congregational united church of christ the messenger...delay in posting approved minutes. thank you...
TRANSCRIPT
First Parish Church
Congregational
United Church of Christ
180YorkStreetYork,ME03909207-363-3758office@firstparishyork.netwww.firstparishyork.netOfficeHours:Monday-Friday9am-2pm
SharingGoodNews 1MessageModerator 2-4InspirationalWorship 6-7LifeChangingExperiences
8-11
Community&World 12-14Stewardship 17Deacons 18CommunityEvents 19-22Calendar 23
VISIONFollowingtheWayofJesus,weaspiretoauthenticallyinvite,courageouslyinclude,andgenerouslyserveallwithcompassionandgrace.MISSIONFollowingtheWayofJesus,wecelebrateinspirationalworship;createlife-changingexperiencesforchildren,youth,families,andindividuals;andpracticemeaningfulcongregationalcare.Whilerespectingourdiversity,wecourageouslyadvocateforjusticeandmercy,andintentionallyrespondtotheneedsofourcommunityandtheworld.
THE MESSENGER
SHARING GOOD NEWS–NOVEMBER 2019
Dearfriends,
I'mproudofthefactthatatFirstParish,wesay'nomatterwhoyouareorwhereyouareonlife'sjourney,youarewelcomehere'andthat,forcenturies,we'veextendedthatwelcomebeyondthechurchtoourabuttingneighbors.YoumayormaynotknowthatFirstParishisthelessortoboththeTownHall(nocostlease)andOldYorkHistoricalSociety(adollarayear).
YourwillingnesstocedelandtothetownintheLandAgreementwasforthebenefitofallandyoudiditinaninformedandfaithfulmanner,withthebenefitofthewidercommunityatheart.ThischurchhaslongbeenabeaconofhopeandhelpinYorkandwearesotodaydirectlybecauseofyou.
I'mproudofthewaythischurchcommunityhascometogethertolisten,learn,andshareinformationabouttheLandAgreementwiththeTownofYork.I'mproudofeachpersonwhohaswrittenaletterorspokentoothers.Iknowyou'vetalkedwithpeopleinthegrocerystore,PumpkinPatch,inrestaurants,andattheVillageFaire.Youhavecometogetherandrisenabovenegativityandpropaganda.
November5thwillbeheresoon.Iencourageyoutolearnaboutalloftheissuesontheballotandafterprayerfulconsideration,Iinviteyoutoexerciseyourrighttovote.Wedon'tknowwhatthefutureholds,butwedoknowwhoholdsourfuture.AndforthatIsay,thankyouGod!
Blessings,
Rev.Estelle
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CHURCHCOUNCILMINUTESAVAILABLEONLINEFirstParishChurchhasapasswordprotectedmembersectiononourwebsite,www.firstparishyork.net,whereChurchCouncilmeetingminutesandcorrespondingattachmentsareposted.Togettheusernameandpassword,callthechurchofficeat363-3758between9amand2pm,MondaythroughFriday.Becausethissitestoresonlyapprovedminutes,thereisaonemonthdelayinpostingapprovedminutes.Thankyoufornotsharingpasswordinformationwithinanemailorbeyondmembers.
MessagefromtheModeratorHaveyouevertriedsomethingnewandthenfailedmiserablyatyourendeavor?Ireallywantedtolearnhowtoski.Goodskierslooksogracefulastheydescendthehillseemingtofloatonthesnow.Withpracticeandtime,thatcouldbeme!Didn’thappen.Godhasblessedeachofuswithuniquetalentsandskills.Sometimesthechallengeforusistodiscoverwhatourskillsare,acknowledgethem,andthenputourgiftstogooduse.Mostoftenwearegoodatwhatweenjoy–anafternoonbakinginthekitchen,plantingannualsinthegarden,readingtoachild,solvingacomputerproblem,organizinganevent.Thelistisendless.YouwillbereceivingyourStewardshiplettersoon.IncludedinthismailingisanewTimeandTalentform.PleasetakesometimetoreflectonthegiftsGodhasgivenyouandhowyoucanusethemtoserveothers.
VillageFaire
TheVillageFairewasasuccess!Notonlydidweraisecloseto$7,700tosupporttheworkofFirstParish,wemadenewfriends,gottoknoweachotherbetterandreachedouttothecommunitywithaspiritedwelcome.Thankyoutoallwhoparticipatedsharingyour“TimeandTalents”.WearealsogratefulforallthosewhodonateditemstotheVillageFaire.Themiserableweathercertainlydidn’tdampenourspiritsthatday!TogetherforYork–Yeson#7PleasevoteonTuesday,November5andremindyourfriendstovote.IthasbeenahugeeffortformanyatFirstParishtospreadthewordaboutthebenefitsoftheChurch/TownLandAgreement.Thankyoutoall.JanJonas,Moderator
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CommunicationPolicyforFirstParishChurchThispolicyiscreatedinordertocoordinateactivitiesinthelifeoftheFirstParishmakingsureeventsoractivitiesdonotoverlaporclustertooclosetogether.Also,thispolicycreatesasystemthatmonitorstheestablishmentofaneweventoractivity.Includedinthispolicyarecommunicationmethodsandguidelines.
NewIdeaforanActivityorEvent1.PresenttotheappropriateBoardorCommitteeChair.2.ModeratororVice-ModeratorconsultswiththeChairtoconsiderforwardingtheideatoChurchCouncil.3.ChairpresentsideatoChurchCouncilforapproval.
PressReleasesandArticlesforNewspapersThePastor(s)ofFirstParishisthespokespersonforthemedia.ChurchmembersshouldnotgivequotestothemediarepresentingthechurchwithoutconsultingthePastor(s).Anappointedcommunicationspersonisthewriterforpressreleases.TheModeratororPastor(s)willreviewmaterialsforanewsreleaseandforwardthemtocommunicationsperson.
