Pilgrims' Progress
First Parish Church of Brunswick, Maine
United Church of Christ
May 2008
No.
5005
Memorial Day Message
Afghanistan greetings, from a
wayward FPC member, Peter St. Martin, CDR, USN, assigned with Marines as their
Chaplain.
The 24th Marine
Expeditionary Unit arrived a little over a month ago. We have been busy
settling in and preparing for operations. Once “full up” we will respond as
area commanders request our assistance, although we have already pushed out
“outside the wire.”
I am sad to report that we have
received our first casualties last week. One of our convoy vehicles hit an
improvised explosive device (IED) last week killing 2 and wounding 2, 1 quite
seriously. Deep sorrow and esprit de corps make for a peculiar mixture of
emotions, peculiar but typical of military units in a hostile zone. We grieve
and we honor the lost with equal vigor. One of the features of the process is called
a “ramp ceremony” named as the passage of the remains from Mortuary Affairs to
the rear ramp of the plane that will take them to their final place of rest in
their home country. NATO servicemen and women numbering in the hundreds march
into formation to make an aisle for the casket to process up to the plane. As
it passes we render salute. Chaplains offer reflection and prayer. These
ceremonies happen at various times of the day and night, whenever a plane for
transport happens to be available. The ceremony for our fallen was at 0200.
It was touching to see such a huge turnout at such an hour to pay tribute to
these fine young Marines. We each handle this difficult time in different
ways. Grief is an individual thing. But ultimately we move on and set out to
do the job we came to do but more keenly aware of the danger to which that job
exposes us, and more keenly aware of our mortality. It is a heartbreaking and
a growing experience, another peculiar mix of emotions.
After what I have already related
the discomfort we experience from the living conditions seem trivial, but you
have to know that we complain about the heat and the sand—well it’s not sand so
much as powder to my mind. It coats the ground all over our desert location in
South Afghanistan. It’s coating my teeth, as the wind picked up during my
walk from our headquarters to the chow hall tonight, all of about a block and a
half distance. I am told it will get much more uncomfortable. A Canadian
chaplain who has been here awhile spoke of a day last summer that had a high of
65˚ (Celsius). It’s too depressing to think what that is in Fahrenheit (C
x 9/5 + 32 = F, if you are interested.). I don’t do well in heat. If you want
a more objective view of what this is all about, I commend to you a BLOG from
the Jacksonville Daily News. Jennifer Hlad embedded with us for about 2 weeks
and may give you some additional insight.
(http://fromafghanistan.encblogs.com/). You are also welcome to write me if
you wish.
Email: stmartinpb@24meufwd.usmc.mil
Postal: CDR Peter St.
Martin
S-1/Chaplain
24 MEU
Unit 73855
FPO AE
09510-3855
Please know that we are doing
well. We encourage your prayers on our behalf. Pray for our safety, yes.
Pray also that whatever it is we are called to do, that it brings about a good
result.
Mary’s Musings
I have enjoyed this past year
with confirmation youth, parents and mentors. The young people have visited
other churches, participated in community service activities, attended church
school classes, and talked about theology and spirituality with parents and
mentors. Recently, each of them has had a meeting with me to discuss his/her
decision about participating in the Service of Confirmation, where each person
affirms his/her baptism and joins the Christian Church.
In recent weeks, I have heard
many comments from various people about how they appreciate the
intergenerational character of First Parish and they wish for more
opportunities to interact across generations. The Service of Confirmation is
one of those opportunities. It is a special time for the young people in our
congregation. I hope you will make a special effort to be present in worship on
May 11 to celebrate with them.
Take care, Mary
Worship Notes:
May 4 Communion, Baptism - Samuel Hafford Preacher - Mary
Baard
May 11 Service of Confirmation Preacher
- Mary Baard
May 18 Children's Day Musical
May 25 guest preacher - The Rev. Judith Blanchard -
Protestant Chaplain at Maine Medical Center
Stewardship Concerns
For
the past couple of years the Stewardship Committee has focused our
communications with the congregation on the principle that Christian
Stewardship is a message of faith. 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.
