Crossroads Notes:

A Reminder to Parents Of Church School Children           Please pick children up from classrooms immediately following worship, so teachers may go to enjoy coffee hour. If someone other than you will be stopping by for your child, please inform teachers in advance. Thank you! Christian Education Committee Stewardship           In Exodus 23:19, the Israelites were told to ‘Bring the best of the first fruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.’ Not blemished fruit or lame animals which could not be sold for profit, only the best, the first fruits. How often are we tempted to give God a few minutes of leftover time or what is left of our money after we have done everything we want to do? Matthew 7:20 says ‘By their fruit you will know them.’ What kind of fruit do we have to offer God? 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, October 14 and 28, after worship (with a light lunch)—or come to the alternate times, Thursdays, October 18 and 25,           7:30 p.m. – 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. 43rd Annual Choir Festival           A Service of Ecumenical Song at Gordon Memorial Chapel, Wenham, MA on Sunday, October 21, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. Please mark your calendars.           At this time, people who would like to sing are invited to let Nancy Timmerman know (nstpe@hotmail.com) so music can be ordered. There are 16 choral numbers. Regional rehearsals are scheduled between October 13 and 20, with an additional rehearsal before the service on October 21. This is a wonderful opportunity to sing with hundreds of other singers from the metropolitan area. Shop at Whole Foods Tuesday, October 16, 2007 and Support Children with Autism!           Shop anytime during that day at one of 13 Whole Foods stores, and each store will donate 5% of your shopping bill to Massachusetts Advocates for Children’s (MAC) Autism Special Education Legal Support Center! Thank you to the following participating stores: Bedford, Bellingham, Cambridge-Fresh Pond, Cambridge-Prospect St., Cambridge-River St., Framingham, Hingham, Newton, Newtonville, Swampscott, Wayland, Wellesley, and Woburn. It doesn’t cost you an extra penny, so why not come and support a great cause! The Autism Special Education Legal Support Center provides critical training and advocacy services to help ensure that children with autism throughout Massachusetts, particularly low income children, overcome lowered expectations and receive equal educational opportunities. You will be helping the thousands of children and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder! Join us in supporting this important work! For more information, visit www.massadvocates.org or contact Stephany Melton at 617-357-8432 x244 or smelton@massadvocates.org

Peacemaking Offering           What is your image of peace? How can our congregation offer healing to people within our church, our community, and around the world which will help to create a more peaceful world? The Presbyterian Peacemaking Offering supports efforts of Presbyterians at local, regional, and national levels to share God's healing and peace. The offering will be received on World Communion Sunday, October 7. In sharing the bread and cup, we are united in Christ with people of all nations, recognizing that God's healing is offered to everyone.           In 2006, more than $2.2 million was received through the Peacemaking Offering. The offering supports a variety of peacemaking efforts: 25% stays in the congregation, 25% is used by the synods and presbyteries, and 50% is allocated to General Assembly ministries. In recent years, our church's share has helped to fund a scholar-ship for a high school senior in Burlington who has demonstrated a commitment to peacemaking. Deacons Corner           Calling all cooks! The deacons like to have some meals in the freezer, so that we can provide a fast response when there is a need. Our stock of meals is almost gone. If you could contribute a casserole, soup or stew, it would be greatly appreciated. The meals should serve two to four people, and should be well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and clearly labeled with the contents and heating instructions.             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.           The Emergency Fund is getting low. The Emergency Fund is used to help church members and friends with short-term emergency needs. We will be placing envelopes in the pews from October 14 to October 28 for contributions to replenish the fund. Please give what you can to help others in need.           We will be sending packages to our friends in the military, for delivery by Halloween. We will be collecting items for the boxes from October 7 to October 21. Lists of suggested items are available on the table in the front hall. Your tricks and treats will be appreciated! Concerns About Casino Gambling           Governor Patrick has announced his support for the establishment of three casinos in Massachusetts. While it is certain that the Commonwealth needs funding for such things as education, roads and bridges, Presbyterians have generally been strongly opposed to any form of gambling.           A resolution just presented to the Presbytery of Boston reminds us that earth’s resources are put in our hands to be used productively for the good of all, and that gambling represents an abdication of this stewardship responsibility. It cites long experience of the social costs of gambling addiction, crime, and the particular enticement of those in poverty to lose meager resources. Presbytery reaffirms it opposition, previously stated in 1993; the General Assembly has consistently taken this position as well.           Congregations and members are encouraged to consider contacting their legislators to express their own views about casino gambling. There are more direct and responsible ways to achieve the funding a state needs for basic infrastructure and services.           For more information, contact the church office. Rev. MacDonald