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St. James United Methodist Church 646 Daniel Webster Highway Merrimack, NH 03054 Rev. Sharon Lovejoy, Pastor Phyllis Riviere, Office Admin. Contact Us: Office (603) 424-7459 Email: stjamesmrmk@gmail.com Website: www.stjames-umchurch.org

On the Inside Pastor’s Message Page 2

Meet Eric Carlson Page 3-4

Worship Notes Page 5

Outreach Missions Page 6-7

Calling All Graduates Page 8

Supper & Wanakee Work Days Page 8

History of our Choir Page 9

Just for Kids Page 10

May Calendar Page 11

Building Christian Community Within and Beyond the Church

St. James United Methodist Church 646 Daniel Webster Highway

Merrimack, NH 03054 Rev. Lynne Mentzer, Pastor

Phyllis Riviere, Office Administrator

Contact Us: Office phone: (603)424-7459

Email: stjamesmrmk@gmail.com Stjames-umchurch.org

Facebook: St. James UMC Prayer Request email: sjprayerchain@gmail.com

Website: www.stjames-umchurch.org

May- 2017

Mother’s Day May 14th

Memorial Day May 29th

National Day of Prayer May 4th

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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

How do you feel about the word “accountable”? Perhaps it depends on which side of the “accounting table” we find ourselves – whether we’re giving or receiving an account of our actions.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement back in the mid-1700s, was a strong proponent of mutual accountability based on this passage from Hebrews: “Encourage one another daily . . . so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” To live this out, he composed a list of 22 questions the members of his small Holy Club were to ask one another on a regular basis, including these:

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? 2. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith? 3. Do I pray about the money I spend? 4. Do I grumble or complain constantly? 5. Is Christ real to me?

In a similar way, Bishop Devadhar and the Cabinet have sent the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) of each church in New England an accountability exercise to engage in together – this one based on Ephesians 4:1-16. “Speaking the truth in love, we must grow up … into Christ, from whom the whole body is … building itself up in love.” You noticed, yes? Such accountability is undergirded by love.

So here are some of the questions our SPRC will consider on behalf of St. James:

1. How many new members/disciples were welcomed into your church last year? 2. What might you do to strengthen outreach and hospitality based on their input? 3. How does your church cultivate and support spiritual formation? 4. What feedback have you gotten about your church’s ministry from people in your community? 5. Where do you sense God leading your church in the next five years?

What’s new this year is the addition of two more questions alongside each of the above:

What is the pastor’s role in accomplishing this? What is the congregation’s role in accomplishing this?

In other words, each one of us is accountable for the faithful, fruitful ministries of St. James. Accountable in love – love of God and love of community. Accountable to live out our mission statement: To build Christian community within and beyond the church.

So please take time to think about these questions. Pray about your answers. Pray about the questions these questions might generate. And then share your thoughts and insights with members of our SPRC (names listed below).

John Wesley would be so pleased.

In Wesleyan Accountability and Christian Love, Rev. Lynne Mentzer

*These are the members of our SPRC: David Jenkins (chair), Millie Brightman, Sam Doolan, Mollie Gerardo, Louise Hackett, Lisa Sanborn, Wanda Sealander, Carole Vandermark, Dave Yeaton, plus co-lay leaders Marge Galvin and Jen Savoy.

Pastor’s Message

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Meet Eric Carlson

This is a continuing series of articles to help us get to know new and well-seasoned members of St. James. We hope you’ll find these introductions helpful as we work together to “build Christian community within and beyond the church.” Eric, I’m going to start with the big question first. People are itching to know – is that a teepee on the church lawn? The teepee in the yard: It is the first part of a “scouting skills” project that the boy scouts chose to do. The tripod and platform will be one end of a rope bridge structure. Projects like this are a great opportunity for new scouts to learn knot and lashing skills and for the older scouts to be able to teach these skills and learn the value of planning. They will continue to work on this project until the first of May. How many boys are in the troop – and what else are they planning to do this spring? Right now we have about 25 Boy Scouts in Troop 401 and 25 Cub Scouts in Pack 401. Here are some recent and upcoming events for the Scouts: The Cub Scouts held the Pinewood Derby in March. In May we will have a Bicycle Rodeo and invite the Merrimack Police to help teach the scouts bicycle safety. Both the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts competed in the Klondike Derby in February. The Webelos took 3rd place in the Cub Scout Competition and our Senior Patrol took 1st place overall! The Boy Scouts go camping almost every month all year long. They are going camping on Cape Cod in May. The Boy Scout Leaders have been working on painting the floor of the undercroft and it is nearly complete. You’ve been involved with Troop 401 here at St. James for how long now? And by the way, what’s your official title? I am currently the Charter Representative for the Troop and Pack. That means I am the liaison between the scouts and the church. I have been involved with scouts since Ryan started Cub Scouts about 10 years ago. I have been an assistant den leader, Cubmaster, and a den leader, as well. Are your two boys involved in scouts as well? My boys are both involved in scouts. Ryan is a First Class scout and Evan is nearing the end of his 3rd year as a Cub Scout, working on his Bear badge. In your opinion, what’s the best and longest lasting benefit of scouting? I feel the benefit of scouting is teaching them leadership skills using the Scout Law as a guideline (A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent) We try to encourage the scouts to choose their own activities and help them to successfully plan and execute those activities.

