Burnout and our Spirits

He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves
and rest awhile.’ (Mark 6:30)

That’s Jesus, inviting his disciples to retreat and rest after they’ve been doing ministry around the countryside. Trying to get away from demands for awhile, and to feed his spirit, is not unusual for Jesus in the gospels.

“Burnout” isn’t a word Jesus and his disciples would be familiar with. But they faced the human reality that we can’t constantly spend our energies, even on those things that feel most important, without balancing it with some breaks – and, in the case of our faith, times for real spiritual nurture.

Your Session recently had an impromptu conversation about exhaustion in the church; and it is real. A church which maintains an active pace like ours (and folks new to us often comment on this) requires a lot of energy. Inevitably this means that at least some committed people at any one time will have feelings of burnout, which one author as described as the body’s doing the work, but the spirit’s not present. To a busy church life, add unexpected losses, drawing on our emotional and physical resources, and the general aura of discouragement so many sense in the world at large these days, and we have a mix that leaves many folks feeling depleted and less than joyful even about service in the church.

Taking a cue from Jesus himself (!), which we church leaders should always be more attentive to than we have been, we’ll be making this a theme for 2012.

There are many more aspects to our “recovery” than I can mention here. They include much more than just “time off” for busy people, though those who have served long at the same tasks may need encouragement to do that. Also important will be some reassessing of what we’re doing and what’s most valuable to continue, and what’s not, and offering more opportunities for refreshing the spirit.

Maybe nothing’s more important, though, than seeking to welcome the gifts of volunteers in those areas which they feel most suited for, and which can make them feel most glad. You can expect (I hope!) more use of what members have shared on the time and talent commitments for this year, as areas of our life together in which they might truly feel called to join in. If you haven’t completed a time and talent form for 2012, it’s not too late to do that! They’re available in the church entryway, or just ask.

Peace,

Rod

Souper Bowl of Caring

Hey BPC!

Join the Youth and me in collecting canned goods for the annual Souper Bowl of Caring.

Check out the details here: http://www.souperbowl.org/

We’ll be collecting items prior to Chuch on the morning of the big game – Feb. 5th.

We typically look for canned goods, but any non-perishable items are helpful. In the event you forget, we’ll certainly take cold, hard cash :) .

What ever you can donate to the effort would be greately appreciated.

Thanks,
Brian and the Youth

February 2012 Crossroads

News of our Church Family
Remembering two special men…

The new year opened with a season of sorrow for two families and our church community. But we are grateful to God for the life among us of Nick Horeanopoulos and Jay David, who were welcomed into God’s peace on New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, respectively.

We hold their wives, Lee and Sheila, and the rest of their families in our prayers.

Both men lived and served with faith and grace, and will be missed greatly by the BPC family.

Called to Serve

As we enter a new year, there are still opportunities for service on all our boards! Please contact the Nominating Committee (Brenda Flynn) if interested, or with your suggestions.

Thank you from Jena Horeanopoulos Day

Dear Rod & friends in Christ,

My family is so very grateful to each and everyone of you for your kindness and support after the death of my father. Your presence brought great comfort to us. The memorial service was the perfect opportunity to witness to unsaved family members. We were overwhelmed by the extent of your caring exhibited by the luncheon you prepared for after the service.

Thank you does not begin to express how appreciate we are to all of you. May God richly bless each of you as you continue to show his love to those around you. Thank you, thank you. God Bless you.

Jena Day

Deacons Corner

We would like to thank the deacons who are leaving the board this year: Trish Briggs, Linda McCusker and Dayse Doliver, our coordinator. Thanks for all your hard work!

We would also like to thank everyone who helped with the memorial service for Nick Horeanopoulos, especially Sally Morrison.

Stewardship and Mission

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Christmas Joy Offering. The offering totaled $1,853.74. This money will be used to help active and retired church workers in times of crisis and enable young men and women to receive a good education at some of the schools and colleges supported by PC(USA).

