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180YorkStreetYork,ME03909207-363-3758office@firstparishyork.netwww.firstparishyork.netOfficeHours:Monday-Friday9am-2pm
SharingGoodNews 1MessageModerator 2InspirationalWorship
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LifeChangingExperiences
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Community&World
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Stewardship 17Deacons 18CommunityEvents19Calendar 20
VISIONFollowingtheWayofJesus,weaspiretoauthenticallyinvite,courageouslyinclude,andgenerouslyserveallwithcompassionandgrace.MISSIONFollowingtheWayofJesus,wecelebrateinspirationalworship;createlife-changingexperiencesforchildren,youth,families,andindividuals;andpracticemeaningfulcongregationalcare.Whilerespectingourdiversity,wecourageouslyadvocateforjusticeandmercy,andintentionallyrespondtotheneedsofourcommunityandtheworld.
SHARING GOOD NEWS–JANUARY 2020 Dearfriends,
Overthelastfewweeks,I'vebeenthinkingalotaboutyear-endretrospectivesandnewyear'sresolutions.I'vealsobeenthinkingaboutancientpsalmsbecausethereisapsalmicformulathatlooksbackwardandthenforward.ThePsalmistlooksbackandremindsGodofthewonderfulthingsGodhasdone;apetitionforthefuturefollows;andthepsalmconcludeswithsomepraiseforGod.
It'shumannaturetolookatthepast.Wereflect,sometimeswistfullyasin,'Thosewerethegoodolddays.'andsometimesjoyfullyasin,'ThankGodthingsaredifferentnow!'Onethingiscertain,wecannotliveinthepast.I'vebeenhereforanentireyearnowandI'dliketotakealookbackandthentakeapeekforwardtothepromiseofseedsplanted.
Ihaveseenopenheartsandopenhandsgiving,sharing,cooking,blessing,helping,cleaning,andencouraging.I'veseenallagesandabilitiesjoiningtogethertooffertheministriesofthechurch.I'veseensmilesandtearsandhugsanda“HospitalityMoment”thatbeginsevenbeforethepastorfinishesintroducingit.
ManyofourundertakingswereacommunaleffortandIamgratefultothosewhoparticipated!Inadditiontoalloftheregularandongoingboardandcommitteework,wealsohadanumberofspecialventures.ThankyoutothefolkswhowereapartofthePumpkinPatch,VillageFaire,ThursdayWorship,Wreaths&Greens,SummerConcerts,BeachCleanups,ChristmasintheVillage,ParadeHospitality,EcumenicalTurkeyDinner,LeadershipRetreat,MissionTrip,Kids'Camp,GratitudeLunch,andtheLandAgreementprocess.Overthelastyear,westartedaBookGroup,participatedinPortsmouthPride,andupdatedourSafeChurchpolicy(moreinfotocomefromPastorDan).We'vealsobegunanewCreationCareCommittee,anad-hocSecurityTeam,andaVitalityTeam(seeSueWierzba'sarticleinthisnewsletter). (continuedonpage2)
THE MESSENGER
First Parish Church
Congregational
United Church of Christ
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CHURCHCOUNCILMINUTESAVAILABLEONLINEFirstParishChurchhasapasswordprotectedmembersectiononourwebsite,www.firstparishyork.net,whereChurchCouncilmeetingminutesandcorrespondingattachmentsareposted.Togettheusernameandpassword,callthechurchofficeat363-3758between9amand2pm,MondaythroughFriday.Becausethissitestoresonlyapprovedminutes,thereisaonemonthdelayinpostingapprovedminutes.Thankyoufornotsharingpasswordinformationwithinanemailorbeyondmembers.