CommunicationsMethodsandGuidelinesWorkwiththeOfficeManagerforinclusionintheBulletin,Oasis,orNewsletter
1. WeeklySundayBulletin–2-3sentences2. WeeklyOasis(Wednesday)–aparagraphoraflyer3. MonthlyNewsletter–aparagraphoraflyer4. BulletinBoardinFellowshipHall(forChurcheventsonly)5. OpportunityTableinFellowshipHall6. CalendarinFellowshipHall7. PartnerTableinFellowshipHall(forpartnerevents)ConsultthePastor(s)8. ChurchAnnouncements:atmicrophone–concisedescription9. Facebook:1sentencedescriptionwithimage.Canshareflyerorpostfrompartner
organization.(ContactFacebookcoordinator)10. Banners(Forchurcheventsonly.ContactModeratorforapproval.)
IfaneventisonourChurchCalendarintheoffice,itwillalsobeonthewebsite.
Thebriskautumnalairwillsoonyieldtowinter'schill.EvenasheartyNewEnglanders,werecognizethatstormsandpoweroutagescanleavesomeveryvulnerable.Inordertobestserveyou,we'vepreparedanEmergencyContactForm.You'reencouragedtofilloneoutandreturnittotheoffice.
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WHATDOESITMEANTOBECOMEAMEMBEROFFIRSTPARISHCHURCH?
OrientationBrunch
Sunday,September15,2019at10:30am-NooninthedownstairsSanctuaryLounge
WewilldiscusstheUnitedChurchofChristandlearnaboutFirstParishYork,itsrichhistoryandnumerousministriesandmissions.Youwillmeetotherswhoareconsideringmembership,afewleadersofourchurchandnewandlongtimememberswhohavecalledFirstParishtheir“home”.ChildrenarewelcometojoinyouortheycanplayorwatchavideointheNursery.Childcarewillbeavailable.
NewMembersJoinOctober20,2019duringSundayWorship
FormoreinformationcontactParishOffice207-363-3758
SueWierzba,HospitalityCommittee207-361-4541
First Parish Church Congregational
United Church of Christ
EMERGENCY CONTACT FORM Contact Information Name___________________________________________________________________________________ Home Address____________________________________________________________________________
Street Address, City, State, Zipcode Home Telephone # ____________________________ Cell # __________________________________ Email _______________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact Information Primary: (1) Name_______________________________________Relationship___________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________
Street Address, City, State, Zipcode Home Telephone/Cell _________________________________________________________________ Secondary: (someone who does not live with you) (2) Name_______________________________________Relationship___________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________________
Street Address, City, State, Zipcode Home Telephone/Cell__________________________________________________________________ Other Is there anything special you would like the pastors to know? ___________________________________________________________________________________ Medical Personnel Do you have any medical training or expertise? If so, please describe. ___________________________________________________________________________________ In the unlikely event of a medical emergency occuring on campus, would you be willing to assist? � YES � NO � I have voluntarily provided the above contact information and authorize First Parish Church and its representatives to contact any of the above on my behalf in the event of an emergency. Signature _______________________________ Date __________________________________
180 York Street, York, Maine 03909 207-363-3758 [email protected]
5Thepumpkinsaregoing.Thepumpkinsaregoing.Thepumpkinsaregone!ThisisthesixthyearFirstParishChurchhaspartneredwithPumpkinPatchFundraisers.Accordingtotheirwebsite,“PumpkinPatchFundraisersbeganin1974inNorthCarolinawith3acresofpumpkinsandapartnershipwithonechurch.Weagreedtoletthechurchsellthepumpkinsandtheywouldsharetheproceeds.Therewasnocontract,nolegalproceedings…justahandshakeandtrustineachother.”Trustcontinuestobethefoundationoftheirpartnerships.“Wetrustthoseorganizationstobediligentinsellingtheirpumpkins,honestinreportingtheirsales,andattentivetopayingourpercentageofsales.Weareresponsibleforallthecostsassociatedwithgrowing,harvestinganddeliveringthepumpkins.Toensurethatourpartnershaveasuccessfulpatch,webearalltheriskoflossduetotheftandspoilage.Whileitisunusualinthebusinessworld,thisrelationshipoftrusthasbeenveryeffectivethroughouttheyears.”
FollowingthedevastationofHurricaneHugoin1989,theymovedfarmingoperationstotheNavajoIndianReservationinFarmington,NM.IncooperationwiththeNavajoNation,theycultivate1,200acresorapproximately2squaremilesofpumpkinsandemployeeover700NativeAmericansduringtheharvestmonthsofSeptemberandOctober.Theyalsoemployasmallerworkforceintheoff-season.“Thishasapositiveandlastingimpactonaregionwith42%unemployment.”Marie,ayoungNavajowomanwhovisitedourPumpkinPatchthreeyearsago,sharedthatsheusedthemoneysheearnedharvestingpumpkinsontheReservationtobuybooks,supplies,andclothesthatmadeitpossibleforhertoattendschool.
Theimpactonourcommunity—thetownofYorkandFirstParishChurch—isalsopositiveandlasting.ThePumpkinPatchhasbecomecommonground,and“commongroundissacredground”asJoyceAndersenremindsusinherlyrics.Itisonthiscommongroundthatwelistentothestoriesofjoyandsorrow,despairandhopeaspeoplewalkthroughthePatchlookingforjusttherightpumpkin.Parentsandgrandparentsrecordmemoriesastheirlovedonesstrikeapose.Tourbusesfromaroundthecountryparkatthecurbforpassengerswithcellphonestopickavirtualpumpkin.Visitorsfromaroundtheworldaredrawntothepumpkinsandlingertotalk,discoveringthatwehavemoreincommonthanexpected.Childrengatheraroundatableofcraftsuppliestodecoratepumpkins;siblingsworkingsidebyside,encouragingeachother.Middleschoolersstopinontheirwayhomefromschoolandstaytohelp.KindergartenstudentssearchforjusttherightpumpkininaspecialminiPumpkinPatch.
