congregational the messenger
TRANSCRIPT
First Parish Church
Congregational
United Church of Christ
180YorkStreetYork,ME03909207-363-3758office@firstparishyork.netwww.firstparishyork.netOfficeHours:Monday-Friday9am-2pm
SharingGoodNews 1-2MessageModerator 2InspirationalWorship 3-4LifeChangingExperiences
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Community&World 9-13CongregationalCare 14-15Deacons 15Stewardship 16CommunityEvents 18Calendars 19-20
VISIONFollowingtheWayofJesus,weaspiretoauthenticallyinvite,courageouslyinclude,andgenerouslyserveallwithcompassionandgrace.MISSIONFollowingtheWayofJesus,wecelebrateinspirationalworship;createlife-changingexperiencesforchildren,youth,families,andindividuals;andpracticemeaningfulcongregationalcare.Whilerespectingourdiversity,wecourageouslyadvocateforjusticeandmercy,andintentionallyrespondtotheneedsofourcommunityandtheworld.
THE MESSENGER
SHARING GOOD NEWS – JUNE/JULY 2019
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Dearfriends,
You'vehearditsaidthat“Lifeisajourney,notadestination.”Inasimilarmanner,IthinkthatChristianityisajourneyofdiscovery.WebecometransformedbythepresenceofGodandwebecomemorecomfortable,moretrusting,andmorehopefulwhenweareinsacredrelationship.
OnThursdayMay23rd,overadozenfolksgatheredtoliftupThursdayWorship.Wespokeofparticularlymemorablegamesandprojects,sharedmeals,music,andthesenseoftrulygettingtoknowoneanother.Itwasnotedthateverysinglepersoncontributedtotheexperienceateachgathering.Overandover,weheardabouttherelationshipsforgedduringthetenureofthisalternativeworshipservice.
ThursdayWorshipengagedpeopleofdifferentagesandfromdifferentbackgrounds.Itmadenodifferencewhethersomeonewasthereeveryweekorwhethersomeonewasnewtothefold.Allwerewelcomedintocommunity.Noteveryoneintheroomhadthesameviewsorvalues--andthedifferencesdidn'tmatter.Inclusionwasagivenandtherewasadeepsenseofconnectionamongparticipants.Forallthesegiftsandmore,IgivethankstoGodandtoFirstParishforthelasttwoyearsofThursdayWorship.
Overthesummer,we'llhaveotheropportunitiestobetogetherincommunityandit'smyhopethattheywillalsohelpfosteradeeperconnectiontochurch--forchurchisn'tabuilding,butagatheredbodyofpeople.OnJune22,thosewhoareinterestedcanbepartofPortsmouthPrideasFirstParishjoinsSt.George'sandtheYork-OgunquitMethodistChurchfortheparadeandasharedbooth.BeginningJuly11,andforthreeconsecutiveThursdays,we'llofferParishGreenConcerts.
AtourCalendaringEvent(afterworshiponJune9),we'llgetabroadviewofalloftheupcomingeventsforthenextseveralmonths.Boardandcommitteechairsareparticularlyencouragedto
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attendaswe'lldiscernwaysthatwecanworktogethertoamplifyoureffortsandmakethemostefficientuseofcongregationalenergy.Additionally,we'llconsiderwayswecanbroadenanddeepenasenseofcommunityinandbeyondFirstParish.Forexample,wouldyoubeinterestedingettingtogethertopaintriverstoneswhichcanbegivenawayattheconcertseries...orinasummerbookclub...apotluck...abeachday...apicnic...a'strollforthesoul'walk...avolunteerday...ayardsale...amovienight...And,ifweweretoimplementanyofthesepotentialofferings,wouldyoubelikelytobringafriendtoosothatotherscouldcometoknowourfaithcommunity?
Jesusencouragedusto'loveourneighborsasourselves'andinordertoloveourneighbors,wemustfirstgettoknowthem.Ourneighborsarethoseinthenextpew...andthoseinthenextaisleatHannaford...andthoseinthenextlaneonRoute1...andthoseinthenexttown.
Ifyoufeelencouragedbythiscommunity,liftedupwhenyoucometochurch,andifyourfaithfuelsyourweek;wouldyoupleasesharethatwithsomeoneelse?Here'syourholyhomework:Wouldyoupleaseinvite,pickup,andbringafriendtoworship?Ifthatsoundsdaunting,wouldyouinviteafriendtooneofoureventsthissummer?
