in Spire The Newsletter of Maple Street Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
August/September 2016
90 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923 978-774-4510 www.maplestreetchurch.org
receive the prize of eternal life. But, Jesus
doesn’t go there with him on that in this dia-
logue. Rather, Jesus is focused on how we treat
our neighbors.
Perhaps Jesus is so focused on this because Je-
sus knows that God doesn’t discriminate and
every neighbor we have is already beloved by
God, no matter who they are—Samaritan, Le-
vite, Black, White, Latino, foreign or domestic.
So, let me ask you, who is your neighbor? Just
the folks in Danvers? Only the folks who live
on your street? How about those Yankee fans
down the street who moved
here from Manhattan a few
years ago? How about the
Syrian refugee whose family
lost their home and their
mother and father to the
bombing? How about the
married gay couple whom
you met at the neighbor-
hood block party? How
about the elderly couple
whose husband just had by-
pass surgery? Or in this
heated election year, how about the conserva-
tive Republican or liberal Democrat?
Once you have decided who your neighbor is,
then the question is who are you (or we) (continued on next page)
Pastor Kevin’s Corner
Who is Your Neighbor and How Will You Treat Them?
But a Samaritan while traveling came near him;
and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, hav-
ing poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him
on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and
took care of him. The next day he took out two
denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said,
‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will
repay you whatever more you
spend.’ Which of these three,
do you think, was a neighbor to
the man who fell into the
hands of the robbers?” He
said, “The one who showed
him mercy.” Jesus said to him,
“Go and do likewise.” (Luke
10:33-37)
Jesus is talking to a lawyer, of
all people. Well, actually he is
talking to a temple employee
who interprets the Jewish
law for the priests and scribes. The lawyer is
asking Jesus what must he do to inherit eter-
nal life (or get a just reward for being good).
So, that was probably the lawyer’s first mis-
take, thinking you had to earn God’s love to
MAPLE EVES
“TURNING A NEW LEAF”
All Church Women’s Group
October 19 - 7:30 PM
Sanctuary
Speaker
Author Neal Sanders
*(Francis X. Clones, S.J., Jesus calls us to be
neighbors to everyone who need us. From Harvard
Divinity School Current: America: The National
Catholic Review, July 10, 2016)
The Deacons’ Bench As we begin a new church year, one of
the many responsibilities of the Board of
Deacons is to ensure we are a welcoming
congregation and contribute to that goal
with a dedicated team of ushers and
greeters at our Sunday worship services.
Norma Gates, Deacon Emeritus, has gra-
ciously volunteered for many years to co-
ordinate this important ministry. This
year Casey Brennan and Bob Wilkinson
will assume this responsibility as Norma
has asked to step down. Thank you
Norma for your dedication and attention
to the detail of this responsibility.
Casey and Bob will soon begin to recruit
and schedule the ushers and greeters for
the coming year. Please be receptive to
their invitation to participate. It is a won-
derful opportunity to get to know better
our members and visitors and ensure
they receive a warm welcome to Maple
Street Church.
If you are interested in being included as
an usher and/or greeter for the coming
year, let Casey or Bob know in person of
your interest and any restrictions they
should be aware of. You may also contact
Casey via phone at 978-578-9464 or e-
mail [email protected] or Bob by
phone at 978-774-6298.
The inSpire 2 August/September, 2016
(continued from page 1)
called by God to be to our neighbors in
this troubled time? This time of question-
able police shootings of young black men.
This time of the murder of police officers
simply because they wear the blue uni-
form. This time when people are fanning
the flames of fear about categories of peo-
ple. This time when refugees from war
and violence (like Mary, Joseph, and Jesus
were once) are seeking shelter in our
neighborhoods. Jesus is asking you, “who is
your neighbor and how will you treat
them?” This is the seminal question of our
day as it was for Jesus and that lawyer two
thousand plus years ago. It is also the
question for this church and what it
means for why we are here and what we
are called to do as the “body of Christ.”
Fr. Francis X. Clooney, of Harvard Divinity
School reminds us that “(we) too may
someday be that lost, beaten, stripped hu-
man being by the roadside, with nothing to
show for myself except that I am human;
and then I will be blessed if someone
comes along and makes herself or himself
a neighbor to me.”* We live in uncertain
times. It seems the underpinnings of our
world have come unhinged and things are
spinning out of our control.
In this next church season, let’s explore
together who are our neighbors and what
is it we are called to do in a troubled
world for our neighbors, for each other. In
every committee meeting, in every deci-
sion we make together, when we pray, as
we teach our children, as we discern what
to do with our time and resources, let us
give thought to what it means to follow
Jesus and be neighbors. Who will we be?
