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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 15Deacons 17CommunityEvents18Calendar 19

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

SHARING GOOD NEWS–DECEMBER 2019 Advent, the time leading up to Christmas, is possibly the most underutilized season of the church year. I know there's someone out there thinking, “What is she talking about? Underutilized? I'm busy from before Thanksgiving straight through to Christmas. Why, Advent is not nearly long enough!”

It's not that we're not busy. Actually, we're too busy. Advent is a time set aside especially for us to prepare ourselves and our homes for the upcoming Christmas holiday. This time of preparation is to be taken seriously, not flippantly. It's not a time to jump into high gear to get the lights strung, the cookies baked, and the Amazon shopping cart loaded. We tend to run headlong into Advent right out of the Black Friday gate. (Quick, get the Thanksgiving meal over with, stores open at 2:00 PM!)

Advent is more about being than doing. It's a time of preparation, but it's more like taking stock of your kitchen than chopping vegetables. Advent is to be savored. It's like an amuse bouche preceding a gourmet meal. It gives you a hint of what is to come. It's like the time between booking a vacation and taking the trip. You can take out the guidebooks and maps begin to plan.

Yet, we pack parties, gifting, decorating, baking, and stressing into Advent. By the time Christmas comes, we're totally exhausted! It doesn't have to be that way.

What if you accepted the gifts of the Advent season? What if you let go of the frantic and frenetic pace? What if you become more discerning about obligations and expectations? What if you see Advent as a time for both anticipation and integration? You see, each week in Advent there's a gift especially for you.

The gifts of Advent are hope, peace, joy and love. My prayer for you this Advent is that each week, you take the time to accept the gift. Unwrap it slowly and carefully. Take it out of the box and try it on for size. Wear it to different occasions and when you get home, tuck yourself into it. Rest and reflect. In this way, you will utilize the Advent season and be whole-heartedly ready for Christmas! Blessings of peace, Rev. Estelle

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

Itistheseasonforexpressinggratitude.WehaveourmeaningfulGratitudeSundaywhereinworshipwepromisetosupportourchurchanditsmissionsandpledgeourtimeandtalentstoserveothers.ThenwecelebratewithafestivemealinFellowshipHall.Gratitudefeelsgoodbecausethroughourthankfulnessweseethebestofourselvesaswe“ServetheLordwithGladness”.(Psalm100)AsyougatheredaroundyourThanksgivingtable,didyoubeginthemealbyaskingeachhungryguest“whatareyoumostgratefulfor?”Answersprobablyrangedfrom“myfamily”to“someoneelsebakedthepiesthisyear.”IfIwereseatedatyourtablethisyear,myanswerwouldhavebeen“FirstParishChurchinYork,Maine.”Iwouldhavesharedalonglistofthereasonsformygratitude.TheThanksgivingfeastsolovinglypreparedwouldslowlycooltotepidtemperatures.MaybeIwon’tbeinvitedagain.Whenoneisfilledwithgratitude,isn’tthenextsteptosharewithothersthesourceofyourjoy?InNovember,severalofusatFirstParishattendedaweekendworkshopleadbyPaulNickersontitledHowtoReachNewMembers.Theworkshopfocusedonchurchesdevelopinga“cultureofinvitation.”AtFirstParishwehavesomuchtooffertothosewehaven’tevenmetyetandtheyinreturnhavemuchtogiveus.Thosewhoattendedtheworkshopareeagertosharewhatwelearned.AstheNewYearapproaches,let’slookforwardtobeingavibrantfamilyoffaithandreintroduceourselvestothecommunitysothatothersmayknowFirstParishasnotonlyataplaceofworship,butasachurchofwelcominggrace.JanJonas,Moderator

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Pleasecomecelebrateaspecial10-yearanniversaryinthelifeofourchurchaswethankRayHamlinforhisunwaveringdedicationasourTreasurerforthepasttenyears,andhopefullymanymore!Ray’scountlesshoursofmanagingourchurchfinanceswithhumbleexpertisedeserveaheartfeltexpressionofourgratitude!Comejoininthecelebrationofhisfaith-filledserviceataspecialcoffeehourafterworshiponSunday,December15,inFellowshipHall!