Blessings,
Rev.Estelle
MessagefromtheModerator
ReverendEstelleremindedusinhersermononSunday,May26,that“GodcallsustobeinrelationshipwithHimandeachother.”IhavebeenthinkingaboutourcongregationatFirstParishinthecontextofthis“sacredbond.”Weareallconnectedtoavarietyofgroupsinourlives.Yourlistandminearelengthy:clubs,teams,civicandvolunteerorganizations,alumnigroups,peergroups,andhighonthelist,family.Whyisbeingpartofafaithgroupdifferentfromotheraffiliationsonourlist?Forone,thereisnoselectionprocessorcriteriathatneedstobemettobepartofourchurch.Notryoutsorspecialskillsrequired–allarewelcome.Jesustaughtustobeacceptingofeachother-weaknesses,foibles,peculiarities,eccentricitiesandall.Godwantsustobeourbestselveswitheachother.AttheAnnualMeetingin2013,membersofFirstParishapprovedaBehavioralCovenant.ThisBehavioralCovenantisprintedinbackofthecurrentAnnualReport.ACovenantisa“solemnagreementbetweenmembersofachurchtoacttogetherwiththepreceptsoftheGospel.”WeareremindedinourCovenanttowalktogetherasGodwalkswithus.Weshouldallfeelsafewitheachotherasweexploreourfaithtogether.DotakeamomenttoreviewourBehavioralCovenant.Ithelpsattimeswhenwearefrustratedorimpatienttohavehelpfulguidelines.Italsohelpstorefertothebestofallguidelines-theteachingsofJesus.JanJonas,ModeratorPLEASENOTE:TherewillnotbeaMaretfestorVillageFairethisyear.Otherfundraisingopportunitesarebeingexplored.
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WORSHIPANDMUSICJUNE2019
Sunday,June2,2019Communion
“RoomattheWelcomeTable”SanctuaryChoir
Sunday,June9,20199:15amHymnSing
PentecostNewMemberSunday
“SpiritofComfort,SpiritofHope”“EveryTimeIFeeltheSpirit”
SanctuaryChoir
Sunday,June16,2019MusicSundayFather’sDay
Handbells,SweetSpirit,BowTieGuys,SanctuaryChoir
Sunday,June23,2019Children’sSunday
“AllThingsBrightandBeautiful”Quartet
Sunday,June30,2019
Solo
JULY2019
Sunday,July7,2019Communion
Solo
Sunday,July14,20199:15amHymnSing
Solo
Sunday,July21,2019ShawnMcCartee,Solo
Sunday,July28,2019
BowTieGuys
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AViewfromtheBenchWeexperiencethepresenceofGodandtheHolySpiritatvarioustimesandplacesinourlives.Todaywasoneofthosedaysforme.Itwasapictureperfectdayforarun.(Yes…”LittleRedRunningHoodie”isback—soplease,feelfreetogiveawaveora“toot“ofyourcarhornwhenyouseehim!)Thetemperaturewasinthemid60’s,thebirdsweresinging,andtheskywasclear.Onmyway,Iwasthinkingthattheelementof“wind”isafunnything.Itisdefinedas“airinmotion.”Wecan’treallyseeit…wecanonlyfeelitsinvisiblepower,andobserveitsimpactonthingsliketheleavesandbranchesontrees.Duringmyruntoday,therewasawarmwindatmybackfromthewestwhichfeltlikethepresenceofGodurgingmeontomygoal.ThewindonmyfaceonthereturnhomefeltliketheHolySpiritthattheearlybelieversmayhaveexperiencedonthedayofPentecost.Itrytolistentothatstill,smallvoiceinsideme,andfollowtheinspirationoftheHolySpirit—urgingmetobekindandlovingwitheverystepthatItake.CometochurchtoworshiptheGodwhoblessesusbygivingusthewindandtherain,thesunandthemoon,andthecapacitytobekindandloving.AtFirstParishwebeginthemonthofJunewithCommunion;onthesecondSundaywefocusonPentecostandbeginwithourtraditionalhymn-singat9:15AM,:onFather’sDayweofferspecialmusicfeaturinganthemsbyeachofourfourchoirsforMusicSunday;andChildren’sDaywillbecelebratedonSunday,June23.JulywillfeaturespecialmusiceachSundayofferedbysoloistsfromthechoirsandmembersofthecongregation.JoinusinworshipeachSundaythissummer:singpraisestoGod…feelthewarmthandpresenceofChristandtheHolySpirit…listentotheWord…andfindpeace,joy,andlove.“LongLiveLove”…becauselovealwayswins!WSP A T T E N D A N C E
May2019Worship5/5/19:1485/12/19:1755/19/19:1425/26/19:116
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HolyCow! An important message from your Search CommitteeTheSeniorPastorSearchCommitteeiscurrentlyworkingontheChurchProfilewhichprovidesextensiveinformationaboutourchurchtoprospectivecandidates....andyourhelpisneeded!TheChurchProfileincludesdemographics,membershipandattendancenumbers,andinformationaboutworshipstyle,outreach,etc...Theprofileincludesyourinputonthekeyquestionsof“WhoAreWe?”and“WhoisOurNeighbor”.InMarchandApril,theSearchCommitteehelddiscussiongroupsaroundthesekeyquestions.ThenextstepisacongregationalsurveyfromHolyCowConsultingthatwillcometoyouremailinboxinJune!Itwillprovideuswithadditionalcriticalinformation.Ifwehaveacurrentemailaddressonfileforyou,youwillreceiveanemailwithauniqueweblinktotheonlinesurvey.Pleasecompletethesurveywithintwoweeksofreceivingthelink.Ifyoudonothaveemailorwouldpreferahardcopy(papersurvey),youmaypickoneupinthechurchoffice.We'llalsoprovideastamped,addressedreturnenvelope.NOTE:Eachmemberofyourhousehold(adultsandyouthwhohavebeenConfirmedandarelivingathome)shouldtakethesurvey.Ifwehaveonlyoneemailaddressforyou,pleasesharetheadditionalemailaddress(es)withSearch@firstparishyork.netorrequesthardcopiesofthesurveyfromtheoffice.INDIVIDUALINPUTiskeytoourgaininginsightintooverallperceptionsandexperiencesofthecongregation.Pleasesetasideenoughtimetoanswerallthequestionsinonesitting.Weestimatethatthesurveycanbecompletedin30minutes.Allsurveyresponsesarestrictlyanonymous.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecontactanyofthemembersofthesearchcommitteeoremailyourquestionsto:[email protected],YourSearchCommittee:JeriLeConte,SherryMcConnell,ScottStevens,JonnSchrimper,NelsonWalter,CherylPinder,JohnCovino,LauraLindop,PerJonas
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NURSERYCAREisprovidedeverySundayforinfantsandchildrenunder4yearsofageduringourworshipserviceonSundays.ThenurseryislocateddownstairsintheSanctuary.Comeandmeetouramazingnurserystaff–Sabrina,BaileyandLinda.
