Crossroads Notes:

Deacons’ Corner           Thank you to everyone who contributed goodies for our college students and people serving in the military. With your help, we were able to send out eight generously filled packages for Valentine’s Day. Explorers Group           New to BPC and wondering who we are? Want to understand better what the Presbyterian Church (USA) believes and does? And what being a member means? Or would you just like to get to know some other folks, whether new or settled members?           Our Explorers Group is for you! You are invited to meet on Sundays, March 11 & 18, after worship (with a light lunch)—or come to the alternate times, Thursdays, March 15 & 22, 7:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. We’ll consider these questions, and reflect on our own faith. The group is led by Rev. MacDonald and hosted by the Membership Committee. For those who choose to join our church, this is also preparation for membership.           Watch for a signup list at church, or call the office at 781-272-9190 or email burlpres@aol.com for more information. Boston Presbytery to Meet at BPC Monday, March 26, 2007           It’s our church’s turn to host the stated meeting of Boston Presbytery. Presbytery consists of minister members and elder commissioners from the 25 churches in the greater Boston and Worcester areas. They meet to act on issues of ministry and mission within their bounds. All are invited to sit in on the meeting, along with Burlington’s regular elder commissioners for that night (Cathy Zeek and Doris Maher).           Our responsibility we share as host is to provide ample refreshments prior to the beginning of the meeting. Session will welcome volunteers to bring refreshments, and to assist with set up and clean up. The refreshment period normally begins at 6:30 p.m. Presbyterian Nursery School Spread the Word           Did you know that forty (40) three and four year olds frolic and learn here in Fellowship Hall from Monday – Friday? The Presbyterian Nursery School has classes in full swing from September through May. Currently the morning classes are full and we already have next year’s enrollment almost filled. But for many in the area who may still be looking for a quality, yet low cost pre-school experience for their 4 year olds, we can offer an afternoon class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We would appreciate your spreading the word! Interested families should call registrar Linda Benson at 781-272-0081, extension 2 for more details.           Our dedicated core teachers continue to be Director Patricia Rooney, and teachers Darlene Jollymore and Nancy Murphy. The new Board of Directors includes Chair Cathy Riley, Registrar Linda Benson, Secretary Meredith Antonelli, Treasurer Millie Wiegand, Director Pat Rooney, and member Jean Graham. There is an opening for another board member if you or someone you know is interested. (They do not have to be members of BPC.) See anyone on the board for information.           Occasionally we will share a few tidbits in Crossroads about this important community service which our church oversees. For now, just keep in mind as you leave Fellowship Hall on Sundays or after week night meetings that there will be a group of toddlers there the next morning. Make sure that you move the church bulletin boards into the sanctuary, lower the tables, raise the shades, pick up all personal possessions and leave the room ready for action! Submitted by the PNS Nursery Board Sunday Morning Rides Needed There are two people who need rides to and from church. Please speak to Amoah Yeboah-Korang. Sign up in Fellowship Hall. J.J. Referral Services A New Resource – J.J Referral Services If you need help this winter with fuel, please contact Joanne Stephen, Independent Consumer consultant at 781-572-0219 or joanejstp@aol.com.

Coffeehouse at BPC March 31, 2007, 7:00 p.m. (doors open) A Benefit for Mission of Deeds with ‘The Goodhues Band’ From the Goodhues: “We are a foursome, with Kim Goodhue on vocals and autoharp; Geoff Goodhue, vocals, guitar and mandolin; Trish DeCaprio, vocals and fiddle; and Ryan Goodhue, on keyboard and hand drums. Our repertoire covers American "roots" country, Appalachian, bluegrass, Southern gospel, contemporary folk, traditional Celtic, and Irish "pub" songs. We emphasize close two- and three-part harmonies, polished instrumental arrangements, and sincere, energetic delivery.” The Goodhues were warmly received when they played during worship at BPC in January.           The evening will partially be a benefit for The Mission of Deeds, an organization that for many years has provided donated furniture to folks unable to purchase their own. Folks known to our church family have been helped by the Mission, and church member Ray Gibson works for it three days a week. Ray is heading up this coffeehouse project.           Donation for the evening is $10.00.           Volunteers to help set up, clean up, and provided refreshments are very welcome! Dinners of Eight Sponsored by the Membership Committee           On a cold and dreary winter night (March 3), you dream of somewhere warm and cozy filled with laughter and joy to chase away the memory of cold fingers and toes from getting the mail. And then it hits you - you do have somewhere to be - you need to be at a ‘Dinners of Eight’ event. Somewhere that has good food, good friends (old ones and new ones to be made), somewhere with laughter, good conversation, and maybe even a little music. So hurry up and sign up to secure your spot at the table. After you sign up, you will receive an invitation with the details of time and where you are going. The hosts/hostesses will prepare the entrée; the guests will provide the other foods for the meal. One Great Hour Of Sharing           For nearly 60 years, the Presbyterian Church (USA) has participated in One Great Hour of Sharing during Lent. The offering is used for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (36%), Self-Development of People (32%) and the Presbyterian Hunger Program (32%). These gifts help people in need across the United States and around the world. Our offering will be received on Palm Sunday. More information will be included in the Sunday bulletins during the Lenten season. The 2007 Dot & Fran Team Needs YOU!!           What is this? Folks from BPC who participate in the annual MS Walk to help raise funds to help people and their families affected by multiple sclerosis. This year's team so far is Sally Morrison, Millie Wiegand, Christina, Shayna and Tiffany Liu, Jane Lothian, Anne Denier and Linda Roscoe. Dave Anthony usually also walks.           Why do we do it? Dot Anderson and Fran Anthony were former members of our church who lived with MS and served as inspirations. Many of us also have family members, friends, or co-workers who live with this often debilitating disease. When is the walk? Sunday, April 29, 2007 Where is it? It begins at the Concord Health Care Center in Concord, MA How long is the walk and how much time will it take? The walk is 6 miles (with only one hill!). Our team convenes at church for the "Blessing of the Feet" at the beginning of the worship service at 10:30, then goes together to Concord. The walk begins at noon and takes about 2 hours, then there is a light lunch served afterwards. I'm interested - how do I register? Online at www.msnewengland.org. Registration sheets are posted on the bulletin board outside the front classroom. Please give to Linda Roscoe. What if I'd like to be part of the team, but am not able to walk it? How about volunteering? You might help with registration, give out goodies at a checkpoint, or be a cheerleader at the finish. If interested, go to the website www.msnewengland.org and click on Volunteer on the left-hand navigation column. Our event is MSLifelines Concord. How else can I help? Make a donation online: go to the main website (www.msnewengland.org) there is a link to ‘Donate to a Walker, Cyclist, or Runner’ in the middle of the page, just below the registration options. Then choose ‘MS Lifelines MS Walk’ as the event (it is not a problem if you pick the wrong one). You will then see a list of all of the Walk sites, and choose Concord. Then search either ‘Linda Roscoe’ or ‘Dot & Fran’ team. After our info comes up click on it and it will bring you to our fundraising page where you can "Support Linda" and enter your info and donation. Make a check payable to the National MS Society and give it to anyone on the team, or mail it, marked ‘Dot & Fran Team’ to: National MS Society, Central New England Chapter, 101A First Ave., Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451. 3. Cash is welcome and can be given to anyone on the team. For now, pledges are important. There is a team pledge sheet posted on the bulletin board outside the front classroom. Any other questions? Ask Linda Roscoe - phone is 781 273-2083, email is leeroscoe @ comcast.net