Have you ever tried to make a change in your life, and it felt like you are dragging a boat anchor around as you try to walk into your future story? While you know you need to write a new chapter in your life, the process seems laborious and daunting. Intellectually you know transformation needs to take place, but you can't quite get there. The inertia and pull of the past seem too great.
Often this lethargy is due in part because we are so focused on the future that we do not remember, honor or grieve our past. We don't visit our history and locate ourselves in the present before launching into the future. We end up carrying unexamined grief, unacknowledged accomplishments and feel disconnected from our history as we attempt to write the next chapter.
In May and June, there will be opportunities to tell our South Church story by reflecting on these questions. How has God changed your life in your time at South Church? How has God, working through you, shaped South Church? What do you miss about South Church and what is the longing in the missing? What is possible for the future of South Church?
I invite you to consider these questions and help us tell the story of South Church with an eye toward our future. We need your story. Consider participating in several of the options below.
How you can participate:
- Volunteer for an interview with Sean to go in eLation!
- Write about a special time you have had at South Church and send it to Sean to be placed in eLation!
- Share a story on the South Church website
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Join a Telling Our Story zoom program on May 19 at 7 p.m.
- Record a 3-minute video sharing your story to be shown during worship on May 30
- Provide photos for a photo slideshow to be shown during worship on June 13
- Share past photos on our Facebook Group
- Join us for a Coffee House Worship of Songs and Stories on June 27th
Questions for reflection: 1) What has excited you about South Church in the past, and how has God's presence kept you a part of the community? 2) How do you envision God working through South Church in the future?
Please send photos, stories and videos to Sean or contact him at 603-986-5847 for further information.
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May Worship Services
During the month of May, we will be shifting back to two services at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. The 8 a.m. service will be held outdoors in the church parking lot (rain or shine). This will allow us to be safe, masked and 6 ft apart. The 9 a.m. service will continue in the online zoom format.
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The Confirmation Kids Meet in Person |
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The Get Movin' 184 Challenge
This is our primary fundraiser this year, and now is the time for you to get involved! Here is how to get started...
If you plan to be a participant
First, choose an activity that you are willing to take part in at some point during the week of May 28 to June 4, 2021. The activity can take place on one day within that week or can be spread out as a participant wishes throughout any part of the week. The goal of the activity must include the numbers one (1), eight (8) and four (4) in any order or combination. You must register to participate by May 14. Click here to download a full packet.
If you want to sponsor a participant
Sponsorship payments can be made online or if you prefer, simply mail a check to the church office with “184 Challenge” and the name of the person you are sponsoring in the memo line. There is a list of participants below.
Thank you for supporting the ministries of the South Church!
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We took the Challenge.... |
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Becky Field
In response to the South Church Get Movin’184 Challenge fundraiser, "I will row 18.4 miles in 3 days on my rowing machine."
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Pauline Simonton
In response to the South Church Get Movin’184 Challenge fundraiser, "I will ride my Peloton Bike for 1.84 hours."
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Ro Metcalf
In response to the South Church Get Movin’184 Challenge fundraiser, "I will ride my tricycle from one end of Heritage Heights campus to the other side 18 times in 4 days."
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Don Hayes
In response to the South Church Get Movin’184 Challenge fundraiser, "I will hike/walk 18.4 miles."
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Participants
Alison Nyhan
Rosamond Metcalf
Carlene Ruesenberg
Judith Forest
Yorke Peeler
Carolyn Kerr
Pauline Simonton
Susan Hatem
Sean Dunker-Bendigo
Becky Field
Celeste McQuarrie
Chris Lanzara
Jed Rardin
Laurie Rardin
Nancy Haigh
Janet Zeller
Don Hayes
Cal Genzel
Peg Wenzel
David Wenzel
Keri Yankus
Collin Vodra
Kathy Daniels
Sue Marcotte-Jenkins
Richard Nelson
Betsy Clardy
Evelyn Eddy
Lou-Ann Poirier
Rachel Jones
Abby Chabeaneau
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Sponsors
Jerry and Sue Rardin
Paul Rardin
Evelyn Eddy
Cal Genzel
Jeffrey Yeager
Lee Allison
Martha Burnham
Doreen Desmarais
Pam and Oge Young
Katherine Amsden
Mary Lou Fuller
Korey and Kristi Nyhan
Beth and Bill Hanley
Maria and Paul Lennon
Danielle Ward & CaoimheMcAuley
Gyme Hardy
Nancy Roberts
Rachel and Brian Jones
Polly and Terry Shumaker
Sarah and Bob Sloper
Mark Riley
Holly Zeller
Sara and Brandon Gemmiti
Abe Nelson
Carol and John Dyer
Lou-Ann Poirier
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South Church Reads
Book Discussion - Discussion opportunities forJodi Picoult’s thought provoking novel Small Great Things will take place on Monday, May 17 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. led by Lynne Morgan and Wednesday May 19 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. led by Toni Callahan. (Please e-mail Lynne or Toni if you plan to participate.) Join the Zoom discussion for the Monday or the Zoom discussion for the Wednesday.
