July 2015

The United Presbyterian Church at Whitinsville 51 Cottage St. (church) - 7 Spring St. (office), Whitinsville, MA 01588 Phone: 508.234.8220 Website: www.whitinpres.org Office E-mail: Office@whitinpres.net Pastor Renn E-mail: rev.renn.serna@gmail.com Office Hours: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Monday & Wednesday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Thursday & Friday

News of the Family from The United Presbyterian Church at Whitinsville

Christmas in July-Reflections of a Mexico Missions Trip.

Have you ever noticed that Christmas music is only acceptable to listen to at a certain point in the year? You probably have. In America, beginning after Thanksgiving, the radio station that began playing jolly tunes in October and was despised is suddenly blasted in the car. Grumbles about how society shoves Christmas upon us is drowned out by joy and the world, at least to me, seems like an alright place. It is no secret; I adore Christmas. In the Christmas season I have no trouble bringing my all and soaking it all in. But even I know my place. Come February and the spring, it is time to consider Easter. Then summer comes and who could ever think of Frosty in that heat? Like Ecclesiastes is fond of saying, “To everything, there is a season.”

My season to Mexico finally arrived this past May. I had been not-so-patiently waiting for it to come since I was about twelve years old and my mom came back from the missions trip the church took to Juarez. Eight or so years later, by God’s grace and the generosity from so many wonderful people, I was on a plane to Puebla, Mexico. This trip was not like others I had taken. I was in it with three of my very best friends from college. We had all been in a one-year intensive art program together and had come up with an art missions trip we wanted to take. The idea was to use art-making to further facilitate the gospel as we supported other ministries. Our goal was to teach art skills and be open to being used in anyway God saw fit to use us.

Ministry-wise, we ended up working with three organizations through our two weeks. The first was an orphanage called Esperanza Viva which housed about 80 kids in their facilities along with staff altogether numbering about 150 people. The second was a school for the children of missionaries called Puebla Christian School, and the last was an evangelical training/outreach called International Leadership Advancement Ministries, or ILAM. Each ministry is extensively valuable, and I could talk about them for probably a week straight only stopping for the occasional bathroom break. The difficulty of placing countless moments into a few sentences is one I have not yet been able to come to grips with. Please understand that there is so much more to share and so much more work God has been doing than I am able to humanly express.

With that said, one of the most touching and eye-opening moments for myself took place while serving with ILAM at a night class. For some background, ILAM uses a pictorial logo to teach methods of evangelism. Mexico is primarily and oral culture, and this logo is a way for people to learn the gospel so that they can easily recall it and share with others. There are four pictures: the nativity, the cross, the empty tomb and a heart with the world inside. Beneath the logo are the words, “Let me tell you the story.” The story, if you have not already guessed, is of Christ.

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**Summer Sunday Morning Worship Schedule**

Morning Worship Service 9:30AM - 10:30AM

Lemonade on the Lawn 10:30AM “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” Matthew 18:20

Ministries August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30

Worship Leader

A. Reichert G. Shannon Z. Morin S. Phoebe

Welcome Center

B. Keeler H. Platt J. Baker M. Spalton S. Santoro

Greeter

K. Miedema S. Mateer J. Baker L & N Joyce K. Miedema

Children’s Sermon

Communion

Sunday A. Reichert G. Shannon L. Reichert C. Matchett

Lemonade on the Lawn

S. Phoebe A. Santoro G. Shannon M. Spalton A. Whitney

~ AUGUST ~

Ministries July 5 July 12 July 19 July 26

Worship Leader

Z. Morin G. Shannon M. Thomas S. Phoebe

Welcome Center

J. Baker M. Spalton S. Santoro C. Matchett

Greeter K. Miedema S. Mateer J. Baker L & N Joyce

Offering Counters

M Reynolds. &

T. Schelin

T. Schelin &

G. Giemza D & S Mateer D & S Mateer

Children’s Sermon

Communion

Sunday G. Shannon L. Reichert C. Matchett

Lemonade on the Lawn

H. Platt L. Sabourin K. Bilodeau G. McCrea

~ JULY ~

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July 2015

The Pastors’ Piece

Summer of Sabbath Usually around this time of year, we are all feeling a little worn down. With graduation parties and end of the year celebrations, yard work and spring cleaning, it’s normal to feel a little more tired than usual. Especially with the winter we just had, we are all in need of a break. And lucky for us, summer is the perfect time for a little R & R!

You know, the concept of rest is built right into our DNA as Christians. It is even one of the commandments. Exodus 20 says "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.” God knows that we can’t keep working day after day, week after week, year after year, without a break. We weren’t built for that. We need time to rest – to take care of ourselves. To tend to our own physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. So God has given us the gift of the Sabbath, a day without work, to rest and recuperate, and to spend in worship of our Lord. Besides, even God rested on the seventh day, so we should too!