Ash Wednesday Service
February 22, 7:30 p.m.

Quiet reflection, music and prayer will be the focus of this service to assist our meaningful entry into the season of Lent. The Worship Committee is planning a Taize style service this year, which will provide a time of peaceful renewal in the midst of our challenging days.

Join the church family, and help us welcome others, to this traditional service marking the start of Lent. There will be ashes and an opportunity for placing them on our foreheads as the sign of our humility and dependence upon God’s grace (use of ashes will be voluntary).

This can be an important start, in the right spirit, to the journey of Lent toward Holy Week. Please plan to make it part of your life.

One Great Hour of Sharing

The Presbyterian Church (USA) is one of eight denominations supporting this offering. Each denomination decides how the money will be used. In PC(USA), the offering is divided among three programs. Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance each receive 32% and the Presbyterian Hunger Program receives 36%. The additional 4% is used for the Hunger Program’s work on homelessness and affordable housing.

During Lent, the children will receive the usual fish banks for their part of the offering and there will be envelopes in the pews. A Sharing Calendar will be available for those interested in a daily reminder of what our gifts can accomplish. For more information on this program, check www.pcusa.org/oghs. Our offering will be received on Palm Sunday, April 1.

Beth Denier

Save the Date(s)!

The 50th Anniversary Planning Team announces the following events to celebrate BPC’s 50th Anniversary:

  • Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

    Sixties Theme Party for all adults

  • Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

    International Potluck Dinner & food
    raffle-all ages

  • Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.

    Worship Celebration & Anniversary
    Reception

    Put them on your calendar and plan to come.

    Stay tuned for exciting details of all events to come.

    John Gloucester Memorial Presbyterian Church Scholarship

    College students from Presbyterian churches may be eligible for this scholarship established in 2000 at the time of the closing of Gloucester Memorial Presbyterian Church in Roxbury.

    Contact Rev. MacDonald for more info.

    Hosting Coffee Hour

    Thanks to all of you who hosted in 2011. Members and visitors alike look forward to this time of fellowship and refreshment following worship each Sunday.

    Nurturing Nest Preschool
    Registration Event

    The Nurturing Nest Preschool has classes in full swing from September through May. We have started enrollment for the 2012-2013 school year. The following programs will be offered:

    3-day Program (4 year olds)  9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

    Monday, Wednesday, Friday

    (Tuition $2,650.00 per year)

    2-day Program (3 year olds)  9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

    Tuesday, Thursday

    (Tuition $1,550.00 per year)

    There is a non-refundable registration fee of $85.00

    Our Open House will be held on February 13, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is a chance for families to experience the school with their children.

    If you know someone who is looking for a quality, yet low-cost preschool experience for their
    3 or 4 year olds, we would appreciate your spreading the word! There are several spots open for both programs. Interested families should call registrar Linda Benson at 781-272-0081, extension 2 for more details. Church members should invite anyone who might be interested and also spread the word (post a flyer) in their local grocery store, library, or other public place.

    Occasionally we will share a few tidbits in Crossroads about this important community service which our church oversees. For now, as you leave Fellowship Hall on Sundays or after week night meetings, remember that there will be a group of preschoolers there the next morning. Make sure that you dispose of your trash, lower the tables, raise the shades, pick up all personal possessions and leave the room ready for action.

    And spread the word about registration. We appreciate your help.

    Submitted by the Nurturing Nest Board

  • Nick Horeanopoulos

    Dear BPC Family,

    By now most of you are aware that Nick Horeanopoulos was called home to God on New Year’s Eve. He lived a full and faithful 87 years, and he will be missed very much. I know that you are keeping Lee and the rest of the family (their children, Mark, Jena and Kyle; grandchildren and great-grandchildren) in prayer.

    Here are the arrangements for remembering and celebrating Nick’s life:

    Visiting hours this Wednesday (January 4, 2012), 2-4 and 6-8, at Sullivan Funeral Home, Winn Street, Burlington.

