Volume 59, Issue 10
October 2009
Harbor 55 First Parish Road, Scituate, MA 02066 Church office: 781.545.0818
Marshfield 185 Plain Street, Marshfield, MA 02050 Church office: 781.837.2746
Reverend Rick McKinley is also available by appointment
Greetings family and friends of The Harbor & Marshfield Church: Recently Lori and I went to hear pastor and author Rob Bell speak at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston. It was a powerful presentation, and during his talk, Rob referred to a book entitled “Art & Fear” by David Bayles and Ted Orland. Intrigued, I got the book and only a few pages in read these words: “One of the basic and difficult lessons every artist must learn is that even the failed pieces are essential. Xrays of famous paintings reveal that even master artists sometimes made basic mid-course corrections (or deleted really dumb mistakes) by overpainting the still-wet canvas. The point is that you learn how to make your work by making your work, and a great many of the pieces you make along the way will never stand out as finished art. The best you can do is make art you care about...The rest is largely a matter of perseverance.” The paragraph strikes me as a great description of the spiritual life, and life in Christian community. Even our failed “pieces” are essential. The time we failed to get the job. To meet the deadline. We failed to remember the birthday, the anniversary. We failed to love our neighbor. We failed to serve the poor. We failed to be an obedient church. We failed to forgive. In those times, it’s important to remember that we are “God’s work of art” (Ephesians 2:10). We are work in progress. God’s Spirit, acting in and through us, continues to mold us, making those “midcourse” corrections, overpainting the still-wet canvas of our lives. And one of the great truths repeated in scripture is the key role perseverance plays in all of it. Paul writes to the church in Rome: “We boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” The failures, the moments of “suffering,” produce perseverance, which shapes the very character of our lives. Perseverance allows to make those mid-course corrections. It gives God a chance to paint on the canvas of our lives. Rob Bell told a story of an experiment in which two groups of people were told to produce art. One group was told that it was to only produce one piece in a given amount of time, and for it to be the very best piece it could possibly be. The second group was told to produce as many pieces as possible in the same amount of time given. At the end, the works were compared. And it turned out that every single person in the second group produced a work of art far superior to any of the pieces in the first group. The first group spent its energy studying about great works of art, but very little time actually making art. The second group learned as it created, making those mid-course corrections as they went. It turns out, it really is a matter of perseverance. The same is true for following Jesus. We learn as we go. But we must go. Perseverance implies movement activity. “You learn how to make your work by making your work.” So we learn how to forgive by making ourselves present and vulnerable to the community of other followers, forgiving and being forgiven. We learn to pray by praying with and for the community. We learn to worship together, to serve others in need, to understand Jesus’ memoirs (the New Testament) by actively participating in the activities of the life of community. What we find is that as we go, with God alongside us every step of the way, we learn how to be the church. The Artist of artists, the most creative of Creators, continues to shape us into the masterpiece we were always meant to be. Let the church say: Bravo! Grace and peace,
Rick
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Junior Youth Group News
We are going to have our first get together for the Junior Youth Group on Sunday October 4, from 4 to 5pm at the Scituate campus. We will concentrate on planning our year together. I hope we will plan some fun and meaningful events. Bring your ideas and enthusiasm Junior Youth Group is open to all Youth in Grades six to eight. Please feel free to invite a friend. Our doors are open to all youth who want to experience what fun we can have as Christians. Laura O'Keefe, 781-544-6015
Senior Youth Group News
I am thrilled to report that Erin Banner has agreed to join with me as an adult leader of our Senior Youth Group this year! Erin brings her myriad of Spiritual Gifts to this important ministry and I am excited to have her as co-conspirator. We had our first planning meeting in September and have a lot of exciting events planned to Connect, Serve, and GROW! In September, the youth presented a recap of their Maine mission experience with a slideshow at both the Marshfield and Scituate campuses. We (along with a host of other youth and adults) went to FallQuest, a Christian Rock Concert/Fun Day at Six Flags and were blessed with dry weather, short lines, and some awesome Christian rock 'n roll. Several youth plan to attend the Conference Youth Leadership Meeting (CCYM) October 9/10 in Portland and we look forward to spreading God's Good News throughout the South Shore and beyond. Yours in Christ, Bryan Pretzer and Erin Banner
Transfer Station Opportunity to Serve
Come one......Come ALL !!!!! Once again you all have the opportunity to help the church budget by sorting bottles and cans at the Scituate Transfer Station for the month of OCTOBER. The bottles and cans need to be sorted before being taken to the Recycle Center in Cohasset. It is a simple job that can be done by anyone. We offer on the job training! We need people from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM on FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS, MONDAYS, AND TUESDAYS. The dump is closed on WEDNESDAYS and THURSDAYS. If you can help, please call Judy Ward at 781-383-9381 or contact me at jyward416@aol.com. There is a sign up calendar in Bruce Hall.
