MARCH 2015 FREE PASSAGES The Congregational Church of Goffstown We are a member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference WAR 2015 Women at Rest Even a major winter snow storm couldn't keep these ladies away from WAR 2015! This years Women at Rest conference was blessed with over 60 women from all around New England. They came to hear a message about Astonishing Faith from Shauna Amick of Joni and Friends disability ministries. They also sang praise and worship songs and enjoyed a special luncheon served by the men of our church. We give thanks and praise to God for all of the hearts & hands of those in our congregation who helped out in many different ways to make this annual event happen once again.
Pastor s Letter Pastor Letter March 2015 Remembering I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. (Psalm 77:11-15) I am so glad Don Himsel has agreed to be our Church Historian. The position has been vacant for about six years, since Charlie Carr moved out of the area. Don is uniquely equipped for the task, a student of history and the Photo Editor for the Nashua Telegraph. Don has been at the Telegraph for over 25 years, is the recipient of many journalism awards and does an interesting, creative weekly column on local history titled, Then and Now. You ll be hearing more from Don, as historian, in Passages, on the church website and elsewhere in the coming months. You might wonder, Why does a church need a historian? Aren t Christians to look forward, knowing the best is yet to come? Yes. Christians are to look forward, because the best is most deninitely to come. Jesus is returning and all who trust in Him can look forward to eternity with Him. The world, as we know it, will be set free from the corruption of sin and we will receive resurrection bodies with which to live in a new heaven and earth. We have everything to look forward to. But all we have right now is the past. We can t learn from the future because every second we live quickly becomes history. The Bible, itself, was written in the past, yet it is pronitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) It is God s Word. It provides knowledge of salvation. The Bible says remember 162 times. It frequently points back to the past for the sake of the future. In Exodus 13, Moses told Israel, Remember this day in which you came out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the Lord brought you out of this place. He told the fathers to tell their children this act of history, that they might remember God s promises and faithfulness. The psalmist said, I will remember the deeds of the Lord, pondering and meditating on what He has done for his people, (Psalm 77), to encourage God s people in the face of adversity. When Jesus disciples began to worry about daily provision, He reminded them of what He had done in the past (Matthew 16:9), so they might rest easy in the present. In Ephesians 2, the Apostle Paul told those in the church to remember what they once were and who they now are in Christ, so that they would embrace all that God planned to do through them in accomplishing works of faith. The advice given to the young pastor, Timothy, as he discharges his call, was Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, offspring of David, as preached in my gospel. Remembering is critical to our Christian faith. History, after all, is His story (Col. 1:16).
Pastors Letter continued I know Don will uncover much to encourage and even warn us in our faith as he shares what God has done at and with the Congregational Church of Goffstown during its 247 year history. I also know that future generations will benenit from his work as they look back and see God at work among and through us in these days. Thus, we look back not to long for the good old days, but to look forward with eager anticipation, fulnilling our call as Christ s Church, and waiting with great hope for the day when the fullness of Christ s glory is revealed. Grace fully, Pastor Bob Missions Ministry News Joni and Friends Family Retreat Camp Volunteers Needed Are you interested in par/cipa/ng in a mission trip, but aren t quite ready to leave the country? Do you have compassion for those in the disabled community? Do you have a week to give in either June or August? If you answered yes to any of the previous ques/ons, perhaps volunteering at a Joni and Friends Family Retreat Camp is something you should consider. The Camps are held right here in Greenfield, NH June 8-12 and August 10-14. STMs (Short Term Missionaries) are matched up with either an adult (June) or a child (August) with disabili/es for the week, to be their friend, giving the gip of /me and love. Opportuni/es are also available to serve in a program area assis/ng with art, music or recrea/on. For more informa/on, go to www.joniandfriends.org or talk with someone who has served: Claude or Connie D anjou, Laurie Hambleton or Ann Beltz. Joni and Friends, Mom s Morning Out Please join us for this special /me of encouragement, support & prayer for mom s or caregivers of those affected by disability. Wednesday, March 11th 9:30am - 12 noon in the Parish House Chapel. See Ann Beltz for more informa/on. Mission of Hope, Haiti (MOH Haiti) - Marilyn Nolan, Grace Donison and other health care providers will be going to Haiti on a short term medical mission trip in May. A donation box will be set up at the back of the church through the end of April to receive supplies. The following is a partial list of items that you can donate, if the Lord places it on your heart. Thank You. Jim Donison ADULT MULTIVITAMINS WITH IRON 1000 CT INFANT LIQUID VITAMINS 30 ML (LIKE POLY- VI- SOL) TRIPLE ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT 15 GM SIMETHICONE (GAS- X) INFANT DROPS CLOTRIMAZOLE CREAM^ 15 GM OR 30 GM TUMS CHEWABLE TABLETS LARGE BOTTLES CLOTRIMAZOLE/ MICONAZOLE VAGINAL CREAM ACETAMINOPHEN SUSPENSION 160MG/5ML IBUPROFEN SUSPENSION 100MG/5ML 120ML BOTTLE CALAMINE LOTION - LUBRICANT EYE DROPS - SELSUN BLUE SHAMPOO CONTOUR BLOOD GLUCOSE STRIPS 100CT BOX VITAMIN C 500ct OR LARGER - TUSSIN DM 4 0Z.
