December 16, 2018 Mainstreeter Online

December 16, 2018 A Word from the Pastor     "The Lord, your God, is in your midst, … he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love."  Zephaniah 3:14-20          These words were originally spoken to the exiles who had returned from time spent in captivity in Babylon. Following this challenging time of disconnection from the land of Judah, the city of Jerusalem, and the traditions of their faith, the exiles were reminded that their God was indeed in their midst and that in spite of the horrors of dislocation and alienation in a strange land, God rejoiced over them and promised to renew them in love. What comforting words spoken by a prophet in a time when comfort and peace was disparately needed!      As we continue our journey through Advent, we too find ourselves sometimes feeling disconnected from family, friends, church, and community. Sometimes the sense of disconnection comes as a result of the physical distance that separates us from our loved ones, but sometimes it comes from a sense of alienation brought on by disagreements and squabbles between people that we love but can't seem to reconcile with. In this time of disconnection and alienation we too need to hear these comforting words and know that God is indeed with us and rejoices over us and renews us in love as well.     May we be the bearers of just such a message to others we know who are struggling during this this season of goodwill and peace towards those whom God loves. This is the Advent message that we both need to hear and need to share--God is in your midst and rejoices over you and is renewing you in love. May this Advent season prove to be a season of renewal, reconciliation, and peace for us and for all people.    Announcements Calendar Worship Ahead 12/23         Fourth Sunday of Advent                   Lighting the Fourth Advent Candle Scripture: Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:39-55 Theme: The One of Peace--The prophet Micah speaks of a future king who will be born in Bethlehem and who will rule as a shepherd of the people. They will dwell secure because he will be "the One of Peace." Christmas Season Schedule   12/24     Christmas Eve Candlelight Services                (There will be two services, at 7:00pm and at 10:00pm.                The 10:00pm service will include Holy Communion.)                Lighting the Christ Candle                Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Luke 2:1-20 Theme:   Non-Sentimental Christmas Themes for Non-Sentimental Times   12/30     First Sunday after Christmas (10:30am only)                A Service of Lessons and Carols   Please note that there will only be one service on December 30th at 10:30am. The 8:15am worship service will resume on Sunday, Jan. 6th. Vestry Adult Sunday School Class to Address the Topic of Homosexuality and the United Methodist Church   During the months of January and February the Adult Sunday School class that meets in the vestry will be exploring the topic of homosexuality and the United Methodist Church. We will look at homosexuality using the quadrilateral--scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. We will also look at the United Methodist position on homosexuality from the Book of Resolutions and the Book of Discipline. Finally, we will look at the proposals that will come before the special session of General Conference in February of 2019. All are invited to be part of this class which will be led by Pastor Rich with assistance from Paul Pederzani and other class members. Please direct any questions to Pastor Rich. What Do You Know? How good are you with important facts? For example, what significant event occurred in 1972?  Chapel and offices were constructed.  Bean suppers were proposed and began as a monthly event.  Wesley Building was renovated.  Youth choir performed Jesus Christ Superstar. Click below for the answer.  Outline History of MSUMC Historic Tidbit With this year being our 150th Anniversary, the Anniversary Committee has gathered historic quotes to share, taken from Methodism in Nashua, 1831-1982, by J. Lawrence Hall. We will include one with each Mainstreeter Online.        Twenty-seven:   The church bulletin board which had long graced the front lawn continued to show the effects of time. Early in 1975 plans were made to replace it with one of larger display. As plans developed, it became apparent that a structure of substantial size would be needed. The year of 1976 was our 'Nation's Bicentennial' year and many national and community programs availed themselves of this opportunity for historical activities. Plans continued and the renovation group contacted. "   "What had been a bulletin board is now called a 'Message Center'. The old bulletin board still in use, [at the time of this writing, 1982] has been rebuilt and installed at the Monroe United Methodist Church, Monroe, New Hampshire. [A time capsule was installed and a grand procession and ceremony performed by the Masons.] Proceeding to the church were some two hundred or more persons assembled; Past Master Philip L. Hall served as Master of Ceremonies introducing the dignitaries of the church." Copyright © 2018 Mainstreeter Online, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Mainstreeter Online 154 Main St Nashua, NH 03060-2731 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? Send updates to: office@mainstreet-umc.org

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