Category Archives: Crossroads

March 2013 Crossroads

Posted on March 10, 2013 | Leave a comment

Holy Week at the Presbyterian Church
Please come, share in these times which recall the heart of our faith. Invite your friends!

Passion/Palm Sunday, March 24
Remembering Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to confront the power of sin and death.
10:30 a.m. Worship

In keeping with tradition, there will be a palm procession, special music,
and the dedication of our One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

Maundy Thursday, March 28
Remembering the Last Supper
“Maundy Thursday” gets its name from Jesus’ “new commandment”
(mandatum in Latin) to love one another as He has loved us.

6:30 p.m.
Family teaching supper about communion 
Gathering for all families with conversation about the sacrament.
Then they may remain for:

7:30 p.m.
A brief service with celebration of the Lord’s Supper—
on the night we remember Jesus’ last meal with his disciples.
Communion is served around the communion table.

Good Friday, March 29
The Day of Jesus’ Crucifixion
It is “good” Friday because, despite appearances, it is God’s Friday.

7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
A vigil of prayer, readings, and extinguishing of candles in the darkened sanctuary, as we reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion, of our lives, and our world.

Easter Sunday, March 3
The Day of Resurrection

9:00 a.m.
With cries of “He is risen!” we greet one another at our annual Easter Breakfast.
Coordinated by Mark and Cheryl Wells.

10:30 a.m. ALLELUIA!
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Worship will celebrate the heart of the Good News, with jubilant music. This is the love that overcomes death!

No Sunday School – worship will be for the whole family. There will be child care for infants and toddlers only.

Deacons Corner

The new Board of Deacons met for the first time on Feb 6th. The new board has been active already with providing meals to a few of our ailing church members and activation of the prayer chain.

The Dwelling Place continues to serve those in need on the third Wednesday of each month. A special “thank you” to those who volunteer, especially Sally Morrison and Judy Brunner for preparing the food and Beth and Anne Denier for providing luscious desserts. We also thank all the other volunteers for making salads and serving the food to our guests. They truly appreciate our being there. In January, there were 11 guests served. In February, there were 19 served.

Welcome Back, Farmer Dave

Soon, Winter will be gone. A sure sign of this event is the return of Farmer Dave’s CSA. This year, we will be participating in the Spring share. Deliveries begin on March 18. Hurry and sign up so you don’t miss out on the freshest veggies and fruits of the season!!!!

A Teaching Supper about Communion:
Maundy Thursday, March 28, 6:30

The Christian Education Committee and Rod will again offer this opportunity for families with young children. There will be pizza and salad, and learning activities about the meaning and practice of the Lord’s Supper in our church. This annual event is planned primarily with elementary-age children in mind, but is open to families with children of all ages. All who come are welcome (but not obligated) to stay for the church’s Maundy Thursday communion service – which is typically briefer than most services, and is one of the times when we gather around the communion table for the sacrament.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order states “Baptized children who are being nurtured and instructed in the significance of the invitation to the Table and the meaning of their response are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper, recognizing that their understanding of participation will vary according to their maturity.”

There will be a sign-up during coffee hour for interested families or you may call or email the church.

Crafter’s Night, March 15
Our “Warm Up America” crafter’s night was a big success! We will be meeting again Friday, March 15 at 7:00. Bring a square to finish or help us put them together. Don’t know how to make one? Come and learn! See the brochure on the church table.

Friday Night at the Movies
March 8, at 7:30
Our Feature Presentation this month is “Get Low” starring Robert Duvall, Bill Murray and Sissy Spacek.

One Great Hour of Sharing 2013

Over the years, the resources provided though the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, brought relief and joy to all corners of the world including here in the United States. Your generous gifts proved that our Burlington congregation, as well as other Presbyterian churches and many other denominations, care for people in their time of need. While each denomination allocates its gifts differently, all use their funds for ministries of disaster relief, refugee assistance, and development aid. In recent years Presbyterians have given about $8 million annually.