SEARCHCOMMITTEEUPDATE

TheSearchCommitteewill,veryshortly,completeworkontheChurchProfile,acomprehensivedescriptionofourchurch.Thereafter,wewillbegintheactualsearchprocessforanewSeniorPastorbypostingbothashortprospectusaboutthechurchandtheprofile.Then,we’llbeconductinganinitialreviewofresponses.TheProfilewillenablepotentialapplicantstogettoknowwhatFirstParishChurchis,wherewewanttogo,andwhatweneedtogetthere.ThiswillalloweachpotentialapplicanttomakeareasoneddecisionwhetherFirstParishseemstobeagoodfitforhimorher.That,inturn,willmaximizethelikelihoodthatwewillfindtherightpersonfromtheChurch’sperspectiveaswell.

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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

WHATDOESITMEANTOBECOMEAMEMBEROFFIRSTPARISHCHURCH?

OrientationBrunch

Sunday,September15,2019at10:30am-NooninthedownstairsSanctuaryLounge

WewilldiscusstheUnitedChurchofChristandlearnaboutFirstParishYork,itsrichhistoryandnumerousministriesandmissions.Youwillmeetotherswhoareconsideringmembership,afewleadersofourchurchandnewandlongtimememberswhohavecalledFirstParishtheir“home”.ChildrenarewelcometojoinyouortheycanplayorwatchavideointheNursery.Childcarewillbeavailable.

NewMembersJoinOctober20,2019duringSundayWorship

FormoreinformationcontactParishOffice207-363-3758

office@firstparishyork.net

SueWierzba,HospitalityCommittee207-361-4541

susanwierzba@gmail.com

A T T E N D A N C E November2019

Worship11/3/19:18011/10/19:19811/17/19:13711/24/19:174

WORSHIPANDMUSICDECEMBER2019

Sunday,December1,2019

FirstSundayinAdvent/Communion“Awake,SingGloria”

Sunday,December8,2019

SecondSundayinAdvent/9:15ChristmasCarolSing“AVoiceCriesOut”

Sunday,December15,2019ThirdSundayinAdvent

“MySoulMagnifiestheLord”SpecialCelebration

CoffeeHour

ChristmasintheVillage4pm

Sunday,December22,2019FourthSundayinAdvent

“MyDancingDay”

