St. James United Methodist Church September ~ 2016 On the ...5 Life Line Screening – October 20, 2016 Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health

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St. James United Methodist Church 646 Daniel Webster Highway Merrimack, NH 03054 Rev. Sharon Lovejoy, Pastor Phyllis Riviere, Office Admin. Contact Us: Office (603) 424-7459 Email: [email protected] Website: www.stjames-umchurch.org

St. James United Methodist Church 646 Daniel Webster Highway Merrimack, NH 03054 Rev. Lynne Mentzer, Pastor Phyllis Riviere, Office Administrator Contact Us: Office phone: (603)424-7459 Email: [email protected] Website: www.stjames-umchurch.org

September ~ 2016 On the Inside

Pastor’s Message ----------------- Page 2 Harvest Fair ------------------------ Page 3 New- Blessing of Animals ------- Page 4

Community Connections -------- Page 5 Worship ----------------------------- Page 6-7 Christian Education -------------- Page 8 Fellowship Opportunities ------- Page 9 Outreach Missions ---------------- Page 10-11 Just for Kids ------------------------ Page 12 September Calendar ------------ Page 13

Effective September 12th: Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Maimonides was a Jewish philosopher and doctor who was born in Cordoba, Spain in the year 1135, though we could also say that he was born ahead of his time, for his concern for the poor and education and social reform were quite progressive. I confess I’ve never read his 14-volume Mishneh Torah on Talmudic law; even so, I’ve been quoting him for years. You see, Maimonides is the one who famously wrote the following:

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Safe to say that Maimonides would approve of the key discovery of our Growing With Hope team. In response to our survey results and their work with coach Rev. Dr. Wanda Stahl, they’ve discovered a similar, progressive truth to guide our ministry here at St. James:

We are here to be in ministry WITH people, rather than doing things FOR people.

Simply giving a man a fish, or a woman some new-to-her clothes, or a family some canned goods for dinner, and then sending them on their way, is charity. Charity is dropping coins in an outstretched hand without stopping to look into the eyes or the causes of hunger. Charity is top-down benevolence that just doesn’t go far enough. This is the old model of “doing” church.

The new model is “being” church. Being in relationship with one another as sisters and brothers of Jesus … being fellow travelers along life’s up-and-down journey … being friends and advocates on behalf of our neighbors. This new model of “being” church frees us from the constraints of long-distance charity to share in the deep joy of Jesus’ hands-on ministry.

In many ways, I see this happening here already. Folks who come to the food pantry are greeted by name, engaged in cheerful conversation, and are often encouraged to make other connections in the community. Folks who come to the clothes closet receive the same warm greetings from church and non-church volunteers, who say that giving back by helping out in the clothes closet is one of the highlights of their week.

Of course, we can do more and better. And I can do more and better. Every summer our District Superintendent Rev. Jim McPhee meets with every clergyperson on the district for a one-on-one conversation. The first question is always that old John Wesley chestnut, “How is it with your soul?” But this year there’s a new question:

“What are you currently experimenting with to reach out to people in your community?”

That’s a good question -- for all of us. The words “experimenting with” give us permission to try new things, to learn from them, and then to try other new things. The focus on the people in our community ensures that we’re building relationships first and meeting needs second. Where do we start? In prayer, always. Then, by taking a good look at the gifts God has given us to share with others. Then by sharing those gifts in love. So far, what God has given me to share with others is prayer and presence, and I’ve truly enjoyed spending time with and praying with folks who come to St. James. Truth is, sharing these gifts is one of the highlights of my week -- which reveals the proverbial blessing behind all this:

Doing things FOR people can be draining, but being in ministry WITH people brings joy!

Next week, you’ll receive an update from the Growing With Hope team that will give you more information about the process so far and our next steps together. In the meantime, you might check in with yourself by asking: Do I feel drained or joyful? Am I in ministry FOR or WITH God’s people?

Blessings, Rev. Lynne Mentzer

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St. James Harvest Fair Saturday, October 15, 2016

It’s difficult to believe that fall is here, but The Harvest Fair is just around the corner. In addition to being one of our largest fundraisers, it gives us an all-day opportunity for great fellowship as well as the opportunity to serve and connect with the local community. To make it a success, there is plenty of work for everyone. Spread the word! Beginning in September, we will need lots of help with publicity.

Collections begin Sunday, September 11, in Fellowship Hall. Bring your books, CDs, and DVDs to church. What we don’t sell will

be given to the mission collection box. Look through your jewelry. If there is any you no longer need,

donate it to the jewelry table. Start your fall cleaning early and set aside items for the Flea Market.