Ministry Update - Police Chaplaincy My preparation for police chaplaincy may appear, to the unknowing eye, to consist of the bulleted items listed on my resume. One might review the years I spent attending Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, the years of hands-on ministry with women, seniors, veterans, hard core bikers, and various other members of society, or the dozens of FEMA and first responder trainings I ve undertaken over the years and assess me as a great candidate. One may also see value in my other post-secondary degrees in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice and Public Administration and my previous work experience as a private investigator. However, in evaluating what actually enables me to perform my duties on a daily basis most effectively-those items pale in comparison to the preparation I found in the school of life. My two greatest strengths and best preparation are found in my faith in the One True God, coupled with my own history as a survivor and warrior. I have not served directly in the military, but spent many years as a military spouse and experienced all that involves: times of separation for training and deployments, having and raising small children alone, living with the uncertainties of war and peace, and adjusting to Uncle Sam s ever-changing manpower needs. I have spent the better part of my adult life as the wife of a combat veteran The kind of relationship where the two of you are never quite alone living with the specter of PTSD and all the other scars of warfare. Here, too, is where I honed my warrior skills but also learned to forgive and love again. As is true for all good warriors, one must be vigilant; continuing to learn and grow, pushing forward to preserve life and protect those we love, committed to defending those who cannot defend themselves, despite battle fatigue and the recurring temptation to cave in and indulge in self-pity. My name may not be found in the halls of glory, nor be etched in stone on the town square, but I have most definitely served my country. Though I never received a campaign medal, commendation, battle ribbon, nor pension for my time served, I am both a veteran and an active warrior in my own right. For the sake of my family, many times I had to find strength not historically expected of a woman. I had to seek peace in the midst of chaos, promise in the face of despair, and practice perseverance through times of utter devastation hanging on by a thin thread of faith some days but God met me in it all. He honored me with His faithfulness and blessed my life, despite my circumstances. His strength was placed within me by His Spirit. His familiarity with pain and human suffering both broke me and compelled me. As my life has unfolded, I have become better able to discern the Lord s voice and see His hand at work in every aspect of life because I purposefully look for those indicators. I want to know what my divine commander s orders require of me. I have never regretted what it took and what I lost to find that place of guidance and confidence in Jesus. In the service of law enforcement, my primary responsibility and most sacred vow comes in the form of a covenant promise to be a trusted confidante, a safe insider. This is the most valuable offering I bring to the table and is undoubtedly the highest form of personal reward for my efforts. I bring it not because I have earned certain graduate degrees or because I am married to a retired police officer although those things might be helpful additions to the mix. I don t do it because of the hefty paycheck it brings me because to date there is no paycheck to be had. I bring it because these men and women are my kindred spirits fearless, compassionate warriors who have faced evil and yet, press on assigned to the harder, grittier parts of life- where spiritual warfare is manifested in the lives of people.
