PHYSICAL ADDRESS 13 Hermit Thrush Drive Buxton, Maine 04093

(207) 929-3535

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 424

Bar Mills, Maine 04004 www.barmillscommunitychurch.org

A Christmas Letter

To Our Wonderful Church Family:

“The Gift That Keeps on Giving!” Wow! Wouldn’t that be nice? A gift that keeps on giving? Well, that’s what it is like for the child of God. A never-ending supply of heavenly resources given to us through God’s Holy Son, Jesus, the blessed Christ. Immanuel, “God with us.” This reality was so profound to the heart and mind of James, the half- brother of Jesus, that he wrote,

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.” James 1:17-18

What a wonderful thought, birth, rebirth, and eternal blessing from the Father in heaven. It just never ends, does it? Even when we leave this earthly realm to enter the presence of God, the blessings continue. So, what does this mean? It means that for the Christian, Christmas is an everyday event, not just a season of the year. A child’s dream? Christmas every day? Yes, for the child of God, every day is a new and breathtaking discovery as we unwrap the wonder of God’s love and the assurance of His continual presence in our lives.

Yet, while I pondered this magnificent thought of an everyday Christmas for the child of God, I wondered, what provision has God put in place to keep all of this from getting old? To keep us from becoming spoiled brats? Then, I was reminded of the following story, an eyewitness account that took place on the streets of New York City. This startling, but true story, touched my heart as God reminded me that “to whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).

“On a cold day in December a little boy about 10 years old was standing in front of a shoe store on Broadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold. A lady approached the boy and said, "Son, why are you looking so intently in that window?" "I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes," was the boys reply. The lady took him by the hand and went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her. She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet and dried them with a towel. By this time the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes, and tying up the remaining pairs of socks, gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, "I am certain that you will feel much more comfortable now?" As she turned to go, the astonished little guy caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears in his eyes, answered the question with these words ... “Are you God's Wife?”

How true is the saying, “the only Bible some people will ever read is you?” What a humbling thought. Our life is to reflect the very image of Christ in everything we say and do. Yes, as children of God, you and I have now become a gift of God to the world. A Christmas gift that is to keep on giving everyday of our lives. How incredibly exciting is that!

As Christians, we must always be aware of the needs around us and respond to them immediately. Whether it is convenient or not, should never be an issue. Jesus said, “In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

John said, “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18). The love John is talking about is “Agape,” unconditional and self-sacrificing love in action. After all, isn’t that what the babe in the manger is all about? “Immanuel,” “God with us.”

In closing, we want to wish each and every one of you a blessed and wonderful Christmas.

Blessings!

Pastor Chuck and Barb

Search Committee Update The Pastoral Search committee is continuing to work for you toward finding the best candidate for our permanent pastor position. We received many responses/comments from the congregation in October which helped our committee and Pastor Chuck evaluate his year with us as our interim pastor. He has an updated written agreement with the church as he continues to serve our spiritual needs.

At this point, Pastor Chuck will continue as our interim minister but will also be considered as we review profiles of other pastor candidates.

We thank you for your patience with this process. As you can imagine, this is not an easy task and we wish to be sensitive to everyone’s desires as well as respectful to Chuck and Barbara. We are prayerfully doing the job we were asked to do.

Please be in prayer for our church’s future as we listen for God’s leading.

Blessings,

Susan Dunn, Chairperson

sermons4kids.com/spirit_of_christmas

Theme:

Christmas is a time of sharing.

Scripture:

An ax is ready to cut the trees down at their roots. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire." The crowds asked John, "What should we do?" John told them, "If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn't have any. If you have food, share it with someone else." Luke 3:9-11 (CEV)

I imagine that there are many beautifully wrapped gifts like this one under your Christmas tree at home. Have you looked at the packages to see how many of them have your name on them? Have you tried to guess what might be in those packages? Do you ever sneak in when mom and dad aren't around and shake and squeeze the packages trying to figure out what might be inside? I must confess that I did that when I was a child. All right, maybe I still do it, but not as much as I once did.

When I was a child checking the presents under the tree, I wasn't the least bit interested in the gifts that had other people's names on them, I was only interested in the ones that were for me. Isn't it pretty much the same with most of us? Much of the time, we think only of ourselves. Is that the real spirit of Christmas?