What should you do on the Sabbath, you might ask? Anything that refreshes your mind, body and spirit! Take a walk, spend time with friends and family, garden, read a book, take a nap, pray. Whatever nourishes you. Some people find it hard to take an entire day of rest. We are so used to working and accomplishing and achieving that it is hard to find time for 24 hours of uninterrupted rest. If that is you, try starting small. Take 15 minutes every day to do something that is just for you. Designate an evening a week where you do something to take care of yourself. Find ways to connect with God while you are going about your everyday routine. While a full uninterrupted day might be best (it is what God suggests after all), something is always better than nothing! And summer, a season already known for its long lazy evenings and celebratory outings, is the perfect time to start.

I promise, if you find ways to make the Sabbath a part of your regular schedule, you will reap the

benefits. A more joyful spirit, a stronger connection with those you love, an abiding peace deep

down in your soul. And maybe, just maybe, as you intentionally take time to rest, even when

there is more work to be done, you will begin to see that the world can continue on without you.

That it is okay to take a few minutes for yourself, because you are not in control. God is. And that

is the real secret to the Sabbath. In choosing to rest, we place all that we hold dear in the hands

of our Heavenly Father, and we are freed from the pressure to be everything to everybody.

Besides, only God can do that, and God has got our back.

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July 2015

Women’s Book Club Our

next book is "Traveling

Light" by Max

Lucado. Lucado shepherds

you through the beloved

23rd Psalm, leading you

beside the still waters of

quiet reflection and using

the familiar verses to walk

you through an inventory of

emotional and spiritual

baggage you were never meant to carry.

Lighten your load as you step ahead in

faith! Annmarie Castonguay will be leading

the discussion on this book on July 17th

July Birthday Corner Grant Ribbe 7/4

Lily Brandriff 7/7

Darlene Johnson 7/7

Julia Johnson 7/7

Maura Connelly 7/9

Anne MacLeod 7/10

Joel Phoebe 7/10

Elizabeth LaCava 7/10

Bev Keeler 7/11

Chris Nadeau 7/14

Will Shannon 7/14

Tony Santoro 7/16

Jim Baker 7/17

Gloria Rauth 7/17

Mark Thomas 7/21

Suzanne Santoro 7/29

July Anniversary Corner Bill & Linda Skillen 7/22

Chris & Cheri Ribbe 7/24

August Birthday Corner Shea Stone 8/1

Katherine Kloczkowski 8/3

Jess Nadeau 8/6

Evelyn Williams 8/7

Robin Gniadek 8/13

Gene LaCava 8/13

Clara Holding 8/18

Seth Kloczkowski 8/24

Bill Spalton 8/25

Christian Nadeau 8/26

Sarah Kloczkowski 8/28

Jen Johnson 8/29

Judy Salzberg 8/31

August Anniversary Corner Jim & Debbie Baker 8/8

Kevin & Marcie Brandriff 8/8

Mark & Ronda Thomas 8/8

Scott & Jennifer Szajna 8/10

Don & Susan Mateer 8/16

Rob & Nancy Kloczkowski 8/19

Elders

Sue Phoebe

Gaye Shannon

Bill Spalton

James Baker

Chris Matchett

Austin Reichert Trustees

Todd Schelin

Greg Giemza

Sue Mateer

Don Mateer

Mike Reynolds

James Baker

Carol Pillbosian

Mark Thomas

Deacons

Mary Spalton

Andrea Whitney

Laura Joyce

Judy Salzberg

Jennifer Szajna

Brandy Giemza

Gay McCrae

Tanya Morin

Zachary Morin

Meet our 2015-2016

Ordained/Installed Officers of the

United Presbyterian Church at Whitinsville

FLAT JESUS join us this summer for the Adventures of Flat Jesus! Jesus reminds us that God is with us wherever we go and is a fun way to connect with each other. Print out your very own copy of Flat Jesus, color him in and take him on your summer adventures with you. Then, you can upload pictures to him on our Facebook Page and stay in touch with our church family, no matter where your summer takes you!

Print out Flat Jesus http://www.whitinpres.org/?attachment_id=616 then like our Facebook Page to share and view pictures.

July 2015

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… Continued from page 1

Then our focus was on the first part, nativity, accompanied by a lesson in drawing a simple nativity scene that the people can easily remember to share with others.

Going into the story, I was uncertain how engaged people would be. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw adults, teens and kids lean forward eager to hear about a God who sent his son as a babe. Looking at these faces around me so obviously engaged, I felt this spittle of joy burst in me that I was not expecting due for another seven months as I saw this story out of fresh eyes. The same power the story of Christmas holds for me in December ruptured in Puebla, Mexico in the middle of May. Outside of December it is easy to forget the gravity of the incarnation. How incredible it actually is that God would send his son to be born in a manger. Drawing the nativity was even more incredible. The participants were so involved in their pieces and there was attention to detail and design and color. They were drawing a representation of their Savior’s birth. A simple art project became sacred work. Seeing that absolutely filled my heart to the brim. I was elated the entire class. Art with the purpose of mission. That is what I see myself involved in. It was overwhelming in the best sense of the word to experience not only that dream in practice, but what I believe to be success.