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By the Poet's Light
Join Sean Dunker-Bendigo on May 20 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and continuing the third Thursday of every month for By The Poet's Light. Each month we will read and discuss powerful poems related to change, vision, and new beginnings. Join the Zoom meeting.
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Join Us Outdoors
You have the opportunity to get out in nature and see fellow South Churchers at Jamie Welsh Park in Boscawen on Sunday, May 23 at 2 p.m. This is part of the Northern Rail trail. Bring your bikes (hybrid or mountain bike would work well) or walking boots. The trail is very wide and made of crushed gravel. There is also a playground for the younger children to enjoy.
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To Mars and Beyond VBS
We invite voyagers on a space travel adventure to explore where God’s power can take them. Along the journey, voyagers learn the stories of Daniel; Esther, the Good Samaritan, Jesus Heals and the Journey to Emmaus. Each day, our voyagers will reach for the stars and encounter the limitless power and love of God. In the mornings there will be a realm of stories, songs, crafts and games. In the afternoons, we will explore the story in unique ways. We will travel on local field trips, possibly a hike in Concord and the Discovery Center as a way to witness God’s gifts before our eyes and beyond. We will be hosting a Vacation Bible School the week of August 16 to August 20 from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Throughout the week, we will be outside as much as possible. If we need to be inside we will wear mask. The cost is $40 per child. To sign-up check out our website by Sunday, June 13. For questions or more information please contact Alison Nyhan.
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All South Church members are encouraged to view the 2013 documentary White Like Me. This is a 69-minute film that features anti-racist educator Tim Wise who authored a book of the same title. It explores the subject of white privilege in the U.S.—its role in the growth of the American middle class after World War II and how it has contributed to the perpetuation of racism in our American society—our lives, our politics, and social policies.
With a public library card, the film is also available to view at no cost through Kanopy.com. Or to view the film on YouTube, simply paste this link into your browser.
On Wednesday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m., Sue Marcotte-Jenkins will host an hour-long gathering on Zoom to discuss the film. Please be sure to watch the movie prior to the discussion and register for the event on-line. Please contact Sue if you have any questions. Once you sign up Sue will send you the Zoom link to the discussion.
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A Cry for Hope
Please join the Community Church of Durham for a four-part series introducing the New Hampshire Congregations to the work and witness of the United Church of Christ’s Palestine Israel Network. This network encourages the church to take bold and nonviolent action in support of Palestinian and Israeli partners and activists seeking a just peace. Friends from UCC congregations and other New Hampshire faith communities are most welcome. Series continues at 7 p.m. on May 13, 20 & 27. For more information please click here and please register here.
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Moment of Mission
Nobody hungry, nobody thirsty, shade from the sun, shelter from the wind, For the Compassionate One guides them, takes them to the best of springs." (Isaiah 49:10 MSG)
The Faith in Action ministry has designated that May's Monthly Mission collection will go to One Great Hour of Sharing. This is one of the four special mission offerings established by the United Church of Christ. Helping communities around the world become stronger, healthier and better equipped to address hardships and catastrophes is the purpose of this mission. This support can take many forms: helping individuals who are on the brink of homelessness, assisting refugees or asylum seekers who are in limbo, or rebuilding communities after a natural disaster. Your generosity ensures that even in the midst of uncertainty, the church will continue to change the lives of those who are most vulnerable among us. Donate here to support this mission. Thank you
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Faith in Action News
Through our Faith in Action Ministry, South Church has made a generous donation of $1,400 to Overcomers Refugee Services. The amount is symbolic of the American Rescue Plan stipends that arrived in most US citizens’ mailboxes or bank accounts. Our donation will support Overcomers' multilingual case managers in providing translation assistance and education about Covid-19 and transportation to get vaccinations. South Church’s donation will also help Overcomers meet a matching requirement in applying for a grant from another source. We're all in this together!
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Serving Our Community
The South Church Senior High Youth Group was not able to go on our regular mission trip this year. However, we didn’t let this stop us from putting our faith into action. The leadership team of Alison Nyhan, Katelyn Caswell, Julia Wagner, Jed Rardin, and Sean Dunker-Bendigo, worked tirelessly to organize three days worth of opportunities to serve the Concord community. Huge thanks to Alison who did most of the work behind the scenes, making phone calls to set up this work and supporting us every step of the way.
