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Window to the World The Newsletter of the Plymouth United Methodist Church September 2015
Plymouth United Methodist Church
334 Fairgrounds Road Plymouth NH 03264
Phone: 603-536-1941 www.plymouthumc.wordpress.com
Ashley Bowler, Supply Pastor
Peter Templeton, Music Director
Sunday Worship Service
9:30 a.m. Holy Communion:
1st Sunday of the month Wednesday Bible Study:
10:00 - 12:00
Deadline for October
Newsletter: September 24
Glory Kidger, editor [email protected], 536-9620
Photo Credit: “The Rose Window” by Danni Downing Photography
Inside This Issue
This Month at PUMC........page 2 News from the Pews..…....page 3 Working Together.............page 4 Living into Community…...page 5 We Are Connected............page 7 You Are Invited.................page 8 Just for Fun! ....................page 9
A Wonderful Wanakee Homecoming by Pastor Ashley Bowler
This summer was an amazing summer all around, the weather was mild,
the kids were ready to play, and the staff was strong and loving. This
being Mike Moore's last year as Site Director made the end of each
successful week bittersweet because we know that his loving dedication
has made Wanakee the safe and welcoming place that so many people
love it for being.
Our grand finale to the summer was on August 15th, the Wanakee
Wilderness 5k as well as the Homecoming Barbecue. The weather,
although humid, held up to make a fine day for a race that the Polhemus
family organized and Wanakee hosted. Last year we had a professional
runner from North Carolina take first place, but this year we had one of
our own staff members, Andrew Attorri, win the race overall and our
very own PUMC member Josh Furbish take second overall! Kudos to
them for this course is a hike, literally. My own personal victory was that
I chopped off about 5 minutes of my time from last year and finished
third in my age bracket, 26th out of 87.
Left - Josh Furbish finishes second overall in the Wanakee Wilderness 5K; Right - Ashley and friends at awards ceremony; Below - Rev. Phil Polhemus celebrates with grandson Shaun Polhemus
~ this story continues on page 4
~
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This Month at PUMC
Ham & Bean Dinner Saturday, Sept. 5 ~ 4:30 - 6:30
Start your long holiday
weekend with a delicious
meal and fun table fellowship.
Ham, Beans, Salads, Sides,
Breads, Dessert Buffet, and
Beverage available at $8 for
adults, $4 for children ages 6-12, children under 6
free. Bring your families, friends, and neighbors.
Funds raised through these monthly dinners help
to develop our church’s ministries and outreach.
10% of the ticket sales from this dinner will be
donated to Keeping You, Me & Memories Alive,
helping our neighbors affected by cancer.
Women’s Fellowship
Fall Kick-Off Meeting Tuesday, September 8 at Noon
All are invited to join these mission-minded ladies
for fellowship and planning; bring a sandwich,
dessert and beverage will be provided. Contact
President Diane Randall with questions, 731-1186.
Save Your Stuff!
The Women’s Fellowship will be joining in
Plymouth’s Town-wide Yard Sale on Saturday,
September 12. Donations of clean items in good
condition will be greatly appreciated.
Luminary Decorating Party Saturday, September 12 ~ 12:00 - 1:30
Kids of all ages are invited to display their artistic
talent, have fun, and lend a helping hand to a
worthy cause. Luminaries, decorated white bags,
will again be available for a $5 donation at the 16th
Annual Day to Fight Cancer on Sept. 26th, lighting
the path of supporters walking outside PSU’s PE
Center. See page 6 for more on KYMMA’a Day to
Fight Cancer. Contact Melissa Furbish at 254-4638
for more information about the Decorating Party.
Refreshments will be provided.
Contacting the Pastor
Pastor Ashley has moved to Littleton, nearer to her
job at White Mountain Regional High School.
Unfortunately, cell phone coverage is spotty up in
that neck of the Great North Woods. She asks that
if you need to reach her, please leave a voicemail
on her cell (991-6483) or the church office (536-
1941), or email her at [email protected].
Contact Pastor Ashley if
you would be willing to
shepherd our youngest
members in their
Christian education.
A multi-age curriculum
with activity books is
supplied. A larger team
allows for adult leaders
to take turns inspiring
the next generation of
disciples.
Stay Tuned! Plans are under way
for lots of fun monthly
meetings and mission
projects for the MYF.
Contacts: Heather and
Anthony Cassarino
(536-5099)
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News from the Pews
Passings
Our dear friend Barbara
Wellington left her earthly life on
Saturday, August 8th, following a
period of declining health. She was
interred at the Veteran’s Cemetery
in Boscawen NH.
