120 Wilton Rd., Peterborough, NH (603) PASTOR S NOTE

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1 NEWSLETTER APRIL 12, 2017 Pastor s Note Weekly Service Announcements Reminders Meet the Member Church Calendar Prayer Needs 120 Wilton Rd., Peterborough, NH (603) PASTOR S NOTE Greetings in the LORD Brothers and Sisters, I have two different issues to write about this week; one is the last of a four part series on the Sunday worship service and the other is a friendly reminder. I ended the discussion last week with the sermon, which I believe, is the heart of the service (and I am not alone in this thinking!). We then turn to the end of the sermon, the final hymn(s), and the benediction. One will notice that I have made it a point to allow for quiet reflection for a brief moment at the end of the sermon before I pray. I think it is helpful if we take even a few moments to think about what has been said and how you may apply it to your life. We live in such a fast-paced world that we often live in the moment and are held hostage by the tyranny of the present. (I know I often am and am trying to actively change that.) This reflection takes place to orient your thinking to the next few days and week on how to change or simply to be encouraged by the Word. I then end with a brief prayer. Penultimate, then, is the final hymn(s) which ought to be reflective also of what we have heard. The opportunity to praise God once more reminds us of the need to do this on an ongoing basis and not just at specific times ordered by others. Our responses can, will, and should be varied based on our situations in life and the needs we may have at any particular time. Please do not just mouth the words to the song while you contemplate what you are going to do after the worship service. When I ran I always was told to finish strong, and that is an encouragement for you as well. Finally, we end with the benediction. Some practices seem so traditional and not modern that many have no idea why we do it or why we still desire to. The benediction is the pastor s final opportunity to embolden the congregation to live out what they have experienced and heard that morning. It is a charge to activity. One ought not overlook this important aspect of the service. And there you have it. I have written over the last 4 weeks on the worship service and tried to give succinct reasons for each part. I hope this has been helpful. Continued: pg. 2

2 Pastor s Note Continued: The encouragement for the week is my desire for you to reflect on who Jesus Christ is and what He went through to attain salvation for His people. Christians make a big deal of Christmas for obvious reasons, but often Easter is the lesser of the two holidays on the calendar. It really should be vice versa. Without the incarnation we certainly would have no cross, but without the cross and resurrection we would have no salvation. You are given multiple opportunities to share in prayer, worship, and examination in a corporate and individual way. Some may think they do not need it because they know the story already, some may think they do not want it because they struggle with corporate activities, and some may not desire it because they are struggling in their own Christian walk. For whatever reason, I encourage you to lay your excuses to the side and join the saints at MCC in adoring the Savior, weeping over the cost of our sin, praising the LORD for His grace and mercy, and examining the empty tomb that your faith would be deepened by His work within the body. Yes, you can stay home and do that on your own, but I would ask why would you do that? What is your motivation to do so? So join us either Thursday or Friday (or both!) and on Easter Sunday as we praise His holy Name for all we have and will acquire. Blessings upon you as you decrease and He increases in your life. May His grace and mercy be with you all! Soli Deo Gloria, Pastor Paul ANNOUNCEMENTS Holy Week Services at MCC Maundy Thursday 7PM Good Friday 7PM This night will be an opportunity for you to engage in corporate prayer with your brothers and sisters at MCC. We will be praying as a group and breaking up into small groups in order to praise our LORD and bring requests before Him. We will sing and hear Scripture read as well. Finally, it is a night for contemplation where we will consider the events leading up to the crucifixion. A special service and one we hope you will attend. This night will be an opportunity to hear the Scriptures read about the trials and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ. We will be singing together throughout and reflecting upon the burden of Christ. It is a night for solemnity that we may recognize the depth of God s love for us. We will celebrate the Lord s Supper as well.

3 ANNOUNCEMENTS Thank you & Need to be filled: After years of faithfully serving the congregation in the unique way of taking the photographs for our board in the sanctuary hallway Tom Marriner is retiring from this role. We thank Tom for his help with putting faces & names together for our congregation! Now we need to find another hobby photographer willing to take on this job for our church. You will need to be willing to talk to new people here at church and convince them (gently) to let you take their picture for the board. Please see Tom or Cindy Marriner to get more insight and information. Office Administrator/Manager: Deb is stepping down from the position here in the church office at the end of May and we need to find someone with the appropriate skill set to fill this important role to assist Pastor Paul and the congregation as a whole. Please contact Pastor Paul if you may be interested. Game Night: Friday, April 28th, 6:30pm. Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship here at the church. Games of all types boards, cards, spins, rolls, etc. No prior gaming experience is needed and all ages are welcome. Bring a snack to share if you d like and bring a friend! If you have any questions, please see Pastor Paul or Deb Gard. Sanctuary Flowers: The lovely arrangements on the front table in the sanctuary are provided in a spirit of love and joy by Becky van Dam and Sue Groff as they have the time and opportunity. They are happy to have anyone help with this, especially as we are heading into the time of year when people have flowers in their gardens that they may want to share with the church. If you would like to provide flowers, plants, etc. for the table on any given week, please call Becky at to coordinate. Thank you for providing bright spots of color in our worship. Book Discussion Group: Sunday, April 30th, 6:30pm. Join us to discuss the book: From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology by John Dyer. About the book: Believers and unbelievers alike are saturated with technology, yet most give it little if any thought. Consumers buy and upgrade as fast as they can, largely unaware of technology s subtle yet powerful influence. In a world where technology changes almost daily, many are left to wonder: Should Christians embrace all that is happening? Are there some technologies that we need to avoid? Does the Bible give us any guidance on how to use digital tools and social media? Books can be purchased in the office for $12. NE Faith & Justice Summit on Human Trafficking: Please see the information posted on the board behind the sanctuary and the doors regarding this important event. You can also go to for more information and to register. Pastor Paul & Deb Gard will be attending and are happy to carpool if you are interested.