MessagefromtheModerator
Enteringanewcalendaryearcanbecomplicated.Likestandingatacloseddoor,youcanlookoveryourshoulderandseewhereyouhavebeen,butuntilyouopenthatdoor,youdon’tknowwhatliesahead.Thiscanbedaunting–evenscary.Beforeyouopenthatdoor,youcantaketimetoreflectonthejourneythatgotyouthere.InJanuary,2019FirstParishwelcomedRev.EstelleMargaronesasourInterimPastortofaithfullyleadFirstParishuntilaSettledPastoriscalled.Thispastyearweworkedhardasacongregationtorespectandunderstandourhistory.WevotedtoapproveandencouragedthevotersinYorktoalsovotetoacceptalandownershipagreementbetweenFirstParishandthetownofYork.WithfaithinGod’sguidance,FirstParishleadershipdevelopedaSafeChurchPolicy.ACreationCareCommitteeevolved,Newgrouplearningopportunitieswereoffered,aChurchVitalizationeffortwaslaunched.Lookingoveryourshoulder,thislistofreflectionscouldgoon,butyourhandisonthatknobreadytoopenthedoor.Whatliesahead?Whowilloursettledpastorbe?WilltherebeagroundbreakingforourTownHallneighbor?Willourcongregationcontinuetogrow,welcomingall?RalphWaldoEmersonadvisedwe“beanopenerofdoors.”Godwillhelpusliveintowhowewanttobe.Turntheknob,openthedoor,andtogetherlet’sbegintodiscoverwhatHehasinstoreforusin2020.JanJonas,Moderator
(continuedfrompage1)2019wasabusy,enriching,andsimplygloriousyear!Inthespiritofthepsalms,Iofferthisprayer:OGod,IthankyouforyoursteadfastcareofFirstParish--congregantsandcongregation.ThankyouforinspiringusandshapingusintotheBodyofChristforthistimeandplace.Weresolvetocontinuetobeyourpeopleandwehopetodraweverclosertoyou.IaskthatyoublessallministrythatFirstParishwilloffer2020.Please,Lord,touchtheheartofthenextsettledpastorandbringthatpastorheresothatsheorheandthechurchmaybetogetherinholycovenant.Youaretheholderofholyhopeandthesealerofholypromisesandweasacommunityaregrateful!Peace,Rev.Estelle
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SEARCHCOMMITTEEUPDATETheSearchCommitteehasrecentlysubmittedtheprofileforournextSeniorPastortotheMaineUCCConferencefortheirreview.Theteamhasspentmanyhoursdiscussingandanalyzingthedatafromourchurch-widesurveyandthesmallfocusgroupsthatweheldbackinthespring.Wearemovingonwardinthenextstepsinthesearchprocess,whicharegettingthefinalizedChurchProfileandtheProspectusdocumentsapprovedbytheMaineUCCandpostedontheirwebsite.Thiswillallowavailablepastorstoapplyforthisgreatopportunity.Wewantedtosharealittlebitoftheprofiledocumentwithyou(seebelow),soyoucanseewhatwehavebeenworkingthoughoverthepastseveralmonths.Ifyouhavequestionswiththisprocess,pleasefeelfreetoreachouttooneofthesearchcommitteemembers.Blessingsfromyoursearchteam,JonnSchrimper,PerJones,SherryMcConnell,CherylPinder,NelsonWalter,JohnCovino,JerriLeConte,LauraLindop,ScottStevensWherewearegoing:WeatFirstParishChurchcompriseawarm,welcominggroup.SeveralnewmemberssaythattheychoseFirstParishbecausetheyfeltwelcomedfromtheirfirstvisit.We’reblessedtohaveapproximately150worshippersinchurcheachweekandWefeelthatevenmorenewpeoplewillbedrawntousbyourcamaraderie,ouropenness,andourjoy.Wewanteachofthemtosay,“Ineedtocomebackhere!”Weseektobeaplaceforalltoworship.Ofequalimportanceinattractingnewmemberstothechurchhasbeenthehighqualityofwell-craftedsermonsthatarethoughtful,rootedinBiblicalscholarshipandwhichprovideinspiration,spiritualgrowthandmeaningfulguidancetothecongregation.Weareavibrantcongregationandyouwillfindthechurchcampusbuzzingwithactivityallweek.We’refortunatetohavescoresofvolunteerscarryingouttheministryandmissionofthechurchinmanyways.(Youcandoalotwhenyouhavealotofpeopleinvolved…andwedo!)Wearefortunatetohaveahealthyendowmentandnodebt.Evenastheamountofstewardshippledgingunitshasremainedthesame,weprojectasignificantincreaseingiving.Likemanyotherchurches,we’vefacedchallengesalongtheway,butwehavelearnedandgrownfromthoseexperiences.Althoughwefeelthatitisminimal,theredoesexistsomeresidualpainfromissuesinvolvingpaststaffmembers.Wehavebecomeawarethatourfocushasbeenmoreinwardthanoutwardandwehavealreadybeguneffortstoaddressthis.Whilewe’vealwayshadastrongmissionfocus,wehavebeguntopartnerwithotherorganizationsandtobe‘visible’beyondthechurchcampus.Additionally,we’reenthusiasticaboutVitalityeffortsthathavejustbegun.InacongregationalassessmentconductedbyHolyCowconsultants,weweredescribedasbeinga“PastorFocused”church.Weaspiretobecomea“living”churchtobetterserveothersbeyondourwalls,andwelookforwardtohavingourSeniorPastorleadustoeffectivelyrealizethisgoal,butwelacktheknow-howandleadershiptoeffectivelyachievetheseaspirations.
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WequotefromourMissionStatement:Vision:FollowingthewayofJesus,weaspiretoauthenticallyinvite,courageouslyinclude,andgenerouslyserveallwithcompassionandgrace.
