Category Archives: Crossroads

February 2012 Crossroads

Posted on January 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

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

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    December 2011 Crossroads

    Posted on December 21, 2011 | Leave a comment

    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.

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    November Crossroads

    Posted on November 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

    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.

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    September Crossroads

    Posted on September 18, 2011 | Leave a comment

    A Look Ahead to Our 50th

    The year 2012 will bring our church’s 50th anniversary. BPC was chartered as a congregation of Boston Presbytery in May, 1962. Our planning is just beginning! So far, persons who have agreed to serve on an anniversary planning team are Judy Brunner, Jen Dewar, Susan Kemen, Stephen and Barbara Karanja, and Rod MacDonald. Other volunteers for this celebration would be welcome!

    It would be wonderful to receive some ideas from the church family about what you feel would make this an especially meaningful, joyful, remembering as well as forward-looking time for the congregation. Feel invited to speak to any of the folks just name.

    To current, former, and prospective members of the Burlington Presbyterian Church Choir

    Choir practice will start at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2011. It goes to 9:00 p.m. All are welcome. For those who read music and have trouble making Thursday night, arrangements can be made to have you practice on Sunday before the service (at 10:00 a.m. starting on September 11). The choir numbers are before the Word for Children on most Sundays. Sunday School teachers and youth can participate. On Communion Sundays, the choir sings during the offertory. If you want to sing but are teaching, we’d love to have you whenever you can make it.

    At this time, Praise Group is planning on singing for September 25 and October 16. On those days, choir has off.

    News from Christian Education

    The beginning of the 2011-2012 Sunday School is fast approaching and we are hopeful that we will have enough teachers for all our classes.

    Rally Day is September 11. The first day of classes will be September 18. There will be our Sunday School Teacher’s commissioning service on September 18 also.

    By some quirk of nature our Sunday School will have no 4-year olds; all our 4-year olds are moving into the K-2 class. The 3-year olds will occupy the double classroom aka the toddler room. The smaller room will be reserved for younger children. The 3’s will have a bit of structure in their classes.

    I would like to take this opportunity to say ’thank you’ to all who served as teachers and aids in our summer activities program of 11 weeks.

    See you in September, Judy Brunner for CEC

    Peacemaking Offering

    The Peacemaking Offering was created in 1980 to support the efforts of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to live out a deeper commitment to peacemaking. This is one of four special offerings designated by the General Assembly.

    During September, there will be bulletin inserts describing the peacemaking efforts in three different areas. The first is the Red Hand Campaign which discourages countries from using children under the age of eighteen as soldiers. UNICEF estimates that as many as 300,000 children are engaged in armed conflicts around the world. To learn more and/or participate in this campaign, contact Beth Denier.

    The second emphasis is on gun control. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives reports that at least half of the guns found at crime scenes can be traced to one percent of lawful gun dealers. At the root of the problem are “straw buyers” who purchase guns with the express purpose of selling them illegally. The bulletin insert will describe what one church in Pennsylvania is doing about this problem. This is also a huge problem here in Boston Presbytery.

    The third bulletin insert will describe a “Peace Camp” program with neighborhood children. Please take time to read the bulletin inserts and plan to participate in the Peace Offering. The offering will be received on World Communion Sunday, October 2. For the past few years, the twenty-five percent of the offering retained by the congregation has been used to help fund scholarships for local high school seniors who have been involved in peacemaking activities during high school.

    Arts and Crafts Fair

    Our church is planning an Arts and Crafts Fair October 22, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. We are planning to have a bake sale and to have lunch available for the crafters as well as anyone else. This all will happen if lots of people can put in some time helping. We especially need help Friday clearing out Fellowship Hall and setting up tables. Of curse, we can’t be in Fellowship Hall until after nursery school is out. If you can’t help, setting up or taking, down perhaps you can donate to the bake sale or help in the kitchen during lunch.

