October Crossroads Notes:

From our monthly Newsletter

Explorers Group An Invitation to All Who are New to Our Church New to BPC and wondering how we work? Want to understand better what the Presbyterian Church (USA) believes and does? Or would you just like to get to know some other folks, whether new or settled members? Our annual fall Explorers Group is for you! You are invited to meet on Sundays, Oct. 16 and 23, after worship (with a light lunch)-or come to the alternate times, Thursdays, Oct. 20 and 27, 7:30-8:45 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. New Wedding Guidelines Available Marriage in view for you, or someone you know? Our Session has just approved a brief booklet of guidelines, thanks to the good work of the Worship Committee. The booklet describes PCUSA understanding of marriage, explains our church's policies regarding such things as preparation with the pastor, planning the service, music, photographing the service, and outlines various fees. Copies will soon be available in the entryway, or from the church office or the pastor.

Hurricane Response at BPC In the wake of the Katrina disaster, our church family has been invited first to contribute generously to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program. The best way to do this is through a check made out to The Presbyterian Church, and memo'd "Hurricane Relief," and placed in the offering or sent to treasurer Jim Brunner. Jim will send your contribution on, and we will be able to know the amount of giving by our congregation. The PDA program also disburses funds from our One Great Hour of Sharing offerings, given just before Easter. For updates on what PDA is doing, check out www.pcusa.org/pda. Several of our families took information about assembling Health Kits and Hope-in-a-Box Kits: we are glad for their efforts! However, we soon received word that the denominational channels had been inundated and need no more. We are advised to hold these kits until need is signaled again. Meanwhile, one of our church family members, Linda McCusker, is offering to open her home to evacuees. We will be ready to assist with anything she might need! At this time, we are also looking into the possibility of "adopting" a family which is having to resettle down south to provide with some needed support. We all know that the road to recovering from this devastation will be a long one, and our continued prayers and help will be needed.