Mission:FollowingthewayofJesus,wecelebrateinspirationalworship;createlife-changingexperiencesforchildren,youth,families,andindividuals;andpracticemeaningfulcongregationalcare.Whilerespectingourdiversity,wecourageouslyadvocateforjusticeandmercy,andintentionallyrespondtotheneedsofourcommunityandtheworld.Whatweneedtogetthere:In2016,TheParishandTheChurchwereincorporatedintoa501c3.TheChurchBy-Lawswerere-writtenandaChurchCouncilformofgovernmentwascreated–greatlyimprovingcommunicationbetweenourcommitteesandboards.Weseeksomeonewhowillshowusthewaytooptimizethismodel,allowingthechurchtogrowinahealthyandmoreeffectiveenvironment.WeseekaSeniorPastorwithrecognizedexcellenceinthecontentanddeliveryofsermonsthatarerootedinBiblicalscholarshipandwhichprovideinspiration,spiritualgrowthandmeaningfulguidanceintermsofdealingwithtoday’schallenges.Asacongregation,wetalkalotaboutwhatwewanttodobutforthemostpart,lackthedriveorcommitmenttodowhatitiswesaywewanttodo.Wearestill‘livinginto’ourgovernancestructureandbeginningtoconsiderhowvariousboardsandcommitteescanworktogether.However,arecenteventinthetownconcerningthetrueownershipoflandthatwasgrantedtothechurchinthemid1600’s(andassumedtobeownedbythechurchforthesemanyyears)clearlydemonstratedwhatcanbeachievedwhenchurchmembersaremotivatedandengaged.Ratherthanlitigate,theChurchandTownfeltitbesttoarriveatasettlement.Theacceptanceornon-acceptanceofthatsettlementhadtobevotedonbytownresidents.Itfacedsomeverywell-funded3rdpartyopposition.Asaresultofchurchmembers’becomingtrulyengagedinadvocatingtheacceptanceofthesettlementbyspeakingattownhallmeetings,writingletterstotheeditorofourlocalpaperandmanyotheractions,theChurch/Townsettlementprevailedsignificantlyinasupportivevote.Wedoalotofgoodworkinthechurch,thecommunity,andtheworld.Wewelcomesomeonewhocanhelpussharethisgoodnews!WeseekaSeniorPastorwhowillgraciouslyandcautiouslymoveusoutsideofourcomfortzone,sensitivetothefactthat,astrueNewEnglanders,changedoesnotcomeeasily.WeseekaSeniorPastorwho:•Willguidemembersofthecongregationtobecomeevenmoreeffectiveleadersinachievingourgoals.•Willprovideeffectiveguidancetoengagethecongregationinsteppinguptomeetthefiscalneedsofthechurch,bothinsupportofitsdaytodayneedsaswellasintherealizationofitsmissionwork. (continuedonpage5)
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(continuedfrompage4)•Willserveasanambassadorinthecommunity,workingcollaborativelytoidentifythemosteffectiveopportunitiesforchurchengagementandgrowth.•Willhelpourchurchfamilylearntoresolvedifficultsituationstogether.•Willusescripturetobringrelevancetoeverydaylife.•Will“walkthewalk”throughvibrantenthusiasmforhisorherspiritualbeliefsandstrongpreachingandteachingskills.•WillhelpusfindGodandteachushowtoapplyourbeliefs,bothtoimproveourpersonaleverydaylivesandtoserveourneighbors.•Willbringnewenergywhilevaluingourpasttraditions.•Willworkcollaborativelywithboardsandcommitteesandhelpfostergreaterparticipationand“buy-in”amongchurchmembers.•Willbedetail-orientedandhavemarketingandorganizationalskills,togetherwithanawarenessofsocialmediatohelppromotethiswonderfulchurchlifethatwewanttoshare.
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A T T E N D A N C E December2019
Worship12/1/19:18012/8/19:19812/15/19:13712/22/19:17412/29/19:122
WORSHIPANDMUSIC
JANUARY2020
Sunday,January5,2020Communion/Epiphany“TheWorkofChristmas”
Sunday,January12,2020
FirstSundayAfterEpiphany/9:15HymnSing“CometotheWater”
Sunday,January19,2020
ThirdSundayAfterEpiphanyGospelMusicSunday
SanctuaryChoir,Handbells,BowTieGuys,SweetSpirit
SeacoastCommunityChorusConcert3pm
FirstParishChurch
Sunday,January26,2020FourthSundayAfterEpiphany
“Nia”(“Purpose”)
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WORSHIPANDMUSICDECEMBER2019
Sunday,December1,2019
Communion“SineNomine”-SanctuaryChoir
Sunday,December8,2019
9:15amHymnSing“ThisDayofGladness”–Handbells“IThankYou,Lord”–SanctuaryChoir
Sunday,December15,2019
“APsalmofHopeandStrength”–SanctuaryChoir
Sunday,December22,2019GratitudeSunday
“TreasuresinHeaven”-SanctuaryChoirThanksgivingDinnerofGratitude
10:45am
Tuesday,December24,2019CelebrationofPraiseandThanksgiving
7pmSanctuaryChoir,SweetSpirit,Handbells
AViewFromtheBenchHere’s a portion of a poem by Howard Thurman (1899-1981), a setting of which theSanctuaryChoirwillsingonEpiphany: Whenthesongoftheangelsisstilled,whenthestarintheskyisgone, whenthekingsandprincesarehome,whentheshepherdarebackwiththeirflock, theworkofChristmasbegins:tobringpeaceamongbrothers,tomakemusicfrom theheart. HappyNewYear…andwelcometotheRoaring20’s!Januarycansometimesbea“snow-on-snowbleakmid-winter”month.ButitcanbewarmedsignificantlybytheWordandmusicduringworshipatFirstParish.TheChurchwillcelebratetheEpiphanyandcommuniononthefirstSundayinJanuary,andwillhostthemonthlyhymn-singat9:15AMonthesecondSunday. Honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 19, "Gospel MusicSunday"willfeaturespecialmusicbytheSanctuaryChoir,HandbellChoir,BowTieGuys,andSweetSpirit.OnthesameafternoontheSeacoastCommunityChorus(SCC)willpresentitsWinterConcertinoursanctuaryat3:PM.SeveralmembersoftheSanctuaryChoirsingwithSCC,andtheywillbeperforming“WaterMusic.”Choralselectionswillrepresentmanyformsofwaterinourlives:rivers,streams,theoceans,rain,snow,andevenhail!Ifyoucan’tattendonSunday,SCC’sotherperformancewillbethenightbefore(Jan18)atDoverFirstParishChurch.Finally,duringthesedarkandpotentiallychilly,snowydaysofJanuary,let'srememberthesongoftheChristmasangels: "GlorytoGodinthehighest,andpeacetoGod'speopleonearth!"Staywarmandloving…becauseLoveAlwaysWins!It’sGod’sLAW.WSP
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Safe-ChurchUpdateGreetingsall!PastorDanhere.