How will we show our neighborliness?
--RevKev
The inSpire 3 August/September, 2016
From Pastor Pam
Rally Sunday is almost here! On Septem-ber 11th we will come from summer vaca-tions and summer breaks, from a summer of work and relaxation, from travel and new ex-periences. And, from our time apart we no doubt have grown and changed, shared new joys and losses and challenges. So on this Rally Sunday we will come together, new comer and old-timer, to acknowledge that, whatever has changed, we are all part of God's family. Come eager brothers and sis-ters, come as we rally together to celebrate our covenant of welcome, and call, each and all, into this beloved household of God.
Calling all grandparents and parents... Calling all families, all children... Calling all our brothers and sisters in faith; teens, youth, singles, married, gay, straight, from near from far, from NORTH, SOUTH, EAST and WEST!
All our welcome in this household of God. For many, September is a time of begin-nings. Labor Day weekend and our worship at Endicott Park mark the unofficial end of summer and the beginning of new activities in our families, schools and community. Yet in the church year, September is not a beginning but a mid-point. We are in the middle of our Season after Pentecost, a sea-son celebrating the growth of the church. The season is marked by the color green, like the green stoles Kevin and I wear for worship and the green gardens of summer even amidst the drought, symbolizing growth and new life. Growth happens in the church and in our lives as we learn and live out our faith in the world. I look forward to us sharing all our stories of summer adventures and ask, what new growth is happening in your own life, your family, and your church? Our worship
services, faith formation programs and small group gatherings begin and there is room for all ages to come and take part. Come to Rally Sunday, come into the fall sea-son ready to share again in worship and fellow-ship. Ready to begin again as a community growing in faith. This is a season of welcome, covenant and growth.
Thanks be to God! Pastor Pam
Christian Education
CE Team and Leaders ready to welcome children and youth back to MSC!
RALLY SUNDAY Maples Street Families and
Members of All Ages
On Rally Sunday, September 11th, all are invited to
a Continental Breakfast offered by the Chris-
tian Education Committee in the parish hall at 9
am. Displays and sign-up materials for our many
Faith Formation Programs and Choir Programs will
be available, so come learn about all the happenings at MSC; start dates, rehearsals, and special events.
We'll share a buffet breakfast, kids craft time and
then head to the Sanctuary at 9:50 am for an-
nouncements and worship at 10 am.
Blessing of the Back Packs
On Sunday, September 18th in morning worship
we invite kids and adults, all ages, to bring their
backpacks for a special time of blessing.
As we begin new programs, a new school year,
college, a new job or new adventure, we equip
ourselves with the tools and sup-
plies to support our work. For
many, these tools are housed
and carried in a back pack, a
satchel. In earlier days it might
have been named a book bag or
brief case, but in any case it is fitting to bless all
that helps us be our full selves in all we do and in
all our learning. Come and join in blessing all the
packs we carry!
Children and Youth
Program Dedication
Morning Worship
September 25th
During morning worship we will take time to call
forward all our lay leaders who will be walking
with our children and youth in the many programs
of the Maple Street Christian Education Program this year.
Each comes to offer their time
and energy to the faith forma-
tion of our children and youth
and in turn grow in their own
spiritual journey.
With gratitude and appreciation we celebrate
their commitment and invite all to join in this spe-
cial Sunday of blessing and commissioning.
(CE activities continued on next page)
The inSpire 4 August/September, 2016
Welcome Children and Youth
Our Faith Formation Program offers activities for
all age children and youth on Sunday mornings.
Childcare for our youngest children (infant-PreK)
is offered weekly in the Kids Corner with Miss
Jeanne beginning at 10 am.
Children and youth are invited to begin in wor-
ship with their families. Following the Time For
Children they process to the Education Wing for
Chapel Time and Classroom Activities for PreK-
1st, 2nd-4th, and 5th-7th graders along with adult
volunteer leaders and helpers.
Older youth, grades 8-12, gather in the reception
room for discussion, fellowship, and outreach/
event planning. For more information email Pas-
tor Pam, revpammsc@gmailcom or Lynne
Hathaway, Chair of the Christian Education
Committee, [email protected].
Important CE
Dates
Wednesday, September 7, 6-8 pm will be a
Special Leader Session for all Christian Education
Committee Members and Faith Formation Leaders of
all programs. We will gather for an important
Leader Session to review safe church policies,
Rally Day activities and the Sunday Fall Schedule.