CHURCH SCHOOL
HAPPENINGS
June/July 2019
KIDSCAMPTuesday,June25throughThursday,June279am-12noonTheme–“CaringforGod’sCreation”
THEREISNOFEEFORTHISCAMPKIDSCAMPISOPENTOALLCHILDRENAND
YOUTHOFOURCHURCHANDTHECOMMUNITYCAMPERS-gradesK-5asofSeptemberCREW-grades6-12asofSeptember
PROGRAMWILLINCLUDE–Caringforourenvironment,animals,andeachother.Manyhands-onactivitiesandfeaturingavisitfromtheCENTERFORWILDLIFE–Raptors,ReptilesandMammals.AlsoMusic,BibleAdventures,ImaginationStation,OutdoorGames,andKidVid.ANDourfabuloussnacks!Bringawaterbottle.
CALLorEMAILthePARISHOFFICEtoREGISTER 363-3758
DearmembersandfriendsofFirstParish,ThankyouforyourcontinuingsupportforourprogramsforthechildrenandyouthofourbelovedFirstParishChurch.Yourcommitmentandsupporthavemadeagreatdifferenceinourministry.OuryearwindsdownnowwithtwobigeventsinJune:
CHILDREN'SSUNDAYSunday,June23
children&youthtakepartintheworshipserviceat9:30
"FILLTHEVAN"SUNDAY,JUNE23
donationsfortheCenterforWildlifeinCapeNeddick.ChecktheOasisonWednesdaysfordetails.
TherewillbenoSundaySchoolclassesinJulyorAugust.TheywillresumeinSeptember.
NurserywillbecontinuetobeopeneverySunday.Thankyou,JanetCassidy,ChristianEducationCoordinator
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FirstParishYouthGroupJune2019
AprilandMaywereveryexcitingmonthsatYouthGroup,fulloffuneventsthatengaged
youthinourcommunityinsocializing,criticalthinking,spiritualthemes,andservice.Weraced
theclockandeachothertowinitinaminute,weworkedtogethertolearnjusthoweasyitis
tocookadeliciousmealforourselvesandothers,weplayedgames,overcamechallenges,
discussedfilm,wentonasecretmissiontorecoverastolenBiblicalartifact,andescapedthe
clutchesofaterrifyingmonster.
WealsobegananexcitingpartnershipwithotherchurchesinYork—namelySt.George’s
EpiscopalChurchandYork-OgunquitMethodistChurch—toallowouryouthopportunitiesto
meetandhaveactivitiestogether,todiscoverwhatunitesus,andtodosomegoodforthe
worldtogether.Ourfirstjointeventwascalled“ASplashofKindness,”andyouthfromeach
churchjoinedforcestomakeanddecorateflowerpotsfortheassisted-livingresidentsof
SentryHillhereinYork.Wethenwentovertogetherandhand-deliveredtheflowersto
residents,andouryouthtooktimetohavesomereallyinspiringconversationswiththefolks
there,bringingjoytoallsides!
Ithasbeenreallyinspiringtoworkwithmycounterpartsintheotherchurches,and
we’relookingforwardtodoingotherjointeventsinthefuture.They’llbecomingwithusonthe
MiddleSchoolhikeinJune!
Astheschoolyearbeginstowinddown,theschedulesofyouthandfamiliesinour
communitygetsveryhectic.Assuch,inMayandJunewehavebeenofferingslightlyfewer
events(asyouwillseereflectedintheMaynumbersbelow),andwewillbetakingtherestof
thesummeroff,asusual!Butfornow,ifyouorsomeoneyouknowhassomeonefrom5thto
12thGradewhocoulduseasafeplacetohavefunandgrow,sendthemmyway!