But need is increasing. Both within the United States and throughout the world, the gap between those who have enough and those who don’t continues to widen. Increased costs of living mean that this year’s dollar simply can’t do as much work as last year’s. The pinch many Americans feel is amplified many times over for those around the world who already spend most of their earnings on food.

Last year our congregation gave $1,610 to OGHS. As a challenge for this year, our goal is $2,000.
That would be equivalent to 40 tanks of gas at $50/fillup or 80 trips to a fast food restaurant at $25 for the family (if you’ve got coupons!). As you consider your offering this year, think of how every $5 or $10 can help feed or clothe or provide medication for someone in need.

The theme for this year’s OGHS offering is that SHARING BRINGS JOY. The guiding passage comes from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. In Paul’s letter, he reminds the early church of the importance of being generous and helping to supply the needs of others. He encouraged them in giving their gifts to those who were not even Christians and whom they did not even know. He ended his letter by saying that their giving would be seen as expressions of thanks to God.

The blessings of giving have not changed. When we recognize the God-given worth of each person around the globe, without regard to race, religion, or nationality, we know we have God’s blessing and approval. The monies distributed to the Presbyterian Hunger Project, Disaster Assistance, and self development of people, bring joy to the recipients, to us, and to God. As a result of your gifts and the gifts of other congregation, OGHS will continue to be a reminder that through the simple act of sharing, we are blessed and will experience God’s abundance in surprising ways.

Envelopes will be in the pews mid-March and the official offering will be collected on Palm Sunday. You can send in a gift at any time, however, marked OGHS. Thank you for your longtime support of this gift to others, as together we find that Sharing Brings Joy.

Millie Wiegand

What does it mean to be Presbyterian today?

More and more books related to our Presbyterian faith are available every day for e-readers. You do not need to own a Kindle or Nook to read them – there are easy ways to read them on your PC or phone. (Search either amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com for “free ereader application”.)

You can also download free copies of the Book of Order and the Book of Confessions from pcusa.org.

This is a partial list from Amazon to get you started. (The list is sorted by popularity in the Kindle store.) Check out your favorite eBook store and see what is there!

Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers: Exploring Christian Faith by Donald K. McKim (Jan 31, 2004)

(also available in church library)

On Being Presbyterian: Our Beliefs, Practices, And Stories by Sean Michael Lucas

Presbyterian Beliefs: A Brief Introduction by Donald K. McKim (May 5, 2003)

(also available in church library)

To Be a Presbyterian by Louis B. Weeks (Jan 25, 2010)

How to Survive Being a Presbyterian!: A Merry Manual Celebrating the Funny Foibles of the Frozen Chosen by Bob Reed (Jan 16, 2001) .

(also available in church library)

A Sustainable Presbyterian Future: What’s Working and Why by Louis B. Weeks (Jun 21, 2012)

Presbyterians Being Reformed: Reflections on What the Church Needs Today by Robert H.Bullock Jr. and Clifton Kirkpatrick (Mar 20, 2006

Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt: A Theological Survival Guide for Youth, Parents, & Other Confused Presbyterians… by Ted V. Foote Jr. and P. Alex Thornburg (May 1, 2000)

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February 2013 Crossroads

Posted on January 31, 2013 | Leave a comment

Winter Light: Discerning Our Path
February 2, 2013
12:30 – 4:00

Did you know there is an ancient Christian tradition associated with February 2 (aka Groundhog Day)? As the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, Candlemas is a day to thank God for light. It is also the traditional day to bless the candles that will be used over the coming year.

This is an opportunity to pause and ponder about the light and shadow in our own lives. Where do we need light? What parts of our lives are in between light and dark?

We won’t just think about light – we will make candles, worship, talk, and reflect together.

Sign in will begin at 12:30 with coffee and goodies. There is no cost. Feel to bring friends.

Please come and light up your own life!

Ash Wednesday Service
February 13, 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 service 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

Catastrophic storms and wildfires throughout the United States. War and political uprising in the Middle East. Malnutrition and starvation. Extreme poverty and urban squalor. Stories of disaster, hunger, poverty, and other tragedies filled our newspapers and television screens in 2012. With such stories, it is easy to become disheartened and experience compassion fatigue. In the midst of these times, the prophet Isaiah reminds us that we are called to be “the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in” (Isa. 58:12). We are called to make God’s community livable for all.