Afteralengthyprocessinvolvingagreatdealofresearchandmanydifferenthandsandeyesthroughoutchurchleadershipallbringingtheirownvaluableexperiencestothetable,ChurchCouncilhasvotedtoapproveanewupdatetoFirstParishChurch’sSafe-ChurchPolicy.Alittlebackgroundonwhatthatmeans:“Safe-Church”isatermusedinthebusinesstorefertothepoliciesandproceduresusedbydifferentfaith-basedorganizationstoensurethatyouthandvulnerableadultsareprotectedfromabuse,harassment,andneglectwhileontheorganization’sgroundsoratoneoftheorganization’sprogramsorevents.(Thisisnottobeconfusedwithchurchsecurity;ie.fires,criminalactivity,andthelike.“Safe-Church”isanelementofchurchsafetythatistargetedandfocusedfortheprotectionofthemostvulnerableamongus.)Thelatestversionofourpolicywasapprovedseveralyearsago,anditiscustomarytoupdatethesesortsofthingseveryfewyearsasindustrystandards,legalrequirements,bestpractices,andculturalawarenessevolve.
TheupdatesinthispolicywillnotdirectlyaffectmanypeoplewhocallFirstParishhome.Thelion’sshareofupdatinghasbeentoprotocolmatters,andtakesplacebehindthescenes.Everyonewhoisdirectlyaffected(volunteers,staff,etc.)willbegettingmoreinfosoon.
Copiesofthepolicyinitsentirety,orselectionsofinterest,willbemadeavailabletoanyonewhoasksatthechurchoffice.Manythankstoeveryonewhowasinvolvedinbringingittolife!
IfyouhaveanyquestionsaboutSafe-Churchorthepolicyupdates,PastorDanisagreatplacetostart,oryoucanfeelfreetoreachouttoanyofyourrepresentativesonChurchCouncil!
PastorDanHollis
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
HAPPENINGS
January 2020
AfterabeautifulAdventandChristmasseason,wearethankfulforourmanyblessingsandforourdedicatedteachersofchildren,youthandadultshereatFirstParishChurch.Thereisaspiritofrefreshmentandrenewedcommitmenttoallthatwedotogether.Hereisalistofwhatishappeningin2020andbeyond:NURSERYTherearethreewonderfulcare-giversinournurserydownstairsofthechurch.TheyareSabrinaStephens,BaileyOliver,andLindaFeeney.Careisgiventochildrenupto4yearsoldduringworshipserviceonSundaymornings.Biblestories,games,toys,craftsandevenTeddyBearPicnicsarepartofwhat’stheretoenjoy.Alsosomerockingchairsforjustsitting!SUNDAYSCHOOLCLASSESThereare3classes,allheldinFellowshipHall:PreK-1stgrade-‘HEARTOFGOD”seriesincludingstories,games,crafts,andspecialprojects.HeadteachersareJessScappichioandJanetCassidy2nd-4thgrade-“HEARTOFGOD”seriesincludingstories,games,craftsandspecialprojects.HeadteachersareKristinSchrimper,JonnaDijkstra,andBryceWaldrop.5th-7thgrade-“BEBOLD”seriesincludingdiscussionquestionsandinteractiveparticipationoftopicsofinterestastheseyoungpeoplepursuetheirjourneyoffaithintoday’sworld.HeadTeachersareCherylPinderandAmyBurke.WearealsoveryfortunatetohaveTeachersHelpersthisyearwhoprovidesupportandexperiencetoeachlesson.TheyareSteveScappichio,DavidCox,TracyPepinandChrisBriley.AllofourteachersandhelpershaveundergoneSafeChurchTraining.Weaethankfulforallofthesecommittedpeoplewhoaremakingadifferenceinthelivesofsomanychildrenandyouth.ThankyoualsotoPastorDanforhisleadershipandguidanceinthisministry.CENTERFORWILDLIFEUPDATEThroughourOctoberFundraiserofCupcakesatCoffeeHour,wewereabletoraiseenoughmoneytodonate5“AdoptanAmbassador”scholarshipstotheCenterforWildlifeinCapeNeddick.Thisisaprogramwhereyoucandonate$25tothecareofananimalatthecenterforawholeyear.Youreceiveapictureoftheanimal,informationabouttheirspecies,alittleabouttheirpersonalityandtheirstoryofhowtheycametobeattheCenter.Andthebestthingisyoucanvisitthem!ANYONEcandothis,andifyouareinterested,pleasevisittheirwebsiteatthecenterforwildlife.org.Anewmulti-milliondollaradditionisbeingbuiltandshouldopeninJune.Thankyoutoeveryone!JanetCassidySundaySchoolCoordinator
