1
180YorkStreetYork,ME03909207-363-3758office@firstparishyork.netwww.firstparishyork.netOfficeHours:Monday-Friday9am-2pm
SharingGoodNews 1MessageModerator 2InspirationalWorship
4-5
LifeChangingExperiences
6-7
Community&World
8-14
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
2
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
3
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.
4
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
SueWierzba,HospitalityCommittee207-361-4541
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
5
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
6
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!
(continuedonpage7)
7
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
(continuedfrompage6)
SundayDecember29
Epiphany,theholidaythatmarksthearrivalofthethreekingsatthestable,takesplaceafterChristmas.ItmayhavebeenuptotwoyearsbeforethewisemenarrivedatJesus'residence.Thisyear,CrecheSundayismovingtotheSundayafterChristmasandwewillcelebratewithanewexperience.Insteadoftraditionalworshipinthesanctuary,onDecember29,yourpastorsanddeaconsinviteyoutoenjoybrunchinFellowshipHall!
We'llservealovelybrunch,singallofourfavoriteChristmasCarols,andsharehopesandprayersforthenewyear...allthewhilesurroundedbytreasuredfamilycrechedisplays.Thismaywellbecomeanewholidaytradition!Familymembersandguestsareallwelcome.WewillinviteRSVPsinDecember.Pleasesavethedatenow!
8
NURSERYCAREisprovidedeverySundayforinfantsandchildrenunder4yearsofageduringourworshipserviceonSundays.ThenurseryislocateddownstairsintheSanctuary.Comeandmeetouramazingnurserystaff–Sabrina,BaileyandLinda.
(continuedonpage11)
FellowshipInActionFellowshipOutings
MERRYTUBACHRISTMASNonantumResortballroominKennebunkport
30-40TubasandEuphoniumsserenadeuswithChristmasCarolsSunday,December8
3PM-4PMCarpoolingfromFirstParishat1:45PM
FREEadmissionInterested?ContactLindaDrew
207/351/[email protected]
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.
9
SavetheDateBirthdayBrunchJanuary26,2020
TheHospitalityCommitteeisplanningaPotLuckBirthdayBrunchonJanuary26thafterworship.Wewillcelebrateayearofbirthdaysinoneparty.Wewillaskpeopletobringabrunchitemtoshare,wewillsitattableswithotherswhosharethesamebirthdaymonth,singarousingHappyBirthday,andplaybirthdaypartygames.HospitalityCommitteewillprovidedrinks,cake,setupandcleanupwiththehelpofothers.Allareinvited.ChildrenofallagestoAdultswithyearsofwisdom.Allarecelebrated.SavethedateforourPotLuckBirthdayBrunch.MoredetailstofollowinJanuary.Anyquestions,[email protected].
TheJavaMamasandPapascontinuetoprovidecoffeeafterthe
churchserviceeachSunday.Whenfolkssignuptherearegoodiesavailable.Wehaveonekindmemberwhohasbeenbringingindonutsweekafterweek.Thankyou,Gordon.Pleaseconsidergettingyourcommitteetogetherorsomeneighborsandhelpusoffersnacksmoreoften.Severalpeoplehavehonoredfamilymemberscelebratingbirthdaysorothermilestonesbysupplyingcakes.Wewelcometheseevents.Asweprogresstowardtryingtobebetterstewardsofourresources,wearetryingtomakesurewecompostourcoffeegroundsandcups.Wewillusethedishwashermoreoftenalso.Ifyouareinterestedinhelpingprepareandservecoffee,wewouldbehappytotrainyouandworkwithyou.Pleasecontactme.Manythanks.LindaHart363-4493
10
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!
11
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
12
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.
13
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!
14
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:___________________________________________________________________________________
15
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
16
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.
17
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
18
COMMUNITYEVENTS&INFORMATION
19
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
14
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
21
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
28
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
20
First Parish Church 180 York Street York, ME 03909
December2019Newsletter
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