AServiceofLessonsandCarols4pm

TrinityChurch

Tuesday,December24,2019ChristmasEve

5:30pmFamilyWorshipSoloistandSpecialMusic

8pmCandlelight“SingNoel,SingHallelujah!”-SanctuaryChoir

“WereYouThere”-SweetSpirit11pmCandlelightGinaConnolly,soloist

Sunday,December29,2019FirstSundayAfterChristmas

WorshipBrunchCrecheSunday

InFellowshipHall

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AViewfromtheBench

Singwithme,please,oneofthemostfamoussongsfromTheSoundofMusic:“Doe,adeer,afemaledeer.Ray,adropofgoldensun.Me,anameIcallmyself,Far,along,longwaytorun.”Youknowtherest!Nowtry:Do,Re,Mi,Fa,Sol,La,Ti,Do.Nowdownthescale:Do,Ti,La,Sol,Fa,Mi,Re,Do.Now,let’sputsomewordstothescaleasitdescendsandthenascends: JOYtotheworld,theLordiscome.LetearthreceiveherKing. LeteveryheartprepareHimroom.Andheavenandnaturesing.Theselyricswerewrittenin1719byIsaacWatts,andthefirstfournotesofthehymntune“Antioch”resembletheopeningnotesofthe“GlorytoGod”chorusfromHandel’s1741masterpieceMessiah.WewillhaveplentyofJOYandjoyfulmusicatFirstParishasweapproachtheAdventseasonthisyear.WebeginthemonthofDecemberwithCommuniononAdventI,andthenhaveourtraditionalChristmascarolsingat9:15AMonDecember8(AdventII).OnDecember15FirstParishwillhostourannual“ChristmasintheVillage”concertat4PMfeaturingtheringingandsingingchoirsaswellasourbelovedsoloists.OnSunday22Decemberat4PM,manyofthesanctuarychoirmemberswillbesingingintheannualServiceofNineLessonsandCarolsatTrinityChurch,YorkHarbor.FirstParishwillofferthreeservicesonChristmasEve:thetraditionalfamily“MittenTree”serviceat5:30,thecandlelightservicewiththeSanctuaryChoirandSweetSpiritat8PM,andtheintimatecandlelightserviceat11PMwithsoloistGinaConnolly.Inaddition,IwillbefindingJOYbyperformingintheMessiah-SingatDoverFirstParishChurchonThursday5Decemberat7PM,aswellassingingeightperformanceswiththeMagicofChristmaschorusandthePortlandSymphonyOrchestra.RecallingthefivecandlesontheAdventwreath…let’sallHOPEforPEACEandJOYtowarmourhearts,andgenerouslygiveourLOVEtoCHRISTandeachother.Let’skeepsingingandgiving“Joytotheworld”bycomingtochurchduringthisAdventseason.Staywarmandloving…becauseLOVEalwayswins!WSP

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

HAPPENINGS

December 2019

NOVEMBERUPDATEThemonthofNovemberwasspentfundraisingtosupporttwoofourSundaySchoolmissions:HeiferInternationalandtheCenterForWildlifeinCapeNeddick.Thechildrenandyouthvotedtodothefollowingwiththemoniestheyraised.Manythanksforyourgenerosity!.ToHeiferInternationalwewilldonatetwoflocksofchickens.TotheCenterforWildlifewewilldonate5"AdoptanAmbassador"scholarships.Eachscholarshipcosts$25andisusedforthecareofoneanimalforayear.TheSundaySchoolandNurseryareveryexcitedaboutthis.Wewillreceiveacardoneachanimalthatwehelptosupportwithapictureoftheanimalanditsstory.ThegreatthingisthatwecanallvisittheanimalattheCenter.Itisopeneverydayyear-round.Ifyouhaveneverbeenthere,itisafunplacetovisit.Theyarebuildingamulti-milliondollarnewadditionthatshouldbecompletedinJune.Ifyouwouldliketomakeadonationtothese2organizations,pleasegototheirwebsitesformoreinformation:heiferinternational.organdthecentereforwildlife.org.ManypeopleliketodothisasChristmasgiftsinthenameoffamilymembers."Whenyoulovesomebody,youreyelashesgoupanddownandlittlestarscomeoutofyou.""Whensomeonelovesyou,thewaytheysayyournameisdifferent.Youknowthatyournameissafeintheirmouth."-fromastudywithsix-to-eight-year-oldsaskingthemtodefinelove.ShepherdsAbidingbyJanKaronSincetherealmeaningofChristmasislove,thenwhatbetterwaytodefineitthantoaskchildren.ThoseofusinvolvedinChristianeducationhereatFirstParisharetrulyblessedtohearthevoicesofchildrenandyouthwhosomehowknowhowtogetstraighttotheheartofthingswiththeirinsight."ShepherdsAbiding"isoneofmyfavoritebookstoreadatChristmas,andIwantedtosharethesewordswithyou.DECEMBER-ADVENT1st,8th,15th,22ndEachSundaywewillbetalkingaboutthe4wordsrepresentedbytheAdventWreath-HOPE,PEACE,JOY,LOVE.OurlessonswillfollowuponthesewordsaswelightacandleeachSundayduringAdventinourworshipservices.WewillheartheGreatestStoryEverToldthroughstorytelling,music,decoratingourrooms,games,andacommunityserviceproject.DECEMBER29-CRECHESUNDAY:therewillbeatablewithmaterialstomakecattoys,whichwillbedonatedtotheSafeHavenHumaneSocietyinWells.ThroughoutDecember,wewillbecollectingthefollowingitemsfromourchurchfamily:cannedcatfood(Friskies),catlitter(clumping),cleaningsupplies(papertowels,bleach,Dawn,vinylgloves,largetrashbags),cattoys,catcombs&brushes,catnip,cattreats.Thisisacommunityprojectinconjunctionwithyouthgroupsofseveralotherchurchesintown.WewilldeliverthegoodiesafterChristmas.Everyoneinthechurchfamilyisinvitedtohelpout.TherewillbeadonationboxinFellowshipHallatcoffeetimeeachSundayinDecember.Thankyouforyourhelp!