Allarewelcome,andfriendsfromoutsideFirstParisharealwaysencouragedtojoinin
thefun,fellowship,andformation.Formoredetailsandtosignupforevents,contact
IndividualYouthServedApril:24 IndividualYouthServedMay:13
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Asalways,butparticularlyfortheseupcomingevents,pleasesignupinadvancesoweknowhowmanyyouthtopreparefor!dan@firstparishyork.netSaturdayJune1st9:30am–?)5th–8thGradesMt.MajorHike(LeavingfromtheFirstParishChurchSanctuary)Nohikingexperiencenecessary;we’renotclimbingEverest,Ipromise!Thehikecangetprettysteep,though.Bringabackpackwithlunch,atleasttwowaterbottles,raingear(justincase!)andachangeofsocks.WEARCLOSE-TOED,CLOSE-HEELEDOUTDOORSHOES.We’lltakeonetrailupthemountain,eatlunch,takeadifferenttrailbackdown,anddrivebacktoFPCwhenwe’redone.Itwon’ttakeallday,Iassureyou,onlyafewhours.Itisanhourdrivetogetthere,sowe’lltextthefamourETAbeforeweheadback.Trailinfo:http://belknaprangetrails.org/mt-major/blue-trail/
SundayJune9th1:30–3:30)9th–12thGradesHighSchoolCookingCompetition(FPCFellowshipHallkitchen)Afuncompetitiontoseewhichteamscangetcreativeandmakesomethingtastyoutoftheingredients/recipes/toolsyou’regiven.Nopriorcookingexperiencenecessary.Free-willdonationstohelpcoverthecostofingredientsgratefullyaccepted.
FridayJune14th6:00–9:00)5th–8thGradesRockClimbingParty(IndoorAscentinDover,NH)
WewillmeetatIndoorAscent’sindoorrockgyminDoverforafuneveningofclimbingtoblowoffsomesteamafteralongschoolyear!WEARCLOSE-TOED,CLOSE-HEELEDSHOES.Weareaskingfor$20peryouthtocoverboththeiradmissionanddinner/drinks.(Financialaidisavailabletofamiliesifneeded.)Staffwillleadthegroupthroughabriefintroductiontoclimbingatthegym.Theadultswhoarepresentwilllearnhowtobelay,whichishowtosupportclimbersusingtheequipment.Youtharethenfreetoclimbatvariousstations,usetheboulderingroom,andtakebreaks.Theygenerallytireafteranhour,whichbecomesagoodtimetostopforpizza!Theythenclimbagainuntilthey’retootiredtocontinue,whichusuallyisn’tmorethananotherhour.Itisveryimportantthateveryonethatiscomingtotheparty(non-participantsaswell)haveawaiversignedbyaparentorguardian.http://indoorascent.com/Climbing-Info/Groups-Parties/Parties
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SUMMERCAMPATPILGRIMLODGEWeek-longandweekendprogramsavailableforeveryone-includesfamilies,grandparents&grandkids,adultsofallages.Weeklyprogramsbeginwith3rdgraders(asofSeptember).PilgrimLodgeisownedandoperatedbytheMaineConferenceoftheUCCinWestGardner,Maine,just2hoursnorthofKittery.
ScholarshipsAvailablewww.pilgrimlodge.org
InformationatOpportunityTableandtheParishOffice.
WomenontheMoveFellowshipOuting
WomenontheMoveinvitesyoutoparticipateinaDrumCircleExperience
Sunday,June9th4:30to6:00
FellowshipHall.Allareinvited
JohnFelicehasbeenteachingandleadingdrumcirclesfor25years.Heisapatientandskilledteacher,especiallyenthusiasticaboutopeningtheworldofrhythmandpercussiontonewcomers,andexploringthepowerofrhythminpersonalhealingandcommunitybuilding.
"Noexperiencenecessary.It'smeditative,mindfulandfun!”$10.00perindividual-drumsprovidedMinimumparticipants:6Maximumparticipants:[email protected]
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PASTORALCAREPleaseletthechurchofficeoroneofyourpastorsknowifyouarereceivingcareorplantoreceivecareinthehospital,oraskafamilymembertocontactus.Wewanttoprovidecare
foryouinthisspecialtimeofneed,andwewillONLYknowthatyouarereceivingsuchcareifyoutellusdirectly.Thankyouforhelpingusbepresenttoyouasyourpastorsandasyourchurch.
LotsoffolkshavesteppeduptotheplatetoheadupmanynewprojectsassociatedwithcaringforGod’sCreation.BrianWoodhopestoofferanativeplants/soilhealthtoafewpeopleinhopesthattheythenwillspreadthatnewstotheirfriends.RichardLeighandLindaDrewcreatingabannerthatwehopewillgracethechurchpropertytoletthecommunityknowthatweareona“greenmission”tobecomeazerowastechurch.DianneGoodwinisinchargeoftheupcomingtirepressureprojectMay26.Tireswillbepumpedtotherecommendedpressurewhileweareworshipping.AllenNorris’son,Gregistheprojectmanager.PhilipDrewhasbeencollectingthecompostableorganicmaterialthatisgeneratedateachoftheTableofPlentysuppers.ItisbeingputinacompostingbinprovidedbyMr.FoxCompostingServices.GailBerneikeisourliaisonbetweencommunityorganizationspromotingrenewableenergy,sustainablepractices,etc.andthisnewsletter.GailGilchrestislookingintoourcommunioncups-whetherbiodegradableonesorglassonesarefeasibleandwithinbudget.SheisaskingfortheDeacon’shelp.GinnyRichburgandRichardLeigharestartingtolookintoorganizingindividuals,familiesorgrouptocleanupourstreets.JamesKences,JanJonas,NanRobertsarealsoworkingonscheduledbeachcleanupsthissummer,replacingplasticfruit/vegbagswithpurchasablereusablemeshbags,andhavingasessiontolearnhowtocalculateourindividualcarbonfootprints.JanetCassidywillbehelpingourchildrenbecomemuchmoreawareofcaringforourcreationduringtheupcomingkidscampJune25-27.Thereismuchenthusiasmforseriousworkahead…educating,raisingawareness,changingourbehaviorsandspreadingtheword.