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I understand that we have some Eagle Scout projects in the works. Can you tell us more about these boys and what they’re planning to do? The highest achievement of Boy Scouts is the Eagle Scout rank. Troop 401 has two scouts working toward Eagle right now. Chris Berube is planning a number of service projects to improve the facilities at Camp Doucett in Nashua. Angel Thomson is going to replace and improve the flagpole area in the front of the church. (Angel has served as my Den Chief for the last 3 years, this is a Boy Scout that serves as a helper during Cub Scout den meetings. Also, both Angel and Chris work as camp counsellors at Camp Carpenter in the summer). Speaking of leadership, you’re involved in several leadership roles here at St. James. You sing in the choir … you play guitar … you help out at the suppers … you’ve served on various committees, and you willingly help out whenever asked. First, thank you! Second, how long have you and your family been members here – and what gives you the greatest joy in being in ministry through this church? Our family joined St James soon after moving to Merrimack in 2002. I joined the choir in 2006. I served on SPRC for 6 years, 3 as Chair. I am currently serving on the Nominations committee. No matter what committee I’m on, I’ll help at church dinners and I’ll try to bring along Boy Scouts to help as well! The thing I enjoy most about church is the music. Some of my favorite songs are the ones that are based on scripture (God so Loved the World, The Lord is my Shepherd). Finally, what is your prayer for St. James? My prayer for St James (and all those involved at St James) is that we all try to live up to the principles of the Scout Law, especially in our dealings with each other. Thank you, Eric!

Food Pantry Volunteers Needed

Denise and David McKenne will be leaving the Food Pantry at the end of 2017. We are looking for volunteers to take on the following responsibilities starting in September or sooner:

Coordinate all efforts for the November Boy Scout Food Drive

Coordinate all efforts for the Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets

Coordinate Government pick up at SNHS every 2 months (FEB, APR, JUN, AUG, OCT, and DEC)

Help clients out with shopping carts each Tuesday between 9:30 am - Noon

Pick up Depot Farm Stand produce before pantry hours on Tues. (MAY – DEC)

Periodic food pick up at SHAWS on Continental Blvd (round barrel at front of store)

If you are able to volunteer for any of these, or have any questions, please contact Denise at (603) 320-1101 or at mck2enne@comcast.net.

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Worship Design Team Celebrates and Anticipates: “What’s Next?”

Our Worship Design Team worked overtime before and during Lent, Holy Week and Easter this year, re-creating the Jordan River, the landscape of the Holy Land, the Mount of the Transfiguration, a dark wood, Jesus’ cloak strewn path into Jerusalem, and a glorious Easter garden! When the group gathered for a well-deserved celebration lunch the week after Easter, one of the first questions was: “So what’s next?” Many thanks to Cheryl Barb, Lynn Kenson and Lisa Sanborn for sharing their creativity and enthusiasm and for enhancing our worship experience so beautifully.

Looking for “Bad” Girls and “Bad” Boys in May and June On Mother’s Day (May 14th) our sermon will be on “Bad Girls of the Bible”; and, to be fair, on Father’s Day (June 18th) we’ll hear from “Bad Boys of the Bible.” Each sermon will require additional readers to represent our notorious Old and New Testament ancestors. Interested? Please see Pastor Lynne for details.

Congratulations, Jen Savoy! On Saturday, May 13th our co-lay leader and Sunday School organizer Jen Savoy will graduate from Mid-America Christian University summa cum laude! Jen and her four children will fly to Oklahoma where she will receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministries. We’re so proud of you, Jen! Enjoy, enjoy, and thanks be to God!

Youth Group Thanks…

Carole Vandermark for a Yummy Program … On Friday, April 7th Carole Vandermark gathered our youth group in the kitchen to explore nutrition, food preparation and making healthy choices. Peas from a can, frozen peas or fresh pea pods? There’s a big difference! After several hands-on demonstrations and tastings, everyone was invited to concoct and enjoy their own culinary creations. Thank you, Carole, for a fun and informative evening.