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WHATISAJESSETREE?AJesseTreeisatreemadeoutofanything-itcanbeabranchfromatree,awoodenone,fabric,anythingyouhave.Thereare25ornaments,similartothoseinanAdventcalendar.EachornamentrepresentsastoryfromtheBibleaboutthelineageofJesus.Isaiah11:1says"AshootwillcomeupfromthestumpofJesse...".JessewasDavid'sfather,andJesuswasfromthehouseofDavid.Thereisabiblereadingforeachornament,startingwiththestoryofCreationandendingwiththebirthofJesustohelptellthestoryofGod'splantogiveusthegiftofforgivenessandsalvationthroughJesushisson.TheJessetreewalksusthroughthestoryofthecomingofChrist.WewillhaveitondisplayduringtheDec.29thCrecheSundayserviceinFellowshipHall.The5th-7thgradeSundaySchoolclasswillbehearingtheNativitystoryaswellasdecoratingaJesseTree.FromtheteachersandmembersoftheChristianEducationCommitteeweallwishforyoutheHope,Peace,JoyandLoveoftheAdventSeason,andaveryblessedChristmas.JanetCassidy,SundaySchoolCoordinator

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SundayDecember29

Epiphany,theholidaythatmarksthearrivalofthethreekingsatthestable,takesplaceafterChristmas.ItmayhavebeenuptotwoyearsbeforethewisemenarrivedatJesus'residence.Thisyear,CrecheSundayismovingtotheSundayafterChristmasandwewillcelebratewithanewexperience.Insteadoftraditionalworshipinthesanctuary,onDecember29,yourpastorsanddeaconsinviteyoutoenjoybrunchinFellowshipHall!

We'llservealovelybrunch,singallofourfavoriteChristmasCarols,andsharehopesandprayersforthenewyear...allthewhilesurroundedbytreasuredfamilycrechedisplays.Thismaywellbecomeanewholidaytradition!Familymembersandguestsareallwelcome.WewillinviteRSVPsinDecember.Pleasesavethedatenow!

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NURSERYCAREisprovidedeverySundayforinfantsandchildrenunder4yearsofageduringourworshipserviceonSundays.ThenurseryislocateddownstairsintheSanctuary.Comeandmeetouramazingnurserystaff–Sabrina,BaileyandLinda.

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FellowshipInActionFellowshipOutings

MERRYTUBACHRISTMASNonantumResortballroominKennebunkport

30-40TubasandEuphoniumsserenadeuswithChristmasCarolsSunday,December8

3PM-4PMCarpoolingfromFirstParishat1:45PM

FREEadmissionInterested?ContactLindaDrew

207/351/8141orp.l.drew79@me.com

CHRISTMASCAROLINGPleasejoinusaswegoChristmasCarolingtoDurginPinesonMonday,December16thandSentryHillonWednesday,December18th.Bothnightswewillmeetat5:15inthefrontlobbyofeachplaceandbegincarolingtotheresidentsataround5:30pm.Santahats,carolingbooksandcardstohandoutwillbeprovided.NoneedtorsvpbutifyouhaveanyquestionscontactNateCoxat207-216-7005

VisitthePortlandMuseumofArtforNCWyethExhibitCallingallWyethlovers!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.

