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Friday, July 17, 2020
Weekly Blast July 17, 2020
July 10, 2020 Weekly Blast
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Thursday, July 2, 2020
Mainstreeter Blast 7-2-2020
A Word from the Pastor
My official start was July 1 but already I've been hard at work for MainStreet. While we've been setting up the parsonage and offices (one at the church and another at the parsonage), we've been cautiously, carefully exploring the area, asking folks about MainStreet UMC. I'm getting connected to colleagues and the important work done in this state with Moral Mondays and the Poor People's Campaign (first meeting is tonight) and I've participated in a nation-wide Anti-Racism workshop. I've also enjoyed meeting many of you on our Sunday fellowship ZOOMs.
I've also been exploring your trails and I invite you to join me. Bring your mask and let's walk!
First up: MineFalls Park (meet at the Lincoln Park parking lot at the end of Coliseum Drive pass the Hannafords) on Friday July 3 at 7:30 a.m.
On Monday, July 6 @ 4 p.m. we're headed downtown to the river meeting at the Le Parc De Notre Renaissance sculpture.
Information on our Trails Exploration can be found on the MSUMC facebook page. Let me know if there's another trail you want to explore together – we're on the road and outdoors.
We've also scheduled several "Meet and Greet"s on the parsonage lawn but in order to comply with CDC guidelines for small groups physically distant, we're limiting the gatherings to 10 and we're asking you to bring your own lawn chair & mask (and there won't be refreshments, bummer). So you must register for a time slot (I know it's weird and a nuisance to meet your pastor this way, but this is our new normal). You may call Debra on her cell or leave a message at the office (339-223-2523 cell or 603-882-3361 office). Debra will confirm your time slot.
Wed July 8 at 4-4:50 p.m.
Wed July 8 at 5:30-6:20 p.m.
Thur July 16 at 5:30 - 6:20 p.m.
Thur July 16 at 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
We've also scheduled a couple of morning prayer opportunities for those in more vulnerable populations for whom a group of 10 feels too risky. Join me on Monday July 6 at 9:00a.m. or Wednesday, July 8 at 9:00a.m. We're limiting these to 4 people and you may bring your own chair if you wish or use one of ours and I'll disinfect with a cleaning product Donna has labeled "Covid-killer." Do bring your own tea/coffee since I'm not allowed to provide refreshments. :( AGAIN, you must register for a time by calling Deborah so we can keep the numbers safe.
I look forward to the time when we can again meet INSIDE the church building but remember in the meantime, the church BUILDING is closed, not the church. The church is us and we're still in ministry so be a disciple, follow the gospel and our Methodist way to "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." You don't need to be inside a church building for that, in fact, Wesley would say it's better that you're not.
Peace y'all,
Kelly Turney
Pronouns: she/hers
Important Finance Committee Requests
We are leveraging our CARES Act loan to pay bills so far in 2020, as our giving has been reduced during these times. We will keep a very close eye on our financial situation as our CARES amount will exhaust very soon. Keeping an open church should involve a high number of new volunteers to wipe down surfaces in proper fashion as such work will be far beyond our paid help to accomplish.
We are temporarily asking for your second-mile giving to be directed to our general fund instead of HON for 2020 to help us survive these very difficult times. While our attention today is rightly directed toward managing during our church closure and isolation, we are also planning to reduce the number of general fund categories for 2021 and are open to your input.
SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE CONTINUES
7/5 Rev. Kristy Besada will be our guest preacher and introduce the Rev. Kelly Turney as she commences her ministry at the Main Street UMC.
We will be sharing Holy Communion this Sunday, July 5th.in our streaming service so we invite you to prepare your own elements at home. So, grab a piece of bread or a cracker and some "fruit of the vine" for our virtual gathering at 9:30 a.m. You don't need a fancy plate or a chalice, maybe use something that has meaning for you, that plate handed down from a grandparent, or the cup that says "world's greatest dad". And if you have a candle -great!
Weekly Live-Streamed Worship
If you haven't joined us for our live streamed Sunday Worship recently, you are sure missing out! We still meet every Sunday Morning with inspiring music, a though-provoking sermon, and follow it up with a Virtual Coffee Hour so we can catch up with friends even from a distance. Catch us live on Facebook, or on our web site. For more information see https://www.mainstreet-umc.org/worship/video. Even if you sleep in, you can still replay it on-demand anytime.
If you choose to not use a Facebook login, you can still access the live stream during the service time from our web site home page by going to the box to the right (you may need to refresh the page if you arrive early). Previous worship services are available by scrolling down through the postings.
VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR
The latest option to help us all stay connected in this time of physical distancing is our "Virtual Coffee Hour" starting right after Sunday Worship (approximately 10:30am). We have three "rooms" available each week. Stop by the Vestry and catch up with your friends (bring your own coffee and snacks). If it seems too crowded in the Vestry, and you can't get in a word in edgewise, move over to the Lobby or the Kitchen where it is usually quieter. If you are a Facebook user, you can coordinate where to meet-up with others via the chat before/after Worship, or by indicating that you are "Going" to one of the three Facebook events each week. The actual rooms are via Google Meet and don't require Facebook at all, and may be attended by phone, by app on iPhone/iPad/Android/or by Computer. Access information is below. If you need some hints at using Google Meet there are some instructions and screen shots at https://www.mainstreet-umc.org/activities/coffee-hour that might help you get acclimated.
Vestry: https://meet.google.com/qmq-zxbb-sye or by phone: +1 617-675-4444 PIN: ?415 456 786 8524#
Lobby: https://meet.google.com/cen-uofo-ovh or by phone: +1 617-675-4444 PIN: ?566 126 046 3024#
Kitchen: https://meet.google.com/mfq-vdkf-ofj or by phone: +1 617-675-4444 PIN: ?666 362 297 7893#
WHEN WILL WE BE ABLE TO RESUME IN PERSON WORSHIP?
The committee focused on safely re-opening the church buildings for worship has been meeting regularly and is working hard to make sure that we do our job well and to the benefit of our church family. We are currently working on a churchwide survey about members' concerns and wishes. We are also working with a collection of guidelines from the New England Conference of the UMC, the CDC, and the State of NH. At this time, we are developing logistical plans that address adequate ventilation, social distancing, safe worship practices, masks, adequate supplies of disinfecting products, seating, safe entry and exit plans, and especially equitable access for all people who wish to attend. Many details are being decided. What is absolutely clear is that, while we will someday return to our sanctuary for worship, it will be significantly different from our old ways.
While we recognize that it is painful to be physically separated at this time, we would respectfully ask that you refrain from coming into the church buildings for anything but essential business during this time. This includes worship, for which only the technical team, pastoral staff, liturgist, and music staff should be present. We thank you for your patience as we do our best to work toward a safe re-opening of the buildings at the appropriate time. Please stay tuned for further communication. Questions may be directed to Kristy Besada, who is coordinating with this team.
Thank you!
Blessings,
Kristy Besada
Monday, June 29, 2020
special message regarding email scam
message asking for assistance. The message looked like this: THIS IS
SCAM EMAIL:
Hello
How are you doing today ?
I need an assistance from you , Please let me know if you get this.
Kindly reply back to me.
Peace,
Rev. Richard Cullen.
The follow up is where the scam really begins:
From: Rev. Richard Cullen
To:
Sent: June 26, 2020 at 1:52 PM
Subject: Re: Blessings
Glad to hear from you,
I'm in a meeting,that's why i'm contacting you through here,I should
have called you instead of mailing you but phones are not allowed to
be used during meeting and I can't answer calls now.
I just need to get eBay gift card today for some women going through
cancer at the hospital but I can't do that right now because of my
busy schedule.
Can you get it from any store around you possibly now? and I will pay
you back later in cash or check. Let me know if you can get the cards
for these patients.
THIS WAS NOT FROM PASTOR RICH OR ANYONE ELSE AT MAIN STREET UMC DO
NOT REPLY to the message and DO NOT provide any assistance. THIS IS A
SCAM.
There is no need for any password change as the current e-mail address
has not been compromised. This scam is trying to
impersonate/look-like it came from our @mainstreet-umc.org e-mail, by
using: richard.mainstreetumc@gmail.com, which is really just a
standard @gmail.com address.
Friday, June 26, 2020
Mainstreeter On-line Blast June 26, 2020
June 26,2020
Important Finance Committee Requests
We are leveraging our CARES Act loan to pay bills so far in 2020, as our giving has been reduced during these times. We will keep a very close eye on our financial situation as our CARES amount will exhaust very soon. Keeping an open church should involve a high number of new volunteers to wipe down surfaces in proper fashion as such work will be far beyond our paid help to accomplish.
We are temporarily asking for your second-mile giving to be directed to our general fund instead of HON for 2020 to help us survive these very difficult times. While our attention today is rightly directed toward managing during our church closure and isolation, we are also planning to reduce the number of general fund categories for 2021 and are open to your input.
WHEN WILL WE BE ABLE TO RESUME IN PERSON WORSHIP?
The safety committee chaired by Kristy Besada met on Wednesday, June 17 to begin discussions regarding the reopening of MSUMC. The committee has released the following statement to the congregation.
"The Safety Committee, in conjunction with other volunteers, are working with great care to envision and plan for the time when the church building can safely re-open for in-person worship and other activities. We are doing this work in the spirit of love, inclusivity, and good stewardship of God's beloved community. The committee will be looking for community feedback in the near future and is open to suggestions. We understand that it is difficult to be apart from one another, and we ask for your prayers that the committee may be guided to work in ways that honor God's will in this unprecedented situation."