October Birthdays
Stephen Dickey Kimberley Elliott Bryan Pretzer Parker Ryan Paul Moura Walter Hollis Patty Shannon Amanda Rhodes Kayla Pintarelli Charles Sparrell William Rhodes 2 4 4 6 7 14 21 21 24 26 27
Are you a…. New resident or Visitor or have a neighbor who is one of the above?
Then please call Ken Cerny, Lay Leader at 781.749.5862. Thank you.
What the Pastor Is Reading
Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas
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Financial Report as of August 31, 2009
Operating income for August Operating expense for August Surplus/(Deficit) Beginning checkbook balance:8/1 Total income for month Total expense for month Ending checkbook balance:8/31 Less: Special Funds Accounts Cash for Budget 14,487.17 14,417.28 69.89 37,705.49 16,689.09 17,848.96 36,545.62 12,982.63 23,562.99
Thank you
Mary Voelger has graciously volunteered to be the new liaison with the Congregational church on the months that we provide desserts for their luncheons. I know that you will give her the same great support that you have given me over the past years. Alice Hamer
Calling all Caregivers - October 23
Linden Ponds' second annual Family Caregiver Day is a day of information, inspiration and pampering to recognize people who care for loved ones. This free event includes a keynote speaker, lunch, and small group activities and workshops. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, call 781-534-7222.
Agape Scarf Ministry (ASM)
We’re off and knitting! Our first service day in September yielded enough hats and scarves to put us well over the 1000 mark of lovingly created gifts for the guests of the Long Island Shelter. Well done good and faithful servants! Our goal this year is 525 hats, mittens and scarves for a total goal of 1500. Wow! That’s a lot of love! We are well on our way of meeting our goal! Don’t knit or crochet? That’s okay. Fleece scarves, hats and mittens are also a welcome gift to someone who is cold. On Saturday, October 3, from 10am-12noon, Marie Sullivan, Outreach Coordinator for the Long Island Shelter will be joining us to present “Challenging Minds-Challenging Homelessness.” This is a great way to learn more about the people who will receive our Agape Scarves and what we can do to better serve them. For more information about the “Challenging Minds” program go to: http://www.fobh.org/how/volunteer.php. This event will be held in Bruce Hall at the Scituate campus. “Got Yarn?” Our yarn stash in Bruce Hall is getting low. If you don’t knit or crochet but would like to help with this program, yarn in gender-neutral colors is always welcomed! Just look for the container with the sign “Got Yarn?” and drop off a skein or two. Spread the Word Information about the ASM can now be found on the “Service and Growth” page of the church web site. We also have a brochure (available in Bruce Hall). If you know people who would be interested in becoming part of this ministry, be sure to give them a brochure or send them the web site address. To view the web page, go to the church web site: http://www.harbormarsh.org/ and click on the “Service and Growth” link. For more information contact Melinda Cerny at melindacerny@gmail.com.
Scituate Interfaith Food Pantry
Many thanks to those who served at the Food Pantry during September. They did a great job! Also a big thank you to those who donated so generously during the past month. We are grateful to the Sunday School for their participation during September. It was wonderful to see the basket overflowing! Let’s keep up the good work. Needed this month are: peanut butter, jelly, canned stews and chowders, pancake mix, syrup, cereal (not hot), toothpaste, and Kleenex (small boxes). Thank you, Alice Hamer Romans 12:13 - Share with God’s people who are in need.
