in Spire The Newsletter of Maple Street Congregational Church United Church of Christ July/August, 2014

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1 in Spire The Newsletter of Maple Street Congregational Church United Church of Christ July/August, 2014 Pastor Kevin s Corner Thinking of Fall It seems summer is going so fast! Perhaps this is because winter was so long and I can t remember if we had a spring! As summer begins to wind down and we are enjoying our final outings and vacations we are making plans for the coming new church season. Please join us for our annual Worship in the Park on Sunday, August 31 st at Endicott Park. Bring your favorite picnic lunch and beverages and join us in worship at 10:00 am followed by a church family picnic. I hear a rumor that parking is free this year! Invite your friends and neighbors to join us for this special worship and throughout the church year! (Should the weather not cooperate, our fallback is to worship in the chapel.) As September rolls in we will back in the sanctuary on Sunday, September 7 th. September 14 th is Rally Sunday with a preworship brunch and registration for all the wonderful activities at MSC. We will bless the school children s backpacks on Sunday, September 21 st and during the Sunday, September 28 th worship service we will celebrate our Christian Education program, enjoy Teacher dedication and have a special sermon from Rev. Ellie Richardson of the Massachusetts Conference of the UCC. That same Sunday, Sept. 28 th, at 3 pm in the afternoon we have the honor of ordaining our own Brendan Curran into ministry of the UCC! Join Brendan and people from all over the Essex Association of the UCC for this very special service followed by a reception sponsored by Brendan s family. Much more is planned for the remainder of the Fall, Winter, and Spring! We will remember, too, to cherish and celebrate every moment spent with our beloved Minister of Christian Formation Elsa Marshall as we ready ourselves for her retirement after Christmas. A search committee is already formed to put together the plan for what comes next in leadership of our children and families ministry. May God bless you and keep you and inspire you in discipleship of Jesus Christ! Shalom with love, Pastor Kevin 90 Maple Street, Danvers, MA

2 Anne Goodnow Hanson, 61, daughter of MSC s beloved Alden and Lois Goodnow, passed away on Sunday, July 6th at her home in Orrington, Maine, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Anne was born on June 18, She grew up in Danvers and enjoyed summers on Martha's Vineyard with her family and friends. She graduated from Danvers High School in 1971 and attended the University of Maine where she studied microbiology and was a member of Tri-Delta Sorority. In her freshman year, Anne began work as a ski instructor at Squaw Mountain where she met Tom Hanson, a fellow skiing enthusiast. Anne and Tom subsequently married on August 4, Following Anne's graduation from the University of Maine in 1975, she continued on to earn her Master's Degree in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Anne and Tom then settled in Orrington where they raised their two daughters. After returning to the Bangor area, Anne became a member of the Junior League. Anne began her teaching career at Husson University and University College. In 1988 she became a lecturer at the University of Maine where she taught microbiology until She enjoyed her work and inspired hundreds of students over the years through her lectures and labs. She was dedicated to teaching and participated in several science education outreach programs and worked as a mentor in local grade school classrooms. From 1997 to 2007 she was a consultant for Hydro-Photon, where she was involved in the development of their Steripen. She was an active member of the American Society of Microbiology through which she attended many conferences on undergraduate education. Anne also worked for the Atlas Protocol Project as a project manager for their online microbe teaching library. From 2007 to 2012 she continued her involvement with the Atlas Protocol Project, serving as the Editor-in-Chief of their Review Committee. During this time she served as a mentor for International Microbiology Educators through the ASM-UNESCO leadership program for International Educators. She was extremely proud of the accomplishments of her former students and was treated by several of these students at both Dana Farber Cancer Institute and at Cancer Care of Maine. Because of her dedication to teaching, the Anne G. Hanson Scholarship Fund at the University of Maine was created in her honor. Anne's love for skiing continued long past her college days. She served as President of Penobscot Valley Ski Club and then became a board member of the Sugarloaf Ski Club where she was very active in the junior racing program. Beyond these club activities she also spent many volunteer hours working on local and national level ski races. Anne and Tom's love for skiing led them to ski destinations around the world, but they always remained avid Sugarloafers. Anne joined All Souls Congregational Church on November 18, Among the committee assignments she accepted were Christian Education, Coordinating and Nominating Committees. She gave special attention to the Advent Event and the Annual Holiday Bazaar where she chaired the bread workshops. With her upbeat and warm personality, Anne was loved by all who knew her. Family and friends will also remember her boundless energy and enthusiasm. Once the snows had melted and the skis were put away, she could be found jogging trails, hiking mountains, gardening, kayaking, biking and, of course, sailing the coast of Maine with Tom on their beloved boat Nereus. Anne is survived by her husband, Thomas Hanson of Orrington, her daughters, Sarah Hanson, MD of Longmeadow, Massachusetts; Emily Hanson and Patrick McDowall and grandson Tristan McDowall of British Columbia; her parents Lois and Alden Goodnow of Massachusetts; her sisters Marty Goo Nancy Goodnow Peters and her husband Randy Peters of Holden, Maine and Amy Goodnow of Danvers, Massachusetts, and several other close family members. The inspire 2 July/August, 2014

