Thursday, March 14, 2024

Mainstreeter Weekly Blast March 14, 2024


New in this Issue:

  • UMW District Meeting - registration forms available.

  • Vacation Bible Camp - Save the Dates!

  • Nashua Soup Kitchen & Shelter - Volunteer this Sunday!

  • Annual Reports now available.

  • Book Study Opportunities.

  • College Care Package Donations needed.

  • Nora's Girl Scout Project - Volunteers wanted!

  • Ham & Bean Retrospective Meeting - Scheduled for May!


Click Here to Donate Today to MSUMC

Dear Beloved in Christ,

"The status quo won't do and now it's time to update your view of the world" that's what  neuroscientists say about uncertainty. It's a signal to the brain that there's something to be learned here.

These are uncertain times for so many of us. But, according to writer Maggie Jackson, perhaps there is deep wisdom to be uncovered too—surprising gifts of curiosity, creative thinking, open-mindedness, and ways forward through the unpredictabilities of life.

Sounds like our Lenten journey Into the Dark Wood. Here's a podcast with Kate Bowler on understanding and perhaps even appreciating the role of uncertainty in these trying times.  

In this conversation, Kate and Maggie discuss:

  • How uncertainty might foster creativity, resilience, and mutual understanding.

  • Why we avoid ambiguity and a few small steps to help us become more comfortable with not knowing.

  • How the practices of imagination and perspective-taking can help us see the potential in others.

  • Why focusing on outcomes can close you off from picking up information, nuance, or other people's perspectives.

  • Why experiences contrary to our beliefs take longer, sometimes even weeks, to process.


Epic chance to learn and grow and thrive

Enjoy and we'll see you on Sunday for the Gift of Temptation.


Thanks,

Pastor Kelly

Click to listen to Podcast!
Click Here for Sunday's Bulletin

Below is our Lent Reflections submissions.

Get your thinking caps on and your thoughts together.  We will be holding a Ham & Bean Retrospective Meeting for everyone who has been involved in our first year back.  The meeting will be on Saturday, May 11th and lunch will be provided.  


We need everyone's feedback in order to continue to make these suppers successful.

Nora noticed that the space where she attends a theater summer camp at Wasserman Park is lacking an adequate dressing area for the campers and stage wings to hide the actors when they're not on stage.  Nora also wants to update the entry to be more inviting.  


Nora presented her project proposal at the Town Council meeting in December for approval to make the necessary renovations to the space.


Nora recites the pledge of allegiance at the beginning of the meeting and then her presentation starts at minute mark 11:10.  


https://youtu.be/QWkO4siRAc4?si=69zQwPOkaT6FMWLH


Since the project approval in December, Nora has acquired the necessary funds and has started construction of the dressing area and stage wings in addition to making improvements to the entry.    


Nora is hosting a Project Help Day on Saturday, April 20th from 1-4pm to paint the stage wings and dressing room walls, and create a feature wall in the entry.  All volunteers are welcomed to help Nora with this community project!

Buy Tickets Here to See Nora!

UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH (UMW)

Next meeting is March 20 7 PM, hybrid


Please join us next week when Mavis Pyle and Lynn Moseley will share about their experiences volunteering at Stepping Stones, the drop-in center for houseless teens and young adults.  Since there is no regular meeting in April to spend time on Earth Day, plan to share at this meeting some ways you have found to recycle items or cut down on unneeded packaging and one-time use disposables. 


We are hosting the District meeting here on Sat. April 13th.  The registration is linked below and may be turned in to the office here rather than mailing it to the district.  Think of women you can invite whether churched or unchurched, whether UM or another denomination.  


All registration checks should be made out to Granite State United Methodist Women (not MSUMW).


Thank you,

Pam

Registration Form for District Meeting
March 20 - Google Meeting Link

It's almost spring, so you know what that means? It's time to make summer plans! Save the dates below for our Vacation Bible Camp and we will send more information in the coming weeks regarding registration, volunteers, donations, etc.

Register Here

The youth will pack and ship snacks to college students in April on behalf of MSUMC. We would appreciate donated prepackaged snacks such as granola bars, cracker sandwiches, cookies, microwave popcorn, hot cocoa, oatmeal packets, tea bags, Raman noodles, Starbucks $10 gift cards, and assorted chips, including the most popular Takis Chips. A box will be outside the office for your donations. We will also welcome monetary donations to defray the shipping & supplies costs. Please send a check payable to MSUMC and write Youth College Care on the memo line. If you know of any college students who would benefit from a Main Street Care Package, please email the name of the student, college address, year in college, and their Major to Karrie Lam, Youth Ministries Coordinator, at karrie.lam@mainstreet-umc.org.

