SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST:

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1 From Your Pastor 5 Minutes from South Church edition March 27, 2011 Vol. 24, No. 6 The Eighth Last Word from the Cross If you grew up in the church going to Good Friday services, you know there were SEVEN last words. That is a composite from multiple gospel accounts. Think about it: how did anyone hear those last words, some barely whispered, a few with head faced heavenward? The gospel record probably resulted from dozens of eyewitnesses sharing their stories with one another, which work ed their way into the gospels a generation later. I am going to guess, based on a lifetime s study of this man, that there was an EIGHTH last word from the cross which was not reported, because it was heard only by God. I base this notion on the opportunities I have had to be with people of faith at their life s end. I particularly remember one woman who wrote her own obituary, in the first person, where she wrote about what was important to her and what she wanted people to remember. The final words of her obituary concluded Thank you God and all. Connie. Those are the sentiments of many people of faith in their final moments: gratitude. That is what I would guess was Jesus eighth word from the cross. He would have whispered Thank you. That is what I hope will be my final heart s response, to say Thank you. May you and I so live that it is not just our final word, but our everyday word, spoken as feet hit the floor in the morning and as they tuck in at night. John Zehring SEVEN LAST WORDS OF CHRIST: (1) (Luke 23:34) "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (2) (Luke 23:43) "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (3) (John 19:26) When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. (4) (Matt. 27:46 and Mark 15:34) And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (5) (John 19:28) "I thirst." (6) (John 19:30) "It is finished." (7) (Luke 23:46) "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last. YE OLD HAM AND BEAN SUPPER This Saturday March 26th, 5:30p.m Please join us in Fellowship hall for an evening of fun, food and facts, co-hosted by the 300th Anniversary Committee and The Board of World Services. Did you know that South Church and the Town of Andover share much of the same history? Come test your knowledge and learn new facts about our local history. Our own Char Lyons and Glen Rogers will be entertaining us and leading the celebration. We will be serving baked ham, homemade beans, mixed breads, a salad bar and a sampling of foods from the many countries South Church has served over the years. A good time is sure to be had by all! Several 6th graders have volunteered to watch children in the nursery during the event. If you require additional information, please contact Amy Joyall, at: amyjoyall@comcast.net or

2 Worship Opportunities March 27 Message: Two Jesuses. John Zehring preaching. Third Sunday in Lent. To prepare, read Matthew 27: April 3 Message: Pearls in the Bible. Everyone wear pearls! Communion. Original composition by William Wood, choir member. Hand bells. Special musical guests. April 10 Jonathan Drury preaching. Farewell to Charles Leinbach and Carol-Georgine West, last Sunday. April 14 Edgewood, Dave Sleight preaching, John Zehring coordinating. April 17 Palm Sunday. Message: They couldn t hear well at the crucifixion. Mission trip in South Carolina. Processional of children and choir. April 21 Maundy Thursday. 7:30 p.m. Communion and Service of Tenebrae (readings and extinguishing of lights). April 24 EASTER! May 1 6:00 a.m. Sunrise Service at Missionary Rock, Phillips Academy, led by the Board of Deacons. 9:00 a.m. Sanctuary Worship. Message: Spitting Image of the Father. Easter offering to the Pastoral Excellence Program campaign and the Hispanic startup church in Lawrence. 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary Worship, Family Sunday (includes A Time with the Children. Children & Teachers remain in Worship. Activity packets available for children.). Message: Spitting Image of the Father. Easter offering to the Pastoral Excellence Program campaign and the Hispanic startup church in Lawrence. Message: Starfish Theology. Communion. Today, The Pastor will dedicate the Pastor s Samaritan Fund offering (Love Offering envelopes) to Japan relief. If you would like to help the people of Japan in their time of dire need, please feel welcome to make a contribution to the Pastor s Samaritan Fund. NEW MEMBER CLASS for those interested in becoming a member of South Church. CHILDREN S WORSHIP This Sunday Jim Vanderpol will share some of his amazing stories about growing up in the Netherlands during the German occupation and narrowly escaping the Nazis. Jim is the Grand Connection friend for our sixth graders who will be introducing him that morning during the service. Kindergarten 6 th grade begin the worship hour in their classroom preparing for Jim s presentation before coming to Fellowship Hall at 10:45. WELCOME! The Music Director Search Committee, along with the Music Committee, and representatives from the Board of Trustees, is proud to announce that Laura Weiss will be joining South Church as our Music Director, Organist, and Director of Youth Choirs. Her official start date is April 11, Prior to that, Laura will be visiting our church on selected days in order to prepare for her move here. The Search Committee received and reviewed about 40 resumes, and Laura stood out among the bunch. She easily aced our tests in organ playing, sight-reading, conducting, and the interview. She is a skilled musician and experienced church Music Director, and has the faith and desire to become actively involved in our church and the surrounding community. She feels called to our church as Director of Music, and perhaps someday as a Minister of Music. Finally, she and her husband, Josiah, are new parents to 7-month old daughter, Adia. We feel blessed to have Laura join our church at this exciting time in her life! A big thank -you to all Music Search Committee members, Music Committee members, and Ellen Arvidson and Vicki Hoyt from Trustees. Please join us in welcoming Laura to South Church in the upcoming weeks. --Rob Thomas and Laurie Sorota, Music Search co-chairs