    Memorial Service this Saturday (January 7, 2012), 10 am, in our sanctuary.

    There will be a reception following the service, and more will be communicated soon for those who would like to help. Anyone wishing to bring something to the reception should contact Sally Morrison.

    Peace to you as we begin this new year,
    Rod

    December 2011 Crossroads

    Christmas Eve Service
    A Family Tradition with Crèche, Carols and Candlelight
    Saturday, December 24  7:00 p.m.

    It’s a long-lived tradition at BPC. There will be nativity tableaux vivants (or living scenes) featuring young folks in the roles of Mary and Joseph, angels, shepherds and wise men. Choir and congregation will join in many carols. The service will end with a spreading of candlelight throughout the sanctuary. Mr. MacDonald will give a brief message. The Christmas Joy Offering will be received. This service is a wonderful way to introduce friends and neighbors to the church – and maybe to make a difference in their lives.
    New Adult Learning
    The Characters of Christmas
    Sundays, November 27, December 4, 11, 18  9:15 a.m.

    Rev. MacDonald will lead these sessions based on the key “players’ in the story of the Nativity – exploring how they are rooted in the Old Testament and shedding light on their meaning in the Christmas story. Each session can stand alone – so come when you can. Coffee will be ready!

    Come A-Caroling !
    Sunday, December 18  2:30 p.m.
    Fun for all Ages

    Two-thirty will be the rallying time in the church parking lot. Join a caroling caravan that will take us to various places such as senior residences, nursing homes, and homes of shut-ins. If you have suggestions for places to carol this year, speak to Rod soon! We will finish by 5:00 or 5:30 with a simple but nose-and-toes warming supper. If you’d like to be our host for supper this year, and you live not far from the church, we’d love to have an invitation. Otherwise we will share a meal at the church. It’s a truly intergenerational and heartwarming time. Look for signup on church bulletin board.

    Have you pledged for 2012?

    A faith commitment is about
    our relationship with God first 
    with the church, second.

    And don’t forget a Time & Talent pledge!
    Pledge materials available at church,
    or call the office 781-272-9190.

    2011 Christmas Joy Offering

    This offering, one of four special offerings designated by the General Assembly, has been in existence since the 1930s. Half of the offering is used to assist active and retired church workers in times of need. The fund supplies supplemental income for retirees and emergency assistance grants for workers with special financial needs or emergencies. The other half provides scholarships for minority students who would otherwise be unable to attend the racial ethnic schools and colleges supported by the Presbyterian Church (USA).

    In order to continue providing this much-needed assistance, the Christmas Joy Offering depends on congregations like ours. These grants show our faithful response to God’s charge to love one another as Christ commanded. Recipients of the grants say as important as the financial assistance was, the knowledge that the church was standing with them in time of need was even more important. As always, the Christmas Eve offering will be used for the Christmas Joy Offering. There will be envelopes in the pews for those unable to attend that service.

    Deacons Corner

    There may still be slots available to volunteer at the Wish Tree. Please check the signup sheet in Fellowship Hall if you can help. Our dates to staff the Wish Tree are Thursday, December 1st, Tuesday, December 6th and Saturday, December 10th. If you’d like to help on a different date, see Linda Roscoe.

    We will be participating in the pajama and underwear collection for People Helping People. This helps provide clothing for low income families. We have cards showing the items needed. The clothing needs to be brought to church by December 11, and should be unwrapped. Please see Anne Denier if you would like a card.

    The deacons will be selling poinsettias. The last Sunday to place your order is Sunday, December 4th. You can give your orders to Trish Briggs or Kim Oey-Rosenthal. We will also be putting envelopes in the pews for the Deacon’s Holiday Offering. The money raised through the flower sales and this offering will be used to purchase clothing for residents of the Life Care Center in Billerica, a nursing home community. If there are funds left over, the money will be sent to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

    After the storm in October, many residents lost power. We were able to offer the church as a warming center. We plan to do this during future emergencies. If you are in need, please call before you come so that we can make sure the church is open, turn up the heat, and avoid possible scheduling conflicts.

