Volume 44 Issue 10 November, 2008
WWW.CONCORDWUMC.ORG By the Rev. Peter Hey
In the past few months, we have decided to increase our presence on the World Wide Web. If you go to www.concordwumc.org, you will find some new additions, I would like to share one piece of important information. Most of the visitors to our church tell me that before they come through the front doors of our building and participate in a worship service, they have already looked us up on the website. So increasing our presence in this place is important. We are now posting our Monthly Newsletter on the Website. This can be helpful, especially for those who live outside the city of Concord. One of the reasons the postal rate for newsletters is significantly less then first class mail is that it is given a lower priority in all the post offices through which it passes. If your newsletter has to pass through multiple post offices it could very well end up at home well into the month. The NewsletThe Giving Spree Christian Life Unit Mission Trip Meetings www.concordwumc.org cont. Advent Study Family Advent Celebration Christmas Pageant Moms’ Group A Joyful Giving Fair November Flowers 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 6
The Wesley Journal
WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ter will posted during the first week of each month. We are also posting the “Wesley Weekly” announcements on the Web. If you have missed church for any reason and want to stay connected to the congregation, you can easily do so by reading those postings. These should be posted by Monday. For reasons of confidentiality, we are removing the prayer concerns from that document before it goes on line. You can receive the prayer concerns through our prayer chain by contacting the church office. We have added a staff page, with a photograph and a brief biography of our programming staff. Ron Adcock get the prize for the most creative biography. I won’t ell you what he said— you will have to go to the Website and read it for yourself. I hope you will find these changes helpful. I would like
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Parish Personals November Greeters Middle High Youth Schedule Preaching Schedule November Calendar December Journal Deadline Youth Council News Senior High Youth Schedule Thanksgiving Ingathering
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THE GIVING SPREE AT STEEPLEGATE MALL IN CONCORD By Richard Doucette
Looking for a fun way to start your holiday shopping and help NH Capital Region Habitat for Humanity? Steeplegate Mall is hosting The Giving Spree on Saturday, November 15, 2008. Here’s how it works: Shoppers are encouraged to make a donation to their favorite local non-profit organization – NH Capital Region Habitat for Humanity, of course – on TheGivingSpree.com web site. When they make a donation, shoppers will receive a shopping pass to use for special retail offers at Steeplegate Mall on November 15. Cost for this special shopping pass is only $5 per person and 100% of the donation benefits NH Capital Region Habitat for Humanity!
CHRISTIAN LIFE UNIT (CLU) By Nancy Fransen
Who are they? A small group of church friends who enjoy tea and Bible study together. This week's field trip for this unique women's study group was a drive to Carter Hill Orchard for afternoon picking of Mac apples. You should have seen Joan Woodhead up a tree, outstretched on a limb, picking out the largest red apple for Priscilla Hamilton. Inside the gift shop juicy peaches, plums and giant mums were waiting to be purchased. While rocking back and forth in their chairs, the ladies enjoyed this day, feeling a cool fall breeze as the sunshine reflected on the colorful leaves. Fellowship continued at the charming home of Ethel Wilson where hot tea, scrumptious apple pie and story telling was shared. You see, God's bounty can be found everywhere, and especially among the laugher of dear friends at the kitchen table. Did you know that half the members are 90 plus? The name of the unit could be "90U". I'm so honored to know each one. *See photos under the "I AM tree"
MISSION TRIP MEETINGS By Misty Griffith, Director of Christian Education
The Wesley Youth Council is pleased to announce that next summer we will have mission trips for both the Senior High and Middle High Youth. There will be an information meeting for the Senior High mission trip on Sunday November 2 from 11:30am-12:30pm in the parlor. The Senior High trip will be open to all youth currently in eighth grade and older. At the meeting on November 2, interested youth will hear about possible mission trip destinations in Kentucky and Mississippi and have the opportunity to decide which destination is their preference. There will be a separate mission trip for the Middle High Youth. The information meeting for the Middle High Youth will be on Sunday, November 16 from 3:00-4:00p.m. At the meeting, the youth will discuss plans for a mission trip in New England. All interested youth and their parents are encouraged to attend the planning meetings! If you are interested in attending a mission trip, but are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Misty Griffith at 224-7413 (church) or 228-3629(home) for more information.
www.concordwumc.org...continued from page 1
to share just one more idea with you. I suspect that in the course of your daily living, you just might come into contact with people who would benefit in one way or another from the many wonderful offerings we share in this church. If inviting them to worship seems a little too aggressive, invite them to visit www.concordwumc.org.