The SHYG took three days out of their April break to serve the local community and learn about the important impact of various organizations that support the most vulnerable populations in Concord. Sunday was our first day all together in-person. We took time to enjoy each other’s company while engaging in a project as part of our #AmbassadorsofJoy campaign. We painted canvases with beautiful spring scenery, patterns and inspirational quotes for patients at Concord Hospital. The group also enjoyed exploring areas of the church and made some decisions about where we would like to continue our in-person meetings.
Monday was spent at the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness. We got to take a tour of both facilities and learn about the services and programs that are offered to support people who are experiencing homelessness in the Capital area. We cleaned up the alleyway between the CEH and Islamic Center buildings. It was littered with trash, overgrown plants and old construction materials. The SHYG is notorious for going above and beyond the expectations. We finished this clean up job very quickly, and spent the afternoon organizing and cleaning up the basement.
Our final day consisted of two projects. We spent part of our morning at The Friendly Kitchen. We got a tour of the building and learned about how volunteers play a huge role in helping this organization run and what life looks like there on a day to day basis. We helped by washing every table and chair and setting up the dining room. This will help them have the space ready to go as they are hoping to open up in-person dining in the coming months, pending safety concerns due to Covid-19. The youth group finished this project in no time, which opened up some time for a nature walk and outdoor games in East Concord. Exploring the city in which we are working and spending time together is a very important aspect of every mission trip, so we were thankful for this time and the beautiful day we had! The afternoon was spent doing yard work at the Elle-Gelernter’s house. We raked leaves, trimmed old shrubbery and cleared rocks to make the place look ready for spring.
At the end, we took time to reflect on our time together this week. We learned many valuable lessons, including: there is a lot of work to be done and ways to serve our local community; staying local and serving our neighbors can be just as valuable as traveling to do this work far away; being together in person is a gift and we are thankful for the beautiful weather we had to complete this work; spending time together allowed old friendships to be strengthened and new friendships to blossom; and there is a silver lining in all that has happened this past year and we are grateful for the hope and peace that God can bring in the midst the unknown. We are so proud of how resilient our youth have been when faced with challenges and the incredible ways they have embraced new opportunities to serve others during this time. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way in prayer, financially, and with words of encouragement.
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GoFundMe
Ginny Mierins' son Andrew passed unexpectedly after suffering injuries from a fall. If you ever knew him your life was changed for the better. Andy dedicated his life to serving others whether at work, in the community, church, or in his home. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help cover the cost of Andy's funeral and other unexpected expenses. Please consider donating, as any amount will truly help his family during this difficult time.
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Thank you, Horace and Gene
It is with gratitude that we announce a gift to South Church in the amount of $56,000 from Dr. Horace and Gene Blood just a few weeks ago, shortly before Horace died. At the request of the Blood family, the gift has been designated for the ongoing restoration of our stained glass windows. Our hearts go out to Bob and Jeannine Blood and their family in this time of loss. As with the generous gift the Bloods made to name the Chapel during renovations after the fire in 1999, this gift toward window restoration will be a frequent reminder of the love and support of the Blood family through the years.
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Star Island Conferences
Star Island will be open for conferences and day trips in 2021! Registration is now open for the earlier conferences.
August 1 to 7, 2021
Star Gathering 1 Family Conference
August 1 to 7, 2021
Star Gathering UCC Youth Conference
August 8 to 14, 2021
Star Gathering 2 Family Conference
September 3 or 4 to September 6, 2021
Star Gathering Weekend UCC Family Conference
For up-to-date information on COVID guidelines and details on the conferences, click here.
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Prayers
Please keep the following people in your thoughts and prayers...
In Memoriam: Horace Blood, JM Sahr and Andy Mierins
If you would like the congregation to pray for someone and be added to our prayer list, please contact Lou-Ann Poirier. She will also make Jed aware of your prayers.
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May Birthdays
We want to wish our members who have May Birthdays
“A Very Happy Birthday!!”
If we missed your birthday that means it wasn’t in the directory; so please send it to Peg Wenzel.
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May 1st
Isabelle Dolcino,
Jacqueline Hartford and
Mary Lynne Rahlson
May 2nd
Trey Hast
May 4th
Becca Cleary, David Frost
and Rick Wagner
May 7th
Peg Wenzel
May 8th
Ron Montmagny and Chris Roberts
May 12th
Ashley Babladelis,
Lorens Jorgenson and
George Landry
May 13th
Julie Minnaugh and
Lou-Ann Poirier
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May 14th
Bill Watson
May 15th
Cameron Cholette,
Jeremy Cooper and Ruth Smith
May 16th
Becky Field
May 20th
Emily Geoghegan
May 22nd
Laura Knoy and Eleanor MacLellan
May 25th
Brad Jobel
May 26th
Richard Cowing and Erin Martel
May 27th
Caroline Murray
May 31st
Joyce Edwards
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