congregational the messenger - amazon s3...“the essence of life is to communicate love.” i think...

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First Parish Church Congregational United Church of Christ VISION Following the Way of Jesus, we aspire to authentically invite, courageously include, and generously serve all with compassion and grace. MISSION Following the Way of Jesus, we celebrate inspirational worship; create life-changing experiences for children, youth, families, and individuals; and practice meaningful congregational care. While respecting our diversity, we courageously advocate for justice and mercy, and intentionally respond to the needs of our community and the world. THE MESSENGER A UGUST 2018 Sharing Good News 1 Inspirational Worship 2-3 Life Changing Experiences 6 Community/World 7-8 Stewardship 9 Deacons & Behind the Scenes 11 Calendar 14 Special Discussion – Telling Our Story Church leaders and dedicated members of First Parish gathered to share in a special discussion on Sunday, July 22 following worship: How God has worked through our church in recent years, presented by Chair of the Assessors Jeff McConnell; What process to expect as we transition in leadership from Pastor Anna Copeland, to an Interim Pastor, to a settled Senior Pastor who will support the mission and vision of the church alongside Pastor Dan and lay leaders, presented by Moderator Jan Jonas; Where God calls us to deepen and strengthen the commitments of our mission and vision moving forward, presented by Pastor Anna V. Copeland. Sixty to seventy people attended, expressing great commitment to the future of our church and eager to hear more about our direction. As we transition in leadership through the coming months, you can rely on your elected leadership to provide regular updates of information regarding what is happening behind the scenes and how it effects our future. According to our By-laws, the Deacons are responsible for finding an Interim Pastor. In collaboration with Deborah Blood, our Conference Minister and the Officers of the church, the Deacons have drafted a Prospectus that will be submitted to search for an Interim we hope will begin sometime in October. The Church Council is responsible for appointing a search committee for the new Senior Pastor, and Jan Jonas, Moderator, will lead that effort. Regarding the future, I shared a few parting observations that will be summarized inside this edition of the newsletter. Guided by the Holy Spirit, and the led by our capable leadership and membership, we now live into our new Mission and Vision to Follow the Way of Jesus, aspiring to authentically invite, courageously include and generously serve all with compassion and grace. (See more on page 4) S HARING G OOD N EWS – AUGUST 2018

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Page 1: Congregational THE MESSENGER - Amazon S3...“The essence of life is to communicate love.” I think this is what Christ meant when he quoted the first commandment: “‘You shall

First Parish Church

Congregational

United Church of Christ

180YorkStreetYork,ME03909207-363-3758office@firstparishyork.netwww.firstparishyork.netOfficeHours:Monday-Friday9am-2pm

VISIONFollowingtheWayofJesus,weaspiretoauthenticallyinvite,courageouslyinclude,andgenerouslyserveallwithcompassionandgrace.MISSIONFollowingtheWayofJesus,wecelebrateinspirationalworship;createlife-changingexperiencesforchildren,youth,families,andindividuals;andpracticemeaningfulcongregationalcare.Whilerespectingourdiversity,wecourageouslyadvocateforjusticeandmercy,andintentionallyrespondtotheneedsofourcommunityandtheworld.

THE MESSENGER

AUGUST 2018 SharingGoodNews 1

InspirationalWorship 2-3

LifeChangingExperiences 6

Community/World 7-8Stewardship 9Deacons&BehindtheScenes 11

Calendar 14

SpecialDiscussion–TellingOurStoryChurchleadersanddedicatedmembersofFirstParishgatheredtoshareinaspecialdiscussiononSunday,July22followingworship:

HowGodhasworkedthroughourchurchinrecentyears,presentedbyChairoftheAssessorsJeffMcConnell;WhatprocesstoexpectaswetransitioninleadershipfromPastorAnnaCopeland,toanInterimPastor,toasettledSeniorPastorwhowillsupportthemissionandvisionofthechurchalongsidePastorDanandlayleaders,presentedbyModeratorJanJonas;WhereGodcallsustodeepenandstrengthenthecommitmentsofourmissionandvisionmovingforward,presentedbyPastorAnnaV.Copeland.