    Annual Choir Festival

    We have been participating in the Annual Choir Festival. This year, it is on Sunday, October 23, at
    4:00 p.m. “Something to Sing About”. I have received the list of numbers, and will order music when I know who would like to participate. You don’t need to be part of the choir to sing. Regional rehearsals are Saturday, October 15, 7:00 p.m. at West Acton Baptist Church, Sunday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Woburn, and Monday, October 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Second Congregational Church in Beverly. The concert is at Gordon College, with a final rehearsal at 1:30 pm on the day of the festival. Please let me know, or I am likely to bug you! Nancy Timmerman

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    Summer Crossroads – 2011

    Posted on July 9, 2011 | Leave a comment

    Deacons Corner

    For July and August, we will be collecting canned fruits and vegetables (especially peas) for the Burlington Food Pantry. They are also low on peanut butter. Please make sure you check the expiration dates. Money to buy fresh produce would also be gratefully accepted.

    The Emergency Fund is getting low. The Emergency Fund is used to help church members and friends with short-term emergency needs. Please give what you can to help others in need.

    There are envelopes in the pews; or you may give directly to treasurer Jim Brunner (checks should be memo’d emergency fund).

    Summer (Worship) Servants Needed!
    JulyAugust, 9:30 a.m.

    Summer worship is informal, intimate and friendly – how about signing up to be a Worship Assistant, Greeter, etc.? Call the office, or email us! It’s also a great time to offer musical talents, for young and old!

    Join us for M.A.T.E.!
    July 17 – July 22

    Plans are underway for our housing work week in central Maine. Would you like to be part of this year’s volunteer team to rehab homes of rural elderly and families in need? Our week will be July 17 – July 22. Experience welcome but not necessary. We stay in a dorm at the University of Maine in Farmington. Coming for part of the week is possible. We have wonderful fellowship with folks who go from other churches, and those at whose homes we work.

    Youth and adults welcome!

    Financial contributions are also needed – and stay tuned for requests for our church to provide some food/kitchen items.

    See Rod if interested (right away!), or for more details.

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    June Crossroads

    Posted on June 12, 2011 | Leave a comment

    Deacons Corner

    On June 5th, we will be collecting cereal for the Burlington Food Pantry. Please make sure you check the expiration dates. Money to buy fresh produce would also be gratefully accepted.

    Pentecost Offering
    So I Send You (John 20:21)

    The Pentecost Offering is one of four special offerings received annually in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Through this gift, we are able to help children at risk and nurture the faith of Presbyterian youths. We assist a new generation of church leadership through the Young Adult Volunteer program.

    Forty percent of the offering stays in our congregation to support children-at-risk ministries in our community. The remainder will be sent to the General Assembly Mission Council for programs that minister to children-at-risk, youth and young adults, and the Young Adult Volunteer program.

    This year’s theme, “So I Send You,” reminds us that Jesus was sent by God to heal a hurting world and we, too, are called to the same task. Through our contributions to the Pentecost Offering, we can make tangible, positive changes in our community, our church, and our world.

    The Pentecost Offering will be received on June 12.

    Christian Education

    On June 12, we will be honoring our teachers and celebrating the end of our regular church school program. The children will have an opportunity to participate in the worship service. Following worship there will be a cook out. Hot dogs and hamburgers and rolls will be provided but we are asking that others provide some side dishes such as potato salad, pasta salad, chips etc.

    During the summer there will be an activity time during worship for those children from pre-school to second grade.

    One Great Hour of Sharing
    Feed my sheep

    Thanks to everyone who participated in One Great Hour of Sharing. Our gifts will help many people. The April 2011 issue of Presbyterians Today contains a number of articles describing projects in various churches. Many of these projects are related to food. A 2009 survey showed that 94% of PC(USA) members have given food to some food assistance program. Eighty-eight percent gave money to such a program. Eighty-five percent talked about hunger or poverty with a friend or family member. Seventy-nine percent bought fair trade coffee and other items. Forty-four percent volunteered at some emergency food facility or participated in a fund raising activity. Twenty-one percent contacted a politician to express concern over some poverty issue. Let’s continue to support our food bank and other programs.

    Join us for M.A.T.E.!
    July 17 – July 22

    Plans are underway for our housing work week in central Maine. Would you like to be part of this year’s volunteer team to rehab homes of rural elderly and families in need? Our week will be July 17 – July 22. Experience welcome but not necessary. We stay in a dorm at the University of Maine in Farmington. Coming for part of the week is possible. We have wonderful fellowship with folks who go from other churches, and those at whose homes we work.

