As we’re working through Lent, that means we’re getting closer to Holy Week, so I thought I’d begin this issue of “News & Notes” with a listing of the worship services for Holy Week and Easter:
Sunday, March 28th - Palm/Passion Sunday (we’ll call it “passion Sunday” ’cause we’re going to trace Jesus’ footsteps through the events of the whole week - including his death and burial) - at both services: 9 and 10:30 AM.
Maundy Thursday, April 1, at 7 PM - Men of our congregation will reenact Leonardo DaVinci’s painting “The Last Supper”; which will be followed by receiving communion in a unique way.
Good Friday, April 2, at Noon at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church; and at 7 PM, a Tenebrae Service (service of shadows) at St. John’s
And on Easter Sunday we begin with “First Fire” - a lighting of the Christ Candle - at the outdoor chapel at 6 AM!!  This ends as we process to the music of the bagpipes into the sanctuary for the “Sunrise Service” (led by our youth) at 6:30 AM.  Easter breakfast will be served by the United Methodist Men at 7:30 AM.  And we’ll continue with our two large Easter Celebrations in the sanctuary at 9 and 11 AM (notice the later starting time for the second service).

This season is the highpoint of the church year - and a terrific time to invite someone who might be “searching” relative to their faith - or new to this area - or simply someone who doesn’t have a church home - to join you for one or all of these special services.  Won’t you pray about whomever it is that God may be calling you to invite?

There is sad news that Rev. Bob Ervin (retired rectory of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Dover) died yesterday morning. Please hold Susan Ervin and their family in your prayers for comfort and peace. Visiting hours will be on Friday, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.  The funeral mass will be on Saturday at 11 AM at the church.

Brenda Borchers wrote to me, asking, “Can you please ask everyone to keep the youth in their prayers for a spiritually uplifting, safe and fun weekend at Snow Camp in your N&N?  (in that order, too) Thanks!”  They’ll all leave our church on Friday afternoon.  God bless you, kids!!

Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed this Saturday evening!!  Daylight Savings Time begins, and we don’t want anyone to arrive late for church!!

This Sunday is “One Great Hour of Sharing.”  In our tradition, we will receive a special offering which goes toward the day-to-day operating expenses for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) - the United Methodist relief agency.  It’s because of the monies received on One Great Hour that 100% of our gifts for special appeals make it to their intended target.  We’ve taken advantage of UMCOR allot recently - with our own mission trips to Louisiana, the special appeals for Haiti and Chili.  UMCOR is there all the time, and enables you and me to be in mission in real ways - in real time!  I hope you’ll be generous with your gifts.  Special envelopes will be included in the bulletin.

We’ll be blessing a prayer shawl this Sunday - for Jinny Scott, who - as many of you know - has been diagnosed with cancer.  So that the Sunday School children and teachers can participate, we’ll be doing this earlier in the first service than we normally do.  Jinny has been running like a one-armed-paper-hanger over the last two weeks - for tests and doctors appointments and chemo treatment, etc.  Today she’ll receive her second go-round of chemotherapy.  Please hold her in prayer.

Next Wednesday is our fundraiser at UNO Chicago Grill - at Week’s Crossing in Dover - between 11:30 AM and 11 PM.  Check out the March issue of “The Bell-Wether” for all the details as well as the coupon that you’ll need to give your wait-person in order for St. John’s to receive a portion of your tab.  If you can’t find your coupon, there’ll be more at church this Sunday.

Looking ahead, don’t forget that the Healing Team is offering a Spiritual Touch Healing clinic in Hartford Hall on Sunday, March 21st, from 2-4 PM.  You can check out the article in “The Bell-Wether” on that, too, for the details. 

Lookin’ around the church this week, there have been several “church mice” doing behind the scenes work.  Karen Schutt has been making a gazillion phone calls, working out the details for us to donate to Habitat for Humanity a piece of the land left to us by Russell Newell.  Carol McCabe has come to clean and straighten the kitchen.  Guy Eaton quickly addressed three relatively minor - but significant — issues that popped up during a periodic Fire Department inspection.  And Gorham Rowell is completing the clean up of the blue spruce tree that we blown over in the storm of two weeks ago.  It’s great when folks see a need and work on it - or are asked to address a need and cheerfully take it on!!  Thanks very much folks. 