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ADVENT STUDY TO BEGIN SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2 By the Rev. Nadine Strout
Christmas from the Back Side by J. Ellsworth Kalas We talk about Advent as the time when we prepare ourselves for welcoming Christ anew into our lives at Christmas. This interesting study really helps prepare us to do so. This study, led by Rev. Nadine Strout, will begin November 2, meeting from 9:00-9:45am each Sunday through December 21. The time frame will allow choir members time to rehearse as they usually do. Please read the Introduction and Chapter 1 before the first meeting. We will look at some Old Testament texts and then at familiar Gospel texts in a new way. A few of the chapter titles are “The Scandal of Christmas”, “Three Votes for an Early Christmas”, “Celebrating Christmas in a Hotel” (who wants to do that?) , “How the Government Helped the First Christmas Happen”, and “Christmas Comes to Church”. Have these titles tweaked your interest? Nadine hopes to see you in the Library on November 4! Books are available in the office for $10.00.
FAMILY ADVENT CELEBRATION By Misty Griffith, Director of Christian Education
Please mark you calendars now for Wesley’s Annual Family Advent Celebration and Greening of the Church on Sunday December 7 at 2:00 p.m. We will open in the sanctuary with Christmas carols and a simple story to explain the meaning of the beautiful Chrismon ornaments which the children will get to hang on the sanctuary trees. Afterwards, we will go to Hanna Hall for special Christmas crafts and cookie decorating. Look for more details about this fun event for the whole church family in next month’s journal. Anyone interested in helping with this event, please contact Misty Griffith at 224-7413 (church) or 228-3629 (home).
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT By Misty Griffith, Director of Christian Education
Wesley’s Annual Christmas Pageant will be on December 24 at 5:30. All children and youth are welcome to participate. There will be a dress rehearsal on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 10:00 a.m. Some soloists may be asked to come in earlier that morning. This year’s pageant is “Away in a Manger,” a fun musical featuring simple narration and familiar Christmas carols. Children may participate in either speaking or nonspeaking roles. If your child is interested in being a part of this fun Wesley tradition, please sign up with Misty Griffith by Sunday, November 23. Adults who are interested in helping with the pageant should also contact Misty at 224-7413(church) or 228-3629(home). Some of the songs will also feature our children’s choirs and sacred dancers. If your children are interested in being a part of our choirs, it’s never to late to join! Our children’s choirs and sacred dancers rehearse on Tuesday nights, and our youth singers and dancers rehearse on Thursday evenings.
MOMS’ GROUP
Calling all moms! Would you enjoy a time of fellowship with other moms? Would you like a warm, friendly place where you can relax with other moms exchange parenting ideas, indulge in girl talk, and develop friendships with other moms? Join Wesley’s Moms Group on Tuesday evenings from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the library. During this time Wesley provides Safe Sanctuary trained childcare or your children are welcome to participate in our children’s choirs and dance ensembles which meet during this time. Mothers of all ages are welcome. We hope you will join us!
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A JOYFUL GIVING FAIR WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN?
