Friday, December 20, 2019

December 20 Online Mainstreeter

 

 December 20, 2019

  

 

 A Word from the Pastor

 

Prayer for Christmas Eve

By

Rev. Wes Jamison

 

Persistent God,
after the carols have been sung,
the presents opened,
and the feasts shared,
let us not lose the truth of this holy night:
that you become vulnerable to heal this world
and you invite us to discover in that vulnerability
the true strength of the ages.
Transform us, O God,
until we are one with you,
one with each other,
and one with all the world,
through Jesus Christ,
who unites heaven and earth,
through the power of your Holy Spirit.
Amen.

 

    On Christmas Day (and Eve) we celebrate the birth of the most vulnerable of God's children- a baby born into this world, not in the safety of a hospital or of his mother's home, but in a manger surrounded by unsanitary animals and parents who were wearied from their long journey.  The Gospel of John dares to declare that this One was the very Word of God and that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth."  This very vulnerability speaks of the nature of God's care for the world and reminds us that it is in our own human vulnerability that we are able to join with God in this healing act.

    May our celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ be to us a reminder of just what this birth meant and continues to mean for all of God's creation.  May we experience in our own vulnerability the opportunity to partner with God in transforming ourselves and the world in which we live.

 

                                                                                                                                Wishing you a blessed Christmas,

 

                                                                                                                                Pastor Rich                         

 

WORSHIP AHEAD

12/22    The fourth Sunday of Advent

Lighting the fourth Advent candle (Sue and Paul Curtis at 8:15 and Eli, Verabelle, Andrea and Mark Weir at 10:30am)

                Cantata- The Voices of Christmas

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 (8:15am service only)

Theme:  God with Us-  The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of the birth of Jesus from the perspective of Joseph and in the telling two names are given for Jesus each of which holds great meaning for his future.

 

CHRISTMAS SERVICE SCHEDULE

You are invited to experience the joy of the Christmas Season at each of the following services:

 

Tuesday, December 24th

                7:00pm Family Service with candle lighting

                10:00pm Communion Service with candle lighting

 

Sunday, December 29th – The First Sunday after Christmas

                No 8:15am Service and no Sunday School classes

                10:30am Service of Lessons and Carols

 

Sunday, January 5th – The Epiphany of our Lord

                8:15am Service of Holy Communion

                10:30am Worship with communion

 

Collection of Nativity Sets

Please stop by the Ladies' Parlor on the first floor of the Wesley Building and see the collection of nativity sets in the display cabinet that Roger Hall made.  They will be there through Epiphany in January.

 

Also the nativity on the altar was made by Paul Curtis while stationed in Greenland. He poured and hand painted each piece.

 

 

OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK

Each week we will try to highlight a particular opportunity for you to serve in and through the Main Street UMC. 

 

On Christmas Eve we are need of numerous individuals to serve as greeters.  We have more first time visitors on Christmas Eve than at any other time and we want to welcome them in a way that will make them want to come back.  If you are able to be a greeter for either the 7:00pm service or the 10:00pm service please speak to Pastor Rich.

 

 

HEART OF NASHUA: GROWING IN FAITH CAPITAL CAMPAIGN:

                Received as of 12/15/19 towards the Heart of Nashua II Campaign: $900,223

HEART OF NASHUA I CAMPAIGN:

                Received as of 12/1/19 towards the Heart of Nashua Campaign I: $945,784

 

HEART OF NASHUA CAPITAL CAMPAIGN REFLECTIONS

After six years our "official" capital campaigns have now come to an end effective November 30th of 2019.  To say that these two campaigns were successful would be a severe understatement.  To date we have raised approximately $1,850,000 towards the $2,000,000 cost of our Heart of Nashua Construction and Renovation project.  We express gratitude to God and to you for the incredible generosity that we have witnessed through pledges and general giving along with memorial gifts.  As you may be aware, since we still owe over $150,000 towards our construction loan, we have invited those who are able to continue to give in the year 2020 in order to pay down our loan and the interest that goes with it.  To date 23 individuals or couples have committed to continue their pledge for a total of $27,560.  Whether you pledge or not, please continue to give towards the Heart of Nashua project so that we can be debt free in the near future.  Thank you again for your generosity in the past as well as in the future.