Large items can be delivered Friday, October 14. If you need help getting things to church, let Lesley or Brenda know.

CRAFTS: Of course we assume everyone has been making crafts all year. We still need some crafts to be completed. Some require no skill, but we could also use people who can sew. Please bring crafts in whenever it is convenient for you.

The Silent Auction has been a very successful table for the past several years. Can you donate to this table? Gift cards, themed baskets, other new items are all welcomed.

Bake! Bake! Bake! More than 50% of our profit will come from food. We will need candy, cookies, brownies, cakes, pies, breads,

fudge, and more. Last year we ran out of baked goods and candy. We will sell as much as you make. Annual Pie Sale. We will be selling our homemade frozen apple pies again this year. If you would like to help

make the pies, we will be assembling the pies on Saturday, September 10. You can reserve your pie as early as Sunday, September 11.

Save the Date! We will need help on Friday evening to set up the rooms and decorate, but most of all we need lots of help on Saturday in each of the rooms. You can work as long as you like. The rooms will be open at 9:00. Breakfast will run from 9:00 – 11:00, and lunch will be available from 11:00 – 2:00. The super will run from 5:00 – 6:30.

Choose from…

Baked Goods and Candy (sell homemade food)

Crafts (sell homemade crafts)

Books, etc. (organize and sell used books, DVDs, CDs)

Jewelry

Flea Market

Silent Auction (monitor the bidding on a selection of donated items and baskets)

Breakfast and Lunch (work in the kitchen)

Supper (no explanation needed…everyone has done this before!)

If you have any questions or suggestions, please call or email Lesley Fallu (497-4060; [email protected]) or Brenda DuLong (493-5945; [email protected]). We would love to hear your new ideas.

Thanks for your help. It’s sure to be a great success!

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

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Calling All Furry, Feathery and Slithery Pets! All are Invited to a Blessing of the Animals

On Saturday, September 24th, at 10 AM the front yard of the St. James United Methodist Church in Merrimack will resemble Noah’s ark as pets and pet owners gather for our first annual blessing of the animals. Well-behaved pets on leashes or in carriers will receive a blessing and a treat as we give thanks to God for “all

creatures, great and small.” There will also be a memorial tree to hold ribbons in remembrance of pets that have passed. Donations will benefit the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. For more information, call the church office at 603-424-7459.

Upcoming Church Suppers

Please share by posting in your office if you have a

Community Event Board

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Time: 5:00 – 6:30 pm -------------------------------------------------

Place: St. James church 646 Daniel Webster Highway

Merrimack, NH 03054 -------------------------------------------------

Ticket cost: $10 – adult $8 – Senior

$6 – Child (under age 12) -------------------------------------------------

Reservations: 424-7459 (May be available at the door)

Please join us for our…… Fall Community Suppers

Menu: (Subject, but not likely to change)

September 17, 2016 – BBQ Chicken

October 15, 2016 – Pork Roast

November 19, 2016 – Pot Roast Price includes a Beverage and Homemade dessert!

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Life Line Screening – October 20, 2016 Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will offer their affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings at St. James United Methodist Church on 10/20/2016. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to: blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call 1-888-653-6441 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners.

With recent changes in Medicare benefits, eligible beneficiaries can now receive an Annual Wellness Visit with NO out-of-pocket cost!

Our sister company, Life Line Community Healthcare is now also proud to be offering screenings to all

Medicare-eligible beneficiaries. To learn more about these screenings and to see if you are eligible for

registration, call 866-579-5069 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/awvcommunitypartners.

A big thank you to all who supported this year’s

Wanakee Wilderness 5k!

The rain held off the day of the race, and although the course was a

bit slippery, a fun time was had by all. Congratulation to St. James’

own Diane Tate who finished first in her category! For all who walked,

ran, donated, and supported in other ways, you are helping to make

a difference in a wonderful youth ministry, and we are truly grateful!

--- Phyllis Riviere, Wanakee Board Member

UMCOR – U.S. Disaster Relief

If you would like to donate to UMCOR (United Methodist

Committee on Relief) to help provide support in light of the

recent devastating floods, They have designated the following

Advances:

U.S. Disaster Response – Advance #901670

Where It’s Needed Most – Advance #999895

100% of your gift will provide immediate relief and long-term

support for recovery in response to disasters in the U.S.

Visit: www.umcor.org/prepare

(L) 1st - Diane Tate and (R) 2nd -Lu Ann Humphries

show off their handcrafted bells won for finishing

first and second in their category.