Barbara was a longtime active member of the
Tilton-Northfield United Methodist Church in
Tilton before moving to Plymouth 4 ½ years ago.
Prior to her move, she had resided in Concord and
Northfield while enjoying her employment in
housekeeping and as a nurse’s aide, retiring from
the St. Francis Home in Laconia. She was
predeceased by her first husband, James Rogan and
second husband, Robert Wellington. Please keep
Barbara’s three sons, six grandchildren, and two
great-grandchildren in your prayers.
Barbara had a great fondest for animals, especially
dogs. Donations may be made in her name to the
New Hampshire Humane Society,
P.O. Box 572, Laconia NH 03247.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
3 Greg Jencks
5 Douglas Cassarino
16 Jerri Hickle
18 Chris Lenentine
19 Debra Welch
19 Butch Cushing
22 Roger Kleinpeter
22 Donna Gorton
25 Diane Tiffany
28 Glory & Craig Kidger
Share your special days with your church family!
Send birthday and anniversary information to
the newsletter editor at [email protected].
Teachers & Educators
With each new school year comes the excitement
and anticipation of a new beginning, a new
journey, a new chapter. Many of our members and
friends are starting the fall semester at local
institutions of learning. Can you match who works
where? (answers on page 9)
1) Teaches piano classes at PSU and independent
piano lessons
2) Director of PSU's Learning Technology and
Online Education and co-director for the Center for
Excellence in Teaching and Learning
3) Arts Event Coordinator at Plymouth State
University
4) Board Chair for the United Campus Ministry at
Plymouth State University
5) Donor Relations Manager in the Advancement
Office at PSU.
6) Freshman English teacher at White Mtn.
Regional High School in Whitefield
7) Teaches 3rd grade at Holderness Central School
8) Teaches Psychology, Sociology, and Public
Speaking at Plymouth Regional High School
9) Teaches piano and flute to independent students
in the Concord and Plymouth areas
10) Pre-school teacher at Plymouth Elementary
School
11) Math teacher for middle-school students at Lin-
Wood Public School in Lincoln
A) Ashley Bowler
B) Peter Templeton
C) Anthony Cassarino
D) Heather Cassarino
E) Diane Daniels
F) Scott Robison
G) Amy Robison
H) Beth Allain
I) Diane Tiffany
J) Liz Hodges
K) Melissa Furbish
Any adults interested in a book study? Chat with Diane Randall at 731-1186, [email protected], or on Sunday morning after worship to share ideas.
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Working Together
The Weeds Won……This Year!
from Diane Randall
Thanks to all of you who have
been a part of this mission.
Although the ground hog and
weeds have been victorious this
year, it is a test of our
commitment to meet the needs of
those most in need. I do not view this as a failure,
but rather a learning experience. This is a period of
prayer and planning. It is obviously a sign from
God that we must continue as members of Christ’s
community and try, try, again.
The Sacrament of Work by Joan Chittister in “There Is a Season”
A spirituality of work is based on a heightened
sense of sacramentality, of the idea that everything
that is, is holy and that our hands consecrate it to
the service of God. When we grow radishes in a
small container in a city apartment, we participate
in creation. We sustain the globe. When we sweep
the street in front of a house in the dirtiest city in
the country, we bring new order to the universe.
We tidy the Garden of Eden. We make God’s world
new again. When we repair what has been broken
or paint what is old or give away what we have
earned that is above and beyond our own
sustenance, we stoop down and scoop up the earth
and breathe into it new life again, as God did one
morning in time only to watch it unfold and unfold
and unfold through the ages.
“No matter who we are, what we do, or the
decisions we make, our lives are holy. The
question is do we view them as such? Whether
we are grounded in Christ, spiritual but not
religious, or don't really care at all, our impact
in the world, from radishes to sweeping, can be
sacred. It is offering a part of who we are to
make a difference, to reveal hope, to bring to
life possibility.” Rev. Dr. David Abbott, NH District Superintendent
Wanakee Homecoming ~ continued from page 1
After trophies made by Gary Storms were
distributed, the meal, made and served by
volunteers and board members, was AMAZING!
Grilled chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, rolls, corn
on the cob and desserts all made up a meal that had
your mouth watering as soon as you walked in the
dining hall. The race wasn't the only way to work
up your appetite, as soon as runners started
coming in the Wanakee Waterfront was open. After
running, or just to rinse off the humidity of the day
everyone was welcome to swim or just sit on the
rocks and enjoy the view of Monkey Island and the
mountains across the way.
