Outreach Page 1

The Outreach The newsletter of the Milford United Methodist Church

June, 2020—Milford, NH Rev. Dr. John Whitley, Pastor

INS IDE THIS

ISSUE:

Pastor’s Corner 1

Ad Council Lamplighters

2

Our MUMC Family 3

Levi Sunday Crop Walk

4

VOICE Pastor’s Book Pile

5

Finance 6

Birthdays & Anniversaries

8

Lectionary 9

Committees 10

Calendar 11

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

On this week of our celebrating the Holy Spirit’s creative capacity to bring the church to life, I want to renew the recent call I made last Sunday morning to “give us your art.” What I mean by that, I should clarify, is that I want to invite you to lend the church something creative, spiritual, and artistic that has come from your own hands so that we can put it on display as the backdrop to our Sunday worship as a visual testimony to the ways that the Holy Spirit is still engaging the hearts and hands of the people of God in these times. If you haven’t produced any art recently (or haven’t produced any at all), consider this your commissioning. I want (and we need) to see the tangible ways that God is inspiring you in times like these. Maybe you paint, draw, sculpt, whittle, cross-stich, mold pottery—many of you already contribute your musical artistry to our worship. In times such as these, we need more. We need to become a church overflowing with Spirit-led expression, especially now, because the Spirit’s life in us is still at work to fashion beauty in the world. Pentecost, indeed, is about overwhelming beauty—the beauty hidden on the inside of people being let loose and freed in order to craft a people of beauty. In Acts 2, that beauty becomes visible in the radical fellowship among cultur-ally distinctive believers and the radical sharing and support that defined the early churches, but the Spirit of God wasn’t done or satisfied with that alone—it is always working in us for the creation of new expressions of beau-ty as we fan its flame to life through ever-new times and circumstances. What does that look like today? I don’t know yet; I need (and we need) you to show us. Deep Blessings,

Pastor John

Outreach Page 2

At our Ad Council meeting this month we were able to hear from most of the church committees and even through this pandemic things are good. Finance does report giving is down but we are looking good in the various funds. They do urge us all to give electronically or send our offerings by the US Post office. PO Box 476, Milford, NH. Trustees reports that they put in our automatic door openers. The cost of the doors was signifi-cantly reduced due to generous contributions by unnamed donors. What a blessing! (see page for more from the Trustees) Worship has some plans for what they are calling a Love Feast. It will be held on June 10th in place of the Wednesday Zoom meeting and it is a chance to see each other in a way other than Zoom. You will get detailed instructions soon. Watch your email. The carpets in the church building have been cleaned and the building has been sanitized using a fogging process. There is a new building use process in place for the church since this cleaning and due to some requests for use. Basically, only staff and trustees inside the building. We cannot control who uses the parking lot nor, do we want to but we can control the inside of the building. We know this could seem harsh but we want everyone to be safe. Reopening the church was also discussed. Pastor John will put a team together to assess how and when this will play out. The AC team was unanimous that there are to many unknowns and it is not yet time. I love this church!

Ad Council From Callie McMahon

Lamplighters From Carol Rowlette

Lamplighter's are all staying safe and staying healthy. Here are a few quotes to help put a smile on your face during the stay at home time we are experiencing.

Faith is heaven sent, but its

maintenance takes place on earth.

How will it turn out? God only knows, and thank God he does.

Life's challenges are God's way of teaching

us to trust him.

Thinking of a song from the "Faith We Sing" book. I cast all my cares upon you, I lay all of my burdens down at your feet, and anytime I don't know what to do, I will cast all my cares upon you. Stay safe, stay healthy, wear a mask when out in pub-lic. Keep a safe distance, Do no harm. Keep every-one safe.

What’s Special in June? June 5 World Environment Day June 14 Flag Day June 20 Summer Solstice June 21 Father’s Day June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day June 24 Midsummer Day

Outreach Page 3

Our MUMC Family Out in the

World

It was a little easier to be out in the world in May. Here are somethings we did and some things and people we want to honor this month. In May we were given the okay to get our hair cut.

Bruce Houston and Lincoln St. Jean did. Looking good!

We started to get outside , found new projects, and used our imaginations for some “virtual” events.