 

 

VESTRY ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

TO ADDRESS THE TOPIC OF YOUNG ADULTS, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND THE CHURCH

During the months of January and February the Adult Sunday School class that meets in the vestry will be exploring the topic of "Young Adults, Social Justice, and the Church" using the Vital Conversations Series provided by the General Commission on Religion and Race of the United Methodist Church.  In this series "millennial" pastors and lay members share what is important to them as they seek to be the church of Jesus Christ in the 21st century.  They will touch on issues pertaining to racism, welcoming refugees, ethnic identity and diversity, welcoming differently abled persons, and other social justices concerns.  As we seek to be a church that welcomes everyone we need to hear what our millennial members have to say about the importance of these and other social justice issues.  Pastor Rich will lead this class with hopefully the assistance of some of our church millennials.

 

 

INTO THE NEW YEAR

Just a reminder that we will enter into the new year with a bang as we resume our usual first weekend of the month activities. 

 

                Men's Breakfast-  Saturday, January 4th at 8:30am

                Ham and Bean Supper-  Saturday, January 4th at 4:30pm with preparations taking place on Friday and set up on Saturday morning.

 

 

CALLING ALL UNITED METHODIST MEN AND BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST

Our January 4, 2020 meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. in the vestry.  We will have our breakfast at 8:30 a.m. followed by a 2020 Planning Session at 9:00 a.m.  It is important to move forward for a new year with clear guidelines on how we want to use our resources and what type of programs you would like to have in 2020.  We have a strong financial balance in our account with the hope to add to that in the summer with our 2020 Golf Tournament.  I ask that you put on your thinking caps and be prepared to let us know what you believe our priorities should be, when they should be implemented, and how we, as an organization, can best help our church achieve its goals for 2020.

 

I would greatly appreciate a couple of members coming early around 8:00 a.m. to help setup the tables and would also appreciate as many as are able to remain after the end of our meeting around 9:45 a.m. to assist setting up tables for the first Ham and Bean Supper of the New Year!

 

Thank you all for your strong support in and your attendance at our meetings.  Your dedication to United Methodist Men and the Main Street United Methodist Church ministries are critical to our success and to all those in our church and community who have benefited by your efforts.  Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  Looking forward to seeing you over the holidays and at our first meeting of the New Year on 4 January.

 

In Christ, Kent

 

 

First Ham and Bean Supper of the New Year!

Christmas leftovers getting a little bit tired? Start your New Year right with our first Ham and Bean Supper of 2020 on Saturday, January 5 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The meal is served family style and features ham, two kinds of beans, coleslaw, potato salad, beverage, bread, and pie.  We need you and your friends, neighbors, and family to attend the Ham and Bean and make this supper a success! It is a fundraiser for our church that also welcomes the community to a great meal and opportunity for fellowship. 

 

Adults: $10

Seniors: $9

Children 6 to 12: $4

Children 5 and under:  Free!

 

If you would like to help with the Ham and Bean, contact David Appler at pappler@earthlink.net

See you at the Ham and Bean Supper Saturday!

 

 

Volunteer for Hospice

The Nashua community and surrounding towns has an immediate need for hospice volunteers.  Amedisys Hospice is seeking volunteers to visit patients in the Nashua, New Hampshire area and to help provide support in variety of administrative ways.

 

Hospice Volunteers help people nearing the end of their lives.  They share an hour of their time per week, visiting patients either at their home or at a local facility.  A volunteer does not physically move a patient, administer medications, feed, bathe or dress a patient, at any time.  Visits are purely for companionship.

 

Please consider sharing a small amount of your time by visiting a hospice patient.  Contact Patty Cooper at Amedisys Hospice at patricia.cooper@amedisys.com or call 603-421-0414.  

 

 

Mainstreeter Mission News

Gifts for the King:  Thank you for all of your generous gifts to the children at Nashua Children's Home and to the newest African families who have recently arrived in Nashua. Each child received a full bag of clothing, bedding, games, books, and art supplies.  We used the $806 in gift cards and cash for both the Nashua Children's Home and for the refugee families.  We had been unaware of the imminent arrival of a new baby to one of the recently settled families, due around the end of December.  That baby will have a new car seat for Christmas, as well as other items.  Please check with Phyllis Appler or Beatrice Bahati to see what other baby items are needed.