Through abundant and generous gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) Presbyterians have for many years faithfully heeded God’s call to serve people seeking to reclaim and restore their lives.

Your gift to this offering allows Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to restore communities around the world affected by disaster including those now recovering from Hurricane Sandy. It helps the Presbyterian Hunger Program work with Presbyterians and other partners to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in this country and internationally and makes it possible for Self-Development of People to affirm the dignity of all by assisting in the empowerment of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people.

“Sharing Brings Joy. To Others, to God, and to Us.”

The programs supported by OGHS depend on continued and increased support from congregations like yours. As a result of your gifts and the gifts of other congregations across the church, OGHS will continue to be a reminder that through the simple act of sharing, we are blessed and experience God’s abundance in surprising ways. Thank you for your longtime support of this offering, as together we are Sharing Resources . . . Changing Lives.
Sara Pottschmidt Lisherness
Director
Compassion, Peace, and Justice

Our offering will be received on Palm Sunday, March 24. Fishboxes will be available for the children.

Beth Denier

Worship
(contributed by Joan Ross)

The purpose of worship is not to hear a sermon, to sing a hymn or two. It is something much larger: to come in contact with the world as it is and as we want it to be. Both and at the same time. That’s why it looks so silly to an outsider who objects to the seemingly easy transition, not knowing that it is not easy at all. It is an ongoing process Sunday after Sunday after Sunday. It is not a habit; it is a discipline and discipleship. In one short hour to moan and mourn and then forget oneself and join with joy the others in a mock-up banquet reminding us of bread/hunger, wine/blood, life/death, and resurrection/hope that defies despair. You don’t do that in an hour; the hour only becomes a manifestation of what it takes a lifetime to realize.
The hour spent in church is irreplaceable. When I now leave for church on Sunday morning and return an hour and a half later, I can hardly believe such a short time has elapsed. What could I have done in that length of time? Read a little, think somewhat, listen to music, finish a review, prepare a meal, yes. But compared to the cosmic importance and personal engagement that takes place in church – no, it cannot be compared. Church time is eternal. (Brita Stendahl)

JAZZ & CHOCOLATE
Saturday, February 9th, 7-9 PM

The UCC Church is hosting a special event for music lovers and chocolate lovers alike. Noted professional jazz singer, Lydia Harrell, will be performing while we enjoy a variety of decadent chocolate desserts.

UCC Church
6 Lexington Street,
Burlington, MA

Tickets: $15.00

For more information:
Julie Lewis: 617-281-8670 jalewis@gmail.com

5p Syndrome

Each year in the United States, approximately 50 to 60 children are born with 5p- Syndrome (five p minus), also known as Cat Cry Syndrome or Cri du Chat Syndrome. 5p- Syndrome is characterized at birth by a high pitched cry, low birth weight; slow physical development and potential medical complications. “5p-” is a term used by geneticists to describe a portion of chromosome number five that is missing in these individuals. Children born with this rare genetic defect require ongoing support from a team of parents, therapists, and medical and educational professionals to help the child achieve his or her maximum potential.

My granddaughter, Lydia, has this rare syndrome. Fortunately, she has a strong set of parents (my daughter Laurel and son-in-law Greg) and supportive siblings who help her cope with her needs. There is also a national organization which holds yearly meetings throughout the United States to help families connect and learn more about their children. This summer the annual conference will be held in New York and my daughter is on the planning committee.

Here’s where BPC can help. I am asking for sponsors for the Fun Camp portion of the program for the 5P youngsters and young adults ages 12 and up. (Lydia is 14). In the past, this group has often been gathered in front of tv’s or movies during the day while the parents are attending the lectures and programs. This year, Laurel is planning a more active program, using leaders from the physical therapy classes which she teaches at Columbia University. The Fun Camp will include a music game show, yoga, memory book making, a photo booth, dance party, rhythm games, and other activities. Many supplies and donations are needed.
Examples of supplies needed include :

  • Large posters for photo backdrops – preferably of city, dance, or beach scenes.
  • Costume supplies: wedding dresses, top hats, cummerbunds, boas, big sunglasses, beach hats & towels, cowboy hats, prince and princess crowns, magician’s cape, doctor’s white coat, any NY sports team clothing, etc.
  • Yoga mats, pre-made yoga pose pictures, pre-made photo cards, memory book decorations

    • The actual memory books will be pre-made with the conference logo on the front, but donations to purchase them and to purchase film are needed.