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SavetheDateBirthdayBrunchJanuary26,2020

TheHospitalityCommitteeisplanningaPotLuckBirthdayBrunchonJanuary26thafterworship.Wewillcelebrateayearofbirthdaysinoneparty.Wewillaskpeopletobringabrunchitemtoshare,wewillsitattableswithotherswhosharethesamebirthdaymonth,singarousingHappyBirthday,andplaybirthdaypartygames.HospitalityCommitteewillprovidedrinks,cake,setupandcleanupwiththehelpofothers.Allareinvited.ChildrenofallagestoAdultswithyearsofwisdom.Allarecelebrated.SavethedateforourPotLuckBirthdayBrunch.MoredetailstofollowinJanuary.Anyquestions,pleasecontactSueWierzbaat207-361-4541orsusanwierzba@gmail.com.

TheJavaMamasandPapascontinuetoprovidecoffeeafterthe

churchserviceeachSunday.Whenfolkssignuptherearegoodiesavailable.Wehaveonekindmemberwhohasbeenbringingindonutsweekafterweek.Thankyou,Gordon.Pleaseconsidergettingyourcommitteetogetherorsomeneighborsandhelpusoffersnacksmoreoften.Severalpeoplehavehonoredfamilymemberscelebratingbirthdaysorothermilestonesbysupplyingcakes.Wewelcometheseevents.Asweprogresstowardtryingtobebetterstewardsofourresources,wearetryingtomakesurewecompostourcoffeegroundsandcups.Wewillusethedishwashermoreoftenalso.Ifyouareinterestedinhelpingprepareandservecoffee,wewouldbehappytotrainyouandworkwithyou.Pleasecontactme.Manythanks.LindaHart363-4493

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DidyounoticetheNEWLEDlights(complimentsofourfantasticBuildingsandGroundsComm.)inourkitchenduringourwonderfulGratitudeThanksgivingDinner?LEDlightsuse75%lessenergythanincandescentbulbs.Incandescentbulbsproduce90%moreheatandjust10%light.Abigsteptowardzerowasteistograduallychangeoverto100%LEDlighting.....yourCreationCareCommittee

CREATIONCARECOMMITTEENEWS FellowshipInAction

FellowshipOutings

Wehadour5thor6thBeachCleanuponNovember16.Fivehardyfolk,1hour,sixveryfullbagsoftrash,mostlyROPEofallsizes,colorandshapes.Amostinterestingandbeautifulmorning.WewillbedoingmoreBeachCleanupsin2020.Staytunedfordatesandtimes.Wewillbesellingsomeofour“greenitems”attheWreaths,GreensandMoreSaleonSaturday,December7.Greattimetopurchasegiftitems!!JamesKenceswillbepresentingPartIIofhis“TheGreatTurning”–thehistoryofhydrocarbonsandhowwegotwhereweareinthepresent.Friday,December13at7PMintheYorkPublicLibrary.WindowBuilders/AmericorpweatherizationprojectinJanuary.WeintendtohelpwithbuildingsomeplasticinsertwindowsduringtheweekofJanuary13th-17th.Staytunedfordetails.

OURNEXTMEETINGISSUNDAY,JANUARY12at10:45AMafterworshipinFellowshipHall.Joinus!!!We’dLOVEtohaveyou!

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It’sbaaaaack!!

WHATisit?AsocialgatheringofNINE(orless!)randomfolkssharingdinnerorbreakfast/brunchinsomeone’shomeoratarestaurant.WHOisit?Anyonewhowantstomeet/makenewfriendswithinFirstParishChurch.AchancetodinewithpeopleyoumightseeeverySunday,butknownothingabout!WHENisit?Peoplewhosignuptobethehost/hostessesoftheactivitywillpick1)adate2)atime3)avenue.Sowewillbelookingforpeopleinterestedinhosting….eitheratyourhomeorrestaurant.

SIGNUPFORHOSTINGWILLBEDECEMBER1-DECEMBER31FORMSONTHEOPPORTUNITYTABLE

WewillbehavingtheseeventsinJanuary,FebruaryandMarch.Youarewelcometohostallthreemonthsifyoulike.HOWwillitwork?Oncewehavethehostsandtheirdates/venues,thenthosethatwanttodinewillseethatinformationonaposter.Therewillbeacolor-codedsignupformforeachpersonwantingtoshareamealwiththecolor-codedhost.Identityofhostandparticipantswillbeamystery(!)untilthehostreceivesthecolor-codedsignupformsfromthediners.Atthatpointthehost(he/she/they!)willcontactthefolksintheirgroupandmakeplansforthedinneronthechosendate.Menu?,simplepotluck?Horsd’oeuvresanddrinks?Hostprovidesjustdrinks?Etc.Etc.

