 | | A Message from Pastor Kelly
We started Lent acknowledging that one of the many things church members missed is table fellowship with one another – around the Communion table, across a table in the vestry, shared snacks at a study, or baked goods at a meeting.
We're grateful for those who shared your soups with us and your favorite table graces. When you make the effort to share your table with us, it helps us feel connected while apart. Tonight, our special Maundy Thursday service on Google Meet will provide another opportunity to see each other around Christ's table and become the body of Christ however spread out (and Paul's letters to the early church remind us that we're not the only Christian community unable to see one another in person).
And for those wanting to keep the Easter pancake breakfast tradition alive, we can't wait to see your festive pancakes on Sunday morning!
In April, as restaurants begin offering outdoor seating, we'll have Taco Tuesdays – join us.... literally at various eateries, or say hello while grabbing take out, or virtually, send in your Taco Tuesday creations.
There's something meaningful about a meal shared, ritual or otherwise. On this night, Jesus sat amongst friends and disciples, knowing there would be betrayal by those with whom he shared bread, suspecting some wouldn't understand his sacrifice, aware that some would be paralyzed by fear or feelings of inadequacy. He tried to explain, showed them an example of serving others, of the first being last, but I suspect he worried he hadn't done enough to prepare them.
We don't often know the impact of customs like participating in the Passover meal or Holy Communion or the habit of family Sunday dinner except in hindsight – perhaps years later. But the table forms us into who we are. Thanks to Andrea Weir and her family for a beautiful reminder of this truth–sharing soup and a musical grace.
Eat, drink and remember,
--Pastor Kelly
| | | Soup for the Soul
Zuppa Toscana (for the health-conscious)
Ingredients:
4 slices turkey bacon
1 1/2pounds Italian sausage
4 cups cauliflower (cutting florets in half is necessary)--we actually substituted with potatoes because we love potatoes!
1/2 cup scallions
4 cloves garlic--I used a couple small scoops of minced garlic since we don't typically buy garlic cloves.
4 cups chicken stock
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups kale
1 1/2 cup reduced-fat plain Greek yogurt
3 tbsp Parmesan cheese
Directions:
In a large pot, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Drain any grease, set aside. Add the sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned and crumbled, remove sausage and drain of any grease leaving a Tbsp to sauté the scallions, add to bacon. Add the scallions to the pan; sauté until translucent. Add garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add the bacon and sausage back into the pot. Stir in the stock and cauliflower, season with salt and pepper. Then simmer for approximately 10 minutes (until the cauliflower is tender). Add kale and yogurt. Bring to a simmer (not a boil). Top with Parmesan cheese when serving. Serve with a warm baguette for added soul-warming.
 | |  |
In an effort to create a more in-person atmosphere, we will be holding our Maundy Thursday service on Google Meet, link provided below.
As Maundy Thursday is a somber, contemplative service we ask that you please keep your microphone on mute during the service. You will be invited to unmute during communion. We also ask that you create a darkened room space, and gather bread and juice for communion and a candle. Log on at 6:45 for fellowship and tech support.
If you are on a computer, laptop or notebook device, you will be able to see the presentation as well as some of the other worshipers. If you go to the right of your screen, you will see three dots. This is where you can adjust your screen view. If you select "Spotlight" you will only see the presentation and not other people during the service. This link will help with view settings: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9850209?hl=en
Please use the following link to join the service:
Maundy Thursday Google Meet
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 617-675-4444
PIN: 203 499 877 6577#
| |  | | 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 Gethsemane Prayer
Jesus, our brother,
one you knelt sleepless
in the darkness of a garden
alone
and wept and prayed,
sweating, bleeding,
with the pain of powerlessness
with the strain of waiting.
An angel offered you strength-
but it was a bitter cup.
We pray for all
who wake tonight
waiting, agonizing,
anxious and afraid,
while other sleep;
for those who sweat
and bleed, and weep alone.
If it is not possible
for their cup to be taken away-
then may they know your presence
kneeling at their side.
Amen
- Jan Sutch Pickard
| |  | THIS SATURDAY IS OUR EASTER HOUSE HUNT!!!
This is a wonderful time to "gather" and be able to see one another in a safe and joyful way. We encourage you to take a ride and share this time together. Many of our congregants have not been able to see their church family and are looking forward to this time together. Drivers can decorate their cars, wear bright colors, wave and cheer, keeping the celebration festive.
You can start with any house you want and pick the route that works best for you. We only ask that you visit between 1-2 on Saturday. If you have kids drop by the church between 1 and 1:30 to pick up the Sunday School supplies for the Easter season. If you're so motivated, you could even dress up your car in an Easter bonnet (we would dearly love to see that). If you're decorating your car windows, remember not to paint the ones you're going to roll-down!
If you would like more information about the Easter House Hunt, please contact Natasha Drew at 882-3361 or office@mainstreet-umc.org
Please use the following link for the Easter House Hunt Map
Easter House Hunt Map
(Please keep in mind that the Fox Hollow Dr. and Hemlock St. addresses are in Hudson)
| | February 2021 Financial Snapshot
General Fund (GF)
Total GF Income Received as of 2/28/2021: $69,702.16
Total GF Income Budgeted through 2/28/2021: $72,278
Total GF Expenses Paid through 2/28/2021: $64,579.25
Total GF Expenses Budgeted through 2/28/2021: $77,674.46
Notes on General Fund
· World and New England Mission Shares were not paid in January or February. We should be able to catch up later.
· The church owes for the air cleaning units installed. A portion was paid and the balance will be paid in March using additional donations and reserve funds.
· Current on other expenses.
Heart of Nashua 1 & 2 (GiF) & HON Cont. (Capital Campaign/Elevator, Connector, Renovations)
· Balance Due on HON Loan as of 2/28/2021: $145,537.20 (Loan was $358,343.45)
· In February the $1,769.53 monthly payment was paid. HON Cont. funds on hand 2/28/2021 ($8149.31) will cover payments for four months.
· Total Paid (including interest) Using HON 1, 2 & Continued as of 2/28/2021: $1,888,119.06
Funding for the Future
100 for $150 (Endowment) – Received this year as of 2/28/2021: $785 Please be one of 100 people or families giving $150 each year to grow our endowment for our future.
Thank You
· We have received donations to cover the purchase of two AEDs. Thank you UMM and others who made donations for these.
· As of 3/7/2021 we received $6090 in donations toward the air purifiers for the church.
 | | Office Announcements 
-The office will be closed on Monday, April 5th for Easter Monday observance.
-The Tech Team is looking for someone who would be willing to be available to run the technology side of things for funerals. This person would need to have open availability and be ready to assist in those times of celebration/sorrow. Training will be provided. If you are interested, please contact the main office at office@mainstreet-umc.org | |  | Pastors: Equalization members, especially under 30, needed for AC 2021 Conference 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 Conference Resolutions 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 | | 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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