New in this Issue:

Holiday Office Hours and Pastoral Coverage
JOIN US FOR LESSONS & CAROLS SERVICE - 12/29!
UMW News
Church Leadership Development - January 11th
Youth Event at St. James UMC in January
Overnight Warming Station Volunteers Needed - United Way
UMM Breakfast Meeting - February 1st (not January)
Full Moon Walks in Mine Falls Park - Mark your Calendars!
Treasurer Volunteer Position Needed!

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Sunday Worship Begins at 10:30 AM

"Joy to the World" Series Begins Sunday, December 1st

Watch Live

I love year's end with its invitation to reminisce over the past 12 months, to take stock. One of my favorite shows, CBS Sunday Morning, reviews their favorite stories of the year and then remembers all those noted personalities who have died and all they meant. It's a beautiful moment of gratitude for the past and inspiration for what is to come.

In his writings, theologian Howard Thurman mused over the past year that dies and the new year that's being born. He offers this "Blessings at Year's End" in "Meditations of the Heart":

I remember with gratitude the fruits of the labors of others, which I have shared as a part of the normal experience of daily living.

I remember the beautiful things that I have seen, heard and felt–some, as a result of definite seeking on my part, and many that came unheralded into my path, warming my heart and rejoicing my spirit.

I remember the moments of distress that proved to be groundless and those that taught me profoundly about the evilness of evil and the goodness of good.

I remember the new people I have met, from whom I have caught glimpses of the meaning of my own life and the true character of human dignity.

I remember the dreams that haunted me during the year, keeping me ever mindful of goals and hopes which I did not realize but from which I drew inspiration to sustain my life and keep steady my purposes.

I remember the awareness of the spirit of God that sought me out in my aloneness and gave to me a sense of assurance that undercut my despair and confirmed my life with new courage and abiding hope.

Happy New Year!

Pastor Kelly

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UMW / UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH NEWS

Next Meeting: Weds, January 15

6:30 PM - Pizza in Vestry

7:00 PM - Hybrid Meeting

Come join us for our first meeting of 2025 on Wed. Jan. 15! We will gather in the vestry for pizza at 6:30 PM and follow with a hybrid meeting at 7. The link is always on the church website calendar. This meeting will be a "look ahead" and general planning for 2025. We will save the review of next year's budget for our February meeting.

As many of you know, the Borrotos will be moving south in January. We will be losing our Treasurer, Erica, who has faithfully served for many years. We are in the process of looking for a new volunteer treasurer, possibly co-treasurers so there will always be someone on hand to write checks when needed. (This is not the church treasurer position you have seen advertised.) We will have a simple list of tasks and responsibilities for anyone who would like to see it. Erica has an Excel Spreadsheet of the budget and list of names and addresses of our current charities which will be transferred over. Kathy Romano has volunteered to be a temporary treasurer so we have more time to find someone and have a smooth transition. Please contact the office if you would like more information (office@mainstreet-umc.org).

Please also let the office know if you need a ride to the meeting in January!

Thank you,

Pam Breniser

Church Leadership Development

January 11th at 8AM

LONDONDERRY UMC

The Londonderry UMC is inviting neighboring UMCs to a time of learning the church committee essentials for SPRC, Finance, Trustees, worship, and outreach ministries. Learn some new skills, share some insights, and have some fun with fellow leaders. All who are serving in a church committee or program or are interested in being part of the church ministry are invited.

We will meet at the Londonderry UMC at 8 am – 12noon. Coffee, breakfast pastries, and light refreshments will be served. Contact Pastor David Palmer for more information.

Rev. Dr. David Palmer

603-728-8760

Londonderry & Manchester First

United Methodist Churches