Crossroads Notes:

BPC Session overture passes Boston Presbytery; on to GA!      Our overture was passed by Boston Presbytery on January 28. It now joins all the overtures being sent to PCUSA General Assembly for this June’s meeting. The overture calls for substituting a new paragraph for one in the Book of Order requiring “fidelity within marriage or chastity in singleness” and “to repent of any self-acknowledged practice which the confessions call sin” as requirements for ordination as elder, deacon, or minister of Word and sacrament. The new paragraph emphasizes our existing constitutional questions for ordination and removes the confessional “litmus test.” One Great Hour Of Sharing       Come join the Palm Sunday parade on March 16 when the children bring their fish banks and the adults their OGH offerings. These contributions provide money for the PC (USA) Disaster Assistance, the Hunger Program, and Self Development of People. For more information on these programs, go to www.pcusa.org/oghs/about.htm 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 30 and April 6, after worship (12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., with a light lunch)—or come to the alternate times, Thursdays, April 3 and April 10, 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. M.A.T.E. Crew Taking Shape for this Year!      It’s timie to sign to be part of this year’s volunteer crew to work on renovations of homes of the rural elderly and poor in central Maine, through Mission At The Eastward. The week is July 27 – August 1, though you can come for just part of that time. Skilled and unskilled labor welcome. We stay in a dorm of the U. Maine, Farmington. We’ll be joing with a few folks from other churches in Boston Presbytery.       Our crew will also welcome financial contributions, to help with our expenses, and donations of food items (to be specified later). Missionaries Of The Month Dr. Daniell and Elizabeth Turk      The Turks serve through the development branch of the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM). Dan, whose area of expertise is forestry and soil science, has been heavily involved in a reforestation program. The forests have been dwindling because of poverty and competition for agricultural land. This is a great threat to Madagascar’s unique animals and more than 8,000 types of plants found only in Madagascar. Dan is especially involved in efforts to plant fruit trees and native trees.      Elizabeth has degrees in nursing and public health. She has helped to design and implement a community health program to prevent and treat major health problems: malaria, measles, diarrhea, and pneumonia.      According to the World Bank, approximately 70% of Malagasy live on less than $1 per day. The per capita income is less than $250 a year.      For more information about the Turks and copies of their mission letters go to: www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/turkd.htm

Maundy Thursday for Parents & Children Supper 6:15 p.m.      It has become a church tradition in recent years for parents and children to gather for an informal supper just before our church’s Maundy Thursday worship service. Here, we enjoy fellowship together, and talk about Jesus’ Last Supper and the church’s communion service.      The learning is planned for children ages K – grade 5. In the Presbyterian Church’s practice, baptized children are welcome to receive communion at such time as they and their parents feel they are “ready” rather than at a particular age. This involves not an in-depth understanding, but an ability to comprehend that in communion the church receives symbols of Jesus’ life given for us. The Session is responsible for supporting learning and offering guidance for parents.       This evening can be especially meaningful for families who choose to remain for the worship service, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Communion is received around the table on this evening. It can be a good way for a child to first receive communion. But families are also welcome to return home following the supper. Deacons Corner 2008 Auction Saturday, April 5 at 6:00 p.m.      The 2008 AUCTION is to benefit BPC’s Mission Program and the Burlington Food Pantry.      The Silent Auction will begin at 6:00, followed by dessert and coffee and the Lively and Spirited Live Auction at 7:00 p.m.       The Deacons are counting on your support! You can donate an item or a service to be auctioned, help by asking local businesses for donations, help with publicity, be a ‘runner’ the night of the auction, provide desserts, prepare the display of items for the silent auction, and/or serve on the planning committee and share your ideas.      Get your donation forms submitted to Jen Dewar or Joanne Stephen by March 23 and return the completed donation slips from the businesses you contact to Dayse Doliver also by March 23, so that we have plenty of time to get the Auction Booklet prepared. Items that are being donated may be brought to the church beginning March 24.       Cheryl Wells and Trish Briggs will be preparing baskets of items gathered around a theme. Speak to them for ideas or to tell them what you intend to donate. Linda McCusker is coordinating refreshments, so speak to her if you can help.       Most of all, invite your friends and neighbors and come to the auction to bid and have fun while helping to raise funds for two important causes. If you will need help with heating costs this winter, now is the time to apply for fuel assistance. Joanne Stephen has applications available. If you would like to make an appointment with her for help in filling out the application, please contact her at 781-572-0219.