    See me if you are interested in contributing any of these items or with a check made out to 5P- Society to help defray expenses. This outreach goes a bit beyond our Burlington community, but it would be very meaningful to me and my family. And BPC will be noted as one of the sponsors in the program notes. I need to gather all donations by March 17th in order to take them to my daughter in time for her to determine what else will be needed. You can also find out more information about the 5p- Society and the conference on their website: http://www.fivepminus.org.

    Thanks in advance – Millie Wiegand

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    December 2012 Crossroads

    Posted on December 11, 2012 | 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.

    Deacons Corner

    People Helping People
    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 9, and should be unwrapped. Please see Anne Denier if you would like a card.
    The final day to order Christmas poinsettias is Sunday, December 2nd. The money raised will be going to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

    “Wish Tree” Volunteers Needed
    Our church is asked to provide volunteers for the Wish Tree table at the Burlington Mall on 3 days: Thurs., Nov 29; Tues., Dec 4; Sat., Dec 8.
    There are 2-hour shifts from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

    The “Wish Tree” gives shoppers the opportunity to provide gifts for children in need in Burlington.

    To everyone who brought Thanksgiving food donations, helped staff the wish tree and purchased pajamas, underwear and sweatshirts, thank you for helping to make this a happy holiday season for everyone in our community.

    Community Christmas Sing-a Long
    December 1, 2012
    6:30 p.m.

    Please come! Invite family, friends and neighbors!

    Family Advent Event
    December 2, 2012 after Worship

    All Sunday School families invited! There will be a hearty coffee hour for everyone that day. Then Sunday School children, youth and parents may help create a “homemade” Nativity scene (crèche) for the church.

    Come A-Caroling!
    Sunday, December 16  2:45 p.m.
    Fun for all Ages

    The rallying time will be 2:45 p.m. 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.

    Good News of Great Joy
    A cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s, the Christmas Joy Offering is one of the four special offerings designated by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Because Advent and Christmas shine a light not only on our world’s greatest hope but also on our world’s greatest need, the PC(USA) provides this timely opportunity for congregations to support causes specifically designed to bring Good News of Great Joy to the poor in circumstance or spirit. Alongside the message of promise and fulfillment in Luke’s Gospel, we also hear the clear call to God’s people to respond in faith as Christ calls us: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded” (Luke 12:48).

    Undesignated gifts to the Christmas Joy Offering will be distributed equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to support student scholarships at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges.
    What is the Christmas Joy Offering?

    For more than 70 years, Presbyterians have given generously at Christmas to support the unmet needs of families who have devoted their lives to the mission of the PC(USA). Today this Offering is shared equally by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides critical assistance to Presbyterian church workers and their families, and Presbyterian-affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling. The Offering dates back to the 1930s, when the former Presbyterian Church in the United States began an offering to supplement inadequate retirement income and provide supplemental medical insurance for former ministers, missionaries, church workers, and their families.

    Although its roots trace back many years, this special offering remains just as essential today. Equally important to the financial help provided is the spiritual benefit received. Again and again, the individuals and families helped by the Offering say that as crucial as the financial assistance is, what really sustains them is the knowledge that the church is standing with them in their time of need.

    Our Christmas Eve offering will go to “Christmas Joy”. There will be envelopes in the pews for use at other times.

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    September 2012 Crossroads

    Posted on September 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

    Welcome our newest members!
    Josh and Stephanie who have been worshiping with us for some time have been enthusiastically received into membership by the Session. They are the parents of Gillian (age 5) and William, who was just born on June 16.

