echo april 2014 - united church of christ. all are … · echo april 2014 rev. dr. beth hoffman,...

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First Congregational Church of Eliot United Church of Christ 1361 State Road Eliot, Maine 03903 The ECHO April 2014 Rev. Dr. Beth Hoffman, Senior Pastor Rev. Chris Lanzara, Assistant Pastor http://www.eliotucc.org Making Our Way to the Cross APRIL 5 9-10:30AM FOR FAMILIES of all shapes and sizes. MESSY CHURCH is a new seasonal offering at FCE. A little talk, a little breakfast and a whole lot of exploration of our faith through art, craft, story and song . This time we will explore Holy Week through accessible stations with experiential aspects. Very kid friendly! COME OUT!

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Page 1: Echo April 2014 - United Church of Christ. All are … · ECHO April 2014 Rev. Dr. Beth Hoffman, Senior Pastor Rev. Chris Lanzara, Assistant Pastor ... exploration of our faith through

First Congregational Church of Eliot United Church of Christ

1361 State RoadEliot, Maine 03903

The

ECHO April 2014Rev. Dr. Beth Hoffman, Senior PastorRev. Chris Lanzara, Assistant Pastorhttp://www.eliotucc.org

Making Our Way to the Cross

!"#$"%&'()##&*'

+"*$,'-.'/01-'

!

APRIL 5 9-10:30AMFOR FAMILIES of

all shapes and sizes. MESSY CHURCH is a new seasonal offering at FCE. A little talk, a little breakfast and a whole lot of exploration of our faith through art, craft, story and song . This time we will explore Holy Week through accessible stations with experiential aspects. Very kid friendly! COME OUT!

Page 2: Echo April 2014 - United Church of Christ. All are … · ECHO April 2014 Rev. Dr. Beth Hoffman, Senior Pastor Rev. Chris Lanzara, Assistant Pastor ... exploration of our faith through

Mardi Gras Fun at FCE!

A big thanks to

those who made

this evening possible!

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The Senior Pastor’s PageRecently,    a  internet  blogger   that   I  enjoy,  wrote  about  

the   joy   and   understanding   that   kids   have   in   the  

celebra9on   of   communion,     even   when   they   don’t  

understand  it  all.    Of  course  ,none  of  us  understand  it  

all.  It  is  a  wonderful  MYSTERY.    However  Jason  Valandy  

liGs  up  the  holy  by   liGing  up  what  the  kids  have  taught  

him  as  they   receive  the  eucharist.  He  says  it  so  well,     I  

am  going  to  let  him  say  it    again.    As  we  will  soon  begin  

our  first    MESSY  CHURCH  for  families,    I  hope  you  are  all  

inspired   to   reflect   on   just   how   great   it   is   to  worship  

with  our  children  and  have  them  in  our  church  family.

And  Jason  wisely  says,  when  taking  communion...

1.Run  down  the  aisle.  It  is  okay   to  run  down  the  aisle  for   communion.   In   fact   shouldn't   we   all   be  

running   to  feast   with  Christ?   Next   9me,   don't  

walk  to  communion  -­‐  run.

2.Take  communion  with  a  stuffed  animal.  This  should  

be   acceptable,   as   long   as   the   stuff   animal   is  

served   communion   as   well.   Kids   understand  

that  everyone  is  welcomed  to  the  table.  Human  

and  teddy  bear  alike.

3.Drink   every   drop.   It   is   cri9cal   that   every   drop   of  grape  juice  and  morsel  of  bread  is  consumed  at  

communion.   Who   cares   is   people   are  wai9ng  

behind  you  to  move  back  to  their  pews,  you  do  

not  leave  that  table  un9l  you  have  been  able  to  

take  ever  last  moment  you  can  with  Christ..  

4.Ask  for  a  "big  piece".  Why  seVle  for  just  a  liVle  bit  of  

Christ?  Don't  we  all  want  a  "big  piece"  of  Christ?

5.Dunk  the  whole  piece  into  the  cup.  If  you  get  to  dip  the  bread  into  the  juice,  soak  that  bread  and  be  

sure   to   no   worry   about   drips   or   stains   (see  

points  3  and  4  for  jus9fica9on).

6.Seek  out  the  le@overs.  The  bread  of  Life  is  too  good  to  discard  in  the  trash  or  fed  to  the  birds.  That  is  

why  we  eat  all  the  bread  aGer  worship.  

