The Church Bell. Pastor Rev. John Hughes

Transcription

1 First Parish Church on the Village Green Manchester-by-the-Sea May 2016 The Newsletter of the First Parish Church Congregational The Church Bell Pastor Rev. John Hughes The Worth of a Soul in the Digital Age Let the little children come to me, Do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven, belongs to them Matthew 19:14 I check my all the time and It s my security blanket are statements often made by people who struggle with what experts are calling, digital addiction. Awareness of the issue has fostered a National Day of Unplugging, which will be held March 3-March 4, Since 92% of Americans own a cell phone (70% being smartphones) and 83% of Americans stop any conversation they are involved in to answer the phone if it rings (for a call or text), there is an increasing awareness of what technology is doing to social interactions. 82% of people say, It deteriorates the conversation and destroys the in -person interaction. M.I.T. professor, Sherry Turkle s new book, Reclaiming Conversation, the Power of Talk in the Digital Age, argues that Americans are being bombarded by near-constant distraction of technology that leads to a loss of intimacy, empathy, and the ability to connect to others. Turkle notes it is particularly damaging to young children, but, can also be noticed in people s inability to (and struggle with) being alone. When you look at people in a checkout line in a supermarket if they wait three seconds, they are checking their texts Empathy is at stake, and we need empathy to raise children who are able to be ethical and moral people. This is an important time for the Church to attract and help children. By allowing our children to carve out, what theologians call Sacred Space, where children have conversations about the struggles of their lives (and the silences of their lives), our church is living out the grace of God. In Sacred Space our church allows children to consider

2 their doubts ( life is not supposed to be like this, is it? ) as well giving them time, without the pressures of our digital age, to enrich their imagination, faith, and relationships. The past night when I went to pick up take out at a local restaurant, I witnessed a family sitting at a table, waiting to be served. Each had their digital device - - checking their s or playing their games - - to keep them distracted. From what are they distracting themselves? I wondered, Is this what we call time together? Is this family time? Is this quality time? Thomas Merton once noted the importance of separating ourselves from the pressure of the things in our lives. Until we love God perfectly, he writes, Everything in the world will be able to hurt us our greatest misfortune is to be dead to the pain (temporal thing cause us) and not realize what it is. Perhaps the greatest gift we can give ourselves (and our children) is a quiet hour on Sunday to contemplate the worth of our souls. Yours through Christ, Women s Fellowship The Women s Fellowship Group put Care Boxes together for our 5 freshman students. Thanks to all for the donations they will enjoy the treats and feel our prayers from First Parish during their exams! Contact us Phone: Ext. 1 Website: office.fpchurch@verizon.net

3 PAGE 3 THE CHURCH BELL MAY 2016 Christian Ministry Coordinator Priscilla Duda What a fun and exciting Easter we all had a highlight being the worship service followed by an Easter Egg Hunt all over the town green. I lost count but there were eggs in the trees, the fountain, the steps to town hall and more. There was laughter and excitement as the youngest ran around and gathered all they could hold. The special part was when on several occasions some of the older children who were bursting with eggs, shared their collection with younger less fortunate hunters. I saw this several times that morning and was thrilled that this sharing was unprompted by me or the parents the children took it upon themselves to help out the younger children how wonderful! I want to thank the many parents and students that arrived at my house the Friday before to stuff the eggs it was such a wonderful fun evening and nice to know that most of the candy was tested before putting into the eggs by the packers!! May is the month when the Sunday school finishes up; we will look at the Story of Abraham and Sarah and then prepare for Children s Sunday on May 15 th. We hope that you will attend worship that day and thank the many volunteers and recognize our wonderful students. I would like to thank all of the families for another successful year thank you for your support and commitment to our program. Thank you as well to the many volunteers, Nancy Peterson, Holly Potter, Nancy Garvey, Julie Hindes, Sara Holch, Jen Powers, Sara DeOreo, Santana Tosi, Abby Powers, Annie Greenleaf and Chip Price for another great year!! In closing I look forward to seeing many of you at this year s Vacation Bible School (VBS) which will run from 1-3pm on June 22, 23, and 24 th. Please join us as we offer Surf Shack catch the waves of God s amazing love, to the Community of Manchester! I promise it will be another fun exciting adventure!!! Have a great month! Priscilla Duda