    Some of the kids enjoy one of our summer fellowship events

    The kids enjoy one of our summer fellowship events

    Still a champion to us!
    Amina Meho should be as of this writing in London, swimming with the Lebanese Olympic Team – that is, if life were fair. Despite her qualifying times and multiple-record-setting articipation with the Lebanese Swim Club (she has dual citizenship) – because of Lebanese politics much less qualified swimmers were chosen to go. Amina is taking it well (her mother, Lynda, whom we remember fondly, would be proud). Her father, Mo, who participated with the Lebanese Swim Team in the `72 Olympics is having a tougher time – understandably!

    Amina writes from UMass, Amherst:

    Yes it is tough not being in London but I am also happy that I’ve been able to go on a short break from swimming and been able to really enjoy this summer by visiting friends, going to the beach, I just got a job at one of the campus
    dining halls and I’ve been teaching some private swim lessons on the side a couple times a week. It’s been a great summer regardless of the unfortunate news!! I’m nervous but excited for my last year at Umass. Please tell the congregation I say hello and I hope to come home and visit soon!

    A big congratulations…
    Brad Morrison has won the System Dynamics Society’s Jay Wright Forrester Award, together with co-authors Jenny Rudolph and John Carroll. The paper they wrote was selected for the best contribution to the field during the past 5 years. It develops and tests a model of sensemaking (or things that go into decision-making) and action. It was based on a
    clinical experiment which placed anesthesiology residents in simulated crisis situations in the OR.

    The Morrison family was recently in Switzerland where Brad received the award and delivered a presentation.

    Choir

    Chancel Choir will resume practice from 7:30 to 9 pm on Thursday, September 6, 2012, and sing in church on Sunday, September 9, 2012 (with practice at 10 am). Musically inclined people OF ALL AGES are encouraged to consider joining us. The ability to read music IS NOT REQUIRED. The choir usually sings for the Offertory on Communion Sundays, and
    the Anthem before the Word for Children on the other Sundays. This allows older youth and their teachers to participate. Other Sunday School teachers and younger children can also participate, as long as it is known when they will be out. Please contact Nancy Timmerman for further information, or talk to any choir member. We hope you can join us.

    The 48th Annual Choir Festival will be on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 4 pm at Gordon Memorial Chapel in Wenham. Choir members and other interested parties should let Nancy Timmerman know as soon as possible so that music can be ordered. The Woburn practice is Monday night, October 15, with other rehearsals on Saturday, October 13 in W. Acton and Sunday night, October 14 in Bedford. Practice on the 21st is at 1:30 pm. Even if you don’t want to sing with the choir, give some consideration to joining in this ecumenical event. It is a wonderful experience.

    Celebrating 175 years of Presbyterian World Mission, 1837-2012

    In the Summer 2012 issue of Mission Crossroads, Presbyterian World Mission Director Hunter Farrell writes about the
    175th Anniversary of international mission by the General Assembly of PC(USA). Mission programs were being done by
    individual churches and groups prior to that date.

    Today, almost 200 mission workers are serving in approximately 50 countries. Over the years, Presbyterian missionaries have started churches, built hospitals and begun schools. Many of these programs have grown into self-sustaining institutions led by local Christians. The longstanding bonds forged throughout the years make mission partnerships possible.

    The PC(USA) mission program can help to provide the resources and personnel needed and provide resources for new programs.

    Presbyterian World Mission chiefly does three things: sends skilled mission personnel, empowers the global church
    and equips PC(USA) for mission. Our individual gifts and contributions to special offerings help Presbyterian World
    Mission continue these programs. For more information, visit http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections.

    Clerk’s Corner

    Greetings from Session! As summer fades into fall, we are turning our attention away from the slow pace of summer back to another exciting fall for the BPC. Worship returns to 10:30am on September 9, and that means that Sunday School
    will be starting up again – for both our children and adults! If you’ve ever been curious about our adult class or interested in teaching the younger ones, feel free to drop by for class or see interim CE chair Cathy.

    We are all very excited about the retreat planned for September 29, and we hope to see many of you in attendance. This was and idea that Session has been working on most of this year, and we are very happy to see the enthusiasm
    from the rest of the congregation.