7.Being  shy  is  okay.  Kids  understand  that  it  is  an  honor  to   be   at   the   table   of   God   and   they   do   not  

demand  a  place  but  know  that  it  is  a  treat  to  be  

there.  Being  shy   to  kids  is  like  being  humble  to  

adults.  Humility  at  the  table  of  God?  Great  idea.  

8.Laugh.   Partaking   in   the   banquet   of   God   is  a   joyful  event!   Smile,   laugh   and   if   you  need   to,   put   a  

rubber   crocodile   on   your   head   and   make   the  

pastor  laugh  with  you.  

9.Express   thanks.   One   thumbs   up   at   the   meal   is  

something,  but  two  thumbs  up  is  great.  

10.Save  some  for  later.  Pucng  bread  into  your  pocket  

seems  like  a  reasonable  way   to  take  Christ   into  

the  world.  

See you in Church and at the

table.

Pastor Beth  

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Ah ha’s from The Assistant Pastor

What’s  in  a  Name?

We  are  now  deep  into  our   journey   through  the  

season  of   Lent.   I  have  been  blessed  to  share  worship  

with  all  of  you  as  we  observe  this  forty   days  (excluding  

Sundays  and  fes9val  days)  of  prepara9on  for  Easter.  But  

what  does  “Lent”  mean,  and  why  do  we  call  this  season  

Lent?   Early   Church   records   tell   us   that   the   period  

between   Ash  Wednesday   and   Easter   was   a   9me   of  

fas9ng,  oGen  for  new  members  to  prepare  for  bap9sm

.  The  earliest   records  have  imposing  names  for  

this  9me  such   as  quadragisima   (yikes!)   meaning   “the  

forty”  or  “the  for9eth.”  But  later  the  word  Lent,  which  

simply   means   Spring,   was   used.   In   our   part   of   the  

planet,  as  the  days  lengthen  and  more  light  comes  into  

the  world,  we  an9cipate  the  warmth  of   Spring   (yes  it  

will   get   here!),   with   new   life   and   new   growth.   As  

disciples  of  Jesus,   the  Christ,   Lent   is  the  9me  for  us  to  

cul9vate  the  soil  of  our  hearts  to  prepare  to  receive  the  

Resurrected   One   anew,   and   experience  new   life   and  

spiritual  growth.  May  Easter  find  us  all  with  fer9le  soil  

in  which  to  plant  new  seeds  of  the  Spirit!

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Chris Lanzara

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The Seminarian Says...

As  I  write  this  it  is  Spring  Break.    We  are  already  halfway  

through   the   semester   (can   it   be?)   and   I   have   just  

completed  my   first   set   of   midterms.     My   mind   is  s9ll  

teeming   with   terms   and   defini9ons,   maps   and  

9melines,   essays   wriVen   and   pieces   included   and  

forgoVen.  

  My   brain   s9ll   tries   to   sort   through   the   differences  

between  the  three  major   prophets:     Isaiah,   Jeremiah,  

and  Ezekiel.    I  try  to  remember  who  said,  “But  let  jus9ce  

roll  down   like  waters  And   righteousness  like  an   ever-­‐

flowing  stream.”    Ah,  that  was  Amos,  chapter  5.    

I  think  of  my  other   class,  even  more  difficult  because  it  

is  not  simply   the  memoriza9on  of  dates  and  terms  and  

historical  facts.     It   is  the  coming  face-­‐to-­‐face  with  how  

our   country   and  my   na9onality   has  oppressed   people  

over   and   over   again   through   the   years.     And,   more  

difficult   to   accept,   it   is   about   how   I   personally,   by  

par9cipa9ng   in  the  pleasures  provided  by   our   society,  

help   par9cipate   and   maintain   those   same   injus9ces.    

How  do  I  treat  the  people  around  me?    Where  do  I  buy  

the   food   I  eat   and   clothes  I  wear   and   how   do   those  

companies  treat  their  employees?

    It   is  eye-­‐opening  and  painful  to  see  that   I  am  part  of  

oppression,   but   I   am   hopeful   that   once   my   eyes   are  

opened,  then  I  can  see  what  I  can  do  to  change.

 

But  this  week  is  Spring  Break  –  a  9me  of  rest.    

A   9me   to   step   back,   reflect   on   where   I   have   been,  

perhaps  get  a  liVle  ahead  on  my  reading  for  the  weeks  

ahead,  work  on  my  fundraising.  