CREATIONCARECOMMITTEENEWS
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KevinDrewSeniorResidentialZeroWasteCoordinator
SanFranciscoDepartmentoftheEnvironmentover35years’experience,includingdirectingnon-profitrecyclingandreuseoperationsandshapingresourceconservationpolicyatlocalandstatewidelevel.Forthepast5years,KevinhasworkedtoconnecttheCity’sorganicsrecoveryprogramtoacirculareconomicmodelwithprovenmeansofsequesteringcarbon.Thiscollaborationholdspromiseasawayforcitiestoutilizetheirorganicstopullcarbonoutoftheatmosphere,aneffectiveclimatemitigationaction.
OpentothepublicFirstParishChurch180YorkStreet
York,Maine03909207-363-3758
Tuesday,July16at7PMFirstParishChurch
CREATIONCARECOMMITTEEPresents
CLIMATENEWSfromSANFRANCISCO
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MissionTeamNews
FirstThursdayVolunteeratYorkCommunityServicesThriftStoreonRte.1York.SignupisopenforThursdaysJune6,August1,September5.ThisisachancetoseewhatavolunteermightdoattheThriftstore.You(andafriend!)cangofrom2-3PMorsotoexperiencewhatgoeson.TableofPlentyTeamHere’sachancetohelpateamof6-8volunteerscookamealevery8weeksinourFellowshipHallforanyonewholivesinourcommunity.FirstParishcooksagainTuesday,June25.Ifyou’reinterestedintryingitout,pleasecontactJanetCassidy([email protected])Arotationof8churches/organizationsofferamealeveryTuesday.MissionTeamappropriated$500.toFeedingForward/Daisy’sChildrenfortheirusewhentheytraveltoHondurasinAugust.
YOUTHMISSIONTRIP2019CARWASH&TIREPRESSURECHECKSATURDAY,JUNE19AM–12PM
TheSr.HighYouthgroupwillbesponsoringaCarWashthisSaturday,June1from9:00AMtonoon.Andwe’llbeofferingafreetirepressurecheckserviceasanaddedbonus.Inflatingyourtirestothecorrectpressuresavesgasandlowerscarbonemissionstohelpreduceglobalwarming.It’sgoodforyourpocketbookandgoodfortheenvironment-andyourcarwilllookgreattoo.
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MISSIONSANDMULTIPLICATION
Manyyearshavepassedsincemythirdgradeteacherannouncedwewouldbedoingsomethingnewin"arithmetic"class.Ilikedworkingwithnumbersandwasexcited,yetabitanxious,tomovebeyondthebasicsofadditionandsubtractiontoanewconceptshelabeled"multiplication".Hourafterhouranddayafterdayweallpracticedandlearnedourmultiplicationtables.Atfirst,theprocessinvolvedonlytheuseofsingledigitssuchas(2x2=4)or(2x3=6).Infutureyearsofschooling,theteacherswouldintroducetheuseofdoubleortripledigits.BythetimeIwasinJuniorHigh,IwasveryawareofhowvaluablethoseearlylessonswithMissBlanchardtrulywere.EverySeptemberweweregiventhreeweeksofffromschooltohelpthelocalfarmerswiththepotatoharvestwhichinmyfamilywasknownas"diggingtime".IrememberworkingthenumbersinmyheadasIputpotatoesintomybasketandthendumpedthemintothebarrel.IwasnotcountingthespudsbutIwasveryinterestedindollarsandcents.Ifthefarmerwaspayingme25centsforeverybarrelofpotatoesIpickedandIwasfilling20barrelsaday,thenmydailypaywas$5.00.Working6daysaweek,IknewthatonSaturdaythefarmer'swifewouldhandmeanenvelopecontainingthemarveloussumof$30.00.Tomylimitedunderstanding,aknowntimesaknownwouldalwaysequalaknown.
Itwasatthattimeinmyeducationwhentheteachersthrewacurveballinto"mathematics"andcalledit"algebra".Oftenalgebra,tome,involvedaknowntimesanunknownwhichmeantuncertainty.Sometimesthemathproblemwouldincludetwounknownswhichmeantnotjustuncertaintybutbewilderment.Howisthisallgoingtoworkout?Whereistheprocessleadingme?Givingtomissionscanhavethatsamebewilderment.
IknowthatthefocusofcommonHope'sworkinGuatemalainvolveseducation,housing,healthcareandfamilydevelopment.Iknowthat$35.00amonthwillsponsorachildandhis/herfamily.Idonotknowwhattheresultswillbefortheunknownfactoristhechildandtheparticularcircumstancesofhis/herlife.ButIgiveinfaith,trustingtheoutcometoGodwhoknowsmuchmoreaboutmultiplicationthanIcouldeverbegintoimagine.
