Thursday, May 16, 2024

Mainstreeter Weekly Blast May 16, 2024


New in this Issue:

  • Sign up for events

  • Granite State Ringers Concert - this Saturday, May 18th

  • UMM Meeting, this Saturday, May 18th and Golf Tournament Sign Up

  • Pastor Kelly on Pilgrimage - May 18 thru June 1st.

    • Pastor Kristy covering for pastoral emergencies only.

  • Volunteer Treasurer Needed

  • Summer Hours noted at bottom of email

  • UMCOR Disaster Response

  • Youth Car Wash - Saturday, May 25th

  • Children's Book donations for United Way

Click Here to Donate Today to MSUMC

This Sunday, we'll be blessed by the preaching of the Rev. Wes Palmer, Ex. Dir. of the Preacher's Aid Society. Don't forget to wear red.

  

Jesus himself went on regular pilgrimages to the Holy City of Jerusalem. Early on in the Christian tradition, pilgrimages were considered an important spiritual practice. Different from touristy travel, pilgrimages had spiritual and/or religious purposes showing devotion, obedience and trust in one's faith. They were a way to connect with God or recommit oneself to faith. Pilgrimages were often difficult, dangerous and financially draining. Still today, many faiths share a tradition of pilgrimage.


Early on, allowances were made for those who could not travel for physical or financial reasons. Liturgical traditions grew up around pilgrim writings, like the 4th century Journal of Egeria, detailing her pilgrimage experience to Jerusalem.


Whether making a physical or spiritual journey, preparation was required. Readings, sacramental practices like anointing, connecting with fellow pilgrimages, and setting an intention for the journey.


For the St Cuthbert's pilgrimage that Steve and I are undertaking, there are assigned readings on Celtic spirituality, the history of St Cuthbert and Northumbria area (now known as Scotland and the borderlands of England), and pilgrimage practice. And we've met with our fellow travelers over zoom. There are 14 pilgrims from 8 states with various reasons for pushing themselves to be a pilgrim who walks 8-15 miles a day in the footsteps of the 7th century monk, bishop and hermit. Four of the pilgrims have lost a spouse in the last few years. Others are experiencing other transitions like graduating from college, or moving across the country. There are two parent/adult child groupings. Others have journeyed the Camino de Santiago (the more famous, popular, and much longer pilgrimage route across France and Spain) and were seeking a new route. Our Spiritual Director and guide, Larry Peacock, has recently retired (he used to run Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in North Andover MA for the UMC).  


I have always resonated with Celtic spirituality and found our coast-to-coast hiking trip to the thin places of Ireland in 2005 inspiring. Join me in praying that my body doesn't fail my poetic imagination in this pilgrimage.


Blessing on the journey,

Rev Kelly          


Click Here for Sunday's Bulletin

UMM Breakfast Meeting
Saturday, May 18 at 8:30 AM

Meeting to start at 9:00 AM

ALL are invited to attend


The United Methodist Men Breakfast Meeting for the month of May will be held on Saturday, May 18th in the vestry.  We will meet for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. followed by our program which this month will be about Artificial Intelligence (AI) presented by Jerry Harrow. 


Jerry is a Principal software engineer in the Hewlett Packard Enterprise AI Division where he leads a team working on AI deployment.


He will review:

What is AI?

How does it work?

What can it do?

Should we be scared of it?


Come prepared with your questions!!!


All men and women of the church are invited to attend to learn about AI and its many uses to make your lives easier.  If you can attend the breakfast and the program please RSVP to this e-mail letting us know that you will be coming so we can provide food for you.  If you come just for the program you don't need to RSVP.


Looking forward to seeing you all there!


In Christ,

Kent  Swanson


P.S.  Also, it is time to get your  green fees in to Mark Morrissey or the Church Office so we can plan the UMM Tournament which takes place this year on Saturday, June 22nd at the Amherst Country Club!  Please set up your foursomes and get ready for some great golf on on of the areas super courses.


Call Mark for any more details or find sign up forms in the connector lobby to return to the Church Office.  This is one of our signature events and we all have a great time at the tournament and "after" that tournament when we hand out trophies and prizes.  Details are located in the Weekly BLAST and the Monthly Newsletter.  Please join us!


Granite State Ringers

This Weekend, Saturday, May 18th

Buy advance tickets now!


Don't wait, get your tickets now for the Granite State Ringers concert here at MSUMC on May 18th at 2:30 PM.  $15 / Adults; $10 Children under 12.

Buy Tickets Here
Register for Golf Tournament as a player/foursome
Golf Tournament Sponsor Form

REGISTER NOW FOR VACATION BIBLE CAMP!

Register Now for VBC
Give Now to UMCOR Disaster Response

Creation Justice Breaking Through! General Conference Wrap Up from Fossil Free UMC

Hello Pastor Kelly,


I just wanted to thank you again for being so helpful in the coordination of my Senior Project. I wouldn't have been able to donate my final cake to United Way of Greater Nashua Annual Baby Shower event if it weren't for your kind offer to use your commercial kitchen. I really appreciate all your time and generosity!

Kindly, 

Elena Doughty


**********

Elena used our kitchen to bake this tiered cake to donate to the United Way of Greater Nashua's Annual Baby Shower.

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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