    Nominating committee will be convening soon to nominate folks for our 2013 boards. Be on the lookout for those nomination forms, and let us know your ideas!

    It’s sure to be an exciting fall here at BPC, and we wish everyone all the best as our programs take off on a running start.

    Susan L. Kemen
    Clerk of Session

    Peacemaking Offering

    The Peacemaking Offering will be received on World Communion Sunday, October 7.

    Since 1983, more than 4,500 Presbyterian Church(USA) congregations have participated in the Peacemaking Offering. In 2011, the offering raised $1,994,792. The local church keeps 25% of the offering. The Burlington congregation has used this money to help fund scholar-ships for local high school seniors who have exhibited peacemaking skills during their
    high school years. An additional 25% is used by the presbyteries and synods to support their peacemaking ministries.

    The 50% is allocated to the General Assembly Mission Council. In 2011, the offering was used as follows:

  • Communities of Mission Practice – foster peacemaking practices and promote gun control.
  • Health of Congregations – Deepen peacemaking commitments and develop and launch the new “Season of Peace.” (2012)
  • Leadership Development – Train peacemaking leaders.
  • Global Perspective – Offer travel study seminars and bring international peacemakers to the PC(USA).
  • College and Young Adults – Provide internships and scholarships for young people. Support young adult and college peacemakers. Cultivate a new generation of peacemakers. Launch antibullying efforts in 2012.

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    April 2012 Crossroads

    Posted on April 3, 2012 | Leave a comment

    Holy Week at the Presbyterian Church
    Please come, share in these times which recall the heart of our faith. Invite your friends!

    Passion/Palm Sunday, April 1
    Remembering Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to confront the power of sin and death.
    10:30 a.m. Worship

    In keeping with tradition, there will be a palm procession, special music, and the dedication of our One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

    Maundy Thursday, April 5
    Remembering the Last Supper

    “Maundy Thursday” gets its name from Jesus’ “new commandment”
    (mandatum in Latin) to love one another as He has loved us.

    6:30 p.m.
    Family teaching supper about communion
    Gathering for all families with conversation about the sacrament.
    Then they may remain for:

    7:30 p.m.
    A brief service with celebration of the Lord’s Supper — on the night we remember Jesus’ last meal with his disciples.
    Communion is served around the communion table.

    Good Friday, April 6
    The Day of Jesus’ Crucifixion

    It is “good” Friday because, despite appearances, it is God’s Friday.

    7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
    A vigil of prayer, readings, and extinguishing of candles in the darkened sanctuary, as we reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion, of our lives, and our world.

    Easter Sunday, April 8
    The Day of Resurrection

    9:00 a.m.
    With cries of “He is risen!” we greet one another at our annual Easter Breakfast.
    Coordinated by Mark and Cheryl Wells.

    10:30 a.m. ALLELUIA!
    Worship will celebrate the heart of the Good News, with jubilant music.
    This is the love that overcomes death!

    No Sunday School – worship will be for the whole family. There will be child care for infants and toddlers only.

    News of our Church Family
    Losses in church families…

    Our thoughts and prayers are with Jean Graham and family, following the death of her mother, Hazel Petrie, at the age of 96 on February 19; with Millie Wiegand and family – Millie’s mother, Connie Holmes, entered God’s peace on February 22; and with Bobbi and Ron Steeves and family, following the passing of Bobbi’s sister, Pat, on March 11, after her struggle with cancer.

    Thanks be to God, for the love that is stronger than death.

    Thanks…

    To all those teachers, students, and other volunteers who helped to make our recent Walk Through Holy Week a memorable experience.

    Hunger Walk’s coming…

    Sunday, May 6 is the date! Let team captain Linda Roscoe know that you are interested in walking for Project Bread this year.

    Deacons Corner

    Thanks to everyone who ordered Easter flowers this year. The money we collected was sent to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the Mission of Deeds.

    The Food Pantry is requesting peanut butter and jelly, any flavor but grape. They also need beef soups. As usual, the official collection date will be the first Sunday of the month, but you can bring them anytime and leave them in the red tub outside the church office.