QUESTIONS?LindaDrew207-351-8141

p.l.drew79@me.com

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FromyourFinancialSecretary

YearendFinancialComingsandGoings

DuringthemonthofJanuaryandunlessspecificallystatedotherwiseinthememofield,anychecksreceivedthataredatedin2019oranydonationsthatarereceivedinpledgeenvelopesfrom2019areassumedtobedonationstowardsyour2019pledge(foraccountingpurposesonly).Alsonotethatinorderforanydonationtobeacknowledgedin2019fortaxpurposes,thedonationmustbeinthechurch’spossessionby12/31/2019orifmailed,musthaveapostmarkin2019.Likewise,eGivingdonationsmusthaveatransactiondateof12/31/2019orearlier.Ifyouwishtoprepayyour2020pledgein2019sothatyoucanclaimthedonationin2019fortaxpurposes,pleasebesuretoclearlyindicateonthecheckinthememofieldthatthedonationistobeappliedtoyour2020pledge.Statementsdetailingallyourdonationstothechurchthatwerereceivedin2019willbemailedoutsometimeinmidJanuary.PleasecontactPerJonasviaemailatfinsec@firstparishyork.netorbyphone(207-363-3180)ifyouhaveanyquestions.

Also,shouldyouhaveanyleftoverenvelopesfromprioryearsand/oranyleftover2019envelopes,PLEASEDISCARDthem.Forthoseofyouwhousedenvelopesinthepastbutarenotusingthemnow,youroldenvelopenumbernolongeridentifiesyouraccountasyouhavebeenassignedanewnumber(youaccountnumberisonyouryearenddonationletter).Forthosethatcontinuetouseenvelopesinthenewyear,itispossiblethatyournewenvelopenumberisdifferentthanyourprioryearnumber.

Thankyou.

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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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CHRISTMASMEMORIALPOINSETTIAORDERFORM

DECEMBER2019

IfyouwouldliketoorderaMemorialPoinsettiaPlantforChristmasSunday,pleasefillintheorderformbelowandreturnitwithyourpaymentof$10foreachplant,nolaterthanDecember20th.PLEASEMAKECHECKSPAYABLETOFIRSTPARISHCHURCHIwouldliketoorder________PoinsettiaPlant(s)TotalEnclosed$__________Inmemory/honorof:________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________Givenby:_____________________________________________________________________________________Iwouldliketopickupmyplant(s)()Pleasedonatemyplant(s)toourhome-basedmembers.()Pleasebespecificaboutyourplantoeithertakeordonateyourplant(s).PlantscanbetakenaftertheDecember22ndserviceandwillbedeliveredtohome-basedmembersafterChristmasEve.Weneedtoknowexactlyhowmanyplantswewillhaveavailableforhome-basedmembers.SorrybutnoorderscanbeacceptedafterDecember20th.YourName&Phone:_________________________________________________________________________PleaseSign:___________________________________________________________________________________

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HelpingThroughLooseChangeYorkCommunityServiceswillbetherecipientofyourloosechangecollectedduringthemonthofDecember.Theboxesforcollectingtheloosechangearelocatedbyeachdoorinthenarthexoutsideofthesanctuary.