In the afternoon I conducted a worship service by
the Rec Hall with the musical and technological
talents of Peter Templeton. I was honored to
reaffirm Melissa Furbish's baptism at the very
waterfront I had been reaffirmed in just a few years
ago. The water was perfect, the sun was shining,
and God's breath fell afresh on each and every one
of us who decided to take the plunge and reaffirm
our relationship with God. We even had one
person who, thanks to Rev. Phil Polhemus, was
baptized for the very first time! A former Wanakee
staff member and friend, Devon Dickson, accepted
Christ on a perfect summer day right there at
Wanakee. It's a good thing I was all wet already,
the tears blended in!
A special thanks to everyone who came out on the
15th or anyone who supports Wanakee in any way.
It truly is a beautiful spiritual place in the hills. It's
a place that campers feel the loving embrace of God
through the staff and volunteers and know that
they are safe. When campers come to Wanakee,
they escape the confusion and distractions of the
rest of the world and often attest that when they
turn onto Upper New Hampton Road and see the
Wanakee sign that they are arriving home.
Much Love and God Bless,
Ashley
Never underestimate the valuable and
important difference you make in every life
you touch. For the impact you make today
has a powerful rippling effect
on every tomorrow.
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Photo: PSU
Living into the Community
Campus Corner by Amy Robison, Board Chair
United Campus Ministry @ PSU
Happy Fall, Everyone! September
is the most exciting, high-energy,
full-of-potential time on campus.
And, as you might have heard,
Plymouth State University is
welcoming the largest first-year class in its history -
- about 1400 new students
The Caring Campus Coalition (C3) will be highly
visible during Welcome Week, calling BINGO on
Casino night (9/3) and sponsoring a stop at the
Reflection & Spiritual Care Center for PSU's
Amazing Race on Labor Day. Later in the semester,
program coordinator Kree Woolley will get the
Kindness Cart up and rolling across campus
committing random acts of kindness. Kree will be
preaching emotional generosity and the attitude of
gratitude that we all know has been scientifically
proven to help people lead happier, more fulfilling
lives.
The big campus ministry event for September is
another collaboration between C3 and Catholic
Campus Ministry. Walking with Boston's Homeless
is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26. PSU students
sign up to participate in this tour of downtown
Boston led by people who are currently or formerly
homeless. The students get the answers to
questions such as "Where do you go at night?"
"How do you keep warm?" "Where do you find
food?" "What do you do when it rains?" "How do
you wash up?" Students call this trip "eye-opening"
and "life-changing," as they learn to care about
people they may have never noticed or known how
to interact with before.
PUMC can help support the students by donating
items for them to give the homeless people they
meet on their walk. This year, we are collecting
dark-colored, adult backpacks and athletic bags;
new men’s underwear in L and XL sizes; and new
lightweight wool socks (for example, SmartWool)
in men’s sizes. Please drop off these items in the
box located in the church foyer. Donations will be
gratefully accepted until Sunday, September 20.
If you have any questions, contact me at 481-1235
Finally, as always, if you have any ideas for
campus ministry at PSU this semester, you know
where to find me!
Peace & Blessings,
Amy
For more information, see the United Campus Ministry
website at www.plymouth.edu/office/campus-ministry
Sunday, September 27 ~ 1:00
Lace up those sneakers! This year’s 3-mile course,
winding through the streets of Plymouth, begins at
the Town Common. A “Golden Mile” course circles
around the flatter terrain of downtown as well.
All money raised in Plymouth fights hunger. 75%
will work through Church World Service to help
the poorest regions in the world. 25% of the funds
will benefit Feeding Our Children Together, an
initiative started by our friends at the Plymouth
Congregational United Church of Christ, providing
nourishing food for 20 pre-school children who
would usually be hungry between their free school
lunch on Fridays and their free breakfast on
Monday mornings. Contact Amy Robison for
sponsorship envelopes at 481-1235 or
[email protected]. www.crophungerwalk.org
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Holderness Heels: KYMMA's
2nd Annual 50-yard Hightail in Stilettos! Saturday, September 26 at 3:30pm
Arold Field next to PSU's PE Center
Ever run in heels? Well maybe it's time to try!
Part of the Keeping You, & Memories Alive’s
16th Annual Day to Fight Cancer, this hilarious
event promises to be entertaining. Prizes for first
across the line, most money raised, and best
strut/costume. For ages 16 and older. Rules: 2 inch
heel minimum, no wedges, no duct tape. $20
registration fee. No heels? No problem! KYMMA
will have a variety for rent for $5. Guys, this is for
you too!!! Get excited! Get creative! Get your heels
on! Details and registration forms can be found at
www.memoriesalive.org or by calling 707-1466. All
proceeds go to local families living with cancer.
