Bible Study July 26

Bible Study will beheld on Tuesday July 26 at the James Steam Mill, 1 Charles Street, Newburyport. Joan will be hosting (apt 506), call 978-465-3359 for directions.

Concert + Coffeehouse on July 30

PUMC will be hosting Drive Theory on July 30 for a free concert. We will also hold an Open Mic from 3-5pm before the concert from 5-7pm. Bring your talent - music, poetry, or a reading - to share with this friendly audience. This is a family event.

Welcome Pastor Rusty and 8:30am Summer Worship

Pastor Rusty Davis began his ministry with us on July 1. Come meet our new Pastor during worship at 8:30am this summer.

Rusty is a Byfield native who has been serving the East Parish Church in Salisbury since 2006. Prior to that he served churches in Peabody, MA; Buxton, Gorham, and Newfield ME. As part of this new appointment, EPUMC and PUMC will be joining in shared ministry. Stay tuned to see where God's call will take us together!

Retirement Party June 11

Pastor Pam will be retiring in July so we threw her a retirement party this weekend. Here are some of the photos!

Pastor Pam entering the hall

Pastor Pam, Percy, Priscilla and Duncan are ready for lunch

Some of the party goers are having a nice time

Duncan reads "Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss to Pastor Pam

March 2011 Events

March 6, 9am worship

We will share Communion

Scripture: Matthew 17: 1-9

Homily "Change"

Note there will be no Sunday afternoon service on March 6. All are encouraged to join us at the Ash Wednesday service on March 9 at 12noon.

March 8, 7pm Bible Study

The group will meet at Jane's house on Parker Ridge

March 9, 12 noon Ash Wednesday Service

We will share Communion in a Taize style service with an opportunity to receive ashes

The service will be followed by a soup luncheon at the church.

If you cannot make a mid-day service, please join Merrimacport UMC for an evening service at 7:30pm featuring Sacred Dance, Communion and receipt of ashes.

March 16, 9am worship

Draw near us, precious Savior, with footsteps sure and true

Scripture: Luke 7: 36-50 Listen to the words of Nicodemus

Sermon: The Feet of Christ

Bring something that represents the feet of Christ

March 20, 9am worship

Reach out to us, dear Savior, with hands that nail prints show

Scripture: John 12:1-11 Listen to the words of Judas

Sermon: The Hands of Christ

Bring something that represents the hands of Christ

March 27, 9am worship

Bend down your ear, O Savior, and hear our urgent cry

Scripture: Mark 7:31-37 Listen to the words of Barabbas

Sermon: The ears of Christ

Bring something that represents the ears of Christ

April 3, 9am worship

Behold us, precious Savior, with deep and loving eyes

Scripture: John 9: 1-11 Listen to the words of Pilate

Sermon: The eyes of Christ

Bring something that represents the eyes of Christ

You are the Chocolate of the Earth

Pastor Pam provided a modern interpretation of today's scripture (Matthew 5:13-16) during today's children's sermon that seemed worth sharing.

What does it mean to be "the salt of the earth" today? Salt reminds us of high blood pressure, fried food, and unhealthy eating habits. That doesn't seem like something we should be spreading around. One might argue that throwing out salt "to trample underfoot" is a necessity this winter due to all the ice and snow. Trying to explain what Jesus meant by his analogy "You are the salt of the earth" to young Christians posed a challenge.

We thought about something we eat that makes us feel good. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good for our bodies, but how would your friend respond if you gave them some Brussels Sprouts as a sign of God's love? That analogy didn't seem to be quite right either.

Inspired by Valentine's Day, we thought that perhaps chocolate is a better analogy. The kids described making chocolate chip cookies or brownies and agreed that these were some of their favorite foods, and were something to share with their family and friends. Chocolate tastes good, it makes us feel good, and it's even better when you share it with others - just like God's love.

So this week, as you share chocolates with your Valentine, let's also remember to share God's love with one another.

February 2011 Calendar

Church Events:

Wednesday, February 16: Bible Study at Beverly's House.

Thursdays at 3pm: Choir Rehearsal,

Saturday, February 19: Church Council, 9am

Regular Meetings at the Church:

Meals on Wheels, Monday through Friday 11am - 12:30pm

Angel Gabriel Quilters, Tuesday at 7pm

Emotions Anonymous, Thursday at 7pm

Lent begins on March 9. There will be an Taize format Ash Wednesday service with Communion at 12:30pm followed by a luncheon. Merrimacport UMC will hold an evening service at 7:30pm with the Sacred Dance group sharing a selection.

There is Sunday afternoon worship the first Sunday of each month at 3pm. Please join us on March 6 for our next afternoon worship service.