Fall into Church Activities

First, let me say we don’t want anyone falling in church or on church property. Come to think of it, I don’t believe anyone at BUCC would wish or hope a fall on anyone. Obviously, I’m playing with the double meaning of “fall.” It is autumn and we have experienced two and a half years of caution and restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now enjoying the most “open” time and activities that the church has had since early 2020. There are still cautions for many people. For all of us who claim to follow Jesus of Nazareth, I hope our courtesies and respect for all (no matter who they are or where they are on their life’s journey) will continue to be a hallmark. But this is not another COVID update to the church. While we have slowly reintroduced some of the activities that were halted due to the pandemic, more and more activities are coming back and new ones are being added this autumn. READ ON TO LEARN MORE!

Coming back this fall are in-person Sunday School classes. Do we have 100 children? No. Feel free to invite and welcome neighbors and family children to try us out. We’re about invitation, not indoctrination. In-person Bible study on Monday evenings resumes once again. NEW this fall will be Monday morning (11 AM) sessions for those who would prefer a daytime study group. New participants are welcome in both groups. Will each group be smaller in the beginning? Probably yes. But is that a good reason not to try new things? Probably not. The choir has NO professional singers; only volunteers who like to make a joyful noise in worship. We like to learn and sing in parts but that is difficult with a small group. Give us a try for a season; we actually have fun together and you’d be welcome. The Fall Vespers Service at Inspiration Point will again include a Pot Luck Supper in the Slim Baker Lodge. Friends, families, and neighbors are welcome to attend; will you be inviting someone new? We are hosting the New Hampshire UCC Women’s Fellowship gathering and a special musical program in October. Once again, friends and neighbors are welcome to attend (sorry but not free / fee assistance is available) and may come if they’re invited. Deeper into the fall (Nov. and Dec.) look for activities beyond the Sunday morning service. Already scheduled are a Ukulele concert to benefit Ukraine relief; a Christmas craft activity session; a Chrismon Tree and Christmas caroling party with pizza; and the Christmas Bazaar, too! But let me say this one more time – while all who will attend will be welcome, from whom will they receive an invitation if not from us?

We all know that the world is changing and that people relate differently to institutions like clubs, fraternal organizations, and churches than in years and decades past. And while our church has a strong tradition of being welcoming to all, we could probably be better and more personable and personal in our inviting those we know and meet. Even a few hours of fellowship with different people serves the ministry of welcome we claim here at BUCC. Who would know how wonderful and welcoming BUCC is if we do not invite and ourselves attend to this ministry which builds community by building relationships? I hope to see you out and about (as you are able and as you are comfortable) at some of our church activities this fall. Please consider yourself invited. I know you will be welcome.

Blessings,