Tag Archives: Crossroads

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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    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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    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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    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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    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 http://www.MIPandL.org and click on the Noah Challenge.

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    October Crossroads

    Posted on October 8, 2009 | Leave a comment

    World Communion Sunday
    is October 4

    Be sure to be part of the church family,
    as we share in communion around the table
    and celebrate our unity
    with brothers and sisters around the world.

    This is also the Sunday of our annual
    Peacemaking Offering
    to support programs
    for peace education and advocacy
    Locally and as part of the PCUSA’s efforts.

    Deacons Corner
    A family, which has been providing meals at the Dwelling Place when there was a fifth Wednesday in the month, is no longer able to supply the food although the parents will continue to help serve the meal. Our willing chef, Sally Morrison, will prepare a meal, but will need some help with side dishes. There is a fifth Wednesday once a quarter. The Deacons hope our congregation will be willing to take on this additional job. A sign-up sheet will be posted in Fellowship Hall when needed.

    Easter Breakfast – Teacher Recognition Luncheon – Fall Soup and Salad Luncheon -Dwelling Place – and always there was Whitey in his apron. What better way is there to remember him than by organizing a community food drive? Deacon Peggy Houghton has volunteered to contact people and organizations who might be willing to help. Volunteers will probably be needed to be at the church at specified times to receive contributions for the Burlington Food Drive.

    Whitey Graham Memorial Food Drive
    For the Burlington Pantry
    October 17, 9-12

    Plans are being finalized for an ingathering in honor of Whitey in several weeks. This effort for a cause Whitey believed in will be a joint project of BPC and Masons (Simonds Lodge), two communities close to Whitey’s heart!

    It looks like the “harvest” time will be Saturday, October 17, probably 9-12. Masons already have an event scheduled at the church during this time. BPC helpers should be needed to help receive and sort the donations.

    Some items especially need by the Pantry:

    • Mayo
    • Catsup
    • Beans
    • Hot chocolate
    • Pancake Mix
    • Pancake Syrup
    • Canned fruit
    • Peanut Butter and Jelly
    • Macaroni & Cheese
    • Tuna
    • Spaghetti Sauce

    Need Assistance?

    Beginning in September, I will be helping people with food stamps, fuel applications, and housing for free. Anyone who needs help can contact me at coffee hour through my email address, joannejstp@aol.com. Please let me know if you need help.
    Joanne Stephen

    People Helping People News
    People Helping People has been busy and BPC folks have helped! Over the week of August 23 – 30 several successful fundraisers were held. On Tuesday the 25th Flatbread Pizza donated a percentage of their profits to PHP, we held a bake sale and sold cookbooks. In all, that raised $1,335. Thanks to BPC bakers, and to Ray Gibson, who helped to staff the bake sale table. On Thursday the 27th folks enjoyed “Chocolate and Jazz” which raised another $905. Several BPC folks contributed goodies and/or attended the event. Then on Sunday the 30th, Rod and Cathy MacDonald, Peggy and Avery Rose Houghton, and Shirley Thornton participated in the “Walk for the Pantry”, attended the dedication of the renovated pantry, and helped serve at the barbecue on the Town Common. The Walk raised $1,120 and the barbecue $1,155. Lee and Nick Horeanopoulos, Anne and Beth Denier, Sally Morrison, Art Roscoe and Marcia Gedick were great at serving and all-around helping. In all, these fundraising events contributed close to $9,000 to benefit the food pantry, holiday program and the emergency fund.

    Those funds will soon be needed. Roberta Damelin, the Pantry Coordinator, estimates that she spends more than $2,000 each month on food for needy families in Burlington. Currently the pantry is serving 150 families, and it’s estimated that there will be 180 families by Christmas.

    There are other critical needs besides money. On the first and third Tuesdays of each month baggers are needed from 9:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. to do the prep work for the Wednesday food distribution. Shoppers are needed at any time, as are folks to pick up goods from the local sites. Right now, the PHP Board is considering obtaining a credit card to use for purchases, but needs someone to do the research as to which card will offer the most benefit. Is anyone interested??? If you are, let me know and I’ll put you in touch with the pantry co-coordinator.

    Linda Roscoe

    45th Annual Choir Festival

    “God’s Eternal Song of Love”, a Service of Ecumenical Song will be October 25, 2009 at 4 p.m., at Gordon College in Wenham. Members of Burlington Presbyterian Church will be participating. If you are interested in singing, please let Nancy Timmerman know, as music needs to be ordered. Alternatively, music will be available at the regional rehearsals: Tuesday, October 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Brookline (Korean Presbyterian Church), Saturday, October 17 at 7 p.m. in West Acton (Baptist Church), Sunday, October 18 at 7 p.m. in Woburn (United Methodist Church) or Monday, October 19 at 7 pm in Beverly (Second Congregational). A final, “dress rehearsal” will occur at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 25 at Gordon College. The concert is free and open to the public. Please see Nancy Timmerman if you want to join the singers from our church.

    A scene from our recent Fall Lunch

    A scene from our recent Fall Lunch

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