In our Bible lesson today, we read that many people had heard John calling them to repent of their sins and be baptized so that they would be ready for the coming Messiah. Large crowds of people were coming to be baptized by John. John said to them, "First do something to show that you have really repented of your sin."

"What should we do?" the people asked.

"If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn't have one. If you have food, share it with someone else." In other words, John was saying, "Stop thinking only of yourself and start thinking about others."

Christmas is only a few days away. How much thought have we given to what we can do for others during the Christmas season? We have been given so much... shouldn't we share what we have with others who may not have as much? What are some ways that we can do that? There are many wonderful organizations which help people who have special needs. (The Salvation Army, Angel Tree, and Operation Christmas Child, for example.) We can give to help them help others. We can give to mission offerings in our own church which help those in need. (There may be food or clothing drives going on in your own church or community that you might mention here to make the message more relevant to your own situation.)

Sharing with others — that's the spirit — the spirit of Christmas. Let's all show the true spirit of Christmas this year!

Father, as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, help us to remember those who are in need of food, shelter, and clothing. We are reminded that Jesus himself taught us that when we do something to help those in need, it is the same as doing it for him. I the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

In celebration of the rich 40-plus year legacy of the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO) on behalf of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), we gratefully acknowledge the loving devotion of those who have so faithfully answered their call to serve God. Our theme this year, RMMO – Honoring the Service of God’s Servants uplifts the generosity, grace and tireless work of retired ministers, missionaries and their widowed spouses and families who have dedicated their lives to serving the body of Christ.

As Christians, we are called to honor one another with the love of Christ as found in the scripture from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV) which teaches, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.”

The long-standing tradition of the RMMO established in 1977 supports ministers, missionaries and their widowed spouses who have devoted 15 years or more to ABCUSA. As one of four offerings from ABCUSA, this offering is unique because it provides individual recognition to those who have served the ABCUSA family. The RMMO is a personal offering, one rooted in thanks for the countless ways, ministers and missionaries guide members of the church toward

faithful and committed discipleship and diligent service in mission.

This year we want to commemorate the unique legacy of RMMO and remember those who play a vital role providing guidance and inspiration to their congregation and community.

Your church’s participation in RMMO makes it possible to provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and to send an annual “Thank You” check to those who are eligible. Through your generosity in 2018, RMMO provided “Thank You” checks to more than 3,497 recipients. Our goal for the 2019 national RMMO campaign is to reach $1.2 million. We hope you will partner with us and encourage participation within your congregation.

This year’s RMMO marketing materials are created to support and help your congregation organize a successful campaign. Remember, paying tribute to those who have walked and prayed with you over the years is an example of Honoring the Service of God’s Servants.

Thank you.

Rev. Dr. Perry Hopper Rev. Dr. Perry Hopper

Associate Executive Director

MMBB Financial Services

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard

among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them

in the highest regard in love because of their work.

Live in peace with each other.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV)

The Buxton Toy Box

Delivering Christmas Joy to Children in Buxton

Children from birth to 18 years of age love: toys, clothes,

furniture, sporting goods, books, art supplies, bedding,

games, school supplies, bicycles, dollhouses and

basketball hoops. The children are thankful for any gift

that they receive.

Many residents assist by knitting hats and mittens

throughout the year and donate them to the Toy Box.

All funds and gifts that are donated to the program are

given to Buxton children. No money is allocated through

tax dollars.

Many children have had a brighter Christmas through

the generous contributions to this very worthy program.

Christmas is the Spirit of Giving without a thought of getting.

It is happiness because we see joy in people.

It is forgetting self and finding time for others.

It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.

To Help This Wonderful Cause:

Pick a RED TAG from the tree in the BMCC lobby.