3 TWO PARENTING GROUPS FORMING! Following last Sunday s informative and inspiring parent forum with Eric and Barbara Stubenhaus and Larry Larsen, a number of parents expressed an interest in forming a small 4-6 week parent discussion group. Helen Marin has graciously volunteered to facilitate a group for parents with middle-high schoolers. She s a retired middle school health and sex ed. teacher. New members and parents of three energetic young children, Peter and Maggie Macy, are eager to form and facilitate a second small group for parents with elementary aged children. Please contact Helen or the Macys if interested. Groups will most likely make plans for childcare and meeting locations at South Church. Helen Martin (middle/high school): martin.nh2@verizon.net, Peter and Maggie Macy (elementary) magmacy3@gmail.com. APRIL ADULT MINI COURSE: April 12 & 19, Tuesday evenings 7-8:30pm in the Church Library. Instructor: Linda Mesler. Topic: Theology of Disability. Using excerpts from Thomas Reynold's, Vulnerable Communion: A Theology of Disability and Hospitality (Brazos Press, 2008) to consider how the Gospel may guide us to deeper faith and community through mutual mercy and support of the vulnerable among-andwithin-us. Coming in May! The Hard Sayings of Jesus, led by John Zehring. Tuesdays, May 3, 10 and 17. GRADUATES April 16th -Program: The South Church Trustees will show some of the Church artifacts. "A spring lunch of hot dogs, beans, chips and ice cream will be provided." If you plan on joining us for lunch and are not on the Graduate call list, please RSVP to Deanna at by the Thursday before the meeting. If in need of transportation please let Deanna know. Both meetings are open to the congregation. On May 19 th, 9:30am all are invited to come and help plan next year s meetings. We are looking for ideas for programs and lunch. If you cannot join us then send your thoughts to Julie at: pikejjep@yahoo.com. Come and enjoy each others company, good programs and food. Julie Pike LOVING LITERACY The Board of Women s Ministry is sponsoring the Loving Literacy program. Please donate new or gently used books for children from preschool through 6 th grade. Help us encourage the love of reading for children who do not have the opportunity or own books. This program benefits the Hancock Courts, Family Service Inc. and Kids Start organizations of Lawrence. You may leave books in the box outside the nursery. Thank you! April 3 Everyone wear pearls! Message: Pearls in the Bible SPECIAL OFFERING FOR JAPAN RELIEF The people of Japan have been in our prayers without ceasing since the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant crises. To provide aid, I will dedicate the Pastor s Samaritan Fund offering on May 1 to Japan relief. The United Church of Christ is on the ground in Japan and will funnel our offerings to the most effective relief agencies available (e.g., Church World Service and others). See ucc.org for information about how your denomination is making a difference. If you would like to make a contribution to help the people of Japan, you are welcome to include it in the Love Offering envelopes for the Pastor s Samaritan Fund on May 1.

4 WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN SOUTH CHURCH? A meeting will be held Sunday, May 1 following the worship service for those wishing to consider membership in the Church. Please briefly enjoy some refreshments at Coffee Hour and then come to the Chapel (3 rd floor) to meet with John Zehring and a member of the Board of Deacons. SUMMER OF SERVICE Dates: July 5-8, July 11-15, and August Applications for SOS campers will be available on the South Church website immediately following April vacation. JOB OPPORTUNITY: SOS COUNSELORS Counselor Applications for SOS are now available online. Counselors are responsible for organizing, facilitating and supervising community service work sites, games, crafts and activities for SOS. Requirements: 1) previous participation as a camper in the SOS Program and 2) successful completion of the 10th grade. Interested candidates must submit a completed Summer of Service Counselor Application and Counselor Permission Slip. Application Deadline is March 31, Have you considered remembering South Church in your will? ANDOVER ASSOCIATION, MACUCC CALL TO ANNUAL MEETING To the Ministers, Officers, and Delegates of the Andover Association Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ, Greetings: You are hereby notified and called to attend the 2011 Annual Meeting of said Association, to be holden at First Congregational Church, located at 18 Andover Road in Billerica, on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 2:00 PM. The following business will be transacted. ARTICLE I To see if the Association will vote to approve the slate of nominees for the Board of Directors, Church & Ministry Committee, and Nominating Committee, or act in any manner relative thereto. Submitted by the Vice-Moderator ARTICLE II To see if the Association will vote to approve the budget for Fiscal Year 2012 or act in any manner relative thereto. Submitted by the Board of Directors ARTICLE III To see if the Association will vote to amend the bylaws by substitute document as submitted to the delegates of this meeting, or act in any manner relative thereto. Submitted by the Board of Directors ARTICLE IV To hear the following reports and take any action necessary and proper thereon: Associate Conference Minister Rev. Don Remick MACUCC Board of Directors Rev. John Zehring Church and Ministry Committee Rev. Jonathan Drury Moderator Art Clark Treasurer Bob Wallace Registrar Phyllis Jennings