  It’s  that  beau9ful  Spring  Week  that  happens  just  aGer  

winter  before  you  hit   the  books  for  the  final  run  to  the  

end  of  the  term.

   I  would  appreciate  your  prayers!

    Sandy Norris, Seminarian

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A DANCE STEP GROUP FROM NEW YORK CITY

PASSION AND PURPOSE PRODUCE IMPACT!

COME SEE, FEEL AND WITNESS THE

RHYTHMS OF THIS MINISTRY CONTACT LISA MARSHALL FOR

EXCITING DETAILS

NUBIAN GENTS

April 25-27th First Congregational Church of Eliot

United Church of Christ EL

AND

FEMININE FIRE

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Why First Church Eliot, UCC Is My Church!

by Jeanne and Al Morin

Some   14   years  ago,   not   long   aGer   we  had  moved   to  

Eliot,   we   had   gone   for   a   walk   on   a   balmy   spring  

morning.    It  happened  to  be  on  a  Sunday  and  our  walk  

took  us  by  the  church  as  worshippers  were  entering.

(At   the  9me,   there  was  no  sidewalk   across  the  street  

from  the  church  and  our  path  took  us  right  outside  the  

entrance).

 

Being  a  warm  sunny  morning,  the  narthex   doors  were  

open.    Just  as  we  walked  by,  an  usher  came  out  to  close  

the  doors  for   the  beginning  of  service.    He  greeted  us  

and  extended  us  a  warm  invita9on  to  enter  and  partake  

in  the  service.    He  was  very  friendly  and  made  it  a  point  

to  assure  us  that  our  acre  (shorts  and    t-­‐shirts)  would  

not   be   objec9onable.   We   nonetheless   declined   and  

con9nued  on  our  walk.

 

A   few  years  later,   aGer  we  had  both  re9red,   we  were  

talking   one   day   and   realized   the   neither   of   us   was  

certain  what   day   of   the  week   it  was  as  there  was  no  

longer  a  weekly  event  like  returning  to  work  on  Monday  

to  help  mark  the  week.    We  laughed  about  it  and  one  of  

us  suggested  that  we  might  want  to  consider  resuming  

church  aVendance  on  Sundays.  We  discussed  it  further  

and   decided   to   try   that   church   in   Eliot   where   that  

friendly   usher   had  invited  us  in  on  that   balmy   Sunday  

morning

 

That  was  a  decade  ago  and  we  will  be  forever   grateful  

for   that   usher   who   invited   us   to   become   part   of   a  

congrega9on   whose   "friendliness"   is   the   reason                

"WE  LOVE  OUR  CHURCH."

        Al  &  Jeanne  Morin     PS:    The  usher's  name  was  Bruce  Eaton    -­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐-­‐

Testimonial Talk

NUBIAN GENTS ARE COMING!APRIL 27th

A change in worship venueWe   are   hosKng   this  amazing  step   group   for   the   last  

weekend  in  April  and  we  want  as  many  as  possible  to  

witness  this  amazing  ministry  group.

The  deacons  have   invited  all  worshippers  to   travel  to  

Eliot  United  Methodist  Church  on  236  at  10AM  where  

we  will  share   sanctuary  space  and   worship   together.  

Pastor  Beth  will  be   leading  worship  with   Pastor  PaTy  

Marsden.   Gathering   in   this   space   will   allow   this  

ministry  to   be  shared  by  many  more  people  and  give  

us  a  great  opportunity  to  be  community.  

Please   talk   to   Lisa  Marshall,   a   deacon   or   a  pastor   to  

answer  quesKons    you  might  have.  We  are  excited  for  

this  great  weekend!

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Our April Sunday ServantsFELLOWSHIP HOSTSApril 6   Do*e  Edson  and  Doris  Grover13   Marcia  Goss  &  Sheryl  Goodnough20   Easter  -­‐  Deacons  HosBng27   Joining  Eliot  Methodist  on  236  for  Nubian  Gents

USHERS6   Mark  and  Tina  Dodge13   Al  and  Jeanne  Morin20   BeKy  Grogan  and  Carole  Shirk     Mark  and  Lydia  Hoffman27   Joining  Eliot  Methodist  on  236  for  Nubian  Gents                    Jennifer  and  Brad  Swanson  on  support  for  EUMC

ACOLYTES6   Isabel  Furajdo13   Andy  Wormwood20   Brandon  and  Felicia  Nelson27   Ella  Quinn  on  support  for  EUMC

NURSERY CARE6   Jenn  Swanson13   Sonya  or  Rob  Quinn20   Marcia  Goss27   Nancy  Hoyt

LITURGISTSThe  Liturgists  through  the  season  of  Lent  and    the  month  of  April  will  be  your  pastors  and  our  seminarian.  

