Mainstreeter Weekly Blast December 22, 2022

Last evening was the longest night of the year. It was beautiful and tough, warming and cold. There was a beautiful, meditative Blue Christmas service led by Lisa Svenson, Sue McDonald and Mike Gallagan in MSUMC sanctuary (it's available online thanks to Jerry and Kelly R). Nonny and Jodi attended live online as well as a few visitors who visited in person. And before that, a group gathered at city hall for the "homelessness vigil." We named those who have died on the streets in Nashua – reading aloud their names and burying them in dirt to be added to the NSKS community garden. Mayor Donchess read a Proclamation about the city's commitment to welcome and do better to address the ongoing suffering of those who "live rough." We reflected on those who are chronically homeless in Nashua (which includes some veterans and a few families), and many hundreds more who are effectively homeless, couch surfing between family and friends, cars and shelters. There are others facing eviction as a result of income disruption and rental increases related to the Covid pandemic and the affordable housing shortage. Many of the social service agencies who serve those on the margins in Nashua were present. Pastor Kristy, who is known by all the city officials, talked with folks about our continued efforts to address the suffering. It was good to see our own Wendy LeBlanc who serves as the Director of HIV Services at Harbor Care as well as old friends like Vince Aquino who coordinates the Day Cafe. One way you can help is by supporting the organizations working to address the problems. Donate to: The Front Door Agency Harbor Care Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter Family Promise ~ Pastor Kelly Click here for the December 24h, 2022 Bulletin    Main Street UMC was well represented at the 2022 Homless Memorial Vigil on Wednesday, December 21st, with members Wendy LeBlanc, Paul Pederzani, Stacie Laughton and Pastors Kristy and Kelly in attendance. We are looking for volunteers to help us collect food from interested shoppers on both days. The food collected will go to some of our local pantries to support their current increased need for food. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community during the holiday season. We'd love to see you, your family, your faith community group, or your friend group there! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER CLICK HERE 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. The UNH Extension Master Wellness Volunteer Program is an opportunity for adults to engage in learning sessions focused on creating community change for health. This unique program allows volunteers to connect with others as they build toolboxes for impacting individual and community health factors, environments and systems. Topics covered include: nutrition physical activity disease prevention health equity public speaking skills and so much more! For those interested in creating community change and becoming health champions, we are currently inviting adult individuals who are interested in volunteering in New Hampshire to the Spring Session 2023 of the Master Wellness Volunteer Program. Learn more on the website here: extension.unh.edu/health-well-being/programs/master-wellness-volunteers Pastors' Sabbath days: Pastor Kelly: Tuesday                 Pastor Kristy: Friday

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