4 PAGE 4 THE CHURCH BELL MAY 2016 The Confirmation Class They had a wonderful time helping to make the Chili /Chowder fest a huge success. The group helped with the setup, serving, clearing and finally taking everything down at the end. I cannot tell you how many wonderful comments I have received about this group; they have been a pleasure to work with. This month the class sanded, and painted two cabinets that were donated to the Grace house in Gloucester for storage. The students had a fun time painting and surprisingly got most of the paint on the cabinets!! The time that they have spent learning more about religion will be coming to an end soon. I recommend that everyone take a moment to meet these students as they make a decision to join First Parish Church. Please be sure to save the date June 5 th and attend the Confirmation Service I promise it will be a lovely service recognizing and outstanding group! Happy Spring! Priscilla Duda Adult Education First Parish Church Book Group continues to grow and become more fun with each meeting we currently have 24 members participating when convenient. The next time we will meet is May 23 at the home of Mary Ellen Cook, 23 Harold St MBTS. The book we are reading this month is The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. Kidd's sweeping novel is set in motion on Sarah s eleventh birthday, when she is given ownership of ten year old Hetty Handful, who is to be her handmaid. We follow their remarkable journeys over the next thirty five years, as both strive for a life of their own, dramatically shaping each other s destinies and forming a complex relationship marked by guilt, defiance, estrangement and the uneasy ways of love. Good Reads Our book group continues to change but is always wonderful fellowship, great food and wine! You are welcome to jump in and come at any time if you need a ride let me know and I will arrange one for you! Hour of Tranquility has ended for the season. Look for the date we start again in the Fall.

5 PAGE 5 THE CHURCH BELL MAY 2016 Our next Soup and Conversation will take place October 23, 2016 when Jen Powers will share Growing up in Saudi Arabia. Please save the date for what will be a wonderful presentation. Rev. Hughes offers his Bible study on Friday afternoons from 4:00 5:30. I highly recommend that if you have not participated that you ask one of those attendees what it is like. You will find that it is open, friendly, and very educational and is a Bible study that leaves you waiting for the next time you will meet. I am always looking for more programs for adult education so I welcome and appreciate all suggestions. Have a wonderful month! Priscilla Vacation Bible Program Save the Date! Surf Shack, June 22, 23 & 24, 1 PM - 3 PM Catch the Wave of God's Amazing Love with games, songs, crafts, and more! Questions? Contact Priscilla ext. 3 or cedirector.fpchurch@verizon.net Membership & Vitality On Sunday, April 3, we were delighted to welcome new members to First Parish Church Congregational. Please take a moment to say hello and introduce yourself to them! Sarah Campbell, Muriel Parker, and Rosemary Loring

6 Youth Director Jessica Skidmore April was an exciting month that seemed to go by too fast. On Friday April 8th I, along with Nancy Peterson, took twelve middle and high school students to a Celtics game. We rode the train into the city, ate some delicious junk food, and overall had a terrific time. And we won!!! It was great to see our kids having such a great time with one another. The next morning some of those same students woke up early to help out with the Chili/Chowder luncheon. They did an excellent job with set up, serving, and clean up. They make me proud! On April 23rd we went and served dinner at The Open Door in Gloucester. (See pictures on the next page!) We made American Chop Suey, zucchini, and brownies topped off with ice cream. It was wonderful to have some middle school students show up as well as some older volunteers from our church to help out as well. Kenn T. from The Open Door wrote to me and told me how impressed he was with our group and what a great job we did. And everyone loved the food. Throughout the month of May, the youth and I are collecting items for Operation Troop Support. The things that are most needed are white crew socks, non-perishable snacks, sunblock, books, crossword puzzles and letters of thank you/ encouragement. I will be including the full list weekly in the church bulletin as well as sending it out in an . There will be a box in the back of the church or Narthex, and also one located in the youth room. Giving back to those who do some much for us each and every day is so important. All the youth and I will be writing up letters to send along with the items we collect. Thank you in advance for your donations! We will have youth group for the next few Sundays leading up to Children's Sunday which is on May 15th. We meet at 10am in the youth room downstairs. Blessings, Jessica