Sixtytoseventypeopleattended,expressinggreatcommitmenttothefutureofourchurchandeagertohearmoreaboutourdirection.Aswetransitioninleadershipthroughthecomingmonths,youcanrelyonyourelectedleadershiptoprovideregularupdatesofinformationregardingwhatishappeningbehindthescenesandhowiteffectsourfuture.AccordingtoourBy-laws,theDeaconsareresponsibleforfindinganInterimPastor.IncollaborationwithDeborahBlood,ourConferenceMinisterandtheOfficersofthechurch,theDeaconshavedraftedaProspectusthatwillbesubmittedtosearchforanInterimwehopewillbeginsometimeinOctober.TheChurchCouncilisresponsibleforappointingasearchcommitteeforthenewSeniorPastor,andJanJonas,Moderator,willleadthateffort.Regardingthefuture,Isharedafewpartingobservationsthatwillbesummarizedinsidethiseditionofthenewsletter.GuidedbytheHolySpirit,andtheledbyourcapableleadershipandmembership,wenowliveintoournewMissionandVisiontoFollowtheWayofJesus,aspiringtoauthenticallyinvite,courageouslyincludeandgenerouslyserveallwithcompassionandgrace.

(Seemoreonpage4)

SHARING GOOD NEWS – AUGUST 2018

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WORSHIPANDMUSICAUGUST2018

Sunday,August5,2018Communion

PastorDanHollisMatthew21:28-32

ParableoftheTwoSonsSweetSpirit

Sunday,August12,2018

9:15HymnSingPastorAnnaV.CopelandMatthew13:44-46

ParableofTreasure/PearlVivanandEstherMartindale

Sunday,August19,2018PastorAnnaV.CopelandMatthew18:23-24UnmercifulServant

TerrieIlariaandKarenLynge

Sunday,August26,2018PastorAnnaV.CopelandMatthew24:32-35ParableBuddingFigGuestArtist(s)

Sunday,September2,2018

CommunionPastorDanHollisMatthew25:14-30ParableofTalents

CHURCHCOUNCILMINUTESAVAILABLEONLINEFirstParishChurchhasapasswordprotectedmembersectiononourwebsite,www.firstparishyork.net,whereChurchCouncilmeetingminutesandcorrespondingattachmentsareposted.Togettheusernameandpassword,callthechurchofficeat363-3758between9amand2pm,MondaythroughFriday.Becausethissitestoresonlyapprovedminutes,thereisaonemonthdelayinpostingapprovedminutes.Thankyoufornotsharingpasswordinformationwithinanemailorbeyondmembers.

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A T T E N D A N C E J U L Y 2018Worship

7/1/18:1007/8/18:1177/15/18:877/22/18:127

AViewfromtheBenchI’mfascinatedbythelittletagmessagesontheendoftheteabag.Icallthem“TeabagThoughtsoftheDay”or“TeabagPhilosophy”whenIsharethemonFacebookorwithemailfriends.I’vecollectedmanyinalittleglasscontaineronthekitchenwindowsill,andhaveaboutahalf-dozentapedtothefrontofmylaptop.Theyvaryintheirpointsofinterest.Manyaremeanttofosterencouragementfortheday,andothersaredefinitionsofeverydaywords.Buttheyhavesomesortofcommonthreadrunningthroughthem.Herearesomeofmyfavorites: “Maythisdaybringyoupeace,tranquility,andharmony.” “Maythisdaybethedaytoleadustopeace,tohappiness,andtojoy.” “Thepurposeoflifeistoknowyourself,andloveyourself,andtrustyourself,andbe yourself.” “Loveistheultimatelawoflife.” “Lovehasnofearandnovengeance.” “Theessenceoflifeistocommunicatelove.”IthinkthisiswhatChristmeantwhenhequotedthefirstcommandment:“‘YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart,andwithallyoursoul,andwithallyourmind.’Thisisthegreatestandfirstcommandment.Andthesecondislikeit:‘Youshallloveyourneighborasyourself.’Onthesetwocommandmentshangallthelawandtheprophets.”Matthew22:37-40CometoworshipandhearthecontinuationoftheparablesofChristthismonth.Themessageistimeless,themusicismeaningful,andtheair-conditioningisheavenly!!!!Here’sanotherteabagtagline: “Lifeisaflowoflove.Yourparticipationisrequested.”Enjoytheselazy,hazy,crazydaysofsummer!Thebeatgoeson…becauseLOVEalwayswins!WSP

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LeadershipinTransition–FieldNotesfromtheSeniorPastor

(WeinvitethosewhocouldnotjoinusforourFirstParishLeadershipeventJuly22toreviewthefollowinginspirationalmessagesharedbyourSeniorPastoratthatevent.)