4 ANNOUNCEMENTS Garden Tithe Notes: Collette Lucas spearheads the Garden Tithe program here at MCC each year please see her for more specific information about how you can get involved if you are interested. Garden Tithe Seed Exchange This exchange is open to everyone, not just members of the Garden Tithe. A box will be on the back table in the sanctuary for anyone who would like to trade seeds again this year. If you have extra seeds, please be sure that none of the expiration dates are before Take what you want, leave extras. Envelopes will be provided in case you want just a few seeds, not a whole package. Garden Tithe Plant Exchange This exchange is also open to everyone, not just members of the Garden Tithe. Because most people plant their garden(s) on Memorial Day weekend, the annual plant swap will take place the next weekend, June 4th. If you find that you have extra plants, please bring them in for use by members of the congregation MCC Financial Update- first quarter of 2017 January 1 March 31, 2017 Actual Budget Over (Under) Budget Tithes & Offerings $57,808 $55,688 $2,120 Expenses $43,346 $48,187 (4,841)

5 MEET THE MEMBER Ellen Derby Personal Notes: I was born and raised in Springfield, MA and graduated from Gordon College with a degree is History/Secondary Education. I taught Middle School in Hudson, NH before marrying and moving to Peterborough. While raising our family I owned and operated the Gosling Preschool in West Peterborough. I also volunteered extensively with the Peterborough Historical Society and became Executive Director there in Due to declining health it became necessary to leave that role and I found a new opportunity in working with at-risk children through Monadnock Family Services. It s astonishing to realize the poverty that exists around us in this region. I ve lived in Peterborough (in the same house) for 46 years with my dear husband Charlie and our shy cat Millie. We have two grown children, Mark & Ann, and two young adult grand-daughters. Church Connection: I am a founding member of MCC and have been blessed to take part in all aspects of growth and life here. I ve taught Sunday School, sung with the choir, acted as church historian and recently worked with the Jr. Church program. Currently I am part of the Ladies Bible study on Monday morning and the prayer chain. Things I love to do: I love to share History so if you want to know more about Peterborough, I would be happy to talk or show you around the town! PRAYER NEEDS Pray comfort and peace for the Genet family as they mourn the loss of John Genet Jr. Pray for Karen, Ellen Derby s niece, and all the family comfort, peace and the closeness of Christ. Pray for healing for the many in our church and extended families that are struggling in various ways physically. Pray for family members who are far from Christ. Pray for peace, strength and courage in transitions for many in our church. Pray that each person at MCC will willing and joyfully find a place to serve and become involved in some aspect of church life beyond worship. Pray for unity in our church and respectful dialogue as needed when issues arise. May we seek the best for those around us above our own desires. Pray for wisdom, clarity and compassion for Pastor Paul, the Elders and all in leadership here at MCC, in our local & national government and leadership positions around the world. Pray that we as a church body will connect relationally, in a meaningful way, with one another.

6 SUNDAY SERVICE REMINDERS Hospitality/Coffee hosts: Lawlor Family Friendly Greeters: Bill & Sue Kennedy Nursery Service - Sunday School Hour: Becky van Dam Worship: Katie Whitaker & Sarah Knowles Yasmeen Knowles will read the Scripture Dana Whitaker will lead the worship music. Junior Church: Kim Robbins & Amia Knowles Stephanie Brock & Sandy Baker will be available at the end of the service if you would like prayer. April 2017 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 Clothing Closet 10a-12p Mid-week Svc & Youth Group 6:30pm Men s Breakfast 7:30am 9 Palm Sunday Breakfast 9:30am Maundy Thursday Service 6pm Good Friday Service 6pm Clothing Closet 10am-12pm 16 Easter Mid-week Svc & Youth Group 6:30pm Mid-week 30 Book Discussion 6:30pm Svc & Youth Group 6:30pm Game Night 6:30pm 29