October 2009
Sunday Schedule 9:00 AM 10:45 AM 5 PM 7:30 PM Communion Worship Marshfield Communion Worship Scituate Communion Worship Scituate Alcoholics Anonymous Harbor and Marshfield Church 55 First Parish Road, Scituate, MA 02066 - Office 781.545.0818 185 Plain Street, Marshfield, MA 02050 - Office: 781.837.2746 Parsonage: 781.545.5114 Pastor Rick is also available by appointment - cell: 781.534.2234
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
1 9 AM to noon Pastor hours Marshfield
Fri
2
Sat
3 10 AM to noon Agape Scarf Ministry 11 AM Charge Conference, all welcome 10
South Shore Elder Services Serves lunches every M, W, F at 11:30 AM in Bruce Hall. Meals on Wheels Prepared in the kitchen Mon through Fri. Mary Ellen Ross, Liaison 4 9 AM Marshfield 10:45 Scituate 5 PM Scituate 7:30 PM AA 11 9 AM Marshfield 10:45 Scituate 5 PM Scituate 7:30 PM AA 18 9 AM Marshfield 10:45 Scituate 5 PM Scituate 7:30 PM AA 25 9 AM Marshfield 10:45 Scituate 5 PM Scituate 7:30 PM AA 19 9 AM to noon Pastor hours 6 PM WW
7 to 9:30PM Disciple 2 Bible Study
5 9 AM to noon Pastor hours 6 PM WW
7 to 9:30PM Disciple 2 Bible Study
6 9 AM to noon Pastor hours 10 AM Weight Watchers
7 No Pastor hours, meeting in York, ME 3:30 to 5:30 PM Brownies
8 9 AM to noon Pastor hours 7:30 to 9 PM Choir rehearsal
7 to 8:30PM Scout Leaders
9
12 9 AM to noon Pastor hours
13 9 AM to noon Pastor hours 10 AM Weight Watchers
14 1 to 4 PM Pastor hours Marshfield
15 9 AM to noon Pastor hours 7:30 to 9 PM Choir rehearsal
16
17 Girl Scouts 2 to 4 PM
20 9 AM to noon Pastor hours 10 AM WWs
21 No Pastor hours, District Covenant Meeting 3 to 5 PM Scouts 28 1 to 4 PM Pastor hours Marshfield
22 9 AM to noon Pastor hours 7:30 to 9 PM Choir rehearsal
29
23
24 Channel Marker Submission Deadline
26 9 AM to noon Pastor hours 6 PM WW
7 to 9:30PM Disciple 2 Bible Study
27 9 AM to noon Pastor hours 10 AM Weight Watchers
30
31
9 AM to noon Pastor hours 7:30 to 9 PM Choir rehearsal
Alternative Halloween/ Harvest Party Marshfield 3 to 5PM
Sunday Worship Servants
October Acolyte Liturgist Communion Servers 4
Michael Sheehan Bryan Pretzer Pastor Rick, Bryan Pretzer, Max Pretzer, Erin Banner
Youth Liturgist/ Worship Assistant
Max Pretzer
11
Olivia Moura
Lisa Moura
Pastor Rick, Lisa Moura, Micaela Lovering, Paul Moura
Micaela Lovering
18
Erin Crowell
Valerie Sweeney
Pastor Rick, Valerie Sweeney, Laura O’Keefe, Colleen Ford
Colleen Ford
25
AK Bruccoleri
Christy Bruccoleri
Pastor Rick, Christy Bruccoleri, Sue Lovering, Ben Pretzer
Ben Pretzer
Greeters for October are The Lovering Family. Ushers for October are George and Carolyn Bearce. Wednesday morning Small Group is providing coffee hour for the month of October. Please call to switch dates with the next person above, if you are not available to participate on your assigned day. Also kindly contact Lori McKinley at 545-5114 to tell her of the change. Thank you.