 

Merry Christmas from the Missions Committee!

 

 

January 2020  Count Your Blessings - A

My uncle had his own sense of humor and perspective.  He once asked "who is happier, the person with 10 million dollars or the person with 11 million dollars?"   Even as a kid my answer was "well, it depends on a lot of things . . . " to which my uncle responded "then it goes to show you a million dollars is not that important, is it?"  I want to explore money and happiness in a series of finance columns in our newsletter.

 

For January let's start with having not enough money.   People who grew up during the Great Depression (the 1930s) had their thoughts about money forever changed.   You hear stories of people who since that experience, lived very austere lives while accumulating their money in a seemingly impossible goal of financial security.   Likewise (and much later) when my mom got divorced she made minimum wage to support five kids.   Somehow we made too much for supplemental support.   Let's say money was very tight and so-called necessities were scarce.   As a country we've had both good and bad times.

 

In the mid-20 th century one parent could work at a factory while the other stayed home to raise the family.   Such a family could afford a basic house, schooling, and retire on a company pension.    It seemed easier to meet our needs back then.  Mind you, living was more basic at that time.  Plainer houses, less possessions, but more relationships as families and friends generally stayed in one place for a long time.

 

However today there are a lot more families than available homes, driving up rents and mortgages.   In very high-cost places like California, rows of tents along the streets are becoming more common as the jobs available don't come close to pay for housing expenses.   Schooling has risen in cost to the point where today's graduates often carry a hundred thousand dollars in student loans.   Pensions have virtually disappeared in the private sector, and are more difficult to fund in the public sector.  

 

To the many families affected by these circumstances, the lack of financial security affects their basic Maslow's levels of physiological and safety needs, jeopardizing their overall happiness.   Today as a church and community we recognize this and serve many in our area in key programs such as Food Pantry, Support Groups, Café Agape, GSOP, and Circles Greater Nashua.  Our Pastor's discretionary fund also supports these needs.

 

Even in these circumstances, some individuals and families find ways to be happy, appreciative of the other aspects of their lives and relationships.   Our support programs also help with this, given my experience in being an ally in Circles.   

 

Please let me know your thoughts.   I will continue this series and to explore the effect of money vs. happiness in upcoming columns.  

 

Thank you, Joe Dechene

 

 

TWO JOB OPENINGS

RECEPTIONIST POSITION

The receptionist at the Main Street United Methodist Church will greet people as they arrive for various activities; direct people to where they need to go; answer the phone; attend to various office related tasks, and perform other tasks that may be identified on an occasional basis.  The ideal person will be pleasant, accepting of all people, willing to address needs as they arise and work independently.  The position is part-time for approximately 20 hours per week and includes vacation time but no other benefits.  The hours are expected to be 9am – 1pm, Monday-Friday, but some flexibility can be provided.    The starting date for the position is expected to be March 1, 2020.  This position is available for both church members and non-church members.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITION

The Administrative Assistant for the Main Street United Methodist Church will assist the pastor with all office-related responsibilities including preparation of weekly bulletin, weekly e-mail blast, monthly paper newsletter; occasional bulk mailings; and other tasks that may be identified on an occasional basis.  The position will be responsible for seeing that all office equipment is maintained as required.  The ideal person must be able to work with the Microsoft Office Suite and be comfortable learning new programs that the church depends upon, such as Power Church Plus.  The position is part-time for approximately 20 hours per week and includes vacation time but no other benefits.  Hours are flexible based on the needs of the church and the availability of the person who fills the position.  The starting date for the position is expected to be February 1, 2020.  This position is available for non-church members only. 

 

 

Leaders of the Church

Happy New Year!!!

With the new year comes the time to submit your annual report for 2019 to the church office. You may email them as attachments (.doc) to office@mainstreet-umc.org or place it in the church office mailbox. In cases where leaders are new to their positions the predecessor should assist with the report. I will collect them and create the 2019 Annual Report Booklet.  Due date for your contribution is 2/14/2020.

Thank you, Pam

 

 

Announcements

Calendar

 

PLEASE NOTE: The next Online Blast will be January 10, 2020.