NoneofthiswouldbepossiblewithoutthesupportofthededicatedvolunteersfromboththecommunityandFirstParishChurch.Althoughpreparationbeginslongbefore,theopeningbellringswhenthetractortrailerarrives.OnSeptember28,nearly70volunteersunloaded5000pumpkinsandgourdsand,inrecordtime,setupthePumpkinPatch.OncethePatchwasopenforbusiness,75individualvolunteersworkedover200hourshandlingsales,tendingthepumpkins,collectingmoney,andkeepingtheaccounts.Thetwogreatestchallengeswereoperatingthecreditcardmachineandmakingsurethecandybowlwasfull.(Nearly68poundsofcandycornwereconsumedbeforetheyellowjacketsarrived.)Thevolunteershandledeachchallengewithgraceandgoodwill.Formany,theirfaceswillbecomethefaceofFirstParish.
Althoughthefinalfiguresarenotyetavailable,earlyindicationsarethatthePumpkinPatchhasbeensuccessful.TheincomederivedfromthisfundraisersupportsthemissionandministryofFirstParishChurchdirectlythroughafinancialcommitmenttosupportmissioninitiativesandindirectlybyhelpingtofundoperatingexpenses.Amoredetailedreportwillbesharedatalaterdate.
Withheartfeltgratitudeforallyourefforts,
RichardLeigh,ChrisBriley,BobandJoanneMyers
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WORSHIPANDMUSICNOVEMBER2019
Sunday,November3,2019
Communion“SineNomine”-SanctuaryChoir
Sunday,November10,2019
9:15amHymnSing“ThisDayofGladness”–Handbells“IThankYou,Lord”–SanctuaryChoir
Sunday,November17,2019
“APsalmofHopeandStrength”–SanctuaryChoir
Sunday,November24,2019GratitudeSunday
“TreasuresinHeaven”-SanctuaryChoirThanksgivingDinnerofGratitude
10:45am
Tuesday,November26,2019CelebrationofPraiseandThanksgiving
7pmSanctuaryChoir,SweetSpirit,Handbells
A T T E N D A N C E October2019Worship10/6/19:12910/13/19:12610/20/19:15410/27/19:154
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AViewfromtheBench
WaybackwhenIwasinhighschool,Isangforthreeyearswithanauditionedchoirandorchestracalled“TheGreaterBostonians”—aspecialprogramtelevisedinthespringandsponsoredbyWHDH-TV.Oneofthemembersofthechoircomposedandperformedherownsong,“SummerTurnstoAutumn.”Theprofessionalarrangementofhermelody,lyrics,andharmonieswasbreathtaking,butthewordsIrememberbestwere:“…sunning’s[is]out,reflecting’s[is]in.”Ofcourse,“reflecting”referredtoholdingatrifoldmirroratchest-levelatmid-dayduringthefalltocapturetheraysofthesun,andreflectthemtoyourfacetoretainyourhealthysummertan.AsbelieversinthegoodnessofGod,we“reflect”onthepast,anticipatethefuture,andtrytoliveourbestlivesinthepresent.WepraythewordsthatJesusgaveusto“…forgiveusourdebts,andleadusnotintotemptation,butdeliverusfromtheEvilOne.”WereflectonallthegiftsthatGodhasgivenus.AndwearesogratefulforthosethatBillandNancyPurintonofferedFirstParishfornearly20years:BillasaloyaltenorsingerinthechoirandtheBowTieGuys,andNancyasthededicatedchoirmothertothechildren’schoir.ThanksbetoGodfortheirfaithfulserviceandalltheterrifichomemadesnacksthat"Mrs.P."bakedforbothchildrenandadults!Lookingtothefuture,wehaveaverybusymusicalmonthahead.WecelebrateHolyCommuniononSunday3November—thesamedaythatDaylightSavingTimeends.So,turnyourclocksbackonehouronSaturdaynight…oryoumightarriveforworshiponSundaymorningandenjoythesanctuarychoirwarmingup!TheBowTieGuyswillbeperformingcommunityoutreachbysingingatYorkHighSchoolonSaturday9Novemberat10AMaspartofanElderDayprogramsponsoredbytheYorkParksandRecreation.ThehandbellchoirwillbeperformingamusicalofferingonSunday10November.FirstParishwillhosttheannualconcertofPraiseandThanksgivingonTuesday26Novemberat7PM.ItwillbeledbymembersoftheYorkclergy,andwillfeaturemusicbythechoirsofSt.George’s,theYork-OgunquitUnitedMethodist,andFirstParishChurches,plustheSeacoastCommunityChorus.Bewell…reflectwithgratitudeonthepast,workforpeaceinthepresent,andprayfortheneedsofthefuture.Staywarmandloving…becauseLOVEalwayswins.Seeyouinchurch!WSP
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
HAPPENINGS
November 2019 NewsfromOctoberThechildrenandyouthofSundaySchoolandNurseryparticipatedin2missionprojectsinOctober:HeiferInternational-LoosechangefromSeptemberwenttoHeiferInternational.TheSundaySchoolwillbechoosingagiftofanimalstodonatetoHeiferinthenextfewweeks.CenterforWildlife,CapeNeddick-OurannualcupcakesalewasheldonOctober13atcoffeehour.Thecupcakesweredecoratedasbats,owls,andturtles.AdonationwillbemadetotheCenterforWildlifeintheformof"AdoptanAmbassador"programattheCenter.Thechildrenandyouthwillchoosewhichambassadorstoadoptinthenextfewweeks.ThankyoutothegreatgenerosityofthemembersandfriendsofFirstParishforyourdonationstoeachoftheseorganizations.Ifyouwouldliketoparticipateindividuallyinhelptosupportthesetwogroups,herearetheirwebsites:HeiferInternational:www.heifer.org/catalog
CenterforWildlife:WWW.THECENTERFORWILDLIFE.ORGManyfolksliketosupportthesetwoorganizationsatthistimeofyearaspartoftheirChristmasgiving.Youwillfinditisveryrewarding!Thankyou!SundaySchoolClassesareforstudentsingradesPreK-7thgrade,with3differentclassesaccordingtogradeandage.ThechildrenandyouthattendworshipthroughtheChildren'sMomentwhentheyleaveforSundaySchool.NurseryWehaveanexcellentnurseryforchildrenunder4yearsofageeveryinthedownstairsloungeoftheSanctuaryduringworship.Itisstaffedby3trained,lovingcaregivers:Sabrina,Bailey&Linda.Comedownandmeetthem!MissionProjectWewillhelpoutwiththeGratitudeSundayTurkeyDinner afterchurchonNovember24th. WecontinueourregularSundaySchoolclassesinNovemberfromour"HeartofGod"programandour"BeBold"program.Bringafriend!Allarewelcome!JanetCassidySundaySchoolCoordinator
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You are invited JoinUseveryWednesdaymorning9:30am-10:30am
intheParlorinFellowshipHall.