7 The Open Door Mission

8 Birthday Page May & June WILKINSON, SHIRLEY 5A PEELE HOUSE SQ MANCHESTER 05/01 BACHMAN, FRAN 13A THE PLAINS MANCHESTER 05/05 BERGER, GWENDOLYN 102 OLD ESSEX ROAD MANCHESTER 05/08 WARNOCK, LYNANNE 5 RUNNING RIDGE RD MANCHESTER 05/12 lswarnock@aol.com GENDRON, CHARLIE 112 SUMMER ST MANCHESTER 05/13 TOSI, SANTANA 3 BUTLER AVE MANCHESTER 05/13 WARD, JOSHUA 27 HIGH ST GLOUCESTER MA /13 FRANKLIN, LANEY 17 NORWOOD AVE MANCHESTER 05/20 CURRY, SALLY 12 HIDDEN LEDGE RD MANCHESTER 05/21 smcurry@gmail.com DEOREO, SARA 6 BROOK STREET MANCHESTER 05/21 sara@deoreo.com GRAYDEN, WILLIAM 266 W SEAVIEW DR MARATHON FL 05/21 FEUERBACH, TASLA 5 HAROLD STREET MANCHESTER 05/24 POWERS, ABIGAIL 8 STORY ROAD MAGNOLIA 05/25 LEARAGER, STACEY 2 MACHAIN WAY MANCHESTER 05/26 schuhler@comcast.net PRICE JR, ROBERT 38 EVERETT ST BEVERLY FARMS 05/26 cprice@vpg.com KOOPMAN, NATALIE P.O. BOX 522 MANCHESTER 05/29 LUMSDEN, DAVID 10 KNIGHT CIRCLE MANCHESTER 05/31 david.lumsden@verizon.net TOSI, COLTON 3 BUTLER AVE MANCHESTER 06/02 SAWYER, JOHNATHAN 17 ESSES ST APT 3 BEVERLY 06/03 PICK, AVA 27 LINCOLN ST MANCHESTER 06/04 DECKER, MARK 11 PICKERING ST #2 ESSEX 06/06 rmarkdecker@hotmail.com DRISCOLL, PAUL 111 CHEBACCO ROAD S.HAMILTON 06/10 dsravenew@gmail.com THOMSIN, KATHRYN 140 SCHOOL ST MANCHESTER 06/10 BARTLETT, SYDNEY 60 BEACH ST MANCHESTER 06/20 BRUNS, ALISON 3 SALT MARSH LN GLOUCESTER 06/20 walkerali@comcast.net BUDDENHAGEN, MILES 102 HESPERUS AVE MAGNOLIA 06/20 KIRBY, LAWRENCE 340 SUMMER ST MANCHESTER 06/21 lfkirby@gmail.com NEWMAN, SHAWN 16 OLD COUNTY RD GLOUCESTER 06/22 shawn200226@yahoo.com ERDMANN, TYLER 1 BLUE HERON LANE MANCHESTER 06/23 COALE, CONNOR 102 PINE ST MANCHESTER 06/24 MCCOLGAN, EDWARD 26 HIGHLAND ST GLOUCESTER 06/27 SHAW, LYDIA 62 NORWOOD AV MANCHESTER 06/27 POTTER, VICTORIA 15 NORWOOD AVE MANCHESTER 06/28 WILSON, ELIZA 3 SCHOOL ST MANCHESTER 06/28 HALGREN, NANCY 35 CENTRAL ST MANCHESTER 06/29 nanwh@hotmail.com WARREN, NICHOLAS 16 BROOK ST MANCHESTER 06/29 DEOREO, MICHAEL 6 BROOK STREET MANCHESTER 06/30 KNOX, JEANNE 12B PICKETT ST BEVERLY 06/30 jeanneknox1@comcast.net NICKLESS, JUNE 124 BRIDGE ST MANCHESTER 06/30 georgejune@comcast.net

9 PAGE 9 THE CHURCH BELL MAY 2016 Annual Meeting following worship Sunday June 12. To donate Flowers for the altar on a Sunday morning -in memory or celebration- contact Penny Lapham at Worship at Tuck s Point Sunday, June 19 at 10 AM First Parish Church Congregational uses candid photos of church activities on its website and in its publicity from time to time. Any photos of children used will not contain personally identifiable information. Members of the community not wanting their photos depicted (or those of their children) should inform the church office. We are looking for knitting needles and yarn that you might be considering "casting" aside. We continue to knit blankets, shawls, and scarves; and for our military troops: helmet liners, neck gators, and scarves. We use both 100% wool and synthetic fibers for yarn, and straight and round knitting needles...all sizes. Contact Penny Lapham at or laphenpen@live.com We welcome anyone wishing to join us. The Care Team Ministry Have you shared the experience? Our Care Team provides meals, rides, & visits to sustain families in our Church Community through times of illness and loss. If you would like to become involved with this wonderful support system please call; Sheila Kafer , smkafer@comcast.net Janet Groth at , janbythesea244@gmail.com

