During this time of “social distancing” while we are not worshipping at Smith and contributing to the Food Pantry on the first Sunday of each month, G & E would like to suggest an alternative way of giving.
Several members / friends of Smith Church are on “the front lines” during this pandemic – putting their lives at risk as they serve us. Folks in this capacity include health care providers, first responders, postal workers, grocery store employees, etc. Simultaneously, small businesses here in town are desperately trying to stay afloat. If you know of someone at the forefront, we suggest that you buy a gift card to one of our local eateries and give it to them.
Interested, but need help in finding someone? G & E is developing a list and can help you. G & E members: Fran Charron, Pam Cornwell, Val Kulbacki, Sue Fournier, Barbara Daley, Monique Kayden, Don Descoteaux
The Strengthen the Church offering is one of our ‘5 for 5’ special mission offerings during the year as it supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Your support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill on its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities.
As God calls our congregations to be the church in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. This annual offering will be received on Pentecost, May 31.
In addition to our generous giving to this offering over the years, we have also benefitted from the giving of others, as Barbara Daley wrote:
The Strengthen the Church fund was established to grow the United Church of Christ’s future by initiatives that promote growth and renewal. The New Hampshire Conference has directed these funds to use for developing and nurturing youth programs. the youth groups at Smith Church have been the beneficiaries of this fund twice for our Washington DC mission/sightseeing trips in 2017 and 2020 in the amount each time of a $2500 grant. This, along with donations from the Trustees to pay for our rental van and our fundraising and payments from parents, has enabled us to make these trips very affordable for our youth and has allowed everyone who wishes to go the opportunity to do so. Please give generously to this much-appreciated offering!
Anticipate that all will be recorded at the parsonage and uploaded to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/smithmemorialucc/. The WMUR website also links to churches worshipping online.
April 5 – PALM SUNDAY
Communion Sunday—we will bless the bread and cup you choose to use at home.
Scripture Lessons: Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29, Matthew 21: 1-11
Sermon: Hosanna
April 9/10 – MAUNDY THURSDAY/GOOD FRIDAY
Instead of the traditional service and vigil, please read a /some Gospel Scriptures about the passion narrative of Christ:
Matthew 21-28
Mark 11-16
Luke 19-24
John 12-21
Please also consider watching a movie such as ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’, or The King of Kings’.
Here are some questions to consider as you read or watch:
What is most striking to you about the different Gospel readings?
At the Last Supper each of the gospels refers to Jesus and the disciples ‘sang the hymn’ after the first Communion. They sang Psalms 113 and 114, one is about God being the helper of the needy and the other is about God’s wonders during the Exodus, so this truly was a Passover celebration. Does that surprise you?
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays but cannot get the disciples to stay awake and pray with him or wait for him, yet what he prays is documented. How is that possible? The two beliefs for that are either the disciples were dozing/resting their eyes so not really asleep and unaware, or ‘sleep’ is a symbolic reference that they were too anxious and concerned to be near him for fear of what was expected to be happening. What do you think of those potential explanations.
How does the imagery of a movie connect with your images and understanding of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
April 12 – EASTER
Due to the pandemic we will not be having a sunrise service, breakfast and then a glorious worship service in the sanctuary. We will be mindful that the first Easter did not happen at a church, but rather outside of an empty tomb while the disciples were in hiding at home, grieving the death of Jesus, and fearful of what was happening.
Scripture Lessons: Jeremiah 31: 1-6, John 20: 1-18, Acts 10: 34-43
Special Music: John Brinton and Pam Stohrer
Sermon: An Everlasting Love
April 19
Scripture Lessons: Psalm 16, John 20: 19-31
Sermon: Locked
Comments Off on Food Pantry Update – Generosity Evident Again
Because of YOUR generosity, the shopping cart was indeed filled to the brim with personal care and cleaning supplies dedicated during the March 1st offering. Highlighting such products as Smith Church’s donation to the Food Pantry is making a difference.
Who could have predicted that selecting such items as our contribution would prove to be so timely ? With the novel coronavirus the current event, these products are even more important.
Our April 5th collection and dedication will still qualify for this year’s annual fund-raising campaign by the Food Pantry. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated!
The Food Pantry is operating differently during the pandemic. Any donation deliveries can be delivered between 4:30 and 5pm on Tuesdays. Please bring them to the back door on the loading dock, knock on the door to get the attention of the volunteers, return to your vehicle and the volunteer will pick up the donation. For distribution of food, the window facing the bank will be where clients drive up to check in and then are able to pick up the bags on the front porch. The pantry will be open from 5-7pm. This temporary system allows for safe social distancing, especially as many clients have compromised immune systems.
As we will not be gathering together for worship on Palm/Communion Sunday, our monthly donation offering can instead be a check made out to the Hillsboro District Food Pantry at 3 Church St.
