Mainstreeter Weekly Blast June 29, 2023

Have a Safe and Happy Independence Day!

View this email in your browser Each Sunday, we'll examine traditional understandings of Jesus  (Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence) to rediscover the Jesus, liberated from constraints, who can free us also. Watch Live THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, JULY 3RD AND RE-OPEN ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 5TH.  HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY 4TH! One of my favorite Bible stories as a child was the one about Saul traveling on a desert road when he was blinded by a light from heaven and heard a voice asking "why do you persecute me?" In a life-changing second, Saul–later known as Paul– became a believer. It was an experience of Jesus so powerful it disrupted his persecution of others, it changed his name, it changed his profession. He was changed not because of any creed or idea about Jesus but because he had an experience of the Risen Christ as a healer of his own broken soul. Throughout his ministry, Paul would continue to struggle with his very first question of Jesus – "Who are you?" Diana Butler Bass, in Freeing Jesus, reviews the many shifting understandings of Jesus that Paul writes about in the letters that make up the Epistles section of our Bible as: 'Wisdom of God, Merciful One, Light of the World, Joy of All Hearts, mystical insight, deliverer from sin and guilt, cosmic vision. From his first encounter on the Damascus road... Paul met Jesus over and over again, and Jesus was always new." Join us on Sunday mornings this Summer to encounter Jesus over and over again, and always new. Pastor Kelly p.s. If you want to share an experience of Jesus you have had, something from your experience, or how Jesus shows up in your life now, talk with me. We'd love to find a way to share our experiences with each other this summer. Jesus has started summer travel and has been found in Vermont and Buc-ee's in South Carolina!  If you are planning travel or even staying around town this summer, consider freeing Jesus to go along with our summer series.  Send photos of your travels and stories with Jesus to office@mainstreet-umc.org! Click Here for Sunday's Bulletin AUGUST 5TH POTLUCK RSVP Each year, United Women in Faith members prepare for faithful living and action by engaging in transformative educational experiences at Mission u events. Mission U is a cooperative program of the Annual Conference and the United Women in Faith for the spiritual growth for all ages; school children, youth, men, women, laity and clergy. This year it will be held from Fri 7/21 to Sun 7/23 at the Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester. The following is the link with more information and registration form can be downloaded.  Registration deadline is June 30th. Learn More and Register for Mission U We are in need of a few more volunteers to help us blast off at Vacation Bible School.  This includes a Bible story leader and other opportunities.  Please let Pastor Kelly or Andrea Weir know if you can help out.  Volunteer form is also linked below! Volunteer for VBS Here VOLUNTEER SIGN UP BELOW We've had a great response to volunteers for the Ham & Bean Suppers that we are planning to bring back this Fall.  We are still looking for some positions, please let us know if you can help out! Sign Up as a Volunteer - Click Here AUGUST 29TH - SAVE THE DATE A NIGHT WITH AUTHOR CARTER HEYWARD "THE 7 DEADLY SINS OF WHITE CHRISTIAN NATIONLISM: A CALL TO ACTION" Summer keynote event: The Seven Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism: A Call to Action. At Unitarian Universalist Church, Concord, NH We are SO excited to welcome the Rev. Dr. Carter Hayward to New Hampshire on August 29th. In a time of rising hate activity across our state, Rev. Dr. Heyward is going to talk with us about her book, the Seven Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism. Together, we will learn about action steps we can take in our own churches and communities as we grow our muscles in this work together.  There will be opportunity to spend time together in both small and large groups, and to connect with other voices of faith from across the state who are also interested in doing this work. Registration, and more details about our book group accompanying this event coming next week! Thanks to our partners at the NH Conference of the UCC, and Episcopal Diocese of NH who are working with us. We hope you will save-the-date, and join us. Read more about  Rev. Dr. Heyward This summer, we're BLASTING OFF! To Mars and Beyond... we'll learn how God can empower us to GO BEYOND with faith, boldness, kindness, thankfulness, and hope. We're on a mission, and we'd love to have you voyage with us! Monday, July 31st through Friday, August 4th 9:00AM until 12:00PM (Ages 3 years through 6th Grade) Register your space explorer below. Register your Space Explorer Here Copyright (C) 2023 Mainstreet United Methodist Church. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Mainstreet United Methodist Church PO Box 1517 Nashua, NH 03061-1517 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe