Mainstreeter Online August 5, 2018

August 5, 2018  A Word from the Fill-in Guy I have found that sometimes getting down to basics is a good way to gain some clarification on basics. A grace I got from somewhere (of course I can't remember where) goes like this: "God, this day there are people without food; there are people without appetite. We have both and for that we give great thanks. Amen." That prayer gets me back to the great gifts of food and appetite. When we think we should have a better home, do we remember to give thanks that we have a home? It is a good basic if my car runs. My legs are not functioning as well as they have in the past. Do I cry at this point? Or do I go with the basic that I'm still moving, even if not very fast? God has gifted us with much. Do we lose sight of that as we look for more, and in so doing miss the gifts God has placed before us today?   Grace and peace, Dave  Announcements Calendar Worship Ahead August 12  Scriptures: First Testament - II Samuel 11:27-12:1-7 - Nathan the Prophet Confronts King David The Epistle - Ephesians 4:25-5:2 - Paul gives instructions for practical Christian living The Modern Word - "You're the Man!" When we have messed up, how do we react as people of faith?  Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.  ~John Wesley    Cafe Agape Update From: Shuman Frank [mailto:shumanfranklin@yahoo.com] Sent: Sunday, July 22, 2018 1:39 PM To: office@mainstreet-umc.org Subject: A Message To Those Running Cafe Agape      My name is Frank Shuman and I come to the Agape Cafe on many mornings.  Since I will not be there on Monday, I just wanted to let the ladies who run the program know that last Thursday I was able to help that gentleman named Francis (nicknamed Franco).  He was able to get a few pairs of underwear from the Salvation Army Thrift Store, and at another time in the future, I'll be glad to take him some other place to buy some brand new ones. But he's OK for now.  It's a true blessing that a church like yours opens up their hearts & even their place of worship to help the unfortunate, the lonely, the homeless, the down on their luck (whatever their problem may be) -- no questions asked.  I notice how you folks help people all the time, so I was more than happy to be able to help that gentleman myself in some small way.      God Bless Your Kindness & Compassion.   Café Agape is closed for the month of August, but a couple of weeks ago, we received the above email at the church office.   The next time I saw Frank, I asked if he'd let me interview him. He agreed, but our conversation started with him asking me questions. "Why are you doing these interviews? Are you trying to understand us? What's the purpose?"   I wasn't able to answer him adequately at the time. After thinking about it later, this is what I wish I had said.   While getting to know individuals at Café Agapé through conversation and interaction, I've heard many interesting stories. Most of them are heart-rending. Some made me cry. I am constantly amazed by people's willingness to share personal details. I've learned that people want to be heard no matter how self-degrading their stories.   If we here at MSUMC are serious about wanting to learn about our neighbors, we need to listen. From personal experience I can say that listening leads to better understanding, which leads to empathy and caring.   That's why I have these conversations—so I can learn more about our neighbors and share their stories with you.   -submitted by Mary Marchese   Note: Conversations with both Francis, who is mentioned in the email, and Frank will be in future Mainstreeters.   Looking for Historical Highlights 1982 to 2018 We have a timeline of noteworthy events for our church from 1868 to 1981, which we will make available as we approach our 150th birthday. But milestone events for the years 1982 to the present day are lacking, especially the early years. If you know something significant that occurred during those years, for example, when the first ham and bean suppers started, send it along to mainstreeter@mainstreet-umc.org Thank you! Historic Tidbit With the upcoming 150th Anniversary celebration in September, the Anniversary Committee has gathered historic quotes to share, taken from Methodism in Nashua, 1831-1982, by J. Lawrence Hall. We will include one with each Mainstreeter Online.        Nine:   "Reverend C.W, Rowley PhD, pastor of the Main Street Methodist Church, secured rooms on Gillis Street for regular weekly and Sunday worship services. As the interest grew, Revered Jesse M. Durell of Main Street, was an assistant to this new activity, and in April 1897 Reverend C.C. Garland began his pastoral work here. In 1898 the Arlington Street Church was organized as a separate charge with Reverend C.C. Garland as pastor." Copyright © 2018 Mainstreet Online, All rights reserved. Going to the web site blog. Our mailing address is: Mainstreet Online 154 Main St Nashua, NH 03060-2731 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? 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July 29 Mainstreeter Online

July 29, 2018  A Word from the Fill-in Guy A Rabbi in reference to our reading of scripture has raised this serious question, "What voice do you hear?"  This is not an academic question for what voice we hear in scripture will affect our basic outlook on our faith. Harry Emerson Fosdick, a great preacher of the last century, told in his biography of his great fear of God as a child because of how the scriptures were presented to him. God was presented as "out to get him" and that God was out to get him. As he grew and interpreted scripture in new ways, he came to appreciate God in new ways. Fosdick's great hymn "God of Grace and God of Glory" reflects these new understandings of a God who represented love, peace, and hope. It is my prayer that we will hear in our scriptures the voices of love, hope, and promise. Grace and peace, Dave  Announcements Calendar Worship Ahead August 5 - Communion Scriptures: I Corinthians 11:23-34 Theme: "Remember!"  The earliest record we have of the Lord's Supper is found in this our scripture for next Sunday. This passage gives an indication of some of the problems that the apostle Paul had with the church in Corinth.The problem that Paul addresses here indicates some in the church were turning the Lord's Supper into a time for gluttony and drunkeness. Central to what Paul has to say to the church in Corinth, and to us, is the importance of remembering what this sacrament represents, the self offering of Christ for others. Always in communion comes the word "remember".  VBS to Start August 6   Rolling River Rampage is fast approaching! Get ready for the ride of a lifetime with God! We are busy preparing the river camp for our rafters but we could use a few more people to act as guides to escort our rafters from station to station (1st and 2nd graders, especially), assistant guides and a few "floaters" to help out wherever needed. If you can be available on one or more of the mornings of August 6 through August 10, please sign up on the sheet in the vestry or lobby or speak to the director, Mavis Pyle, at 860-9792 or email at pylefamily@comcast.net   - submitted by Mavis Pyle Finance Update Welcome to our finance update. We are still running a bit short on our collections and are behind on our mission shares. I will speak to the congregation the third week of August. Here is a sneak peek at my speech. Naturally I want to discuss our general fund, how we are running short on our mission shares and other obligations. We are short even though we are not paying for a DCE (Director of Christian Education) position in 2018. After that I will give an update on our new building loan with the Foundation. It's a beautiful and functional addition. We had to borrow since construction was more than HON money pledged or raised. Our building debt is somewhere north of $350,000. This requires us to pay interest of over $1300/month just to keep even with the debt. I will stress that we all continue to contribute to HON until our debt is paid off. I would remind you of our importance to the downtown area. Our church is open seven days a week in community service, with facilities and volunteers helping with the neglected, homeless, addicted, hungry, or those in search of God. And that would wrap up my speech, especially since Pastor Dave had me assure him I would deliver it in 7 minutes or less. But there is one important update I need to talk about. Back to that DCE (Director of Christian Education) position that we have open, and are not paying for at the moment. Having the right person (or persons) filling the role will make a key difference in church growth. I might ask who is interested in church growth, and ask for a show of hands. If the right person (or persons) came along, would you be interested in supporting them? Or would you rather let that opportunity go and concentrate on paying down our debt before appealing for growth? Let me know your thoughts.  Funding a DCE would be a sizable increase to our budget, and I would need your increased support today as growth takes time. Imagine seeing a church with more families, children, and youth. Imagine being a contributor to this growth.     I've heard many stories about people who decided to increase their contribution to the church, particularly in areas they feel strongly about. And they have received additional blessings in return for their increased giving. Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you,   Joe Dechene Historic Tidbit With the upcoming 150th Anniversary celebration in September, the Anniversary Committee has gathered historic quotes to share, taken from Methodism in Nashua, 1831-1982, by J. Lawrence Hall. We will include one with each Mainstreeter Online.        Eight:   "A General Conference of the Methodist Church was held in Kansas City on May 10, 1939. This Conference carried an unusual interest and was attended by some 900 delegates and approximately 10,000 visitors. The three great Methodist Churches united. The Methodist Episcopal, the Methodist Episcopal South and The Methodist Protestant Church by agreement united and removed the 'Episcopal' identification and became known as the Methodist Church." Copyright © 2018 Mainstreet Online, All rights reserved. Going to the web site blog. Our mailing address is: Mainstreet Online 154 Main St Nashua, NH 03060-2731 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

July 22, 2018 Mainstreeter Online

July 22, 2018   A Word from the Pastor   "Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." Hebrews 13:7     Back in 2003 the district in which I was then serving as pastor, the Southern Maine District, was eliminated and I found myself and the church that I was serving now in the Mid Maine District. I also found myself with a new, and unknown to me, District Superintendent--a man by the name of Dave Svenson (yes, the same Dave Svenson you know here at MSUMC). Because I had been the chairperson of the district Superintendency Committee (the equivalent of the Staff Parish Relations Committee) it was decided that I would continue in that position in my new district. Within a short time I met Rev. Svenson who I immediately liked and as they say, "the rest is history". I found Dave to be a person who took ministry seriously but did not take himself too seriously. He was not afraid to utilize the gifts of the many pastors on our district including my own. He remained my District Superintendent for five years before he retired in 2008 and moved back to Nashua where he and Linda settled back in as active participants in the Main Street UMC.   In 2012 when our bishop decided to appoint me as pastor of the Main Street UMC, I was delighted to hear that Pastor Dave was serving the church in an interim capacity following Pastor Gwen Purushotham's move to Nashville where she served the General Church. It fell to Pastor Dave to share with me whatever he thought would enable me to best serve you as pastor. I'd like to say that he did a good job and I felt better prepared than ever to begin a new pastorate.   It is with pleasure then that I take my temporary leave of you knowing that you are once again in the good hands of Pastor Dave. As a former pastor of the Main Street UMC (1991-2000) and as a former District Superintendent, Pastor Dave brings a wealth of knowledge about you and a wealth of experience in many places to this new endeavor as preacher and pastor while I am away for the next six weeks. I go with the confidence that you will be well served and that Pastor Dave will provide both continuity and innovation in his worship leading and in his pastoral care. I commit him to you even as you have been committed to him. May the next six weeks be a time of blessing as you once again experience Pastor Dave's ministry.   