Newsletter with images in PDF format
BEYOND THE GREEN DOORS
The newsletter of the
Peterborough United Methodist Church
43 Concord Street, Peterborough, NH
March 2020
Weekly
Sun Worship Service 10a
Mon Confidential Meeting 6-8p
Tue Office Hours 9-12
Tue Sacred Dance 4:30p
Wed Office Hours 9-12
Wed Choir Rehearsal 11a
Wed Life Groups 4p
Thu Office Hours 9-12
Sun Free Breakfast 8, 22 8a
Wed Through the Eyes of Matthew Bible Study 9:30a to April 5
Wed Lenten Soup & Salad Supper 5:30p to April 8
Wed The Walk Bible Study 7p to April 8
5 First 12 Meeting 10:30a
8 Spring Interfaith Music @Unitarian 7p
10 Prayer Shawl 1p
10 Administrative Council 6:30p
15 Memorial Service Bob Johnson 1p
20 Open Mic Night 7p
28 Men’s Monthly Breakfast 7:30p
31 Newsletter submissions due
Apr 5 Palm Sunday Service 10a
Apr 9 Maundy Thursday Tenebrae 7p
Apr 10 Good Friday Open Sanctuary 1-6p
Apr 12 Easter Service @ PUMC 10a
May 2 Hunger Walk @United Church of Jaffrey 9a
CHURCH FAMILY CELEBRATIONS
Birthdays:
Ron LaRoche 3/1
Jenny Pierce 3/1
Bill French 3/5
Laura Nerz 3/16
Andy French 3/19
Phyllis Porter 3/20
Ken Schultz 3/23
Thea Southwick 3/24
Tori Keenan 4/1
Membership Anniversaries:
Dick Berg
Peggy Berg
Jon Cole
Sandra Cole
Ken Constantine
Laura Constantine
Michael Crowe
Martha Donachie
Shannon Dunning-Morris
Cynthia Faust
Karen Keenan
Matt Keenan
Dottie Labar
Gloria Lodge
Janet Mack Lewis
Phyllis Porter
EASTER BASKET MISSIONS PROJECT
Easter candy is appearing in the stores and that means it’s time for our Easter Basket missions project! We will be collecting contributions of candy and other Easter basket goodies for the children of families served by MATS (Monadnock Area Transition Shelter), SFTS (Shelter from the Storm), and New Life Home (residence program for moms struggling with substance abuse). We will be collecting candy starting on March 1. Look for the box in the fellowship hall. We’d also like to include some stickers or coloring books in the baskets, so if you’d like to contribute money to purchase books, please mark the check or envelope for Easter baskets. We are collecting contributions through Palm Sunday, April 5. Thank you!
BIBLE STUDY: LENT FOR EVERYONE
Dear Friends,
Our Lent study of Matthew is underway Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM. Texts are in the Fellowship Hall, I hope you take one and if you cannot attend the class take as much as you can from the study.
For anyone who would like to join us, our study is of devotionals prepared by Bishop and Professor N. Thomas Wright, Chair of New Testament Studies at the University of St Andrews, in Scotland. This week we will cover excerpts found in chapters 5 through 9 and 17 of Matthew’s gospel and Psalm 32. Professor Wright’s devotionals are meant to highlight Christ’s journey to the cross. His translations are meant to present the Scriptures in a modern language we can understand and are less formal that most current published versions. With his background in the customs and culture in which the verses were written and the many meanings of the Hebrew, Greek, or Aramaic words used, we will be getting a very close translation in words we use daily.
After a reading of the selected Scripture, we offer questions selected from Professor Wright’s study guide on the gospel of Matthew which focus on these passages. My hope is to stimulate your participation in our discussion. This study is not a lecture series, but a learning experience drawn from everyone’s participation. My objective is for all to gain from each other’s contributions. All are welcome.
Lent for Everyone: Matthew, Year A by N. T. Wright
See it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17384438-lent-for-everyone
Grace and Peace,
Jim Poplin
BIBLE STUDY: THE WALK – OFFFERED IN CHURCH AND ONLINE
The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Faith by Rev. Adam Hamilton
See it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49508569-the-walk
During Lent, Peterborough United Methodist Church is offering six classes based on the book, The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Faith, which was designed by The Reverend Adam Hamilton.
Wednesdays, March 4 through April 8, 7pm
*you can take one lesson or all
Join us during Lent as Rev Card leads us through, “The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Faith” by Rev. Adam Hamilton. Together we will examine five essential spiritual practices rooted in Jesus’ own walk with God; Worship, Study, Serve, Give and Share. Each of these practices is intended as part of our daily walk with Christ while also being an essential part of growing together as a community. During the Lenten season, we invite you to participate in this foundational study.