Weinviteallwomentojoinusforafriendly,lay-ledjourneyofdiscoveryintotheBible.Wefollowthelectionary,sothatwecanread,reviewandtrytointerpretwhatthenextSunday’sreadingandmessagewillchallengeustodo.Foraslongasmostofuscanremember12–15womenhavemeteveryWednesdayforBibleStudy,FellowshipandSupport.Wearecontinuingasbeforebutnowwewillmeetat9:30am-10:30am.TheGospelreadingfromtheLectionaryforNovemberisasfollows:November6(forSundayNovember10) Luke20:27-38November13(forSundayNovember17) Luke21:5-19November20(forSundayNovember24) Luke23:33-43
ComejoinourjoyfulgroupofwomenonWednesdays.Justbringyourbibleandyourself;nopriorexperienceneeded.
FormoreinformationcontacttheParishOffice207-363-3758
ConversationsontheBibleJointheconservationonWednesdayeveningsfrom5pmto6pmintheparloradjacenttothekitcheninFellowshipHall.Theconversationsareledbymembersofthegroup,astheyarewilling;but,thankstothegenerosityoftheChristianEducationCommittee,thegroupisusingaListenUp!BibleStudyguideonLukedevelopedbytheUnitedChurchofChristtoprovideaframework.Fromtheintroductiontotheguide:God’swordisalive.Godwillalwayshavesomethingnewtosay.That’swhythepurposeoftheListenUp!SeriesisnotsimplylearninginformationabouttheBible.ItishearingGodspeak.Thereisadifference.IntheseBiblestudies,youwillbeencouragedtolisten:listentotheBible,listentoyourownquestionsandresponses,andlistentothehonestsharingamongparticipantsinyourstudygroup.TrustinginthepoweroftheHolySpirit,webelievethatinthemixofbiblicaltext,personalengagement,andhonestspeakingandlistening,God’swordmaybeheard,speakingwordsofchallengeandwordsofcomfort.JointheconversationaswelearnaboutLuke,aphysicianbyprofession,oneoftheearliestconverts,missionarycompaniontoPaul,andauthoroftheGospelofLukeandthebookofActs.StudyguidesareavailableinthefoyerofthechurchofficeorontheopportunitytableinFellowshipHall.ThegroupwillnotmeetonWednesday,October30,butwillresumethefollowingWednesday.We’llbeusingLesson2asaconversationstarter.Curiousbutnotsure?Feelcomfortabletotryitonforsize.Wanttousethestudyguideindependently?Besuretopickoneup.Allarewelcome—wheneverandhoweveritworksforyou!
Formoreinformation,calloremailBoborJoanneMyers(207)351-2769,[email protected]@live.com.
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FirstParishYouthGroups–November2019
YouthGrouphasbeenbusythroughoutOctoberwithcookingexperiments,volunteerwork,high-energygamesandchallenges,role-playing,andcriticalthinking!Andwearen’tdoneyet!YouthGroupwillbegoingstrongthroughearlyDecemberthisseason,havingfun,facingchallenges,discoveringourfaith,servingothers,andtakingpartinuniqueopportunitiesofallsorts.WeofferYouthGroupsfor5th/6thGrades,7th/8thGrades,and9th-12thGrades.You’llfindourcurrentupcomingschedulebelow.Allarewelcome,andfriendsfromoutsidechurcharealwaysencouragedtojoininthefun,fellowship,andformation!Formoredetails,togetontoourEmaillistforscheduleupdates,toregister,ortosignupforevents,contact:[email protected],ifyou’reinterestedinjoiningourteamofvolunteerswhohelpsuperviseouryouthactivitiesonarotatingbasis(andyoucanpassabackgroundcheck!),PastorDanwouldbehappytotalkwithyou!It’saneasyandfunwaytobeinvolvedintheworkofourchurchwithchildrenandfamilies.IndividualYouthServedinOctober:23Friday,November15:30–7:30)5th–8thGradesAnimalShelterServiceProject(FellowshipHall)JointogetherwithYouthGroupsfromotherchurchestodosomeservicesupportingalocalanimalshelter,andlearnmoreabouttheworksheltersdoforallGod’scritters.Sunday,November101:00–3:30)9th–12thGradesServiceProjectTBD(LocationTBD)Stillafewironsinthefirebeforewecanannounceexactlywhatwe’llbedoing,butwewillbevolunteeringforacoupleofhourstosupportourchurchandcommunity!MoredetailstocomeviaEmail.Friday,November155:30–6:45)5th–6thGradesHideandSeekAdventures(startingattheFellowshipHall)7:00–9:00)7th–8thGradesMiddleSchoolCookingCompetition(FellowshipHallkitchen)Afuncompetitiontoseewhichteamscangetcreativeandmakesomethingtastyoutoftheingredients/recipes/toolsyou’regiven.Nopriorcookingexperiencenecessary.Free-willdonationstohelpcoverthecostofingredientsgratefullyaccepted.