BENEFIT CONCERT TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI
On Saturday, March 27 at 7 pm the storytelling community of New England, under the auspices of Massmouth and the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling (LANES) will present an extravaganza of storytelling, dance, and music at the Arlington Street Unitarian Universalist Church in Boston, corner of Arlington and Boylston Street, at the Arlington T stop.  The suggested donation is $20 and all proceeds go to Partners in Health and Eritaj, a Haitian foundation supporting local ties to Haiti. Audience members choose which organization to donate to at the door.  At intermission food and drink will be available and audience members can peruse tables of Haitian arts and crafts and storytellers’ CDs.  This performance is suitable for adults and for children over eight years old.  For more information, Contact Lani Peterson, lani [at] lanipeterson [dot] com or 978-387-5990

I was in the waiting room of my doctor’s office the other day when the doctor started yelling, “Typhoid! Tetanus! Measles!”  I went up to the nurse and asked her what was going on. She told me that the doctor liked to call the shots around here.

That’s all the news for today.  See you in church!  Peace, Mark

Much has happened since I wrote to you last Thursday!!  Storms here and earthquakes “there!”  Postponed Public Suppers and “presumed” worship cancellations (which really didn’t happen)!  There have been falling trees and damaged homes!  “Oh God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the story blast, and our eternal home!”

So let me remind you that the Public Supper that was supposed to have taken place last Saturday will actually take place THIS Saturday, March 6th, from 4:30 till 6 PM.  Some of the folks who had volunteered to help will probably not be able to come this Saturday, so we REALLY need folks to step up to the plate - how ’bout you?  And many of our regular “customers,” will probably go to their normal “first-Saturday-of-the-month-public-supper-location,” so it would be great if you reached out to people to invite them to this supper - so our numbers won’t be too dramatically affected!  Regardless, I’m sure there’ll be “dinner to go” for sale during coffee fellowship on Sunday!!

I think Guy Eaton and Gorham Rowell are coming to the church on Saturday, to take what remains of the tree that was in our “traffic circle” to the recycle center.  I’m sure they’d love to have a hand with the work.  Gorham cut the tree up last week - the trunk was taken for firewood - and the “mess” remains. 

Our United Methodist Men will gather for their monthly breakfast meeting this Sunday, at 7:30 AM.  We’d love to have some new folks join us.  We have great breakfast and devotions - as well as terrific fellowship.  Won’t you join us?

I mis-spoke during announcements last Sunday morning.  I mentioned that last Sunday was the last day to bring new children’s underwear and flip-flops for the medical mission that is going from Dover to Haiti.  Actually we have one more Sunday to do that!!  So if you forgot last Sunday - or didn’t have a chance to purchase any to donate - or missed worship because of the storm — you have a reprieve!!  The collection box is in the entryway of Hartford Hall.  Let’s fill it to overflowing!  Let “Undy Sunday” rule!!

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is responding to the needs of people affected by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile early on Saturday. Preliminary reports indicate at least 147 people have died, homes and hospitals have been destroyed, and the earthquake triggered a tsunami that is rolling across the Pacific.  On Saturday - the day the earthquake hit - Bishop Joel N. Martinez, interim General Secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries said, “I have just received the terrible news about the major 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile. The early reports of great destruction and widespread injuries and the increasing death count point to a need for a full response by all humanitarian agencies and governments in the coming days and weeks.”  UMCOR is working with partners in Chile: Iglesia Metodista de Chile (IMECH), Ministerio Social Methodista (MISOM) and Equipo Metodista de Accion Humanitaria (EMAH) to respond with resources and support.  In an email, Juan Salazar, President of the Methodist Social Ministry in Chile, says of their initial evaluations of damage, “the information that arises each time indicates that the effects are greater than originally assessed.”
How to Help: Bishop Martinez says, “I call on our generous United Methodist constituents to join in the response to the Chile Emergency Advance to strengthen UMCOR’s ability to be fully present with resources.”  At this point, it is not anticipated that relief supply kits will be needed.   Financial support can be made to St. John’s UMC, and placed in the offering plate.  Please indicate in the memo line of the check that it is for the Chile Emergency.  Gifts can also be made by check to UMCOR and mailed to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087.