Exit Interview with Pastor Rich
On Wednesday June 17, SPRC conducted an exit interview with Pastor Rich. An exit interview was recommended during the Transition Workshop that the conference conducted in early June. Pastor Rich was surprised and happy when SPRC requested an exit interview indicating in his entire career he'd never been ask to give an exit interview when he was departing a congregation for a new church. SPRC wants to share the information that Pastor Rich provided in the interview. Please see link to the exit interview at the end of this blast.
Pastor Kelly and Steve Settling in
The moving truck for Pastor Kelly arrived at the parsonage on Monday, June 15. Pastor Kelly and her husband Steve have begun the process of unpacking and bringing the parsonage back to life. Many thanks to Donna Swanson and the Trustees for their efforts in cleaning and painting the parsonage. Many thanks to Karrie Lam and MSUMC youth who put a significant amount of time in to take care of the yard work and spruce up the outside. A total of 22 volunteers helped get the parsonage ready for Pastor Kelly and Steve to move in. A job well done by the volunteers. Thank you for your efforts. Also a thank you to Chuck Emery and Kelly Rose who will help Pastor Kelly move into her office after the service on June 28. Just a reminder Pastor Kelly's appointment at MSUMC begins on July 1.
A Hearty Welcome to New Appointments at MSUMC
As many of you are now aware, Reverend Kristy Besada has had her primary appointment changed by the conference and she will serve MSUMC as our associate pastor of discipleship and service. The position will be a non-compensated full-time position beginning on August 1. Pastor Kristy is very excited about her new role and wanted to pass along the following to the congregation:
"As a deacon, my ministry is to Word, Service, Compassion and Justice. In this appointment, I will act as the coordinating point of Main Street UMC's urban ministries, working to enhance existing ministries of Compassion and Justice, while also fostering new partnerships with other justice-focused organizations in the community. As I am leaving the role of a housing advocate in the community, I am already well connected in these networks. In addition, I will be in ministry of Word through teaching and preaching. I will be in ministry of Service as I not only nurture the congregation's gifts for service, but also lead them out to work in solidarity with the community."
SPRC is very pleased to announce that Emily Adams has accepted our offer to become the next Music Director of MSUMC. Emily will begin her new role on July 1 and also continue as our primary organist and pianist. Ultimately, once it is safe for choirs to return, she will lead the MSUMC choir. It became very apparent during our last 3 months of live streaming of services that Emily is a unique talent and very capable filling the music director role. Emily has expressed a strong desire to keep the musical team of Kelly Brown, Irene Harris and Andrea Weir together as they have worked very well together in our time of exile.
A hearty MSUMC welcome from the congregation to Pastor Kelly and Pastor Kristy and congratulations to Emily in her new position.
SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE CONTINUES
Commencing with the worship service on June 21st and through Labor Day Sunday, the worship service will live stream at 9:30am each Sunday morning. Of course, it can be viewed on Facebook or from the home page on the church website at any time.
6/21 and 6/28 Pastor Dave Svenson will be guest preacher.
7/5 Rev. Kristy Besada will be our guest preacher and introduce the Rev. Kelly Turney as she commences her ministry at the Main Street UMC.
Worship Video
Although we are no longer able to do the live streaming of our worship service from the sanctuary, we are live streaming a service which is available on-demand on Facebook shortly after the service. You can use the Facebook app on a smartphone, or a web browser on a computer. "Like" our page and you will be notified when we go live each Sunday.
If you choose to not use a Facebook login, you can still access the live stream during the service time from our web site home page by going to the box to the right (you may need to refresh the page if you arrive early). Previous worship services are available by scrolling down through the postings.
VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR
The latest option to help us all stay connected in this time of physical distancing is our "Virtual Coffee Hour" starting right after Sunday Worship (approximately 11:30am). We have three "rooms" available each week. Stop by the Vestry and catch up with your friends (bring your own coffee and snacks). If it seems too crowded in the Vestry, and you can't get in a word in edgewise, move over to the Lobby or the Kitchen where it is usually quieter. If you are a Facebook user, you can coordinate where to meet-up with others via the chat before/after Worship, or by indicating that you are "Going" to one of the three Facebook events each week. The actual rooms are via Google Meet and don't require Facebook at all, and may be attended by phone, by app on iPhone/iPad/Android/or by Computer. Access information is below. If you need some hints at using Google Meet there are some instructions and screen shots at https://www.mainstreet-umc.org/activities/coffee-hour that might help you get acclimated.
Vestry: https://meet.google.com/qmq-zxbb-sye or by phone: +1 617-675-4444 PIN: ?415 456 786 8524#
Lobby: https://meet.google.com/cen-uofo-ovh or by phone: +1 617-675-4444 PIN: ?566 126 046 3024#
Kitchen: https://meet.google.com/mfq-vdkf-ofj or by phone: +1 617-675-4444 PIN: ?666 362 297 7893#