Share Your Time and Talents
Needed: Movers and Shakers
Plymouth UMC needs funds to carry out our
current ministries and expand in new directions.
Those with ideas for Fundraising & Marketing can
contact the pastor or any member of the
Administrative Council.
Needed: Cooks and Cleaners
Many Hands Make Light Work! - Can you give an
hour or two each month to help make our
fundraising dinners successful? Contact Chris
Topham (960-2215) or Anthony Cassarino
(536-5099) to let them know you are willing to lend
a hand or donate a prepared dish.
Rain or shine! 12:30 to 9:30 p.m. Plymouth State University's PE Center
Holderness Road in Holderness, NH
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We Are Connected
Basic Lay Ministry Course and
“Discovering Spiritual Gifts”
Saturdays Sept. 26 & Oct. 10 ~ 8:30 - 4:00 Durrell Memorial UMC Bethlehem, NH
God calls you to a life of servanthood as a disciple
of Jesus Christ. Lay Servant Ministries is the first
step for many laypersons toward their faith journey
as they strive for a closer relationship with the
Lord. The Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course is a
foundational course designed to equip new church
leaders and renew current leaders in The United
Methodist Church. It explores personal spiritual
gifts, servant leadership, each leader’s role in
developing future leaders, the importance of
consistent spiritual practices, the core ministries of
Leading, Caring, Communicating and much more.
To become a Certified Lay Servant and serve
outside your local congregation, you must take one
advanced course and continue by taking at least
one advanced course every three years. In the
Advanced Course, Discovering Spiritual Gifts,
Lay Servants discover their spiritual gifts as they
focus on acquiring a better understanding of the
church and its ministry needs; learning what it
means to be a minister; doing the work of Christ in
the church and in the world; and being more fully
equipped to lead others in exploring and using
their spiritual gifts.
Important Reminder: A refresher course is required
every three years to remain a Local Church Lay Servant.
All Local Church and Certified Lay Servants must
submit an annual report of activities at their local
church conference.
A course registration form is available in our
church office or online at
www.neumc.org/layservantsnhd. Registrations are
due by September 9.Participants must attend
BOTH days of their chosen course to receive credit.
The registration fee is $15; the Plymouth UMC can
reimburse you once you complete your chosen
course. Lunch and snacks will be available each
day. There is a class limit of 14 so response is on a
first contact basis. Contact Aaron at 603-444-6388 or
email at [email protected].
From the New Hampshire District Office
Hallelujah Sunday Sunday, September 13 ~ 2:30
First UMC, 18 Wesley Way, Gilford NH
Two disciples stood in awe realizing what was
REALLY going on while they walked to Emmaus
with one they had thought was a stranger. Once
their eyes were opened to the presence of Christ in
their midst, they had to tell their own story
differently. What about you? How has your
understanding of the meaning of your
experience/your church’s ministry been changed by
the appearance of the Holy Spirit?
District-wide worship, called “Hallelujah Sunday,”
offers us the opportunity to reveal our own
“Emmaus moments” and receive the gifts of others’
reflections in communion. Come to share, come to
listen, come to worship God with your brothers
and sisters throughout New Hampshire!
Please join us as we celebrate God's work and
presence in the NH District. www.neumc.org/nhd
Bishop’s Day in the NH District Thursday, September 24
Lebanon UMC, 18 School St., Lebanon NH
2:00pm – 5:00pm Meet with Clergy
5:00pm – 6:00pm Dinner (donation requested)
6:00pm – 7:30pm Meet with Clergy & Laity
Bishop’s Day is a time for the Bishop to answer any
and all questions that laity and clergy might have.
Bishop Devadhar is willing to have a conversation
around any topic that might be raised from those in
attendance. He can share his understanding of the
impact of the new strategic plan and goals set for
the New England Conference. As always, the
Bishop and his staff work to equip our churches,
clergy, and laity for unabashed pursuit of effective
ministry. www.neumc.org
Transformed by the Holy Spirit, united in trust, we will boldly proclaim Christ to the world.
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You Are Invited.......
10 Ways to Invite Someone to Church 1. Send a co-worker an e-invite, with a note that
says: "Just thought you might connect with what
our church is going to be talking about this
weekend."