Leadershiptransitionscreateopportunitiesandalsosomeanxietyaboutwhatthefuturemayhold.Fortunately,GodhasbroughtusacrossacoupleofrockyroadstolaunchanewvisionandmissionforFirstParishthatshiftsouridentityfromthatofthe“whitesneakerchurch”ofyester-year,toarespectedcommunityleaderandcollaboratorwithareachurchesandserviceagenciestotransformourcommunityandourworld.Ittakesthreetofiveyearstofullyimplementanewmissionandvision.Weareinoursecondofthoseyearsnow.GodhasblessedusasaprayingcommunitywithatrustingfaithanddeepcommitmenttoTellingOurStoryaboutwhatGodisdoingthroughthischurch.Wesharethisstorynowtoinviteeveryonetostepforwardduringthetransition,everyoarinthewater,trustingGod’splansforourfuture.Intimesoftransition,progresscanslipaway.Ittakesrealworkandcommitmentforanextendedtimetochangelives.Weprayheartswillcontinuetoburnwithpassionforthefollowingrecentlylaunchedinitiatives,thatGodwillflourishthegoodworkalreadybegun.INSPIRATIONALWORSHIP*LivestreamvideoinvitespeoplealloverthecountrytoparticipateinSundayworshipinrealtime,extendingGod’sgoodnewstopeoplewhoaretraveling,wholiveseasonallyfaraway,orwhoneedachurchhomelikeours.*Thursdayeveningworshipcreatessafespaceforthoseseekingachurch,forchildren,youthandfamilies,toengageinmeaningfulworship.LIFECHANGINGEXPERIENCES*Collaboratewithareachurches,communityagenciesandtheYorkDiversityForumtochangelivesbycreatingasafe,inclusiveandwelcomingcommunity,notonlywithinourchurch,butalsothroughoutourarea.*TelltheStoryofhowGodchangeslivessothatthosewhofindchurchirrelevantwilllookagain.Somewhopreviouslyleftthechurchwillreturn,moresoifyoucallandinvitethemtocome.However,ourgreatestgrowthwillcomethroughoutreachtothe64%ofMainerswhodonotconsiderthemselvesveryreligiousinthethirdmostsecularstateintheUnion.MEANINGFULCONGREGATIONALCARE*Home-Basedministrymatchestrainedmembersofthechurchwithothersinneedofavisit,prayer,oron-goingcareathome,inassistedliving,nursingcareorinrehab.*Missionathomematchesexpressedneedsofmembersofthecongregationforahandup,anythingfrompruningalilacbushtoputtingtheChristmasdecorationsbackintheattic.Morethansixtyvolunteerssigneduptohelpmembersreceiveneededsupport.

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ADVOCATEFORJUSTICEANDMERCY*FirstParishChurchvotedatacongregationalmeetinginMaytobecomeanOpenandAffirmingChurchoftheUnitedChurchofChristafterayear-longstudyanddiscernment.Inthefuture,conversationcontinuesonhowtocourageouslyandintentionallyinviteallGod’speoplethroughgenerousandinclusivehospitality.INTENTIONALLYRESPONDTOTHENEEDSOFTHEWORLD*NowthreeyearsormoreintoaculturalshiftofidentityasanincreasinglyMissionalChurch,FirstParishchangeslivesthroughvolunteerparticipationandfinancialsupportofinternational,regionalandlocalmission/outreachprojects.InConclusion:AsfollowersofJesustheGoodShepherd,weserveforGod’sgoodpleasure.Pleaseprayforthefutureofyourchurch,thatGodmayplacepeoplebeforeustoserve,thatChristmayfindususeful,andthattheHolySpiritmaygrantusjoyforthegloryofGod.

