Crossroads Notes:

Big Thank You’s in order...           The 2007 version of the BPC Yard Sale was a success, thanks largely to the leadership of Marion McPhee. Marion has been “captaining” this project sponsored by our Deacons for close to 15 years now—she says it’s time to retire as captain, but always willing to lend a helping hand. The Deacons led a congregational thank you to Marion on June 17, presenting her with flowers and a gift certificate to the Outback Restaurant (a favorite!).           And June saw a major passing of the baton in the Presbyterian Nursery School leadership. James McIninch completed six full years of chairing the PNS Board, and now Cathy Riley will take over that post (with James staying on to help as temporary secretary). James’ hard and dedicated work saw PNS through a number of changes, and the (inevitable) challenges of state regulations. The PNS Board and the Session thanked James on June 24 with a gift certificate to Lowe’s, and another for his family to enjoy at the Schoolhouse Ice Cream store in Burlington. Summer’s Here: Is Your Pledge Up-To-Date?           Church members made a wonderful commitment to support the mission of this congregation in 2007. It is important to honor that commitment. The Church’s expenses continue so we urge you to keep up with your pledges as summer months arrive. If there is a problem, please see Jim Brunner. Deacons Corner           The 2007 Yard Sale was a big success, raising approximately $2,500.00. The proceeds from the sale will go towards the church budget, Cabanlutan, MATE, and the cost of the roof repair. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the sale by donating items, working, or shopping. We would especially like to thank Marion McPhee, who has been chairing the yard sale for many years. This was Marion’s last year as chairperson, and we greatly appreciate her commitment of time and energy over the years.           Thanks to those who donated items to send to the military. The boxes should arrive by the 4th of July. The service people who receive these are generally serving in remote areas, with limited access to supplies. Everything we send is a luxury item to them, and they are grateful for our support.           We are still looking for volunteers to give George Caperell a ride to church. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board. He lives just behind the carwash across from the church, so if you could spare a few minutes one Sunday to pick him up and drop him off, it would be appreciated. We also have occasional needs for transportation during the week, to take people to medical appointments, etc. If you would be available to help with this, please contact one of the deacons.           The Deacons recently passed out a questionnaire regarding the possibility of sponsoring a multi-meeting informative series on planning for the later phase of life. We received a few surveys back and would like to thank the people who responded for their input. We expect to run this series in late 2007 or early 2008.

Calling All Stars, Calling All Stars...           Would you like to make a difference in the life of the church? In the life of one of our young children? Would you like to share your knowledge of the Bible and love of God with another? Now is your chance! The Christian Education program Needs You! We are now looking for volunteers to teach Sunday School in the fall. Our class groupings are: Nursery (ages newborn - 3); Preschool (ages 3 - 5); Kindergarten - Grade 2; Grades 3 - 5; Grades 6 - 12; & Adults.           Our goal is for each class from Preschool to Grade 12 to have a team of four (4) teachers. The curriculum is provided and guidance from the Christian Education Team is always readily available. Your commitment would include a few Sunday mornings a month, leaving the service after Word for Children to teach until the end of the service, just in time for coffee hour! (Nursery volunteers would help with the littlest ones throughout the worship service and the Adult class meets prior to worship at 9:15 a.m.) This is a great opportunity to be involved in church and you often learn more about your faith through teaching others! Please contact Heather Dinsmore at dinsmore23 @ verizon.net. Thank you! Thank You           Once again we had a very successful yard sale. At this time we have taken in $2,500.00. This will be split between Cabanlutan, MATE, and our church’s budget and roof. I want to thank everyone’s help in any way to make this a success – those that donated, sorted and priced, then those who worked the day of the sale. I am not going to name names, as I might miss someone. After many, many years of chairing this, I am stepping down so a big thanks to all who have help make this a big fund raiser over the years. Big Event for Burlington Pantry Sunday, August 19           Our local food pantry, run by the volunteer organization People Helping People, has plans to expand! It has been meeting a steadily growing demand, and things are falling into place for building onto the current pantry building next to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Burlington.           Plan now to join an exciting interfaith effort—a fundraising walk for the pantry expansion—on Sunday, August 19. At 4:30, participants will rally at St. Malachy’s Church on Bedford Street. The walk (approximately one mile) will include a refreshment stop at the pantry at St. Mark’s; then continue up Bedford Street to the Common, where there will be food, music, and celebrating!           BPC will have a particular role to play, along with other congregations in town. Linda Roscoe has been our representative to the first planning meeting.           Mark your calendars now, and watch for more information!