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| A Message from Pastor Kelly "First, the pandemic's most enduring impact will be as an accelerant of dynamics already present in society. Second, in an crisis there is opportunity; the greater and more disruptive the crisis, the greater the opportunities."
This comes from Scott Galloway's Post Corona: From Crisis to Opportunity which was shared with me by our Council Chair, Jerry Harrow. Galloway's insightful analysis of the business world and society in these pandemic times have implications for the church also. Our clergy group has been reflecting on what a post-pandemic church might look like.
I was also loaned books from members on gifts from the sea, sea glass, quilting and the northern lights. I enjoy seeing all the ways the worship series connect with your lives and your reading. Each of your offerings has offered insights and deepened my understanding. Thanks.
The book that has the longest impact is Caste: The Origins of our Discontents was named the book of the year. It's part history book, part analysis of our current system but it's beautifully written and told through of people. And, in the end, she points to ways America can move beyond the artificial and destructive separations of human divisions, toward hope in our common humanity. (Our discussion of the book is March 23rd at 7pm).
Both Galloway and Wilkerson make it clear how critical it is to understand our history and context if we have any hope of forging a new way forward. They know when we invest in a clear-eyed understanding of society, we can awaken our national character. Galloway says with a renewal of our sense of community, with more empathy for the disenfranchised and a re-examination of perils of individualism, we can, all of us, reinvest in the idea of sacrifice for our country (which our veterans and those who have experienced war first-hand know all about).
So I invite you to join in our reflection of who we are and how we got here as a beginning to our discussion of what's next.
Of course to get us to this post-pandemic place, we need to careful that we don't spike the ball too quickly and celebrate a win. Current set-backs in other countries and increased infection rates in US regions that opened have shown us the dangers of letting our guard down. Our own Hillsborough County remains at a "very high risk level" despite to efficiency of vaccinations. Let's not give the virus variants any place to move around and mutate to extend our suffering. Let's put our community and our most vulnerable members first and continue to wear masks in public even as folks are vaccinated and want to gather again. The Safety Team, the New England Conference, state and local health officials and the interfaith clergy team are working hard to determine how and when we can re-enter the sanctuary in groups for worship... thanks to air filters and safety practices we already have a core team of six in the sanctuary every week providing our live-streamed worship. We're way ahead of many of our sisters congregations who are only now trying to figure out how to return a small group to their sanctuaries to stream worship.
If you want to join us on Sunday mornings, let us know. We're always looking for liturgists and tech back ups.
Or if you'd like to get out and see folks, drop by the office Monday -Thursday from 9-1 to meet Natasha. Again we have NEW air filters in the office that mitigate your risk in our building. You can set up an appointment with me or I can come to visit you if your location allows visitors.
We continue to be the church in these trying times, we're in ministry no matter what, and we invite you to be a part of our mission. You can call in for all of our studies, worship with us online weekly or in-person monthly in the garden. Fellowship with us through screens or in small groups in the building. You can participate in-person by assisting our Soup Kitchen team, or drive around and encourage folks with the Easter House Hunt. With the arrival of Spring, our trail adventures are returning and the Youth are going on a hike this Saturday!
We hope you find your way to be encouraged in these isolating times. We're here for you.
--Pastor Kelly
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Soup for the Soul
Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup with Dill (Feasting At Home)
Ingredients: - 1 left-over roasted chicken with at least 1-2 cups meat left on it. ( Or sub 1 lb chicken breast and 8 cups chicken stock)
- 10 cups water
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 tsp salt more to taste
- 1 onion or leek, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, rough chopped
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1–2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tsp toasted coriander seeds ( or ground is fine)
- ¼–½ Cups fresh lemon juice ( from 2 lemons) and zest from 1–2 lemons (1 tablespoon) Meyer lemons are nice.
- 1 cup dry orzo ( If you want thicker soup you could add 1/2 – 1 cup more orzo. Basically, if you are serving all the soup right away, use more orzo. If you are saving some soup for the next day, the orzo will quadruple in size leaving you with no broth. Up to you.)