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MessagefromtheModeratorTimeiscommonlydividedintothreesegments–past,present,andfuture.Lessonsaretobelearnedfromthepast,butthepastmustnotenslaveus.ThepresentistheimmediategiftofGodtobeusedwiselyandwell,butitisnotenoughtoliveinthepresentalone.Thefutureistheplaceforplans,thedomicileofdreams,theharborofhopes.Rev.DoctorCharlesL.Copenhaver(1918–1982)OursearchforanewsettledSeniorPastoriscollaborationbetweenourchurchfamilyatFirstParish,withhelpfromourUCCMaineConference,andGod.WeprayerfullyaskthatHewillhelpusandaprospectivesettledpastorfindeachother.Wewillnotbehiringsomeoneasinabusiness.Wewillbeseekinganindividualwhohasacalltoserve,inspire,andjoininafaithjourneywithus.TogetherwewillnurturetheseedlingsoffaithworkaccomplishedrecentlyatFirstParishwhile“honoringlessonswehavelearnedfromthepast.”Wewillbeworkingonthisspiritualprocesstogether.AsModerator,alongwiththeChurchCouncilandthefutureSearchCommittee,wepledgetokeepyouinformedthroughwebsitecommunications,Bulletins,Newslettersandannouncements.TheOpportunityTablewillhavebookletsthatwillhelpanswerquestionsandaposterasavisualclarificationofthesearchprocess.Perhapsmostimportant,ispersonalcommunications.TheChurchCouncil,Assessors,DeaconsandotherChurchleadersarecommittedtobepreparedtolistenandanswerquestions.ThankyoutotheDeaconswhohavebeenworkingdiligentlywiththeMaineConferencetoseekanInterimPastorduringthistransitiontime.MayGodblessthisprocessandthefutureofFirstParishChurch,andthepresentas“animmediategiftofGod”.JanJonas,ChurchCouncilModerator

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ADULTBIBLESTUDYBEGINNINGWEDNESDAY,SEPTEMBER13,2017

5PM–6PMPastorAnna’sOfficeintheParishHouse

BIRTHDAYBAGSIfyouwouldliketohelppeopleofourcommunitytoprovidebirthdaypartiesfortheirchildren,pleasemakeupabirthdaybag.BagsareavailableinthechurchofficeduringtheweekandatcoffeehouronSundays.FillthebagwithgoodiestocelebrateabirthdaypartyanddropitoffattheofficeorFellowshipHall.ThebagsaredeliveredtotheYorkFoodPantrytobegivenout.Thebagsaregreatlyappreciated!Theycanbemadeinhonorofyourownbirthdayorthoseoffamilymembers.

CHURCH SCHOOL

HAPPENINGS Summer 2018

ThepastyearinSundaySchoolhasbeenoneofnewprograms.UndertheguidanceoftheChristianEducationCommitteeandPastorDan,webegananewcurriculumentitled“DigIn”.Thethemeforthisyearis“TheLifeofJesus”.Eachlessonincludesavarietyofactivitiestoengagethestudentsandteachersinmeaningfulexperiencessuchabiblestories,videos,games,craftsandatake-homepageforparents.Teachersworkinteamsandmaketheirownschedules. Juneisalwaysabusymonth,includingChildren’sDayandKidsCamp(formerlyVBS).TheChildren’sDayServicewasaverysweetservice,includingeveryonefrom2monthsoldtohighschoolseniorsandeveryoneinbetween. OurKidsCampwasa3-dayprogramthisyear,duetothelengthoftheYorkSchoolscalendar.ItwasbasedontheEphesians2:10verse:“ForweareGod’smasterpiece.HehascreatedusanewinChristJesus,sowecandothegoodthingsheplannedforuslongago.”(NewLivingTranslation).Ourdayswerefullofmusic,shadowpuppets,bibleadventures,creationstation,outdoorgames,ourwonderfulsnacks,and“TheNook”wherestudentswerewelcometorelaxandregroup.AnimportantcomponentofourKidsCampprogramistomeettheneedsofallwhocometousseekingawelcomingplace.Ouremphasiswastosharehowwecanallbegoodneighbors,nomatterwhatourage.WeconcentratedonthreeparablesofJesus:TheGoodSamaritan,TheProdigalSon,andTheLostSheep. Therewere32Campers(gradesK-5)involved,10Crew(grades6-10)and12adults.Itwastrulyaninter-generationaltimetogether,livingoutourVisionStatementtoofferlife-changingexperiencestoall. ThankyoutotheCECommitteeforitscommitmenttothechildrenandyouthofourbelovedFirstParishChurch.Wethankourteachersandallwhosupporttheprogramandwishthemaveryrestfulsummer.