    Youth and adults welcome!

    Financial contributions are also needed – and stay tuned for requests for our church to provide some food/kitchen items.

    See Rod if interested, or for more details.

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    May 2011 Crossroads

    Posted on May 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

    Thanks to Wonderful Volunteers!

    To the Christian Education Committee and others for our Lent Event on April 3, which produced over 80 Hygiene Kits for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and paper cranes as part of our church’s contribution to “Hearts and Hands for Japan.”

    To those who helped with and attended “Hearts and Hands” at St. Malachy Church on April 9. The Red Cross benefited by more than $800 and our paper crane mobile is making the rounds of congregations (we hosted it on Palm Sunday) before the cranes are sent to Japan.

    To workers on our Clean-Up Day, April 16, who did a great job on a cold and windy morning sprucing up our winter-battered property.

    And of course, to the many who helped make this year’s Holy Week a meaningful occasion – worship leaders and readers, musicians, breakfast hosts, Deacon flower arrangers, and more.

    It’s good to be part of such an active church family!

    Deacons Corner

    On May 1st, we will be collecting canned vegetables for the Burlington Food Pantry.

    Thank you to everyone who participated in the International Dinner last month. In addition to enjoying some delicious food, we raised approximately $236.00. The money will help pay for the cost of snow removal this past winter.

    We would also like to thank everyone who contributed money or purchased flowers for Maundy Thursday and Easter. The money raised will go to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, for relief work in Japan and Haiti.

    The Confession of Belhar

    A Special Learning Opportunity

    Join our adult group on Sundays, May 8 and
    May 15, 9:15 a.m., for an important exploration. This confession of faith from South Africa could become a new addition to the PCUSA Book of Confessions if approved by enough presbyteries this year (Boston Presbytery will vote on May 23). It is a strong statement of both God’s sovereignty and the struggle toward racial justice.

    This is also a good occasion for understanding the significance of our confessions, and how a particular one become part of our constitution.

    The presbytery will also be offering two chances to hear presentations and discuss Belhar  on Saturday, May 7 and Monday, May 9. See Rod for more info.

    “Final Affairs” Fair
    Sunday, May 1, 1:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m.
    St. Mark’s Church, Burlington

    Our church is part of sponsoring this community event. It is to help us all think about end-of-life issues and planning, medical care, advance directives, wills and estates, funeral planning, and more… things important to us all!

    Healthy Women Healthy Families
    Mother’s Day Project

    Mother’s Day cards will be available to support this program. The program began as a malaria prevention project in Africa. It has now been expanded to include health screenings and immunizations for children, prenatal and obstetrical care, children’s nutrition programs, fistula surgery, primary care for children, cervical cancer screening and family health education.

    Help Wanted
    By People Helping People

    On Saturday, May 14th the Post Office will hold their annual Food Drive. The food is collected throughout the day by the Mail Carriers and then delivered to St. Margaret’s CCD Building where it is sorted. The following week it will be delivered to the Food Pantry.

    This is a huge project and a lot of help is needed to receive in the food & sort it on Saturday afternoon, May 14th from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday May 21 from 8:45 a.m. – noon (or so). Folks who can lift 40-50 lbs. are also needed. Couple-hour shifts available! This is a great way to help your community. If you are interested contact Linda Roscoe, or see the sign up on the bulletin board.

    Join us for M.A.T.E.!
    July 17 – July 22

    Plans are underway for our housing work week in central Maine. Would you like to be part of this year’s volunteer team to rehab homes of rural elderly and families in need? Our week will be July 17 – July 22. Experience welcome but not necessary. We stay in a dorm at the University of Maine in Farmington. Coming for part of the week is possible. We have wonderful fellowship with folks who go from other churches, and those at whose homes we work.

    Youth and adults welcome!

    Financial contributions are also needed – and stay tuned for requests for our church to provide some food/kitchen items.

    See Rod if interested, or for more details.