10 Worship Schedule Sunday, May 1 st communion Scripture: Acts 11:1-18 Revelation 21:1-6 John 5:1-9 Sermon: The Need for Healing Faith Hymns: God of Abraham and Sarah Leaning on the Everlasting Arms Shall We Gather at the River Friday, May 6 th Bible Study 4:00 Chapel Sunday, May 8 th Mother s Day Scripture: Acts 16:16-34 Revelation 22:12-14,16-17,20-21 John 17:20-26 Sermon: A Faith that Saves Everyone Hymns: O Christ Jesus, Sent from Heaven Blest be the Tie that Binds I Sing a Song of the Saints of God Friday, May 13 th Bible Study 4:00 Chapel Sunday, May 15 nd Children s Sunday, Pentecost Friday, May 20 th Bible Study 4:00 Chapel Sunday, May 22 nd Missions Celebration Sunday Scripture + Presentations for mission supported by F.P.C. Friday, May 27 th Bible Study 4:00 Chapel Sunday, May 29 th Memorial Day Weekend Scripture: Galatians 1:1-12 Luke 7:1-10 Sermon: The Struggles of a Centurion Faith? Hymns: National Hymn This is My Song Navy Hymn

11 Daily Lectionary Sun., May 1 Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 16:9-15 Psalm 67 Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9 Mon., May 2 Psalm 93 1 Chronicles 12:16-22 Revelation 21:5-14 Tues., May 3 Psalm 93 2 Chronicles 15:1-15 Revelation 21:15-22 Wed., May 4 Psalm 93 2 Chronicles 34:20-33 Luke 2:25-38 Thurs., May 5 Ascension of the Lord Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 47 or Psalm 93 Ephesians 1:15-23 Luke 24:44-53 Fri., May 6 Psalm 97 Exodus 33:12-17 Revelation 22:6-9 Sat., May 7 Psalm 97 Exodus 33:18-23 John 1:14-18 Sun., May 8 Seventh Sunday of Easter Acts 16:16-34 Psalm 97 Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, John 17:20-26 Mon., May 9 Psalm 29 Exodus 40:16-38 Acts 16:35-40 Tues., May 10 Psalm 29] 2 Chronicles 5:2-14 Acts 26:19-29 Wed., May 11 Psalm 29 Ezekiel 3:12-21 Luke 9:18-27 Thurs., May 12 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Isaiah 32:11-17 Galatians 5:16-25 Fri., May 13 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Isaiah 44:1-4 Galatians 6:7-10 Sat., May 14 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b 2 Kings 2:1-15a Luke 1:5-17 Sun., May 15 Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-21 or Genesis 11:1-9 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Romans 8:14-17 or Acts 2:1-21 John 14:8-17 [25-27] Mon., May 16 Psalm 48 Joel 2: Corinthians 2:1-11 Tues., May 17 Psalm 48 Ezekiel 11: Corinthians 2:12-16 Wed., May 18 Psalm 48 Numbers 24:1-14 Luke 1:26-38 Thurs., May 19 Psalm 8 Proverbs 3:13-18 Ephesians 1:17-19 Fri., May 20 Psalm 8 Proverbs 3:19-26 Ephesians 4:1-6 Sat., May 21 Psalm 8 Proverbs 4:1-9 Luke 2:41-52 Sun., May 22 Trinity Sunday Proverbs 8:1-4, Psalm 8 Romans 5:1-5 John 16:12-15 Mon., May 23 Psalm 124 Proverbs 7:1-4 Ephesians 4:7-16 Tues., May 24 Psalm 124 Proverbs 8:4-21 Ephesians 5:15-20 Wed., May 25 Psalm 124 Daniel 1:1-21 Luke 1:46b-55 Thurs., May 26 Psalm 96 1 Kings 12: Corinthians 5:11-17 Fri., May 27 Psalm 96 1 Kings 16: Corinthians 11:1-6 Sat., May 28 Psalm 96 1 Kings 18:1-19 Luke 4:31-37 Sun., May 29 1 Kings 18:20-21 [22-29] Psalm 96 Galatians 1:1-12 Luke 7:1-10 Mon., May 30 Psalm 135 Ezekiel 8:1-18 Acts 8:26-40 Tues., May 31 Psalm 135 Ezekiel 14:1-11 Acts 3:1-10 Link for monthly lectionaryhttp:// education/lectionary.htm Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. commontexts.org. Used by permission. This resource may be reproduced by congregations for their own worship and educational activities. Provided by the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ made possible by Our Church s Wider Mission Basic Support and Fellowship Dues.

12 First Parish Church, Congregational 1 Chapel Lane, P.O. Box 187 Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA Address Correction Requested Keep Well and Blood Pressure Clinic The 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month 10 AM-12 Noon in the Conference Room at the Chapel Clinics are free and open to residents 60 and over. They are run by community health nurses from the VNA Care Network. Services include health assessments ( blood pressure, blood sugar, weight monitoring, cardiopulmonary, etc.) and referral to community resources. Appointments are not necessary.