Return the NEW UNWRAPPED gift to:

Bar Mills Community Church

13 Hermit Thrush Drive, Buxton 04093

Or to any other Toy Box location

If you wish to donate gifts, time, or funds to

The Buxton Toy Box Please call Mia Dodge 207-807-8816

From the Desk of Angela Olszta: Mission Trip Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It has been just over one month since I returned from Jerusalem and being there for just over a month was undeniably a life-changing experience. I have been trying to put into words just how it was life-changing but this is not so easy to do. Even so I will try. We landed in Tel Aviv on a Friday afternoon and arrived in Jerusalem just in time to celebrate Erev Shabbat which means "the evening of the Sabbath" beginning at sundown. We were brought to Tom and Kate Hess's house for the celebration where staff and other volunteers had gathered for a meal and worship led by the harpists. As we stood in the yard I looked over a wall and noticed an area with many trees. We were greeted by a lovely woman from India named Glory who promptly told us that the Garden of Gethsemene was just over the wall of the yard we were standing in. It was practically overwhelming to realize we were looking at the place the Lord Jesus came to pray to the Father and be with His disciples.

Later that evening we were driven to The King's House or "the Big House" as it was commonly referred to and told that we were now on the Mount of Olives where Jesus ascended and where He will plant His feet when He returns to earth. The adrenaline coursed through my veins as I tried to comprehend this divine place that I had only read about or saw videos of. Yes, Israel really IS REAL!

The next few weeks were a whirlwind as we became accustomed to the hot and dry climate, living in community with many other people from all over the world--Thailand, China, Japan, South Africa, Kenya, Brazil, Suriname, Austria, Switzerland, Madagascar, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) just to name a few, and becoming immersed in the spiritual climate. Jerusalem is home to the three major faith traditions-- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Five times per day we could hear the Muslim call to prayer echoing across the city as well as the peal of bells from churches and monasteries, and in the night the exuberant singing of Hasidic Jews celebrating Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles.

We were also getting used to sharing--everything. For three weeks we shared one room and one bathroom with 6 other ladies from the USA, we shared meals and worship in the prayer tower together with about 70 other volunteers, we shared the bus, the chores, and all the work that needed to be done at the convocation. It felt as though we were living again in the days of the early believers where communities of His disciples would share all that they had for the good of the community. Most importantly we shared the love of Jesus. There were times this love was tested but through much prayer and perseverance we were able to overcome.

During the convocation leaders from the nations shared news from their countries and also prayers and prayer requests. It was a great time of fellowship and worship of King Yeshua! Because He freely gave His life, we too can give of our lives and truly experience the blessing of giving.

I will close with a verse from Romans where Paul is discussing how the Gentiles have shared in the spiritual blessings of the Jewish people and how they owe material blessings to the Jews in return. Indeed, the Jewish people have been a light to the nations as they have carried the covenant of Yahweh for thousands of years until ultimately the perfect and sinless Lamb was slain for the sins of all, not just for the Jews, but for the entirety of the nations. Truly life-changing!

They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.

- Romans 15:27 (NIV)

Continued on next page

Hezekiah’s Tunnel was cut through bedrock in 701 BC under the City of David, curving and weaving for 1750 feet. If the same tunnel were cut in a straight line, it would be 40% shorter at only 1070 feet. This tunnel was designed and cut to bring water from the Gihon Springs in the Kidron Valley located on the east side of the Eastern Hill outside the city’s walls, through the bedrock of the Eastern Hill to the west side, where Hezekiah’s city of Jerusalem was expanding and protected by the new Broad Wall. After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, thinking to conquer them for himself. When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and that he intended to make war on Jerusalem, he consulted with his officials and military staff about blocking off the water from the springs outside the city, and they helped him. A large force of men assembled, and they blocked all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. ‘Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?’ they said.

Then he worked hard repairing all the broken sections of the wall and building towers on it. He built another wall outside that one and reinforced the supporting terraces (Millo) of the City of David. He also made large numbers of weapons and shields. . . It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the Gihon spring and channeled the water down to the west side of the City of David. He succeeded in everything he under took. 2 Chronicles 32:1-5, 30

“ON YOUR WALLS, O JERUSALEM, I HAVE APPOINTED WATCHMEN ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT THEY WILL NEVER KEEP

SILENT YOU WHO REMIND THE LORD, TAKE NO REST FOR YOURSELVES” ISAIAH 62:6

The Old City of Jerusalem is an exciting place teeming with life and faith. Imagine walking the ancient smooth stones and narrow pathways of the Old City, while hearing prayers and music from churches and synagogues with children singing songs of Zion. You’ll see elegant young brides and even wedding ceremonies. Many Israeli and foreign families gather in the Old City for Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies.