3 From Elsa Marshall Rally Day is Sept. 14 th and I begin the first of my lasts as I lean into my retirement on Dec. 31 st, On Rally Day we will gather at 9:15AM in the social hall for a light continental breakfast and registration for all the activities and opportunities that will be part of this coming church school year. This year, the Faith Walker s program has moved to a new curriculum. It is still a bible story based curriculum. The curriculum s name is SHINE and it has its own bible called Shine On: A Story Bible. This new version of the bible for young people has been reviewed as one of the best new resources available for Christian faith formation. A perfect teaching bible. It has been highly recommended not only for Sunday school classrooms but also for families. And it is also available in Spanish! The 320- page, hardcover book is filled with stories of people wrestling to know God and give us a glimpse of God s desire for the world. Both Old and New Testament stories are included with highlights of biblical poetry, songs, laws, instructions, and history. The artists who created the colorful photographs, watercolors, maps, cartoons and other artwork for each story provide a rich tapestry for the imagination. The images are culturally-appropriate and reflect people from around the globe. Each story also comes with a section called Explore, which asks thought-provoking questions and presents interesting facts, and another section called Connect, which suggests simple activities for families who want to go deeper. A Wonder segment at the end of each story encourages readers to think and wonder about the stories in different ways. This new bible is published by MennoMedia and Brethren Press. I am so excited about all that it will bring to enrich our youth and children s learning and growing and forming into disciples of Jesus Christ during their Faith Walkers classes. Fall is just around the corner, and all the curriculum has been ordered. I always spend most of the summer getting ready for our fall and all of its programs and varied activities. This year as I was updating our CE Booklet, I reread what I wrote many years ago about faith formation and teaching. It still rings true to me and so I want to share what it says with you: Faith formation and teaching that transforms are at the heart of Christian education. Nurturing and mentoring the generations toward faithful discipleship is the task of the church and church families. Being followers of the living Christ is a life long journey and is caught as well as taught. Although it is my belief that the family is the primary forming center for faith, the church, it s worship, service and mission, programs, curriculums, liturgy and rites of passage are also an important part in each person s faith development. It is our prayerful hope that our offerings with the help of the Holy Spirit shape, form and transform this community into a communion fellowship of Christian brothers and sisters prepared and preparing to help build the Kingdom of God. I believed that when I penned it many years ago, and I still believe it to be a faithful expression of our work and ministry together today. I cannot wait for the return of all our church family. It is always such a joy filled time of re-gathering and reunion. Shalom with love, Elsa The inspire 3 July/August, 2014

4 THE DEACON S BENCH As the pace of our lives changes over the summer we will have many opportunities to stay close to our church family and faith. SAVE THE DATE: Although it s a bit early to talk about the end of summer, we wanted to let you know that our Outdoor Labor Day Service and Communion will once again be held at Endicott Park on (Labor Day Sunday) August 31. This year, our church family celebration will be a picnic. Please bring your own food and drink. There is no fee this year for parking! May you all have a blessed, warm (but not too hot), and sunny August! We look forward to sharing fellowship with you this summer. THE REV. DR. CHARLES N. GROSS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD The fifth annual The Rev. Charles N. Gross Scholarship was awarded this year to Lily Cuzner at the morning worship service of Maple Street Congregational Church, UCC, Danvers, on May 18. Lily is a senior at Danvers High School and is the daughter of Fred and Lisa Cuzner. She will be majoring in education at High Point University in North Carolina. One of the requirements that Dr. Gross listed for this scholarship is community service, and he noted Lily s involvement in the Danvers Recreation Department s Camp Sunshine summer program for the children who have been placed in Danvers motels for the past three years. This scholarship was established by the members and friends of Maple Street Congregational Church, UCC at the time of Rev. Gross s retirement in honor of his more than twenty-two years that he served as Senior Minister. On behalf of the board of Deacons, Peggy from the Duffill family for the many notes and kind words expressed following the passing of our beloved Baxter. He will be missed. Pictured from left to right are the current pastor of MSC, the Rev. Kevin Smith, Lily Cuzner, the Rev. Dr. Charles N. Gross, Pastor Emeritus, and Elsa Marshal, Commissioned Minister. The inspire 4 July/August, 2014

5 MAPLE STREET CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Friends; It s almost that time again! Please join us: Sunday, September 14 th RALLY DAY Continental Breakfast - 9:15AM in the Social Hall There will be Registration for all of our many and varied children and youth ministries! Signup and confirm information for: Faith Walker classes Children and Intergenerational Choirs Hand Bells Acolyte and other programs being offered this year That morning besides food and hospitality there will be crafts and activities. Be sure to come, confirm our information for registration and then help your children locate their new classrooms. As always, children will begin with their families in worship at 10AM. They will leave at the beginning of the second hymn for Faith Walkers (aka church school) to meet their new teachers. Be sure to join us for all the activities. It will be fun to have the Church Family together again! Mark your calendars now too. Blessing of the Backpacks! Bring your school backpacks or lunch boxes to be blessed during worship Sunday Sept 21st! We look forward to seeing you! The inspire 5 July/August, 2014