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ConversationsontheBibleConversationsresumeonWednesday,January8from5to6pmintheparloradjacenttothekitcheninFellowshipHall.ThegrouphasbeenusingaListenUpBibleStudyGuide,createdbytheUCC,tohelpfacilitatelay-ledconversationsontheGospelofLuke.ThefocusonJanuary8willbeLuke7:36-9:27.Fromtheintroductiontotheguide:God’swordisalive.Godwillalwayshavesomethingnewtosay.That’swhythepurposeoftheListenUp!SeriesisnotsimplylearninginformationabouttheBible.ItishearingGodspeak.Thereisadifference.IntheseBiblestudies,youwillbeencouragedtolisten:listentotheBible,listentoyourownquestionsandresponses,andlistentothehonestsharingamongparticipantsinyourstudygroup.TrustinginthepoweroftheHolySpirit,webelievethatinthemixofbiblicaltext,personalengagement,andhonestspeakingandlistening,God’swordmaybeheard,speakingwordsofchallengeandwordsofcomfort.WehopeyouwillconsiderjoiningtheconversationaswecontinuetolearnaboutLuke,aphysicianbyprofession,oneoftheearliestconverts,missionarycompaniontoPaul,andauthoroftheGospelofLukeandthebookofActs.Studyguidesforthenextseriesofconversationswillbeavailableinthenewyear.Formoreinformation,calloremailBoborJoanneMyers(207)351-2769,[email protected]@live.com.
IN MEMORIAM DOROTHYGERRY-BARTHOLOMEW
December18,2019Expressionsofsympathymaybemadeto
DebbiePerla81EllisRoad
Westminster,MA01473
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NURSERYCAREisprovidedeverySundayforinfantsandchildrenunder4yearsofageduringourworshipserviceonSundays.ThenurseryislocateddownstairsintheSanctuary.Comeandmeetouramazingnurserystaff–Sabrina,BaileyandLinda.
FellowshipInActionFellowshipOutings
VisitthePortlandMuseumofArtforNCWyethExhibit
CallingallWyethlovers!JoinusforavisittothePortlandMuseumofArttoviewtheNCWyethExhibitonSaturday,January11.TheFellowshipinActiongroupwilltravelnorthtoviewthisextensivedisplaythatprofilesacomplexandbrilliantartist.NCwasthefatherofAndrewWyeth,andgrandfathertoJamie.Hewas,atonetime,America’sforemostillustrator,butalsobecameaprolificartistandepicstorytellerofhistime.Thisexhibitprofilesmorethan45ofhisworksinavarietyofmedia.ThegroupwillcarpoolfromthechurchparkinglotonJanuary11,at10:00amandproceedtoPortlandforabrieflunchbeforeviewingtheexhibitatthePortlandMuseumofArt.Entrancefeesare$18foradults,$15Seniors,$15StudentsandFreeforthoseunder21.Wehopeyoucanjoinus,itwillbeaneducationalexperienceforall,youngandoldalike.PleasecontactNanetteRobertsifinterestedandformoreinformationatspicedtea@twc.com,978-877-6759or207-361-4154.
Toeveryonewhovolunteeredtogather,make,create,sell,decorate,bunch,tag,advertise,setup,breakdown,deliver,pray,vacuum,purchase,greet&more!Wesendaheartfelthugethankyou!TheWreath,Greens&Moreteam.
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It'sYourBirthday!!!It'sEveryone'sBirthday!!It'saFestiveFellowshipEvent
January26,2020TheHospitalityCommitteeisplanningaPotLuckBirthdayBrunchafterworship.Wewillcelebrateayearofbirthdaysinoneparty.Weaskpeopletobringabrunchitemtoshare,wewillsitattableswithotherswhosharethesamebirthdaymonth,singarousingHappyBirthday,andplaybirthdaypartygames.HospitalityCommitteewillprovidedrinks,cake,setupandcleanupwiththehelpofothers.Allareinvited.ChildrenofallagestoAdultswithyearsofwisdom.Allarecelebrated.ComeoneComeAll.RightafterworshiponJanuary26.BringyoubrunchitemstoFellowshipHallbeforeworship.Wewillbetheretoacceptyouritemsaputwhateverneedscoldorheatintheappropriateappliance.Anyquestions,[email protected].
