Mainstreeter Weekly Blast December 1, 2022

There's a week-long writing workshop at the Iona Abbey in Scotland, where laypeople prayerfully put themselves into the Biblical stories and imagine the scene from a particular character's point of view and then write a first-person piece. These readings are a popular part of worship around the globe. What was the experience of the Roman centurion in that moment of encounter with Jesus? What was it like for a person in the crowd on the hillside receiving the sermon on the mount? It's not just fun to imagine, it can be illuminating. It can offer a fresh perspective on a story heard many times. Such was the case Sunday, when Paul Pederzani inhabited the Angel Gabriel. The "drama" on the page was the Biblical reading from the gospel of Luke but Paul took it so much further – adding a flare that seemed totally in character for Gabriel encountering Zechariah. "Can I call you Zack?"  "See these red cards? This divine message is top priority! the message to Jericho only got yellow cards." Several people mentioned that the drama brought the text alive. Beyond that, it made the characters so much more real. It brought Gabriel down to earth – made the angel appear more like an ordinary person (albeit with a top priority divine message to share). And perhaps that's the point of our Angels Among Us series, to keep watch for those divine messages in our lives and to imagine ourselves as those messengers of hope for others. Thanks to Paul, Steve, Pam and Lisa and all the dramatists who will bring the texts alive in the coming weeks. –Pastor Kelly Click here for the December 4th, 2022 Bulletin    For those of you who were at the Nashua Holiday Stroll this past weekend, you know how amazing it was.  The turnout was one of the largest Nashua has ever seen.  We had over 300 kids thru the MSUMC Kids Spot JUST in the first hour!  MSUMC was one of the only venues that had a specific kids activity area.  This was truly a community outreach event.  We were grateful for all those that turned out and especially those that volunteered. Special thanks to all volunteers: Lisa Svenson and Mark Thompson  Kent and Donna Swanson Karen Tutt Allan Webb Kelly Rose Jim and Mavis Pyle Pam Breniser Paul & Sue Pederzani  Bena Curtis Sally Groves Charlie Flagler Phyllis Appler Janet and John Bohs Deb and Ted Luszey Nancy Long Maggie Dechene David Quimby And our great choir participants: Mike Gallagan & Becca Steve Hilbun Kent Swanson Charlie Flagler Nancy Long Kelly Brown Mercedes Cernuda Lisa Svenson Kathy Romano Also, an extra special thank you to Jerry Harrow for coordination of the event, the Romano's for allowing us to borrow their "Life is Good" Cornhole boards, and to Sherri and Doug Wilson (Big Dawg Boards), who built us our very own "Heart of Nashua" Cornhole boards!  If you weren't at the event, we can tell you that these boards were used ALL night long. Thank you again, we couldn't have done it without you. Many have asked for the address for Ian Clarke-Pounders' son Gary and Family in order to send condolences; Gary's address information is as follows: Gary Clarke-Pounder 10 Mountain Laurels Drive Apt 603 Nashua, NH  03062 Donna and Kent Swanson's dog Olivia (registered name: Ashbrook the Color Purple), competed at the Springfield Kennel Club show this past weekend and won. She now has 7 of the 15 points required for Champion.  Congratulations Olivia and Donna for all the hard work. NASHUA SOUP KITCHEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Every 3rd Sunday from 2 - 4pm ! Volunteers are also needed at the daily food pantry at the Nashua Soup Kitchen. Hours are from 11 to 2:45, Mon thru Fri. If you don't have the whole time to give, come from 11 to 1 or 1 to 2:45. Heart of Nashua aprons happily provided! JANUARY 19, 2023 (NEW DATE) 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 January 19th (new date) 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 Jan 19th 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. Class is back in session!  Join Pastor Kristy and Paul Pederzani for the new "Mary Had a Baby" study. 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 Pastors' Sabbath days: Pastor Kelly: Tuesday                 Pastor Kristy: Friday

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