6 Growing Good Corn There once was a farmer who grew awardwinning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon. One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors. How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in completion with yours each year? the reporter asked. Why sir, said the farmer, didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, crosspollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn. He is very much aware of the connectedness of life. His corn cannot improve unless his neighbor s corn also improves. So it is with our lives. Those who chose to live in peach must help their neighbors to live in peace. Those who choose to live well must help others to live well, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others to find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all. The lesson for each of us is this: if we are to grow good corn, we must help our neighbors grow good corn. Author Unknown A Note from the Treasurer As of July 24, 2014 Fiscal Year to Date Pledges: Actual Received Budgeted $26,245 $145,250 % of Budgeted Pledge Receipts 18.1% (should be at 18.1%) There is no news this month from the Church Council, the Board of Trustees, and the Christian Education, World Service, Music, Stewardship, and Membership & Leadership Committees. Our prayers continue to be with families who have suffered the loss of a loved one in recent months. Blessings to the families of Margaret Grace Kulakowski, daughter of Kate and Mark Kulakowski, and Sullivan Laurence Pickering, son of James and Nicole Pickering, both of whom were recently Baptized here. The inspire 6 July/August, 2014

7 We had a wonderful day at the Danvers Family Festival in June. Church Growth has a booth there every year with a small fishing game to keep the little ones happy and for Maple Street to be a presence in the community. We were the only church booth there this year. We all had fun watching the children come in, pick up a pole and catch fish from the little kiddie pool. The weather was perfect, sunny and warm; the crowd of three-year-olds was friendly. A few tried to go swimming to cool off or to just grab a fish when the pole didn t work for them! We had lots of help to make the day go by quickly; the Sauer s donated their kiddie/doggie pool, Rich and Lynne Hathaway dropped off the Maple Street Church banner, Kevin stopped by to inspire us. Peggy Kuzma, Gisela Turner and Beverly Howard were especially helpful in staffing the booth and keeping the line of prizes going smoothly! Thanks to everyone for wonderful day! Sarah Prescott, Church Growth The inspire 7 July/August, 2014

8 Maple Eves Picnic June 11 at the home of Lori Dupont The inspire 8 July/August, 2014

9 Sandwichers Progressive Dinner, June 27 Appetizers at Priscilla s Entre at Lori s Dessert at Marge s The inspire 9 July/August, 2014

10 6th Annual CROP HUNGER WALK Saturday October 4, 2014 Sponsored by Rockport Congregational Church, UCC, Maple Street Congregational Church (Danvers), UCC, and Essex Association of Mass. Conf. of UCC A CROP Walk is an ecumenical community walk designed to raise awareness of hunger and poverty and raise funds for both international and local relief. In the last 5 years, we have raised over $20,000 to support international hunger relief efforts and 5 food pantries/soup kitchens in the Essex County Area! This year we will donate funds to Family Promise North Shore-Boston. The walk will again be held at Maple Street Congregational Church in Danvers. Registration is at 9:00 am. If you are interested in finding out how you can be a part of this awesome event or coordinate a group of walkers, please contact Jay Reed at rkptreed@verizon.net or Mercy Duffill at MyrtleTurtle1122@aol.com The inspire 10 July/August, 2014

11 Maple Street Congregational Church United Church of Christ 90 Maple Street, Danvers, MA Rev. Kevin Smith Minister Mrs. Elsa M. Marshall Commissioned Minister Ms. Kathy Gross Director of Music Ministry Ms. Ji-Hye Jung Asst. Director of Music Ministry Ms. Linda Blair Office Administrator Mrs. Lynne Hathaway Nursery School Director , ext (cell) revkevmsc@gmail.com , ext. 4 elsa@maplestreetchurch.org , ext. 5 candk144@gmail.com , ext 0 jihye87@gmail.com , ext. 0 info@maplestreetchurch.org , ext 6 lynne.hathaway@verizon.net Our Worship Services are recorded every Sunday and aired on Danvers Comcast Channel 99 and Verizon Channel 36, Sunday 10:00 am and 7:00 pm (one week delay) Our lighted steeple is an important symbol of our presence in the community. Your contributions in memory of loved ones and friends or to commemorate a special event help keep the steeple lighted. If you would like to have the steeple lighted for one or more weeks, please fill out the form below and send it with $15 per week to the church office. I would like the steeple lighted in memory of: I would like the steeple lighted in honor of: Requested date (if available) to light: (signed) Telephone Number: The inspire 11 July/August, 2014

12 The Spire Maple Street Congregational Church United Church of Christ 90 Maple Street Danvers, MA No matter who you are or where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here! The Spire is a regular publication of Maple Street Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 90 Maple Street, Danvers, MA The due date for contributions to the September issue of The inspire is August 21 at noon. Fully composed items can be ed to info@maplestreetchurch.org or delivered to the church office. Items may be edited for length and grammar. No matter who you are or where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here!