THANKYOU “Givethanksinallcircumstances,forthisisGod’swillforyouinChristJesus.”1Thessalonians5:18Thankyou!Togetherwe,FirstParishChurch,haveshownhowourmembersgiveofthemselves.ItwasevidenttodayonGratitudeSundayaspeoplecameforthtobringtheirofferings,pledges,timeandtalentformsandfoodfortheFoodPantry.Then,atthegratitudeluncheonbothroomswerebustlingwithdinersmeetingeachotherandenjoyingconversationandmeals.Anoverwhelmingnumberofpeople(youthtooldergeneration)volunteeredinvariousways-makingpies,cookingthemeal,settingupandtearingdownthetablesandchairs,servingthefood,decoratingthetables,cleaningupanddelivereringmeals.Therearesurelyothers-thankyoutothemalso!103poundsofturkeywithallthesidesand21piesfed124mealsservedatthelunchplus22senttoparishioners’homes.Wedon’thaveanypledgenumbersfromtodayyetsowewillreportthatatalaterdate.Ifyouhaven’thadachancetofilloutyourestimateofgivingcardortimeandtalentform,youstillcan.Ifyouneedeitherone,youcangettheminthechurchoffice,inthenarthexoutsidethesanctuary,downloadthemfromthewebsiteorcalltheoffice.Yourgivingissupportingoursharedwayofbeingchurch,oursharedwayofbeingfaithful.Again,thankyou!YourStewardshipCommittee,JalmarDijkstra,BobMyers,SandyNelson

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TheChristmasFundfortheVeteransoftheCrossandtheEmergencyFund

OnSunday,December22,2019theUnitedChurchofChrist'sannualspecialmissionsoffering,theChristmasFundwillbetaken.Forover100years,theChristmasFundfortheVeteransoftheCrossandEmergencyFundhasbeenawaytoensurethatalightofloveandhopewillalwaysshineforfaithfulservantsofourchurchwhofindthemselvesfacingunforeseenfinancialhardship.Considertheeloquentwordsofapastorwhowastherecipientofthecaringandconcernofthosewhocontributedtothisoffering.

"Itwasn’teasypickingupthetelephonetosharewithyoumypresentsituation.Infact,itwasoneofthemosthumiliatingexperiencesofmylifealthoughitremindedmethatgracestillhappens.SometimesweasclergypersonslosesightofGod’sgracewhenthenegativestuffcomesintoourlives.…thankssomuchforsharing…YourmostgraciousgiftisappreciatedmorethanwordscansayasIcontinuetoliveinthe'meantime.'"

WeeachhavetheopportunitytobeapartofthisministrythatcaresfortheactiveandretiredclergyandlayemployeesoftheUnitedChurchofChristthroughparticipationinthisyear'sChristmasFundOffering.Yourgiftwillnotonlyassistpastorsliketheoneabove,butalsoprovidefortheSupplementationofSmallAnnuities,SupplementationofHealthPremiums,EmergencyGrants,andChristmas“ThankYou”GiftChecksinDecembertolower-incomeretirees.Yourgiftsareneededmorethanevertohelpthegrowingnumberofretireeswhoselow-incomeannuitiesmakeitdifficulttomeetincreasinglivingcosts.Tomakeagift,usetheenvelopeprovidedinourDecember15and22bulletins,enclosingeithercashoracheckmadeouttoFirstParishChurchwith“ChristmasFund”writteninthememolineofyourcheck.Howeveryouchoosetomakeagift,pleaseknowitistrulyappreciatedandwillbrightenthelifeofoneofGod’sservantswhoisfacingamomentofpersonalneed.

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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

ThejoyfulseasonofAdventwillsoonbeuponuswithallitseventsandbusy-ness.Weneedtoremembertotaketimetoenjoytheseasonanditsspecialevents.WewillhaveWreathsandGreens,ChristmasintheVillage,LessonsandCarolstonameafew.TheDeaconswillalsobeofferingthebookscholarship(amounttobedetermined)toqualifiedsecondsemesterfirstyearcollegestudents.ApplicationsareavailableintheofficeandattheOpportunityTable.ThedeadlineisDecember13.TherewillbethreeservicesonChristmasEve,theearliestonefeaturingtheMittenTreeat5:30pm.Ifyouareattendingthisservice,pleaseconsiderbringingsocks,mittens,scarves,orhatsforchildrenorteens.TheDeaconswilldistributethemtolocalschoolsYCSA,orotherplacesofneed.Newthisyear:December29willbeaspecialserviceheldinFellowshipHallat9:30aminsteadofthesanctuarywhereweshareabrunchtogether,singfavoritecarols,andbesurroundedbyfamilycrecheswhichwillbesetupinFellowshipHall.Wehopethiswillbecomeatimeoffellowshipsharedeachyear.TheDeaconscouldusesomehelpstaffingthethreeChristmasEveservices.IfyouareapastDeaconandcanhelp,pleasecallSusanMancinelliat351-8641oremailsman1234@twc.com.Wewishyouallajoyfulandblessedseason.SusanMancinelli,SeniorDeacon