TELLERS6   Mark  Hoffman13   Peggy  Gray  20   Peter  Pike27   Jan  McMullen

  DEACON OF THE MONTH

• Mark Dodge

SANCTUARY STEWARDS

BIRTHDAYS3  -­‐  Nancy  Hoyt6  -­‐  Rod  Follum7  -­‐  Jessica  ChrisBan8  -­‐  Sally  Har[ord8  -­‐  William  Widi10  -­‐  John  Downey11  -­‐  Carole  Shirk12  -­‐  Norma  Marshall16  -­‐  John  Marshall19  -­‐  Anita  Nelson22  -­‐  Marilyn  Hamm-­‐Bland23  -­‐  Chris  Gray24  -­‐  Silas  Bersin28  -­‐  Nancy  Cultrera28  -­‐  Emily  Wayburn30  -­‐  Eleanor  DeWildt

ANNIVERSARIES

14 - Dick and Dot Edson

CELEBRATIONS

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LADIES  CIRCLE

Because   of   the   bad   weather   our   trip   to   eat   at   the  

Portsmouth   Country   club   was   canceled.   We   are   now  

planning  to  go  on  March  19th.

For  our  April  2nd  mee9ng,  the  ladies  are  being  asked  to  

bring  paper  products  for  Footprints.

Carole  Shirk   is  looking   for   wash  clothes,   towels,   ivory  

soap,  and  nail  clippers  for  the  Health  Kits.  We  also  need  

school  bags  for  the  School  Kits.

There  will  be  a  half  price  sale  on  some  of  the  fair  items,  

along  with  a  Bake  sale  for  Missions,  on  the  opening  day  

of  the  ThriG  Shop  on  April  19th.

PLEASE....

Volunteer  to  help  in  the  Thri@  Shop  this  year!

On  May   4th   our   mee9ng  will  be  pucng  bags  together  

for   Mother’s  at   Footprints.   Start   now   to   collect   small  

items  to  put  in  the  bags.

Jane  Spinney

MISSION IMPORTANT  NEWS!  

AMIGOS PROGRAM 2014

On  a  humid  summer  a@ernoon  three  American  visitors  

were   riding   along   a   bumpy   Honduran   road   with   red  

dust  flying  about   and   sKcking   to   their   sweat   covered  

skin.  One  of  them  turned   to   the   pastor's  wife  seated  

with  them  and  asked  a  simple  quesKon,  “What  do  you  

need  most?”   In  return,  she  gave  a   simple  response,  “I  

need  to  feed  the  children.”

That  moment   in  9me  over   a  decade  ago   drama9cally  

changed  the  course  of  many   lives.  Out  of  the  response  

to   that   basic   ques9on   has   grown   AMIGOS.   A  

partnership  between  the  York  Associa9on  of  the  United  

Church  of  Christ   and  the  people  of  the  Concepcion  del  

Notre  region  of  Honduras.

For   the  first   ten  years  of   the  program,   local  churches,  

civic   organiza9ons,   and   schools  have  filled   over   1000  

colorful  5   gallon  buckets  with  food  to  serve  as  school  

lunches  for  over  1000  children  for  two  months.

Beginning   last   year,   par9cipants   elected   to   collect  

money  and  use  the  funds  for  the  program  locally  within  

Honduras.  In  an  area  where  60%  of  the  popula9on  lives  

below   the   poverty   line.   This   change   enables   the  

AMIGOS  program  to  buy  more  food  and  also  to  support  

the  farmers  and  merchants  with  whom  they  do  business  

within  Honduras  itself.

We  invite  everyone  in  the  congrega9on  to   join  in   this  

important   outreach   to   children   who   so   desperately  

need   it.   Every   $50   donated   will   provide   100   meals.  

Please  use  one  of  the  special  envelopes  in  the  sanctuary  

or   simply   send  a  check  to  the  church  office  and  we  will  

make  sure  it  gets  into  the  bowls  of  the  amazing  children  

of  Honduras.      Please  contact  one  of  our  pastors  or  Jane  

Spinney  for  further  informa9on.  

