 | | A Message From Pastor Kristy
A Word from Pastor Kristy on the Safety Committee:
I want to take a moment to thank our Safety/Re-entry Committee members. When Paul, Mark, Ted, Deborah, Donna, Phyllis and Peter signed up for this team, we had no idea that we'd be working so much or for so long! Together, we've learned many things about the pandemic, and we are growing in confidence about what we CAN do to enjoy the presence of community and also minimize the spread of COVID-19.
Using a scientific simulator created at MIT, we continue to be confident in our multilayered COVID-mitigation strategy. Even with the spike in Delta-variant cases, masks, air filtration, time limits, contact tracing and a high level of vaccinations in the congregation will continue to provide protection and minimize viral spread in hybrid worship and small group meetings in the vestry. (Sadly, singing continues to be too high risk for in-person worshippers.) The Public Health Department has been appreciative of our continued work to slow the spread of Covid-19. I thank you for doing your part, as well!
We have begun to invite our outside groups back into the vestry for meetings under the same guidelines that the congregation follows, per conference policy. At this time, none of the groups are prepared to return, but we will continue to be in contact as they continue their meetings online.
Finally, many of you have been concerned about the status of our church kitchen. As you may know, city regulations now require a high level of training for workers in church kitchens. In seeking appropriate certification, we have been blessed that David Quimby, an experienced chef and culinary instructor, has stepped up to advocate for our benefit with the city and to teach us about the requirements. We will soon begin training sessions for those in charge of kitchen activities, culminating in an examination, so that we can become compliant with city regulations when pandemic conditions allow us to serve food again. The Public Health Department has also expressed appreciation for our proactive work in this area!
Please reach out to me if you have questions regarding the work of this team!
Pastor Kristy | | |
Join us for Sunday Worship!!!
We welcome you to worship with us in the sanctuary whenever you feel comfortable. We continue to wear masks, physical distance and filter the air to mitigate the risk of indoor gatherings.
You can just show up on Sunday morning if you like (or register in advance if you prefer).
Services are still live-streamed at 9:35 am. We ask that all in-person attendees arrive no later than 9:15 am so that they can be seated by 9:30 am.
If you have any questions or need assistance in registering, please contact the main office at
(603) 882-3361 or office@mainstreet-umc.org
Sunday September 5th Worship Link
| | | Faith after Doubt, Book Discussions with Brian McLaren  At the 2021 New England Annual Conference, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar recommended that we read Brian McLaren's latest book, Faith after Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What To Do About It. There will be 4 live book discussions with McLaren this fall on Mondays Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct 4. Each session is from 8-9 p.m. Reserve those dates, read the book, and register by Thursday, Sept 9th!
This series is for everyone - clergy and laity. Pastors and church members are encouraged to participate together. DON"T MISS OUT - space is limited.
| | | Thank You Project Water Walk
| | CROP HUNGER WALK RETURNS LIVE IN 2021
This year's Greater Nashua Crop Hunger Walk will return on Sunday October 24, rain or shine.
The walk begins at 1:30 pm with registration and kick-off preceding at 12:30-1:30 pm.
We will be outside for walk and celebration. If it rains, we'll find a safe option for the celebration.
To register as a walker and/or raise money go to: https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2021/event/nashuanh
We're keeping a close eye on the Delta-variant COVID situation locally and will adjust and advise accordingly. Masks are always a good idea and will certainly be required for the registration and kick off programs if they are indoors. For those at high risk or uncomfortable with the group walk, we invite you to walk with a small group of family or friends throughout the month of October and raise your monies in that way.
| | July 2021 Finance Snapshot:
General Fund (GF)
Total GF Income Received as of 7/31/2021: $246,321.81*
Total GF Income Budgeted through 7/31/2021: $255,433.00
Total GF Expenses Paid through 7/31/2021: $223,011.84
Total GF Expenses Budgeted through 7/31/2021: $258,326.15
* Includes $11,479 designated for Heart of Nashua Continued and CARES Act PPP Draw 2 Funds of
$41,352.00 received and used for GF expenses.
Notes on General Fund
- We did not pay World and New England Mission Shares in July except for using a donation given for it.
This leaves us almost four months behind on each ($7605.04 on both).
- Current on other expenses as of 7/31/2021. (In the summer we are not billed for property insurance but must make a large payment at a new rate in September to make up for the period.)
- July income was considerably less than July 2020.
Heart of Nashua 1 & 2 (GiF) & HON Cont. (Capital Campaign/Elevator, Connector, Renovations)
- Balance Due on HON Loan as of 7/31/2021: $139,352.23 (Loan was $358,343.45)
- In July the $1,769.53 monthly payment was paid. HON Cont. funds on hand 7/31/2021 ($6376.86) will cover payments for about months.
- Total Paid (including interest) Using HON 1, 2 & Continued as of 7/31/2021: $1,896,966.51
Funding for the Future, 100 for $150 (Endowment) – Received this year as of 7/31/2021: $1935
Anyone can be one of 100 people or families giving $150 each year (or donate any amount) to grow our endowment for our future.
Parsonage Mortgage – As of 6/30/2021 we owed $66,194.44 on the parsonage. We are paying $896.22
per month. At the present rate, the parsonage will be paid off on 1/23/29.
Extra Mile Giving Opportunities
- You'll see river rock has replaced the bark mulch in the church garden borders. To date, we
have received $1000 to help pay this $2750 expense. Donations toward this $2750 expense are
welcome.
- We received $882 in August from a matching grant from the New England Conference Together for Tomorrow program to help pay for A/V upgrades and equipment for church services. Many churches applied for the grant and we are grateful to receive this amount to help with the
upgrades. Jerry, thanks for preparing the application and coordinating the A/V services.
- The flooring in Kristy's office has been replaced at a cost of about $275. Thanks to the trustees for installing the floor themselves. Donations can be marked flooring.
Thank you to all who support this congregation. Your financial gifts, service and prayers are appreciated
and needed. In September, property insurance payments will resume with a double payment due. We need to make up World and New England Missions as well and continue to pay routine church expenses, such as utilities, supplies and payroll. | | 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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