This Sunday, Consecration Sunday, is one of my favorite Sundays of the year.
Because it's the beginning of a faith journey for so many. Sharing our precious financial resources gets to the heart of who we are and who we are called to be. And intentional, prayerful, sacrificial giving is a doorway to stronger faith. Stewardship time calls us to put our treasure with God. And I've seen the way our hearts can follow. When you give, not from our surplus, but from our core, trust in God increases.
When we recognize that the temptation to tightly grasp our resources is a barrier to spiritual growth, we're on our way to a deeper faith. When we call out in ourselves the reflex to keep rather than give, we're more able to risk trying something new.
Sharing deeply of our own resources enables God to open us to the needs of others. Seeing others, especially those who Christ called us to see, the least, the left-out, the lost, becomes our responsibility when giving to God is first. And then giving, becomes a joy not a burden or an obligation.
Stewardship is the call of faithful disciples. It goes beyond living our membership vows. Our need to give is completely separate from the church's development of an annual budget. Although, the timing of both pledges and budgeting coming at the same time of year makes it easy to confuse the two. But my hope for you is a happy, joyful Consecration Sunday – maybe even a risk-taking, slightly scary pledge Sunday – where you're able to step out in faith and give as an opening to increased trust.
–Pastor Kelly
p.s. It was great to talk with Lydia today who brought in her Pledge Card, a Thanksgiving envelope offering, and a staff gift! Notice the "Heart of Nashua" pin on her lapel. We're giving those out this Sunday. And we hope you'll wear them with pride to share this church that launches us out into the world to make it a more just and generous place. | |  | Stop by the Mission Wall and answer the Question:
How does MSUMC make a difference? | |  | | Congratulations is in order for Peggy Drew!
She completed a Certificate in Lay Servant Training. | | | Please continue to pray for Chuck's surgery recovery.
We were advised that he will be going home from the hospital today! | | SIGN-UP ON POSTER IN
CONNECTOR LOBBY | | |  | Every year, Main Street Church has thrown open its doors for the Downtown Nashua Winter Holiday Stroll. This is a perfect opportunity for us to welcome our community a give them glimpse of what we are all about. Do you know where the sanctuary is? Do you know where the restrooms are? Then you are qualified!
In order for us to register as a venue, we need a minimum of 9 committed volunteers for the evening (three two-hour shifts of three people each).This is complicated somewhat in that it would not be reasonable to enforce a mask requirement for the general public for this event, therefore volunteers would need to be comfortable in large presumably unmasked crowds though as a volunteer you are encouraged to wear a mask based up on your comfort and typical practice. Church Venue Host/Hostess Your presence is simply to provide assistance/directions to visitors who will be attending the entertainment hosted in the sanctuary. Help us put a good foot forward as the community visits us to enjoy our Chancel Choir and other entertainment. Direct visitors to the sanctuary venue, restrooms, and other activities in the church. How You Can Help! Volunteer for one (or more) of the 2-hour timeslots available during the stroll. No experience necessary. Contact Jerry Harrow to commit to volunteering and enable us to participate as a venue. For more information contact Jerry at 673-6024 or Jerry.Harrow@mainstreet-umc.org. | |  | | DECEMBER 1, 2022
NEXT PLANNING BOARD HEARING
Pastor Kristy and Nancy Long have continued to attend visibility events coordinated by GSOP to educate the community about the asphalt plant proposal for Temple Street. This plant will be harmful to the many neighbors near the site, who will be subjected to pollution, noise, and a significant increase in asphalt truck traffic on pedestrian routes. The Planning Board hearing has been tabled until December 1 to allow the environmental impact study to be completed.
We would appreciate those who are willing to write letters to the planning board to please do so at pb@nashuanh.gov. If you are willing to speak against the plant at the Dec 1 meeting (at this time both zoom and in person are available), please reach out to Pastor Kristy for more information on how to do so and what criteria are most important to the Planning Board. | |  | Make a Big Impact with Little Time Commitment: Join a YIMBY Group
The Nashua Interfaith Housing Justice group, of which Pastor Kristy is a part, is gathering volunteers who would be willing to speak out in favor of reasonable housing development in their neighborhoods. This would be very occasional work. As the Interfaith Housing Justice Group becomes aware of new housing development, volunteers would be offered the opportunity to testify to their local Planning Boards (or equivalent) as to why that development might be a good idea, countering the reactionary NIMBYs (NOT in my backyard folks) who invariably appear. At this time, testimony can be submitted in person, virtually, or in written form. Information on each project and coaching will be provided. If you know that we need smart, ethical housing development in this region, and you'd like to help, sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-ejcwKeSKzRGBq4kBcDg_pqR1dqaaJPshc7Pu-mHNKdfnLw/viewform?usp=sf_link If you would like more information, please see Pastor Kristy. (Image courtesy of CandysDirt.com, a real estate site) | | Join Pastor Kristy and Paul Pederzani for the new "Mary Had a Baby" study the scripture series beginning Sunday, November 20th!
Online and in-person. Books will be provided for all those attending in-person. Reach out to Pastor Kristy if you plan on attending remotely and would like a book.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Here is the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88185355974?pwd=SEpQemJ3ZzRRWm9lMFFQSlpwdUhzQT09 | |  | | Our very own Nora Campbell's Dance Studio, Broadway Bound, will join the Saving Grace Dance Ensemble for a Dance Show "A Journey Through Christmas".
Broadway Bound will perform 3 of the dances, Nora is in 1 of the 3 dances - a Lyrical dance. This is Nora's first year joining this event.
Best wishes to Nora and her team as they prepare for this exciting event. Let's see if we can get them a cheering section! | | Pastors' Sabbath days:
Pastor Kelly: Tuesday Pastor Kristy: Friday | | | | | |
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