Boards, Teams and Committee Updates

Pastor  Beth  and  a  Honduran  friend  who  stole  her  heart  on  a  2007  mission  trip.  Here  they  are  riding  through  the  mountains  in  the  back  of  a  pickup  delivering  food  collected  by  the  church  AMIGOS  program.  

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VOICE  CHAMP!  ELLA  QUINN  SELECTED  TO  PARTICIPATE  IN  THE  2014  OAKE  NATIONAL  CONFERENCE  IN  ATLANTA,  GA.

The  Organiza9on  of  American  Kodály   Educators  (OAKE)  

selected     455   talented   elementary,   middle   and   high  

school   students   from   across   the   United   States   to  

par9cipate  in  four  choirs—Children’s  Choir,  Youth  Choir,  

Concert   Women’s   Choir,   and   Chamber   Ensemble—

which   were   featured   at   the   organiza9on’s   annual  

Na9onal  Conference  held  in  Atlanta,  GA,  March  20-­‐22.  

Ella   Quinn,   a   fourth   grader   at   Berwick   Academy,  

par9cipated  in  the  Children’s  Choir.  The  160  students  in  

the  Children’s  Choir  performed  at  the  Atlanta  Symphony  

Hall  on  Saturday,  March  22.

The   students,   represented   142   ci9es   and   30   states,  

traveled  to  Atlanta,  GA  for  a  four-­‐day  intensive  rehearsal  

schedule  and  worked  under  the  direc9on  of  renowned  

conductors  Joan  Gregoryk   of   the  Children’s  Chorus  of  

Washington   (Children’s   Choir),   Dr.   Eugene   Rogers   of  

University   of  Michigan  (Youth  Choir),  Dr.  Eric  Nelson  of  

Emory   University   (Concert  Women’s  Choir),  and  Elaine  

Quilichini   of   the   Calgary   Girls   Choir   (Chamber  

Ensemble).

OAKE  was  founded  in  1974  to  serve  as  a  mee9ng  place  

for   music   educators   who   embrace   the   Kodály  

(pronounced  Koh-­‐die)   Concept   of  Music   Educa9on.   It  

draws   its   membership   from   educators   of   all   levels,  

public  and  private,  students,  administrators,  and  others  

who  share  in  its  support  and  promo9on.  The  mission  of  

the   Organiza9on   of   American   Kodály   Educators   is   to  

support  music  educa9on  of  the  highest  quality,  promote  

universal  music   literacy   and  lifelong  music  making,  and  

preserve   the   musical   heritage   of   the   people   of   the  

United   States   of   America   through   educa9on,   ar9s9c  

performance,  advocacy  and  research.

GEOGRAPHY  CHAMP!PARKER   SWANSON   a   5th   grader,of   our   congrega9on  

won   the   school   level   geography   bee   at   Marshwood  

Great  Works  School.  He  will  be  advancing   to  the  state  

level  of  the  Na9onal  Geographic  Bee  where  he  will  take  

a  wriVen  test;  up  to  100  of  the  top  scorers  of  that  test  

in  each   state  will  then  be  eligible  to  compete  in  their  

state   Bee   on   April   4th.   State   champions   will   then  

compete  in  Washington,  D.C.  in  May.

CONGRATULATIONS  PARKERWe  are  all  so  proud  of  you!

 

Tree of Life

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February 20, 2014 Hello,

The Community Chorus at South Berwick is reaching out to local churches to let you know about our upcoming Spring 2014 concerts, because of the Easter theme at the core of our concert program.

Concerts will be two weeks before Easter: Saturday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m at Trinity Lutheran Church, Newington and

Sunday, April 6 at 3:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in South Berwick

The concert is entitled Welcome Spring – Tenebrae to Lux Aeterna, and focuses on the themes of the coming of Easter, Spring, and Renewal. We are 60 singers from 20 communities throughout Seacoast NH and Maine. For this concert, we’ll be accompanied by a full String Ensemble.

Under the direction of Dr. Harry Moon, CCSB continues its tradition of musical excellence performing inspiring programs for appreciative audiences. This concert should be of interest to you and members of your congregation.

Welcome Spring includes many sacred works of Easter from the renaissance, baroque, and classical repertoire including J.S. Bach, Schubert, and Michael Haydn. In addition, we’ll sing about the promise of spring, nature, new beginnings, and reflections. These celebratory works will include Dvorak’s Songs of Nature, a setting of Simple Gifts by Cochran, and Caritas et Amor (Charity and Love) by Stroope. The concert will close with a true welcome of Spring with the first movement of Vivaldi’s Gloria.

