Interim Search Committee formed
The Session has appointed a committee of 5 persons who will seek a minister to serve in an interim capacity. Ken Dewar, Niloo Hennings, James McIninch, Brad Morrison and Linda Roscoe have agreed to form the committee. Brad will serve as convener, at least initially. The committee will work closely with Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry in finding a minister trained in interim work, to begin at some time following Rod’s retirement (April 30) and serve until a new pastor is called.
Part way through the interim period a pastor nominating committee (PNC) will be elected by the congregation to do the work of finding a candidate for the church’s next installed pastor. The interim period typically lasts 1.5-2 years.
Congratulations… Angela Wantate has been chosen to represent the Boston Presbytery in Detroit during General Assembly in the role of Young Adult Advisory Delegate. This will take place in June. This is an exciting opportunity for her. Wish her well when you see her.
Mark Vogel has been appointed chair of the Committee on Preparation of Ministry by Boston Presbytery. It is a wonderful opportunity for him to share his knowledge with a greater audience.
Coffee with Rod
As you all know, our pastor is retiring as of April 30. He would like to visit and talk to each one of us individually, but that is not practical. We have devised a plan so that all who wish to will have a chance to have coffee/tea with Rod. We envision small group gatherings for sharing memories, hopes for the future, and maybe prayers together. We have set up a schedule of days and times to choose from. You will find sign-up sheets in the usual place in fellowship hall, or you can call the office to let the secretary know which of these times you would like to meet with Rod.
Coffee with the Pastor
Wednesday, March 19, 7-8 PM
Saturday, March 29, 3-4 PM
Thursday, April 3, 1:30-2:30 PM
(Those who would prefer to meet with Rod individually before his departure should also feel welcome to contact him at the church.)
Deacon’s Corner
The deacon’s held their first meeting a little late because of being snowed out on our original date. New assignments were distributed. Once again, we ask you to give generously to the food pantry on the first Sunday of each month. The winter is a difficult time of year for many families.
Thank you all for the rides for George. He appreciates it and so do we.
Friday Night at the Movies!
Friday, March 14, 7:00 pm
Feature Presentation to be announced
Free! Bring friends! Popcorn!
The Hospitality Committee
YES, of course there is a party being planned to celebrate our years at the Presbyterian Church in Burlington with our beloved pastor, Rod MacDonald.
Planning is just in the initial phase, but the evening of Saturday, April 26th can be marked on your calendar.
The event coordinators are Vida Pipim and Jane McIninch. See them for more information.
There will also be a special coffee hour after Rod’s last service with us on April 27th.
Winter Retreat Recap
On February 1st, eighteen good folks experienced a refreshing retreat about Seeking Simplicity. Sixteen folks were from BPC and two were friends of the church from Burlington and North Andover. The morning was spent in worship, praise, and in finding ways to simplify our lives. After small group discussions about what simplicity could look like, groups decided to tackle three themes in more depth: (1) Simplifying their minds and lifestyles, especially from the complexities and distractions of technology; (2) de-cluttering and simplifying homes and possessions; and (3) focusing and discerning priorities. Vigorous discussions ensued and some strategies and solutions were formed and then shared with the whole group.
Some of the solutions we came up with simplifying lifestyles in the complexities of today’s world and technology were defining your priorities, being able to articulate and communicate them, and stick with them. Be comfortable asking for help, it’s OK to let some projects/tasks fail, and never lose your “inner river otter” (always have fun and find enjoyment in life). Solutions for de-cluttering our physical lives were to schedule a time as a family to go through stuff and get rid of it, use the time to tell stories on why items are important to each family member, and learn about each other’s attachments as you clean up. You don’t have to say yes all the time. Ask yourself why you’d say yes to something? Think about what you are doing and determine why it is important. O.H.I.O. = Only Handle It Once (complete a task as you think of it and don’t set it aside for later). flyady.net is a helpful on-line resource. Find affirmation when you do something good. Solutions for discerning priorities and de-cluttering minds were to find out what you are drawn to, align your needs with others, trade certain times and spaces for personal Sabbath and keep your mind at rest at these times. Hopefully these can be starting points for others thinking about simplicity.