It
is fully understood by everyone that there are those who disagree to some
extent with the Church Council’s actions last fall. The results of those
actions have had an impact on pledging. No one seeks or wishes this turmoil in
his or her church life.
In
the coming weeks every member of this congregation must decide to what extent
their financial assistance will enable First Parish Church to continue funding
the ministries and programs that you, the congregation, approved in the budget
for this year. 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 on at the
February annual meeting.
Are
you willing to commit to increasing your present pledge? If so, please convey
that increase at the earliest opportunity by requesting a new pledge card, or
just writing a note to the Stewardship Committee, or the Collector.
If
you have not yet pledged for whatever reason, your financial commitment is
sorely needed by First Parish Church. Perhaps you aren't aware that without
your commitment, we may have to eliminate or curtail programs or ministries,
provide less outreach, or reduce staff, which may be that one aspect of this
church's ministry which has meant so much to you or your neighbor.
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
Are you interested?
Looking for new opportunities? Been thinking you would like to get more involved
in the life and work of the Church? The Nominating Committee has started its
annual effort to identify new nominees for the many church committees. The
range of possibilities is broad: finance, stewardship, outreach, education,
worship and more. If you are interested in being considered please drop off you
name and short statement of your interests at the Church Office with Jane
Connors or email Jane directly at jconnors@firstparish.net. Thank you for
considering a new level of involvement.
Tim Glidden, Chair of Nominating Committee
Transition Steering Committee Update
The Transition Steering Committee
continues to seek qualified candidates for an interim minister. We appreciate
input from the congregation on qualifications and priority skills sets for the
interim pastor.
We thank everyone who
participated in the small group discussions facilitated by Larry Peers, the
Alban Institute consultant. His report collected our thoughts and feelings on
the transition that is taking place in our congregation. Individuals are in
different places on the timeline of change, and we need to take the time to
listen and understand differing perspectives and needs. He identified some
specific issues to address during the interim period:
· Explore
and define church leadership roles and ministerial staffing.
· Develop
a communications policy to clarify what and how information is shared in the
congregation.
· Develop
a regular staff performance evaluation process that is understood by the
congregation.
· Educate
ourselves about Congregational polity and discernment processes.
Larry Peers also made the
following recommendations to the congregation to understand and support one
another as we move forward:
CONGREGATIONAL EFFORTS DURING THE
INTERIM
· Use
this time of the interim as a congregation to get to know who you are as a
community and as a community of faith. This may mean that you intentionally
will spend time with others outside of your primary subgroup (e.g. choir,
church school, etc.) in the congregation in order to knit yourselves together
as a community that has diverse interests, perspectives and experiences.
· Intentionally
speak to someone who you know has a different perspective than your own
about recent events within the congregation. If reconciliation is needed,
then be proactive with asking for assistance, if desired, in having the
conversations that will promote understanding and potential reconciliation.
· Become
informed about and practiced in the responsibilities of Congregational polity.
This means learning some of the spiritual disciplines related to discernment
that are part of the Congregational way, the importance of dialogue, and of
being informed on matters about which you are being asked to make a decision.
· Recognize
that in a large congregation you will have to be more intentional about
connecting with others either in small groups or some other program or ministry
of the congregation. If you want to be involved in some of the leadership of
the congregation, communicate that with the appropriate person(s).
· There
are occasions when members of the congregation or their family members need
pastoral care. Inform yourselves even before the need arises what the resources
are within the congregation. Communicate or have someone communicate your need
directly.
· There
are no bystanders. Think about how you will proactively engage as a member
during the interim time to make this church into the community that you can
continue to cherish and support.
Your Transition Team at First Parish Church
Bill Ferdinand Bill is an attorney with Eaton Peabody in Brunswick and Augusta, specializing in environmental and land use law. He is a lobbyist
in the Maine legislature. He has attended FPC for 10 years and became a member
in 2003. He is vice chair of the church council and the outreach committee. He
regularly teaches church school with the 3rd-6th grades.