We hope you’ll mark your calendar and invite your Church communities. In the meantime, please feel free to learn more about our non-profit music organization on our website at www.CCSB-SING.org or on our Facebook page, or reach out to Harry Moon at 207-384-7059 for more information.

Best regards,

Bill Straub, CCSB President

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ChrisKan  EducaKon  News  Update

Did  you  recognize  Jake  Bailey   leading  the  Mardi  

Gras   parade?   The   children   enjoyed   their   party   and  

passing   out  beads  to  the  congrega9on.  As  we  journey  

through   the   Lenten   season,   we’ve   learned   about  

tempta9on  and  the  Samaritan  woman  at  the  well.  We  

sampled  club  soda  represen9ng  people  without   Jesus,  

then   added   some  Seven  Up   (to   represent   Jesus)   and  

although  our   drinks  s9ll  looked  the  same,   there  was  a  

definite   improvement.   Pockets,   our   devo9onal  

magazine  has  arrived  and  we  hope  everyone  is  enjoying  

them  at  home.   The  older   children  have  been  studying  

some  of  the  ar9cles  as  part  of  their  class.

         Please  come  dressed  to  color  eggs  on  Palm  Sunday,  

April  13th  (Calling  all  teens  to  help  us  control  the  fun/

chaos).   No   church   school   on  Easter   so   please  aVend  

one  of  the  Easter  services  with  your   family.  No  church  

school   on   April   27th   –   see   you   at   our   special   joint  

service  at  the  Eliot  Methodist  church!

         Joan  Donhauser  and  Lydia  Hoffman  are  leading  our  

spring  mission  project.   This  year   we  will  be  collec9ng  

new   children’s  books   to   donate   to   the   Barbara  Bush  

Children’s  Hospital  at  Maine  Medical  Center.  Watch  for  

more  informa9on  to  follow!

         Please  tell  your  neighbors,  family  and  friends  about  

our  Vaca9on  Bible  School  scheduled  for  

July   7-­‐11.   Our   curriculum,   Weird   Animals,   lets   kids  

know   that   God   created   us   to   be   one-­‐of-­‐a-­‐kind.   Be  

yourself…Jesus   loves   you.   This   is  our   4th   VBS,   as  our  

program  grows  we  need  more  help.  If  you’d  like  to  help  

us  with  this  program  or  have  ques9ons,  please  contact  

the   church   office   or   Sherry   Goodnough.   I f  

transporta9on  is  a  problem,  maybe  we  can  help.        

         Our  next  mee9ng  will  be  held  aGer  church  on  May  

4th,  we’d  love  for  you  to  come  and  share  your  opinion  

and  ideas  as  we  will  be  planning  for  VBS!

Children and Youth and Families Ministries

SAVE THE DATE!VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!

JULY 7-11 2014WEIRD ANIMALS

CONFIRMATION CLASSES CONTINUE

THIS MONTH ON APRIL 8TH AT 4PM-5:30PM

THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION WILL BE CELEBRATED ON JUNE 8TH

DURING 10AM WORSHIP.THANKS TO MENTORS AND

STUDENTS FOR THEIR WORK!

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SUNDAY  SCHOOL  IS  ON  A  MISSION!

STORIES OF COMFORTEach spring our Sunday school invests in a

special mission project that we as kids can really get into and this year I have the honor of working with Joan Donhuaser as the leader for our new plan. We are collecting money and children’s books (illustrated, chapter, and board book style) for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical center. Children in the hospital have a special story and so we think they need special stories to read while they are patients. Please help us do amazing things and collect at least 150 books! We will have a book box at the front of our sanctuary and you can bring them any time. Our main drive will take place from the first week of May thru the first week of June but you can look for that box starting April 6th. Money donations can be given to our Sunday school team of adults. Join me in making a story of a difference! Thanks! Lydia Hoffman.

This is my mom (Pastor Beth) in the hospital where she would read all the stories she could find!

Upcoming Events

THRIFT  SHOP  GEARING  UP

We  have  started  to  collect  items  for  the  Thri^   Shop   in  March,  so   as   you   go   thru   your  closets   think   of   what   you   can   clear   out   and  keep  it  for  us.    

You   may   leave   items   at   any   Bme,   just  DO   NOT   LEAVE   THEM   OUTSIDE   THE   DOOR   .  We   do   not   accept   shoes,   baby   cribs,   high  chairs,  playpens  or  toys  with  lead  paint.  