Our Church Health Team would remind the 30 folks that they recruited to take the “survey questionnaire” for the Natural Church Development process, that this Sunday is the day!!  Please do your best to be here!  Thanks.

Next Tuesday, our Youth Groups will be preparing, serving and cleaning-up after the Dover Friendly Kitchen!!  They would love to have help from those who like to bake desserts.  If you could provide one, please bring it to St. John’s by Tuesday at 3:30 PM.  You can leave it in our kitchen.  Thanks!!  . . .  And “thanks” to our kids who are living out their discipleship!!

Last month Sandy and I completed the “Statistical Forms” that our Conference requires of us each year.  One part of the forms that I completed had to do with reporting how many groups use our church facilities - how much space (i.e square footage) they use - and how many hours they use them.  I was amazed to discover that twenty-six (26) groups outside of our congregation used our facilities!  This is a wonderful resource to minister to our community.

On Tuesday evening of this week, there were seven different meetings going on at once: Dover Cooperative Ministries Council; a Membership Class; Al-Anon; Girl Scout Leaders meeting; Trustees; our Wellness Small Group; and our Sisters Bible Study.  What a busy place.  And even more importantly, I’m confident that all of the meetings had to do with ministries that bring healing and transformation!  Praise God. 

Here’s some “food for thought”:  One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near him. The driver got out and said, ‘I always park there! You took my place!’  The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, ‘That’s my seat! You took my place!’ The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.  After Sunday school, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down.  Another member walked up to hi m and said, ‘That’s where I always sit!  You took my place!’  The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing.  Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet.  Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, ‘What happened to you?’  The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, ‘I took your place.’  When you receive this, say a prayer. That’s all you have to do. Maybe, just maybe, we can get the world to start thinking of who took our place.

While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch.  After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant, and resumed their trip. When leaving, the elderly woman unknowingly left her glasses on the table, and she didn’t miss them until they had been driving for about forty minutes. By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around, in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses.
All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grouchy old man. He fussed and complained, and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her, the more agitated he became. He just wouldn’t let up for a single minute.  To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out of the car, and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled to her, while you’re in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card.

Ouch!  So much for we grouchy old men!  See you in church.  Peace, Mark

The weather we’re having feels very “Lent-like,” doesn’t it?  It’s wet and dreary.  We don’t even have the beauty of a new-fallen snow to make it look better.  The purpose of Lent, though, is to face up to the “dreariness” of sinful attitudes and behaviors - those things that witness to our lack of trust in God.  So while acknowledging the “wet and dreary,” I want to lift up signs of faith and trust - places where I see examples of people trusting the living Christ. 

Last night - in spite of the heavy rain - a great group of people came to St. John’s to worship in the name of Christ, as we prayed for healing.  As a wonderful example of faith and trust, our Healing Team presented a service that was rich and meaningful. 

During these days of Lent there are four groups of people within our church that are growing in our faith as we study Adam Hamilton’s book entitled “24 Hours That Changed the World.”  It is insightful, with some challenging questions.  By the way, if you’d like to watch the sermons that Hamilton is preaching on this topic during this season of Lent, check out his congregation’s website (www.cor.org) and click on the arrow in the box on the right.

Brenda Borchers includes me in the emails that she sends out to our youth.  Their whole schedule is exciting, but two recent things pop out to me.  There is great excitement about attending their upcoming “Snow Camp” - an annual event that serves deepen a walk with Christ for both youth and adults who attend.  And then - knowing that they can’t “stay at the top of the mountain” forever, they’re anticipating preparing and serving the next Dover Friendly Kitchen meal on March 9th - very Wesleyan . . . putting faith into action!

What wonderful examples of faith and trust.  Kind of makes the dreariness go away, doesn’t it?

Now for some news:  Our February Public Supper will happen this Saturday, from 4:30 till 6 PM!!  As always, more helpers would be great - particularly for clean-up - which takes less than an hour (Wouldn’t it be wonderful if enough people showed up to help clean up, that the crew that worked the supper could simply go home and leave the clean up to the “new arrivals?”  Maybe some day!!). 