To everything, there is a season. Let us not limit the seasons of joy, hope, and grace, though, to December and to April. The truth of the work of Christ extends beyond our hand-crafted limitations and calendars. I had always thought that the very end of the Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was a bit cheesy, with Scrooge celebrating Christmas in his heart all year. Since May, I have begun to reconsider that perspective. How much richer would our lives and relationships be if we continued to acknowledge and celebrate these truths that serve as the foundations of our faith. Although we approach July, I wish you the Merriest Christmas. He is Risen indeed!

~Much Love and Thanks,

Danielle

SAVE THE DATE!!!! Sunday, September 13th.

RALLY DAY AND CHURCH PICNIC DAY!

We will be welcoming back

our Christian Education

program and our Second

Sunday Socials beginning

with Rally Day for Sunday

School participants at 9:30 a.m., then

worship @10:30, followed by a Church Picnic

immediately after @ the Uxbridge Rod and

Gun Club. Tickets for the event will be on

sale in August. Tickets are $8.00 per

person. This will include a 1/2 barbecue

chicken, baked potato, corn on the cob,

salad, and watermelon. In addition to

sharing a meal with your church family, we

will be able to enjoy some games

outside! So, mark you calendar NOW and

plan to bring a friend!!!!

All Leadership Retreat Mark your calendars. We will be having an all Leadership Retreat on August 21-22 (Fri 7-9 pm & Sat. 8:30 am - 12:00) to discuss our vision for the coming year and to plan our calendar for the 2015-2016 ministry year. All Elders, Deacons and Trustees are asked to participate.

Homespun Holidays Saturday, November 14th from 10-2

Chairman Suzanne Santoro welcomes any craft donations or homemade jams, jellies or relishes for the Harvest Table! Are you anxious to part with any ‘treasures’? If so, Carol Pilibosian or Bev Keeler will happily accept them in the basement of the office building at your convenience!

Have a happy, healthy, safe summer!

KMHMC

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July 2015

Come out and join your church family on Saturday, July 11 from

6:30 to 8:00 for our Ice Cream Social! We will provide the ice

cream. Please bring a topping to share. If it is nice outside, we will

enjoy some lawn games too! If it is raining, we will have it

downstairs in the Fellowship Hall and we will play indoor

games! But most importantly, come and enjoy some fun and

fellowship time with your church family and BRING A FRIEND! If you

are planning on coming, please email Gaye at

shannons.jg@gmail.com or sign up on the sign up sheet Sunday so

we can get an idea of how much ice cream we need. (Don't hesitate

to come, even if you decide at the last minute.)

Sabbatical for Pastor Aaron

Friends,

I am writing to let you know that as Pastor Aaron is

stepping down as our pastor, he will also be taking at

least three months Sabbatical from worshiping with

us in order to continue to care for his health. While he

has great love and affection for our church, for a

Pastor, the church represents not only one's spiritual

family, but also one's place of employment. That

means not only is the church where one worships,

grows and fellowships, it is also the place where one labors, struggles and sacrifices. It can

be incredibly difficult for ministers to separate their work from their worship, and since

Pastor Aaron needs to be particularly sensitive to his health at this time, Presbytery has

advised him to take at least a three month Sabbatical from worshiping with us. This will

allow Pastor Aaron to separate himself from the "work" part of his ministry and to

hopefully rejoin us in the fall as a church member. This will give us time as well to stop

thinking of Aaron as one of our Pastors and to simply welcome him as one of the family.

During his Sabbatical, Pastor Aaron will continue to focus on his health and will even have

the opportunity to go back to California for a few weeks. It is our hope that all of us will be

able to express our love and appreciation for him by sending him thank you cards as well

as cards of encouragement in the next few weeks.

Additionally, feel free to reach out to both Aaron and Pastor Renn and include them in your

summer cookouts, invite them to lunch or dinner, trips to the beach or sightseeing, grab

a cup of coffee with Aaron, or a movie or bowling. Your love and support have been such

an encouragement for them both, so let's keep it coming!

In Christ,

Gaye Shannon

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NON-PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 27

Whitinsville, MA 01588

The United Presbyterian Church at Whitinsville

Church Office: 7 Spring Street Whitinsville, MA 01588

"A PIECE OF PEACE"

The summer is a very busy time for the Peace of Bread Community Kitchen Ministry. School's out! The kids are all excited to be out of school and happy for a break from homework & studying. Most parents are happy for the break as well. However, in many families summer school vacation is a time of extreme stress & worry! How are families who depend on the school system to help feed their children going to feed them over the nine weeks of summer school vacation?! It is a very real issue. It is a sad fact that there will be many children going hungry over the summer right here in Whitinsville, Massachusetts. Thankfully we are able to offer some assistance to the families with school age children who come to Peace of Bread for dinner on Wednesday nights. We provide each family with a grocery bag full of kid friendly breakfast & lunch items to help them out. It is a significant blessing to the families. Please be in prayer for us as we continue to reach out to support those in need throughout our community. We also appreciate any & all kid friendly food staple items you are able to donate. Cereals, juice, Mac & cheese, PBJ, fluff, beefaroni, fruit cups, koolaid, granola bars, tuna, mayo, hearty soups...these are some of the most needed food items. Any monetary donations are always sincerely appreciated as well. Together serving God's people, we remain "United in Christ to feed His People body and soul." Laurie Sabourin