TheJavaMamasandPapascontinuetoprovidecoffeeafterthechurchserviceeachSunday.Whenfolkssignuptherearegoodiesavailable.Wehaveonekindmemberwhohasbeenbringingindonutsweekafterweek.Thankyou,Gordon.Pleaseconsidergettingyourcommitteetogetherorsomeneighborsandhelpusoffersnacksmoreoften.Severalpeoplehavehonoredfamilymembers
celebratingbirthdaysorothermilestonesbysupplyingcakes.Wewelcometheseevents.Asweprogresstowardtryingtobebetterstewardsofourresources,wearetryingtomakesurewecompostourcoffeegroundsandcups.Wewillusethedishwashermoreoftenalso.Ifyouareinterestedinhelpingprepareandservecoffee,wewouldbehappytotrainyouandworkwithyou.Pleasecontactme.Manythanks.LindaHart363-4493
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ANewVitalityMinistryTeamOurHistory:FirstParishhasbeenwelcomingpeopletoourchurchgoingon384years;alwayspreparedforthosewhoGodsendstous.NowthisisachancetohelpGoddohiswork,byplantingseedsoffriendship,introductionandwelcomeinthecommunity.ThisiswheretheVitalityTeamcomesin.InNovember2019JackieVillinski,JerriLeConte,JamesKences,JanJonasandI,SueWierzba,wenttotheworkshop“HowtoReachNewPeople”withPaulNickersonalongwithRev.EstelleandRev.Dan.Wejoinedothercongregationsallaskingthesamequestionsabouthowtotellourstoryandwelcomenewpeopletoourchurch.Welearnedthatgrowingchurchesdothefollowing:
• Theyreintroducethemselvestothecommunityaroundthechurch• Theyhelpthecongregationdevelopacultureofinvitation.• TheygethelpbyworkingwithaCoachandothercongregations.Wearepleasedtohave
coachingfromPaulNickerson.ItwillincludeMonthlyCoachingcallsandunlimitedemails,weeklynewsletterandmanyotherresourcesandideasforoneyear.
OurSuccesses:Aftertheworkshopandourfirstcoachingcall,onNovember20th,wereceivedapprovalfromthecouncilandfundingfromtheAssessorandDeaconsandtheYorkAssociationforatotalof$1,500forthecoaching.Weheldourfirsteventtoreachouttoourcommunity.Wehandedoutfresh-poppedpopcornandFirstParish’sChristmasscheduleatYork’sHolidayparadeandunexpectedlyHostedSantaClausintheParishHouse.Theseendeavorswereverywellreceived,God-drivenandfun.OurNextSteps:WeneedyoutosupportouradhocVitalityMinistryTeamby:
• ChurchCommitteesareencouragedtostarthavingtheirmeetingsoutsideofourChurchgroundsforallnon-sensitiveagendas.
• 2-3peopletojoinourcommitteetobrainstormwaystoincreaseourChurch’spresenceinYork
• 2-3Volunteersforshort-termprojects• 2-3peopletoprayforthisnewMinistryTeam
EVERYONE:Inviteandbringafriendtoaneventorworshipserviceatourchurch.Pleaseconsiderhelpingbyvolunteeringtodoashort-termtask,joiningourteamorprayingforthisMinistry.BeapartofthisessentialteamandcontinuingFirstParish’shistoryofservingtheLordandthecommunitiesaroundourchurch.Helpustobuildgoodwillforourchurchandwelcomethosewhoarelookingformeaning,desiringafaithjourneyornewresidentssearchingforachurchhomeforthemandtheirfamilytoworship.Let’sspreadtheword.Joinourexcitingnewproject.ANDbringafriendtoworship!SueWierzbaFacilitator,[email protected]
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CREATIONCARECOMMITTEENEWS
NEXTMEETING:Sunday,January12at10:45am
WeatherizationProject/Americorp/Vistaproject:LookingforVOLUNTEERS!ContactMollyatmolly.agrimson@maine.edutosignupandinfo.Project:makingremovablewindowinsertsforhomesthatneedstormwindows.Jobdescription:puttingtogether(screwing/gluing)woodenwindowframes.Addingplasticfilm,shrinkwrappingandfoamtotheoutsideofthoseframes.Ifthesetasksdon’tappealtoyoutheycouldalsousebakedgoodstosharewiththegroup.LocationandDates:StChristopher’sCatholicChurch,YorkJan.13(8am-noon/1pm-5pm);Jan.14(1pm-5pm/6pm-8pm);Jan.15(8am-noon/1pm-5pm);Jan.16(1pm-5pm/6pm-8pm);Jan.17(8am-noon/1pm-5pm);Jan18(8am-noon/1pm-5pm)
Allarewelcometoparticipate!
CLYNKBAGS
DidyouknowthatFirstParishhasbeenofferingCLYNKbagsforYOUtotakehomeandfillwithreturnablebottlesandcans?WhenyoudepositthebagattheCLYNKcenterallofthedepositmoneygoestoYorkCommunityServicesAssociation.CarolMacdonaldhasbeencoordinatingthisforanumberofyears.Thankyou,Carol!Fromnowonthewonderfulofficevolunteerswillbecontinuingthisworthyproject.YouwillfindthoseCLYNKbags(withtheYCSAbarcodeonit)ontheOpportunityTable.Thankyouforyourinvolvement!