September Food Pantry Needs: Kids snacks

Tuna fish

Baked beans

Shampoo & conditioner

Thank you for your continued support!

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Prayers of the People on Communion Sundays

Help! Some folks have suggested that our worship on Communion Sundays runs a bit too long. One solution is to change the format of the prayers of the people from passing the microphone around the sanctuary to a litany prayer. The pastor leads the litany prayer which includes pauses for silent prayer and the traditional response of “Lord, hear our prayer.” Let’s try this for the remainder of this year. After that, please let us know if you think we should continue this practice in the new year as well. Thank you!

John Wesley’s Prayer for United Methodists and the World: Revival!

From September 4th through October 2nd, we’ll be exploring our Methodist roots through a sermon series based on Adam Hamilton’s book Revival. From John Wesley’s childhood in Epworth, England to Oxford University, across the Atlantic to Georgia and then back to England, we’ll share the milestones and turning points of his faith journey as we rekindle our own. This series is a wonderful way to begin our 50th anniversary year as a faith community here at St. James. New and longtime United Methodists alike will discover that our spiritual roots can indeed inspire and rekindle our faith in the 21st century. For those who would like to learn more, Hamilton’s book is available through Cokesbury and Amazon. Come, learn and join the revival!

NOW Committee Happenings

Fall of 2016 looks to be a very busy time for St James. Pastor Lynne is gracing us with new ideas and we pray that you embrace the change as we move forward in our walk with God. Listed here are events taking place in which we have been asked to participate as we extend ourselves in the Outreach opportunities in our community. We hope that everyone will take part as they are able. Communion Sunday – Expect a new format for "Prayers of the People" on Communion Sunday so that all prayers may be shared and we can keep our service from becoming too lengthy.

Coffee Fellowship – September is the last month where volunteers are being asked to provide coffee and treats. If you have not yet signed up, look for the signup sheet outside the office door. The NOW committee would like to thank all who have nurtured the stomachs in the Fellowship Hall after the soul was nurtured in the sanctuary.

Nursery Attendants – Staffing the nursery requires 2 adults each Sunday to comply with our Safe Sanctuaries policy. Betty Ann Dudziak is compiling a list of those willing to serve and ensuring that all background checks are up to date. If we get 16 people to spend worship with our youngest attendees you will only need to be in the nursery once every 2 months. In case you thought this might be a good opportunity but do not want to miss the morning's worship service please know that it is broadcast in the nursery.

Blessing of the Animals – Pastor Lynne will be holding a service of blessing for your animal on Sat Sept 24 from 10-11. The weather will determine if the service will be held outside or in. Bring your dog, cat, fish, turtle, bird, fish, or whatever you have and join as your pet and you listen to the creation story and are blessed with God's love.

10th Annual Merrimack Fall Festival & Business Expo – St James will once again be represented at the expo which will be held at JMUES on Saturday October 1st from10:00 – 2:00. We will have information about the programs of St James, give aways, and people on hand to chat with attendees and answer any questions they may have. Carolyn Meyling and Betty Ann Dudziak are leading this event but will be looking for others to help

WORSHIP

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man our table. Please let them know if you are able to help for even an hour. Look for further information in an upcoming Sunday bulletin.

UMC Conference Feeding Opportunity - The UMC conference will be holding several events at St James in October. We have been asked to provide meals for these days. The NOW committee will be providing buffet dinner on Friday 10/7 and soup and sandwich lunch on Saturday 10/8. Both of these will be for 40 people. We will be looking for those to help with food preparation, serving, and clean up. If you are able to donate any food item or your time to assist in this outreach opportunity please let us know.

Hearing issues in the sanctuary – Thank you for completing the survey presented in May. We continue to look in to ways to improve our sound system so that all may fully experience our Sunday morning worship service.

How would I like to serve in the life of St James? - The NOW committee is comprised of many small teams working together to "Serve Others", one of our core values. Here is a list of ways you can help serve that do not involve "being on a committee". We would appreciate your filling out this form even if there is an area in which you already serve. We want to ensure that all are given the opportunity to change it up if they so desire. There is nothing to prevent those older than 12 from being an acolyte or bell ringer!

