Crossroads Notes:

Safe Child Program Training           We have set dates for the training associated with the Safe Child Training. The group designing the training are Anne Macdonald, Sue McGilvray-Rivet, Linda Roscoe and Ray Gabler. Anne is a licensed social worker who has worked with childend in foster homes and has had experience reporting to DSS. She will take the lead in Session 1.           The training is designed in two parts, Session 1 and Session 2. Session 1 will run about two hours or a little longer. Session 2 will run less than two hours. Session 1 focuses on child abuse and Session 2 on our safe child program.           You may sign up for any Session 1 or Session 2 as long as you do Session 1 first. Sign up by responding to Ray directly or on the sheet posted in Fellowship Hall.           Each session will have lunch served at 12:30 on the respective Sunday and class will start at 1:00 p.m. If child care is necessary please tell us at least one week in advance. If you need children driven home we may be able to accommodate that also. The dates are Session 1 Session 2 March 5 March 19 April 2 April 23 April 30 April 30           On April 30, Session 2 will start at approximately 3:30 p.m. if you want to attend. There were a number of people who requested both sessions together. These dates are fixed and cannot easily be changed.           On the Teacher Recognition Sunday in late May or early June, people who have attended both sessions will be acknowledged with certificates.           We have attempted to make the training interesting, interactive, and provocative so the audience will not be bored and at the same time getting the required information across. Attendees will have the opportunity to give written and anonymous feedback on the training. So, please sign up. Those needing to go through training are – – Teachers, CE committee, Session deacons, and Trustees. Ash Wednesday Supper and Service           A simple supper and informal worship provide an opportunity to enter Lent in keeping with its traditional place in Christian life. Simplicity, soul-searching, and renewal of faith and service in preparation for the festival of Easter are the themes of the 40 days (plus Sundays).           We’ll gather in Fellowship Hall for a supper of soup and salad, sharing company with one another and some guests from Presbyterian churches of Cambridge and Waltham. The service, at 7:30, will be in a spirit of repentance and renewal. There will be ashes for those who choose to have them “imposed” (marked) on their foreheads, but this will be voluntary.           Come and share this time as we lean into Lent.

One Great Hour of Sharing           During Lent our congregation will be participating in One Great Hour of Sharing. In the Presbyterian Church (USA), the offering is shared by three programs: Self-Development of People, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and the Presbyterian Hunger Program. This year the theme is water-related issues. Through these gifts, the Church supports efforts to dig and maintain safe wells, install water purification systems, create safe sanitation systems, and address long-range problems, such as deforestation, water rights, etc.           Please take time to read the leaflets which will be included in the bulletin during this time. Help the children find ways to earn money to put in their “fish” banks. Think about the importance of water in your life. Imagine life without adequate, safe water. For more information check the One Great Hour of Sharing web page (www.pcusa.org/moreinfo.htm).           In Matthew 25:37, we read that the righteous will ask Jesus, “When, Lord, did we ever see you . . . thirsty and give you a drink?” Jesus will answer, “Whenever you did this for one of the least of my followers, you did it for me.” Can you SPARE some family time this March?           STRIKE up some family fun on Sunday afternoon, March 19th, from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at the Woburn Bowladrome. Join fellow church families for pizza and bumper bowling after church with fun for all. The cost will be $22.00 per hour per family (paid individually) and shoe rental for adults is $2.00 and shoe rental for children under 13 is free. The Woburn Bowladrome is located at 32 Montvale Avenue in downtown Woburn. The Dinsmore family, as part of the Family Ministries Program, is planning this event, so please speak to Heather Dinsmore, sign up in Fellowship Hall, or RSVP to 978-663-5413 or via email at phkd@netzero.net. Deacon's Corner Saturday, February 25, 6:30 p.m.           At the February 1 meeting, Deacons elected Marion McPhee, Moderator and Anne Denier, Secretary for 2006. In addition, committee assignments were made, including responsibilities for preparing communion and coffee hour.           Whitey Graham spoke to the Board about the need for a blood drive this coming summer and we discussed possible dates. This year, the Red Cross requires that the blood drive be held at an air conditioned site, probably at a local hotel or restaurant.           The prayer chain will be updated by the March meeting to reflect changes on the Board.        Jennifer reported on plans for the Women’s Luncheon, scheduled for February 12, and reported that the dates for this year’s Women’s Retreat are Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3, 2006. Confirmation Class Forming           Families of young persons in 8th grade and older are encouraged to become involved in this confirmation process. The purpose is to invite youth to be “seekers,” exploring the meaning of God, Christian faith, and the church as a time of preparation for possible adult church membership. Those who choose to profess their faith (“confirming” the baptismal promises) will be welcomed into the church at Easter or shortly afterward. Being part of the class doesn’t obligate a youth to choose full membership.           Meetings will be Sundays, March 5-April 9, 12-1:30 p.m. (with food!). Taking part in an Easter Vigil (all night before Easter Sunday morning) is being considered. While they are part of the group, participants will not have regular Sunday School.           The sessions will be led by Brenda Flynn, assisted by Rev. MacDonald. Families of prospective “seekers” should be receiving letters from the church very soon.