Mainstreeter Blast August 25, 2022

There are so many signs of new life at Main Street UMC, it's hard to keep track of them all. We were thrilled to have over 25 people attend the Church Conference this week to elect new leaders and 5 were attending for the FIRST TIME. We have new members who have jumped into service, playing bells, co-chairing the Missions Team, chairing the Finance Team, and training to be a certified Lay Servant. We're grateful to those who served faithfully over the years and have finished a role: • Sharon Schmidt as Lay Leader • Mike Brown as SPRC Chair • Mavis Pyle as Church School Superintendent • Phyllis Appler as Mission Chair • Galen & Sharon Rose as at-large Council members • Joe Dechene as Finance Chair • Jim Besada as counter • Jim Pyle as head usher • Charlie Flagler as Communion Steward And we're thrilled to welcome some new blood and some returning leaders in new roles: • Lisa Svenson as Lay Leader • Chuck Emery as SPRC Chair • Scott Sommer as Finance Chair • Sharon Schmidt as Education Chair, and Lay Servant in training • Maggie Dechene as Co-Mission Chair • Jenn Cardin-Smith as Co-Missions Chair • Pam Breniser as UMW leader • Phyllis Appler as at-large Council • Peggy Drew as certified Lay Servant And we appreciate those, like Donna Swanson on Trustees, who have been willing to serve past their time on the "rotation" schedule (teams have a 3-year class structure). The Book of Discipline doesn't often look kindly on this behavior because they want to protect folks from burn-out, avoid entrenched power dynamics, and encourage new voices in leadership. So we'll continue to encourage (beg/plead) for folks to explore a call to Trustees, Worship and Nurture to support the strength and sustain-ability of our ministry.   We did a lot of celebrating at the meeting. And we reviewed our core values of WELCOME, DISCIPLE, NURTURE, and SERVICE that allow us to be the church with a heart in the heart of Nashua. Still, leaders get discouraged when there aren't enough people willing to teach Sunday School or to bring their teenagers to an evening youth group event. Or be a counter, or greeter, acolyte, usher, communion steward, etc. Or to serve on the team so necessary to coordinate our ministries. It's hard to keep up the energy. But we know Jesus calls us into community, into relationship with a faith family where we can practice forgiveness, study scripture together, encourage one another in hard and beautiful times, and serve the world. And so that's what we're about. We hope this fall is a blessed reset of our ministry together and your commitment to this vibrant downtown congregation. Thanks for all your ministry!     --Pastor Kelly Click here for the August 28th, 2022  Bulletin    Virtual Coffee Hour and Fellowship https://www.mainstreet-umc.org/activities/coffee-hour Be sure to join us for our Virtual Coffee Hour and Fellowship Time following the 9:30 am service. We look forward to seeing you there! Do you know a friend or family member who may be interested in part-time childcare work during our Sunday worship? This paid part-time staff position is every Sunday, 9 am to noon, with the possibility of added hours during some Bible studies or church-wide meetings. Requirements: Must be 18 years of age and willing to commit for at least one year. Willingness to submit to a background check and completion of all required forms. Must take our Child Protection training class. We have a strong preference to locate someone outside of our church community to allow all of our members to attend Sunday worship services. If you know of someone who may be a suitable candidate, have them send their resume to: sprc-chair@mainstreet-umc.org If you can help out the office in our transition time to a new office administrator--either to staff the office and answer phones and emails, or to learn to create newsletters and email blasts this summer--please let Pastor Kelly know. Get your Flat Wesley right here!! https://mcusercontent.comflat wesley.jpg McLaren courses resume this fall The Conference reminds New England clergy and laity that their courses with Dr. Brian D. McLaren and the Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis will continue this fall. These self-paced online courses can be completed at any time, and you can participate even if you did not take the courses offered earlier this year. Each topic includes a live session with Dr. McLaren: 7 pm Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 — Curating Change 7 pm Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022 — Your Congregation as a School of Love  To get the most out of the live conversations, you are encouraged to complete as much of the course material as possible beforehand. Supported by the Conference, the courses are free to participants. Learn more and register Pastors' Sabbath days: Pastor Kelly: Tuesday                 Pastor Kristy: Friday

This email was sent to office@mainstreet-umc.org why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences Mainstreet United Methodist Church · PO Box 1517 · Nashua, NH 03061-1517 · USA