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CHURCH FAMILY
Please remember in your prayers: Lou Harding, whose brother died recently, the family of Dick Fuller who died on May 9, Caroline Below, Heather Higbee and Gil Schneidewind.
If you or a family member is hospitalized and would like a visit, please call the church office.
CHURCH NEWS
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES GROUP
The Spiritual Practices
Group will be meeting on Monday mornings until May 19 and everyone is invited to attend. The group gathers for fellowship from 9:45 to 10:00 and the class follows from 10:00 to 11:00. They will be using the book Cup of Life by Joyce Rupp. It may be purchased at Bookland or Gulf of Maine. |
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BIBLE STUDY GROUP
The Bible study group led by Jack Kieffer continues to meet at 9 am on Sundays in the chapel at Pilgrim House.
Centering Prayer Group
The last session of this season will be on May 18th. Bill Geoghegan will lead a discussion of "The Good Samaritan". We will meet in the parlor at Pilgrim House, starting at 3:00 pm. Everyone is welcome.
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MID COAST HUNGER PREVENTION PROGRAM
Food items needed at this time
Baked beans, rice (all sizes), diced canned tomatoes, canned peas and carrots.
Donations may be put in the wooden box in the vestry.
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Do you have a child or grandchild graduating from high school, college, grad school? Please let us know so that we may publish their names in the next Pilgrims' Progress newsletter for June. The deadline is May 20.
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First Parish Church UCC, Brunswick, Maine 
WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE
May 15, 2008 |
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PASTOR'S MESSAGE
A Whale of a Tale! This Sunday the Children's Choirs will be sharing with us the story of Jonah. They have been working hard. And wait until you see the whale. This is a story about a prophet who doesn't want to do what God asks. In fact, he initially turns and runs the other way. Then when he does go to Nineveh to preach a message asking for the people's repentance, something unexpected happens. The people repent and God responds with graciousness. Does Jonah rejoice? No, instead he is angry, and complains to God - "I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful." It can be an ironic challenge to celebrate God's grace when it comes to someone we have considered an enemy. It is a whale of a tale!
See you Sunday,
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Stewardship Concerns
As Christian Stewards we are called to spread the message of God's love by sharing God's gifts. While it is true that the Stewardship and Prudential Committees must work closely together on the financial matters of the church, Christian financial stewardship is really about doing the work of God within our congregation, our community, and our world.
In the coming weeks every member of this congregation must decide to what extent their financial assistance will enable First Parish Church to fund the ministries and programs that we approved in the 2008 budget. We are currently well short of affording that budget.
As of 18 April, the Collector has received $543,000.00 in 2008 pledges towards the goal of $610,000.00 that the Congregation affirmatively voted at the February annual meeting.
If you have not yet pledged, we hope you will reconsider and take this opportunity to share God's gifts. Without your commitment, we cannot sustain our current level of ministry, outreach or staffing. If you have already pledged, will you consider increasing your gift to meet the needs of your church and community? To convey your intent pledge cards are available in the pews or please write a note to the Collector.
First Parish Church needs all of us to be good stewards so that the Christian ministry of this congregation can move forward.
G. Mark Wild, on behalf of the Stewardship Committee |
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INQUIRING MINDS BOOK GROUP
This group of men and women will meet on Monday, May 19 in the parlor at 7 pm. The new subject for study is The Good Book:Reading the Bible with Mind and Heart by Peter Gomes. We will be discussing the first 100 pages. Peter Gomes is a well known and respected American Baptist preacher. In this book he explores what the Bible has to say about suffering, joy, evil, temptation, wealth, science and mystery and gives us the tools we need to make the Bible a dynamic, living and transforming part of our daily lives. Newcomers are welcome. The book can be purchased through Amazon.com. FMI call Becky Halbrook 389-2286.
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ANNUAL CLOTHING AND LINENS SALE
Remember to save your discarded clothing and linens for the sale at the church on June 6 and 7.
Items may be dropped off at the church beginning Sunday, June 1.
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UCC SPECIAL APPEAL
In the wake of unfathomable natural disaster in Myanmar (Burma) the United church of Christ just issued a $100,000 emergency appeal to aid victims. UCC is working with Myanmar Council of Churches, Church World Service and ACT International partners to pledge the UCC's full support for coordinated relief. Will you give generously? Mark your checks "Myanmar disaster relief".
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COMMUNITY NEWS
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Oratorio Chorale Concert
The Maine Chamber Ensemble and soloists Bonnie Scarpelli, Sara Sturdivant, Timothy Neill Johnson and Peter Allen join the Oratorio Chorale in their final concerts of the season on May 17 at 7:30 pm at the Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham, and on May 18 at 3:00 pm at State Street Church in Portland. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. FMI please call 725-1420.
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