After a delicious pot luck lunch, the first part of the afternoon was enlivened with a class in making pesto, a class in Qigong, spiritual reflection, and “doodling” and conversation. This was followed by a presentation from our YAV Alex Haney about the Boston Faith and Justice Network’s take on simplicity as a tool for discipleship. Groups considered how we can respond to Jesus ‘call to care for the hungry and oppressed by taking stock of our basic needs and finding ways to share with others while simplifying our own lives. Participants also discussed the influences on how we think about money and how we think about our resources. The day closed with worship and the delightful haunting notes of “Simple Gifts” as played on a recorder. It was a lovely day for those who attended.
Legends of the Celtic Harp with Patrick Ball, Lisa Lynne & Aryeh Frankfurter at BPC
Sunday March 23, 3:00 pm
Admission: $15.00
LEGENDS OF THE CELTIC HARP – with Patrick Ball, Lisa Lynne & Aryeh Frankfurter
Three of the premier Celtic harpers in the world, Patrick Ball, Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter have created a dramatic ensemble that takes you deep into the myths, magic and fabled history of this most captivating instrument. You will hear three harps, Swedish Nyckelharpa, Cittern, Irish Bouzouki and more. History, humor and heartwarming stories are woven together with enchanting music both ancient and new. http://www.LegendsOfTheCelticHarp.com
Spring is in the Air
If spring is coming that means it is time for Farmer Dave to return. The spring shares will be starting March 3, 2014. Pick-up time for spring are 4-6:30 pm. If you have not signed up yet, hurry! You don’t want to miss out on the tender baby vegetables that will soon be here. It’s not too late. For more information, see Jane or Alex.
YAV Report from Alex Haney
Manna Monday
President’s Day 2014 at the church was very exciting for 7 of our youth and their parents. With a visit from my friend Ezekiel we heard a first-hand account of God giving Moses’ people what he called “Bread from Heaven” and what they called manna which is translated “What is it?” There are two biblical accounts of manna given to the Israelites in the desert: Exodus 16 and Numbers 11. The Israelites in their hunger and impatience lost faith in God and wanted to go back to Egypt, where even though they were slaves, they had plenty to eat. God gives them plenty of manna to keep them going. Enough each day so they wouldn’t need extra. Every morning there was more food so they didn’t need to store it or hoard it away for later. There was always enough. (Except for the Sabbath when there was none, but they were allowed to save up for that on the sixth day only).
The story was echoed by a Rod MacDonald original song about Manna, followed by a Burlington original Bible and botany lesson. We learned about the versatility of manna, how it was a wafer-like substance, similar to coriander seed, and scattered on the ground like frost. The Israelites could eat it plain or smash it into powder with a mortar to make cakes that tasted like a wafer cooked in oil or dipped in honey. It was a versatile substance with several end uses much like flour is for us today. We use flour for bread, taco shells, doughnuts, cakes, pancakes, noodles, biscuits; the list goes on.
After some very fun food related games, the kids journeyed through the process of sorting out the wheat grains from other things, and pounding it into flour with a mortar like the Israelites did with the manna. We also made pasta from scratch with just flour, eggs, salt, water, and lots of love and care of everyone’s hands. Some of the longest noodles I’ve ever seen were made right here in our church! It made a tasty snack for us, but was kind of bland without any pasta sauce. I guess that’s ok because Moses’ people never got any tomato sauce from God with their manna (at least none I’m aware of) and it got them through the desert to the Promised Land!
Mark your calendars for the next Manna Monday on April 21, Patriots Day! While the church is celebrating new life in the season of Easter and Massachusetts celebrates our historic birth as a new nation we will discover biblical themes on seeds, sprouting, and new life together with other kitchen-crafting activities. More information to come. Just let me know if you or your kids want to get involved. (alex@bostonfaithjustice.org) Many thanks to Sally, Beth, Jane, James, Amy, Barbara, Steve, Rod, Kim, Millie, and everyone who let us borrow your stuff and your kids to make “manna.” I really enjoyed it!
Presbyterian Church in Burlington 