The  opening  date  will  be  Saturday  April  19th   .The  Mission  Board  will  have  a  Bake  Sale.  There  will   be  a  ½   price   sale   for   some  of   the  items  le^  over  from  our  fair.

Our   hours   are   the   first   and   third  Thursday,  3  p.m.  –  6  p.m.  and  Saturday  9  a.m.  –  Noon.  

BROWN BAG LUNCH with

PASTOR BETHTUESDAYS IN LENT

continuing April 1April 8

April 15

Come for conversation and company with the

pastor.

Don’t forget to bring your lunch! 11:30-12:30

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SANTA’S SHOWCASE!

It   is  never   too  early   to  think  about  the  Christmas  Fair!  

Sally   Har{ord   and   Paula   Caswell   are   working   on   a  

special  feature  called  “Santa’s  Showcase”  They  will  sell  

new  and  nearly  new  items  in  November  and  need  your  

help  to  make  it  a  success.

Thanks  to  all  who  have  helped  Santa's  Showcase  get  off  

to  a  great  start.    We  are  very  excited  and  happy  with  all  

the  items  that  have  been  donated.    Children  are  going  

to  be  thrilled  when  they   come  to  the  fair   and  shop  at  

Santa's   Showcase.     They   will   discover   many   books,  

stuffed   animals,   games,   sports   items   and   toys   on  

display.

Each  month  we  will  make  sugges9ons  for  items  you  can  

find  to  donate.    For   the  month  of  April,  think  of  spring  

with  garden  items  and  birds.    Do  you  have  an  extra  pair  

of   garden   gloves,   watering   can,   small   garden   tools,  

flower  pots,  vases,  bird  house  or  bird  feeders?    Maybe  

you   have   a   cute   garden   ornament   or   other   outdoor  

decora9on.    Indoor  items  such  as  flower  arrangements  

and  spring  decora9ons  are  nice  things  to   consider   for  

our  spring  collec9on.    Children’s  books  about   animals,  

science  or  nature  would  be  a  good  find.    Also,  look  for  

adult   books  about   gardening,   flowers   and   birds,   and  

puzzles  with  scenery   and  gardens.     Theses  are  only   a  

few  of  the  many  ideas  for  spring.    Keep  in  mind  that  any  

items  are  appreciated  any  9me.    We  are  s9ll  looking  for  

toys,  household  items,  children  and  adult  books,  as  well  

as  games  and  puzzles.

We  appreciate  your  supports  of  this  new  project.    Keep  

an  eye   out   for   items   for   us   and   be  sure   to   tell  your  

friends  and  neighbors  as  they  begin  spring  cleaning.

Sally  (748-­‐0826)  and  Paula  (439-­‐4422)

A GREAT PILGRIM LODGE POSSIBILITY!

Pilgrim   Lodge  is  this  wonderful  picturesque     peaceful  

and  God  filled  place  in  Gardiner,  Maine  on  the  shores  of  

Lake  CobbesseconVe.     During  the  summer   the  cabins  

are  filled  with  campers  of   all  ages.     Pastor   Chris  and  

Pastor   Beth   lead  programs  and  many   of   our   students  

will   be   aVending   programs.   Congrega9on   memebers  

volunter   as  counseors.   Pilgrim   Lodge   (PL)   is   the   UCC  

Maine  Conference  Camp  and  it  is  amazing!

Before  summer  programming   commences,   and  before  

the  staff   arrives,   a  few  churches  are  blessed   to  enjoy  

the  space  as  a  weekend  retreat.    Sister  church,  Second  

Chris9an  Congrega9onal  UCC   in  KiVery,   has  a  standing  

retreat   each   year   on   Memorial   Day   weekend.   They  

bring  food,  fill  cabins,  enjoy  fellowship  and  chapel  9me  

in  the  pre  season  quiet.   A   life  guard  is  hired  and  the  

sunsets  are  free.

This   year   we   have   been   invited   to   join   with   Second  

Chris9an   on   their   retreat.       A   VERY   WONDERFUL    

OPPORTUNITY! Sign Up now! All ages

and abilities can go on church

retreat! We share food preparations.

WHEN: May 23rd-25th

WEEKEND COST: $65.00 (adults)

$45 (12 and under)

Pastor   Chris  and  Pastor   Beth  would  work  with   Pastor  

Brad   Hirst   of   SCC   to   lead   worship   at   PL   and   lay  

leadership  would  offer   a  worship  service  here  at   FCE.    