- ¼ cup chopped dill, more for garnish
- Garnish: Dollop Sour Cream (optional) and sprig of dill
InstructionsPour 10 cups water over chicken carcass w/ 2 bay leaves and 2 tsp salt and simmer covered for 1 hour. (You could do this ahead and store in the fridge over night.) Strain over a large bowl, reserving stock and meat. Let cool. With your fingers, separate meat from the bones, discarding the bones, and breaking up the meat into smaller bite size pieces. You should have 1-2 cups of chicken meat left. With your fingers, double and triple check for small bones. In a heavy bottom pot, sauté onion in oil, over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, celery and carrots. Once celery is tender add in the chicken stock and the chicken meat. Toast your coriander seeds and crush them and add them to the soup along with lemon zest. Bring to a simmer. Add Orzo and let simmer uncovered stirring occasionally for about 10-15 minutes. At this point soup will still seem pretty brothy, but it will thicken up. Once the orzo is cooked through, add a 1/4 C chopped fresh dill and juice from one lemon. Taste and add more salt and lemon to taste. You want to taste the lemon! Serve in a bowls with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of fresh dill.
For food that stays our hunger,
For rest that brings us ease,
For homes where memories linger,
We give our thanks for these.
Amen |
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Special Charge Conference Announcement
Special Charge Conference according to ¶246 of The Book of Discipline (2016) to be held on Monday, March 22 at 7 pm. To approve the acceptance/receipt of the CARES Act (Paycheck Protection Program, PPP, Round 2) loan.
The Charge Conference will take place via Google Meets and will precede the Church Council Meeting. Please contact the Main Office for Google Meets information at 882-3361 or office@mainstreet-umc.org
ALL MSUMC members are welcome. |
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| News of Celebration!
Baby Ella was born at 10:32 this morning, March 18th. Weighed in at 7.4 pounds and 20.5 inches. Cassie, Ryan and baby doing fine. We grandparents are delighted and relieved!
Thanks,
Pam B.
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| Good Friday Prayer Vigil
Following the Maundy Thursday service through Good Friday, there will be a virtual prayer vigil. Please use the link provided below for information and to sign up for a prayer time slot.
Prayer Vigil Information |
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| Caste: The Origins of our Discontents
by Isabel Wilkerson
Bishop Devadhar's Recommended Book Discussion:
Tuesday, March 23 from 7:00 - 8:30 on Google Meet
Join Pastor Kristy in discussing this important and hopeful book, as author Isabel Wilkerson examines American race relations from a new perspective. Dispensing with the charged word "racism," Ms. Wilkerson skillfully describes the history and context of an American caste system that has kept Black people and others from advancing as easily as their White counterparts in American society. The book is a page-turner and powerful in its assessment. Participants will be expected to have read or listened to the entire book before March 23, as discussion will be around the ideas in the book and not a general discussion of race in America.
Notes: This book is clearly written but will take you some time to read. If participants would like more time for discussion, extra sessions may be added to accommodate particular topics.
meet.google.com/fhb-ivcb-hve
Join by phone: 402-751-0306 PIN: 815 888 041# |
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| Recorded prayer services inspired by Taizé You are invited into a simple, meditative prayer service with Taizé chants as part of your Lenten journey. The pre-recorded services will be available each Wednesday from Feb. 24 to March 31, 2021. The services will be 30-35 minutes. Author, educator and spiritual director Kate Young Wilder will be our host. The services will be posted on the website at https://www.neumc.org/Taizé_Lent |
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Concert link will be provided
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| Pastors: Equalization members, especially under 30, needed for AC 2021Conference Secretary John Blackadar reports there are 66 equalization members, selected by virtue of their office, for the 2021 Annual Conference session. An additional 20 equalization members are needed from each district. At least two of those must be between ages 12 and 17 and at least two between ages 18 and 30. The Cabinet is committed to meeting this requirement to include youth and young adults, which is outlined in our Conference Policies and Procedures as well as the Book of Discipline. Pastors are encouraged to lift up names for consideration, particularly youth and young adults and send them to the district office. Those interested in being equalization members should contact their pastor or district office.