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    April Crossroads

    Posted on April 15, 2011 | Leave a comment

    Lent Event – Preparing Health Kits

    On April 3, immediately following worship, the CE committee will be hosting our 2011 program marking the season of Lent. A light lunch will be served followed by the putting together of health kits. The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is badly in need of health kits.

    In a ONE-GALLON PLASTIC ZIP LOCK BAG we will be placing the following items that you will have purchased:

    1 hand towel (approx. 16” x 28”)
    1 washcloth
    1 wide-tooth comb (remove from package)
    1 nail clipper (remove from package)
    1 bar of bath size soap in wrapper
    1 toothbrush
    6 Band-Aids or other adhesive strips

    Toothpaste will be added to the kits just prior to shipment.

    Concerns for Japan

    Interfaith Prayers in Burlington – Local clergy are planning interfaith prayers for Saturday, April 9, 6:00 p.m. at St. Malachy’s Church. A meal may follow. Listen for more info.

    Presbyterian Disaster Assistance – Your donation may be made anytime – make checks payable to The Presbyterian Church memo’d “Japan Earthquake”. Watch Stewardship bulletin board for update.

    Deacons Corner

    On April 3rd, we’ll be collecting food for the Burlington Food Pantry. This month, we’re collecting canned meats, soup and stew. Thank you to everyone who donated fruit in March.

    April 10th is the last day to order Easter flowers. If you would like to place an order, please see either Trish Briggs or Kim Oey-Rosenthal.

    One Great Hour of Sharing

    The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People has approved grants totaling $261,255 for 14 self-help projects in the United States. One of the grants, $20,000, was awarded to Reflect and Strengthen which is located in Dorchester, MA. This group is a collection of young working-class women from Boston urban neighborhoods. The women work together to develop ways to improve their individual situations.

    The money for these grants comes from One Great Hour of Sharing (OGH) funds. Self-Development of People receives 32% of the undesignated funds from the OGH offering. On the first Sunday of Lent, March 13, the children will receive the traditional fish banks. There will be bulletin inserts and Minutes for Mission during Lent to provide more information. The offering will be received on Palm Sunday, April 17.

    Healthy Women Healthy Families
    Mother’s Day Project

    Mother’s Day cards will be available to support this program. The program began as a malaria prevention project in Africa. It has now been expanded to include health screenings and immunizations for children, prenatal and obstetrical care, children’s nutrition programs, fistula surgery, primary care for children, cervical cancer screening and family health education. See Beth Denier for cards.

    Join us for M.A.T.E.!
    July 17 – July 22

    Plans are underway for our housing work week in central Maine. Would you like to be part of this year’s volunteer team to rehab homes of rural elderly and families in need? Our week will be July 17 – July 22. Experience welcome but not necessary. We stay in a dorm at the University of Maine in Farmington. Coming for part of the week is possible. We have wonderful fellowship with folks who go from other churches, and those at whose homes we work.

    Youth and adults welcome!

    Cook(s) especially need!

    See Rod if interested, or for more details.

    Attention: Burlington Residents
    Election Day Food Drive for the Burlington Food Pantry

    People Helping People will host an Election Day food drive on Saturday, April 9 at Burlington High School to benefit the Burlington Food Pantry. Voters are asked to bring unopened packages of non-perishable foods that have not passed their expiration date. Items especially needed include canned peas and green beans, pasta, spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, and canned pasta or stew (Dinty Moore, Chef Boyardee, etc.). Donations of cash and checks will also be accepted. Please make checks out to People Helping People.

    Part of Burlington’s all-volunteer People Helping People emergency assistance organization, the Burlington Food Pantry distributes food to over 130 needy families in town every month. For more information, visit peoplehelpingpeopleinc.org or “friend” People Helping People on Facebook.

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    March 2011 Crossroads

    Posted on February 26, 2011 | Leave a comment

    Ash Wednesday Service
    March 9, 7:30 p.m.

    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.

    Movie Night  No Impact Man
    Friday, March 11, 6:30 p.m.

    Make it a family night! What happens when one man decides to have zero adverse impact on our environment for a year – and drags his wife and two-year-old daughter into the process?? Eye-opening and entertaining.