5 Auditor Robert Jones This Warrant shall be prominently posted in each of the member Churches and the Scribe shall be timely notified of the names of the delegates who will be representing each Church. The attendance of delegates from at least seven member churches shall constitute a quorum. Attest: Christopher Jenkins, Scribe = OUR CHURCH FAMILY Our sympathy to Carilyn Cronin Donovan, her husband Bill, daughter Brenna and mother Marilyn Cronin, on the death of father, grandfather and husband, Charles Chuck Cronin on March 19. There will be a Memorial Service at South Church on Friday, March 25 at 2pm. Reception to follow in Fellowship Hall. IN APPRECIATION I am grateful to the Board of Trustees and to the generous donors at South Church who not only gave a Peace Pole to my retirement but also made it possible for $500 to be sent to the Foundation for Children of Haiti on behalf of the children and families they serve in Port -au-prince. Joanne Carpenter, Hingham, an USFCH board member, just returned from Haiti, her second time there since the earthquake. She was encouraged. Although it is very dry there right now and there is a thick layer of brown coating over everything, there is also visible progress since the disaster. Out of the ruble, hope arises! Thank you, God. Thank you, South Church! Kate Kallis Thank you for the lovely flowers delivered after Sunday's worship service. I deeply appreciate the care from South Church after my parents' recent hospitalizations. My parents and I feel your prayers. Thank you for showing us your concern and sharing your warmth at this time. Blessings, Jane Ingram 300 TH ANNIVERSARY WOMEN S TEA Saturday April 9 th 2-4pm in Fellowship Hall. The Board of Women s Ministries invites women and young ladies over the age of 6 to join us for a lovely afternoon Tea. There will be entertainment and light refreshments served. Hats and gloves optional! Tickets: $10-adults, $5-young ladies under age 12. EASTER FLOWERS The Flower Committee will be selling Memorial Easter Plants after worship on Sunday April 10 and Palm Sunday, April 17. (Cost: $10 each) Also, an order form will be provided in the next edition of the 5 Minutes. Don t forget to order early! DAILY LENTEN DEVOTIONAL The Lenten Booklet is available as a daily devotional throughout lent. Anyone who wants to be included should send their name to lentenbooklet@southchurch.com. COMMUNITIES TOGETHER, INC. People of Faith Touching Lives! Annual Meeting of Communities Together, including the Board of Directors, Clergy, Delegates, and Volunteers. Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. First-Calvary Baptist Church, 586 Massachusetts Ave., North Andover Cost: $15 (pp) at the door. Dr. Padraic O Hare, Director of the Center for the Study of Jewish-Christian-Muslim Relations at Merrimack College will be our speaker. The agenda will include dinner and a business meeting, including the election of Directors and Officers. Please plan to join us! RSVP to Communities Together (978) ctstaff276@comcast.net

6 DID YOU KNOW...? South Church supported a missionary in the Cherokee Nation (Arkansas) until the mission was overrun during the Civil War? Rev. Worchester Willey lost two wives to the hardships of the frontier and survived capture by both the Union and Confederate armies by pledging an allegiance only to the people he served. His headstone reads suffered all but death, spent part of winter in cave to escape enemy. When they returned to the mission, it was burned to the ground. He returned to Andover to teach at the Seminary, and is buried in our cemetery. This Saturday night at 5:30pm, we will be celebrating our 300 th anniversary of our past and current missions work with a Ham and Bean dinner, and foods from various places which we support though our Board of World Service today. We encourage you to bring a neighbor or friend as we are sharing our anniversary with this community who supported the first missionaries. We are inviting several Town of Andover leaders as the history of South Church is also the history of Andover. And now you know. Char Lyons AUDIO MINISTRY The following worship services are now available for your listening pleasure. Check out the church website for previous worship services. 5 MINUTES NEWSLETTER SCHEDULE Next edition: April 10-- Deadline: April 4 at 9am ATTACHMENT: PDF of this newsletter 5 Minutes from South Church is published bimonthly by South Church in Andover United Church of Christ 41 Central Street, Andover, MA South Church in Andover is an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. All Members are Ministers Rev. John Zehring Senior Pastor Rev. Jonathan Drury Associate Pastor of Youth and Church Life Sherry Tupper Assistant to the Pastor Terry Ebner Director of Christian Education Charles Leinbach Director of Music/Choirs Carol Georgine West Organist Linda Francalancia Hacker Administrator Diane Morris Administrative Assistant Dave Stanwood Sexton Linda Mesler Moderator Morgan Kiker Treasurer Joanne Smith Financial Administrator Telephone: Fax: Web site: scand@southchurch.com This newsletter is sent to subscribers by regular mail or by .