    Clerk’s Corner
    A message from Session

    With a new year comes new changes. Rod and I have spoken about using Crossroads as a way to keep you, our congregation, informed of what Session has been up to and to take an opportunity to make announcements that might not show up elsewhere. Session has already been busy this year by establishing four goals: 1) Deepening our Faithful Relationships, 2) Engaging our Communities, 3) Ministering with Youth, and 4) Encouraging and Enabling Joyful Service. Our committee members may already be familiar with these goals, as they should be the focus of the activities taking place in and around our church.

    This year marks our 50th Anniversary, and to that end, a special committee was formed last fall to make this event truly spectacular. Keep an eye out for your invitation if you have not already received it. We kick off the week after Easter with a series of speakers, recalling what the church was like during a particular decade in our history, starting April 15th with one of our charter members! Also on the agenda is a rockin’ 60s party with a live DJ spinning all the great songs from the 1960s on Saturday, April 28th. In May, we’ll have our big weekend celebration with an international dinner, special worship service, and reception.

    The Response Team (part of our Safe Child program) for this year is almost in place and consists of Elder Brenda Flynn, Deacon Anne Denier, and Trustee Scott Davis. An alternate will be named soon.

    Interested in a spiritual retreat day? Stay tuned! Discussions have opened surrounding the idea of a retreat this fall.

    On behalf of Session, I’d like to express our deepest gratitude to those of you who work tirelessly on all of our committees, boards, and programs. Without you, our church would not be the thriving entity we have all grown to love.

    Respectfully submitted,
    Susan L. Kemen
    Clerk of Session

    One Great Hour of Sharing

    There will be OGH envelopes in the pews before Palm Sunday. We hope you will join us on that day to participate in the procession. If you have children in church school, please have them return their fish banks that day or as soon as possible. To help Treasurer, Jim Brunner, keep accurate records, make sure your child’s name on the bank is legible.

    One Great Hour of Sharing gifts help to fund Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program and Self-Development of People.

    Beth Denier

    Are you read to Rock and Roll?

    Please join us Saturday, April 28, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall for our Church’s first 50th anniversary function, a 1960’s dance. Music and entertainment will be provided by D.J., Dave Anthony (Fran’s son). There will also be screening of ’60′s TV shows such as Dragnet, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Star Trek and Andy Griffith for those who want to reminisce or experience the 60s. Light refreshments will be served. Sign up sheets will be in Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions/comments please contact Sue Hadsell at sehadsell@verizon.net.

    Mother’s Day Project

    Honor friends and family members with Mother’s Day cards in support of the Healthy Women Healthy Families Project. This project supports health education, disease prevention and care for women and children in Malawi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia and Republic of South Sudan. To obtain cards or more information, check with Beth Denier.

    Mission Giving

    Missionary barrels and hands-on projects, such as rolled and knitted bandages, are no longer required. Fortunately, this is partly due to better facilities in our overseas mission hospitals and other programs. Due to high transportation costs, the Presbyterian Church (USA) encourages members to give money for those overseas projects. Often needed items can be purchased from sources nearer the project which saves shipping costs. Churches wishing to participate in hands-on projects are encouraged to find something closer to home. This might include school bags or health kits which can be used locally or sent to Church World Service.

    The February 19, 2012 meditation in the devotional booklet, These Days, quoted a statistic from UNICEF to the effect that 22,000 children die each day from preventable causes. This includes access to safe water, nutritious food, and basic medical care. Not all of these children are from third world countries. Some live in our towns. How safe is the water supply in your town? Do your schools have a breakfast and/or lunch program for children from low income families? Is there a food bank? Are affordable medical facilities available? Find out and get involved.

    Beth Denier

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    March 2012 Crossroads

    Posted on March 4, 2012 | 1 Comment

    Holy Week at the Presbyterian Church
    Please come, share in these times which recall the heart of our faith. Invite your friends!