Prayer Concerns
Please lift the following in prayer, that they may be strengthened, guided, and healed… Consider visiting or sending a card. Please contact Alice Hamer at 781.545.4112 if you know of anyone who is ill, a recent shut in, has had a tough go, or suffered a loss . If we can get this information, an appropriate card will be sent to them.
Mary Acker (health issues) Jack Gage (health issues) Helen and Maynard Huntley Michelle and Family Teri Hopkins Martin Terry McKinley (lung cancer) Ruth Cuneo Amaroso (Louise Proctor’s niece - brain tumor) Jimmie McCall (Bills’ brother - pray for strength) Joe Davies (nephew of Mary Voelger) Mattie Dillon (10 yo - leukemia) Rich Lynam (Shirley’s son) Ben (deployed to Iraq) and Linda Crovella Sally Haines (Shirley’s cousin - cancer) Pam Pretzer’s mother and father and brother Brad Ricky, Patsy, and Bill Hoffman Bill McCarthy (answered prayers) Carolyn Harbor (answered prayers) Rose Lockwood & Family (death of Rose’s mother) Wy Ainslie Edie Hall Lucy Morris Olga Finnie Ruth Roberts Skye McCall Harrison Collett Perley Griswold Becky and Jerry Fay
Long Island Shelter and the Boston Minstrel Company
Once again we have an opportunity to serve those in need. To be the hands and feet of Jesus.. On Monday, October 26, the Boston Minstrel Company is going to perform at Long Island Shelter in Boston. We have been asked to provide desserts and drinks as well as come and be a part of the evening. If you would like to be a part of an evening full of music and fellowship, please contact Pastor Rick. If interested in car pooling to the shelter, meet at the church at 6:00 PM. All are welcome to join us.
THE HARBOR & MARSHFIELD UMC
55 First Parish Road Scituate, MA 02066 185 Plain Street Marshfield, MA 02050
Pastor: Reverend Rick McKinley Church Office: 781.545.0818/781.837.2746 Office Email: harborumc@verizon.net Office Hours: M, Tu, Th: 9 AM to noon Scituate Wed: 1 to 4 PM Marshfield Also available by appointment.
Connect - Grow - Serve
harbormarsh.org
Alternative Halloween/Harvest Party!
The Thursday Small Group is looking for your help to throw a party on October 31 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for kids aged 2 to 7 on the Marshfield campus. We will offer games, crafts, and of course, lots of candy and prizes! Here's the help we need. We need folks who want to help run a game or craft. Also, we need candy and inexpensive prizes (like those you can get through Oriental Trading.) Because we are going to specifically invite the families of those who attend the Pudding Hill Preschool of Marshfield United Methodist Church, plus open it to the community, we figure we'll see at least 200 kids. Soon you'll see collection bins for the candy and gum in both Scituate and Marshfield church buildings. And, as always, if you would rather just make a monetary gift toward the event, you are more than welcome to do that as well. Questions? Contact Pastor Rick (harborumc@verizon.net) or Shelley Rinehart (sea-shel@comcast.net).
School of Congregational Development: ACT 2:42
November 5 - 7. This year this event is nearly in our backyard and promises to be our most exciting Congregational Development School so far. With amazing keynote speakers like Bart Campolo and Jim Walker, as well as relevant, practical workshops in a variety of areas, you won't want to miss a moment. We are now signed up as a sponsoring church. This means that the more people who go, the less it will cost each person. If you are interested in attending, please contact Pastor Rick at harborumc@verizon.net
Ye Olde Village Fair
The Harbor's annual church fair will be on Saturday, November 14th this year. This is a great event to get to know other members of our church family and to welcome visitors from the community into our church. The event requires a lot of volunteers to man the tables and serve the lunch (yum). As always donations of baked goods, gentlyused jewelry & kids toys, and white elephants are needed. Please see event chairpersons Pam and Bryan Pretzer with any suggestions, ideas, or questions.