Books are free and will be available in the fellowship hall. They cost us $15 each. If you wish to make a contribution to the Christian Education fund for your book you are welcome to do so. Check or money order should be made payable to “Peterborough United Methodist Church.” Mail to: 43 Concord St, Peterborough NH 03458. Or you can do so online through JustGiving.
Registration is not required, but you are encouraged to sign up on the sheet in the fellowship hall or email the church office at info@peterboroughumc.org so we can be sure to have enough books.
Prior to class, we invite you to join us for Lenten Soup and Salad Supper at 5:30pm.
*The meal is free, come as you are
The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Faith by Rev. Adam Hamilton:
How do we walk with Christ—daily follow him, grow in him, and faithfully serve him? In the Gospels, Jesus modeled for us the Christian spiritual life. The apostles taught it in their writings. And the Church has, through the last 2,000 years, sought to pursue this Christian spiritual life.
In The Walk, Adam Hamilton focuses on five essential spiritual practices that are rooted in Jesus’ own walk with God and taught throughout the New Testament. Each of these practices is intended as part of our daily walk with Christ while also being an essential part of growing together in the church.
In each chapter, Hamilton explores one of these practices, its New Testament foundation, and what it looks like to pursue this practice daily in our personal life and together in the life of the church. Deepen your walk with Christ as we explore the five essential practices of worship, study, serving, giving, and bearing witness to our faith.
FIVE ESSENTIAL PRACTICES
In The Walk Adam Hamilton writes about five essential practices of the Christian life. These practices are found throughout scripture, modeled by Jesus, and pursued by his followers throughout history. They are meant to be practiced both in community and on our own. While there are countless spiritual practices, most are expressions of these five and conversely, each of these five may be pursued in countless different ways. They are:
1. Worship
(corporate worship and individual prayer)
2. Study
(listening for God in Scripture)
3. Service
(serving God by pursuing justice and kindness)
4. Giving
(selfless generosity towards God and others)
5. Sharing
(bearing witness to our faith in word and deed)
His aim is to practice these daily on his own and to see these become the rhythm of our life together as a church.
PUMC MISSIONS
In the January newsletter the Missions Committee provided plans for 2020. Our first project will be for the collection of “goodies” for the Easter baskets. Look for more information later in March as we move closer to Easter.
We also advised that we would highlight the work that members of our congregation do in support of our community. This month we highlight two organizations. These organizations offer an opportunity for contributing not just monetary funds, but also the time and talents from our congregation.
Hundred Nights
Hundred nights offers services to those experiencing homelessness in our region. They offer a cold weather shelter (ie the name refers to the hundred coldest nights of the year), an open-door resource center, and meals during the weekend. Many don’t realize that the Community Kitchen meals program is only open on weeknights, which leaves no options for those in need during the weekend. That is where the Hundred Nights Dinners come in. Each weekend an area organization provides an evening hot meal for up to 70 people.
Susan Lindquist volunteers to organize a meal about every two months or so. She provides some of the food, but also reaches out to others to help. She develops a meal plan and seeks out people who can help support the dinner in any way. That also includes people who would like to help serve during the meal. If you are interested in learning more, visit the website at http://hundrednightsinc.org/. Or, seek out Susan to discuss the project. You might also talk to some of the younger members of our congregation who have helped serve in the past.
Habitat for Humanity – Monadnock Region
Matt Keenan is on the board of directors for the Habitat for Humanity organization in the Monadnock Region. Over the past few years, in addition to the most recent home build for a family in Troy, they have completed a number of smaller projects including a ramp for a wheel-chair bound person in Keene. Matt has worked hard to strengthen Habitat for Humanity to the point where they are preparing this summer to build a new home for a family in Keene.
Want to help or want more information? Check out their website at https://www.monadnockhabitat.org/ where you can donate, sign up for more information, or have your name added to the volunteer list. Better yet, talk to Matt about the upcoming project and how you can help.
LENTEN SOUP & SALAD SUPPERS – All are welcome!
Lent commemorates the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. It is a traditional time of repentance and reflection and many people give up something or add something positive to their lives during the season. Why not join us for a short devotional message followed by a potluck dinner along with quiet fellowship?
We will start at 5:30 PM on February 26 and continue the suppers each Wednesday during the Lenten Season. We will serve from 5:30-6:30. Supper and fellowship will usually last about an hour and a half.
All are welcome, including all from outside our church community, so come and invite a friend.
Wednesdays, February 26 – April 8, serving 5:30 – 6:30.
Lent starts every year on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.
The meal is free.
SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATE
Sunday School is continuing to grow and have a lot of fun! The children were invited to the Lindquist’s house for a sledding party with hot cocoa and toasting marshmallows! Thank you Hiel and Susan for having us, they had a blast! The older youth attended a tubing trip to Granite Gorge as well. Lots of winter fun!
We finished our curriculum, John: The Gospel of Light and Life and started The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life by Adam Hamiltion. “Children will hear about ways to connect with God and continue to share Jesus’ love in their daily lives.” (From The Walk page 4) A huge thank you to those who have been volunteering to assist the teachers during Sunday School! We are always looking for help so if you are interested please let us know!
The Sunday School will be having a Paint Night in March! Date to be decided, stay tuned!
PUMC BOOK GROUP
The church book group chose its new read at last Tuesday’s monthly book group meeting. The March read will be Sy Montgomery’s book, The Soul of an Octopus – A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness. The meeting of minds is a central theme of this non-fiction exploration of the reclusive and highly intelligent mollusk. Montgomery explores the personality of the octopus, as she travels from the New England Aquarium to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond to explore these unique creatures and their uncanny intelligence.
There will be a block of books available for loan. Please see Ann Hampson or Susan Lindquist if you are curious to read and join in the next book discussion. The group will meet in the church fellowship room on Tuesday, March 24th at 1 PM.
See it on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22609485-the-soul-of-an-octopus
MONADNOCK HUNGER WALK – May 2nd
Want to be part of a church walking team that comes together in fellowship to help feed the hungry? Here’s your chance to do just that! This spring will bring the 3rd annual Monadnock Hunger Walk to Jaffrey’s First Church. The church is hosting a Saturday morning walk along the streets of Jaffrey. Participating walkers collect ‘sponsor donation checks’ made out to area food banks and anti-hunger programs. On the day of the Walk, all the checks are turned in at registration, sorted and delivered to the area food banks and programs. 100 % of the donations go directly to the non-profits! Because the planning and hosting of the Monadnock Hunger Walk is a volunteer effort, there is no overhead, so all funds go to the programs that sponsors choose to support. How’s that for efficiency?! Please consider signing onto this year’s church walking team and helping to collect sponsors for this ‘local antic-hunger effort’. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the church bulletin board by the coffee station in the fellowship room. See you at the Walk!
Monadnock Hunger Walk Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/monadnockhungerwalk/
MAUNDY THURSDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE – April 9th
If you would like to participate in the Maundy Thursday Tenebrae, please see Rev. Kathleene or Susan Lindquist. They are looking for 16 folks who would like to read the Tenebrae scriptural readings at the service. Readings are short and can be provided well in advance of the service so that they can be practiced. The service will be held at 7 PM on April 9th. It is a quiet contemplative service of candlelight, communion, and prayer.
PUMC QUILTERS GROUP
The latest quilt project has been sent to the long arm quilter and will be ready for attaching the binding. It will be able to be displayed as soon as it is complete, but will be auctioned off at the 2020 Holiday Stroll. That means it is time to choose the next project for the group. If you have always wanted to work on a collaborative quilting project, see Susan Lindquist or Laura Constantine or Karen Keenan. The group will be starting to brainstorm quilt block ideas for the next quilt project! Many hands make light work! It’s fun to see these quilts go together!
AVENUE A TEEN AND COMMUNITY CENTER
As the only Teen Center in the Monadnock Region, Avenue A supports underserved rural teens through out-of-school enrichment programs driven by over 70 local mentor-volunteers. Last year we served over 300 youth age 11-18. Our programs encourage creative expression, social development, wellness, and career skill building.
Avenue A combats risky behaviors through mentorship and enrichment. We fill the gap of out-of-school time from 2:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.—when teens are most vulnerable to negative influences. Our program participation has tripled in the last three years.
Teens come to the Center from 12 towns and six different public schools, as well as private schools and alternative school settings. Although their teens come from different backgrounds, they’ve found community at Avenue A.
The Avenue A Center is especially important to economically disadvantaged teens who wouldn’t otherwise have access to enriching out-of-school activities. They remove barriers to participation by offering their programs to youth at no-cost to their families or at a reduced rate.
Volunteer Opportunities
Music Mentors – Many of our teens would love to practice performing and learn more about singing, playing (piano, guitar, uke, drums), and songwriting. We are looking for musicians to mentor these teens—in special workshops or a laid-back jam times. Time Commitment: totally flexible!
Pick-Up Basketball “Refs” – Volunteers supervise and encourage teens during our boys basketball program. Time Commitment: Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30pm, volunteers help weekly, every-other week or monthly
Friday Open Hours – Caring volunteers help our staff supervise Friday night drop-in time. Volunteers make sure that the 30-40 teens who drop by feel welcome—some even jump in to play pool or foosball with teens! Time Commitment: Fridays, 6:15-9:15pm, volunteers help once a month
Dinner Club Cooking Helpers – We want our teens to be independent in the kitchen—but they need a little help along the way! Dinner Club helpers enjoy cooking with our teens and sharing recipes/kitchen tricks.