Great Raised beds at the Ayotte’s

Virtual Prom Shawnna Frost?

New backsplash at the Houston’s, mostly by Doris?

A new activity for Leanna Hunter. Will she be a Vet?

Paula, Dan & Maddison Muller at the top of Mount Kearsarge!

We gave thanks for:

Moms Parents teaching Nurses Teachers (all of them) (now and then)

Cora and Avery welcoming sister Emelaine!

Last but not least, MUMC Graduates

Grace St, Jean...on to high school

Emma and Haylee Lambert move on up

Even Zelda (l) and Bodi (r) have things to say about May

Ryan Seale Shawnna Frost Zack Spirito

Griffin Carpenter

Aspen Tlapa

We are

so very

proud of

you all !

Dylan Pfeil From WLC

From MHS

Riley O’ Shaughnessy Ree Dowd Gavin Lawton

Allison Betelak UVM

Outreach Page 4

Levi Sunday 2020 From Steve Rafter

The Chore List

1.Rake the lawn ( helps to dethatch ) 2. Bark mulch (*call to see where it goes) 3. Sweep parking lot sand 4. Clean and disinfect playground equipment 5. Power wash the building (*call first) 6. Clear brush on banking, (*call to see where) 7. Remove metal chairs from shed to the dump 8. Take wood out to burn pile (*call) 9. Wash screens 10. Dispose of old paint cans There may be other tasks available, just ask!* Go in peace! Call Steve for these details 582-1352

During Our time of Social Distancing: If you or someone you know has email and does not receive information about on line services, please let the office know an email address so you can join us on Sunday for the service. 673-2669 or office@milfordumc.org

Scheduled for October 25. A 2 mile rout from Temple Beth Abraham and going through north Nashua, through Greely Park and back to the Temple Please let Pat Rafter know if you are interested. IC2PER@aol.com

In light of the current situation regarding social

distancing due to the Covid 19 pandemic the Board

of Trustees have decided to post a list of outdoor

tasks that small groups may take on over the next

few weeks. This will take the place of our annual

Levi Sunday gathering but allows us to be in the

same spirit as we care for our beloved church

property. The building will not be open during this

time except for emergencies, as we have sanitized

the entire building and encourage everyone to stay

out until it becomes safe to resume services. We

hope you can come out and work at your leisure to

accomplish a task or two. There’s a variety of things

to do in different areas of the property so that we

should be able to stay safe while we work. I would

encourage you to contact me or the office before

you come so we can ensure safe numbers of

people. Thanks, and God Bless

Editor’s note. If you plan to go to the church, please

text me at 603-732-2873 or email the office and my

personal email (cmcmahon28@comcast.net) as I

am only in the office one day a week and usually

only for a couple of hours. I can let you know if oth-

er s are planning to be there at the same time as

you so you can decide what’s best for you.

Bring your tools if you are not sure

what we have here..

Found in the garage. Call the office if you lost them

As of this writing, there is no plan for a yard sale in the near future!

Outreach Page 5

Have you looked at becoming

involved with a home group?

There are currently 2 at MUMC. One meets Thursday evenings and the other is looking for interested people before considering a new day and time

Thursday Night Home Group

Thursday night home group that meets at Steve Rafter’s at 7 :30 p.m. except the 3rd Thursday of the odd months. Call Steve at 582-1352 for directions or more info.

Friday Night Home Group

Is a Thursday afternoon better for you? Contact Callie McMahon at 732-2873, or the office, 673-2669 if you are interested in a new time and day!

From the Pastor’s Book Pile From Pastor John

If you’re looking for something to read that might deepen your faith, try picking up one of these books and let’s talk about it. Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, The Gift of For-giveness: Inspiring Stories from Those Who Have Overcome the Unforgivable.

