The Pittsfield Senior Center will be starting an exercise and chair dancing program. An orientation class will be held on Friday, January 15th at 9:30 a.m. in the Senior Center by a certified Senior Fitness Specialist. There will be no fee. If you are interested in this program, please call Noella at 435-8503.

Congratulations to William Watkinson of Northwood, NH, who was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2009 semester at Quinnipiac University.

One Year Closer

By Pastor Ted White
You and I are one step closer and then we will experience something that everyone on the face of this planet goes through… death, then what? Will we experience what some think that when “We die, we die like a dog. Put into the ground and that is it.” Or, are we reincarnated as someone else or something else? Or, as some think, “Everyone goes to Heaven when they die.” Is the ladder we are “climbing” the right one or will we get to the top and find out, “Oh no! I was on the wrong ladder all the time.” Are you sure? You can be!

In the Bible says in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Biblical faith is not a “hope so, but I am not sure” type of faith. It is a faith that KNOWS! Let me give you an example. In Romans chapter one there are many truths. One of them is this: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature— have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” People can know that God exists just from what is around them. Creation communicates clearly that God exists. Psalm 19:1-3 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world?” People do not have an excuse not to believe that God exists any less than to believe in the unseen air they breath.

So, why do people not believe? Our answer is also given in chapter one of Romans. In verse 18 we read “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness…” even though it is clear to them that God exists. People who fall into this category are in real danger if they do not have a change of heart. Three times it is mentioned in this chapter that “God gave them over” (verses 24, 26, 28). When that happens, people slide further into wickedness against God as an enemy of His (Romans 5:10). The only remedy to this is to understand that Jesus is the only way to God, the only way to be forgiven, the only way to be saved from sin to a relationship with Him (Romans chapter 5; Acts 4:12). We can either go His way, through Jesus, or our own way away from Jesus.

Death is coming to us all and then judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Trust Jesus and meet Him as Savior after death or don’t trust Him and meet Him as Judge after death. One thing is certain. Death will happen. Be certain you are ready in Jesus. What will you do? You are one year closer to death… or maybe much sooner than that! We do not know. Only God knows.

Want to trust Jesus? Go to: www.newhopenorthwood.com or call 942-7729 or to find peace with God http://www.billygraham.org/SH_StepsToPeace.asp or http://www.simplysharejesus.com

Chadbourn’s Restaurant will host the 2nd Annual Dead of Winter Story Swap on Saturday, January 23, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. All are welcome for good food, good company, and lively stories at Northwood’s down home family restaurant. Bob Chadbourn and Rebecca Rule will prime the pump with some humorous Yankee yarns. Then it’s anybody’s turn when as one story leads to another in an old-fashioned evening of storytelling around an actual roaring fire.  Last year tables filled quickly, so to be sure you’ll find one, call Sally at 942-9208 or 942-5992 and make your reservation.

Louise V. Emmons

Northwood - Louise V. Emmons, 66, died Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at Concord Hospital, following a long period of failing health.

She was born June 1, 1943, in Boston, the daughter of Richard and Norma (Witter) Doherty.

Before her retirement, she was employed in the Ritzman Lab at the University of New Hampshire and later at the New Hampshire State Data Center.

She attended Raymond High School.

Surviving family members include her husband, whom she would have celebrated 50 years of marriage with in August, Byron Emmons of Northwood; one son, Mark Emmons of North Conway; one daughter, Monique Johnson of Manchester; two grandchildren, Dominick Valentin and Anthony Valentin; one sister, Marie Gustafson of Houston; extended family; and several nieces and nephews.

She was a devout aunt to Chuck Emmons and his girlfriend, Jill Stowers. She also leaves her dear friends, Ileane and Tom Marshall and Fran Senevey. She had recently rediscovered her faith.

Some of her hobbies were going on cruises with friends and family, shopping, reading, donating to charities, and scenic car trips with her husband. She spent many years as a foster parent and exchange student host.

Funeral services were held Thursday, January 7, 2010, at the Maiden-Petrin Funeral home, Four Corners, Candia.

Burial will be held in the spring in Pine Grove Cemetery, Northwood.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospital For Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston 02114.

Maiden-Petrin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.