SundaySchoolclasseswillresumeinSeptember.Plansareunderwaytoprovideanewspaceforstudentsingrades5-7andup,

forSundayMorningtimetogether.Staytuned!JanetCassidyChristianEducationCoordinator

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PASTORALCAREPleaseletthechurchofficeoroneofyourpastorsknowifyouarereceivingcareorplantoreceivecareinthehospital,oraskafamilymembertocontactus.Wewanttoprovidecare

foryouinthisspecialtimeofneed,andwewillONLYknowthatyouarereceivingsuchcareifyoutellusdirectly.Thankyouforhelpingusbepresenttoyouasyourpastorsandasyourchurch.

Pleaseletthechurchofficeoroneofyourpastorsknowifyouarereceivingcareorplantoreceivecareinthehospital,oraskafamily

Update!Wecontinuetoaddtothewonderfullistofgenerous,lovingfolkswhoarewillingtoofferassistancetoothersofourcongregationasneedsarise.Wehavecloseto60willingpeoplealready.WewouldLOVEtoaddsomeofourteenstothisevergrowinglist.Wehopetomatchtheneedsofourchurchfamilywithyourwillingnesstoserveothersinwhateverwayyouareable.Couldbearidetoadoctor'sappointment,helprepairingafence,shoppingforgroceriesposthospitalization,doinglawnwork,orcarryingboxesupfromthecellar.Therearetimeswheneachofuscoulduseahelpinghand;soBEBOLD,askforabitofhelp.Ifyouchoosetobeonthe"masterlistofhelpers",itmeansthatyouandeveryoneelseonthelistwillreceiveanemailrequestfromLindaDrew,coordinator.Itwillincludethejobdescription,timerequirements,locationandmaybedeadlines.IfyoucanhelporneedfurtherinformationjustsimplycontactLinda.Youandthepersoninneedcanworkoutthedetails.

TOADDYOURNAMETOTHELISTor

REQUESTASSISTANCECONTACTthePARISHOFFICE

[email protected]

AsofJuly23wehaveassisted18differentpeoplein"ourfamily".Happytoseemoreandmorefolksaskingforhelp!

VOLUNTEERTheFirstParishChurchvolunteers,JanandPerJonas,willreportfordutythisThursdayfrom2pm-4pmatYorkCommunityServicesThriftStore.IfyouareinterestedthereisasignupsheetattheOpportunityTableinFellowshipHall.

Doitwithafriend!Tryitout!SignupsheetisattheOpportunityTableinFellowshipHall.

[email protected]

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The“OpportunityTable”islocatedinFellowshipHall.Itisthecentralpointfordisseminationofandcollectionofinformationpertinenttothe

congregation.Itisthe“goto”placetosignupforFirstParishactivities,bothlongandshortterm.Committeesandactivitychairpersonspleasetakeadvantageofthiscentralpointofcommunication.Yourinputisalwayswelcome,SandyGivens,JanJonasandPepiUpton

Summerprogram!STORYTELLEREverySundaythroughAugust26oneofourchurchfamilywillbespending10-15minutestellingusaboutthemselves,theirlife,theirspiritualjourney,theirgreatest

accomplishment,etc.Wewillconveneat10:45AMafterworshiponthelawnorinFellowshipHall.

AugustStorytellersAnnaMarieEggertDeDeCadieuxCarolMacdonaldBryceWaldrop

SummerConcertsontheGreen

ThursdaysthroughAugust9

6pm–8pmwithJoyceAndersenandHarveyReid

andspecialguestsPleasebringyourfamily,apicnicandblanketorlawnchairs.ConcertsbeginbehindFirstParishChurchandthetownhallwithanewstageat6p.m.AFreewillofferingwillbetakenweeklytosupportthisconcertseries.