We  hope  you  are  interested  in  spending   the  weekend  

at   camp   and   enjoying   the   fellowship   with   another  

church  and  with  each  other.    

FORMS are in the FELLOWSHIP HALL. Pastor

Beth and Pastor Chris can tell you more

about this great invitation!

You want to know about this!

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!

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 9a-12p Office 11:30a-12:30p Lunch with the Pastor 6pm Choir

2 12:30p-3p Ladies' Circle 7pmKittery-Eliot Lenten Service at St Mark’s in Kittery

3 8a-11a Office 8a-9a Exercise Class 4p-7p Bluegrass Group

4 8a-9a Exercise Class FEED YOUR NEIGHBOR EVENT TONIGHT!

5 MESSY CHURCH 9-10:30AM

6 10am Worship and Sunday School HOLY COMMUNION

7 7pm Craft Group

8 9a-12p Office 11:30a-12:30p Lunch with the Pastor 4:00-5:30 Confirmation Class 5:30 Deacons 7p-Choir

9 11:30a-2:30p Sr. Citizens Group 5:30pm Property Board 7pm Kittery-Eliot Lenten Service at Kittery Point UCC

10 8a-11a Office 8a-9a Exercise Class 12p-3p Garden Club 4p-7p Bluegrass Group

11 8a-9a Exercise Class

12 fellowship hall rented 12-5PM

13 Palm Sunday 10am Worship and Sunday School 12p-2p HEARTART - Resurrection Garden

14 7pm Craft Group

15 ECHO ITEMS DUE 9a-12p Office 11:30a-12:30p Lunch with the Pastor 6pm Council 7pm Choir

16

17 Holy Thursday 8a-11a Office 8a-9a Exercise Class 6 PM Maundy Thursday Dinner and gathered experience

18 Good Friday 8a-9a Exercise Class 7pm Good Friday Worship Service at Second Christian, UCC Kittery

19 9a-12p Thrift Shop Opens Bake Sale with the Missions Team also to enjoy at this time.

20 Easter 6AM SUNRISE SERVICE at KP UCC

10am EASTER FAMILY WORSHIP

21 7pm Craft Group

22 Earth Day 9a-12p Office 6pm Choir

23

24 8a-11a Office 8a-9a Exercise Class 4p-7p Bluegrass Group

25 8a-9a Exercise Class

26 4p-6p Ham & Bean Supper

27 NUBIAN GENTS! 10am Special Shared Worship Service at Eliot United Methodist YORK ASSOC. MEETING in North Saco 3PM

28 7ppm Craft Group

29 9a-12p Office 6pm Choir Rehearsal

30

:

!

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A Home for Your Spirit

We  are  a  growing  vibrant  Christ  centered  community,  blessed  by  tradiKon,  open  to  the  

Spirit,  embraced  by  grace,  and  inspired  by  all  that  is  possible  with  God  

No  maTer  who  you  are  or  where  you  are  on  Life’s  journey,  you  are  welcome  here!

We  have  saved  a  place  just  for  you.  

 PASSION/PALM  SUNDAY  APRIL  13    10AMA  creaBve  worship  service  with  moving  music.

MAUNDY  THURSDAY  MEAL  and  SERVICE  April  17   6PM  Gathered  in  the  Fellowship  hall,  we  remember  the  Last  Supper.  Sign  up  to  bring  a  soup  and/or  salad  to  share,  as  a  common  meal  will  be  part  of  our  powerful  worship  Bme.

GOOD  FRIDAY    APRIL  18     7PM  –  Second  ChrisBan  CongregaBonal  ,  UCC    in  KiKery.

KEEPING  VIGIL  at  the  cross  April  18/19PM  -­‐  11AM  (hour  increments)Come  spend  personal  Bme  in  reflecBon  and  watchful  rest  in  the  sanctuary  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.  Sign  up  with  the  office  for  an  hour  through  the  night  with  family,  friends,  or  alone...  with  God  

April  20  6  AM   Sunrise  ServiceOn   Easter   morning,   join   us   at   First  CongregaKonal   Church   of   KiTery  Point   as   we   greet   the   dawn   in  celebraKon   of   the   resurrecKon   of  Jesus  Christ.

10  AM   Easter  FAMILY  WorshipJoin   in   joyful   celebraKon   of   Christ's  ResurrecKon   as   we   rejoice   in  Word  and  song!