First Parish Church Calendar - UCC

PASTOR'S MESSAGE

Where do you go to pull yourself together? I have a friend who used to hide in her walk-in closet. It was the only place she could find in a busy household to be all alone. I remember my mother going on long walks when we shared a cottage with her in-laws for two weeks. We all need time apart to center ourselves and to reconnect to the Spirit.

In Sunday's scripture, Mark 1:29-39, Jesus gets up early in the morning while it is still dark to go off by himself and pray. How are you practicing prayer these days?

See you Sunday,

Mary

Roots and Horizons:

The Conversation Continues

Follow Up Conversation facilitated by Larry Peers, Senior Consultant with the Alban Institute

Saturday, February 11

9-Noon (gather at 8:30 for coffee)

Fellowship Hall in Pilgrim House

Childcare available by calling or emailing the church office by Wednesday, February 8: 729-7331: jconnors@firstparish.net

SERVICES

Evening Prayers will return on Sundays beginning on February 26, during Lent.

Ash Wednesday Service: February 22 from 12-12:30 in the Chapel of Pilgrim House.

The Gift of Silence, with Gwen Moore

An ongoing time for silent prayer and meditation

Fridays from 9am-10am in the Parlor

"Windows On the Environment"

Please mark your calendars for our February/March Adult Education Series of "Windows on the Environment" after worship on February 19 and 26, March 11,18 and 25. Look for more information in the monthly newsletter, the Pilgrims' Progress and on our website: www.firstparish.net.

February 19: 11:30 after worship in Fellowship Hall

Global Energy Issues and Climate Change with Paul Kando, co-founder of MidCoast Green Collaborative.

SUNDAY, AFTER WORSHIP, you may pick up your copy of the Parish Read book: "World on the Edge," by Lester R. Brown, which will compliment the Windows On....program this year. ($13.00, and look for Becky Halbrook)

CHURCH NEWS

The Fundraising 2011 Committee is thrilled with the results of a very successful campaign. With the Christmas Fair and other fundraising, we raised over $18,000 for our budget. We have been asked to organize fundraisers for 2012. We would like new ideas! Please email Margaret Hutchins if you can help or have a fabulous creative idea! (Hutchins.M@comcast.net)

Birthday Club: Your Birthday!! The FPC Birthday Club 2012 hopes you will remember us again this year. To become a member of this celebrated club, you are invited to send to the church, on or near your birthday, $1.00 (or any amount you wish) for each year of your birth. You may also want to sponsor a friend or relative to be a member of the club. Checks should go to First Parish Church with "Birthday Club" noted on the memo line. Special envelopes for the club are available in the pews. Check the envelope holder at the end of your pew.

There WILL be a Public Baked Bean Supper on Saturday, February 25 from 5-6 PM in Fellowship Hall. Adults: $7.00 and Children are $3.00. (Under six years old are free.) Please come! Support the budget!! And see some friends!

Prayer Concerns: Elaine Mower, Susan Fitzgerald, Maggie McPhersun, Jacqueline Wild

MUSIC NEWS

Hadyn's "Creation" will be performed by the Senior Choir with orchestra on March 4, 2012 at 3 PM at the Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham. Tickets will be available after worship on Sunday. ($15 or advanced purchase, two for $25.)