June 23, 2023

Pastor’s Reflections – June 23, 2023

Dear Friends and Members of NCC:  

I hope you're having a great day!  I'm writing to you to fill you in on NCC News and hope to see you at an upcoming event.  

What’s Happening Tomorrow – Saturday June 24

Walk in the 2023 Portsmouth Pride Parade Join in to show your support again this year as we gather together as a community of faith to join in the Portsmouth Pride Parade on Saturday June 24 at 11:45AM.  We will gather in Market Square in front of North Church by 11:45AM.  You’re welcome to just show up and I hope to see you there! 

What’s Happening This Sunday

On Sunday morning at 10 AM we’ll gather in the Sanctuary and on our livestream on YouTube and Facebook Live as we reflect on Matthew 10:24-39 and continue our reflection on the path of a follower of Christ.  I’m excited to share that a special person is planning to share his story about finding himself and finding God just like we read about in this passage – and yes, I’m keeping this a surprise for you for now and not telling you who is sharing.  Come join us and find out! 

Highlights of last week

Several of us participated in the Adverse Childhood Experiences Training this past Wednesday in support of our journey to become a Mental Health friendly workplace and house of worship through the Dover Alliance.  If you missed it and would be interested in receiving the materials for this session, or if you would like to find out how you can sign up for a Mental Health First Aid training session, just drop me a line at pastor@newmarketchurch.org and I’ll send them along to you. 

Summer Sunday Morning 9AM start time begins Sunday July 2nd

Beginning July 2nd and continuing every Sunday morning in July and August, Sunday worship will begin at 9AM. 

On July 2nd we’ll share in café church in the fellowship hall.

On other Sundays we have plans for an eclectic worship style to include some sanctuary worship and live streamed time and fellowship hall discussion time that is not live streamed. We look forward to experiencing an opportunity to worship AND connect in meaningful ways this summer.

Upcoming Events and Programs

NCC Book Reflection Group Every other Tuesday at 3:30PM beginning on June 27th Everyone is invited to join in whether in person or via video link as we begin reading the book Holy Envy Finding God in the Faith of Others by Barbara Brown Taylor.  On June 27th we’ll review the introduction and Chapter one.  Join in!  It is a wonderful opportunity to reflect, share, connect, and ask questions.  

The NCC Food Pantry Grand Reopening & Ribbon Cutting Please mark your calendar to join in on Monday June 26 from 4PM – 6PM in the Fellowship Hall as we invite our whole church family, community leaders, and pantry partners, to come experience the new food pantry. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4:30PM.  Hope to see you!

Upcoming Trip to the Holy Land Departing February 27 from Logan Airport

Pastor Patty and Suellen Leugers are leading a Holy Land Classic Journey through Educational Opportunities in 2024. The price for this 10-day tour is $3746 per person and includes: breakfast and dinner daily, deluxe A/C motor coaches, entrance and program fees, first class hotels, guided tours, hotel gratuities, international airfare from Logan Airport, live audio headsets, and study guides.  We are thrilled that over 15 of you have already voiced serious interest!  We're going to have a great experience together!

You can review all of the details of this opportunity at our trip website at  Israel Trip Website  If you’re interested in joining the trip or learning more, please let me know by emailing me at pastor@newmarketchurch.org

 
May God bless you and keep you until we meet again!

With Love and Peace, 
Pastor Patty