VOICE From the Voice Committee

It’s a crazy world out there right now and in the midst of that crazy, we are still called to be God’s hands and feet and to reach out to the poor, and the marginalized, the widow, the other. As we are isolat-ed, it is easy to feel as though we are talking about ourselves, but we know our blessings and we know to whom we belong. Susan Henry Crowe, the general secretary to the Commission on Church and Society wrote an article titled “Lamentation in a Pandemic” for her monthly e-newsletter. In it she talks about the intense grief we feel as a community that has 100,000 deaths to mourn. African- Americans are dying at three times the rate of white people. Our schools hold on-line and virtual graduations which exclude many who do not have access to internet. Faith communities are not able to gather, funerals, weddings and Sabbath services are few. The disease is sweeping through prisons at alarming rates. People are isolated, some businesses will never open again, over 30 million have lost their jobs and in many rural areas there are no hospitals and not enough supplies and PPE. “This is a great death. It is not like the feeling that comes when one dies when one’s life is complete, accomplished, fulfilled and finished. This is a differ-ent dying and death. It is a death of life as we knew it. It is death of a world suffering from gut –wrenching loss.” She offers no answers in her article but she calls us to the book of Lamentations as it gives expression to this deep sorrow and can act as a guide for us. Read Lamentations She calls us to listen to the words of “were You There (When They Crucified My Lord) and notes how

Outreach Page 6

YTD Financials

Through April 2020

Financial Reports From Kirk Randlett, for the Finance Committee

Giving 2020 $57, 539.00 Giving Cap. Camp $21,049.00 Expenses $61,357.00 Total Mission Shares Paid $0.00 Total Mission Shares Due $ 31,214.00

$57,539.00

$21,049.00

$61,357.00

$0.00

$31,214.00

$0.00

$10,000.00

$20,000.00

$30,000.00

$40,000.00

$50,000.00

$60,000.00

$70,000.00

Gen Giving Cap Cpgn Expenses Mission Shr Pd Mission Shr due

Milford UMCthrough April 2020

Give using the MUMC

app and push pay.

Give by mailing your check to MUMC. PO Box 476, Milford

Just give, it is

worshiping God

and giving God

Thanks

Outreach Page 7

Stephen Ministry congrega-

the hymn ends with questions, not answers. The closing words from Lamentation ends without clarity or resolve but in questioning, it ends with a plea for divine remembrance and mercy. She ends her piece reminding us, “There is a Balm in Gilead” (full piece, with music and be found at umcjustice.org/news-and-stories/lamentations-in-a-pandemic) Yet with all of our grief, there is even more as we listen to the story of George Floyd. Days later it is still in the headlines as protests and riots take place and threaten to move our focus from the real prob-lem. As the governor of Minnesota recognizes the “generations of pain, of anguish” and calls for order, others seem to have no compassion. Racism is not dead. Most of us cannot or do not ac-cept that we hold bias, but Voice thinks that only by understanding what we do not know about our priv-ilege and what we do not know about the other, will we be able to make change. Much of what is bias is imbedded in our systems and goes unseen. Here are some ideas on how we can help. It is taken from an article by Connie Shutack written for Medium.com titled “75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Jus-tice”. You can google the full article. Google whether your local police department cur-

rently outfits all on-duty police officers with a body-worn camera to be turned on immediately when responding to a police call. If not, write to your city or town government representative and advocate for it.

Google whether your city or town currently employs

evidence-based police de-escalation trainings. The racial make-up of your town doesn’t matter — This needs to be standard everywhere. Write to your city or town government representative and police chief and advocate for it. Multiply your voice by soliciting others to advocate as well, writing on social media about it, writing op-

eds, etc. More and more stories of black folks encountering

racism are being documented and shared through social media — whether it’s at a hotel, with the police, in a coffee shop, at a school, etc. When you see such a post, call the organization, company, or institution involved to tell them how upset you are. Then share the post along with the institution’s contact information, spreading the word about what happened and encouraging others to contact the institution as well. Whether the company initiated the event or failed to protect a POC during an onslaught by a third party, they need to hear from us.

If you or a friend is an educator, buy said friend

books that feature POC as protagonists and he-roes, no matter the racial make-up of the class….And/or purchase educational toys that feature POC, such as finger puppets, black Histo-ry flashcards, etc for their classroom. Use these items year-round, not just in February. The racial make-up of students doesn’t matter — kids of every race need to know American history and be exposed to people from different races, reli-gions, and countries. If the friend is interested, buy them for your pal’s classroom…

Many companies have recruiting channels that are

predominantly white. Work with your HR depart-ment to recruit Americans who are descendants of enslaved Africans. Recruiting from HBCUs is a good start. Work to put descendants of enslaved Africans already hired under supportive manag-ers.

