Smith Memorial Congregational Church UCC

News April 2021

April Worship Services

April 1 Maundy Thursday 7PM
The Sacrament of Holy Communion and Ancient Order of Tenebrae

April 4 Easter Sunday
Sunrise Service
Intrepid Farm on Center Road at 6:15AM. This worship service is shared with the Deering Community Church, the Methodist Church, Valley Bible Chapel and St. Mary’s Church.

Easter Morning Worship Communion Sunday 10:30AM
Scripture Lessons: Acts 10: 34-43, Mark 16: 1-8
Sermon: Back to Galilee

April 11 Second Sunday of Easter 10:30AM
Scripture Lessons: 1 John 1: 1-2:2, John 20: 19-31
Sermon: Honest Uncertainty

April 18 Third Sunday of Easter 10:30AM
Scripture Lessons: Psalm 4, Luke 24: 36b-48
Sermon: Necessary Doubt

April 25 Fourth Sunday of Easter Good Shepherd Sunday 10:30AM
Scripture Lessons: Psalm 23, 1 John 3: 16-24, John 10: 11-18
Sermon: The Shepherd’s Care

Family Promise Update

Our week of Family Promise in March consisted of supplying meals to the families at the parsonage in Henniker. We started out with one mom and her 3 year old son, but by Tuesday, we added another mom and daughter. People volunteered to make a meal every night but Tuesday. We supplied our mom with a gift card for that night. Talking with her on our first Sunday, we learned that she had been freezing leftovers, so probably had plenty. We also supplied her with requested breakfast foods. Her son is very active and loves taking people on tours of the parsonage. A big thank you to all who prepared a meal.

Our next week is in early June and will probably be still just supplying meals to the parsonage. Meeting with the staff of Family Promise, we are hoping to get back to rotating to different churches in September. We will keep you informed.

Growth and Enrichment

PJs AND PIZZA
With movement underway to reopen the whole church building and with real time/ real life gatherings a foreseeable possibility, plans are already in motion for the finale ( until the fall ), May Pjs and Pizza session to be a chance to enjoy seeing everyone again, and to enjoy our activities outside.
In the meantime, the children enjoyed the March selection, Cold Snap ! and related craft activity at home during an actual cold snap. Our April book and craft will likewise be delivered to the participants.

WHAT SMITH CHURCH IS READING
We’ve heard from some of you that you are still trying to obtain Maxwell King’s A Good Neighbor: the Life and Work of Fred Rogers or are in the midst of reading this somewhat longer book. These factors, plus the desire to actually get together to talk about the book, have prompted us to schedule the in person conversation on Sunday, May 16th at 11:30 AM in the vestry. The feedback about the book, in one word, has been “fascinating”. Do plan to join us and share your thoughts OR join us to determine whether the book intrigues you enough to read it.

YOUTH GROUP LEADERS:
It’s never too early to work toward getting our youth groups back on track! With the pandemic parameters and life events ( births, moves ) necessitating a stepping aside by some of the valued leaders, our youth group framework was noticeably impacted this year. As we begin to move back into the world, if this is an area that you think might be of interest to you as a way to serve and become connected, please contact Rev. Donna ( 464-3529 ) or Barbara Daley ( 464-5239 ) to chat and learn more about this exciting opportunity. The Smith Church originating youth groups for our Hillsborough community have, for decades, been an important outlet for our youth and a chance to explore places and experiences near and far. Community service and lots of adventures combine to introduce our youth to life-long responsible, satisfying personal paths.

Youth Groups – The SCENE

The SCENE met on Thursday, March 18 with an almost full group. Many thanks to Lincoln Descoteaux and family for bringing the snack and to his dad Don for filling in for Jean Crowley, and to Logan and Landon Lane, RBA members who also came to help out. We made Happy Spring cards to be delivered to our friends at Hillsboro House Nursing Home.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, April 15 from 3:30-4:30 PM – all in grades 1-5 are welcome to join us!