Find out what is happening This Week at First Parish Church.

Pilgrims' Progress

   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