Submission of Resolutions for consideration at Annual ConferenceResolutions are generally submitted by annual conference agencies, committees, task forces, or ad hoc groups. It is possible, however, for a resolution to be submitted by any member of the annual conference (lay or clergy) or by any local church. All resolutions are to be submitted to Annual Conference Secretary John Blackadar at secretary@neumc.org no later than April 1, 2021. Submit materials using Microsoft Word. It is also helpful to use the Calibri 11 font. If you need assistance feel free to reach out to Rev. Blackadar.
All the AC 2021 information can be found at www.neumc.org/acsessions |
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| Easter Flowers
The Worship Committee will be offering the opportunity to purchase lilies and tulips for Easter.
White lilies come in a 7" pot with dark purple foil and are $14.00. Tulips come in a 7" pot with dark purple foil and are $14.00 (the florist delivers a variety of colors, however we are unable to specify the colors). Plants can be picked up on April 5th-8th from 9am-1pm in the church lobby.
If you would like to place an order please contact Terri Kenny at terrikenny@comcast.net or (603) 891-2526.
Please include In Memory/In Honor/In Celebration of information for the Easter bulletin.
Mail payment to:
Main Street UMC
P.O. Box 1517
Nashua, NH 03061
Be sure to include "Easter Flowers" in the memo line.
The deadline to order is March 26th. |
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| Who's Ready for an Easter House Hunt?!?!
This fun event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 3rd from 1:00-2:00 pm. There are several ways to participate: - You can sign up to be a house that MSUMC family can drive by and wave. You are welcome to decorate your house or yard, sit outside or wave from a window. Such a festive way to stay connected!
- You can participate by driving by the houses that have agreed to join in the hunt. Spread some joy and peace, and you can even decorate your car. Such a happy way to spend a little time on a Saturday!
If you are interested in being a house on the route or would like more information about the Easter House Hunt, please contact Natasha Drew at 882-3361 or office@mainstreet-umc.org The map will be shared with church participants only.
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| We are missing seeing our MSUMC children and youth and would love to have them be a part of the Easter live-streamed service. Your child can read all or part of this popular children's book or even tell us the story in their own words on video. Another idea would be to have a picture taken with the book. Whatever they are willing to provide we'd love to have it. Send videos and/or photos to the church office, office@mainstreet-umc.org and the tech crew will work their magic. |
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March Missions Updates for All
Food Bank Pickup help: Sometimes we need a person and vehicle to meet at the NH Food Bank in Manchester to help transport food back to the Nashua Soup Kitchen. Please reply to this email and let me know if you want to be on the "alert" list for picking up food. Your cell phone number would be helpful. The Food Bank pickups are all done out of doors now. We load our own vehicles, so some lifting is required, but someone will unload at the Soup Kitchen, and we can stay masked, distanced, and out of doors! When things are somewhat more back to normal, the Soup Kitchen truck picks up everything for us, but they are still providing lots of extra food and produce distributions around Nashua and have not been doing Food Bank runs except for the special USDA boxes that come each week. Most of the foods that we get are produce or meat, and they are a big help to the Food Pantry at the Nashua Soup Kitchen.
Third Sunday Nashua Soup Kitchen March 21st: To gradually move back to our Third Sunday Food Pantry at the Soup Kitchen, we will be sorting donated food, restocking shelves, and creating boxes and bags for distribution from 2 to 4 on March 21. This month, we will not be seeing folks from the community, but as more of us are vaccinated and we learn the system, we should be able to go back to our Third Sunday if the need is there. We will be masked, have our temperatures checked, and try to distance ourselves and work in different parts of the soup kitchen. Family groups can work together if you wish. Please email Phyllis Appler, pappler@earthlink.net ,if you are able to help on March 21st.
