September 2015 - First Parish Church

First Parish Church is open to everyone and welcomes participation
in the full life, leadership, and ministry of the Church.
We are a diverse congregation.
We welcome persons of any race, gender, ethnic origin,
mental or physical ability, religious tradition, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, and economic circumstances.
We affirm that the love of Christ for each person knows no bounds.
Recently I went to a conference for church
leaders sponsored by the Center for
Progressive Renewal. I particularly
appreciated the presentation by Diana
Butler Bass, a sociologist and church
historian, who talked about the cultural and generational shifts in perceptions about God. She suggested that
one of the essential questions of our
time is - Where is God?
Her question reminded me of my
early days here at First Parish, when
the senior high youth and I watched movies together. After the first movie, I felt inspired to ask them,
“Where is God in the movie?” I got the classic
blank stare. One of them pointed out the obvious
that it was not a “religious” movie, i.e. there was no
direct reference to God. I acknowledged that fact
but suggested they might think about who acted in
a way that made them think of God. Henry
McCorkle got it and said, “God was in the girl
who......”
I asked them the same question after the next
movie. I never had to ask them again. They started
asking the question themselves and developed into
quite astute theologians.
Our theme for the coming year will be Where
is God? I hope this question will help to guide our
reflections on our inner spiritual journeys, on our
life together as a congregation, and our engagement
with the wider community. It is a question that engages science, social justice, environmental challenges, personal turmoil, and life itself.
Our ancient, and not so ancient, ancestors thought of God as being in the
heavens. With the explorations of science we have gone into the heavens
and we now have a different understanding of just what the heavens are.
In the mid 20th century theologian
Paul Tillich suggested that God is
right here. In fact Tillich spoke of God as the
Ground of Being itself. These two perspectives express the transcendence and the immanence of God.
However, the question is not primarily a theoretical question. On a very personal level, we ask, time
and time again, “O God, where are you?” I hope
you will join with me this year in exploring this
question for our ministries in this time and this
place.
Blessings,
Mary
September Worship
September 6
Geoff Parker preaching
“How Can I Keep from Singing?” Psalm 146
September 13
Mary Baard preaching: “The Way of God”
Children’s Moment: Catherine Worthington, fabric artist
Adult Choir
Church School Begins
All Ages Birthday Party following worship
Confirmation Class Pilgrimage Walk
September 20
Fellowship Breakfast: 8:15 - 9:30
Geoff Parker preaching
Outreach Sunday: “Stories That Move Us”
Mark 7:24-37
Parish Ringers, Adult Choir
September 27
Mary Baard preaching: “Generosity”
Adult Choir, Junior, Cherub and Westminster Choirs
12Noon: Walker Art Museum
Tour of “Night Vision” exhibit.
Please call to sign up.
(207 729-7331)
Be sure to join us on September 20th for a special
service of Outreach when we will recognize the
community organizations selected by the Christian
Outreach Committee for support through this year’s
Outreach Grants. Representatives from these groups
will join us in worship as we bless and then bestow
our gifts, and will stay after the service in the vestry
to share more information and answer questions
about the work they are doing in our community,
and how you might be involved! Come to share in
the celebration of our shared mission and ministry
in the greater Brunswick area!
We are very pleased that the construction of
the Labyrinth in the Woods in honor of Susan
Fitzgerald should begin in the next few weeks
and be completed this fall. Thank you for your
financial gifts that have helped make this project
possible. Undertaking this project with the
Brunswick Topsham Land Trust has been a great
way to embody and intertwine the two goals of
our strategic plan - Spiritual Life and Life in the
Wider Community. It has been a delight to work
with Angela Twitchell and other land trust folk
on this project. Thanks also to Tim Glidden and
Liz Webster, Labyrinth Coordinator, for their involvement.
The Labyrinth in the Woods will be located in
the woods next to the BTLT Community Gardens
off Baribeau Drive in Brunswick. If you would
like to see it, follow the BTLT trail that is to the
right of the gardens. Follow the trail until it
takes a turn to the left. Off to the right markers
are already in the ground to show where the labyrinth will be located.
A reminder that our 2015-2016 Confirmation Program officially begins Sunday,
September 13th after worship. Confirmation is open to youth entering 7th grade or
higher who have not been previously confirmed. If you are interested in joining the
class,
please
contact
Pastor
Geoff
(gparker@firstparish.net).
All High-School Youth are invited to join in
Youth Group activities beginning Sunday,
September 20th. Youth group meets twice a
month for activities, service opportunities,
games and more… For more information
please contact Youth Ministry Coordinator,
Mandy Similien (asimilien@firstparish.net).
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For more information on any of these events,
please contact Becky at the church office, 7297331, or email her at bwilkoff@firstparish.net
Church School and Nursery Care (at 10 AM)
begin on September 13th.