On September 11th, Fellowship Time following
worship--"A Cup of Justice" will be hosted by the
CE Committee.
The inSpire 5 August/September, 2016
MAPLE EVES “TURNING A NEW LEAF”
ALL CHURCH WOMEN’S GROUP OCTOBER 19 – 7:30 PM
SANCTUARY SPEAKER – AUTHOR NEAL SANDERS
At the June Meeting of the Maple Eves a lively discussion was held concerning the future of the group. Realizing that, at the present time, leadership was waning, the question was “where do we go from here?”
Many suggestions were made and our new family minister Pam Cochrane came up with the idea of “TURNING A NEW LEAF” with an “All Church Women’s Group”. Those present agreed to the idea of a fresh new beginning and a decision was made to start with three special programs held throughout the year open to all women. The first program is noted below and the other two are in the planning stage. Suggestions for future programs are wel-come.
The first program will be presented on October 19 at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary and the speaker will be author Neal Sanders on the topic of “Strong Women.” His many books feature, and we quote, “strong, intelligent, resourceful and independent women.” Mr. Sanders states that “women characters are much more interesting and they don’t solve disputes with their fists or with guns, they USE THEIR WITS.” He notes in his biography that he is descended from a long line of strong, independent women and he speaks in his talk of how they have influenced his life. Refresh-ments will be served following the program.
We look forward to bringing women of all ages together, sharing dialogue on interesting topics and joining in fellowship.
Maple Street Church
Youth and Family
Cook Out!
September 25th, 3-5pm
Welcoming youth, grades 5th-
7th, and 8th-12th, and wel-
coming parents! Join us for an
afternoon cook out! We'll grill
and share tasty sides.
Hamburgers, hotdogs, and
beverages provided. Bring a
favorite side dish to share.
Pastor Pam and Youth Lead-
ers will share youth group ac-
tivities and projects planned
for the fall, including news of
this year’s Confirmation Pro-
gram for 9th and 10th grad-
ers. We'll share some games
and desert.
Join us in the back yard of
Maple Street Church, adjacent
to the parking lot near the
Nursery School entrance.
The inSpire 6 August/September, 2016
“FIRST SUNDAY”
“FIRST SUNDAY” is a celebration of our
whole church family gathered together for
worship and communion and led by many
members of our faith community.
On the FIRST SUNDAY of each month,
members of our church family welcome us,
call us into worship, lead the invocation and
Lord's Prayer, and share the morning's
scripture. We share the joy of uplifting
music, from prelude to congregational sing-
ing to choir anthems. The morning mes-
sage is shared by members of Alleluia Morn-
ing (previously known as The New Kids on
the Rock) and the Joyful Noise Choir, using
drama, movement, and song. We celebrate
communion together, led by Pastor Kevin
and Pastor Pam. The service closes with
song and a blessing, and Ji Hye's inspired
music leads us out again into our lives, re-
freshed and renewed.
“You Are Mine,” a song by David Haas, of-
fers phrases that we are using to frame the
themes of our FIRST SUNDAYS through
this year. The Chancel Choir will sing this
lovely anthem on our first FIRST SUNDAY
on October 2, which is Worldwide Com-
munion Sunday. The theme for this service
is “I Love You and You Are Mine.” The scrip-
tures are Psalm 19:1-4a and Isaiah 11:1-9
(The Peaceable Kingdom). The morning
message highlights “our deep connection
to all creation and its Creator,” as set
forth in the children's book, What Does
the Sky Say? Please join us as we cele-
brate the whole faith community of Maple
Street Church and our wider family of
faith throughout the world.
"Once a Deacon always a Deacon!" John Soderblom presents Dot Brown with her 50+ year member name tag.
God bless you Dot!
We need your help! “Let’s Warm Their Feet”, a collection of white cotton crew socks for men and women, will continue this fall. Last year your generous dona-tions of 279 pair of socks were given to Lifebridge, a mission in Sa-lem. The following are a few facts about their mission: They serve men and women who struggle with mental illness as well as those who are disabled, veterans and victims of domestic violence. Lifebridge has 50 emergency beds and a community meals program serving 300 meals a day. A box will be on the stage from Sept. 11
th till Oct. 16
th for
your donations. --Judy Drouin
The inSpire 7 August/September, 2016
Finding Time for Soul Care
It is hard to turn on the TV or pick up a
paper, and not become weary. Finding our
way through these trying times can leave
us wondering and searching for meaning.
We may find it difficult to notice God’s
presence in our day, yet leaning into God
is where we can find a deeper peace, find-
ing that a sense of hope we long for.