GraduationseasoninGuatemalaisinNovember.herearesomecomments,somewishes,fromrecentgraduateswhoreceivedhelpfromCommonHopethroughouttheirschoolyears:"IaskGodthatCommonHopecontinuehelpingneedypeople,liketheyhelpedme","Mywishistofindajobandbewellwithmyfamily","Mywishistosupportmyfamilyandiwantthemtoseemegraduatefromcollege",and"Mywishesaretobuyahouse,helpmymomstudynursing,supportmysiblings'education,andtogotouniversity".
The"arithmetic"worksthisway:COMMONHOPExYOURPRESENTS,PRAYERSANDEVENPRESENCE=THEDIFFERENCEINACHILD'SPRESENTANDFUTURE.ShariBlindt,Executivedirectorsumsitupthisway:"Yourgiftshavenotonlymadetheirdreamofgraduationpossible,butthatsamegenerosityisreflectedintheirdreamsforthefuture.Thankyouyoubelievinginthem,andinspiringthemtomultiplyourwork."
PhilWoodman
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CongregationalCaregivingEarlierthismonth,adozencongregationalcaregiversrecentlygottogethertoshareinformationonallthenurturingthingswedohereatFirstParishChurch…whichisLOTS.Didyouknowthat,inadditiontoPastoralCareandtheprayerconcernsraisedinchurchonSundays;weofferLayVisitationinhospitals,assistedliving,andmemberhomes;MealPreparationandDeliverywhenneeded;aCardMinistry;FlowerandHolidayPlantgivingoutreach;Mission@Homeprovidinghelpwithhomeprojects;aHealthMinistryofexerciseclasses;andalsoagroupthathelpstooverseeandprovideFuneralReceptionsformembersofourchurch?Asyoucansee,thisisquitealistandprobablygivesyouanideaofthemanytypesofvaluableoutreachofextendingcareweoffertoourmembersandthecommunity.It’samazingwhatwealllearnedinourroundrobindiscussionofcaregiving,manyofushearingofactionsandoutreachthatwedidnotknowexistedwithinourchurch!Wearealargeandcaringcommunity…thatbecameevidenttous.OneofourMissionStatementsisto“practicemeaningfulcongregationalcare”.Thereareamultitudeofwaysinwhichwecanaccomplishthisandgetinvolved.Isthereanoutreachlistedabovethatyouwouldliketobeinvolvedwith?Weareactivelylookingfornewparishionerswhowanttomakeadifferenceinaperson’sday,orevenasmallpartoftheirlife.Therewardsareimmeasurable.LayvisitationoffersChristianconnection,companionship,andactivelisteningtothosewhomaybeill,rehabbing,orfacingafutureasahomeboundpatient.Itmaybeaone-timevisit,orongoingthroughaperiodoftime.FirstParishwilloffertrainingandguidanceforthisministryandPastorsareavailableasresources.Oneofourchurchmembershasbeenvisitingthesameindividualforyears,onceaweek.Theyhavebecomeclosefriends,andtheirliveshavebecomeintertwinedwithstoriesandtimethattheyhavesharedtogether.Theirfriendshiphasimpactedbothoftheirlives.PastoralCareisdeliveredbythepastorsforacuteandurgentsituationsduringdistressingtimesofhealthandlifechangingsituations.Asanexampleofhowcriticaltheirministryisforspiritualandemotionalcaretocongregants,therehavebeen63eventswithinthecongregation(andanother10beyondthecongregation)sinceJanuaryofthisyear.Manyoftheseprayerrequestsaresharedwiththecongregation,butonlywiththepermissionofthepatientorperson.
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Jesusshowedusandtaughtustohavegreatcompassionforoneanother.IICorinthians1:3-5remindsusthat“BlessedbetheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,theFatherofmerciesandGodofallcomfort,whocomfortsusinallouraffliction,sothatwemaybeabletocomfortthosewhoareinanyafflictionwiththecomfortwithwhichweourselvesarecomfortedbyGod.ForasweshareabundantlyinChrist’ssufferings,sothroughChristweshareabundantlyincomfortalso.”Ifyouareinterestedineitherbeingconnectedwithsomeoneyoucanvisit-or-ifyouwouldliketobeconnectedwithsomeonewhowillvisityou,[email protected],ifyouarecurrentlyinvolvedwithlayvisitationandyouwereunabletobeatthemeetingonMay6,wouldyoupleaselettheofficeknowwhoyouvisit?Therewillbeacheck-inandskills-buildingmeetingWednesday,June26at6pmintheParishOffice.SubmittedbyNanRoberts
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AtourmostrecentmeetingtheDeaconsvotedtoawardscholarshipstothreegraduatingseniors:AddieFagan,GusHogan,andNevanCollins.Wecongratulatethemontheiraccomplishmentsandwishthemwellastheygoontocollegeinthefall.TheDeaconsalsoawardedacampershiptoGusAlexandertobeusedtowardaweekatPilgrimLodge.WehopethatGusenjoyshistimeasmuchasprior
attendeeshavedone.Congratulationstoallourawardees!AlsotheDeaconswouldliketoinvitemembersofthecongregationtoparticipateinthescripturereadingduringtheSundayservice.EachweektheleadDeaconseeksavolunteer.Ifyouarewilling,Bettywillsendyouacopyof
thereadingduringtheweeksoyoucanprepare.Althoughwehavehadsomewillingvolunteers,wewouldliketoinvolvemoreofthecongregation.Ifyouwouldliketoparticipate,pleasespeaktoaDeacon,orsignupattheOpportunityTableinFellowshipHall.Ifyouhavebeenareaderinthepastandarewillingtodosoagain,pleasesignupaswell.