Donate to anti-white supremacy work such as your

local Black Lives Matter Chapter, the National Council for incarcerated and Formerly

call or write your Federal legislators in support of the bipartisanSmarter Sentencing Act.(S.2850)

Find and join a local “white space” to learn more

about and talk out the conscious and uncon-scious biases us white folks have. If there’s not a group in your area, start one.

Voice Continue from page 5

Outreach Page 8

If you see any of these folks around town, be sure to wish them a happy day! Birthdays: June 2: Dan Roby June 3: Eleanor Flanders June 8: Elizabeth Whitley June 11: Shirley Stackpole June 14: Lori Murphy June 14: Hunter Leach June 14: Christina Horne June 16: Kate Seale June 18: Thomas Mason June 20: Everett Gale June 21: Nick Gutterson June 22: Kaleen Fortunato June 25: Dean Cook June 26: Emma Lambert June 26: Shawnna Frost June 29: Clarence Blair June 30: Maddison Muller Anniversaries June 4: Moxie & Dan Roby June 5: Heather & Charles Savage June 8: Lori & Sean Murphy June 9: Dave & Shirley Stackpole June 16: Margie & Bob Frank Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary ! Let us know when, yours is. It’s always nice to be remembered. If you would like your birthday or anniversary included here, please e-mail the office at: office@milfordumc.org.

If you are in need of a ride and have no place to turn, call the office and we will notify the driving ministry to help you out. This program is primarily directed to our handicapped and seniors, but anybody who needs a ride and can't find one is eligible. There is no charge for this service. Office 673-2669 Steve Takacs 672-5118 office@milfordumc.org trumpetchoo@msn.com

Driving Ministry

Christian Aftercare Ministry

Are you on your way to Manchester? Could you stop at CAM? Let’s try a new process and see how it works. If you are able to take a load to their location when you go to Manchester for something, call the church to see if there are items ready to go and we can call CAM to have some- one meet you. Please give the

Chris-tian Aftercare

Ministries ministering to released prisoners, needs your

used items like microwaves, TV’s, refrigerators (small or medium), coffee makers, men's winter clothes, sneakers, (athletic shoes), boots, gloves, kitchen items, gift cards, towels, bedding, tableware, etc. Please place them in the CAM basket in the church foyer (under the coat rack) or take them directly to

2019

May

Outreach Page 9

Milford United Methodist Church

Pot Luck Wednesdays Postponed Until

Further Notice

We Miss You All

Office Hours

Call ahead during this time of social distancing.

673-2669.

In June Share is collecting, Canned Fruit, Flour, Sug-ar, Boxed cake Mixes & Baking Supplies, Coffee & Tea, Juice, Granola During this time, Share is taking donations at the Columbus Ave. Location during their regular hours, M-F 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Call them when you reach their driveway, 6739898, and they will direct you to a drop off spot.

This Month’s Lectionary

June 7: Genesis 11:2-4a, Psalm 8, 2 Corinthians

13:11-13, Matthew 28:16-20

June 14: Genesis 18:1-15, Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19,

Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35-10:8(9-23)

June 21:Genesis 21:8-21, Psalm86:1-10, 16-17,

Psalm 17, Romans 6:1b-11, Matthew 10:24-39

June 28: Genesis 22:1-14, Psalm 13, Romans

6:12-23, Matthew 10:40-42

Can Goods Drive for Share

Starting June 1 there will be a plas-

tic container outside the doors of the

church for the collection of can goods

for Share. Please leave your donations

there and we will get them to Share

as soon as

possible.

Outreach Page 10

Committees, Groups and Ministries

If you are interested in becoming involved with, or learning more about, a committee or group on the calendar, here’s who to talk to.

Administrative (Ad) Council: Callie McMahon Reviews monthly committee meetings, discusses pending issues and votes on church- wide decisions.

Adult Mission Trip Steve & Pat Rafter

Bell Choir: Mary Tyler-Wall For adults and older kids interested in hand bell ringing.