Have a Very Merry Christmas!!

and Blessed Yew Year

 

Thursday, December 12, 2019

December 12 Online Mainstreeter

  December 12, 2019

 

 

 

 A Word from the Pastor

 

Advent Prayer- Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar (from 2018)

 

Gracious God,
We are ready —
to receive you;
when you come,
in whatever way you come. 
We are ready —
to be your angels, your messengers, your bearers of glad tidings.
We are ready, God, to be —
your light, where there is darkness,
your way, where there is no clear path,
your hope, where the future is uncertain, 
your peace, where there is conflict,
your truth, where there is injustice.
Come, Lord Jesus, come — 
be among us
as God,
made flesh,
in the power
of the Holy Spirit, AMEN

 

    Are you ready? Advent is a season of readiness when we both invite God to be present in ways that will transform ourselves and our world and when we readily join in with God in this great work.  So, are you ready?  May we be ready at all times to be the light of Christ shining in the darkness; to be the way that provides clear directions to those who are seeking; to be beacons of hope to those who are feeling hopeless; to be peace, truth, and justice in our world.

 

                                                                                                                                                Ready and waiting,

                                                                                                                                                Pastor Rich

 

 

WORSHIP AHEAD

12/15   The third Sunday of Advent

Lighting the third Advent candle (Gloria and Alan MacDougall at 8:15 and Caitlin MacDonald and Debbie Jagodzinski at 10:30am)

Choir singing

Scripture: Isaiah 35:1-10; Matthew 11:2-11

Theme:  Everlasting Joy-  The readings on the third Sunday of Advent always speak of joy, gladness, and rejoicing and this is no exception.  The prophet speaks of the great joy, not just of the returning exiles, but of the very terrain through which they travel.  Joy is so much a part of the Advent and Christmas stories and hopefully we each can reflect that "everlasting" joy as well.

 

 

OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK

Each week we will try to highlight a particular opportunity for you to serve in and through the Main Street UMC. 

 

On Sunday we will be celebrating "Gifts for the King" and in some ways our service through this program is easiest of all since it mostly involves giving money rather than our time and effort.  This year you are invited to purchase "gift cards, balls, games, warm hats, scarves, and gloves, bowling passes, medium gym bags, or other items you think teems at the Nashua Children's Home would enjoy."  Please bring your items to be placed under the tree in the sanctuary during the 10:30am worship service.

 

 

CONSECRATION SUNDAY REMINDER

Sunday, October 20, we celebrated Consecration Sunday and presented our pledges of support to God for the year 2020. As of last Monday, 72 pledges had been received in support of the General Fund in the amount of $228,653 and another 23 pledges were received towards the Heart of Nashua Campaign to pay down our debt in the amount of $27,560.  If you have not as yet submitted your pledge card please do so as soon as possible by mailing it to the church office to the attention of Bill Francis, our Financial Secretary or by including it in the offering plate any Sunday.  Your commitment and support are greatly appreciated.

 

 

ADVENT TAIZE SERVICE PLANNED

Are you looking for a bit of peace and quiet in the midst of the hectic Christmas season?  If so, we have just what you need!  Sunday at 5:00pm we will hold an Advent Taizé Service featuring calming music, time for quiet reflection, meaningful prayers and readings, and all in a candle lit setting.  Come find your quiet center in the midst of this Christmas Season.  This service will be held in the second floor lobby.  This year we will have live music led by Irene Harris and other church musicians.

 

 

CHRISTMAS SERVICE SCHEDULE

You are invited to experience the joy of the Christmas Season at each of the following services:

 

Sunday, December 22nd

                8:15am Communion Service

                10:30am Service featuring the music of the Choir

 

Tuesday, December 24th

                7:00pm Family Service with candle lighting

                10:00pm Communion Service with candle lighting

 

Sunday, December 29th

                No 8:15am Service and no Sunday School classes

                10:30am Service of Lessons and Carols

 

 

F Troop Annual Christmas Brunch

Saturday, December 14

11:00 AM Church Vestry

Please join the F Troop, our over 40 fellowship group as we celebrate the Christmas season together with a festive brunch.  We will also prepare the candles for the Christmas Eve services, a task we have done for many years now.  A sign up is posted on the bulletin board under the clock in the vestry, or you can email Mavis Pyle (pylefamily@comcast.net) to see what is needed.  Come spend some time with your church family during this Advent season.  We hope to see you there!