2. Send a link to one of your church's online
sermons with a note that says: "When I heard this
message, I thought about what you've been going
through..."
3. Take a worship guide in to work with the
message series title on it and say: "When I heard
this message title, I thought of you."
4. Have a BBQ and invite some co-workers or
friends over to eat. Here's the only criteria for the
invitation list: They can't be going to church
anywhere.
5. Invite someone to lunch on Sunday and then say:
"Hey, would you guys be interested at all in
meeting us at our church beforehand, and then
going to eat?
6. Think of someone who had a tough year this past
year, drop them an email or a phone call and
simply say: "when I was listening to my pastor’s
message this past week, I thought about you and
prayed for you” (if you actually prayed for them).
7. Invite a family friend's child over to spend the
night with your children on Saturday night and
then ask the family's permission to take their child
on to church with you and drop them off
afterward. If your Children's Ministry rocks, this
child will be one of Jesus' biggest advertisers
afterward!
8. Just say: "Hey, man, what would I have to do to
talk you into giving God and the church one more
shot this week?"
9. Just say: "Hey, are you going to church anywhere
right now? Why don't you come hang out with me
this weekend at our church?"
10. Say: "You would not believe what my church is
going to be doing this next weekend..."
~ www.ministrybestpractices.com ~
The United Methodist Church Invites Us
to Rethink Church Church doesn't just happen when we're sitting in
the pew. Church happens when we reach out to
those who are hungry, sick, or forgotten. When we
work together to end disease and relieve suffering,
when we stand together for justice and inclusion,
and when we open our hearts to those who are
struggling, that's putting beliefs into action. That's
what it means to RETHINK CHURCH.
The concept of rethinking church isn't new. It's
rooted in our Wesleyan heritage. It's defined by our
social principles. It's part of what makes United
Methodists unique. We believe that being followers
of Jesus means that we were made to do the things
he did: He fed people. He offered them drink. He
created community.
We express our love for God through active
discipleship. To us, church is about sharing God's
love by offering hope and healing to those looking
for more meaning in their lives. Acts of personal
faith and public worship help us grow closer to
God, but we also grow in our faith by taking action
outside the church walls to help others.
~ www.rethinkchurch.org ~
Your Turn Look around today. Keep your eyes open for the
person who needs love, needs help, needs
encouragement, and ask them “What can I do for
you?”, just as Jesus did.
Is there a ministry that you would like to see the
Plymouth UMC offer within our community?
Share your idea with the pastor and others in the
congregation to see if there is enough interest to
bring it to be. Together we can RETHINK how we
do CHURCH.
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Just for Fun
Answers to “Who’s Who???” - found on page 3
1B, 2F, 3K, 4G, 5I, 6A, 7H, 8C, 9J, 10 D, 11 E
Bible
Fun
MYF
Service
Care
God
Peace
Sing
Christ
Grace
Prayer
Spirit
Community
Hope
PUMC
Teaching
Disciple
Joy
Renewal
Voices
Faith
Love
Sacred
Worship
Fellowship
Ministry
Savior
Friendship
Music
Scripture
F E L L O W S H I P N U F H
T R Y P B R O
E A I S T D I S C I P L E P
A C E I R F M B J O Y E
C L R N I A U L R V A R
H A C V U D T I P E O E R U
I W H I M S T I I C P T
N E R C M D H C V A E P
G N I E O G E I F A R A I
E S G C N S Y P S G C R
Y R T S I N I M U S I C E C
W O R S H I P D E R C A S
Welcome Back! We hope you are refreshed by your
summer vacations, camps, and reunions. In the Word Search
Puzzle below are things we hope you will find at Plymouth
UMC when you return this fall!
Hint: every letter is used at least once.
Recent Reads by Diane Randall
This book is a sequel to Harbinger but
brings us to today's world. There is
further comparison with the prophet
Isaiah and today. Is God sending us
signs and warnings of the
consequences of our turning away from
God?
Written in the late fifties, we follow the
prophet Isaiah and how his warnings
fit into the world of the fifties. It is
ironic that we find the book eerily
like Cahn's. There are specific scripture
readings accompanying each warning.
Please send any corrections to editor Glory Kidger at 536-9620 or [email protected]. Submission Deadline for the October newsletter is September 24th. Publicize details of upcoming events, tell stories from recent happenings, and share milestones that we can celebrate together.
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Plymouth United Methodist Church
334 Fairgrounds Road
Plymouth NH 03264
Address Correction Requested
TO:
Here is your September 2015 newsletter….. to receive a full-color copy by email, contact the
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