Week of June 16, 2024

Ordinary Time:    Perhaps recently you've noticed the green "drapery" (known in church-speak as paraments) in the front of the church on the table, Bible, and piano.  The green marks the church season "after Pentecost", which is also (and almost ironically) known as Ordinary Time.  Of course, there is nothing ordinary about time after Pentecost!  I wanted to share a few thoughts on the "weeks after Pentecost".  These are taken from an op-ed piece written by Tish Harrison Warren and published in the New York Times on June 12, 2022. Writes she:

[Trinity Sunday] kicks off a long sweep of “ordinary time.” This period — which will last till mid-November — is the longest season in the church year. Ordinary time is what we call the weeks that are not included in the major seasons of feasting or fasting in the church calendar, such as Easter and Lent.
In some circles, this span of months is referred to as “the long green growing season” because the liturgical color of the season is green, but also because it invites us to deepen our roots, to grow.
In his poem “Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front,” Wendell Berry calls his readers to “Practice resurrection.” That’s how I think of this stretch of ordinary time. During Easter season we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, and in this next season we learn to “practice resurrection” in our everyday lives. We seek those things which bring renewal and repair.

I may have a few more words to share on Ordinary Time anon!  Meanwhile, I join Rev.  Harrison Warren and encourage us all to Practice Resurrection every moment as we grow in Christ!  

S.D.G. - mrh

First Baptist Church of Etna special meeting:  There will be a brief special meeting of the membership after worship this coming Sunday, June 16^th.  The purpose of the meeting is to vote on accepting new members who have requested membership.  The text of the warrant follows:

The following articles will be considered:                                      
Article 1: To deliberate and vote on accepting new members into the church who have been approved by the church’s Deacons.      
 
Article 2: To transact any other business that may legally come before this meeting.  
 
No other business is expected to be conducted at the meeting as of this time.  A paper copy of the warrant was posted posted on June 9^th near the entrance to Trumbull Hall.

Missions Committee:  Carrie Pollock from Cru Military has sent us updates from Ukraine. Ralph Puckett notes that "Captain R's" wife describes a pretty difficult existence, typical of far too many in her situation. There are bright spots, though, and it is evident that she retains her faith in spite of wholly understandable questions. It would be a miracle if she didn't have questions and doubts.  
Cru Military's Carrie Pollock's comments about Captain R's letter: You can see the Goodness of God in those smiles ... in just a matter of a few days from the end of May!  
God is Just SO Good!!!
Please contact the church office if you'd like to read these moving newsletters.  
The situation in and around Ukraine remains dire, but God is of course there and He is active in the lives of His people. As the old saying has it: There are no aetheists in foxholes.

Jane Graham Updates: We'd like to share a couple of updates on our sister in Christ Jane Graham.  Please contact the church office if you'd like to have her new contact information.
We also note with joy that Jane will be celebrating her 99th birthday on June 20! Wow, what a milestone!  

Bible Study Opportunities:   Our church offers two weekly opportunities for study and discussion of the Scriptures.  Join us on Sunday mornings at 9 am (before our worship service) in Trumbull Hall.  Sunday morning we're reading and discussing the very interesting Old Testament book of Jonah.  
We also offer a weekday Bible discussion, expanding on the Scripture covered in the previous Sunday's sermon, on Wednesday mornings at 10 am in Trumbull Hall.
In either case, please join us for coffee, baked goods, and lively discussions of Scripture. All are welcome, no previous experience required!

Hanover Center Old Timers' Fair - June 29! The full fair is back on Saturday, June 29. https://www.oldtimersfair.com/

Old Timers' Fair White Elephant and Book Sales
This year, we are asking folks to bring their potential donations for each of these fundraisers to the Hanover Center Church on certain times, instead of just dropping them off. The "Donation Days" this week will be:
Tuesday, June 11: 1:00 - 5:00 (books and White Elephant items)
Thursday, June 13 1:00 - 5:00 (Books only 5:00 - 6:30)
Saturday, June 15 (9:00 - noon Books only;) or 1:00 - 3:00 (books and White Elephant items)

Note:   For the Book Sale -  We cannot sell (and therefore cannot accept)
-video or audio tapes            
-old calendars
-textbooks or encyclopedias      
-magazines
-books that are badly torn or musty
Thank you for your consideration!

There will be a similar schedule for the next few weeks until the Fair. PLEASE NOTE: After donations have come in, folks are more than welcome to drop in to the church to work on sorting and shelving books at any time that's convenient!