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.

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!

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

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.