Each of us has our own sacred story un-
folding, inviting our attention, seeking out
spiritual practices; to notice, reflect, dis-
cern and discover where God is present
and active in our everyday lives. These
practices can help soften the concerns in
troubling times.
Here at Maple Street Church our spiritual
practices begin with Sunday morning wor-
ship, time for gathering in our beloved
faith community, hearing God’s word, ser-
mon, music, all inviting us to draw nearer
to God.
Beyond Worship:
During office hours the chapel is open for
personal quiet time.
* There are resources in the Prayer
Room (next to the stage in the So-
cial Hall) to explore prayer prac-
tices as well as books to inspire and
borrow.
* Try yoga! I lead a group called A
New Day Yoga which is offered Tues-
day and Friday mornings 9:15-11:00
in the Reception Room. It is gen-
tle, restful and meditative and ap-
propriate for all levels. This class
began as a Faith Formation pro-
gram in the spring of 2010 and it
continues to be a lovely gathering
of people from all denominations.
* Spiritual Direction: Spiritual direc-
tion is offered in individual ses-
sions, it is a time for developing
spiritual practices, facing chal-
lenges, celebrating joys and accom-
plishments, losses, disappoint-
ments, growing with God, self and
others. Becoming open to respond
to God's invitation to draw closer
in relationship. It is meant to help
a person learn how to be attentive
to God's presence in his or her
life and to make choices based on
that awareness. Where is it that
we can find God in the ordinary.
Finding time for Soul care…breathing in
the sense of peace we need so that we
can send it out to others…how is it with
your Soul?
Blessings,
Karen
For more information please feel free to
contact me Karen Kilty Spiritual Director
and Yoga Leader, [email protected]
The inSpire 8 August/September, 2016
Welcome to the
New Choir Year!
All are invited to be a part of our choir
program. You may register on Rally Day,
September 11, for our children's, youth,
and handbell choirs - or simply come to
rehearsal and join us. Further information
appears below. If you have any questions,
please contact me at
I am always happy to hear from you and
delighted to welcome new members of all
ages!
Kathy Gross
Director of Music Ministry
Alleluia Morning (previously known as The New Kids
on the Rock)
For children in grades 2 through 5.
This group meets weekly on Wednes-
days from 4:30 to 6 p.m., beginning on
September 14.
Our rehearsal time each week includes
sharing a sandwich supper and dessert to-
gether – and every once in a while, pizza!
Alleluia Morning will continue to be a
large part of each First Sunday family
worship, offering the morning welcome,
leading our opening song, and present-
ing the morning message on the first
Sunday of each month. Our morning
messages, formed around Bible stories,
children's literature, and skits, include act-
ing, singing, reading, speaking, and move-
ment – simple costuming and props, too.
This talented group has a lot of fun to-
gether – and so much joy to share. We
would love to welcome your child to join
us! A calendar for the year will be avail-
able on Rally Day and at our first re-
hearsal.
Director – Kathy Gross
Assistants --
Linda Angeramo and
Mackenzie Thompson
The Joyful Noise Choir
A treble choir for young people in
grades 4 through 12. (Fourth and fifth
graders in Alleluia Morning are in-
vited to participate in both groups.)
Designed for our busy families and young
people, the Joyful Noise Choir rehearses
just once a month. We meet for re-
hearsal following worship on the
first Sunday of each month and sing
in worship at least once a month.
Occasionally
an extra Sun-
day rehearsal
will be sched-
uled if more
preparat ion
time is needed. This choir will also
Our prayers continue to be with the families who have suffered the recent loss of a loved one.
Blessings to Aubrey Rose Freeman, child of Shawn and Allison (Cassidy) Freeman; to Kai Lee and Chloe Lila Rocha, children of Lionel and Niki Rocha and Samuel Tho-mas Pickering, child of Jim and Nicole Pickering, all of whom were recently Bap-tized here at Maple Street Church.
The inSpire 9 August/September, 2016
be involved in presenting the morn-
ing message for one or two First Sun-
day services. Our first rehearsal will
be held on October 2; a complete cal-
endar of rehearsals and performances for
the year will be available at that time.
Director--Kathy Gross
Pianist--Ji Hye Jung
The Handbell Choir
For ringers in grade 5 though 12 and
adults of all ages.
The Handbell Choir will rehearse
and play for worship as announced.
New ringers are always welcome. No
prior experience is necessary!
Please sign up on Rally Day so that we
will have a complete and accurate list of
members and can contact you as rehears-
als and anthems for worship are scheduled.