Nursery through Kindergarten: Please bring
your young ones to their rooms downstairs in
Pilgrim House before worship begins.
First through Sixth Grades: Older children
begin the morning in worship and then go to class
in Pilgrim House following the children’s moment .
September 2014 All Ages Birthday Party
All Ages Birthday Party
Sunday September 13th
After worship
Pilgrim House Parking Lot
The Children and Family Ministry Team invites
you to join them for refreshments and a fun way
to get to know new people of all ages. There will
be a table for each month of the year where you
can meet people of all generations who share your
birth month. See you there!!
The 2015-2016 Labyrinth season begins on Tuesday,
September 29th.
Join us in Fellowship Hall between 12 noon and 8 PM to walk our 30’ canvas
replica of the ancient labyrinth of Chartes Cathedral in France. Take a respite
from the hectic pace of fall for a time of peace and quiet. Walking the labyrinth
allows time to reconnect with God and our inner nature. It helps us to be both
grounded and lightened as we move through daily life.
2015-2016 Labyrinth Schedule
Tuesdays from 12 Noon to 8 PM:
September 29, November 3, December 1, January 26 (2016), February 23.
Also, Good Friday, March 25, Noon to 7:00 PM.
All ages are welcome. We also need labyrinth tenders! Would you be interested
in helping? Please call or email Elisabeth Webster at utile7@gmail.com, or 207
751-7139.
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Our work on the Vestry stairs/ramp project,
connecting the vestry to the sanctuary with an
ADA-accessible ramp and additional set of
stairs, has continued this summer with meetings with Scott Simon Architects, members of
our congregation representing particular constituencies, and the Town of Brunswick. At
present, we hope to put this project out to bid in
the late fall and anticipate the work will be
done between the first of the year and Easter
(March 27th). This timeframe is the least disruptive for those who need a ramp to get into
the sanctuary. We will keep you posted as this
moves forward.
Thanks to Scott Simons Architects
Our work on Pilgrim House also continues. You may recall that presently under consideration are three options:
(1) Repair Pilgrim House to add an elevator to all three floors, accessible bathrooms on all three floors, and
make routine upgrades and repairs to the building; (2) Renovate Pilgrim House, which would include the repairs listed in the first option plus building a first floor fellowship space, including a kitchen, on the current
front lawn of Pilgrim House; and (3) Replace Pilgrim House with an entirely new building for offices, Sunday
School classrooms, meeting space, and first floor fellowship space with a kitchen. Our consultants, Peter Heinrichs and Susan Lewis, reported to us last spring that although there is significant support in the congregation to
make changes to Pilgrim House, we would be wise to continue our conversations with the congregation to determine which option to pursue.
To this end, we have asked Peter and Susan to return to FPC this fall to facilitate small group discussions
about Pilgrim House to help us clarify the desires and support of the congregation. We have set up six 90
-minute meetings for up to twelve participants each in the Chapel at the following dates and times:
Sunday, September 20
8:15 - 9:45 AM
Sunday, September 20
11:15 AM - 12:45 PM
Thursday, September 24 4:00 - 5:30 PM
Thursday, September 24 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Monday, September 28
4:00 - 5:30 PM
Monday, September 28
6:30 - 8:00 PM
ALL ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN ONE OF THESE MEETINGS.
The sign-up sheet is located on the wall in the entry way between the Sanctuary and the Vestry and you
may also call the church office (729-7331) to sign up. If we find that we need to add dates to accommodate additional people interested in taking part in these discussions, we will.
Finally, as we reported at the June annual meeting, we are also working with Scott Simon Architects to obtain
more precise estimates for the remaining proposed sanctuary projects -- changes to the front of the sanctuary,
including accessibility to the chancel, and changes to the choir loft railing.
Thank you for your continued support of this important facilities work. As always, feel free to reach out to any
one of us or any member of the Church Council with any thoughts or concerns.
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How quickly this summer went by! If you were in
Maine, you know how beautiful it was and, wherever
you were, I hope that you had some time to enjoy the
season and God's creation.
As I start my term as chair of the Church Council, I'd
like to recognize those who are also serving this year.
Ken Thorson and Betsy Eaton, who served as chair
and vice chair, respectively, last year, are staying on
as at-large members this year. We are most fortunate
to continue to have access to their knowledge and
experience. Kristi Hatrick and Jon Beede are also
continuing on the Church Council. Kristi, who is a
past Council chair, is chair of the ad hoc Facilities
Connectedness Committee and Jon is a member of
the Covenant Revision Committee. New to the council this year are Todd Rider as vice chair and Michael
Franz as an at-large member. I can't introduce the
current members of the council without recognizing
outgoing member Bill Ferdinand and his many years
of service on the council, especially his work on
church governance and the new by-laws.