 

 

RECEPTIONIST POSITION

The receptionist at the Main Street United Methodist Church will greet people as they arrive for various activities; direct people to where they need to go; answer the phone; attend to various office related tasks, and perform other tasks that may be identified on an occasional basis.  The ideal person will be pleasant, accepting of all people, willing to address needs as they arise and work independently.  The position is part-time for approximately 20 hours per week and includes vacation time but no other benefits.  The hours are expected to be 9am – 1pm, Monday-Friday, but some flexibility can be provided.    The starting date for the position is expected to be March 1, 2020.  This position is available for both church members and non-church members.

 

 

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITION

The Administrative Assistant for the Main Street United Methodist Church will assist the pastor with all office-related responsibilities including preparation of weekly bulletin, weekly e-mail blast, monthly paper newsletter; occasional bulk mailings; and other tasks that may be identified on an occasional basis.  The position will be responsible for seeing that all office equipment is maintained as required.  The ideal person must be able to work with the Microsoft Office Suite and be comfortable learning new programs that the church depends upon, such as Power Church Plus.  The position is part-time for approximately 20 hours per week and includes vacation time but no other benefits.  Hours are flexible based on the needs of the church and the availability of the person who fills the position.  The starting date for the position is expected to be February 1, 2020.  This position is available for non-church members only. 

 

 

Gift Card Fundraiser

Beginning now and throughout the Holiday Season, MSUMC will be participating in a gift card fundraiser with a company called Scrip. Scrip is fundraising while you shop.

 

Here's how it works: Our members can buy gift cards, e-gift cards or mobile gift cards through the program. You'll pay the full face value, but earn an immediate rebate percentage amount for MSUMC that's typically between 2% and 16% depending on the retailer. Then, use that gift card on your normal purchases or give it as a gift. So, for instance, you could buy bagels and coffee from Panera Bread with Scrip and earn 8%. You're not spending any extra time or money— it's just earning for our church!

 

Sign-up by visiting https://shop.shopwithscrip.com/ and clicking on the REGISTER button. The MSUMC Enrollment Code needed to sign up is 7EF7366757686

 

There is also a mobile app called MyScripWallet that is available for both Apple and Android Devices that can be used to participate on a mobile device.

 

NEW THIS YEAR is also the ability to pay for online orders using a credit card so you do not have to be limited to writing a check or linking your checking account info to make a purchase!

 

During the month of November, a paper order form with a limited amount of gift card choices will also be available in the vestry for those who would rather participate that way.

 

Questions?  Contact our Scrips program coordinator (Laura Graudons) at LauraG1973@comcast.net or 595-2412.

 

 

Announcements

Calendar

 

Friday, December 6, 2019

December 6 Mainstreeter Online

  December 5, 2019

  

 

 A Word from the Pastor

ADVENT PRAYER by Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar

Loving God made flesh —
as we rush through the days of Advent
busy about many things –
our minds full,
our hearts racing,
our bodies weary,
from the mad pursuit to prepare for Christmas,

slow us down
wake us up
open our eyes
to see you right here, right now
in front of us

in the lines of traffic
we want to rush past

in the preparations
we want to finish

in the people we want
to move out of our way

in order to meet you —
who has already come
to this place,
to this moment
right here
right now –
Love made flesh, dwelling among us.

We pray through Christ
who lives and reigns
with you
and the Holy Spirit.
Amen

 

    The Advent Season is now upon us and we face the annual challenge that comes with balancing the desire for the slower pace that Advent requires with the faster pace that our society says we should embrace.  Do we set aside time for more consistent worship experiences, participation in study groups, and increased daily prayer time, or do we speed up our days with more shopping, frantic rushing to get everything done and increased preparations for the celebration of Christmas?  Such is the challenge that we face every year.  My hope and prayer for all of us is that the observance of Advent will provide an opportunity to balance both the needs of the soul with the demands of our culture.  May you find a way to do all that you need to do but in a way that allows you to experience the joy, peace, and hope that this season offers.