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WehaveEIGHTYSEVENopportunitiesforyoutodinewithyourchurchfamilyinJanuaryandFebruaryalone!Wejustneedyoutosignuptobea“DINER”!TheDINEslipsandthecolor-codedcalendarsarecurrentlyinFellowshipHall.OneDINEslipperpersonplease;howeveryouarewelcometodinemorethanonce!ThefirstavailabledinnerisonSunday,January12,sohurryonovertotheOpportunityTabletosign-up.Onceyouputyourslipwithyourdateandtimeselectioninthebox,yourHostwillcontactyouwithdetailsandlocation,whattobring(ornot!)andanyotherpertinentinfo.
QUESTIONS?LindaDrew207-351-8141
Thank You! DearFriendsandMembersofFirstParishChurch, Fromthebottomofmyheart,Isay“ThankYou”!!!ThankyouforthewonderfulandhumblingappreciationserviceheldonSunday,December15,2019,inrecognitionofmyservingasvolunteerTreasurerofFirstParishChurchforthelast10Years.Thankyouforthekindwords,specialmusic,giftsanddeliciousfood.Icannotexpressenoughmydeepappreciationtoeachfriendormemberwhoassistedinplanningand/orexecutingand/orattendingthismostmeaningfulevent.ButmostofallIthankyouforyourconfidenceandsupport. IalsoexpressmygratitudeandlovetoourLordforleadingmeinmylife’sjourneytodeveloptheknowledgeandskillsnecessaryfortheresponsibilitiesofachurchtreasurer,andtotheCongregationofFirstParishChurchfortheopportunitytoserveourLordinthiscapacity.Withloveandgratitude,YoursinChrist,RayHamlin
FellowshipInActionFellowshipOutings
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THEGIVINGTREE
ChristmasiscomingTheGivingTreeisdoneWeallcametogetherAndeveryonewon.ThetagswerealltakenRightdowntothelastTheseasonwasshortWehadtoactfast.WehadallthesefamiliesWedidn'tknowtheirnamesWefoundoutwhattheyneededAndwealluppedourgame.WefilleduptheircupboardsProvisionsgaloreAndgiftcardsaswellTobeusedatthestore.MittensandhatsAndbluejeansandsocksYouclothedeverychildHaveIsaidthatYouRock!ThemotherscameinWithlovefortheirkidsHopingforChristmasAndthat’swhatyoudid.
OnemothercamethroughAndhereyesopenedwide“It’sabedformyson”!AndshestartedtocryThebikethatwasgivenMompickedupwithagrinSheknowswhatwillhappenWhenshegivesittohim.Onemotherthensaid“Atourhomethere’slittleheat”ButnowwiththesegiftcardsWe’lldomorethanjusteat.TheroomswillbewarmAndthelightswillbeonAndthatwolfatthedoorWillbackoff—orbegone.SoonyourChristmasmorningWhenyourcoffeeisbrewedWarmyourheartatthememoryOfthegoodthatyoudo.Thehelpthatyou’vegivenIshuge—letmestressYou’reallquiteamazingMerryChristmasandGodBless.Withthanks,JerriLeConte
(JerriLeContecoordinatedallaspectsofourGivingTreeagainthisyear.ShewrotethispoemandshareditinchurchinDecember.)
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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
PledgeCampaignUpdateAsof12/23/19atotalof118people/familieshavesubmittedpledgesforatotalof$251,431.19arefrompeoplewhodidnotpledgeintheprioryear.27peoplewhopledgedlastyearhavenotyetmadepledges.Ifyouhaven’tpledgedyetyoustillcan.Ifyouneedanestimateofgivingcardyoucangetonefromthechurchoffice,inthenarthexoutsidethesanctuary,downloadit
fromthewebsiteorcalltheoffice.Thankyouforyoursupport.
WILLSandESTATEPLANNINGToeverythingthereisaseasonandatimeforeverymatterunderheaven.Ecclesiastes3:1Doyouhaveawill?Everyoneshouldhaveawillregardlessofhisorhertimeoflife.Acouplewithyoungchildren,anolderpersonorasingleperson,oraspouse,allshouldhaveawillinordertoprovideforthoseremaininginthewayyouwantinsteadofthestatedeciding.Awillgivesinstructionsonhowtodistributeyourestateafteryourdeath.Yourestateiseverythingyouown.Asyouenternewstagesoflifeyourwillneedstobeupdated.Somepeoplethinkitisamorbidtopicandavoidit,othersthinktheyhavetoolittlepropertytoneedawill,andmostputitoff.Thetruthisthatwecarefullyinsureourhouses,ourcars,andourlives,butfailtoinsurehowourworldlypossessionswillbedistributedwhenwedie.Willsarebestwrittenbyalegalprofessionalwhoisfamiliarwithyourstate’slaws.Prepareaheadoftimebylistingyourdependentsandothersforwhomyouareresponsible.Alsothinkofanypersonorcharityyouwanttoremember.Nextmakealistofallofyourpossessions,yourproperty,stocks,cash,vehicles,lifeinsurance,IRAsandotherassets.Inadditiontochoosingwhoyouleaveyourassetsto,youcanalsonameyourexecutor,chooseyourchildren’sguardian,leaveagifttoFirstParishChurch,andpossiblyreduceestatetaxes.TheBiblesaysaninheritanceiswhatwereceiveandalsowhatweleavebehindforothers.Aninheritancecanbeaburdenorablessing.Wemustthinkabouttheseasonwe’reinandthelivesaffectedbyourlivingandleaving.YoucangetadditionalinformationonWillsandEstatePlanningbypickingupapacketfromtheHospitalityTableinFellowshipHall.Ifyouprefer,youcancallamemberoftheStewardshipCommitteeformoreinformationbycallingtheChurchOffice.StewardshipCommittee:JalmarDijkstra,BobMyers,SandyNelson
HELPINGTHROUGHLOOSECHANGECommonHope(GuatemalaMission)istherecipientofyourloosechangeforthemonthofJanuary.Theboxesarelocatedbyeachdoorinthenarthexoutsidethesanctuary.