SAVE THE DATE: March 30th
Food Bank Opportunity - The NH Food Bank will bring a truckload of fresh food to distribute to families and individuals of Southern NH. Use the following link for more information:
Food_Bank_Flyer.pdf
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At the church! Are you aware that you can actually go into the church Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm? You can ring a doorbell or, perhaps better, call the church office at 603-882-3361. Someone will let you into the lobby. Sign in, check your temperature, answer a few questions, have your mask in place, and then, you can do these Mission related things: - Drop off Soup in the big Soup bin just inside the lobby door. Soup that does not have to be mixed with water is preferred, but any soup is welcome. Let's fill that bin for Lent!
- Pick up UMCOR Hygiene Kit instructions or drop off your completed kit. There's a box for that!
- Walk on in to the Church office, meet Natasha Drew, our new administrative assistant, and give her your Heifer choices (and check) for those folks you want to remember or honor at Easter on our currently evolving Easter Tree of Life. If you choose to donate directly to Heifer online, when the gift is acknowledged by Heifer, please forward the acknowledgement to pappler@earthlink.net and to the church office. We will fill that tree one way or another! The Heifer form is included below.
- Phyllis Appler, Missions Chair
EASTER TREE OF LIFE: THE HEIFER PROJECT
Here are some options for our Easter Tree of Life, an alternative way to honor or remember a special person in the life of your family. Any gift that you choose will help to make another family more independent, and a young animal will be passed on to a new family so that your gift will keep on giving! Fill out the form below and mail it with your check to the church office at PO Box 1517 Nashua, NH 03061. Please complete by Palm Sunday, March 28, in order to be included in the Easter Sunday bulletin. You can also donate directly to Heifer at https://www.heifer.org/gift-catalog/index.html If you do that, please email your receipt to the church office office@mainstreet-umc.org and let us know who you are honoring! Or just call the church office so that the right animals make it onto the tree and onto the list. As your emails and phone calls and checks come in, we will put your animal or water pump or tree or seeds on the Easter Tree of Life. There has been some talk of videotaping as each new addition is made! Be sure to involve your kids in this project. This link takes you to many wooly and wonderful Heifer downloadable activities! https://www.heifer.org/what-you-can-do/get-involved/schools/home-school-activities/elementary-resources.html Honeybees $30 Flock of chicks $20 Water pump $150 Flock of ducks $20 Flock of geese $20 Pig $120 Share of a pig $10 Trees $60 Share of trees $10 Seeds Any amount Heifer $500 Share of a heifer $50 Sheep $120 Share of a sheep $10 Goat $120 Share of a goat $10 Donkey $120 Share of a donkey $10 Llama $150 Share of a llama $20 Fish Fingerlings $300 Share of Fingerlings $30 Water Buffalo $250 Share of a water buffalo $25 Trio of rabbits $60 Share of a rabbit trio $10 ***************************************************************************** Animal or plant chosen___________________________ Amount_________________ From _________________________________________________ In memory of _________________________________________________ In honor of _________________________________________________ In celebration of _________________________________________________
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CULTURES FORUM
COVID Vaccine Hesitancy
Let's learn from Latinx, African, Brazilian, African American, and/or other community members. Join us on Zoom to hear insider information from client and cultural perspectives. Live panelists will discuss beliefs and myths about COVID and its vaccines that are circulating in their communities. Their presentations are geared to help providers understand what types of education a) are needed, b) can build trust, and c) will help community members take advantage of vaccination.
Virtual Presenters: 3 or 4 Community Speakers per session, from diverse backgrounds, such as Latinx, African, African American, Brazilian, Muslim, and more. Moderated by Lynn Clowes, Cultural Effectiveness Trainer for Ascentria Care Alliance. Target Audience: Everyone Welcome! Registration: Email Lynn Clowes (clowes@ascentria.org) for the Zoom Link.
Click this link for more information
Funded by the Greater Nashua Integrated Delivery Network (IDN), part of NH's Medicaid Delivery System Reform Incentive Program (DSRIP), funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) through the NH DHHS. This training is part of the IDN 3 Workforce Capacity Building Project. |
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| Pastor's Sabbath Days:
Pastor Kelly: Tuesday
Pastor Kristy: Friday
Days to Reach Pastors
Pastor Kelly: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Pastor Kristy: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday |
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