 

                                                                                                                                                Challenged Together,

                                                                                                                                                Pastor Rich

 

 

WORSHIP AHEAD

12/8      The Second Sunday of Advent

Lighting the second Advent candle (Lynn and Bill Moseley at 8:15 and the Pyle/Brown families at 10:30am)

                Bell Choir playing

                Special music by Rev. Dr. Kwan Lee and his daughter, Susanne Laurence

                Choir singing

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12

Theme:  The fruit of the Jesse Tree-  Just what or who is the "root of Jesse" that the prophet Isaiah speaks of and what do the fruit of this tree look like? The prophet makes clear that this "root" is none other than the coming Messianic king and that the fruit that will identify this king are the fruits of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord, and righteousness and justice.

 

 

OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK

Each week we will try to highlight a particular opportunity for you to serve in and through the Main Street UMC. 

 

Our next Bean Supper will be on Saturday, December 7th at 4:30pm.  We need help with the preparations on Friday morning and help with set up on Saturday morning and of course, lots of help during the supper and afterwards for clean up.  If interested either just show up or be in touch with David Appler at 603-883-6440.

 

 

VESTRY ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS

LIGHT OF THE WORLD- Join Amy-Jill Levine as she traces the Christmas narrative through the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, and the visit of the Magi.  This DVD based class will be led Paul Pederzani with assistance from Pastor Rich on December 8th.   Amy-Jill Levine has the distinction of being one of the few New Testament scholars who are Jewish.  She is a New Testament professor at Vanderbilt University.  The class begins on Sunday, December 1st and concludes on Sunday, December 22nd.  There is no vestry class on December 29th.

 

 

ADVENT TAIZE SERVICE PLANNED

Are you looking for a bit of peace and quiet in the midst of the hectic Christmas season?  If so, we have just what you need!  On Sunday, December 15th at 5:00pm we will hold an Advent Taizé Service featuring calming music, time for quiet reflection, meaningful prayers and readings, and all in a candle lit setting.  Come find your quiet center in the midst of this Christmas Season.  This service will be held in the second floor lobby.  This year we will have live music led by Irene Harris and other church musicians.

 

 

THANKS AND APPRECIATIONS

The end of November was a busy time for many people in our congregation and thanks are due- to Trustees Donna Swanson and Ted Luszey for their effort in removing our old chair lift; to all of those, including our youth, who helped with the Hanging of the Greens and to the members of F Troop who fed us; to the Trustees who put up the Christmas trees in various places in the church; and to everyone who assisted with the Holiday Stroll especially Jerry Harrow and Deb Luszey who coordinated our effort.  Thanks, thanks, thanks, to everyone!

 

 

Joyful Shepherd's Christmas Party

Sunday, December 8 at 12:30pm

Come celebrate the good news!  We will serve a delicious lunch in the vestry. Pam Gordon will lead us in fun word search or similar activities.  There will be drawings for prizes and lots of gifts!  Carol Sing of course.  And you never know what else....

 

All are welcome, especially those we visit or who help us in any way. Bring a guest or two.  See Nancy Long or Lynn Moseley for details. 

 

 

Looking for Nativity Sets

Again this year we would like to fill the cabinet in the ladies' parlor with nativity sets, probably through Epiphany in January.  If you have a small set that you would be willing to share for a few weeks, please bring it to the church office marked for Pam Breniser.  If you can include a note about their origin or special significance to your family that would be helpful.  Please be sure your name is on/with it.  We are hoping to get some from other countries or made from unusual materials.  Bring them in any time now. However, they won't be put in the cabinet until after the Christmas Stroll.

 

 

UMW December Activities

The Yuletide Fair was a great success, and we have many people to thank, whether they are members of the United Methodist Women or not! We had a wonderful turnout, and many of you donated craft items, kitchen needs, and baked goods, or time helping set up or break down the fair, and many of you shopped and had lunch on the day of the Fair.  Our Youth were a big help, both in doing our decorations and working on the day of the Fair.  If you missed our Fair in November, you will have another chance at the Ham and Bean Supper on December 7, and before and after the 10:30 service on December 8.  The United Methodist Women will also be providing Coffee Hour during the month of December, so we will just keep baking! The Mini Fair will serve as our December meeting, so we will not have an evening meeting during December.

