God's Country

When we go away in the summer, to enjoy places north, south, east, and west, we are sometimes heard to say we are going to “God's Country.” We usually mean that we are going to find some peace and quiet, away from the stress and fast paced nature of life when working full-time, children in school, going from one soccer game to a baseball game to grocery shopping and, Oh, don't forget dance class in between.

Yet, as we all know, all of the places that we live are places where God is also present. Whether places of the hurried life or places calm, hoisting a glass of lemonade beside a soothing body of water, God is there.

The Psalmist has written of God, (Psalm 139, NIV)

O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

First, let me assure you, scripture assures us that God has promised to be with us no matter where we go, no matter our circumstances, no matter our mood.

Second, it is always helpful to invite God to be present to us, with us. Doing this allows God to know that we acknowledge our need.

And third, why is it that we refer to places of peace and quiet as “God's Country?” It probably has something to do with how we have constructed our lives in such a way that we don't feel we have time to stop, and know God's presence.

God is our peace. God is our quiet: “Be still and know that I am God,” from Psalm 46:10 reminds us that at any time, anywhere, we can find the peace and quiet of God. It doesn't take a retreat center, a spiritual guide, or a trip to a cottage hidden in the woods, although those things can surely help.

I have moved three times over the past 2 ½ years, meaning I have lived in four different places during that time. It has been challenging to create a feeling of “home” in all of those places but as I read scripture I am reminded that God is my home, no matter where I am. The presence and value of friends has helped me feel at home no matter where I am. And so, too, the presence of God in all of those places.

Even now, as I write this, I turn off the TV, the music, the sounds made possible by electricity and technology, to ask God to speak to me, strengthen me, to help me with this day to do what is needed. While I surely can't control everything in my life, there are a few things that I can do to help me make room for God's presence today.

“God's Country?” It is here, in my home, in my heart, and in my spirit, that, without God, I would not have. I pray today that you know “God's Country” to be where you are because you, too, have been created by God, saved by Jesus Christ, and blessed with God's Spirit for this and every day.

Yours in Christ,
Dennis

On Saturday June 21 we’ve scheduled a church yard clean-up day.  We have some trimming, cleaning of garden beds other minor chores to take care of.  The more hands available the better.  Please come at 8 AM and we’ll be sure to be done by noon.  Electric or gas hedge trimmers and rakes, brooms would be welcome.  Please come even if you can only come for an hour.

Thanks in advance! Phil Johnson

Mark your calendars and plan to attend an important meeting of the congregation on June 22 following worship. Up for consideration at that time will be the Proposed Budget for the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year, and consideration of the options available to us, by which we can come into compliance with the new State Health Care Law.

Christopher Parker, Moderator

The Nursery will be open on Sundays June 15 and 22. We invite all children (infants – age 3) to drop in for stories and fun.

Workshops will resume in September. If anyone would like to be a leader or shepherd please call Jill Couillard or Barbara Langill in the church office. They would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Beginning on Monday, June 9 and throughout the summer, the Church Office will be open mornings only – 9:00 a.m. – Noon.

Tower Notes will be published as follows: June 30, July 28 and August 25.

Thank you to the children and youth of Centre Church for participating in Children’s Sunday on June 8. Your ability to share your talents, knowledge and gifts with the congregation was a blessing. Thank you to the Youth Choir for providing us with such joyful music. Thank you to the leaders and shepherds for your dedication to the rotation program and to the Nursery staff for providing wonderful care.

There will be a mandatory meeting for all youth (and one or both parents) attending the New Orleans Mission Trip at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16. We will be meeting with the trip facilitator, Carl McDonald, and going over rules and other details of the trip.

Please note, this is also the night of the High School Coffee House. Mr. Hodgkins has agreed to put any of the youth who plan to participate into the second half of the show.

Please call Barbara Langill with any questions.

Former Associate Pastor, Marlene Pomeroy will be visiting in the area in early July. There is a plan to have a light supper in Todd Hall on Tuesday, July 8 to give as many people as possible a chance to visit with her. Please call the church office to let us know of your interest and we will get details to you.