Bill is married to Catherine and they have two daughters, Anna & Sarah.
Jo Bradley Jo and her husband, Ed, moved to Brunswick from Tennessee. At FPC, she is a member of the Parish Ringers and the Senior Choir. She also
volunteers in the library at Woolwich Central School. Ed is a member of the
stewardship committee and adult ministries team at FPC.
Ron Kurtz Ron is a retired UCC Minister and lives with his wife,
Elaine, in The Highlands in Topsham. Both Ron and Elaine volunteer at the
Mid-Coast Hunger Soup Kitchen. Elaine is on First Parish Church’s Earth Care
Team. Ron is on the Nominating Committee.
After
serving Churches in Vermont and Connecticut, Ron served as Conference Staff to
ministers and churches, particularly in times of change. Reading, travel,
fishing and refinishing Ogee Mirrors are among Ron’s interests. Two daughters,
their husbands and three grandsons keep Ron and Elaine in touch with some of
the challenges of this new century.
Mary Melquist Mary is a clinical psychologist who works for Spurwink
helping abused and neglected children. She co-chaired the Christmas Far, has
taught several Sunday School sessions, and has a wonderful husband (who does
not have the weekends off) and an amazing daughter, Samantha, 4, who sings in
the cherub choir. The thing she appreciates most about FPC is the
intergenerational fellowship opportunities that are available.
Carol O’Donnell Although Carol grew up in Belmont, Massachusetts she
spent summers in Pemaquid Beach, home of her maternal ancestors, and has lived
in Maine since graduating from the University of Maine in 1970. Carol is the
Director of Finance at the University of Maine at Augusta. In her spare time
she enjoys Bowdoin basketball, Harvard football, the Boston Red Sox, music,
theater, and film. She has also been actively engaged in many projects in the
town of Brunswick. She has been attending First Parish Church for several years
and currently serves as a head usher.
Tom Weddle Tom and his wife Susan have been members of First
Parish for 22 years. He currently is chair of the Deacons and represents
them on the Church Council, and also serves on the Nominating Committee. Their
daughters Becky, Hannah, and Emily share one common bond beside their last
name; all three have played the part of Mary in the Christmas pageant. Tom
works as a geologist for the state with the Maine Geological Survey, a bureau
of the Department of Conservation. During this year's field season he
will be mapping the glacial deposits in the Kenduskeag quadrangle.
Len Westra Len, and his wife Beth Thompson, have been attending
First Parish for over 20 years after building their house together in Brunswick. Their three children have been through Confirmation and have participated in
the music programs. Len has taught Sunday School and has served on the Deacons
and Christian Ed., Renovation, and Preservation Committees. He has also been on
five of the mission trips to Honduras and El Salvador and has participated in
Habitat builds. Len has been active for many years with the Brunswick Youth
Soccer League. In the past Len has worked as an Industrial Engineer and
residential Building Contractor and is currently a self-employed Home
Inspector. He enjoys kayaking and sailing and continues to struggle with
learning to play the fiddle.
Church School News
Susan Fitzgerald
sfitzgerald@firstparish.net
The Merry
Month of May
May 4th - Church
school through grade 6. Older children explore more of the Jonah story.
Younger ones have fun with Season of the Spirit.
May 11th
Confirmation – Children in 3rd grade and older will remain in
worship to witness the moving ritual of confirmation that they can look forward
to in the coming years.
May 18th –
Children’s Day Musical -Church School for preschool and nursery only.
Everyone else enjoys Jonah: The Musical J
May 25th – Memorial
Day theme for all children through 6th grade.
Pilgrim Lodge
UCC Summer Camp
Check out www.pilgrimlodge.org to
see the many opportunities for children/youth/ families/adults/grandparents!
There are camps for all
ages and many different themes. If you would like a brochure, please
stop by the Christian Education office to pick one up.
We do have
"camperships" (financial assistance) for FPC families who could use a
little help with the cost. Please let me know by May 15 if you would like
assistance.
