June 2010 Crossroads

Ordination of Kevin Hershey to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament
June 20, 3:00 p.m.
It will be a time for prayer and rejoicing as members of BPC, Boston Presbytery, and guests gather to celebrate Kevin’s ordination. It isn’t often in most congregations that a member is ordained to pastoral ministry. We have been privileged to be part of Kevin’s journey to this time, first during his year of student internship as a senior at B.U. School of Theology, and later as a member and elder in our congregation. Kevin has determinedly pursued his sense of God’s call through time and adversity, and this is a moment of great affirmation!

Kevin has received a call from the Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, Brighton NY (near Rochester). He was examined and approved for ordination by Genesee Valley Presbytery, but has chosen to have his service of ordination here. He will begin his work in mid-July; an exciting (and yes, stressful) time for him and Jessica.

The service on June 20 is officially a service of Boston Presbytery, overseen by an Administrative Commission approved by presbytery (Brenda Flynn and I are members of the commission). Kevin is planning his service, with the guidance of presbytery.

It will be a great time. Please plan to attend! We will also be hosting a reception following – James and Jane McIninch have volunteered to coordinate; speak to them to offer your help.

Deacons Corner

It’s almost time for the auction! By now, you should have turned in your pledges for auction items. You can drop off your items at the church starting June 8th. The auction date is June 12th, starting at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m. for Silent Auction). Admission to the auction is free. We hope to see everyone there!

We will be collecting for Blankets+ (formerly called Tools and Blankets) from May 30th to June 20th. Blankets+ is a special mission opportunity that can involve all ages. Some 8,000 congregations and groups across the U.S. hold CWS Blankets+ events, providing funds to help people in need around the world, including the U.S.

Christian Education

On June 27, 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.

M.A.T.E. Housing Team Needs Support
July 25-30
This summer’s volunteer housing ministry team is taking shape! We will travel to central Maine during the week of July 25-30 to provide repairs and improvements to homes of rural elderly and those in need. This is an annual program of Mission at the Eastward (MATE) a cooperative parish of 9 small Presbyterian churches. There is still room for workers – skilled and unskilled volunteers are welcome! The team this year will include adults and youth from BPC, Waltham, Natick and Brookline Presbyterian churches, as well as from the Congregation churches in Vermont pastored by former BPC member Judi Horgan! Please see Rod MacDonald for more info on coming up with us. Other ways you can help:

Funding: We have existing funds from the churches and Boston Presbytery to pay the $175 per worker fee charged by MATE (which helps purchase building supplies). Additionally, though, each worker pays for lodging in a dorm at the U Maine, Farmington, and contributes toward our group food purchases for the week. Some workers each summer require subsidies to be able to go. If you would like to help with this, you may make a contribution (made out to our church, memo’d for MATE support).

Food: Each of the churches annually is invited to send up with us some of the food and kitchen supplies needed for the week (we fix our meals in a church kitchen). WATCH for a list of the things that BPC members are asked to provide.

Easter Breakfast
Although Easter now seems like a distant memory, I need to express my personal thanks to those that made it possible. I want to thank those that helped prepare and serve this year’s Easter Breakfast: Steve Ross, James McIninch, Linda Roscoe, Cheryl Wells, Trish Briggs, Collette Greco, Ann Denier and Beth Denier. I especially thank Ann & Beth, Steve McDonald and Rob Trainor who helped with the clean up after the meal. If I missed anyone, I do apologize. This kind of help is always very appreciated. I also thank God for allowing this year’s breakfast to run smoothly and the food to be enjoyed.

I also thank those that came and generously contributed toward the expenses. The final tally is in and we were able to donate $125 to the church emergency fund in excess of our expenses.

Mark H. Wells

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!