According to the Bible, before King David's conquest of Jerusalem, the city was home to the Jebusites. The city ruled by King David, and known as the City of David, is believed to be located southwest of the Old City walls. David’s son King Solomon extended the city walls and then Nehemiah returned from Babylon and rebuilt them. In 70 CE the Second Temple and Jerusalem’s Old City were destroyed by the Romans. The wall that encircles the Old City today, was built by Suleiman Sultan of the Ottoman Empire in 1537.

The old city, resting on the original hills of the City of David and surrounded by a wall over 2.5 miles long with 7 gates, 34 towers, and a citadel (the Tower of David), is divided into four residential quarters: The Christian quarter, The Moslem quarter, The Jewish quarter and The Armenian quarter.

With a grant from

The Narragansett Number One Foundation

Bar Mills Community Church on 13 Hermit Thrush Drive in Buxton

will once again sponsor The Christmas Tree Festival.

We are hoping that you and family or your business or organization would be interested in decorating a tree. In the past we have had many different themes. Here are a few… angels, baby booties, sports, in memory of, flowers, birds, recycling items, the list goes on and on. Start thinking now to come up with something special.

With your help we will be able to bring the joy of Christmas to our community.

If you plan to put up a tree please contact Mimi at 929 – 4445 for more details.

There will be evening entertainment during the two weeks before Christmas so check out the church website barmillscommunitychurch.org and Facebook pages for the schedule.

We hope that you will join us as we celebrate this joyous season!

We hope that you will join us as we celebrate this joyous season!

NATIONAL POINSETTIA DAY

Each year on the 12th day of December, people across the United States recognize National Poinsettia Day.

The poinsettia first came to the United States by way of Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American botanist and the first United States Minister to Mexico. In 1825, he sent cuttings home to Charleston, South Carolina.

It wasn’t until the early 1920s when Paul Ecke, a second-generation farmer in California, discovered a grafting technique which caused the seedlings to branch, that the poinsettia started to take root in American culture. The family hawked their Christmas flower at roadside stands. Paul Ecke Jr. advanced the sales of the poinsettia through shipping and marketing.

HISTORY

The House of Representatives in 2002 created Poinsettia Day to honor the father of the poinsettia industry, Paul Ecke. The date of December 12 marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, the man responsible for bringing the plan to the United States.

LEGEND OF THE POINTSETTIA

There was once a poor Mexican girl called Pepita who had no present to give the baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked to the chapel, sadly, her cousin Pedro tried to cheer her up.

'Pepita', he said "I'm sure that even the smallest gift, given by someone who loves him will make Jesus Happy."

Pepita didn't know what she could give, so she picked a small handful of weeds from the roadside and made them into a small bouquet. She felt embarrassed because she could only give this small present to Jesus. As she walked through the chapel to the altar, she remembered what Pedro had said. She began to feel better, knelt down and put the bouquet at the bottom of the nativity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into bright red flowers, and everyone who saw them were sure they had seen a miracle. From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the 'Flores de Noche Buena', or 'Flowers of the Holy Night'.

The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are sometimes thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ. The white leaves represent his purity.

Christmas Tree Café Eat - In Lunch

Friends, family, and holiday cheer, Make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year!

Please Join Us for lunch at the Christmas Tree Cafe and bring a friend. This time of year the church is decorated with many Christmas trees to enjoy while you sit back and enjoy a delicious lunch served by the BMCC volunteers.

Space is limited so RSVP early.

On Sunday, November 24th the BMCC Concert Series welcomed the Bonny Eagle Select Chorus into our sanctuary to get us into the spirit of the upcoming holiday season. The buzz going around was that this group of kids were very talented. As the group started to warm-up, I knew we were going to be in for an inspired performance and was I right!

As the audience started to fill up the sanctuary the anticipation started to build. The show started with the group singing The Star- Spangled Banner and then they continued the program with several Christmas songs. The show ended with three students conducting the rest of the chorus.

After hearing these angelic voices fill the hall, everyone left with an awe inspired feeling and wanting for more. Luckily the group agreed to close out our BMCC Concert Series in the spring.