… And the Trustees for Approving Their “New” Meeting Space For several months now the Youth Group has been gathering in the Fellowship Hall, Classroom #2 and the kitchen – but never in their own space. Now, the Trustees have given their blessing to our youth reclaiming “the mural room” in the undercroft. Plans are underway to make this a unique, comfy, safe and sacred space. Stay tuned – there may be a wish list and/or an open house announced soon!

WORSHIP

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Update – Purses for the Homeless

Thanks to the generosity of St. James, we collected 110 purses. 40 were delivered to New Horizon Shelter in Manchester, 50 to the Nashua Food Pantry, and 10 will go to the Cynthia Day Family Center. The large purses were filled with a pair of socks, gloves, facecloth, toothbrush, hand lotion, band aids, a comb, and the following bible verse:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Hampton Inn by Hilton in Nashua, gave us 40 sets of shampoo and conditioner, Extended Stay America in Nashua gave us a case of small hand lotions, and Church Missions and the Women’s Group gave us a monetary donation. We are so grateful for all the help and support that was given to this project. Thank you!

--Betty Ann Dudziak and Trudy Rodgers

Upscale Yard Sale / Garden Club Plant Sale

Just imagine…..a yard sale without the traffic and mess at your home…..a yard sale without having to advertise……Join us at the Upscale Yard Sale on Saturday, June 10 from 8:00 to 1:00. Spaces are available for $20. This is a rain or shine event so be prepared by bringing a table and pop-up. Set up begins at 7:00 on Saturday morning. Volunteers are needed to set up, to work on the church table, to sell baked goods, to cook hotdogs, and to help clean-up. Items for the church table and baked goods can be dropped off on Friday, June 9 from 5:30 to 7:00, or on Saturday morning. Please call the church office to reserve a space or to volunteer. The Merrimack Garden Club will also be holding its annual plant sale that morning. Thanks for your help.

Letters of Thanks…

OUTREACH MISSIONS

SAVE THE DATE - Health Kit Assembly Party at St. James

On June 24th we will be meeting in the fellowship hall to assemble health kits from 10 AM until the job is done. Many hands will be needed to assemble the kits. The more hands available the faster we can get the kits assembled. Learn more about our HUB and UMCOR and the exciting work we do through them as you assemble kits. Our goal is to raise enough money to put 1000 heath kits together. Bring the family, friends and neighbors for fun and fellowship.

“From all of us at the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, thank you. Thank you for your donation on February 28: over 100 purses filled with socks, gloves, tooth care items, toiletries, etc. collected over 6 weeks. We couldn’t do it without you.”

In Peace,

Michael Reinke, Executive Director

“Bektash Shriners thank you very much for your support of our Aluminum Tab Collection & Recycling Project. The Bektash Shrine Center located in Concord, NH recycles the tabs to raise funds to cover the expense of transportation for needy children to and from our “Shriners Hospitals for Children” where they receive medical treatment for burns and orthopedics which are provided regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. …..Again, thank you for your on-going support that is so badly needed and appreciated.”

Sincerely,

III Mark A. Simard, Potentate

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Mother’s Day Project – May, 2017 For the ninth year, the Mother’s Day Project of the Mission Committee will be to give Mother’s Day gifts to the ten mothers who reside at Marguerite’s Place, which is an apartment complex that provides transitional housing for homeless women with children. They provide daycare for the children and supportive services to the mothers with the goal that they will be able to live independently. Marguerite’s Place is located in Nashua, NH and their services are available to Merrimack residents.

We are requesting monetary donations in honor or in memory of your mother or someone who has been like a mother to you. A list of names will be included in the Mother’s Day bulletin.

I will purchase gifts that will be given to the mothers with the money received. Some of the gifts that I will be purchasing will be laundry supplies, kitchen supplies, and cleaning supplies.

In order to have the names printed in the bulletin your donation must be placed in the offering plate no later than May 7th. Please make checks payable to St. James UMC and mark them as Mother’s Day Project. If you would like to have a card to present to a mother that you are honoring please see me.

Thank you in advance for your support of this mission project. E. June Johnsen

Mission Chairperson

Merrimack High School’s Senior Service Day (2017)

“Seniors Helping Seniors” Monday, May 15th (rain date – 5/16) from 8AM – 11:15AM

Merrimack High School seniors will participate in the 21st Annual Senior Service Day – "Seniors Helping Seniors". The senior class will go to various sites in the community and assist senior citizens by sweeping,

raking, spreading mulch, gardening, washing windows, etc. Any senior citizen interested in this free volunteer service should contact Trevor Knight at Merrimack High School at (603) 918-4300 for further

information.