I bring it because these men and women are my kindred spirits fearless, compassionate warriors who have faced evil and yet, press on assigned to the harder, grittier parts of life- where spiritual warfare is manifested in the lives of people. They face the enemy every day and remain standing. They go where fear keeps others away. They are assaulted with words, weapons, schemes, and betrayal- all in a day s work. This steady diet of the bleaker, darker side of life should not be their sole reward for responding to the special call upon their lives. My charge, as both a follower of Christ and a seasoned warrior (who has experienced victory through Him), is to encourage, restore, comfort, empower, and help our law enforcement community to find their own source of strength and resilience. My life is meant to be an example; a testimony of God s tender love and great power. My commitment to these under-appreciated and oft misunderstood men and women who protect and serve is something I take most seriously. Did I foresee ending up here as I attended classes in Church History, Ancient Greek, or Old Testament Survey? Not at all. I sometimes hear, You don t have to be there so much or take it so seriously; you re just a volunteer, aren t you? As we Harley riders say, If I have to explain, you wouldn t understand. or That must be so cool, getting to ride with the officers in the police cars Well, yes it is pretty cool. And they are wonderful people to spend time with. But it can also be very dangerous. Have you read the news lately? Is it the best gig I ve ever had? Right after motherhood and grand-parenting, being a police chaplain is by far the most rewarding way I know to spend my energy my days, my nights, my life. Yes, I may be a warrior, but with a beautiful mission of peace that the Lord directs - where nothing from my past is wasted nor was it endured for naught. Please keep all the warriors in your prayers. Respectfully, Chaplain Deb Grow, Goffstown Police Department Who loves the warrior? Who loves the warrior? Not those he has fought for, For those he has fought for have seen The stains of battle on his garment. They draw back when they learn of the deed He has done to keep them safe. It is better for them to keep a distance from the warrior So the stain will not spoil the perception of their dignity. Yet the warrior continues to give his all. He must fight the battles to keep the souls he loves Free from harm and free from the stain of evil, For he is a warrior, The only shield between good and evil. It is only the warrior who loves the warrior. Sergeant Lonn Sweeney, Portland Police Bureau, Portland, Oregon
Ministry of Discipleship News Library Upgrade The Church Library, located just off the vestry fellowship area, is open and reorganized thanks to Cheryl Anderson, who solely accomplished this task over the past few months. With new bookshelves and books added to our growing collection, we have much to offer in hard copy, audio and video formats, for all age groups. Checking out materials is on the honor system. All we ask is that you please sign the materials out on the clipboard provided and return them in a reasonable time. So come on in and browse a while. Youth Group The youth groups led by Sean Hopper and Shelley Williams meet every Sunday evening from 6 7:30 P.M. in Stark Hall. Grades 6-9th are studying The Sermon on the Mount and Grades 10-12th grapple with difficult questions, go on mission and share life together. Both groups spend fellowship & snack time together for the last half hour. Vacation Bible School-Kids Camp 2015 Update Camp Kilimanjaro will be held from August 3rd through August 7th. Will you join us in praying for how you may be part of sharing the word of God with our young people this summer? Our director, Chuck Karpf, is busy putting our teams together now. March Birthdays 3/1 JARED MOULIN 3/18 JEFF TAYLOR 3/2 LINDSAY YUSKA 3/19 BOB STEVENS 3/4 ELIJAH WILLIAMS 3/21 CRYSTAL KOMENDA 3/6 GINNY BEAUDOIN 3/25 KAREN DOUBLEDAY 3/6 KRISTIE HIMSEL 3/29 JEAN BIRON 3/9 SANDRA SARGENT 3/30 ELDON RASH 3/15 LETITIA STOCKTON 3/31 JAKOB CHABOT
Congregational Care Friday Night Fellowship at the Bekkerings: Please join in for an evening of food and fellowship on the Friday nights of March 13th and 27th, at 6:30 pm Call Dean and Candace at 616-647-2655 for more information or directions. Women s Monthly Breakfast, Saturday, March 21st, 9:00am-11:00am Stark Hall Dining Room Join in with other women of the church for this special time of fellowship, prayer, devotion, and craft making. Please bring along a breakfast dish or snack item to share with others. Speak with Marilyn Nolan for more information. Our next congregational dinner group night is Mexican themed and will take place on Saturday, March 28 at the Himsel's house. Please let Stacy Borden or Kristie Himsel know if you would like to attend by Sunday March 22nd. Looking forward to spending some time together and sharing some great authentic Mexican dishes! Out in the Cold? As we make our way through winter, failures in our home heating, water or other systems can be exacerbated by the extremes in weather. These unplanned events occur at the least opportune time and must be dealt with immediately. If you find yourself or someone you know in this situation, we may be able to help out by providing short-term housing. For more information please see Pastor Bob or Deacon Terry Paul Spring Bell Choir - All ages welcome! Our first rehearsal for Spring Bell Choir will take place on Wednesday March 4th from 5:30-6:30 in the church vestry fellowship hall! We will rehearse each Wednesday evening and play on Easter/Resurrection Sunday morning on April 5th. Hello from the editor: Thank you for looking at our monthly Newsletter. Please check out our website @conggoff.org for up- to- date sermons, calendars, & much more. Also, check out our church Facebook page at facebook/conggoff for a weekly preview of the sermon and current events. If you would like to share a notice or article for the April Passages issue please submit your info via email to cat.conley@comcast.net by the deadline of Friday, March 20th. We will be folding the Newsletter on Thursday, March 26th at 9am in the Parish House chapel. Please join us if you can. As we grow together in the Lord, may His grace be upon you, Catherine Conley
The Congregational Church of Goffstown 8 & 10 Main Street Goffstown, NH 03045 THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF GOFFSTOWN 8 & 10 Main Street Goffstown, NH 03045 Tel: (603) 497-2365 Web Site: CongGoff.org Email: pastorgoffcong@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/conggoff 9:15am-10:15am Adult & Children s Sunday School 10:30am 11:45am Worship Service Coffee, Snacks & Fellowship