Altar Guild ____

Usher for all morning duties ____

Usher for offering ____

Acolyte ____ Name: ___________________________

Bell ringer ____ Phone: ___________________________

Reader (liturgist) ____ Email: ____________________________

Greeter ____

Communion Assistant ____

Prayer Chain Coordinator ____

Other _____________________ Grace and Peace, Gwen Murray and Carolyn Meyling co-chairs

We extend our sympathy to Trudy Currier and the family of long-time member Eber L. Currier who died on August 6, 2016. Eber was born on December 29, 1930 in Littleton, Maine.

Eber and Trudy were married for 67 years, and were blessed with five sons, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Eber was a member of St. James UMC since May, 1988, and he will be deeply missed.

“I am the resurrection and the life,” says our Lord. “Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26, NRSV)

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Our Youth Group is an important part of our ministry, and we look forward to resuming regular meetings this fall. Please notify the office if you have youth who are interested in joining our program.

A New Members Class will be starting soon. Please speak with Pastor Lynne if you are interested, or have any questions.

The 2016 / 2017 school year is beginning and

it is time to update the information for your

student. Contact Brenda DuLong:

[email protected] with your student’s name, address (college or

home), name of college attending, what year of education, if there are

any allergies to foods, and what year your student is expecting to

graduate. Please provide the office with your students email address if

they wish to receive our newsletter.

Committee on Lay Leadership (formerly Nominations)

The Committee on Lay Leadership ensures that our congregation has a process for discovering, inviting, nominating, and supporting people for Christian spiritual leadership positions essential to our nurture and outreach ministries. This group tries to familiarize themselves with as many persons in the congregation as possible, considering their gifts, skills, interests, knowledge, and commitment.

The Committee keeps track of leadership positions available and makes every attempt to match potential leaders with positions. They may invite people to serve in positions, considering people of various ages, and situations. Lay Leadership works cooperatively with the different ministry groups of our church and is accountable to the charge conference through the church council.

This year’s Committee has begun the annual process, and invites you to be in prayer about where God is leading you to serve. Please speak to Pastor Lynne if you feel called to serve in a specific area. If you are invited to serve, please pray for God’s guidance in your answer.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Sunday School Begins: September 11, 2016

Registration – 9:00 am Children begin in worship, and exit during the service to their classes.

Burrito Bar Lunch

Please join us for lunch after worship! If you are able to bring an ingredient for the burrito bar, sign up on the bulletin board outside of the office.

Campus Ministry at St. James United Methodist Church is for all

college age students who are working toward an education either

away from home or commuting from home.

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An Evening of Christian Music with Dan Schall

Dan Schall and his wife Linda travel throughout New England every summer, stopping at churches along the way to share their love for God through music, stories and humor -- and this year they're delighted to add St. James' to their itinerary! Come hear Dan sing all your

favorite hymns on Wednesday, September 28th starting at 7 PM. A free will offering will be gratefully accepted to support their music ministry, and CDs will be available for sale at the door.

Pie Making Extravaganza

Please join us in the kitchen to assemble pies on Saturday, September 10th at 8:00 am. The pies will be frozen un-baked, and sold at the Harvest Fair. No experience is necessary… feel free to bring your favorite pie making tools. Last year’s event was great fun, and we made over 50 pies to sell at the Harvest Fair….that’s a lot of dough!

St. James 50th Anniversary

We are looking for people interested in joining the anniversary planning team. We will meet after fellowship on Sunday, September 25th, to discuss a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the charter of St. James as a Methodist Church. Help us highlight the past while focusing on our future. The meeting will last no more than one hour. Please email Lesley Fallu with any questions: [email protected]

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

All women of the church are invited to join us for the first UMW meeting of the season. We have invited other area churches to join us for a Potluck supper on Monday, September 19th at 6:30 pm. Please bring a large casserole to share if you are able. John Harvell will be speaking to the group on Atlantis.

UMM meet the first Saturday of each month from 8:00 – 9:30 am at Joey’s Diner in Amherst. Please join us for our next meeting on September 3rd. If you have any questions, call George Fisher at 888-0863.

2016 – Annual Church Conference Monday, October 24, 2016

7:00 pm – Sanctuary

Please join District Superintendent Rev. James McPhee

for an evening of worship, vision, and reflection.

Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend!

Choir Rehearsals Resume: Friday, September 9th – 7:30 pm

We welcome the choir back to worship on Sunday, September 11th!