    Joining with the Characters of Christmas

    This year, the Sundays of Advent will be filled with people who play beloved roles in the story of God’s coming among us in Jesus. But we won’t be trying to rush into Christmas early!

    Instead, we’ll explore each week the ancient Hebrew and Old Testament roots that help explain the meaning of the wise men, shepherds, Mary and Joseph. They don’t spring spontaneously onto the scene, but come filled with old understandings as well as fresh significance. They help to shape the nativity stories of Matthew and Luke in very different ways. And they reflect many of the same longings, struggles, and conflicts that are part of our world in 2011.

    Our children and youth will be important in this journey. Sunday classes are preparing banners based on these characters to be presented each week, and each group will take a turn in the lighting of the Advent candles.

    As you’ll see later in Crossroads, adults have an opportunity to delve more deeply into the scriptures and characters for each Sunday during their study group at 9:15 a.m. New folks are always welcome!

    And the season will also have regular BPC traditions: Christmas caroling to seniors and shut-ins on December 18; and our Christmas Eve Family Service featuring children and youth in Nativity Tableaux (“scenes”).

    Because Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Sundays this year, special plans are underway. On Christmas we will have a family-friendly Service of Lessons and Carols. New Year’s Day will feature a brunch, with communion around the tables, as a meaningful way to begin the new year.

    Many of our members (and some friends!) will be helping to staff People Helping People’s Wish Tree at the Mall for three days during the shopping season to help bring holiday blessing to families having hardships. Our Deacons are planning a special offering opportunity, which will include assisting local nursing home residents with clothing (as you’ll see later in Crossroads).

    Come, be part of the real blessings of God’s Christmas. Is there a friend you could invite to share the gift, too?

    Peace,

    Rod

    Christmas Eve Service 2011

    Christmas Eve Tableau

    Christmas Eve Tableau

    You are invited to join us for an informal Christmas Eve Service for all ages December 24th at 7:00 p.m.

    The Presbyterian Church
    335 Cambridge Street, Burlington

    Our traditional celebration, with carols, costumed tableaux of the Nativity story, and candle-lighting. Come on your own, with family or with a friend – and do bring children, because this service is planned with them in mind, too.

    Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace to all.

    Luke 2:14

    Presbyterian Stew

    Do you know the old story of Stone Soup? There are different versions, but it focuses on some hungry folks coming to a village and finding residents fearful of sharing from their supplies. The hungry ones put a stone and some water in their empty pot, and heat it over a fire. We have stone soup, they say when asked what they’re doing. It’s very good, but much better with a few carrots, some cabbage and potatoes and spices…
    Soon villagers bring their contributions, and a wonderful soup is enjoyed by all.

    Here at the Presbyterian Church we have our own version of stone soup – let’s call it Presby Stew, which goes better with this stewardship season. God has gathered us together in an increasingly rich and wonderful mix of people. We enjoy lively worship and fellowship together, and special times of caring and outreach.

    This life together, and our gratitude to God for it, is the reality with which we begin our thinking and praying about stewardship. It isn’t how much do we need for our church budget? It is thankfulness that God has brought us together in this special stew, and recognizing that we have been given some pretty wonderful flavor and nutrition to share with one another and with God’s world.

    In coming weeks, we’ll be hearing some messages from one another about what stewardship means to us. We’ll be encouraged to take part in the annual dedication of our pledges of money, and time and talents, which we call a Harvest of Offerings, on November 20.

    Let our giving, even in these difficult times, be filled with the great flavor of Presbyterian Stew!

    Peace,

    Rod

    November Crossroads

    Stewardship and Mission

    Thanks to everyone who made a donation to the Peacemaking Offering. The offering totaled $641.00, almost double last year’s offering.

