January 15 Online Mainstreeter

 

January 15, 2018

Words from the Pastor

"Concerning the Silence of Moderates", Martin Luther King Jr.
Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963

"I had also hoped that the white moderate would reject the myth of time…It is the strangely irrational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that will inevitably cure all ills. Actually time is neutral. It can either be used destructively or constructively. I am coming to feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than the people of good will. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the vitriolic words and actions of bad people, but for the appalling silence of good people. We must come to see that human progress… must come through the tireless efforts and persistent work of people willing to be co-workers with God…"

I have always considered myself to be a "moderate". I have tried to understand all sides of whatever the "issue of the day" might be. In doing so, I have often found that there really are two sides to every story. When it comes to racism though, and discrimination, and oppression based on racist beliefs and attitudes, I realize that I cannot be a moderate. I have to take a stand. I have to let my voice be heard. I have to be a co-worker with the God who calls us to stand up for the oppressed and those who are discriminated against because of the color of their skin, their language, or their country of origin. The events of this past week, in the White House no less, require me to take a stand even if by doing so some may choose to call me a "radical" or worse. As Martin Luther King Jr. pointed out in his letter to the clergy of Birmingham in 1963 who called for unity rather than resistance, the "appalling silence of good people" must stop. Will you join me in taking a stand against racism?

Pastor Rich

Worship Ahead in January

1/21 The third Sunday after the Epiphany
Scripture: First Samuel 3:1-10; John 1:43-51
Theme: Variety of Calls

In baptism we have all been called into the general ministry of the church. I believe that God calls each of us in more unique ways also and to ministries that are very different. Our scripture readings for this service reflect the variety of ways in which others have experienced God's call in their lives and the very different ways in which they have lived out that call.

Announcements

Calendar for the Week of January 14

Annual Church Conference This Coming Thursday

Please plan to join us on Thursday, January 18^th at 7:00pm here in the vestry for our annual Church Conference. Our District Superintendent, the Rev. Jim McPhee, will be presiding over the conference. It is an opportunity for us to celebrate all that God has been doing through the Main Street UMC in the past year while thinking together about the future. The Staff Parish Relations Committee members will be meeting with Rev. McPhee at 6pm in the nursery. (It is the only space available!). I look forward to seeing your then.

Invitation to Helen Louderback's 70^th Birthday Celebration

On Sunday, January 28^th, you are invited to join us in celebrating Helen Louderback's 70^th birthday both in worship and afterwards in a special reception in the vestry. There will be an "act of thanksgiving" during the worship service in which you are invited to make a contribution in Helen's honor, which will be presented to the church. The reception will feature Filipino food prepared by Celebration Catering. If you plan to attend please let Helen know no later than Sunday, January 21^st by calling her at 603-554-1141 or via e-mail at Helen.M.Louderback@faa.gov

Your presence would make this day a special one for Helen.

Confirmation Plans Announced

Confirmation classes for youth in grades 7 – 12 will be held during the months of February, March and April. A planning meeting for parents and youth will take place on Sunday, January 21^st at 11:45am in the chapel. We will do our best to find agreeable dates for the six confirmation classes. Confirmation itself will take place on Sunday, April 22^nd. Classes will be led by Pastor Rich along with assistance from various members of the congregation.