THE MESSENGER JUNE 2017

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "THE MESSENGER JUNE 2017"

Jared King
5 years ago
Views:

1 THE MESSENGER PAYSON PARK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 365 BELMONT STREET, BELMONT, MA JUNE 2017 O UR MISSION STATEMENT We believe God is calling us to walk in the ways of Jesus Christ and to bear witness to the Gospel through worship and service, empowered by the Holy Spirit. What a beautiful day to be the church! When we signed up for a spot at Belmont Town Day on May 20th, we were told it was so popular this year that we were number four on the waiting list. Better luck next year, we were told. Then with 24 hours to go, we heard we were given a spot! Spot #103, in front of Bessie Blues and Quebrada Baking Company on Leonard Street. We sprang into action. Herb brought a tent and video, I brought a table and chair and 400 new colorful picture brochures, Cindy Lou packed up our PPC and VBS posters, along with candy to give away. What a beautiful day to be the church! With Wendy, Kate, Priscilla, Sandy & Herb, Ryan & Katie, Al, and Marty, we talked with dozens, if not hundreds of people. I met people from conservation groups, family farms, antique car enthusiasts, Indian restaurants, library supporters, and more. Blue skies, bright sun, bands playing, cotton candy, carnival rides, what a day. What a beautiful day to let people know what is happening in our congregation, what God is doing through Payson Park. What a beautiful day to be the church! In May we had many beautiful days to be the church. Patricia and I welcomed you into the parsonage May 7th, saying thank you for the gracious welcome you have given us. People crowded in, kids ran outside on the lawn under a sparkling sky, Patricia made quiche for everyone. Along with a pile of freshly whipped cream for the strawberries and pound cake, her signature maple bacon went so quickly it was gone before I made it over from church. What great fellowship. What a beautiful day to be the church. In May we celebrated two delightful baptisms, for Wyatt & Brooke. We welcomed as guest preacher, the Rev. Wendy Vander Hart, our Associate Conference Minister, who challenged us to claim the boldness of our DNA as God s people. In May we were honored to serve the hungry at Bristol Lodge Food Kitchen. We welcomed BLFK founder Dick Rogers to worship on May 7th, and gave $3,500 towards this ministry. After church on May 21st we made hundreds of sandwiches for the hungry at BLFK. Then our fantastic PPC team brought home made meals and served the hungry at Bristol Lodge Food Kitchen on May 23rd. What beautiful days to be the church! In June we look forward to celebrating the ministry of our church school on Youth Sunday, June 11th. Plus another baptism. Then at 3 pm that afternoon, we celebrate my installation as PPC s Pastor and Teacher, complete with our talented choir, musicians, special guests, and a delicious spread served by our deacons. Bring a friend to both services. Or two friends. More beautiful days to be the church. Thanks be to God.

2 Worship Leaders Pentecost June 4, 10:30 AM Communion Food pantry collection Belmont Rev. Bill Ragan preaching Deacon Reader Usher Fellowship Hour Pat Cappadona Serving communion: Holly Bloomfield, Emily Dallman, Marty Gledhill & Cynthia Lasker Marilyn Brownlie Carl Miller & Cynthia Lasker Barbara Benjamin & Holly Bloomfield Flowers Given by Marilyn Brownlie in memory of Estele & John Brownlie And given by Pam Curtis in memory of Jonathan s birthday Trinity Sunday June 11, 10:30 AM Youth Sunday Baptism Pastor Eric s Installation June 11, 3:00 PM Reception to follow Emily Dallman Ben Sseruwagi and Maya Rodriguez -Clark Marilyn Brownlie & Carl Miller Christian Education & Mission & Outreach Committees The Deacon s hosting the reception Given by The Benjamin family in memory of Harold & Olive Moore. Also by Cindy Lou Benson & Molly Jo Rivelli in honor of the youth, and by Isabella Martin in memory of William. 2nd Sunday after Pentecost June 18, 10:30 AM Merry Ray Pat Cappadona Susan Clark & Carl Miller Friends of the church, serving lemonade and cookies Given by Carolyn Fish in memory of her father, Walter 3rd Sunday after Pentecost June 25, 10:30 AM Brian Cornwall Carl Miller Marilyn Brownlie & Carl Miller Friends of the church, serving Strawberry Shortcake! 2