Director – Ji Hye Jung
The Chancel Choir
For singers from grade nine through
adults.
We rehearse each Thursday evening from
7:30 to 9 p.m., starting on September 8,
and sing every Sunday for worship, arriving
at 9 a.m. for our pre-service warm-up.
We present two special music services
during the year, one during Advent and the
other during Lent, and delight in participat-
ing in the annual Choir Festival held at the
St. Joseph – St. Lazarus Parish in East Bos-
ton in January.
All are invited and welcome to join us at
any time during the year and to participate
as his or her schedule allows. No previous
experience or music reading ability is re-
quired. Just come and share the joy of
singing with us. We will help you do the
rest!
A Note from the Treasurer
As of August 17, 2016
Fiscal Year to Date Pledges:
Actual Received Budgeted
$37,330 $142,739
% of Budgeted Pledge Receipts
26.2% (should be at 29.9%)
The inSpire 10 August/September, 2016
FRIENDS, FAITH & FUN AT MAPLE STREET
A SPECIAL GROUP FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN
Last year I teamed with Marge Hathaway
to start a new, fun group
for children ages 4
through grade one. It
was well received, and we
loved working with this dy-
namic group of exuberant young chil-
dren.
So - we are happy to announce that
we will offer FFFAMS – short for
Friends, Faith, & Fun At Maple
Street – again this year. This special
program will be offered on two con-
secutive Thursday afternoons each
month from 3:30 to 4:30.
At the center of each gathering will be a
Bible story, with songs, activities, and
games planned around that theme. We
will also provide time for the children to
form and enjoy friendships with each
other and – of course! – share a snack
together. In our planning we will use
some of the same
Bible stories and
some of the same
songs that are
front and center
in each First Sun-
day worship ser-
vice. We hope their recognition of these
stories and the songs they learn in
FFFAMS will build their enjoyment and
connection to worship at each First Sun-
day service.
Tentative dates for our fall sessions are
October 13 and 20, November 10 and 17,
and December 1 and 8. We are grateful to
Michaela Bartlett and Morgan Costa, who
will serve as youth assistants with FFFAMS.
All children ages 4 through grade one
are invited and welcome to be a part
of FFFAMS. (There is no fee associated
with this program; it is open to all.) If
you are interested in FFFAMS for
your child, or if you have any ques-
tions, please don't hesitate to be in
touch. There will also be a sign-up
sheet for FFFAMS on Rally Day. It
will be our joy to welcome your child into
this special group!
Kathy Gross
Beginning in September, we
will resume our Fellowship
Time after Worship in the
Social Hall where you all
are welcome to join the
Maple Street Church Family
in a “Cup of Justice”!
Our lighted steeple is an important symbol of our presence in the community. Your contributions in memory of loved ones and friends or to commemorate a special event help keep the steeple lighted. If you would like to have the steeple lighted for one or more weeks, please fill out the form below and send it with $15 per week to the church office. I would like the steeple lighted in memory of: _____________________________
I would like the steeple lighted in honor of: _______________________________
Requested date (if available) to light: ________________________________
(signed) ______________________________________ Telephone Number: ________________
The inSpire 11 August/September, 2016
Maple Street Congregational Church
United Church of Christ 90 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923
www.maplestreetchurch.org
Rev. Kevin Smith
Senior Minister
978-774-4510, ext. 3
978-968-5020 (cell)
Rev. Pamela Cochrane
Associate Minister for Youth and
Family Ministry
978-774-4510,, ext. 4
Ms. Kathy Gross
Director of Music Ministry
978-774-4510, ext 5 [email protected]
Ms. Ji Hye Jung
Asst. Director of Music Ministry
978-774-4510, ext. 0 [email protected]
Ms. Linda Blair
Office Administrator
978-774-4510, ext 0 [email protected]
Mrs. Lynne Hathaway
Nursery School Director
978-774-4510, ext. 6 [email protected]
Our Worship Services are recorded every Sunday and aired on Danvers Comcast Channel
99 and Verizon Channel 36, Sunday 10:00 am and 7:00 pm (one week delay)
The Spire is a regular publication of Maple Street Congregational
Church, United Church of Christ, 90 Maple Street, Danvers, MA
01923.
The due date for contributions to the October/November
issue of The inSpire is September 16 at noon.
Fully composed items can be e-mailed to [email protected] or delivered to the
church office. Items may be edited for length and grammar.
No matter who you are or where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here!
No matter who you are or where you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here!
The Spire Maple Street Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
90 Maple Street
Danvers, MA 01923