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NURSERYCAREisprovidedeverySundayforinfantsandchildrenunder4yearsofageduringourworshipserviceonSundays.ThenurseryislocateddownstairsintheSanctuary.Comeandmeetouramazingnurserystaff–Sabrina,BaileyandLinda.
Sunday,November241:00–3:30)9th–12thGradesMovie,Munchies,andM…isscusion?Monversation?(ParishHouseoffices)Togetherwe’llwatchafilmorTVepisode,anddiscussasagroupthereal-worldissues,themes,andquestionsitraisesinitsviewers,engagingwithplotelementsfromethical,practical,andspiritualperspectives.Popcorn,soda,andmovietheatresnackswillbeprovided!Filmchoiceanddetailstocome,butIpromiseitwon’tbeboring!
FELLOWSHIPHALLFRONTENTRYPROJECT
FundraisingGoal$12,000ReceivedToDate$8870
WehaveanissuewiththeentrancetoFellowshipHall.Inordertomakeitaccessibletoall,andeasiertomaneuver,wewillbebuildinganewrampandre-constructingtheentry.YOUcanbeapartofthesolution!DONATIONSAREGRATEFULLYAPPRECIATEDPleaseMarkGifts:“FellowshipHallEntryProject.”YoumayputChecksintheCollectionPlateormailthemtotheOffice.PutCashinaPewBackEnvelopeorbringittotheOffice.EnterCreditCardinformationasnotedonthePewBackEnvelopes.ThankyouonbehalfofallwhouseFellowshipHallformeetings,coffeehour,specialevents,Biblestudy,receptions,etc.
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NovemberBookGroupJoinustodiscussZenandtheArtofMotorcycleMaintenance,Wednesday,November20thfrom11AM-12NoonintheWheelerRoomattheYorkPublicLibrary.Itisrecommendedtoreadthebookinadvanceofourmeeting.Formoreinfo,contactPastorDanat363-3758
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FellowshipInActionFellowshipOutings
DriveThroughNativityAftermuchdiscussionanddeliberation,theChurchCouncilvotedtoplacetheDriveThroughNativityeventonaoneyearhiatus.DuringthistimeaStudyTeamwillcreativelyaddresstheefficienciesoftheDTNinordertoimprovetheprocess.ThoseinterestedinparticipatingontheStudyTeampleasecontactThomKearnsat508-221-8003orbyemailattkearns@capecod.net
SundayDecember29
Epiphany,theholidaythatmarksthearrivalofthethreekingsatthestable,takesplaceafterChristmas.ItmayhavebeenuptotwoyearsbeforethewisemenarrivedatJesus'residence.Thisyear,CrecheSundayismovingtotheSundayafterChristmasandwewillcelebratewithanewexperience.Insteadoftraditionalworshipinthesanctuary,onDecember29,yourpastorsanddeaconsinviteyoutoenjoybrunchinFellowshipHall!
We'llservealovelybrunch,singallofourfavoriteChristmasCarols,andsharehopesandprayersforthenewyear...allthewhilesurroundedbytreasuredfamilycrechedisplays.Thismaywellbecomeanewholidaytradition!Familymembersandguestsareallwelcome.WewillinviteRSVPsinDecember.Pleasesavethedatenow!
WreathsandGreensisfastapproaching,December7tobeexact!Wewillhaveahandcraftstableagainthisyearandwouldlovetohavehomemadecraftsofanykind.Ifyousew,quilt,knit,hook,makethingsfromwood,oranyothercraft,pleaseconsiderdonatinganitemoritemstothisyear’sWreathsandGreensandMoreevent.
Formoreinformationcontact?SusanMancinelli
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CREATIONCARECOMMITTEENEWS
SavetheDateYorkReadyFor100%presentingmovie“Tomorrow”onFriday,November8at7PM.Howlocalactionscanmakeaglobaldifference.GreggNorris(MIT/tirepressure)ispresenting“FootprintstoHandprints”atthelibraryTuesday,November12at7PM.CalculatingYOURcarbonfootprintandwhattodowiththatinfo.Greatnews!WereceivedourfirstbagofDIRT(compost)fromallthecompostingyouhavedonesinceApril!Itwasspreadongardensandlawnsonchurchproperty.Youshouldbethrilledattheresponsewehavegotten!Thatbeautifulcompostbinnowgetsemptiedweeklyinsteadoftwiceamonth!Thankyou!!AsofJanuary2020thisexpensewillbepaidforbytheMissionBudget.VillageFaireCCCtable!Wesoldover50meshbagsandvariousothergreenitems.HugethankstoJanHendersonandherhelpers.MaureenMonsen(YCSAFoodPantry)reportsthattheregularpatronsoftheFoodPantryarehappywiththemeshproducebagstheMissionTeam/CCC/FPCdonatedtothem.Theyareusingthematthepantryandastheyshopforgroceries.Wedonatedover150bags.DidyouknowGoGoRefilljustopenedthisyearinSouthPortland64EStreet?Theyhavepackage-freecrayons,shampoobars,refillabledetergent,bambootoothbrushes,etc.available.PortsmouthHealthFoodat151CongressStreetinPortsmouth,alsohasawonderfulvarietyofgreenproducts.Christmaspresentscanaffordteachablemoments!!Nudgesaregood!