Wesley’s 5th annual gift fair this year is November 15th from 9:00am to 3:00pm. You can shop at Wesley’s Joyful Giving Fair and turn a great purchase into a helping hand. At the fair, you can find gifts that will give joy to those near and dear to you and give a second helping of joy to those near and dear to others. We are giving you the opportunity, as you do your Christmas shopping, to make your dollars go farther. Your dollars will give twice and keep on giving, once to your friend or relative, to those who have everything or those you always puzzle about –and then to those people everywhere who are going to bed hungry, to those who are homeless, to those who are battling or have battled cancer, to those who need school supplies or building materials, and much, much more. We encourage you to go to their web site and learn more about the charity to which you wish to donate. Every dollar you spend at this fair goes to the charities featured. CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates A group of trained community volunteers who speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Today’s network involves more than 50,000 volunteers who serve 225,000 abused and neglected children through over 900 local program offices nationwide. CHURCH WORLD SERVICE CWS is celebrating its 60th year. Its mission and approach is the relief and development agency of the 36 denominations of the National Council of Churches in the U.S.A., partners on the journey with indigenous churches and organizations in more than 80 countries, sharing the struggle to help people move beyond poverty and powerlessness. Millions of people worldwide live on the edge of subsistence, at the will of fragile economies, struggling to escape the crushing grip of poverty and powerlessness. Most are hungry--and they need more than a handout. They need a way out. A variety of inexpensive gifts will be available. CFBI—COMMUNITY & FAITH BASED INITIATIVE/FOSTER CARE An organization that works hand-in-hand with the state to promote foster care and adoption. It also supports foster parents with respites and extra help with special needs. You will receive a beautiful hand-made card in recognition of your gift. CONCORD MULTICULTURAL PROJECT A new community vision is that of a refugee women’s center. This would be for the empowerment of women, which would give them the tools to learn English, acclimate to local culture, and acquire household skills. If you were used to growing your own food or getting it in bulk, would you know what to do with a can of peas or corn, much less how to use a can opener? Another aspect of the center is sisterhood. Women need the support of other women. The women’s center would allow women to meet others, speak their own languages, while learning to manage a home and acquire skills for the workplace. This community vision is still in its infancy, and volunteers are needed in all aspects of its development. Locally made items will be available. CONCORD REGIONAL VNA--HOSPICE LIGHTS OF LIFE Hospice is a philosophy of care that provides comfort and support to terminally ill individuals and their loved ones. The goal of Hospice Lights of Life is to raise awareness for Hospice and the valuable service it provides. Candles are lit in the windows of downtown Concord and surrounding towns and will shine in celebration and honor of loved ones. You are invited to participate by remembering loved ones by inscribing their name in the Hospice Lights of Life Honor Roll. In return you will receive a lovely teacup candle made by members of the Wesley Church. FREE THE KIDS Rescuing homeless children from the streets of Haiti is the mission of this organization. Children receive food, shelter, care, and academic and vocational education through the work of this group. They learn selfsufficiency by pitching in to build their own dormitories and schools and learning trades such as masonry, carpentry, farming and agriculture. We will be offering darling hand-made teddy bears for Continued on Page 5 sale to support this charity.
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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization building simple, decent, affordable housing in partnership with people in need. This nonprofit group will be offering unique pins and other items to support their work. HEIFER INTERNATIONAL One of the most well-known charities in the Fair is Heifer International. Since a single Heifer cow can give a hungry family up to four gallons of protein-packed milk every day, your gift of a heifer and training is truly a gift of life. By providing hungry families with a heifer, they are able to get milk almost immediately. And since a healthy cow can give birth to one calf every year, your gift of a heifer can be passed on many times over. When a family has a cow, every morning there’s a glass of milk for the children to drink before heading off to school. Classes are paid for with the sale of extra milk because with high-quality heifers, there is more than enough milk to go around. And cows can even help crops grow as their fertilizing manure is mixed into the soil. KIDSAVE As a Global Voice for Change, KidSave makes miracles happen for children the World has forgotten. The volunteer organization works to increase awareness of the plight of children growing up without parents, to build model programs that move children without families into permanent, connected relationships with adults, and to advocate with governments to create change in the way children without parents are treated. NAMI NAMI is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life for persons of all ages who are affected by mental illnesses. Our local chapter will be offering lovely home-made greeting cards for the support of their work. RUBIA’S COMMITMENT Rubia is a non-profit organization serving women in Afghanistan, offering them training and income through the sale of their work. Unique, exquisite embroidered items will be available for purchase. SERRV INTERNATIONAL--A Greater Gift A Greater Gift is a program of SERRV International, a nonprofit organization that has worked with artisan and farming communities across the globe for almost 60 years. Its mission is to promote the social and economic progress of people in developing regions of the world by marketing their products in a just and direct manner. A variety of lovely unique items made by artisans around the world will be available. SOCIETY OF ST. ANDREWS A Christian ministry dedicated to gleaning America’s fields and feeding America’s hungry, Society of St Andrews provides healthy, nutritious produce to society’s most vulnerable through innovative, cost effective programs. In return for your donation you will receive a beautiful inspirational 2009 calendar. WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FOOD PANTRY All snack and luncheon items will support our own food pantry which stocks nutritious, nonperishable items for the hungry. Wesley’s food pantry is open to those in need whenever the church doors are open. ZIENZELE FOUNDATION The goal of the Zienzele Foundation is “to facilitate the development of appropriate self-sustaining projects to help Zimbabwean orphans and their caregivers achieve self-reliance through education, basic skills training, project development, counseling, community support, health, and nutrition.” The baskets we will be selling were handmade by the women of Zimbabwe, and by purchasing them the Zienzele Foundation produces an income that pays school fees for AIDS orphans.
