Sunday, February 13, 2011

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.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

September 2010

Church Council is meeting September 8 at 5:30pm at the church. The agenda will include completing a job description/request for the next pastor.

We will be holding Bible Study at Beverly's house, 25 Parker Ridge, on Wednesday September 22. The group will be selecting a new book for the fall.

Ministry Update:
Joan announced that she and her daughter have completed their goal of making 200 school bags for UMCOR. These bags are stocked with school supplies and will be sent to children in Africa. They have also assembled and sent over 160 health kits for Haiti. Praise God and thank you to all who have donated!

Duncan reported that he was able to purchase over $800 in food and personal care items for the Pettengill House, Our Neighbor's Table and the Salvation Army last week through the donations from the Ice Cream Social and the congregation.

Training Opportunities (See Pastor Pam for details):
  • District training based on two books by Paul Nixon, "I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church" and "Finding Jesus on the Metro" will be held October 14
  • Pastor Approved Lay Ministry training will start on Wednesdays in September
Please join us for "Back to Church Sunday" worship on September 12 - make regular worship or Bible Study attendance part of your fall schedule! Worship begins at 9am every Sunday and new Bible Studies will be starting up as well - we'll be publishing schedules here!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Mothers of South End Summer (MOSES)

Hey South End moms, can you give us a hand? We are planning a FREE summer Monday Moms program for you and your kids. We have some ideas, but would love to hear from you to get it right. Could you please answer this short questionnaire? Thanks!

Please keep your eyes open to see what we come up with for you and your kids. Hope to see you in June!

The MOSES Committee: Pastor Pam Maden & Lori Davis

Sunday, April 18, 2010

April 2010

Today we recognized three newly trained CareGivers in our congregation.

The next Bible Study is May 4 at Emma's house

April 30 all are invited to Stand Against Racism by joining us and other members of the community at Waterfront Park at 6:30pm.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Holy Week Services and Activities

Tuesday March 30:
Bible Study at Gloria's house in Amesbury at 7pm. Call the church for directions.
Quilt Group at church at 7pm

Thursday April 1:
Choir rehearsal 3-4pm
Emotions Anonymous 7-8pm
Joint Maunday Thursday Service at Merrimacport UMC at 7pm

Friday April 2:
Special Service to remember the Last Words of Christ at 1:45 - 3pm

Saturday April 3:
The church will be open from 8am to 8pm for prayer and reflection

Sunday April 4:
Easter!
Sunrise service at Carey Park in Merrimacport
9am Worship at People's

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Bible Study March 9

March 9 (Tuesday) Bible Study will be at Jane's house, 22 Parker Ridge, at 7pm.