Join us on Sunday, August 17 from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. as we cruise down the Essex River to the ocean. We will leave from 35 Dodge St., Essex (the Essex Marina). We have chartered the boat and have it all to ourselves. As of June 8 we have 58 people who have signed up. The boat can seat up to 110 people, so bring ALL of your friends on this adventure.

To make your reservation, please call Chuck Cotting 781-593-3120 or Susan Spear 781-334-3050. Send in your $11.00 deposit (per person) to secure your reservation. It may be sent to the Church Office, 5 Summer Street, Lynnfield, MA.

Following the cruise, those who wish will continue on to Woodman’s (just around the corner on Rt. 133) for the seafood dinner of your choice. There is a very large tent just at the back of the restaurant that can seat up to 120 people and, hopefully, we can all eat together. Chris Parker’s A Capella Group, Peking and the Mystics will be performing that night at Woodman’s.

Don’t miss this fun opportunity! If you need a ride, please let Chuck or Susan know!

Hosted by Membership Commission

All High School Youth who have signed up for the Retreat should meet in the church parking lot at 8 am on Saturday, June 14. Be sure to eat breakfast before you come. We will head straight to Six Flags - remember to bring or wear a bathing suit, as there are many water rides. Lunch at the park is included. You will need only a small amount of spending money for extras at the park (games, souvenirs, pictures, etc.).

We will stay overnight at Warner Farms. You will need to bring a sleeping bag, towel, toothbrush, change of clothes, and sleepwear. We will plan to return by 1 pm on Sunday.

Thanks for letting Girl Scout Troop #258 use your meeting room. We had a great year. We made a gingerbread house, did yoga, made donations to a food pantry, the Shriners, senior center, and a pet rescue. The girls had a great time.

Deb Mucci, Leader

We rejoice with Keith and Jennifer Ells upon the baptism is their son, Gavin Cooper Ells on June 8, 2008.

We extend our love and sympathy to Paul and Karen Harrington upon the death of Paul’s father, Lincoln Harrington of Exeter, NH.

Our love and sympathy are extended to former members, Frank and Ginny terKeurst upon the death of their daughter, Linda Shephard on June 4. A Memorial Service was held in CT.

On Thursday, June 19 at 6 p.m., the Trustees of the Lynnfield Library will dedicate the bench in front of the Library’s Children’s Room to retired Children’s Librarian Marjorie Potter. All are welcome to attend. Congratulations Marjorie!!

On Saturday, June 28 at 11:30 AM during the International Fair - Overlook Farm in Rutland, MA will be dedicating its new livestock barn.  This barn is replacing the former livestock barn that burned down in March 2006.  All are welcome to come and attend this dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.  It will be just in front of the doors of the barn.  We will have staff available afterward to show you around in the barn.

Sandi Watson, Heifer Coordinator

Our thoughts and prayers are with:

• Marion Barnes at Rosewood Rehab., 22 Johnson St., Peabody, 01960
• Laura Coonrod Meisel at home in CA
• Barbara McCormick at the home of her sister, Mrs. Robert Johnson, 4633 Marloma Dr., Rolling Hills Estates, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
• Grace and Emma Parker at Beth Israel Hospital
• Peter Perkins, home after bone marrow transplant
• June Rose, 37 Spring St., Lunenburg, MA 01461
• Muriel Badger, River Court Residency, Groton, MA
• Glady Davis, Haven Health Care, Derry, NH
• Carolyn Furey, Overlook Masonic Health Center, Charlton, MA
• Hal Holappa at the Veterans’ Hospital, Bedford
• Helen Miller at The Meadows at Edgewood.

We also remember Greg Lengyel and Brian Bisacre in Iraq.

Sunday, June 15, 2008
Head Usher: Jeff Law
Greeter: Margaret Waugh
Lay Reader: Seavey Bowdoin
Coffee Hour: Betty Hayter & Evy Round
Altar Flowers: Edie & Earl Richard