    We are now in the last quarter of 2011 and the third quarterly statements were sent recently. Please try to keep up with your pledges, if possible, so we can finish 2011 in good financial condition. If there is a problem, please contact Jim Brunner.

    The 2012 Stewardship Campaign will begin on November 6 and Pledge Sunday will be on November 20. As usual, we will also collect non-perishable food items for the Burlington Food Pantry’s Thanksgiving baskets on that day. Check the Deacon’s column for a list of the food requested.

    Deacons Corner
    2011 Thanksgiving Food Baskets

    The Burlington Pantry will be distributing Thanksgiving Food Baskets again this year. They will be giving food to over 150 families, including elderly shut-ins and veterans. The collection date will be Sunday, November 20th. We have been asked to contribute the following:

  • Stuffing (bags or boxes)
  • Cranberry Sauce
  • Gravy (preferably in cans, rather than glass jars)
  • Chicken Broth
  • Canned Corn
  • Cornbread Mix
  • Mayonnaise
  • We are not collecting apple juice
    concentrate this year

    Please check the expiration dates!!!

    Fresh vegetables will be purchased, so if anyone would prefer to contribute money instead of food, donations would be welcome. Checks should be made payable to People Helping People.

    We will also need help after the service with sorting the food and taking it to the Congregational church.

    Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
    Monday, November 21, 7:00 p.m.

    Join with neighbors of different faiths in common expression of thanksgiving at the annual Burlington Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Monday, November 21, 2011, 7:00 p.m. at the United Church of Christ, Congregational (Bedford and Lexington Streets). Leaders and worshipers will represent Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu traditions. The preacher will be Rev. Tricia de Beer, who is married to the pastor of St. Mark’s Church. As in past years, the offering will be for the Burlington Covenant for Basic Needs (emergency fund of People Helping People, administered by the Burlington Community Life Center). This a wonderful opportunity to be joined with others in being grateful for the community we have, and the gifts of our Creator, even in these troubled times.

    Cabanlutan Philippine Project
    An update from Priscilla Lasmarias Kelso

    One of the recipients of the Christmas offering from the Burlington Presbyterian Church last year was the Cabanlutan health and education project that the church has been supporting for several years. The amount of over $300 was sent to the on-going outreach to rural Filipinos in one of the central islands in the Philippines.

    The good news is that Priscilla Kelso, the project’s advocate, spent 6 months in the Philippines recently with her husband, Rev. Bart Kelso, as volunteer professors at a Presbyterian university, an hour away from the Cabanlutan project. So the Kelsos were able to make several visits to the village where subsistence farmers and their families live.

    Here are some updates on what has been happening to this community of people that Bart and Priscilla know personally and have visited several times in their trips to Asia:

    1. The health center (a small building used as a place for volunteer health services) continues to be a place where people gather weekly for health check-ups by doctors and nurses from the city 7 kilometers away. Pre-natal exams and guidelines on preventing dengue fever are a current priority.

    2. A new Christian community is emerging with the building of a small church in a piece of land donated by Priscilla’s family. This has been particularly encouraging, as a thriving youth outreach has drawn many young people into this faith community of rural families.

    3. The village school has produced graduates who, with some financial assistance, are able to attend a community college in the nearby city. Several of these students are girls whom Priscilla has personally sponsored to give them a future beyond working in the sugar cane fields. This education outreach is an on-going focus of the Cabanlutan project.

    All in all, Burlington Presbyterian Church has been a faithful participant in building up this small model of hope for the poor in the Philippines. The village was spared from the destruction caused by recent typhoons and is grateful for this ongoing partnership from half a world away.

  • No Church Sunday, October 30

    Dear Friends,

    The unseasonal snow that has swept across the Eastern Seaboard has taken out power to the church. Combined with icy roads, it has been decided that worship of the Lord is best done at home this morning!

    We pray you are all safe and well, and look forward to seeing you next week!

    Again, there is no church on Sunday, October 30, 2011.

    -Brenda