3 3

4 What s Happening at Payson Park? BRISTOL LODGE FOOD KITCHEN OUR TURN IS ONCE PER MONTH For many years, Payson Park has been providing a monthly meal to the men & women who frequent the Bristol Lodge Food Kitchen in Waltham. They come for the nourishing meal, but they also benefit from the fellowship and the shelter. Our next turn is Tuesday, June 27th. Please Cynthia or talk with her if you d like to join us next time, or could make some food for us to bring to feed the hungry. colasker@comcast.net VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL The highlight of our summer is VBS! We have a very active program with Music, Snack, Games, Bible Stories, Crafts and more! Our theme this year is Hero Central, Discovering Your Strength in God. We run Monday to Friday, August 21-25, 9 am - Noon. Sign up now by calling Cindy Lou in the church office at , her at cedirector@paysonpark.org, or pick up a form in the narthex. TEEN YOUTH GROUP FIRST FRIDAYS Payson Park s Youth Group meets on the first Friday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 in the MacDonald Room parlor for fun and pizza. In March we went on an overnight retreat with City- Reach, serving the homeless. In April we served at Cradles to Crayons, sorting supplies for children of low income families. Our next First Friday is May 5th at 6 pm. Please Brian or talk with him to learn more. brian.cornwall@gmail.com CHURCH SCHOOL, GOD S GARDEN, GROWING IN FAITH We have a lively Christian Education program, with dedicated and loving teachers. Our Children s Ministry Program is intentional in fulfilling the baptismal vows we make as a congregation to children, birth through high school. Join us for church school in God s Garden, Growing in Faith. Please the Christian Education Director, Cindy Lou Benson, cedirector@paysonpark.org. WE MAKE PRAYER SHAWLS FOR PEOPLE IN HOSPICE For the past ten years members of the Faith, Hope, and Love Fellowship have gathered in the church parlor to share in friendship as they make prayer shawls that are then donated to area hospice programs. Whether you knit or not, your presence will be welcomed in this time of sharing Tuesday afternoons at 2:00. Please the church office, office@paysonpark.org to find out how you can join in this meaningful ministry. PAYSON PARK NURSERY SCHOOL: FALL REGISTRATION OPEN If you or a friend or neighbor are looking for a vital & joyful nursery program, please consider ours! Scheduling is flexible, and discounts of 20% are available to church members. Please contact Janet Coleman, Nursery School Director. (nurserydirector@paysonpark.org or 617/ ) 4

5 What Else is Happening YOUTH SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE SUNDAY, JUNE 11 The annual Youth Sunday Worship Service is a tradition at Payson Park. The service celebrates our year in church school. Please join us for this lively time of worship and invite a friend to church that day! INSTALLATION OF PASTOR ERIC You don t want to miss this unique event in the life of a congregation. Sunday, June 11, at 3:00 pm. We will be joined by area Pastors and Clergy, friends and partners in ministry. Our own musicians and Adult Choir will make a joyful noise to the Lord. Special Children s Message. Surprise guest preacher. Our Deacons will provide hors d oeuvres and finger food at a reception afterwards. All are welcome. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE FESTIVAL, FOLLOWED BY NEWCOMERS LUNCH Please join us after worship June 25 to make your own strawberry shortcake delight followed by the newcomers quick lunch. The lunch is a chance to get to know each other, to hear from Pastor Eric and to ask some questions. Our next Newcomers Quick Lunch will be Sunday, June 25. Please contact the church office, , office@paysonpark.org, to let us know if you will be joining us for a Quick Lunch on June 25. Newcomers and all are welcome. OUR MEN S BAGEL AND BIBLE STUDY We have quite an active group of men at our Thursday morning Bible Study from 7:00 to 8:15 am. Perhaps it is because we have free bagels, donuts and coffee. Perhaps it is the great conversation and fellowship. Talk with Pastor Eric or the church office to find out more. All are welcome! office@paysonpark.org OUR 10 AM FAITHFUL REFLECTIONS BIBLE STUDY Do you wonder what it means to be a person of faith in contemporary times? Do you wonder what leftover bagels and donuts from the 7 am Bible Study taste like? All are welcome! Mark your calendars for Thursdays, 10:00 11:15 am. TLC - THEOLOGY, LITERATURE & COFFEE The adult education group, TLC, is led by our Ministerial Associate Rev. Bill Ragan, and offers an adult education time on the second Sunday of the month at 9:00 am. All are invited to be a part of this time of book study, spiritual growth, and fellowship! 5

Mission & Outreach A COMMUNITY IN ACTION THE ACTIVE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING: CONTRIBUTING TO OUR LOCAL FOOD PANTRY Please bring in new canned goods and dry food items on Sunday, June 4, to continue