Becomingecumenicalinoureffortsisstilloneofourgoals.Staytuned!JoinusforournextmeetingNovember3at10:45AM.
Wewillbefinishinguponour2019allocationsandbudgetinNovember.Wearegratefulforallthefolksthatvolunteered,perhapsforthefirsttime,withTableofPlentyteams,YorkCommunityServicesThriftStoreandofcoursethosethathaveoffered
helptosomeonewithinourdoorsthroughMission@Home.WehopetobeapartoftheAmericorpVistaprogram,affiliatedwithYorkReadyfor100%,astheybeginaweatherizationprogramhereinYorkCounty.Theywillbedoingenergyaudit-likeworktodeterminehowwecanhelpfolksweatherizetheirhomes.Hopingtobeabletoplugintohelpingtomakewindowinserts.
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Missions:CommonHopeNovemberisatimeofthanksgivingnotonlyhereinourextremelyblessedlandbutalsoinGuatemalawhereourmissionpartner,FamiliasdeEsperanza(CommonHope)hasfaithfullylaboredtoupliftchildrenandtheirfamiliesforover33years.THANKSGIVING:ItisgraduationGuatemalanchildrenenrolledinschooleventuallygraduatehighschool.ForthoseaffiliatedwithCommonHopethepercentageismuchhigher,arecentstatisticbeingbetween70%-80%.THANKSGIVING:ThetwostudentsourchurchsupportsthroughourmissionsbudgetarecompletinganotheryearofschoolattheendofNovember.CeciliaMaribelLazis15andisfinishinggrade9.YahirTorres,whowillbe12onNovember12,willcompletegrade5.Pleaseknowthereisrejoicinginthesechildren’sfamiliesforthiswonderfulprogress.Theycanrejoicebecauseofyourgiftsanprayers.Weshouldberejoicingaswell.RalphWaldoEmersonwrote“Toknowevenonelifehasbreathedeasierbecauseyouhavebelieved,thisistohavesucceed.”Paraphrasingthosewords:toknowevenoneGuatemalanchildhasmadeitthroughanotheryearofschoolorhasgraduatedintoabrighterfutureistohavesucceededindoingtheworkofJesus.THANKSGIVING:CommonHope’shousingprogramismovingtowarditsgoalfor2019tobuild30homes,suchastheonevolunteersfromFirstParishassistedinconstructingthispastJanuary.Wewere10ofover300volunteerswhogaveoftheirtime,talentandtreasureto“bringsafe,healthyspacetoGuatemalanfamilieswho(chose)toearntheirnewhome”.THANKSGIVING:Beginnings(commencements),endings(anothergradecompleted)andthefuture(achancetoserveagain).IhavebeenhumbledbytheprivilegetogowithtwoVisionTeams(2017,2019)workingwithCommonHopeandalongsideGuatemalanfamilies.Iamnotsurewhyittookalmost70yearsformyhearttobechallengedandchangedasithasbeen.SomehaveaskedifwewillgoagainandtheMissionsCommitteehassuggested2021.Thatmeansthetimetobeginplanningisnow,for2020wouldbeayearofpreparation.Iamthankfulforwhatisstilllefttodoandaskifyouwillprayerfullyconsidergivingalittleofyourselftoreceivesomuchmore.PhilWoodman
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Fun, Fabulous and a Great Workout! Friendly Exercise for All in our Community
Fitness Classes – Zumba, Yoga and Aerobics 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
ComeOneComeAll!FirstParishChurch
AnnualWreaths,Greens&MoreSale
Saturday,December7th9AMto12NooninFellowshipHall
Beautifullydecorated&undecoratedwreaths,swags,tablecenterpieces,decoratorpots,bakedgoods,craftsandmorewillbeforsale!
WewillneedhelponThursday,December5;Friday,December6andSaturday,December7makingandselling.Ifyouhaveredwinterberries,hollyorboxwoodpleasedropthemoffunderthestairsbehindFellowshipHallbyWednesday,December4.
IfyouareinterestedinhelpinginanywaypleasecontactMarthaatmarthasgarden207@gmail.com
363-7344Thankyouforyourdedicationandhelpthatmakesthe"work"days
andsalesomuchfun!