Oh, Jonah!
On Sunday, May 18 First Parish Church will celebrate Children's Sunday during the morning worship service. The Junior
and Cherub Choirs will present the musical "Oh, Jonah!" by Allen Pote
under the direction of Ray Cornils and accompanied by Carol Elowe.
This musical tells the story of
Jonah and the whale, complete with sailors, angels, citizens of Nineveh, a
storm, a whale, and, of course, Jonah. It is a story involving responsibility,
repentance, listening for the word of God in our lives, accepting people who
are different from us, and believing that there is mercy and compassion for all
who turn toward God - serious thoughts, but told with a sense of humor and
great fun.
Christian Outreach Updates and Opportunities
Offering of Letters - Bread for the World
Bread for the World is a
collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at
home and abroad. With everyone, including our government, doing their part, we
can end hunger in our time. By making our voices heard in Congress, we make
our nation’s laws more fair and compassionate to people in need.
This year Bread for
the World’s OFFERING OF LETTERS supports passage of the Global Poverty Act.
Passed by the House of Representatives in 2007, this bill would commit the U.S.
Government to the first U.N. Millennium Development Goal of cutting hunger and
extreme poverty in half, as well as requiring a coordinated strategy to achieve
the goal. The next step is for this Act to be considered and passed by the
Senate. (The United States signed the compact among the nations of the world
{The Millennium Development Goals} to work together to alleviate poverty,
hunger and disease. We have not fully honored our commitment to the world’s
poor people. )
This Offering of
Letters also asks Congress to increase funding by at least $5 billion per year
for programs that give people in developing countries the opportunity to work
their way out of poverty.
On Sunday, APRIL 27,
after church, Christian Outreach Committee members will be in the vestry and at
the reception desk in Pilgrim House with all the materials you will need to
join your neighbors near and far in this Offering of Letters. You may sign
the letters to Maine’s Congressional Delegation there, or you may take a packet
home with you. If you leave your letters with us, we do ask that you make a
donation to cover the postage.
Together, we can make
a difference!
A REMINDER:
Sexual Assault Support
Services of Midcoast Maine (SASSMM), an organization we at First Parish
support through our benevolence budget, has asked for our help. SASSMM
provides sweat suits for individuals who seek emergency medical care as a
result of a sexual assault. The sweat suits allow survivors to go home in
clean and comfortable clothing instead of the clothing in which they were
assaulted or which may have been taken as evidence.
First Parish can help
by donating sweat suits anytime. Baskets are available in the vestry and in
Pilgrim House. The sweat suits are for both men and women, so they should be
gender neutral in style and color (no red or black, please), and be plain, with
no designs or embellishments. Sizes medium, large, and extra large are most
needed.
Spring Greater Gift Sale on May 4th
All are invited to shop for fair
trade gifts, house-wares, jewelry and more handmade items from artisans living
in developing regions by attending A Greater Gift Sale on Sunday, May 4th in
the Vestry immediately after the service.
Organizing the sale
is the Christian Outreach Committee. This spring sale will be just in time for
graduation, Mother's Day and wedding gifts. The sale is hosted in partnership
with A Greater Gift which works in 36 countries to enable artisans and
farmers to gain access to markets and maintain a sustainable income. Proceeds
from purchases at the sale improve working conditions and provide access to
education and healthcare for artisans and their families. Lal Maya Rai of Napal
states, "I have become independent and am able to earn my living. I can
provide education for my children and fulfill their daily needs." Please
join us at the sale.
Fun Fact about 2008
El Salvador Work Camp
The Work Camp took the many eye
glasses that were donated to ASAPROSAR. In 4 or 5 weeks we collected 315
glasses. (60 were sunglasses) As they were being packed it was fun to look at
the glasses and guess how old they were based upon the styles. Regardless of
the age or style, they were greatly appreciated by the eye program at
ASAPROSAR. Many thanks to all who donated! We will plan to do another
collection of glasses for the 2009 Work Camp. There will be an announcement in
the Pilgrims’ Progress and Sunday bulletin when we start the collection for
2009.