    With a brief presentation from Farmer Dave on local agriculture. Come for dessert first at 6:30.

    Response Team for 2011

    The Response Team, that component of our Safe Child Program assigned to respond in case of any concerns regarding treatment of children, has been appointed for 2011. Members are:

    Judy Brunner (elder)
    Linda McCusker (deacon)
    Brad Morrison (trustee)
    James McIninch (alternate)

    BPC in the 21st Century!

    Burlington Presbyterian Church has many outreach and communication venues online! Consider bookmarking or joining us in several locations.

    First, there’s our website at http://burlingtonpres.org. This site has the latest Crossroads news and is updated at least monthly. You can check here for snow cancellations as well. It contains links to all the other BPC sites, as well as to some of our partners. Finally, pictures of church events are uploaded here!

    The church calendar can be a really helpful tool. It holds the times for worship and any events that might be going on. The link is here. If you use Google for your own personal calendar, you can simply add the church calendar to your personal calendar and automatically have important church events added!

    Next up, we have a Facebook Group. To find this, type “Burlington Presbyterian Church” in the search box while in Facebook. If you join the group, you will be “invited” to church events, as well as having the opportunity to chat and communicate with others in our church community, including some of our “alumni” who have since traveled away!

    Finally, we have a LinkedIn group. The link is here . LinkedIn is a job networking group that can help you connect with job-seekers, colleagues or employers that your friends might know. You can join this group to add your church family to your professional network

    If you have questions about these outreaches, ideas for more, or would like to participate in supporting them, leave a comment!

    M.A.T.E. in View this Summer?

    It’s time to start thinking about our housing work week in central Maine. Would you like to be part of this year’s volunteer team to rehab homes of rural elderly and families in need? It looks like our week will be July 17 – July 22. Experience welcome but not necessary. We stay in a dorm at the University of Maine in Farmington.

    Youth and adults welcome!

    See Rod if interested, or for more details.

    News flash! A preliminary M.A.T.E. planning meeting is tentatively set for Sunday, March 27 (afternoon).

    Nurturing Nest Preschool
    Registration Event

    The Nurturing Nest Preschool has classes in full swing from September through May. We have started enrollment for the 2011-2012 school year. The following programs will be offered:

    3-day Program for 4 year olds : 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    Monday, Wednesday, Friday
    (Tuition $2,650.00 per year)

    2-day Program for 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

    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 the 2-day morning class. Our 3-day morning class is currently full, but you may place your child’s name on a wait list if interested. Interested families should call registrar Linda Benson at
    781-272-0081, extension 2 for more details.

    Our dedicated core teachers are Director/Lead Teacher Patricia Rooney, and teachers Darlene Jollymore and Nancy Murphy. The new Board of Directors includes Chair Colette Greco, Registrar Linda Benson, Secretary Tara Goss, Treasurer Millie Wiegand, Director Pat Rooney, and members Michelle Brown, Jessica Davis and Sue McGilvray-Rivet. See anyone on the board for information.

    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 toddlers 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

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    February Crossroads

    Posted on February 17, 2011 | Leave a comment

    Deacons Corner

    The Deacons would like to thank Betty Doubek for all her hard work over the past six years. Betty has just completed her second consecutive term as a deacon, serving as the Deacon Moderator for the past two years.

    Stewardship

    Thank you to everyone who contributed to the special offerings during December. The Christmas Joy Offering, which included the entire Christmas Eve offering and other contributions, amounted to $1,613.70. This is a significant increase from last year. The money will help to support clergy families and other church workers in times of need. It will also help students at racial ethnic schools and colleges get an education and find their calling.

    The Noah Challenge

    What is the Noah Challenge? Massachusetts Interfaith Power and Light is offering customers of major electric or gas utilities, who live in 1 to 4 unit buildings, an opportunity to have a free energy audit of your home. The energy audit will show you ways to lower fuel bills and be more environmentally friendly. There is also information on rebates, loans, and Federal tax credits. The congregation with the most sign-ups wins a free environmental stewardship assessment. More information and sign-up sheets are available at church. You can also log on to www.MIPandL.org and click on the Noah Challenge.

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