6 Mission & Outreach A COMMUNITY IN ACTION THE ACTIVE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING: CONTRIBUTING TO OUR LOCAL FOOD PANTRY Please bring in new canned goods and dry food items on Sunday, June 4, to continue with the mission project for our two local food pantries in Belmont & Watertown. The Active Prayer of Thanksgiving will take place during the children s moment in worship and will be an offering of food (and/or money for food) to help feed God s hungry people. There will be a procession to the altar steps where the donations will be delivered. After church the teen youth will gather the collection for this month s recipient, the Belmont Food Pantry. BRISTOL LODGE FOOD KITCHEN: HELPING THE HUNGRY NEAR HOME Date: Tuesday, June 27 Deliver: Menu: Place: CHURCH WORLD SERVICE: SPRING BLANKET SALE 3-5 pm, Serve: 5-5:45 pm Oriental/Asian Salad, rolls Immanuel Methodist Church, 545 Moody St., Waltham Next Date: Tuesday, September 26 Please sign up by contacting Cynthia by . colasker@comcast.net Thank you to all who have cooked and donated money We do not make meals in July and August but we will start again in Sept. I'll look forward to both continued and new help then! The 2017 annual Blanket Appeal for Church World Service received $ from the generous members of Payson Park Church. This will enable many blankets to be sent to survivors of natural disasters. Thank you for your compassionate support and helping us BLANKET THE WORLD WITH LOVE! Ann Alves, Priscilla Elliott and Marty Gledhill DONATED BY IN LOVING MEMORY &/OR IN HONOR OF: Ann Alves, Holly Bloomfield Judy Briggs & Brian Cornwall Marilyn Brownlie Allen Buttimer, Pat Cappadona Janet Cate, Susan Clark Lorraine Clifford, Emily Dallman Priscilla Elliott Nancy & Paul Fergus Todd Giles, Ned Gulley Sonja Lee, Sally Markham Merry Ray, Eric Wefald 6

Make a Joyful Noise NOTES FROM THE CHOIR LOFT Once again, a huge thank you to all who helped transform the choir room into a beautiful, carpet free organized sanctuary for music making!

7 Make a Joyful Noise NOTES FROM THE CHOIR LOFT Once again, a huge thank you to all who helped transform the choir room into a beautiful, carpet free organized sanctuary for music making! We are back in there now for our Sunday morning rehearsals and it's a wonderful live space in which to sing. Eric Wefald, Al Gledhill, Cindy Lou Benson, Lisa Clark, Sandy Philpott are among the heroes who have made this amazing transformation possible. It's been another good year for the Chancel Choir. Thanks so much to our steady volunteer singers, Kay Hudgins, Lisa Preis, Sara Klei, Tom Best, Stephen Elliot, Sue Harper, Priscilla Elliot and Al Gledhill. Thank you to our wonderful section leaders, Pauline Lim, Julie Wu, Francesco Logozzo and Jeff Barth. Jeff has just finished his 7th year here at PPC! Thanks to Cindy Lou for always having the hymns organized, copied and collated for us. Cindy Lou goes above and beyond her duties by helping us in this way. We are grateful! Wishing you all a happy and healthy summer. See you in the chapel for our 9:30 services this summer. Megan Henderson Adult Music Director THANKS TO THE YOUTH CHOIRS 'It's hard to believe that our church year has come to a close! I am so proud of all the work of the alleluia, cherub and youth choirs did for us this year. Their smiles and enthusiasm surely help to liven up our weekly services! I know that they helped me begin each new work week with a smile! Thank you to Alice and Caroline who put in many hours of practice and hard work to bring you solid performances and leadership. All of our youth worked hard on choosing inspiring music for Youth Sunday. Thank you each of you who participated in my choirs this year. Thank you very much to Cindy Lou for all of your support as well! Thanks to you, the congregation, for the kindness and supporting us as well. I'm looking forward to an exciting year in the fall. Until then, enjoy your summer. Molly Jo Youth Music Director PAYSON PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL: GATHER WITH NEIGHBORS & FRIENDS! Looking for some live entertainment this summer? Don t forget the free concerts at Payson Park, just three blocks up Payson Road from the church. Join with new and old friends from our community for these spirited summertime offerings. PPC is sponsoring the August 16 concert. Contact Wendy Gulley if you can help staff the table the church will have that night, or if you can just be in the audience sporting a smile. Bring your chair & a picnic and enjoy the music right here in our community. For more information and the concert schedule, go to 7