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NOVEMBER FLOWERS
November 2: Given by Marjorie Lee in loving memory of Freda Wright, Bobbie and Harold Frost, Edna Kinney and Margaret Leavitt. November 9: Given by Bob and Mary Ann Wolfe to mark the date her father would have turned 90 years old. November 16: Given in memory of John Moffett by his daughters. November 23: Given in loving memory of Elsie Keeffe by Bill Keeffe on their anniversary. November 30: Given in loving memory of Rev. Lafayette H. Sprague, Jr. by Ginny Sprague and Peter and Cathy Hey.
PARISH PERSONALS
Congratulations and welcome to: Casey Fay Rivard, born August 30, 2008, to Jennifer and Brandon Rivard. Proud grandparents are Alan and Peggy Topliff.
DATE
November 2 November 9
NOVEMBER GREETERS
Richard and Maxine Clough Violet Constant
November 16 Cyndy and Sarah Burke November 23 Erline Reilly November 30 Retta and Jim Weaver
MIDDLE HIGH YOUTH FELLOWSHIP SCHEDULE November 2008
Sunday, November 2, 4:00-5:30pm: “The Unknown Creature”, Parlor Sunday, November 9, 4:00-5:30pm: “Mystery Dinner?????”, Parlor Sunday, November 16, 4:00-5:30pm: “Card Making”, Parlor Sunday, November 23, 4:00-5:30pm: “Pilgrim Games”, Hanna Hall Sunday, November 30 –NO YOUTH GROUP
PREACHING SCHEDULE
November 2 All Saints Day “Blessed Are We” Matthew 5:1-12 “The Judgment of God: Alert to the Presence of Christ Matthew 25:1-13 “The Judgment of God: Awakened to the Kingdom Matthew 25:14-30 Thanksgiving Ingathering “The Judgment of God: Anxiety and Assurance Matthew 25:31-46 Thanksgiving Eve “A Child of Grace” 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 First Sunday of Advent The beginning of a series on Spiritual Gifts Rev. Hey
November 9 November 16 November 23
Rev. Hey Rev. Hey Rev. Hey
November 26
Rev. Hey
November 30
Rev. Hey
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November Calendar
Date Sun 11/2 Mon 11/3 Tues 11/4
Time
Activity Daylight Savings Time Ends
11:30am UMW, Parlor 5:30 pm Sonshine Dancers, Parlor 5:30 pm Joyful Noise Choir, Music Room 6:00 pm Praise Choir, Music Room 6:00 pm Cherub Dancers, Parlor 7:00 pm Household of Faith, Parlor 7:00 pm Disciple I, Library
Wed 11/19
Date
Tues 11/18
Time
Activity
See Choir Schedule November 4
7:00 pm Disciple I, Library 1:00 pm CLUnit, Library 6:00 pm Youth Council, Rachel’s House
Thrs 11/20
Wed 11/5
1:00 pm CLUnit, Library 6:45 pm Board of Trustees, Library 7:00 pm Inquirers’ Class, Parlor
6:00 pm Worship Planning, Peter’s House See Choir Schedule November 6
Fri 11/21
9:45 am Soundwaves, Parlor 7:00 pm Ken Gallager Recital, Sanctuary & Reception in Parlor
Thurs 11/6
5:30 pm Advanced Youth Choir, Sanct. 6:00 pm Celebration! Choir, Hanna Hall 6:00 pm Worship Planning, Peter’s house 6:00 pm Jubellation Handbells, Library 7:00 pm Sanctuary Choir, Sanctuary
Sat 11/22 Sun 11/23 Mon 11/24 Tues 11/25
9:00 am Women’s Book Study, Parlor Thanksgiving Ingathering—all services 10:00 am UMW Board Meeting, Library See Choir Schedule November 4 7:00 pm Disciple I, Library
Fri 11/7 Mon 11/10 Tues 11/11
8:00 pm Agape Café, Hanna Hall 6:00 pm Commission Mtgs & Dinner See Choir Schedule November 4 7:00 pm Disciple I. Library
Wed 11/26
1:00 pm CLUnit, Library 6:30 pm Thanksgiving Eve Service
Wed 11/12