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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
ThanksandHappyNewYearfromtheDeaconsAwonderfulChristmasseasonfilledwithmeaningfulservices,beautifulmusic,andopportunitiesforgivingandsharinghasenrichedallofus.WewouldliketothankalltheformerDeaconswhowillinglysteppedintofillsomegapsforus,especiallyduringthethreeChristmasEveservices.WehopeeveryoneenjoyedtheDecember29worship/brunch/crecheSundayinFellowshipHall,maybeanewtraditionforFirstParishandfinallythankstoeveryonewhocontributedtotheMittenTreethisyear.WishingyouallaHappyNewYear,TheDeacons
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
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COMMUNITYEVENTS&INFORMATION
SavethesedatesforJanuaryeducationaleventssponsoredbyourYorkReadyfor100%Citizens’Initiative.Wehopeyouwillcometoone,someorall!TheCreationCareCommitteeSaturday,January11,2020:“SeacoastEnvironmentalFilmFestival”attheKitteryCommunityCenterallday.Ifyouattendedsomeorallofthefilmslastyear,youknowwhatanengagingexperiencethiswillbe-learning,networking,askingquestions,exchangingideas.Markthedateonyourcalendar.YRF100willbepartneringandtablingwiththeKitteryLandTrustforthisevent.https://kitterylandtrust.weebly.com/seacoastenvironmentalfilmfestival.htmlWednesday,January15,2020:6PMatYorkHighSchoolintheYorkCommunityAuditorium.“CombatingClimateChange:MaineStrategiesandInitiatives."ThemainspeakersareDanBurgess,Director,Governor’sEnergyOffice,MarkLawrence,MaineStateSenator,andLydiaBlume,MaineHouseRepresentative.Meetourendorsersandlearnabouttheirworkinsustainingourenvironment.Tablingwillbeginat6PM,speakersat7PM.MunicipalitiesinSouthernYorkCountywillbeinvitedtoparticipateinthisevent.Friday,January17,2020:from3:30PM–5PM“ClimateChangeDiscussions”,intheYorkPublicLibrary.Thiswillbethefirstofmonthlydiscussiongroupsheldonthethird Friday ofeachmonth.Thediscussiontopicsandformatarestillbeingconsidered.Andlookingahead...InFebruary,againatthehighschool’sYorkCommunityAuditorium,“MeettheU.S.SenatorialCandidates:RegionalEnvironmentalTownHallEvent"from7PMto8:30PM(datetobedetermined).Sofar,fourofthesixU.S.senatorialcandidateshavecommittedtoparticipating.ThiseventwillbepublicizedthroughoutSouthernYorkCounty.Theauditoriumseats700.
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 8:30am Zumba 9:30am Women’s Bible Study 7pm Search Committee Meeting New Year’s Day Parish Office Closed
2 8:30am Aerobics 9am Builds & Grounds Committee Meeting 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
3 8:30am Aerobics
4 8:30am Christian Education Committee Meeting
5 9:30am Worship/Communion 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 5p Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
6 8am Zumba
7 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty
8 8:30am Zumba 9:30am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Conversations on the Bible
9 8:30am Aerobics 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
10 8:30am Aerobics
11 11am Celebration of Life-Sam Vaught
12 9:15am Hymn Sing 9:30amWorship 10:45am Creation Care Committee Meeting 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 5pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
13 8am Zumba 6:30pm Fellowship in Action
14 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 6:30pm Assessors Meeting
15 8:30am Zumba 9:30am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Conversations on the Bible 7pm Search Committee Meeting
16 8:30am Aerobics 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
17 8:30am Aerobics
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19 9:30amWorship/Gospel Music Sunday 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 3pm Seacoast Community Chorus Concert 5pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
20 8am Zumba
21 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 7pm Deacons Meeting
22 8:30am Zumba 9:30am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Conversations on the Bible
23 8:30am Aerobics 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
24 8:30am Aerobics
25
26 9:30am Worship 10:45am Birthday Brunch 5pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
27 8am Zumba
28 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 7pm Church Council Meeing
29 8:30am Zumba 9:30am Women’s Bible Stud5pm Conversations on the Bible 7pm Search Committee Meeting
30 8:30am Aerobics 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
31 8:30am Aerobics
THEVILLAGEQUILTERSMeeteveryThursdayat9am
inFellowshipHall.Wearelookingfornewmembers.
ContactAudreyCarmel207-361-4073
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First Parish Church 180 York Street York, ME 03909
January2020Newsletter
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