Click HERE for Amazon List

Join United Way of Greater Nashua on April 5th at 10:30 am for an informative session at the Nashua Senior Activity Center. Discover how Greater Nashua Habitat for Humanity & RSVP FixIt assist low to moderate-income homeowners with vital repairs. From safety improvements to minor fixes, learn how these programs make a difference in our community's homes.

Register Here
Community Baby Shower Wish List
Click Here to Donate Today to MSUMC

Church office hours:  

Mon - Weds - Thurs - Fri from 9:00 - 2:00

Closed on Tuesdays.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Mainstreeter Weekly Blast March 7, 2024



New in this Issue:

  • Annual Reports now available.

  • New 6-week book study!

  • College Care Package Donations needed.

  • UMM Meeting, Saturday, March 9th - Change in Agenda Speaker

  • Help us Welcome new worshippers!

  • Nora's new play - buy tickets now!


Click Here to Donate Today to MSUMC

Our journey into the Lenten Dark Wood has invited us to reflect on how the experience of things, we would avoid if we could, might have gifts to offer. What new perspective might we see when considering things like the pandemic, the diminishing positive influence faith has in culture, or declining church attendance? 


How might we find the opportunity, the gift, the opening, this moment offers?--just 40+ days from GC, when 20% of US congregations have disaffiliated, when budgets and worship attendance have decreased? What might the urgency of this time offer us in noticing the values we hold most dear? How do these trying times refocus us on the inclusive, gospel good news we want to proclaim? 


Understanding that the "Leviathan of the big denomination and an obsession with growing and being the biggest has had its day." (as church historian and scholar Tom Frank wrote), how can we build something new together? How can we be grateful for the good the UMC has offered for 51 years through some turbulent times and work together to envision something leaner but also more international, more regional, more collaborative, and more diverse?


That's the work of the Love Your Neighbor Coalition -- representing 15+ UM-related caucus groups working together for justice and to assure the UMC is fully open to the presence, love and grace of God offered to all people. We commit to love each other and stay in relationship. You can financially support their work by clicking the button below.


Thanks,

Pastor Kelly

Donate Today!
Click Here for Sunday's Bulletin

Below is our Lent Reflections submissions.

Two-yr. old big brother, Mason, with baby sister, Terra Josephine. She was born Feb. 27. Parents are Mandy and Josh. Happy Grandparents are Pam and Paul Breniser!


Congratulations to the Breniser Family!

Buy Tickets Here to See Nora!

UNITED METHODIST MEN MEETING -

THIS COMING SATURDAY, MARCH 9TH

8:30 am BREAKFAST

9:00 am MEETING


Reminder that we will have our March 2024 Meeting of the UMM this Saturday, March 9th!  Though our program was going to be led by Re-Vision Energy Company who assisted the Church of the Good Shepherd in bringing solar power to their church, they are not ready to join us for a presentation but are preparing one for the near future.  We have been assigned a new engineer, Eric St. Pierre, who will be leading our study effort.


In a call this week, Eric has promised to send me some material for us to discuss Saturday as we continue to think about the feasibility for solar power for our church.  I will share that info with everyone so we can decide if we are a good fit for solar power.


Our meeting, as stated below, will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a hot breakfast followed by our meeting at 9:00 a.m.  Bring your questions for Eric and I will pass them on to Re-Vision Energy for answers before our next meeting. 


We have provided funds to the church to take care of their lawn care expenses this year at both the church and the parsonage per your guidance.  I received no negative replies to my request below for our support and the payments have been made.


Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.  Your presence is greatly appreciated.


In Christ,

Kent Swanson


UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH (UMW)

Next meeting is March 20 7 PM, hybrid


PIE BAKING WORKSHOP - See details below.


UMCOR KITS

In April watch for signup sheets for supplies for the Clean up buckets and Feminine Hygiene kits.  These will be assembled at our May meeting.


DISTRICT MEETING - Sat. April 13 -10-2

As soon as we get registration forms for the United Women in Faith meeting we are hosting, I will send those out as well as a signup sheet for tasks and baked goods.

March 20 - Google Meeting Link

The youth will pack and ship snacks to college students in April on behalf of MSUMC. We would appreciate donated prepackaged snacks such as granola bars, cracker sandwiches, cookies, microwave popcorn, hot cocoa, oatmeal packets, tea bags, Raman noodles, Starbucks $10 gift cards, and assorted chips, including the most popular Takis Chips. A box will be outside the office for your donations. We will also welcome monetary donations to defray the shipping & supplies costs. Please send a check payable to MSUMC and write Youth College Care on the memo line. If you know of any college students who would benefit from a Main Street Care Package, please email the name of the student, college address, year in college, and their Major to Karrie Lam, Youth Ministries Coordinator, at karrie.lam@mainstreet-umc.org.

Click HERE for Amazon List
Community Baby Shower Wish List
Click Here to Donate Today to MSUMC

Church office hours:  

Mon - Weds - Thurs - Fri from 9:00 - 2:00

Closed on Tuesdays.