8 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES! Eleanor Thidemann graduated from Belmont High School, and will attend the University of New Hampshire School of Nursing. Julia Dunoyer graduated from Watertown High School. In the fall, she will attend McGill University in Montreal. Elliott Ronna graduated from Cambridge Ridge and Latin, and will be attend Oberlin College, after a gap year with a five year double major music and liberal arts. Adam Cronin graduated from Belmont High School and will go to University of Vermont in the fall. Congratulations! We thank God for your gifts and growth! THEOLOGY, LITERATURE AND COFFEE (TLC) NEWS TLC to finish discussion of The Tempest by William Shakespeare on June 11 at 9:00 am, and choose the book we will start in September. Considered one of Shakespeare's greatest works, neither tragedy nor comedy, The Tempest concentrates on family, reconciliation, and the divine power of mercy to end conflict. The play is highly poetic and far more spiritual than many of Shakespeare's earlier works. We will look for parallels and theological themes between Shakespeare and Beuchner. We will not meet in July or August. So, in choosing a book for September, we will consider if we would like to tackle a longer work and begin reading over the summer. Join us in finishing the discussion of The Tempest by William Shakespeare and choosing our next book on June 11 at 9:00 am. Come and experience our Stillspeaking God at Theology, Literature and Coffee! Please feel free to contact Bill Ragan at minassoc@paysonpark.org or on his cell: with any questions about this adult education opportunity. 8

9 Summer Fun KIM DOYLE FUND OPPORTUNITES FOR SUMMER FUN The Kim Doyle Fund was designed to help families and their children go to Christian summer church camp by offering scholarship funds to interested church members. Please speak with Cindy Lou Benson, Christian Education Director. for more information on this wonderful opportunity. CAMP CALUMET The Thidemann youth have been attending Camp Calumet for years and that is the camp they recommend. Camp Calumet is a Christian camp on the northern shore of Lake Ossipee on the edge of New Hampshire s magnificent Mount Washington Valley. Calumet also hosts thousands of folks of all ages, from all backgrounds and all walks of life throughout the entire year. But summer at Calumet? Summer is the most exciting time of the year to be at Calumet! Whether it s the Summer Camp for Kids or the Family & Adult Camp, the Thidemann s recommend you check it out. Vacation Bible School 2017 HERO CENTRAL Mon., August 21 Fri., August 25 9:00 AM to Noon All Are Welcome! VBS is for youth ages three and up, with teens serving as counselors. The youth will participate in two daily mission projects: bring a food item each day for the local food pantry donation loose coins for the Cradle to Crayons mission project. Registration forms are available from the church office or the church website: Call today 617/ UCC SUMMER FAMILY CAMP CRAIGVILLE RETREAT CENTER AT CRAIGVILLE BEACH, CENTERVILLE, MA SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 SATURDAY, AUGUST 16 Enjoy a vacation with your family at your own PACE Parent and Child Experience Your family is our highest priority, not our activities. All activities are optional. Escape the summer heat Experience grace in this place by the sea during daily free time Eat your heart out in our A-C dining room Encounter the peace of Red Lily Pond and Lake Elizabeth Bike ride along the Cape s National Seashore Establish lasting memories for your family Entertainment for the soul through music Enjoy meeting new people Complimentary access to Craigville Beach Association s beach Explore Cape Cod at your leisure with a packed lunch 6 nights, private bedrooms [no bunkhouses] and 17 meals in Craigville s historic Inn. For more information and to register please contact Rev. Joanne Hartunian at; familycampvacation@yahoo.com 9

Administrative News IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE Payson Park had three funerals in May: Charlie Giles, Virginia Smith (aunt of Cary Morse), and Dana Thompson (member of Waverly Cong Ch).

10 Administrative News IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE Payson Park had three funerals in May: Charlie Giles, Virginia Smith (aunt of Cary Morse), and Dana Thompson (member of Waverly Cong Ch). May God comfort and give peace to all who mourn the loss of loved ones. May the hope of the resurrection give strength to all. A NOTE OF THANKS I m so grateful to all in the church community who helped make my Aunt Ginny s memorial service a lovely and comforting time of remembrance. I also want to thank all of you who prayed for Ginny during her last years of life. I so appreciate your kindness, support and caring. Cary Morse MARK YOUR CALENDARS: CALL FOR SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: SUNDAY, JUNE 4 In accordance with Article VI, Section 2, Paragraph 1 of the Payson Park Church Bylaws, a Special Congregational Meeting is called for Sunday, June 4 to be held in the sanctuary after worship. The purpose of this meeting is to hear a report from the Property Committee and to act upon it. SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES AND PLACES On Sundays in the summer, we will begin worship at 9:30 am starting July 2nd through September 3rd. We will also combine with Plymouth on some Sundays in the summer, those dates are: July 2 - Combined worship at Payson Park. August 6 - Combined worship at Plymouth. August 13 - Combined worship at Payson Park. August 20 - Combined worship at Payson Park. August 27 - Combined worship at Plymouth. September 3 - Combined worship at Plymouth. On September 10, we will return to our 10:30 am time to start worship, welcoming all back from the summer, and beginning God s Garden and choirs. GETTING TO KNOW OUR NEIGHBOR: IFTAR To foster dialogue, peace and understanding of our Muslim neighbors, all are invited to Iftar in Watertown, a meal that breaks the fast of Ramadan. Held on June 8-7:30-9:30 pm at the Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown. The event is free, but seating is limited, and attendees can register at SUMMER CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Please note the Church Office will be open Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 am 3:00 pm for the summer hours. Please leave a message on the church phone at 617/ and we will get back to you as soon as we can. 10