Time Commitment: Wednesdays, 5-7pm, volunteers help monthly or as a one-time guest!
Game Gurus – During our tabletop game club, teens play cooperative board games and strategy games! Volunteers supervise and play along! Time Commitment: Wednesdays, 5:30-8pm, volunteers help weekly, every-other week, or once a month
Woodworking/Carpentry Mentors – Volunteers teach teens woodworking and carpentry skills while working on projects for the Teen Center and our community! Time Commitment: Thursdays, 2:30-4pm, volunteers help weekly or every-other week
Yoga Instructors – Volunteer yoga teachers teach hour-long yoga classes for our teens. Time Commitment: Fridays, 3-4pm, volunteers help every-other week or once a month
Guest Artists – Volunteers lead art activities for our Expressive Art program, facilitating a calm, non-judgmental creative environment. Time Commitment: Fridays 4:30-6pm, volunteers help weekly, every other week, or once a month
Guest Writers – Guest Writers visit our middle and/or high school writing clubs! They listen to the teens’ work, provide feedback, and lead a writing prompt or activity (and share their own writing or poetry!).
Time commitment: Tuesdays 3-4pm or 6-8PM, one time visits
Touchstone Drivers – Volunteers drive middle schoolers from GBS and SMS to Touchstone farm in Temple for their “Moving Forward Together” therapeutic riding program. Time Commitment: Day TBD, 11am-2pm, weekly or every other week, March thru May,
Skill Sharers – Do you enjoy crocheting? Crafting? Jewelry making? We are looking for folks to visit our middle school afterschool program and lead special activities—sharing their skills with our 5th-8th graders!
Time Commitment: Wednesdays 2:30-4pm, Volunteers help weekly, every-other week, or once a month
Baking Corp – Volunteers help provide baked goods for fundraisers or special events as needed!
Teen Center Wish List
Food:
Tortilla chips
Salsa
2 liter seltzer bottles
100% juice
Pretzels
Snack food
Granola bars
Fruit cups
Other Supplies:
Writing journals
Art supplies
Craft supplies
Acrylic and tempera paint
Tissues
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Dish soap
Hand soap
Sponges
Travel size deodorant
Clothing:
They’re always collecting gently used clothing for their free seasonal teen clothing days!
If you’re able to donate any of these items, please drop them off at the Teen Center or email avenuea@grapevinenh.org.
SPRING CELEBRATION IN MUSIC AND SONG – March 8
The Greater Peterborough Interfaith Council is once again presenting ‘A Spring Celebration in Music and Song’ on Sunday, March 8th. The evening concert will be held at the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church at 7 PM. Musical groups from area faith communities will share music that is central to their faith. This year, PUMC is participating!
The United Methodist Church will present an a cappella rendition of ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross’, the Isaac Watts hymn. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is central to our Christian faith. Reminding ourselves of the gravity of that sacrifice puts all other life pursuits in perspective and bring us back to the truth of His great gift to mankind. The members of the Peterborough United Methodist Church choir who are singing this year are Laura and Ken Constantine, Jenny Pierce, and Pat Woodward.
Please consider attending to share in this communal celebration. There will be a cookie reception after the free concert, at which you can meet and greet friends from other faith communities. It’ll be a very special evening.
Want to contact someone and don’t see their info listed? They should be in the church directory, or contact the church office at 924-4294 or email info@PeterboroughUMC.org and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Everyone is invited to contribute to the newsletter! Send in your thank yous, birthdays, photos, events, testimonials, prayer submissions…
Please submit all materials for the next newsletter (April) to our editors by the LAST TUESDAY, March 31. This is the newsletter that will be released April 5 and cover until Sunday May 3. Send to Melissa French at 924-4294 or email info@PeterboroughUMC.org, with the subject “Newsletter submission.” Thanks!
Want to subscribe? You can email or call the office (above) to get a print copy of the newsletter, or visit https://www.peterboroughumc.org/about_us/contact_us/subscribe/ to get it in your email.
PETERBOROUGH UMC COMMUNICATIONS
In addition to “Beyond the Green Doors,” Peterborough UMC offers the following ways you can keep in touch.
We are at the church. Come visit us, Sunday at 10 am!
We are on the web: http://www.PeterboroughUMC.org
We are on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pumcnh/
This newsletter was compiled by Melissa French. Any concerns with content can be addressed with Reverend Card.