Jean and Mike Moore are former members of St. John’s, so I thought this would be important news to some of you:  “Jean Moore, co-director of Wanakee United Methodist Center in Meredith, NH, died early this morning. She had a long, valiant, and difficult struggle with leukemia.  Originally from Merrimack, NH, Jean began as co-director of Wanakee with her husband Mike in November of 2005. Previous to her work at Wanakee, Jean was an elementary educator.   Jean grew up attending Wanakee as a camper, and later as summer staff and a volunteer throughout the years. She served as chairperson of the Wanakee Board prior to becoming her job as co-director, and both she and Mike have said they “are blessed to be a part of the camp and to be able to share in the development of campers’ faith.”   Mike, their three children, and the family are understandably devastated.  The family appreciates your prayers, love and support, and respectfully asks not to receive phone calls at this time. Condolences may be sent to 75 Upper New Hampton Rd, Meredith, NH 03253-9516.  Details on services will be sent when arrangements have been made.”

We have been invited to the Sixth Anniversary celebration of the Maranatha Indonesian United Church of Christ, in Madbury - this Sunday, beginning at 1:30 PM, in the Madbury Town Hall.  These folks know how to party, so you might want to make this a priority!!

At the request of the Church Council to address one of our current goals, over the next couple of months, the Worship Committee, with representation from the Education Committee, will be seeking your input on how to address some important needs of our fellow brothers and sisters - our church family.  These issues relate to our Sunday morning schedule. 
   Here are the questions:
* How can we help our Sunday School children and youth grow in their understanding of a worship service - how to do it - what it means - how it shapes us?  And what can we do to encourage them to attend a church service?
* How can we facilitate meaningful worship for the people who serve as Sunday School teachers?
* What needs to be done in order to enable people who want to teach Sunday School AND participate in worship that is meaningful to them?
* And how might we work to increase our Sunday morning Adult Education ministry?
   The Worship Committee would LOVE to have your input - questions/comments/suggestions on these issues.  To get that input, they are doing a number of things.
   Two people from the Worship Committee will be visiting every committee meeting in the next month, or so - taking fifteen or twenty minutes to get the ideas of the committee members.
   In order to get input from those who don’t serve on any committees, there will be “open meetings” on Sunday, March 21st.  For those people who attend the second service, the meeting will begin at 9:40 AM, in Hartford Hall.  For those who attend the first service, the meeting will begin at the conclusion of Coffee Fellowship - 10:30 AM - in the same room.  The Worship Committee hopes parents of Sunday School participants, in particular, will attend this second meeting! 
   If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak to a member of the Worship Committee (Jana Marie Whitten [Chair], Jim Avrett, Jeff Mitchell, Rita Murphy, Kevin Quigley, Neil Sewall, David Thompson and Kim Willett).

Don’t forget that this Sunday is “Undy Sunday,” and you’re invited to bring a package of new children’s underwear (sizes 2-14) and/or flip-flops to church with you - to send with a medical team from Dover, on their next trip to Haiti.  We have been very generous toward Haiti in the last month and a half.  It’s a shame, but the need is still REALLY great. 

Jinny Scott reported during announcements last Sunday morning that there will be a continuous collection of clean, empty prescription bottles, with the labels removed.  These will be given to a retired United Methodist pastor, David Kerr, who travels once or twice a year with another medical team to Haiti.  The collection box is presently located on the shelf outside the window to Sandy’s office.

His request approved, the Fox News photographer quickly used a cell phone to
call the local airport to charter a flight.  He was told a twin-engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport.  Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger.  He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, ‘Let’s go’.  The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off.  Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, ‘Fly over the valley
and make low passes so I can take pictures of the fires on the hillsides.’  ‘Why?’ asked the pilot.  ‘Because I’m a photographer for Fox Cable News,’ he responded. ‘And I need to get some close up shots.’  The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, finally he stammered, ‘So, what you’re telling me, is . . . you’re NOT my flight instructor?’

