By now you should have received the word that the CDC is recommending that there be no gatherings of ten or more people for the foreseeable future. With that guidance and the recommendation of our Safety Committee we have decided to close the church to all public gatherings effective March 18, 2020 and until further notice. Thankfully, since we have already been live streaming our worship services for some time now, we will be able to continue to bring worship to you wherever you are. Please see elsewhere in this "blast" just what you need to do in order to access the live stream or to listen to it at a later time.
Recently, Ken Sinclair shared with me the following poem by the Irish poet, theologian, and Catholic priest, Father John O'Donohue. This poem was included in his book of poems, To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings. Although written in 2007 the message of this poem could not be more important for us to hear than it is now. May we find in these words a reminder of just how we need to live in this moment and may we know in our heart of hearts that "time will come good" again.
"This is the time to be slow,
Lie low to the wall
Until the bitter weather passes.
Try, as best you can, not to let
The wire brush of doubt
Scrape from your heart
All sense of yourself
And your hesitant light.
If you remain generous,
Time will come good;
And you will find your feet
Again on fresh pastures of promise,
Where the air will be kind
And blushed with beginning."
WORSHIP AHEAD
3/29 The Fifth Sunday in Lent/ The Second Sunday in Exile
Special Music: Emily Adams and Irene Harris
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 11:1-45
Theme: What Will Resurrection Look Like?- Beyond death there is always resurrection or new life. In these scripture readings resurrection is promised both to the nation of Israel and to the family of Lazarus. Jesus proclaims himself to be "the resurrection and the life". What will resurrection look like for our nation and for ourselves when this crisis is over?
Worship On-line
Video of the main Sunday Worship service is streamed live each week, and available on-demand on Facebook shortly after the service. You can use the Facebook app on a smartphone, or a web browser on a computer. "Like" our page and you will be notified when we go live each Sunday.
If you choose to not use a Facebook login, you can still access the live stream during the service time in the box to the right (you may need to refresh the page if you arrive early). Previous worship services are available by scrolling down through the postings.
Giving During This Uncertain Time
Although we are scaling back most of our church activities which will reduce our expenses during this time, we still have staff who will be working- cleaning the church thoroughly; providing office assistance from home; offering music for our "virtual" worship services; providing pastoral care remotely, etc.- so we will still be incurring expenses that will need to be covered as best we can. To the extent that you are able please maintain your financial pledge or give regularly. Contributions can either be mailed in to the church or you can utilize our on-line giving options by going to the following web address:
www.mainstreet-umc.org/giving Easter Flowers
Easter Flowers
Due to the church being closed at this time, we will not be ordering Easter Plants. If you have already placed an order, your money will be refunded. Thank you for understanding and stay healthy. The Worship Committee
F- Troop News
Due to the Corona Virus No F-Troop Events are scheduled at this time.
April Ham and Bean Supper
Due to the Corona Virus No Ham and Bean Supper in April
February 2020 Finance Snapshot
General Fund (GF)
Total GF Income Received as of 2/29/2020: $85,103.98*
Total GF Income Budgeted through 2/29/2020: $74,258
Total GF Expenses Paid through 2/29/2020: $73,699.94* **
Total GF Expenses Budgeted through 2/29/2020: $78,500.80
* Includes $14,789 for Heart of Nashua Continued
** A/C Expenses (Non Budgeted Gift) not included
Notes on General Fund
- Current on payments due to providers
- A portion of February's Ministerial Support paid; World and New England Missions unpaid except
for $25 each received as a donation. Thank you. These expenses can be paid later in the year.
- We are trying to keep back funds to pay for upcoming expenses which will have to be paid but
due to expenses, we have not been successful in doing so.
Heart of Nashua 1 & 2 (GiF) (Capital Campaign/Elevator, Connector, Renovations)
Balance Due on HON Loan as of 2/29/2020: Approx. $170,000
In February $5000 was paid on the principal plus the monthly payment of $1,769.53.
Total Received Heart of Nashua 1 & 2 (2013-12/31/19): $1,848,782.64
Total Paid Out Using HON 1& 2 Funds: (2013-1/31/20): $1,848,782.64
Loan Received in 2018 for HON Construction: $358,343.45
Funding for the Future, 100 for $150 (Endowment) – Received in February 29, 2020: $765.00
Our goal is to have 100 people or families give $150 each year to this fund to grow our endowment
for future generations of the church. Other amounts are gratefully accepted.
Thank You
- We continue to be grateful for the gift of snow plowing
- Heat and air conditioning of the vestry and kitchen was recently installed. Thank you for this
wonderfully generous gift.
- Thanks to all who volunteer. Your gifts are appreciated and necessary to our missions.
- Thank you for your gifts, presence, prayers.
Upcoming Expenses
- With COVID-19 we need your continued financial support if you are able. If you normally donate at
church, please continue to do so or checks may be mailed to the church, Attn.: Financial Secretary,
or donations may be made using PayPal or Vanco or direct deposit to our bank account.
- In early May we will have our annual financial audit which will be over $1000.
- In June our new pastor will be moving here and we will need to pay moving expenses. We do not
have any actual quotes, but we believe it could cost $5000.
- Installation of a phone jack for the receptionist will cost $500.
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