1:00 pm CLUnit, Library 7:00 pm Inquirers’ Class, Chapel 7:00 pm SPRC, Parlor
Thrs 11/27 Fri 11/28
Happy Thanksgiving—Office Closed Thanksgiving Holiday — Office Closed
Thrs 11/13
6:00 pm Worship Planning, Peter’s House See Choir Schedule November 6
YOUTH COUNCIL NEWS
Wesley’s youth council had a fun and productive meeting in October. We enjoyed a dinner of yummy Chinese food as we explored a variety of options for youth mission trips next summer. The group will share their ideas for next summer’s mission trips with other interested youth on November 2 from 11:30am-12:30pm for the Senior High mission trip and November 16 from 3:00-4:00pm for the Middle High mission trip. Our next Youth Council meeting will be on Wednesday November 19 at 6:00pm. All youth who would like to get involved in planning Wesley’s Youth programs are encouraged to attend. We hope to see you there!
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Sat 11/15 Mon 11/17
9:00 am- Joyful Giving Fair, Hanna Hall & 3:00 pm Parlor 1:00 pm Martha Circle 7:00 pm Church Council, Hanna Hall
Sunday morning, November 2!
THE DEADLINE FOR THE DECEMBER JOURNAL IS FRIDAY, November 14, 2008
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Phone: 603-224-7413 Fax: 603-225-9161 www.concordwumc.org E-mail: staff@concordwumc.org peter@concordwumc.org rachel@concordwumc.org ron@concordwumc.org jamie@concordwumc.org billnan@metrocast.net
Services: Worship Services Sunday, 8:00, 9:00 & 10:15am REJUVENATION! Contemporary Service, 6:00 pm Hours: Church Office Hours 9:00 am—4:00 pm Mon-Fri. Pastor The Rev. Peter A. Hey Assistant Pastor for Youth and Contemporary Worship Rachel Vogelzang de Lima Assistant Pastor for Outreach Ministries The Rev. Ron Adcock Director of Music Nancy Cole Director of Christian Education Misty Griffith Assistant/Editor0: Administrative Assistant/Editor0 Jamie Tackett Pastors Emeritus: Emeritus The Rev. William Keeffe, The Rev. Nadine Strout, The Rev. Orin Watson
WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 79 Clinton Street Concord, NH 03301
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID CONCORD, NH Permit No. 498
A safe and open church for ALL God’s people.
SENIOR HIGH YOUTH FELLOWSHIP SCHEDULE November – December 2008
Sunday November 9, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Gathering Sunday November 16, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. redecorate the Youth Room Wednesday November 19, 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. Youth Council, Pastor Rachel’s home Sunday November 23, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Gathering Sunday November 30, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fellowship Gathering Sunday December 7, 2:00pm Family Advent Celebration, Greening of the Church *Sunday December 14, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Christmas Caroling Wednesday December 17, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Youth Council Sunday December 21, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Christmas Party *Monday December 28, 6:00 p.m. – Tuesday December 29, 10:00 a.m. Lock In at the church *Permission Slip Required
THANKSGIVING INGATHERING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2008 EVERY SERVICE!