RainlocationFirstParishSanctuary

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TellingOurStorythroughYourStory“Aseachhasreceivedagift,useittoserveoneanother,asgoodstewardsofGod’svariedgrace.”1Peter4:10(ESV)OnSunday,June24th,weintroducedamethodforgatheringinformationtomoreeffectivelyTellOurStoryofhowGodisatworkthroughFirstParishChurch.Weaskedyoutosharethewaysyourfaithisatworkinthechurchandtheworld.Isnottoolatetotellyourstory.Includedinthisnewsletterisasurveycalled“TellingOurStory”.Justaswetellourstoryabouthowmuchmoneywegiveawayformissionsathomeandabroad,we’realsogoingtoshareourstoryabouthowweshareourvolunteertimeandresources.WewouldappreciateitifyouwouldsharewithusthewaysyouvolunteerwithinFirstParishChurchandalsothewaysyoumayvolunteerinthewidercommunity.Ifyouchoosetosharethewaysyouvolunteerwewon’tpublishyourname,justthetotalnumberofhourswesharewithinthechurchandinthewidercommunity,suchasvolunteerhoursatthehospital,thechamberofcommerce,etc.PleasereturnyoursurveytothechurchofficebyFriday,August10th.WewillbepresentingtheresultsofthesurveystothecongregationonRallyDay,Sunday,Sept.9th.ThankyouforhelpingustellourstoryasachurchasweinviteotherstoparticipateinthewaysGodisatworkthroughthefaithandactionofthischurch,changinglivesandtheworld.StewardshipCommittee:SandyNelson,JohnPendleton,JalmarDijkstra,PastorAnnaCopeland

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TellingOurStory

PleasehelpustellourstoryasachurchabouthowGodisatworkthroughtheworkandoutreachofFirstParishChurch.Weknowthatweshareourfinancialresourcestosupporttheworkofthechurch.Nowwewanttomoreeffectivelycommunicatehowweshareourtimeandotherresources.AtFirstParishChurchWhatwaysdoyouvolunteeryourtimeatthechurch? WaysIVolunteer TimeIVolunteerMonthly1.2.3.4.IntheWiderCommunityandWorldWhereorinwhatwaysdoyoushareyourfaiththroughvolunteertimeandresourcesbeyondthechurch? WaysIVolunteer TimeIVolunteerMonthly1.2.3.Whatdifferencedoessharingyourresourcesmakeforyourfaithjourneyandfortheworld?YourName_____________________________________

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BEHINDthe

SCENESMessagefromyourFinancialSecretaryStartingwiththisyear,wewillbedepartingfromourpastpracticeofmailingPledgeStatuslettersinearlyJulyandDecemberandinstead,doasinglemailinginearlySeptemberfollowingRallySunday.AnyonedesiringtoknowwhattheirpledgedonationstatusispriortotheSeptembermailingcandosoatanypointintimebyrequestingthatinformationeitherbysendinganemailtofinsec@firstparishyork.netorbycallingPerJonasat207-363-3180.Pleasebesuretospecifyinwhatmanneryouwouldliketheinformationsenttoyou(emailorhardcopy).

OnChildren’sSunday,June10,theDeaconswerepleasedtoawardscholarshipstoMorganSmith,GarrettCronin,andBrianCronin.Wecongratulatethemandwishthemwellastheybegintheircollegecareers.WealsoawardedfivecampershipstoPilgrimLodgeandhopethoseyoungpeopleenjoyedafunandmeaningfulexperience.Aswemovetowardtheendofsummer,theDeaconswillbeginabusytime.Theby-lawstasktheDeaconswithfindinganinterimpastor.SofarwehavecompletedtheRequestforInterimLeadershipformwhichalongwithaprospectushasbeensenttotheMaineConference.ThereitwillbepostedonboththenationalandMainewebsites.Atsomepointweshouldreceiveprofilesfrominterestedinterimpastorswhichwewillreview.Wewilltheninterview,ideally,severalcandidatesandpresentourchoicetotheCouncil.ItisourhopeatpresentthatthiscanbecompletedbytheendofOctober.PleasefeelfreetoaskanyoftheDeaconshowthingsaregoing.Althoughtheprofilesareconfidential,wecantellyouwhereweareintheprocess.SusanMancinelliDeaconChair

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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