Of Plaques & Weavings
Be sure to stop by Pilgrim House
to see our “Outreach Art.” Earl & Diane Black gave the church a beautiful
weaving that they made to thank us for our efforts in building their Habitat
for Humanity house. It is displayed along side the very nice plaque from our
local chapter of Habitat. Rounding out the art is the beautiful “Ark” art work included in the Heifer Project plaque, thanking us for twenty years of
support of their organization.
Report from the
Social Worker
Administering
the Benevolence Program
A review of my records covering
the time from October 2007 to April, 2008 reveals that on average for each day
I work per week, six clients are seen on site. Additionally there are 5-7 phone
calls daily. Contacts with other churches and agencies comprise the bulk of the
calls. All this is geared to trying to help meet the major needs of the
neediest people in our extended area. Thank you one and all for helping to make
this possible
Jane D. Newhall
FROM THE CHURCH COUNCIL April 8, 2008
See
full Minutes, and summaries of reports on Pilgrim House bulletin board
Period of Discernment
around the Consultation by Larry Peers
Each Council member shared his or
her perspective about the experience of having Larry Peers as our consultant.
It was conducted as an exercise in discernment of the Spirit moving in our
midst. Following are some of the observations shared:
· As
we move forward as a congregation, let us focus on ways of discernment, not
necessarily of consensus. Let us see where the Spirit of God is leading us.
· Let
us focus on the 300th anniversary of this congregation – in 2017.
Let us decide what to put our energy toward at this point.
· How
we will be journeying together in the next few years is vitally important.
· We
need to have “we” not “me” mentality in the church not only as we make plans
but also as we live our daily life together.
· Our
most important task in the next two to three years is to build trust.
· We
all need to listen non-judgmentally and to respond positively.
· Communication
is very important: 1) at the individual level (listening to others can lead to
trust), 2) internal level (between staff and committees, e.g.), and 3) external
level (getting to know each other in the congregation).
· There
is a sense of God nurturing us even in the midst of hard times. We feel the
closeness of the Spirit.
· We
are a congregation of caring and sharing.
· We
have some organizational things to do, but doing them together is what is
important.
Presentation to the
Congregation of the Space and Facilities Planning Study
On Sunday, April 13, at a
post-service informational meeting, Scott Simons Architects will present their
report. They received input from more than 100 church members and staff. At
the June 8, 2007 Semi-Annual Meeting, the congregation voted to hire an
architectural firm to study the church’s space and facilities needs and present
a possible plan to the congregation.
After the
presentation, a color set of the plans will be presented to everyone. There
will be a period of questions and answers. There will also be future
opportunities for small group meetings to offer suggestion, ask for
clarifications, etc. No decisions will be made at the April meeting. At the
June Semi-Annual Meeting, the congregation will formally receive or reject the
report from the architects. Further implementation will depend on that
decision and would proceed only with careful planning.
Transition Update
Bill Ferdinand reported that the
committee has been reviewing and prioritizing Larry Peers’ recommendations.
They are also moving forward with seeking input from the congregation as to
what church members are looking for in an Interim Minister. To date the
committee has not been successful in finding an appropriate Interim Minister.
Budget Preparation and Planning
David Knight and Mark Wild led a
discussion on the importance of beginning the budget process early. Committees
need to focus very soon on their visions for 2009 plans, so that financial
needs can be known, a budget prepared, and Stewardship can lay plans for
assisting the congregation in meeting the budget.
Respectfully
submitted, Louise J. Harding, Church Clerk
The next regular Church Council
meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel
All are welcome to attend.