The Bonny Eagle High School select chorus is an auditioned group of 30 students who have a passion for preparing and performing vocal music. This year's group consists of 7 seniors, 9 juniors, 8 sophomores and 6 freshmen. While singing is one of our favorite things to do, most of these students are involved in a host of other activities to include private music lessons, musical groups outside of school, drama, dance, various sports teams and jobs. In recent years a number of alumni of the select chorus have gone on to pursue a major in either music education or music performance and there are a number in this current group who plan on doing the same. We particularly enjoy singing for groups within our school district but will travel just about anywhere for the chance to sing. In 2017 the BEHS select chorus won first in class and third place overall at Festival Disney followed by a superior rating at Festival Disney in 2019 and first place at the Great East Festival in Agawam, Massachusetts in 2018 and 2019. The select chorus is currently planning a tour of Budapest/Vienna/Prague in April, 2021. We appreciate the opportunity to share our music with you and appreciate the support the community has provided to the music programs in MSAD #6. We're always looking for places to sing so if you know of a place (nursing/assisted living homes, holiday events, town events, airports, etc.), please let us know.

JESUS is the Greatest

Gift of All Time

That perfectly fits the

size of every heart!

At Christmas, lights burn brighter,

and friendly hugs get even tighter.

The Spirit of Christmas fills the air,

and people seem to really care.

Merry hearts are filled with cheer.

Families and friends all draw near.

The streets around are all filled

despite the cold winter chill.

Everywhere there's smiling faces,

giving and receiving warm embraces.

And for a time, sadness disappears.

Peace, joy and hope replaces fear.

All because God's love came down

and filled the earth all around.

So, we celebrate at Christmas time

our Savior and Lord, holy, divine!

We honor Jesus throughout the year

So, the Christmas Spirit will linger near.

For the story of His birth is ours to tell

that Jesus became our Emmanuel!

By Lenora McWhorter

The joy of Christmas and the real meaning of why we celebrate.

Greetings,

When I think back of my time in Israel, the Land of Promise, the Land where my Savior Yeshua walked, I am still in awe. It is very difficult to choose one experience to share. So in lieu of an experience, I would like to briefly share a personal Ah-Ha revelation God gave me.

When I left for Israel, I went with an expectation that something BIG was going to happen. There would be some major event that would transpire and would be earth shattering. It would change me forever; maybe some prophetic Word - BAM! I thought I was going to be set ABLAZE with boldness and power! Just like that! (Like being in Jerusalem wasn’t enough!)

Well, there were many wonderful moments but no BAM! The convocation was almost over and I was wondering if I had missed something. I was a little sad that the BAM had not happened. BUT God spoke to my heart with His gentle ‘still small voice’.

He showed me a match striking the matchbox surface and igniting. I somehow knew I was the match and He was the Striking Surface. The match cannot ignite unless it comes in contact with the striking surface. I cannot ignite and be a light to those around me unless I come in contact with Him! All it takes is one lit match to set others on fire! I do not need a blazing torch to make a difference.

This holds true for all of us. We are all “matches” with great potential to help others ignite or even to set ablaze a mighty revival but this will not happen unless we come in contact with the striking surface – God, our Heavenly Father. Have you made contact with God lately? Is your match lit? In this season of Joy and Light, share your Light with others.

To God be the Glory,

Connie

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 4:00 – 7:00 pm Ccc

7 8:30am-2:00pm Christmas

Marketplace Christmas Marketplace

8

9 10 11 Take Out Lunch

12 13 14

10:00 am Worship Service Sunday School Christmas Tree Festival –Noon

7:00 pm AA Meeting

6:30 pm Council Meeting

7:00 am Men’s Group 6:00 pm Prayer and Devotional

7:00 pm Garden Club

9:00 am Kids Christmas Party

15 16

17 18 7:00 am

Men’s Group 6:00 pm

Prayer and Devotional

19 6:00 pm

20 21

10:00 am Worship Service 5:00pm Women’s Fellowship Circle

7:00 pm AA Meeting

Men’s Group 6:00 pm Prayer and Devotional

Margaret Hopkins’ Student Violin Concert

22 10:00 am Worship Service

Sunday School

23

7:00 pm AA Meeting

24 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Service

25 7:00 am Men’s Group 6:00 pm Prayer and Devotional

26 27 28

29 10:00 am Worship Service

Sunday School

30 7:00 pm AA Meeting

31

For more information on dates highlighted in RED see the flyers in this newsletter

7:00 am

Men’s Group

6:00 pm

Prayer and Devotional