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Dear HUB Coordinators, As the Olympics close, school starts, and disasters abound, I simply wanted to write to thank you for all you are doing as part of the Mission Central Team. It is exciting to see our 33 HUBs working with Mission Central to CONNECT GOD'S RESOURCES WITH HUMAN NEED. I happened to be at Mission Central last Thursday when Greg Forrester, UMCOR's Assistant General Secretary for Disaster Response in the United States, came by Mission Central with some supplies from the Central New York Conference and the Cortland HUB to leave at Mission Central. In the load were 400 cleaning buckets that will join Mission Central's supply to send on the UMCOR truck this week of 2000 buckets headed for the southern states devastated with flooding. That will deplete Mission Central's supply, so again we need to replenish the supply of cleaning buckets. Greg said that UMCOR is currently in 38 states where there are 152 active disaster sites. It is reported that of those flooded only 1 out of 8 families have insurance to help. In one parish/county in LA where there are 130,000 residents, 100,000 are homeless. I simply cannot imagine such devastation. However I am so very grateful to be United Methodist - a connectional church that is responding. To be a part of the UMCOR system as Mission Central and the HUBs assures me I am doing something and not just wringing my hands. I trust that each kit sent is a sign of someone, someplace caring for those in such dire need and a sign of God's love for them in their despair. Thank you for all you are doing in this Relief System. --- Dave & Jean Norris

OUTREACH MISSIONS

“Off-Road” Crop Walk - October 2, 2016

Why a “Crop Walk? . . . . Because a Crop Walk is a community-based fund raising event designed to raise money for our local food pantry as well as international relief and development efforts of Church World Service. Their motto is” “We walk, because they (who are in need) walk.” One fourth of the monies collected will benefit St. James Food Pantry, one fourth will be sent to Church World Service to help eradicate international hunger and poverty, and one-half will be used for emerging mission work through St. James’ Committee on Mission and Social Concerns.

Why an “Off-Road” Crop Walk? . . . . Because St. James UMC has the acreage to offer a safe environment for families, and older folks too, to safely and comfortably walk together. Four times around the perimeter of the property equals one mile. Walkers may compute their miles individually, or in clusters: i.e., a cluster of four individuals walking around the perimeter one time = one mile.

So mark your calendars for October 2nd, registration for walkers begins at 9:00 am. Worship commences at 9:30 am from which the walk will begin. The church kitchen and the Kenson’s will be selling breakfast, including their now famous cinnamon rolls, for a nominal fee (all proceeds also go to mission).

NOTE: It is important to recruit sponsors prior to the event . . . walkers pledge forms are available through the church office. Many companies will match funds even though the walk is church sponsored. Matching funds will go to the local food pantry and Church World Service Hunger Relief Fund. You can check in the office for a list of companies who will match funds or ask your employer. All monies are requested by October 9th; checks should be made out to St. James UMC—Missions.

-----The Mission and Social Concerns Committee

Did you know that St. James operates the only active HUB in NH?

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St. James United Methodist Church 646 Daniel Webster Highway P.O. Box 895

Merrimack, NH 03054 Church phone (603) 424-7459

“Off-Road” Crop Walk ~ Pledge Form

Sunday, October 2, 2016 9 AM Walker registration

9:30 AM Worship

Name _________________________________________ Age ____________ (If under 18) Address _____________________________________________________________________ Phone _________________________________________ E-mail_______________________

Each walker/ or cluster of walkers must have a pledge form. All pledge forms and money/checks should be returned to the church by October 9th. Pledges may also be mailed before October 9th to the above address.

SPONSOR NAME AMOUNT PLEDGED FOR EACH MILE WALKED

__________________________ _________________ __________________________ _________________ __________________________ _________________ __________________________ _________________ __________________________ _________________ __________________________ _________________

WAIVER: I hereby assume any and all risks which may be associated with the “Off-Road” Crop Walk. I waive and release any and all rights for damages which I may have against the organizers for any and all injuries or damages of any kind whatsoever suffered by me as a result of taking part in the “Off-Road” Crop Walk and any related activities.

Walker’s signature: _______________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian if walker is under 18: ______________________________________________________________

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SMALL BLESSINGS

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September, 2016

Gr Sweep – Grand Sweep Bible Study RC – Flying Eagle Remote Club FIN – Finance Committee CH Council – Church Council UMW/UMM – United Methodist Women/Men ECOH – Eagle Court of Honor (Scouts)

GS – Girl Scouts BS – Boy Scouts CS – Cub Scouts

HHH – Home Health & Hospice SJ – St. Joseph’s Fitness Class YG – Youth Group

FH – Fellowship Hall CR – Conference Room S – Sanctuary P - Parlor UC – Undercroft CL - Classrooms

LUNCHEON

9-10 Fitness; FH

BIBLE SUNDAY

NEWSLETTER DUE