Report for Stewardship and
Finances
First Parish Church
Treasurer’s Report Month
ending 3/31/08
CM
Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget Total Year
Budget
Sources of Income
Pledges and Offerings $62,150 $233,494 $211,880 $666,012
Special Offerings 4,493
11,523 11,810 34,760
Other Fund Raising 0 0
1,000 12,550
Other income 3,185
6,589 10,550 118,000
Total income $69,828 $251,606 $235,240 $831,322
Expenses/Benevolences
Salaries & Benefits $62,940 $144,900 $142,035 $538,195
Building Expense 12,651
35,861 37,675 114,250
Programs/Committees 2,533
5,038 6,694 30,010
Administrative 2,152
8,053 9,079 36,175
Benevolences $28,245
$34,444 $31,547 $112,692
Total Expenditures $108,521 $228,296 $227,030 $831,322
Cash in Bank
$23,310
Treasurer’s Report-Comments
Month Ended March 31, 2008
Pledges for
March were just under $47,000, which was $18,000 below budget for the month.
Year to date pledges are still ahead of budget and last year. Plate offerings
were strong in March and are now on budget year to date. Sabbatical funds set
aside in previous years totaling $12,300 have been included in the total
Pledges & Offerings in the month of March to offset payments to the interim
music staff.
Special offerings during March included our Easter offering
and nearly $3,000 for One Great Hour of Sharing. Support for the Local Needy
has reached nearly $6,000 through March.
Salaries and benefits are tracking close to budget for the
first three months of the year. Fuel expenses have reached $17,400 through
March, about $1,000 over budget. Other building expenses are on or below budget
for the three month period.
In the Benevolences area, the first quarter installment for
OCWM has been paid as well as Conference and Cumberland Association dues for
the year. In addition, funds from special offerings for One Great Hour of
Sharing and CWS Blanket Appeal have been forwarded to the Maine Conference.
As of the end of March, the balance in the Operating bank
account stands at just over $23,000.
The below budget pledge receipts for the month is a cause
for concern. The Stewardship Committee will be addressing this matter in the
weeks ahead.
Drafted by HBKenison
Historical Notes by Mildred Jones
Jane Connors recently received an
email request for the history of our present tower bell from an historical
society in New York. As we browsed through records, sharing it with you seems
logical.
Our first bell (the first church
bell in Brunswick) went into the tower of our second Meetinghouse in 1824.
Before that, the college bell (which had hung in nearby Massachusetts Hall)
called people to our services. In 1818, Bowdoin moved the bell to the other end
of the quad to the new small chapel by the present Hubbard Hall. The eventual
fate of our 1824 bell was sad. Be aware that our bell also served as the town
fire bell. During a nasty sleet storm one 1841 December evening, a fire was
raging by the Androscoggin Toll Gate. Several buildings were lost. Our bell, of
course, summoned fire fighters. It was run violently, despite being encrusted
in ice. The resulting damage caused Mrs. David Dunlap to write to a friend:
“Our bell is cracked and sound terribly. It is quite a serious affair for us as
we are so poor.”
A second bell, however, was
installed the next spring. Charles Noyes, the organist, noted it was “very
similar in quality of tone, but a half tone graver in pitch, being pitched on
the letter G.” It was stored in 1845 during the construction of our present
Meetinghouse. At noon on September 19, it was rehung and was “run for several
minutes to tell the community of its placement.”
The next brief record answers the
researcher’s question. In 1855, Charles Noyes was put in charge of ordering a
new bell - our present one. Why the second bell was being replaced is not
known. It was “cast by order of C.J. Noyes, 1855, Menleey Foundry of West Troy,
N.Y.” The researcher has gathered history of 3800 Meneely bells, and assures us
that only the finest copper and tin were used in each of their bells.
A modern part of this bell tale
occurred in 1977 when the bell was then 122 years old. Parishioner Richard King
often pulled the bell rope for summer services and realized something was
amiss. The striker had broken, the hand forged bolts were worn and rusted and,
being loose in the cradle, ringing the bell shook the whole tower. Repairs were
made by Bruno Post and Kenneth Phair. Watchful eyes continue to monitor our
bell to ensure that it tolls each Sunday, safely and clearly. Do you come early
enough to hear it?
*Note: All quotes are from the
Ashby, History of First Parish Church. We have copies for sale for $5
in the church office!