11 JUNE 2017 THURSDAY, JUNE 1 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast Group 10:00 AM Faithful Reflections Bible Study FRIDAY, JUNE 2 6:00 PM First Fridays Youth Group SUNDAY, JUNE 4 Food Pantry Drive & Communion 9:00 AM Chancel Choir Rehearsal 9:00 AM Nursery Care 9:15 AM Youth Choir Rehearsal 10:30 AM Worship & Church School 11:30 AM Fellowship Hour TUESDAY, JUNE 6 2:00 PM Faith, Hope, & Love Fellowship 4:00 PM Food Pantry delivery, Watertown 6:30 PM Church Council Wednesday, June 7 1:30 PM Staff meeting THURSDAY, JUNE 8 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast Group 10:00 AM Faithful Reflections Bible Study SUNDAY, JUNE 11 Baptism Youth Sunday Worship Service 9:00 AM Chancel & Youth Choir Rehearsal 9:00 AM Nursery Care 9:00 AM T L & C 10:00 AM Youth Sunday sound check 10:30 AM Worship & Youth Sunday 11:30 AM Fellowship Hour 2:00 PM Secretaries Conference (Sunday - Tuesday) 3:00 PM Installation TUESDAY, JUNE 13 2:00 PM Faith, Hope, & Love Fellowship 6:30 PM Beyond Crossroads (Ray s house) THURSDAY, JUNE 15 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast Group 10:00 AM Faithful Reflections Bible Study SUNDAY, JUNE 18 10:30 AM Worship & Nursery Care 11:30 AM Fellowship Hour TUESDAY, JUNE 20 2:00 PM Faith, Hope, & Love Fellowship 5:00 PM Bristol Lodge meal, serving 6:30 PM Finance & Property Committee THURSDAY, JUNE 21 7:00 AM Men s Breakfast Group 10:00 AM Faithful Reflections Bible Study SUNDAY, JUNE 25 9:00 AM Chancel Choir Rehearsal 9:00 AM Nursery Care 9:15 AM Youth Choir Rehearsal 10:30 AM Worship & Church School 11:30 AM Strawberry Shortcake Festival (see page 5) 12:00 PM Newcomers Quick Lunch WORSHIP ATTENDANCE Thank you for worshipping with us through the weeks of May. From our celebration of Holy Communion and two baptisms, our services were filled with opportunities to grow in faith and service. Below are the attendance figures for each week. April May 7 92 May May May DO YOU NEED TO REACH THE PASTORS? The Rev. Eric Wefald, Pastor, can be reached through the church office, 617/ or by at pastoreric@paysonpark.org. The Rev. Bill Ragan, Ministerial Associate, can be reached on his cell phone, 484/ or by at minassoc@paysonpark.org. 11

12 THE MESSENGER PAYSON PARK CHURCH 365 BELMONT STREET BELMONT, MA YOUTH SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE: PLEASE JOIN US June 10:30 AM The annual Youth Sunday Worship Service is a tradition at Payson. The service celebrates our year in church school. Please join us for this lively time of worship and invite a friend to church that day! INSTALLATION OF THE REVEREND ERIC WEFALD PLEASE JOIN US June 3:00 PM You don t want to miss this unique event in the life of a congregation. We will be joined by area Pastors and Clergy, friends and partners in ministry. Our own musicians and Adult Choir will make a joyful noise to the Lord. Our Deacons will provide hors d oeuvres and finger food at a reception afterwards. All are welcome. 12

THE MESSENGER PAYSON PARK CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL / UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 365 BELMONT STREET, BELMONT, MA

THE MESSENGER PAYSON PARK CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL / UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 365 BELMONT STREET, BELMONT, MA 02478 617/484-1542 office@paysonpark.org www.paysonpark.org D ECEMBER 2016 O UR MISSION STATEMENT