 

 

Missions Information

Thanksgiving and Christmas Basket Information:  Thank you for your donations of food for Thanksgiving boxes for our refugee families.  We were able to help provide appropriate foods that can be used by these families rather than the traditional stuffing and cranberry sauce.  At Christmas, each family will receive a gift card so that they can purchase needed food for Christmas, and will also be able to receive a box from the Nashua Soup Kitchen December 19, 20, 23 & 24.  Donations that would help purchase the $50 gift cards can be made to the Heart of Nashua Food Assistance Ministry—or just write Food Pantry on the envelope!

 

CROP Hunger Walk:  Many thanks to Nonny Egbuonu, our CROP Hunger recruiter, and Erica Borroto, who organized money on the day of the walk.  Thanks especially to all of our soggy walkers, who raised $2030 with the help of the rest of Main Street UMC!!

 

Gifts for the King will be celebrated December 15. The tree with the needs or wishes of children from recent refugee families should go up on November 24. 

 

Café Agape has had some changes in leadership.  We thank Shirley Michael for all of her dedicated service as she steps back from her leadership role with Pat Kerrigan.  We welcome Deb Andrews as our new co-coordinator.  If you would like to donate a small gift item, such as a local fast food gift card, to our Café Agape patrons for Christmas, please see Pat Kerrigan.

 

Scouting for Food:  Thank you for remembering to put out your bag for Scouting for Food.  If you forgot, you can always bring in a bag for us to take along to the food pantry!

 

 

Ho, Ho Ham and Bean!

You might think that by our third Ham and Bean Supper of the new season, things might be Ho, Hum, but instead, our December 7th Ham and Bean will be Ho! Ho!  The United Methodist Women will have their Yuletide mini fair set up in the parlor, and we have heard rumors of Christmas Carolers.   This Ham and Bean Supper will take place Saturday, December 7 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The meal is served family style and features ham, two kinds of beans, coleslaw, potato salad, beverage, bread, and pie.  We need you and your friends, neighbors, and family to attend the Ham and Bean and make this supper a success! It is a fundraiser for our church that also welcomes the community to a great meal and opportunity for fellowship.  We had some new ham and bean folks from Main Street last month, and they were amazed at the wonderful food and the whole operation! (And they will be back!)

 

Adults: $10

Seniors: $9

Children 6 to 12: $4

Children 5 and under:  Free!

 

If you would like to help with the Ham and Bean, put your name on the sign-up sheet in the vestry or contact David Appler at pappler@earthlink.net

See you at the Ham and Bean Supper Saturday, December 7!

 

 

CALLING ALL UNITED METHODIST MEN AND BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST

Our December United Methodist Men Breakfast and Program will be conducted on 7 December in the vestry of Main Street United Methodist Church with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. followed by our program at 9:00 a.m.  December's Program will be led by Jason Wells, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Council of Churches, which is located in Concord, NH.  Jason will discuss the ministry of the NH Council of Churches and its mission of joining together multiple congregations of faith in mutual respect and understanding to unite for prayer, Learning, Justice, Peace, and Stewardship of God's creation.  The Council has 399 churches from New Hampshire and Vermont  who represent nine different denominations to include 56 United Methodist Churches.  Jason's primary presentation will involve his experience in working with the New Hampshire Department of Homeland Security to develop plans and procedures for the security of churches to protect them from natural disasters, damage, unlawful break-ins and dangerous scenarios involving church personnel and property.  Please come join us that morning for learning and fellowship.

 

If there are some who could come in early around 8:00 a.m. to help setup it would be helpful.  After the Program I also invite anyone who is able to remain to help set up tables and chairs for our third Ham and Bean Supper of the year which will take place later in the afternoon.

 

I look forward to seeing everyone at this meeting.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving with your families and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you enter the Holiday Season.  Please let us know by responding to this e-mail if you will be able to attend by replaying to this e-mail at REPLY ALL above or by calling Kent Swanson at 603-880-6289 to notify me or leave me a voicemail.

 

 

The Light of Advent - Peace

Chaos in the world or in your life is a sign of endings and beginnings.  When everything, including yourself, seems to fall apart, space is created for the seed of peace to sprout.

Affirmation to think and repeat until you feel peace flowing in your heart:

Peace sprouts within me and all around me.  I AM the light of Peace!

 

 

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