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CHURCHSAFETYHappyNovembereveryone!Theholidaysarecoming,lotsofactivitiesandeventsarestartingtoappearonthechurchcalendarasweallcometogethertocelebratethesedaysandweeks.Asthehymnsays"allaresafelygatheredin…”andsoanupdateonsomeoftheworkbeingdonebythesafetycommittee.AtourmeetingthefirstweekofOctober,wecheckedoutthenewwalkie-talkiesthathavebeenpurchasedforourchurchuse.Astheadagegoes,communicationisthekeytosomanythings!Alongthatline,andlookingatourdiverseareas-theSanctuary,NurseryandtheSundayschoolatFellowshipHall-wewantedmoreimmediatecommunicationavailablewhenpeoplearegatheringindifferentareas.OnSundaymornings,thedeaconsinthesanctuary,thenurserydownstairsandtheSundayschooloveratFellowshiphallwillallhaveawalkie-talkieonthesamefrequencyandthereforeabletocommunicateanyneedorrequestinrealtime,withapromptresponse.Itcouldbeasmallchildinneedofamomordadsighting,amedicalneedbyachildoradult,orananswertoaquestion.Alwaysagoodfeelingtoknowthere’ssomeonetocallwhocananswerrightaway!Fromamoremechanicalsafetyperspective,thedooratthebottomofthestairwayinthechurchwillbesecuredoncetheserviceonSundaymorninghasbegun.Ifsomeoneneedstousethebathroomlocateddownstairs,thedeaconssittingatthebackofthesanctuaryhavethekeyandareabletomakethatreadilyavailable.Thisdoorisopenedfromtheinsideatanytimebymeansofapushbarsocomingupthestairsandoutsideorintothesanctuaryatanytimeiseasilydone.Inthisnewsletteryouwillfindarequestforcontactinformation,hopefullytobecompletedbyeveryone,andusedintheeventofamedicaldifficultyoremergency.Thisinformationwillbereturnedtothechurchofficeandkeptwhereitisprivatebutavailabletoourpastors,ifthepersonexperiencingtheeventisnotabletocommunicateandtheirfamilyorfriendsneedtobenotified.Again,communicationissoimportantandthisisawaytosimplifyandexpediteit.Inthatsamevein,itwouldbeveryhelpfulifanyonewithmedicaltraining(EMT,paramedic,physician,nurseetc.)wouldpleaseidentifythatintheircontactinformation.Someinthecongregationweareawarehaveamedicalbackground,buttheremaybe(andprobablyare!)thosewearenotawarehavemoremedicalknowledge.Anotherwaywecanlookafterourselvesandeachother.Thedayswillcontinuetoloselightaswinterapproaches,butinourchurchandwithinourcongregationthelightremainsbrightandstrong.Imayberushingtheseasonalittle(forgiveme!!)butIsay“AndGodblessuseveryone!”Respectfully,JerriLeConte
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Thisyear’sstewardshiptheme,“Iamtheway…”takesshapefromthispassageinJohn14:6,whenJesussaidtoThomas:“Iamtheway,thetruth,andthelife.NoonecomestoGodexceptthroughme.”WeshareaparticularwayofbeingChristianandbeingchurch.Wearenotalone.TheearlyChristianmovementwasknowninternallyaswellastoitspersecutorsattheWay(Acts9).Thelifeoffaithisawayofbeinghuman,awayofinterpreting,awayofpracticing,andawayofliving.
•ThewisdomtraditionofthefaithoftenspokeoftheWay.Godwatchesoverthewayoftherighteous.(Psalm1:6)•TheprophetictraditionofthefaithalsoreferstofaithasaWay.PreparethewayofourGod,makestraightinthedesertahighwayforourGod(Isaiah40)•JesusreferstohimselfandhiscommitmenttoacruciformWayoflifeas,“Iamtheway….”(John14:6)•PauladvisingtheearlychurchinCorinthbeingtornasunderwithdivisioncounselsthatinthewayoflove,hewouldshowthem“amoreexcellentway.”(ICorinthians12:31)
Youareinvitedtoreflectonthissharedwayandhowweindividuallyandcollectivelyarestewardsofthisway.Stewardingyourfaithcommunitybypledgingyoursupportallowsthechurchtoplanthewayforward.And,thisyear,beremindedthatgivingisawaytoparticipateinachurchcommunitystrivingtoliveinsuchawaythatthereignofGodbecomesrealineachofusandisextendedtoothersthroughus.Forindeed,thejourneytogenerosityisthewayofJesus.YouwillbereceivingaletterduringthefirstweekofNovemberfromtheStewardshipCommitteewithanestimateofgivingcardaskingyoutoprayerfullyconsiderhowyouwillsharewhatGodhasprovidedforyouintheongoingmissionofourchurch.Atimeandtalentformisalsoincludedsoyoucantelluswhereyourinterestslieandyourservicescanbestbeused.ThiswillbetheonlyletteryouwillreceivefromtheStewardshipCommitteeduringthisyear’sStewardshipcampaign.Pleasereturntheestimateofgivingcardandthetimeandtalentformintheenclosedenvelope,completetheformsonthewebsite,orbringtheenvelopewithyoutoworshiponNovember24,GratitudeSunday.AfterworshipthatdaywealsoinviteeveryonetoattendourmealofgratitudeinFellowshipHall.Whenwecommittime,talent,moneyandotherresourcestochurchorworld,wealsosymbolizesomethingthatgoesbeyondtheactualimmediateaction.WerepresentthecommitmentofourwholelivestothevaluesandpracticesofGod.StewardshipCommittee,JalmarDijkstra,BobMyers,SandyNelson
STEWARDSHIPCOMMITTEE
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HelpingThroughLooseChangeYorkFamilyFundwillbetherecipientofyourloosechangecollectedduringthemonthofNovember.Theboxesforcollectingtheloosechangearelocatedbyeachdoorinthenarthexoutsideofthesanctuary.
ThanksgivingDinnerofGratitudeHostedbytheStewardshipCommittee
Sunday,November24thFollowingWorshipPleasejoinusforthethirdannualThanksgivingDinnerofGratitudehostedbytheStewardshipCommitteeandVolunteerChefsofFirstParishChurch.MarkyourcalendarsnowandplantojoinyourfaithcommunityforThanksgiving.Lastyear’sjoyfuleventfeaturedexceptionalfood,
hospitalityandagenerosityofspirityouwon’twanttomissthisNovember.Plantocome.
TheFLOWERCOMMITTEEisaskingfordonationsfortheHarvestTableonSunday,November24th.Pumpkins,gourds,freshvegetablesandanythingelsethatseemssuitable.EverythingisdonatedtothefoodbankorusedindonationbasketstothecommunityafterSundayservice.DonationscanbeleftintheParishOfficeMonday-Friday9am-2pmorinthedropboxoutsidetheParishHouseofficedoor.THANKYOU!
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COMMUNITYPARTNERSPleasewelcomeMollyAgrimson,amemberofAmeriCorpsShewillbeworkingasanenergyefficiencycoordinatorforthetownofYork.We'redelightedtowelcomehertotheFirstParishCampuswhereshe'llhaveadeskinaFellowshipHallclassroom.