I will likely listen to a few of the live-streamed worship services just to hear what Pastor Dave has to say and to have the affirmation that you are indeed thriving in my absence as I trust you will do. Please extend your welcome to Pastor Dave and support him with your presence and the use of your gifts as well. Announcements Calendar Worship Ahead 7/29 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Scriptures: 2 Samuel 11:6-15; Ephesians 3:14-21 Theme: "How Did It Happen?"  The 2 Samuel passage tells of how King David piles sin upon sin as he deals with Uriah the Hittite. The questions arise as we look at the greatly gifted David who has done wonderful things and see how badly he stumbles. There are lessons for us in this passage and in the Ephesians passage about how easy it is to end up in the wrong place. Pastor Rich's "Release" Time to Begin on July 23    As noted previously Pastor Rich will be away from the Main Street UMC from Monday, July 23 through Monday, September 3 as he takes advantage of "release" time. Pastor Dave Svenson, retired pastor and former pastor of the Main Street UMC will be filling in during this time. Please welcome Pastor Dave with open arms and a willingness to help in any way that is needed.  150th Anniversary Plans Continue to Unfold  Please save the date of Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29 for the major celebration of our 150th anniversary. Saturday will begin with a special concert in our sanctuary featuring Emily Adams. We will continue with an evening banquet that will be held at the Nashua Senior Center. It will be catered by Celebrations Catering and will provide an opportunity for many former pastors, staff, and members to return to join us in looking back to the past while preparing for a bright future. Finally, our Bishop, Sudarshana Devadhar will be our guest preacher on Sunday at the 10:30am worship service. You won't want to miss this spectacular weekend!   P.S. Pastor Sue Job (pastor from 2000-2008) has confirmed that she and her husband, Don, are planning to be with us for the anniversary weekend in September! A Conversation with Mike    About a year ago on a rainy day, Mike, recently homeless, arrived in Nashua by bus looking to find shelter. He was cold, in severe pain, and didn't know his way around town. He managed to get to the CVS on Main Street where a kind woman called an ambulance for him. The ambulance arrived and drove him through the parking lot and across the street to Southern NH Hospital. "I could have walked there," he said, laughing, "but I didn't know my way around."  A few years before that, Mike was a master mechanic earning $70,000 a year. He had worked for Caterpillar and was a journeyman under the union for twenty years. Life was good in his $250,000 home with his wife and children. But that all changed.  While working in a gravel pit with a two-ton winch, he ruptured a disc in his back. The union gave him an honorable withdrawal and Mike began regular visits to chiropractors and physical therapists for his pain. Then his wife divorced him. They sold the house, split the proceeds, and he took his portion of goods to an apartment. She wouldn't allow the children to stay with him, however. Eventually his money ran out and he fell behind on his rent. His landlord worked with city welfare to evict him and wouldn't let Mike take his things. He lost everything, including his car. Mike does not drink alcohol or do drugs. During the summer months, he sleeps wherever the cops let him and he recently acquired a tent. He has no income, was denied disability, and has not contacted his children because he doesn't want them to see him homeless. Recently Mike started working with the Department of Education to get a total physical and psychological evaluation in hopes of getting a job. With his Associates degree in Applied Science and competent computer skills, he'd like to get a desk job; or because he has his license, he could do something that involves driving. What he misses most are showers and a place to wash clothing. He sometimes rinses his shirts in a stream. In the meantime, he's grateful for Café Agapé where he can hang out, and he appreciates the warm jackets and socks we gave him over the winter. -submitted by Mary Marchese Historic Tidbit With the upcoming 150th Anniversary celebration in September, the Anniversary Committee has gathered historic quotes to share, taken from Methodism in Nashua, 1831-1982, by J. Lawrence Hall. We will include one with each Mainstreeter Online.        Seven:   The First Methodist Episcopal Society of Nashua, established in 1844, declined after a period of time but was reorganized by the Lowell Street pastor, with a new charter in 1850 as the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Nashua at the Chestnut Street location.  It diminished again around 1860.  In 1864 "the nucleus at Lowell Street again inspired renewed religious interest."  The two inactive churches united and formed the Chestnut Street Methodist Episcopal Church.   "At the New Hampshire Conference held at Keene on April 11, 1866, members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Nashua located at Orange and Lowell Street requested permission to raise money to build a church. This was granted and said "Trustees: of Lowell Street purchased from the heirs of Ira Gay, land and building at the corner of what is now Temple Street and Main.  Witnessed and sealed the 21st day of March 1866.   Price $10,000.00."  The Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church of Nashua was built at what is now 154 Main Street.  Several years later, the Chestnut Street Church joined with Main Street and their "property was then transferred to the Main Street Church for the sum of one dollar. " Copyright © 2018 Mainstreet Online, All rights reserved. Going to the web site blog. Our mailing address is: Mainstreet Online 154 Main St Nashua, NH 03060-2731 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.