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

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FIRSTPARISHCHURCHFAIREATMARKETFESTSEPTEMBER22,2018

Thisisawonderfulopportunitytocleanoutthoseonceloveditemsyounolongerneedorhaveroomfor!Atthesametime,itprovidessomeoneanopportunitytopurchaseanitemtheyreallyneedatanaffordableprice-andsupportsthecontinuedgoodworksofFirstParishChurch!!A‘win’forall!!ITEMSTODONATE?NOWthroughAugust26PleasecallSherryMcConnellat363-5494toarrangefordropoff.BeginningAugust27aDailydrop-off‘schedule’willbeprovided.ANTIQUES&COLLECTABLES:Old,collectableitemsthatareingoodconditionandaredesirablebecauseofage,rarity,[email protected]:Gentlyusedhomedécoritems,glasses,knick-knacks,wallhangings,lamps,vases,candlesticks,dishes,gardendecor,etc.(dishes,glasses,etc.–minimumof4perset)SherryMcConnell@363-5494orJillOuellette@351-1125BOOKS:Neworgentlyusedbooksthatappealtogeneralreadershipandcookbooks.(Please…Nomagazines,technicalbooks,encyclopedias,condensedbooks,videos,etc.)DianaParton@361-3016CHILDREN’SSECTION:Children’sBooks,Games&Puzzles(itemsmustbeclean,havealltheirpiecesandbeingoodcondition).SondraWeaver@363-4641orSusanMancinelli@351-8641FURNITURE:Usedsmalltomid-sizefurniture.(under50lbs.)Smalltables/chairs,bookcases,desks,etc.mustbeingoodconditionandeasytohandle.ContactEllisCopeland@361-3765JEWELRY&HANDBAGS:Jewelry–botholdandnew,fashion,rhinestone,gaudy,clunky,silverandgold(bracelets,rings,necklaces,earrings).AllHandbagsmustbeclean&ingoodcondition.JinnyBrodsky@363-6239‘TASTEOFHEAVEN’CAFÉ:Homemadesoups&hotandcolddrinks–enjoyunderourtentortoeat‘onthego’.ContactJanJonas@[email protected]:Workshopandgardentools,powertools,smalltoolbenches,antiquetools,packagedfasteners,etc.Allitemsmustbeinworkingcondition,cleanandbeamanageablesizeandweight(under50lbs).GeorgeParton@361-3016

PLEASE:NOElectronicsorLinensAllItemsMustBeCleanandInGoodCondition

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 8:30am Aerobics

2 8:30am Aerobics 2pm Volunteer YCSA-Thrift Store 6pm Summer Concerts on the Green

3 8:30am Zumba

4 8:30am Christian Education Committee Meeting

5 9:30am Worship/Communion 10:45am Storyteller-Anna Marie Eggert

6 8am Zumba 4:30pm Mission Committee Meeting

7 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty

8 8:30am Aerobics

9 8:30am Aerobics 6pm Summer Concerts on the Green

10 8:30am Zumba

11

12 9:15am Hymn Sing 9:30am Worship/Mission Moment 10:45am Storyteller-DeDe Cadieux

13 8am Zumba 6:30pm Women on the Move-Judy Schriefer’s Residence

14 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 6pm Common Hope-Mission Trip Meeting 6:30pm Assessors Meeting

15 8:30am Aerobics

16 8:30am Aerobics 6pm The Greatest Gift Concert-Village Green Stage

17 8:30am Zumba

18

19 9:30am Worship 10:45am Storyteller-Carol Macdonald

20 8am Zumba

21 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty

22 8:30am Aerobics

23 8:30am Aerobics 6pm 18th Century Mind in the 21st Century-James Kences-Village Green Stage

24 8:30am Zumba

25

26 9:30am Worship 10:45am Storyteller-Bryce Waldrop

27 8am Zumba

28 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 7pm Church Council Meeting

29 8:30am Aerobics

30 8:30am Aerobics

31 8:30am Zumba

THEVILLAGEQUILTERSMeeteveryThursdayat9am

inFellowshipHall.Wearelookingfornewmembers.

ContactAudreyCarmel207-361-4073

MARKYOURCALENDARFriday,September21 EstateSale–Parsonage

Saturday,September22 MarketFestSunday,September23 FinalSundayforPastorAnna&Ellis

Page 15: Congregational THE MESSENGER - Amazon S3...“The essence of life is to communicate love.” I think this is what Christ meant when he quoted the first commandment: “‘You shall

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First Parish Church Non-profit Organization 180 York Street U.S. Postage Paid York, ME 03909 Permit No. 7

York, ME 03909

August2018Newsletter

MinistersAlltheMembersoftheCongregation

TheRev.Dr.AnnaV.Copeland,[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

[email protected]