That’s it for today.  See you at the Public Supper, and in church.  Peace, Mark

In about 610 A.D. a very creative Alpine Monk decided to make use of the pieces of dough left over from baking bread. The Monk formed them into thin strips folded into a looped twist to represent the folded arms of children in prayer.

This scrumptious treat was given to the children as they learned their prayers. They began calling the treat “Pretiola”, which is Latin for “little reward”. Soon it was known the world over as a pretzel.

The secret of making great pretzels is not only in the baking but also in the shaping. We, like pretzels, are made from the best ingredients, by the best hands available, the hands of our Father in Heaven.

Have you ever seen a broken pretzel, or one that’s lost its shape? We too, can lose our shape when we don’t pray always to keep our spirituality intact. Even in the midst of our greatest trials, we must remember, as did Job, to call on the Lord. The simple shape of the pretzel, arms folded in prayer, reminds us to pray each day. Our “Pretiola” or “little rewards” are the blessings we receive.

Every time you see a pretzel, remember prayer. Check to see if your arms are often folded in prayer and have not lost their shape.

 Our Sunday School children and youth will be making pretzels for us on Sunday, March 21st!  You won’t want to miss it.

You can meet some of the displaced homeowners served by the St. Bernard Project by going to this link.

Last evening we began the “Journey of Hope” which will take us to the foot of the cross of Christ, and beyond.  May these next few weeks be significant in your journey of faith.  Won’t you plan to be in at worship if you’re in town, and not ill?  Won’t you consider reading the scriptures (particularly the “passion” narratives) during these weeks?  Would you consider taking on a regular task that is sacrificial for you, but beneficial to someone else?  Please consider doing these of other, similar things, in order to enrich and enliven your Lenten and Easter experience.

This Sunday affords families a special opportunity.  With the Public School vacations taking place this week (Maine) and next week (New Hampshire), our Education Committee and teaching staff have decided not to hold Sunday School this Sunday (only).  I would encourage all the families of our church to attend worship together - if you’re in town.  This would be one of those great opportunities for us to help our children and youth experience worship - to grow in their sense of the holy - and to develop practices that enable their own worshipful times.  Please consider this. 

St. John’s has responded generously to the Haitian crisis. Here is one more opportunity to give. Local medical teams (including Dr. Small, Dr. Bulter and Dr. Chase) have been going to Haiti for years. This year we have the opportunity to send underwear (size 2-14) or beach thongs with them. These are two items –along with money to the Haitian Health Foundation–that were specifically mentioned as a need. Our Outreach Committee will provide two collection boxes on 2/28 and 3/7 and the team will take these items to Jeremy, Haiti the third week in March.  So for two weeks in a row, we’ll observe “Undy Sunday!”

BARB JOHNSON: Update:  Her knee replacement surgery went well Wed., 2/17 at York Hospital.  She ended up needing a full knee replacement.  From the surgeon (supplemented by one of the OR nurses):  She had a total knee replacement — had expected to only do a partial, and once inside, discovered “disease” (damage?) to both inner and outer areas. So had to (essentially?) restart the surgery to do the full replacement.  She cannot be released until she gets over some “hurdles” such as being in “safe ambulatory” condition; her blood levels are good (she lost some during surgery), etc.  The surgeon said she would be in the hospital one to three days, depending on recovery speed.  Please offer continued prayers for her recovery, especially pain management, and a strong and complete healing.

New England Conference Scholarship Application Packets are available.  It is that time of year again for all the graduating high school seniors and college students to apply for a New England Conference Scholarship. The application submission deadline is May 1, 2010.  The Scholarship application packet is available online at the Conference web site at http://www.neumc.org/forms (search for “scholarship”) or Click Here.  The application consists of the following:
-Instructions for completion of the two required forms
-The 2010 New England Conference Scholarship Application Form
-The 2010 Local Church Scholarship Application Recommendation Form
Eligibility is limited to:
-Members of the United Methodist churches within the bounds of the New England Conference
-Must be high school graduates
-Must be seeking assistance for education beyond high school (undergraduate college, technical or trade school) but NOT on a post-graduate level.  If further information is needed, contact Paul Carlotto, Chair Scholarship Committee, at p.carlotto [at] Verizon [dot] net.