PARISH NOTES
¨ Please
remember in your prayers: Betty Bates and Caroline Below. Alice Davies and
Louise Cook have both returned home after rehabilitation following surgeries.
¨ Sympathy
is expressed to Ellie Peterson and her family on the death of Tom on April 20,
2008. His memorial service will be held here on Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m.
¨ Sympathy
is expressed to Elaine Kurtz and family on the death of her mother, Mildred
Layton in Woostown, N.J. in March. She was 100 years old.
¨ Sympathy
is expressed to Janet Bodwell on the death of her brother, David Marsten on
March 13, 2008.
¨ Our
family wishes to thank all our friends at First Parish for their cards,
letters, phone calls, flowers and emails. It has been a very difficult two years,
made easier by all your support, love and prayers. A very special thank you to
Rev. Mary Baard for her emails to me and her visit to Robert at the Veterans’
Home. We thank you all. Joan P. Laws and Beth J. Alexander
¨ The
family of Doris Parsons would like to thank everyone for their cards and
prayers. Doris would also like to thank the confirmation students for their
lovely homemade cards.
¨ We
are looking into updating our church directory, which has not been done since
2004. Olan Mills is meeting with us in the near future. If you are interested
in attending this initial meeting, or you have helpful hints, please contact
the church office.
¨ There
will be an open meeting on Wednesday, May 7 from 6:30 to 8 pm in the Vestry for
anyone interested in participating in the choir tour to Ecuador next summer
(June 19th - July 1). Wanda and Rick Bogin from Plymouth Travel will make a
presentation and answer any questions. You do not have to be a choir member to
attend.
¨ Andrea
Printy will present an organ recital at Bowdoin Chapel on Friday, May 9 at 7
pm. Ms Printy was the organist and choir accommpanist here at FPC during Ray
Cornils’ sabbatical. The program, which will include works of Bach, Sweelinck,
Franck, Hindemith, Messiaen, Langlais and Printy is free and open to the
public.
Dear Cherub and Junior Choir Families,
Inch by inch, row by row, gonna make this garden
grow…………..........
I love that song! Thank you very much for the gift
certificate to Skillins. How fun it will be to plant something and be able to
think of you every time I look at it! My garden will be brighter thanks to all
of you. I enjoyed making music with you and I hope you had fun too. Work hard
on Jonah - I can hardly wait to see it:)
With thanks, Pam Morneau
Spring Clothing and Linen Sale
Our Annual Clothing and Linen
Sale will be held June 6 and 7. Now is the time for cleaning out, reorganizing
and recycling those things in your closet that you have not worn or used in the
past year! We will begin collecting items on Sunday, June 1 (after worship),
and during the following week. Please call Jane Primmer (725-8912) or Dottie
Cattelle (725-2832) if you are able to help during the week or if you need
items to be picked up.
Service of Installation
On Sunday afternoon, May 4 at 4
pm the congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick will
celebrate the installation of their newly settled minister, The Reverend Sylvia
Stocker. The service will be held here in our sanctuary and a reception will
follow. As a participant in the spiritual community of the greater
Bath-Brunswick area, they joyfully invite you to celebrate this event with
them.
Graduation Time!
Do you have a child or grandchild
graduating from high school, college, or grad school? Please let us know so
that we may publish names of these folks in our June newsletter. Please call
the office at 729-7331 or email Jane at jconnors@firstparish.net. The deadline
is May 20.
Thank you!
Oratorio Chorale Concert
The year 2008 marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of
Giacomo Puccini - a perfect opportunity to present Puccini's joyous and utterly
engaging "Messa di Gloria,” composed when he was only 22 years old.
Beethoven's lyrical "Mass in C" rounds out a program imbued with the
spirit of joy. 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 @ 7:30 pm at the Orion Performing
Arts Center, Topsham; May 18 @ 3:00 pm at State Street Church, Portland.
Tickets $15. in advance; $20. at door; students half-price. FMI
www.oratoriochorale.org or call 207-725-1420