Christian Aftercare Ministry: Callie McMahon Serving primarily men leaving prison, helping them settle in new homes and productive, positive lives.

Chancel Choir: Jennifer Erdody Open to adults and teens interested in singing in the Chancel Choir at the second service.

Community Supper: Kerri-Lynn Kimner A supper we host at SHARE in Milford every 6-8 weeks. Volunteer to help bake or prep ahead of time, or to work at the supper itself.

Driving Ministry– Steve Takacs Provides transportation for those in need of help. Finance: Andy Baver Oversees church financial commitments

Home Groups: Steve Rafter (Thursday) or Callie McMahon (Friday) Expands spiritual experience in a social context, meeting at a host’s homes.

Lamplighters: Elaine Driscoll & Carol Rowlette A Bible-study group for women.

Nominations: Pastor John. Matches people with the committees they might be interested in serving on.

Outreach: Doris Houston Focuses on ways our church can reach out to the local, regional and international community.

Praise Band: Steve Rafter, Lisa Payne, Rudy Rumohr

Contemporary Christian music that plays at the first service on Sunday.

Staff Parish Relations (SPR): Steve Kimner This committee acts as liaison between our staff and the congregation.

Stephen Ministry: Callie McMahon Provides confidential one-on-one Christian care with trained lay ministers.

Sunday School/ Education Team: Elizabeth Whitley Chooses curriculum, helps prepare teachers, runs the Sunday School from September-June.

Trustees: Steve Rafter Oversees and facilitates the care and keeping of the church building and parsonage.

White Tops: Everett Gale A social group for retired men of all denominations.

Worship Committee: Cyndi Geiger & Carol Rowlette Plans and facilitates Sunday service needs and organizes special Sundays

Worship Design: Steve Rafter Plans music and worship for the contemporary Sunday service.

Vacation Bible School: Vacancy Plans and hosts VBS, which runs one week during the summer.

VOICE Giving voice to the marginalized in our community. Janet Hromjak, Claire Holston, Callie McMahon. Esther Thayer, Kerri-Lynn Kimner

Youth Group: Tom Knapp Organizes and hosts Youth Group for middle and high school kids in our congregation. Runs September-May.

Youth Mission Trip Tom Knapp

Outreach Page 11

2020

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

7 Outreach 2 3

7—Worship Committee

4 7-SPRC

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8 7 Trustees

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15 6-VOICE 7—Finance

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21

Happy Father’s Day!

22

23 24

25

26

27 Yard Sale 7-1

28 28 30

For Virtual Services starting at 8:30 am on Sundays join Us On-Line from our Facebook page or from the Web-site milfordUMC.org

Milford United Methodist Church

327 No. River Rd PO Box 476 Milford, NH 03055 (603) 673-2669 www.milfordumc.org

June 2020 Sunday Worship Times: Watch Us Online on Facebook Rev. Dr. John Whitley, Pastor

Milford United Methodist Church A Reconciling Church Discover the Joy!

Our Vision:

We will help all people discover the joy of knowing and serving Jesus Christ by:

Providing joyful and meaningful worship experiences.

Establishing and encouraging small groups for study, support, prayer, fellowship and service.

Empowering people to discover, develop, and deploy their gifts for ministry.

Reaching out beyond our congregation in Christian love and service.

Our Values:

We commit ourselves to:

Know scripture and live it.

Act with integrity.

Be faithful to Jesus Christ, our families, and our church family.

Strive for excellence in all we do for the Lord.

Celebrate the ministry of all Christians, lay and ordained.

Treat all people with respect and sensitivity.

Encourage people to grow in Christ.

Care for the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of all people.

Welcoming & Inclusion Statement:

Milford United Methodist Church is a welcoming and inclusive church which celebrates that all persons are created in God’s image and are of sacred worth. We welcome and serve persons without regard to age, race, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, family configuration, religious background, economic status, or developmental and physical abilities. Milford United Methodist Church recognizes the diversity of the Body of Christ and gives thanks to God for this divine gift. We invite ALL to discover the joy of knowing and serving Jesus Christ.

Our Mission:

The Milford United Methodist Church exists to help all people discover the joy of knowing and serving Jesus Christ.

Rev. Dr. John Whitley, Pastor