    Passion/Palm Sunday, April 1
    Remembering Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to confront the power of sin and death.
    10:30 a.m. Worship
    In keeping with tradition, there will be a palm procession, special music, and the dedication of our One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

    Maundy Thursday, April 5
    Remembering the Last Supper

    “Maundy Thursday” gets its name from Jesus’ “new commandment”
    (mandatum in Latin) to love one another as He has loved us.

    6:15 p.m.

    Family teaching supper about communion. Gathering for all families with conversation about the sacrament.
    Then they may remain for:

    7:30 p.m.

    A brief service with celebration of the Lord’s Supper— on the night we remember Jesus’ last meal with his disciples.
    Communion is served around the communion table.

    Good Friday, April 6
    The Day of Jesus’ Crucifixion
    It is “good” Friday because, despite appearances, it is God’s Friday.

    7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

    A vigil of prayer, readings, and extinguishing of candles in the darkened sanctuary, as we reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion, of our lives, and our world.

    Easter Sunday, April 8
    The Day of Resurrection
    9:00 a.m.

    With cries of “He is risen!” we greet one another at our annual Easter Breakfast.

    10:30 a.m. ALLELUIA!

    Worship will celebrate the heart of the Good News, with jubilant music.
    This is the love that overcomes death!

    No Sunday School  worship will be for the whole family.
    There will be child care for infants and toddlers only.

    News of our Church Family
    In memory and prayer…

    Two memorial services took place in our sanctuary on Saturday, February 11.

    One was for Harry Thomasian, who along with his wife, Betty, was one of the earliest members of our church in 1962. Though he had lived away from Burlington for a long time, it was good to gather with his family, and remember and give thanks.

    The other was for Bill Piper, a member of our church for about 9 years. Bill and his wife, Rose Mary (an active Roman Catholic), moved to our area to be closer to their two daughters as he was encountering health issues. Though he wasn’t able to attend worship often, several members of the church came to be fond of the Pipers through visits with them.

    Our prayers are with the families of both.

    Service for Jay David…

    A memorial service for Jay, who entered God’s peace on New Year’s Day while he and Sheila were visiting family in India, is planned for Saturday, March 24. For reasons of space, it will be held at Mt. Hope Church in Burlington. A definite time will be announced.

    Crafts and fellowship…

    Do you know about the new opportunity for anyone who enjoys any sort of crafts to gather for “work” and fellowship? It will be on the third Friday evenings of each month. See Jane McIninch (jane.mcininch@verizon.net) for more info.

    Deacons Corner

    Please welcome our new deacons, Colette Greco and Niloo Hennings. Many thanks to Annelies Rots for agreeing to stay on for one more year as our Deacon Moderator.

    The Food Pantry is requesting toothbrushes, both adult and child size. As usual, the official collection date will be the first Sunday of the month, but you can bring them anytime and leave them in the red tub outside the church office.

    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 http://www.pcusa.org/oghs. Our offering will be received on Palm Sunday, April 1.

    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. Please speak to one of us to help plan and/or work on one of these events: Judy Brunner, Sue Hadsell, Jen Dewar, Barbara & Steve Karanja, Susan Kemen, Marion McPhee, Colette Greco.

    Revised Coffee Hour Schedule

    The following is the revised schedule for hosting coffee hour from February through June. Please notice that I have made some changes because of the new roster of Elders and Deacons. There is an asterisk next to the dates where changes have been made. Please contact me if there is a problem with the date you are scheduled to host

    Date Team

    March 4 Session

    March 11 Deacons

    March 18 Amankwaa & Asantewaa

    March 25* Stalker & Wells

    April 1 Palm Sunday Session

    April 8 Easter Breakfast
    No Coffee Hour

    April 15 Deacons

    April 22* Adisho/Chapman & Ross

    April 29* Clark, Marshall & McGilvray-Rivet

    May 6 Session

    May 13 Deacons – Mother’s Day

    May 20 59th Anniversary Reception

    May 27* Emma Sarpong & Esther Sarpong

    June 3 Session

    June 10 No Coffee

    June 17 Dewar & Doubek

    June 24 Anderson & Briggs

    Thank you everyone.

    Jennifer Dewar

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    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 http://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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