BookStipendfor1styear,2ndSemesterCollegeStudentsMembersofFirstParishChurchwhoare1styearcollegestudents

intheir2ndsemesterofstudyareeligiblefora“onetime”bookstipendfromtheDiaconate.

TheamountallottedwillbedeterminedbytheDeaconsafterreviewingtheapplications.

ApplicationsavailableintheParishOfficeandOpportunityTableoremailoffice@firstparishyork.netDeadlineDecember13,2019

RecipientswillreceivechecksbymailinJanuary

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COMMUNITYEVENTS&INFORMATION

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Advent I 9:30am Worship/Communion 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 5p Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7pm Lessons & Carols Rehearsal

2 8am Zumba

3 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 4pm Pastoral Relations Committee Meeting 7pm Church Council Meeting

4 8:30am Zumba 9:30am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Bible Conversations 7pm Search Committee Meeting

12 8:30am Aerobics 9am Builds & Grounds Committee Meeting 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

6 8:30am Aerobics 5:30pm Youth Group 5/6 7pm Youth Group 7/8

7 9am-12noon Wreaths & Greens and More Sale

8 Advent II 9:15am Hymn Sing 9:30am Worship 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 1pm Youth Group 9-12 5p Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

9 8am Zumba 6pm Fellowship in Action

10 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 6:30pm Assessors Meeting

11 8:30am Zumba 9:30am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Bible Conversations

12 8:30am Aerobics 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

13 8:30am Aerobics

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15 Advent III 9:30amWorship 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 4pm Christmas in the Village 5pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

16 8am Zumba 5:30pm Caroling-Durgin Pines

17 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty 7pm Deacons Meeting

18 8:30am Zumba 9:30am Women’s Bible Study 5pm Bible Conversations 5:30pm Caroling-Sentry Hill

19 8:30am Aerobics 6pm Handbells Rehearsal 7pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

20 8:30am Aerobics

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22 Advent IV 9:30amWorship 11am Men’s Ensemble Rehearsal 5pm Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

23 8am Zumba

24 8:30am Yoga 5:30pm Family Service 8pm Candlelight Service 11pm Candlelight Service

25 Christmas Day Parish Office Closed

26 8:30am Aerobics Parish Office Closed

27 8:30am Aerobics

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29 9:30am Worship Brunch-Fellowship Hall Creche Sunday

30 8am Zumba

31 8:30am Yoga 5pm Table of Plenty

THEVILLAGEQUILTERSMeeteveryThursdayat9am

inFellowshipHall.Wearelookingfornewmembers.

ContactAudreyCarmel207-361-4073

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First Parish Church 180 York Street York, ME 03909

December2019Newsletter

MinistersAlltheMembersoftheCongregation

Rev.EstelleMargarones,SeniorPastorestelle@firstparishyork.net

Rev.DanHollis,AssociatePastordan@firstparishyork.net

StaffWendellS.Purrington,DirectorofMusicMinistries

TerrieIlaria,MusicAssociateJanetCassidy,ChurchSchoolCoordinator

BettyRoker,OfficeManagerStaceyCrowell,BuildingsandGroundsSupervisor

ToddFrederick,CemeterySuperintendent

FirstParishChurchLayLeadersJanJonas,Moderator

ThomKearns,ViceModeratorRayHamlin,TreasurerSusanMancinelli,Clerk

207-363-3758

office@firstparishyork.netwww.firstparishyork.net