 | | Message from the Pastor | | Most weeks, I spend several hours talking on the phone with members who I can't meet any other way–those in hospitals, in assisted living, in skilled nursing and rehab facilities. They miss attending worship in the sanctuary and many of these folks don't have technology available to them to participate in online services or don't want it. Most of them weren't able to attend in-person services regularly even before coronavirus hit. So talking with them about their longing to be part of the community is a bittersweet reminder that a return to "normal" won't meet their needs. It's a hard realization that there's no "problem" we can fix. It's more about being with, walking alongside someone. They all appreciate Nancy and her team of shepherds who help them stay connected and provide meals and run errands. And you can help them feel connected also through your cards and calls and visits.
Indeed, I'm learning all the ways that a return to our "usual" before covid won't address many of the problems the institutional church has or won't extend our reach.
There is an urgency and necessity in this time of contagion that requires creativity as a response. We've been able to broaden our reach, increase the participation in worship, and allow for more creativity.
So as we continue to restrict our contact to keep our community safe, let's consider the ways we should not "return to normal." Let's seek the lessons we might learn from this time to open ourselves to what might be possible in a new normal.
the Reverend Kelly Turney
(she/hers)
Pastor, MainStreet UMC, Nashua, NH
| |  | | The latest option to help us all stay connected in this time of physical distancing is our "Virtual Coffee Hour" starting right after Sunday Worship (approximately 10:30am). Stop by the Vestry and catch up with your friends (bring your own coffee and snacks).
The virtual rooms are via Google Meet and don't require Facebook at all, and may be attended by phone, by app on iPhone/iPad/Android/or by Computer. Access information is below. If you need some hints at using Google Meet there are some instructions and screen shots at https://www.mainstreet-umc.org/activities/coffee-hour that might help you get acclimated. Vestry: https://meet.google.com/qmq-zxbb-sye
or by phone: +1 617-675-4444 PIN: ?415 456 786 8524# | |  | Main Street's United Methodist Women will meet at 5:30 on Wednesday, September 23 at Greeley Park by the split rail fence behind the band shell. Bring your own bag lunch, chair, mask, and virtual Yuletide Fair ideas! All women who are a part of Main Street UMC are invited to attend. Our fair this year will be very different, so watch for updates!
| |  | Oct 4th at 1p.m. at Greeley Park, A brief, informal time of prayer for the world, gratitude for the gifts of our pets and blessing.
Physical distancing and masks required.
We will also celebrate our pets during the 10:30 service so send in photos of you and your pet by September 30th to office@mainstreet-umc.org. | |  | Greater Nashua Crop Walk 2020 - Walking Together...Apart This year's Crop Hunger Walk for the Greater Nashua area will take place during the entire month of October. Walk our 3.4-mile route or the Milford Methodist Church route, or any walk or route that you choose. Walk with your family group or pod, or socially distanced organized groups. Raise monies by emails and phone calls. Last year we raised $47,843 and were the largest walk in New England! We aim to raise the same or more this year, as hunger and poverty are worse than ever now. It will be easiest to raise money online this year. Go to https://www.crophungerwalk.org/nashuanh. Click on register. Register as a walker within the team of your faith community so we can credit your monies appropriately. Then follow the prompts to send emails to friends and family requesting donations. The recruiter for your faith community has free Crop walk masks for you and your walkers. And details on how to collect monies. On October 1 we'll launch our kickoff video on our YouTube channel. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for more info. | | |
August 2020 Finance Snapshot
General Fund (GF)
Total GF Income Received as of 8/31/2020: $317,822.23*
Total GF Income Budgeted through 8/31/2020: $271,664.50 (revised budget) ($296,228 orig. bud.))
Total GF Expenses Paid through 8/31/2020: $257,258.38
Total GF Expenses Budgeted through 8/31/2020: $263,482.70 (revised budget) ($293,153.02 orig.)
* Includes $37,670.47 designated for Heart of Nashua Continued ($25,119.24 spent)
and CARES Act PPP $37,385 received and used for GF expenses in May and June
Notes on General Fund
- Current on payments due to providers other than Conference mission shares. We have paid a bit
more than two months of each. We still have time to pay them in full this year.
Heart of Nashua 1 & 2 (GiF) & HON Cont. (Capital Campaign/Elevator, Connector, Renovations)
- Balance Due on HON Loan as of 7/31/2020: $156,359.35 (Loan was $358,343.45)
- In August the monthly payment of $1,769.53 was paid and $1000 was paid on the principal. Funds
on hand will pay the remaining 2020 payments and pay down additional principal. We should be able
to pay off this debt in nine years. Thank you.
- Total Paid Using HON 1, 2 & Continued as of 8/31/2020: $1,873,901.88
Funding for the Future, 100 for $150 (Endowment) – Received Jan.-Aug. 31, 2020: $2085.00
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. Of course, other amounts are gratefully accepted.
How to Help
- Please consider donating to the General Fund this year rather than to Heart of Nashua Continued
(HON Cont.). This is a difficult year for MSUMC financially and the general fund is where funds are
most needed. (General funds may be used for any expense.) Please note that all funds received for
HON Cont. are used to pay the loan and additional principal. Your donations are used as
directed by you.
- Please continue to support us financially if you can. Checks may be mailed to Main St. UMC,
PO Box 1517 Nashua, NH 03061, Attn.: Financial Secretary. Donations may also be made via
PayPal, Vanco or by direct deposit to our bank account.
Thank You
- Electrical updates were made in the hallway and stairway near the chapel.
- Thank you for your prayers, your presence at our virtual services, your service and your gifts.
Items
- The parsonage furnace and the A/C are nearly done (approx. $10,000)
- In September property insurance charges start up again and we will pay two months
($5421.00) and agree to automatic withdrawal to get a discount for the year.
- We are working on additional revisions to the 2020 budget and on the 2021 budget. | | | | |
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