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A View From the Bench Happy Musical New Year! The Sanctuary Choir will be celebrating Communion and Epiphany on the first Sunday of 2015 by offering Bob Chilcott's hauntingly beautiful new setting of Christina Rosetti's "In the Bleak Midwinter." My favorite line of the famous poem is: "If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part. What can I give Him? Give my heart." On January 11 the Fourth Street Jazz Choir (the adult vocal jazz ensemble from Dover which I conduct) will be our special musical guests. They will be performing Bob Chicott's "A Little Jazz Mass" incorporating the five traditional mass movements into our service. Honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., "Gospel Music Sunday" will feature special music by the Sanctuary Choir and the Bow Tie Guys. Our Children's and Youth Choirs will sing on the final Sunday in January. On that same day, the Seacoast Community Chorus (SCC) will present its Winter Concert at 3:PM. Several members of the Sanctuary Choir belong to SCC and will be performing "All Creatures Great and Small." Music of Mendelssohn, John Rutter, Randall Thompson will be in the repertoire. Joseph Martin's setting of the classic children's story "The Song of Wisdom from Old Turtle" will be the highlighted piece. Finally, during these chilly and dark days of January, let's remember the song of the Christmas angels: "Glory to God in the highest and peace to God's people on earth!" Blessings and thanks, WSP
Penniescount!TodayIwouldliketoexplorepenniesandhowsomethingassmallasapennycanbeusedbyGodtodogoodthingsforothers.Penniesdonotseemtobeworthmuch.ItcosttheUSgovernment1.7centstoproduceeachpenny.Severaltimesgovernmentofficialshavesuggestedeliminatingthepenny,buttheoutcryhaspreventedthismove,andstudieshaveshownthatmostofthepenniesproducedarebeinghoarded.ThereisastoryintheBibleaboutawidowwhohadtwopennies.Shewasverypoor!Jesussawherasshecametoworshipinthetemple.Let’sreadthestorytofindoutwhatshedidwithherfewcents.Mark12:41-44NRSV41Hesatdownoppositethetreasury,andwatchedthecrowdputtingmoneyintothetreasury.Manyrichpeopleputinlargesums.42Apoorwidowcameandputintwosmallcoppercoins,whichareworthapenny.43Thenhecalledhisdisciplesandsaidtothem,“TrulyItellyou;thispoorwidowhasputinmorethanallthosewhoarecontributingtothetreasury.44Forallofthemhavecontributedoutoftheirabundance;butsheoutofherpovertyhasputineverythingshehad,allshehadtoliveon.”
Whatdoyouthinkthelessonsofthisscripturestoryare?Howmuchmoneydidtherichpeoplegive?Howmuchmoneydidthewidowgive?WhodoesJesussaygavemore?Why?
IpraythatwerealizethatGodprovidesabundantlyforall,thatwheneveryoneshares,thereisenoughforall,andthatGodappreciatesourgenerosityevenwhenwedon’thavemuchtogive.
Sohowareyougoingtopracticebeinggenerouswiththepennies?GiveGenerously!
DearHeavenlyFather,thankyouforallthegiftsoffoodandmoneythatyouhavegivenussothatwehavetheopportunitytosharewithothers.Helpustoalwaysrememberthatwhenweshare,therewillbeenoughforall.Amen.TheStewardshipCommitteehasbeensponsoring“HelpingThroughLooseChange”forthelastseveralyears.Throughthiseffortyou’vecontributedseveralthousandsofdollarstoFirstParishMinistries:SeniorYouthMissiontrips,End68HoursofHungry,HeiferInternational,YorkCommunityServices,VacationBibleSchool,YorkFoodPantryandothers.Yourgenerosityhasmadadifference.StewardshipCommittee:JalmarDijkstra,BobMyers,SandyNelson
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Fun, Fabulous and a Great Workout!
Friendly Exercise for All in our Community
Fitness Classes – Zumba, Yoga and Aerobics Fellowship Hall – First Parish Church, York, Maine
Monday through Friday One-Hour Classes All of our instructors are certified and experienced. Cost is $5 for a drop in class, or sign up for unlimited classes for $30 per month (over 65) or $35 per month (ages under 65). Monthly rates can be prorated.
CURRENT CLASS SCHEDULE MONDAY at 8am Zumba
TUESDAY at 8:30am Yoga WEDNESDAY at 8:30 am Zumba
THURSDAY and FRIDAY at 8:30 a.m. Aerobics
JUST DROP IN For information contact
First Parish Church 207-363-3758
18COMMUNITYEVENTS&INFORMATIONFromtheCreationCareCommittee,committedtobecominga“ZeroWasteChurch”AspromisedinMay’snewsletter,hereisupdatedinformationaboutYorkReadyfor100%’sJuneandJulyeducationalgatheringsattheYorkPublicLibrary.