The March “Bell-Wether” is nearing the end of production.  There’s allot of news coming your way this month, folks - about 20 pages worth!!  Wow!  The “Holy Folders” will be here tomorrow morning to prepare it for mailing.  You can be warming your coffee, and fluffing the pillows in your favorite chair, in anticipation of the “Bell-Wether’s” arrival!  Sit right down, and enjoy the read!!  God is blessing us at St. John’s with many vital, exciting ministries for Christ and his church!

If you’d like to support cancer research, Gloria Perrine will be taking orders for bunches of daffodils, potted bulbs or “Bear ‘n a Bunch” during coffee fellowship this Sunday.  Seek her out!!

There are posters on our Hartford Hall bulletin board advertising testing sessions for 2010 Census Jobs.  The first is this Sunday, at 12:30 PM at St. John’s Church!  The others are Tuesday, February 23rd and Thursday, March 4th at 10 AM, and the NH Works Employment Office in Somersworth.  Call 570-5120 with questions.  No appointments are needed for these testing sessions. 

The sign-up sheets for our February Public Supper are posted in Hartford Hall.  There are still allot of openings - for contributions as well as workers.  I hope you’ll check out the sheets soon.  The supper is a week from this Saturday.

Our Healing Team will offer the first healing service for 2010 on Wednesday, February 24th, at 7 PM, in our sanctuary.  This service - like the previous service - will be in the format of Taize worship (from a community in France).  It is slow, quiet, repetitive and reflective.  Come and/or invite a friend who would be helped, to come!

A naive young lass was playing Trivial Pursuit one night. It was her turn. She rolled the dice and landed on “Science & Nature.” Her question was, “If you are in a vacuum and someone calls your name, can you hear it?” She thought for a
minute or two and then asked, “Is it on or off?”

That’s it for this week - for news.  Pretty soon someone will be coming to the church to arrest me.  But have no fear!  Through you and some family members and friends, I’ve raised enough money for my bail!!  MDA set by bail at $1,600, but through your generosity I’ve raised $1,783!  Thanks very much!  So I can confidently say “see you in church!”  Peace, Mark
 

No snow - how’s that strike you?  I think it’s wonderful to hear how “no snow” rests with different folks.  It witnesses to the diversity of people around us - which is a great metaphor for the church, which is made up of people possessing many and various gifts - all for the common good!  Remember when we read that in worship a couple weeks ago?  It also confirms the gift that God has given to us of creating each one of us uniquely.  Some consider that a threat, but in God’s creation, it seems it must be part of God’s design for good. 

This notice came from Rabbi Karol at Temple Israel:  Members of the Dover area community are welcome to attend a “Neighbor Night” Sabbath service at Temple Israel of Dover, 515 Sixth Street, on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 7:30 pm.  For this service, congregants are inviting friends, neighbors, colleagues, classmates and co-workers to attend this Shabbat service.  Rabbi Karol will explain Jewish prayers and practices within the flow of the service and during a question-and-answer period following the closing song.  You are welcome to attend as Rabbi Karol’s guest(s) after you have contacted him by February 16 (send an email to lpkarol@aol.com or leave a message for Rabbi Karol at 603-742-3976).  This service marks the end of National Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week, a celebration of unity founded by the National Conference for Community and Justice.

From the minutes of the Dover Cooperative Ministries meeting, I’m seeing that they are looking especially for personal care items to stock the Food Pantry; and brown paper bags to send food, etc. home with folks.  Can you help?  The collection “bins” are located in the narthex, to the left of the front door of the church.

St. John’s is having a fundraiser on Wednesday, May 13th.  We will be going to UNO Chicago Grill at Week’s Crossing in Dover.  A percentage of the sales will come back to St. John’s.  If it’s in your budget, this would be a good opportunity for a family night out, or perhaps there are people in our church family that you might like to know better.  Consider inviting them to go out to dinner with you.  Pick up a coupon - necessary for St. John’s to receive credit - from the shelf outside Sandy’s office.

