The focus of VBS this year is “The Good Earth Garden.”  Activities, crafts, snacks, Bible lessons and stories, and games all revolved around God’s good earth!  The plans seem have gone “swimmingly”, and VBS is well planned! 

There’s a list in Hartford Hall of items needed for VBS.  To save the budget a dollar or two, it would be wonderful if we could all help provide the supplies.  Please check out the collection container and list that are on a table against the wall with the windows. 

Invitation To All from our VBS planners!
We would like to invite the congregation to join the Vacation Bible School students and volunteers on Friday, August 20 at 11:30 am in Hartford Hall. Please come hear the students sing some songs they will be learning, and listen to them play the instruments they will be making. This will be approximately a 30 minute get together to share a few of the things we will be doing. We hope you can join us!  Thank you.

Hedding United Methodist Campground News
Please join us as we celebrate 148 years of Camp Meeting.
Hedding United Methodist Campground will be celebrating its 148th Camp Meeting week beginning on Sunday August 15th at 7:30 pm. This year’s speaker is the Rev. Dr Wendell D. Luke Jr.  Before his retirement Rev. Luke had been Assistant to the Bishop, a Pastor at numerous churches and District Superintendent for the Metro Boston South District. He has had poetry published in several journals. Services will be held at 7:30 each evening throughout the week. Bible Study will be afternoons at 1 pm in the Studio. Lunch and dinner can be purchased for a nominal price (reservations not necessary)
 Ladies Day at Hedding is Wednesday, August 18th:
The women of the United Methodist Church are invited to come to Hedding Campground and join us for our 114th Ladies Day. Registration is 9:30 am.  Worship with the Rev. Dr. Wendell Luke Jr begins at 10:30 am.  Lunch is served at 12 noon at a cost of $6.50. Following lunch there will be a guided tour of several cottages.  To make reservations please call Beth Wicks at 603-679-2906.

Some of you may not have heard that Rollie Patch’s brother, Dick Staples, died last Saturday.  The funeral was on Tuesday.  Rollie as lost two brothers and a brother-in-law (Cliff Kincaid) during the month of July.  Please hold him - and his extended family in your prayers.

Many of you have been bringing your used/empty prescription bottles to the church - to be taken to Haiti.  The folks who transport them have sent us the message that they have more than enough for the time being!  They have so many to pack in their bags, they don’t have room for their own clothes!  Many thanks for your contributions!  We’ll pass the word along once again when they are ready to receive more.

The Education Committee met this week, and one of the big items on their agenda was to discuss potential teachers - I think we have seven openings to fill.  I have a favor to ask of the whole congregation:  would you please hold this concern in your prayers?  Please pray that God would lead us to ask the right people for the positions; and that God would touch the hearts of those who will be asked - to move them to respond affirmatively - and to open themselves to the blessings of teaching our incredible kids! 

Jim Korth led a Yard Sale at the church this past Saturday.  It went wonderfully - with several folks renting tables - and good sized crowds to come patronize our sellers!  The church realized about $300 so far - to go to our Current Expense budget.  And even greater news was that several of the sellers asked if we could do this again.  So the Finance Committee has decided that at our October 15 & 16 Rummage Sale, we will not have a “church white elephant” section - but will, once again, rent tables to individuals and families.  So - especially if you didn’t get involved this past Sunday - plan now to bring your goods and rent a table on Saturday, October 16th, from 8 AM till noon!!

Our elevator project is coming along nicely.  The primer coat of paint is being put on the walls of the elevator shaft right now.  And the contractors say they will complete most of their work by Monday morning.  The installers of the actual elevator will arrive Monday to begin installation of the lift itself.

Bear with me for one more elevator story.  At the Yard Sale on Saturday a women approached Sandy Shepard’s table and said to her “I’m so glad your sale was outdoors this time.  I can’t come to your sales that take place downstairs - ’cause I can’t walk the stairs.”  Sandy told her the good news - that we’re installing the elevator.  The importance of this project comes out again and again.

Gentlemen from D.F. Richard are at the church right now, as well.  They’re installing the piping for the propane gas to the new “on demand” hot water heater that Kenny Gallant installed in our kitchen a month and a half ago.  Let the savings begin!!

In worship this Sunday we’ll be blessing a prayer shawl for Keith Launchbury, who is in a rehab facility in San Francisco, California.  He could be there for as much as two months.  For those who hadn’t heard, he has been afflicted with Transverse Myelitis, which is caused by a virus that attacks the spinal column, causing inflammation which leads to paralysis.  While he has experienced set backs in his progress, he seems to be moving ahead in a positive direction.  But this is a very difficult ordeal - to have this frightening affliction - to be away from family, friends and home for two months - and not to be able to bring in income during this time. 

If you have someone else that you would like us to give a prayer shawl to, please let me know as soon as possible.  We’ll include theirs with Keith’s. 

This one comes from Diana Schuman:  There once was a king who lived in two-story grass hut.  Every holiday the king demanded to be given a new throne as a gift. As soon as a new throne arrived, he would store the old throne on the second level of his hut and use the new one instead. But one day the hut collapsed from the weight of all the thrones, and everyone was crushed and killed.  The moral of this story? Those who live in grass houses shouldn’t stow thrones.

That’s it for this week!  See you in church on Sunday!  Peace, Mark