“SolarEnergy:Basics,AffordabilityandPossibilitiesforYork”
Friday,June14th7pm
YorkPublicLibraryLookingforinformationaboutsolarpower?Findanswersatadiscussionofsunlightasasourceofclean,renewableenergy.JerryRobock,afounderofNortheastSmartEnergy(CT)andnowaKitteryresident,willleadaprogramonsolarenergyonFriday,June14at7PMatYorkPublicLibrary.Hewillexplainhowsolarinstallationsconvertsunlighttoenergy,utilitybilling,potentialcostsandsavings,andsolarinstallationsthatmightbepossibleinourtown.TheprogramisofferedbyYorkReadyfor100%(YRF100),acitizens’groupthatadvocatesforclean,renewable,affordableenergy.
YRF100’sJulymeetingonFriday,July12th
7pmattheYorkPublicLibrarywillhoststatelegislatorsreportingontheprogressofenergy-relatedbillsthroughthe
Legislature.
AllYRF100eventsarefreeandofferrefreshments.Formoreinformation,[email protected].
Saturday,June22DowntownPortsmouth
Thisyear,FirstParishwilljoinSt.George'sEpiscopalChurchandtheYork-OgunquitMethodistChurchtomarchtogetherinPortsmouthPride.PrideisSaturday,June22andwe'llmeetatthePortsmouthPublicLibraryat11:45.Theparadebeginsat1:15andisapproximately30minutesinduration.
TherouteisfromthePortsmouthPublicLibrarythroughdowntownPortsmouthtoStrawberryBanke,wherethethreechurcheswillhavea"WelcomingChurchesofYork"booth.You'rewelcometomarchintheparadeand/orbeatthebooth.Boothsareopen1-5.Inordertohavemarchersinthecolorsoftherainbow,organizerswillgiveusacolortowear.We'llsharethatinformationinthebulletin,theOasis,andonfacebook.Allarewelcometoparticipate.
Questions?contactRev.Estelleat363-3758
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 8:30am Christian Education Committee Meeting 9:30am Youth Group-5/8 grade
2 9:30am Worship/Communion 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 5pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
3 8am Zumba
4 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 5:30pm Mission Committee Meeting 7pm Pastoral Relations Committee Meeting
5 8:30am Aerobics 9am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Adult Bible Study 7pm Search Committee Meeting
6 8:30am Aerobics 9am Building & Grounds Committee Meeting 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
7 8:30am Aerobics
8
9 9:15am Hymn Sing/New Members 9:30am Worship 11am Calendaring Event 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 11am Youth Group-High School 5pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
10 8am Zumba
11 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 6:30pm Assessors Meeting
12 8:30am Aerobics 9am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Adult Bible Study 6pm Women on the Move
13 8:30am Aerobics 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
14 8:30am Aerobics 6pm Youth Group-5/8 grade
15
16 9:30amWorship/Music Sunday 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 5pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
17 8am Zumba
18 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 7pm Deacons Meeting
19 8:30am Aerobics 9am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Adult Bible Study 7pm Search Committee Meeting
20 8:30am Aerobics 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
21 8:30am Aerobics
22
23 9:30am Worship/Children’s Sunday 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 5pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
24 8am Zumba
25 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 7pm Church Council Meeting
26 8:30am Aerobics 5pm Adult Bible Study 6pm Congregational Care Committee Meeting
27 8:30am Aerobics 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
28 8:30am Aerobics
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30 9:30am Worship/Mission Sunday
THEVILLAGEQUILTERSMeeteveryThursdayat9am
inFellowshipHall.Wearelookingfornewmembers.
ContactAudreyCarmel207-361-4073
KIDSCAMP9AM–12NOON
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 8am Zumba
2 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 7pm Pastoral Relations Committee Meeting
3 8:30am Zumba
4 JULY 4TH PARISH OFFICE CLOSED
5 8:30am Aerobics
6 8:30am Christian Education Committee Meeting
7 9:30am Worship/Communion
8 8am Zumba 6pm Women on the Move
9 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 6:30pm Assessors Meeting
10 8:30am Aerobics
11 8:30am Aerobics
12 8:30am Aerobics
13
14 9:15am Hymn Sing 9:30am Worship
15 8am Zumba
16 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 7pm Kevin Drew-Climate Talk
17 8:30am Aerobics 7pm Search Committee Meeting
18 8:30am Aerobics
19 8:30am Aerobics
20 Youth Mission Trip Departs
21 9:30amWorship
22 8am Zumba
23 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 7pm Church Council Meeting
24 8:30am Aerobics
25 8:30am Aerobics
26 8:30am Aerobics
27 Youth Mission Trip Returns
28 9:30am Worship
29 8am Zumba
30 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty
31 8:30am Aerobics 7pm Search Committee Meeting
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First Parish Church 180 York Street York, ME 03909
June/July2019Newsletter
MinistersAlltheMembersoftheCongregation
Rev.EstelleMargarones,[email protected]
Rev.DanHollis,[email protected]
StaffWendellS.Purrington,DirectorofMusicMinistries
TerrieIlaria,MusicAssociateJanetCassidy,ChurchSchoolCoordinator
BettyRoker,OfficeManagerStaceyCrowell,BuildingsandGroundsSupervisor
ToddFrederick,CemeterySuperintendent
FirstParishChurchLayLeadersJanJonas,Moderator
ThomKearns,ViceModeratorRayHamlin,TreasurerSusanMancinelli,Clerk
207-363-3758