Thisyear,Mollywillbefocusedonfourmainprojects.Thefirstisthatshewillbegoingintothehomesoflow-incomefamiliesandmakingbehavioralandtechnicalchangestotheirlivingareapromotingenergyefficiency,suchasinstallinginsulatedwindowinsertsandchangingtheirlightbulbstoLED.ShewillalsobeholdingtwowindowbuildeventswhereshewillbeworkingwithacompanycalledWindowDressersandcreatingtheinsulatedwindowinserts.Forthis,shewillneedagroupofvolunteerstohelpateachbuild.Inaddition,shewillbeplanningtwogreen
jobfairsandtwoenergyefficiencyeducationevents.
ShejustmovedherefromPortland,OregonandrecentlygraduatedfromOregonStateUniversitywithadegreeinenvironmentalsociology.Sheisstilltryingtogettoknowthearea,soifyouhaveanyadditionalresources,contacts,orareinterestedinvolunteering,[email protected].
BookStipendfor1styear,2ndSemesterCollegeStudentsMembersofFirstParishChurchwhoare1styearcollegestudents
intheir2ndsemesterofstudyareeligiblefora“onetime”bookstipendfromtheDiaconate.
TheamountallottedwillbedeterminedbytheDeaconsafterreviewingtheapplications.
ApplicationsavailableintheParishOfficeandOpportunityTableoremailoffice@firstparishyork.netDeadlineDecember13,2019
RecipientswillreceivechecksbymailinJanuary
IN MEMORIAM NORMANFORDING
May16,1929–October3,2019
20COMMUNITYEVENTS&INFORMATION
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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
COMMUNITYEVENTS&INFORMATIONCONTINUED
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Series Calendar
Nov. 10, 2019, 4-6pm: “Votes for Women” Celebration.
Jan. TBD, 2020: Talk on Suffrage in Maine, Anna Gass
Feb. 9, 3pm: Movie, “Iron Jawed Angels”, YPL
Mar. 21: Scholarly Talk, Kabria Baumgartner, “From Sojournor Truth to Ayanna Presley: Lifting as We Climb”. YPL
April TBD: Discussion-York Reads: “The Woman’s Hour,” by Elaine Weiss. YPL
May 8, 3pm: Artist Robert Shetterly reception & exhibit. “Americans Who Tell the Truth”, through June, YPL.
Sept. TBD: Panel discussion on contemporary women’s voting issues.
Get the latest updates and details on specific events,
on our website at: www.YorkDiversityForum.org
Votes for Women: A Celebration of Heroines“When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one portion of the family of man to assume among the people of the earth a position different from that they have hitherto occupied.. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal.” [Be it] “Resolved: That it is the duty of the women of this coun-try to secure to themselves their sacred right to the elective franchise.” (Elizabeth Cady Stanton, 1848)
The road to ratification was fraught with obstacles. It took seven decades to win ratification of the 19th Amendment, which prohibits states from denying women the right to vote.
In 1894, Susan B Anthony predicted that once won, “everybody will think it was always so...They have no idea of how every single inch of ground that she stands upon today has been gained by the hard work of some little handful of women of the past.”
The 100th Anniversary is the perfect time to memorialize the path to women’s suffrage. York Diversity Forum is pleased to present “Votes for Women,” a multimedia series looking at the struggles, triumphs, and heroines that led to securing women the right to vote.
Join us on November 10th for the series kickoff celebration with stories, food, and music at the Old York Museum Center, 3 Lindsay Rd, York, 4-6pm. Special program begins at 4:30 - Don’t miss it!
COMMUNITYEVENTS&INFORMATIONCONTINUED
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 8:30am Aerobics 5:30pm Youth Group 5-8
2
3 9:30am Worship/Communion 10:45am CCC Meeting 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 5p Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
4 8am Zumba 5:30pm Mission Committee Meeting
5 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 6pm Pastoral Relations Committee Meeting
6 8:30am Zumba 9:30am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Bible Conversations 7pm Search Committee Meeting
7 8:30am Aerobics 9am Builds & Grounds Committee Meeting 4pm Nominating Committee Meeting 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
8 8:30am Aerobics
9
10 9:15am Hymn Sing 9:30amWorship/Steardship Sunday 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 1pm Youth Group 9-12 5pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
11 8am Zumba 6:30pm Fellowship in Action Meeting
12 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 6:30pm Assessors Meeting 7pm CCC-York Public Library
13 8:30am Zumba 9:30am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Bible Conversations
14 8:30am Aerobics 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
15 8:30am Aerobics 5:30pm Youth Group 5-6 7pm Youth Group 7-8
16
17 9:30amWorship 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 5pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
18 8am Zumba 6pm Investment & Assessors Meeting
19 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 7pm Deacons Meeting
20 8:30am Zumba 9:30am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Bible Conversations 7pm Search Committee Meeting
21 8:30am Aerobics 4pm Nominating Committee Meeting 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7pm Church Council Meeting
22 8:30am Aerobics
23
24 9:30am Worship/Gratitude Sunday 10:45am Thanksgiving Dinner of Gratitude 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 1pm Youth Group 9-12 5pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
25 8am Zumba
26 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 5pm Celebration of Praise & Thanksgiving
27 8:30am Zumba 9:30am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Bible Conversations
28 8:30am Aerobics THANKSGIVING DAY PARISH OFFICE CLOSED
29 PARISH OFFICE CLOSED
30
THEVILLAGEQUILTERSMeeteveryThursdayat9am
inFellowshipHall.Wearelookingfornewmembers.
ContactAudreyCarmel207-361-4073
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First Parish Church 180 York Street York, ME 03909
November2019Newsletter
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