Mother’s Day Project May 14, 2017

In Memory of: _____________________ In Honor of: ________________________

________________________________ __________________________________

________________________________ __________________________________

Given by: _________________________

Please place your check in the offering plate with this form no later than May 7th. Make your check payable to St. James UMC with “Mother’s Day Project” in the bottom notation section. Thank you.

OUTREACH MISSIONS

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High School & College Graduates

If you would like your graduate included in a future newsletter, please email the church office. You may include some or all of the following information: graduation date, school name, college plans, degree earned, future

plans, photo, etc. Email: stjamesmrmk@gmail.com

Wanakee Work Days Saturday, May 6th 9:00 – 3:00 Saturday, June 3rd 9:00 – 3:00

Come help open camp for the season! Can you do light carpentry, cut and haul brush, plant flowers, paint, rake, clean dishes and buildings, work with docks, and/or open cabins? We need volunteers to help prepare camp for the summer. Individuals, families, youth groups, church groups, mission teams are encouraged to come! All ages and skill levels welcome. Coffee, light snacks, and lunch provided. Reservations are requested to plan for meals. Visit: Wanakee.org

Beef Kabob Supper

Saturday, May 20, 2017 5:00 - 6:30 pm

Tickets: $10 Adult, $8 Senior, $6 Child under age 12 Sign-up on the bulletin board outside of the church office, or call the church office at 424-7459 to make a

reservation. Tickets may be available at the door.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The goal of this resource day is to empower laity to become leaders in the practice of individual and communal generosity as a spiritual discipline. Bring a team from your congregation to learn the biblical, personal, and practical perspectives of stewardship and generosity and how to apply it to the life of your faith community. Share together in this learning and interactive process AND bring your pastor as well!

Topics to include:

THEOLOGY OF GIVING • GENEROSITY AUTOBIOGRAPHY

BEST PRACTICES IN STEWARDSHIP • A LIFESTYLE OF GENEROSITY

PRESENTERS: Gary Melville / Jim Mentzer / David Abbott / and YOU!

{GIVING {{JESUS}} GENEROSITY} – Tri-State District Event May 6, 2017 – First UMC 129 Miller Ave. Portsmouth, NH

For more information Contact: Tri-State District (978)682-7775 X270

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

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Writing and Art-Making Response to the Dark Wood of Lent

Protestant prayer beads (pictured), clay sculptures, collage, poetry, and doodle prayers were all part of our mid-week writing and art-making response to our Lenten study this year: Gifts of the Dark Wood. Many thanks to all who came each week to share their creativity and discoveries. Not only did we have fun but we also gained an additional gift of the dark wood – the gift of faithful companionship along the Lenten journey.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

In 1967, the Choir began under the direction of Ruth Garvey, accompanied by James Farrar on the piano. Rehearsals were held at the home of Bob & Marge Lessor. The Joy to the World Hymnal was used and “The Church in the Wildwood” was their first song in worship. The choir was originally seated in the balcony.

In 1973, Mr. & Mrs. Garvey initiated an organ fund which grew from their original contributions through memorial gifts in memory of James Farrar and Mrs. Wilbur Witty. A generous contribution by Bob Loiselle secured the purchase of an Allen Organ. When Ruth Garvey left in 1973, Bob Loiselle became Music Director and Organist.

In 1976, the choir moved

from the balcony to the

choir loft.

In 1966, Marge Lessor and Minnie Carswell expressed interest in forming a choir.

In 1983, chimes were dedicated in memory of

Arthur Bergstrom.

In 1999, lightning struck the organ and a new one was purchased.

In 2007, Bob Loiselle became ill and Darlene Skene filled in for him

as needed. Bob passed away on

October 21, 2008 and Darlene became our Music Director. She

continues to serve in this role.

In 1986, Bob Loiselle and Roy Weldon wrote and directed “Hotel Variety”

which was performed at the Middle School in town. Many church members

performed skits and musical numbers as part of the

show.

Celebrating our History

Choir Timeline Historical information provided by Arnie & Elaine Robinson

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SMALL BLESSINGS

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Gr Sweep – Grand Sweep Bible Study RC – Flying Eagle Remote Club FIN – Finance Committee CH Council – Church Council UMM – United Methodist Men ECOH – Eagle Court of Honor (Scouts)

GS – Girl Scouts BS – Boy Scouts CS – Cub Scouts

HHH – Home Health & Hospice SJ – St. Joseph’s Fitness Class YG – Youth Group

FH – Fellowship Hall CR – Conference Room S – Sanctuary P - Parlor UC – Undercroft CL - Classrooms

9am SJH Fitness; FH