Thursday, December 21, 2023

Mainstreeter Weekly Blast December 21, 2023



New in this Issue:

  • Thursday, December 21st - Longest Night Vigil at 6:00 PM

  • Passing of George Mazaiwana

  • Make 2024 the Year You Advocate for a Child - Become a CASA!

  • Youth Movie Night Time Change - Dec 23 from 5:00 - 9:00PM


Click Here to Donate Today to MSUMC
Mainstreeter Online Weekly Blast

Last night, at the Blue Christmas service led by Lisa Svenson and Kelly Pyle Brown, the setting, the readings, the music surrounded us in the blue hues that can meet our ache. And Lisa preached on the "unforced rhythms of grace."  Those practices of stillness and candle lighting and letting hopeful (if not cheerful) music wash over you that allow you to have hope in trying times.


For me, one of those practices that speak to the unforced rhythms of grace is generosity. People are so generous when they continue to send me Christmas cards with photos and summaries of their year even though I never return the favor. The Joyful Shepherds send cards and I enjoy writing notes on the MSUMC Christmas letters. And folks drop in to talk or bring home-made baked goods to the office (we love that).  Yesterday, Rabbi Jon dropped off  "Letter to My Palestinian Neighbor" -- a bestseller that addresses the conflict in Israel.


And every year, there are people who include MSUMC in their end-of-year generosity. We rely on those gifts. It's a minor miracle that we're ending the year only 15K short to pay our bills including our Mission Shares which fund ministries around the globe and closer to home like the Green Church initiative, lay servant training, camps, youth events, race & religion, etc. Fifteen thousand may sound like an insurmountable number to raise in a week but it is possible. We've done it before. Members who tithe bonuses, or who direct their Required Minimum Distributions to the MSUMC, those who catch up on their pledges, and one-time gifts from those who appreciate the presence of an inclusive, community-minded church ministry on Main Street. 


May you too experience the unforced rhythms of grace this Christmas. We hope to see you in worship on Christmas Eve at 7:00 p.m.


Blessings,

Pastor Kelly


Click Here for Sunday's Bulletin

With deepest sympathy, we announce the passing of George Mazaiwana.  George passed away suddenly on Monday, December 18th.  He leaves behind his daughter in Salem, NH and his parents, Lydia & David.


The family is working on repatriating his remains to Zimbabwe where he wanted to be buried.  They will be delaying services until the new year so that family can gather here in NH.


We will pass along more details as they become available.

We've added a morning service on Christmas Eve at 10:30 AM.  The service will be informal and not online.  We will hold it in the Chapel to keep it comfortable for the smaller attendance.  We will STILL hold the 7:00 PM Candlelight service the same evening.  We hope to see you that day at either service!

For those who wish to join the class online, click the button below.

Click Here to Join Class

If you submit a daily prayer, please include your name, church, and state you are from the Granite District.  We hope you can take the time to share so others may benefit.

Thanksgiving mailer and 2024 Stewardship cards were sent in the mail last week.  There are several ways this year to easily make your 2024 pledge to MSUMC:

  1. Return 2024 Pledge Card from mailer to the church via regular mail

  2. Scan the QR Code below*

  3. Click the link below*


When you fill out the form online, it will only be shared with Financial Secretary.

Click Here to make your 2024 Pledge Online
Click HERE for Amazon List

NOTE:  Date of Movie night is Saturday, December 23rd

TIME CHANGE:  5:00 - 9:00 pm

Get Excited!

After a month off for the holiday season, we are back in business with our Ham & Bean Suppers on Saturday, January 6th. Please join us and spread the word!  Special price for all veterans, active duty, and first responders!

We Need You!


Can you help out in the Nursery on Sunday's during Church School and Worship?  We Need You!  Some volunteers have already stepped up, however, we need more.  Many of the current volunteers already have many "jobs" in the congregation and we'd like to get some relief.


Please contact the Church Office if you can volunteer and make a difference in the lives of our littlest disciples.

Make 2024 the Year You Advocate for a Child

 

Children who experienced abuse or neglect are waiting for someone to advocate for their best interests. Become a CASA.

 

To learn more click button below:

Learn More about CASA

United Way of Greater Nashua's next "Coffee and Causes" talk for older adults will focus on "Getting Back to Exercise". Speakers from the YMCA of Greater Nashua and the local Hannaford nutritionist will speak about ways to add fitness and healthy eating to your routine in the new year. The talk will take place at the YMCA of Greater Nashua at 10:30am on Friday, January 5th. This talk is geared toward older adults, but all are welcome! Register at the link below or contact United Way at (603)882-4011 or info@unitedwaynashua.org.

Register Here for Coffee & Causes
Click Here to Donate Today to MSUMC

Church office hours:  

Mon - Weds - Thurs - Fri from 9:00 - 2:00

Closed on Tuesdays.


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