Memorial services for Rev. Dr. Samuel Williams Dixon, Jr. (Director of UMCOR) and Rev. Clinton Clark Rabb (Volunteer in Mission Coordinator for UMCOR) - both of whom died following the earthquakes in Haiti) will be held at Riverside Church in New York.  You are invited to watch the service live online.  Go to: http://gbgm-umc.org/memorial/ for more information and to view the broadcast on today, February 11, at 3 PM.

Dover High School is presenting the musical comedy, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”  Show times are Friday and Saturday (2/12 and 2/13) at 7:00PM and Sunday (2/14) at 2:00 - all at the Walker Auditorium at Dover High School.  Our own Jeremy Korth will play the part of Jesus!!  (Not too ragged, eh?  But if you go, be sure to notice the robe Jesus is wearing.  It’s from the wardrobe of a certain distinguished preacher in town!)  The school says that this play is not recommended for children under the age of 12.

Last evening, our Outreach Committee filled 157 health kits with materials that you donated - plus we still have materials for 51 “partial” kits (to be completed by donations from the Committee members) - so we will have surpassed the 200 mark for kits.  If you are so inclined, the Committee would love to receive monetary donations to help pay for the shipping costs.  Just put your gift marked “Health Kits Shipping” in the offering plate - or mail it to the church.  And just in case you hadn’t brought your material donations in, the collection boxes will remain in place through Sunday.  Thank you very much for your faithfulness!! 

Our Confirmation Class and I will be traveling to Portsmouth tomorrow evening, for an overnight “retreat.”  We’ll be staying at First UMC in Portsmouth, and will be doing three of our classes between our arrival and departure around noon on Saturday.  We have four members in this year’s Confirmation Class, and I’m looking forward to a great time with them.  Please hold us in prayer!

Here’s a re-run of an article from the February “Bell-Wether”:
   During the season of Lent, Pastor Mark will lead a series of three Inquirer’s/Membership Classes.  These classes are great for folks who know already that they would like to join the church - or for folks who may have questions about United Methodist beliefs - or for folks who are considering membership but don’t yet know if it’s the thing for them to do - or even for folks who are already members, who would like to brush-up on United Methodism.
   The classes will be held from 7 till 9 PM on February 16th, March 2nd and March 16th.  In the classes Mark will cover discussions about St. John’s Church - its history, groups, committees, budget, resources, etc.; the beliefs of United Methodism; and also the history of Methodism, and how that history shapes our life together today.
   Folks who are members of another United Methodist Church and wish to transfer their membership only need to attend the March 16th meeting - though they’re more than welcome at all three classes.  Anyone desiring to join St. John’s, who holds membership in another church - whether United Methodist or of another denomination - needs to let Mark know the contact information of that former church, so he can begin the process of transferring your membership.
   If childcare is an issue in your ability to attend the classes, speak to Mark.  There are some folks who have offered to help provide childcare - in your home, or at the church, whichever would work better for you and your child(ren).

The season of Lent begins next Wednesday, with our Ash Wednesday service, at 7 PM, at the church.  Come - get your hands dirty - and begin the Journey of Hope that we will share through Lent.

Did you hear about the Dover Cop who couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw a woman drive past him on the freeway, busily knitting. Quickly he pulled alongside the vehicle, rolled down his window and shouted, “Pull over!” “No,” the women yelled back cheerfully, “Socks!”

That’s it for this week.  See you in church - for Transfiguration Sunday (the lasts Sunday of the season of Epiphany).  Peace, Mark

You are invited to join with other St. John’s members, families and friends (well, anyone) at our second Out to Eat “Doughraiser” at the Uno Chicago Grill in Dover on Wednesday March 17, 2010.

We did this last May and it was a great time for all with good food and fellowship. If our turn out is large enough, we can earn up to 20% of our combined check amount.
And just think, no setup or teardown!

You can dine-in from 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM, or order take out.
For us to get credit for your purchase, a ticket is necessary to identify your party as part of the St. John’s “Doughraiser.” It can be obtained at St. John’s from the shelf outside Sandy’s office during the week and after church.

This is a great opportunity for a family night out, or a chance to invite someone who you would like to get to know better.

We look forward to seeing you at the Uno on March 17. Wear your Green!