If you've been in church this summer, you have seen
council members take turns delivering the Life of the
Church message. This is one way that we're trying to
become more recognized to the congregation. It's important to us that you know who we are so that you
can share your thoughts and ideas with us.
We have an exciting and challenging year ahead of
us. The congregational vote to proceed with the installation of the stairs and ramp in the vestry is an
important first step in making our sanctuary more accessible to our members and visitors. We hope that
the plans will receive approval from the town and
state this fall so that the work can proceed this winter.
The council has approved the next step in
discerning a vision for
Pilgrim House.
We
have engaged Peter
Heinrichs and Susan
Lewis, the principals of
Full Harvest Fundraising, to lead small group
conversations in September centered on
plans for Pilgrim House. Last spring, Peter and Susan
interviewed a sampling of members and Brunswick
leaders about our facilities and presented their findings in a report. (You can access their report by typing http://tinyurl.com/q4tk6j9 into your web browser.)
These upcoming small group conversations aren't
about total square feet and meeting space design.
They are a chance for you to learn and to share your
ideas about how a repaired, renovated or replaced
Pilgrim House will help us do God's work. Please
plan to sign up for one of the six sessions scheduled:
Sunday, September 20, sessions before and after
church; Thursday, September 24, afternoon and evening sessions; and Monday, September 28, afternoon
and evening sessions. More details will follow from
the facilities committee.
First Parish is blessed with many people who share
their time, talents and treasure for the work of the
church. On behalf of the Church Council, I am grateful for your support.
Peace,
Margo Knight
Thanks to all of you who have turned in recipes for the 300th Anniversary Cookbook. This will be a collectors' edition, for sure! We have started typing your recipes into the publishers' database, which will reduce the cost of the books. Then
we'll test the recipes to make sure that we typed them correctly. Part of that testing
process will be another potluck supper on Saturday, October 17. Stay tuned for more information, but the basics will be bring your family and friends and a dish to share.
Tastefully submitted,
Cindy Girardin (Entrees), Nancy Hoffman (Desserts), Margo Knight (Vegetables and Breakfast), Connie Rose
(Soups), Ruth Thibodeau (Appetizers and Breads), and Lois Widmer (Salads and Dressings)
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First Parish Church is pleased
to announce the first rehearsals of its
five vocal choirs (Cherub, Junior,
Westminster, Senior and Chamber) and
two handbell choirs (Chapel Ringers
and Parish Ringers). Under the direction of Ray Cornils and Karen Leland,
the music program of First Parish offers education, enjoyment, challenge and enrichment for all ages and abilities. Each group sings or
rings on a regular basis and presents special seasonal programs throughout the year. Any interested
person, church member or not, is invited to join us.
The Senior Choir, an 80-voice group, rehearses Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00
beginning September 9. They sing a wide variety
of literature for each Sunday service. Highlights
will include participation in the Brunswick Ecumenical Festival of Lessons and Carols on December 6, and a presentation of Rutter’s “Gloria” with
orchestra on December 13.
The Chamber Choir, an auditioned group
of 16 singers, is also open for new members. Members of the Chamber Choir are also active participants in the Senior Choir. This choir will focus on
challenging literature appropriate to a small group.
The Chamber Choir rehearses weekly on Thursday
evenings from 7:45 - 9:00 beginning on September
17.
There are ample opportunities for children
and youth to participate also. The Cherub Choir
(ages 4 through first grade) rehearses each Thurs-
day evening from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.
and has over 20 members. The Junior
Choir (grades 2 through 6) rehearses
every Thursday evening from 6:30 7:30 pm and has over 30 members.
The Westminster Choir (for grades 7
through 12) rehearses Thursday afternoons from 4:30 to 5:30. These choirs
sing in the services every three to four weeks and
present special music at the Christmas Pageant on
December 24 and a musical in May. Rehearsals
for these three choirs begin on September 10.
First Parish Church has a very active handbell program. The Parish Ringers, one of Maine’s
foremost bell choirs, perform several special programs throughout the area in addition to regular
worship services at First Parish. This group rehearses each Wednesday evening from 5:30 - 7:15
beginning September 9. Membership in the Parish
Ringers is by audition. The Chapel Ringers (a
non-auditioned handbell choir for adults and serious youth) rehearse on Monday evenings and perform on a regular basis. (First rehearsal is Tuesday,
Sept.8 from 5:30-7:00 and then regularly on Mondays, beginning Sept. 21from 5:30-7:15.*
The music program of First Parish Church
in Brunswick is open to any interested person.
There are no auditions for most of the vocal choirs.
New members to the music program are most welcome. For further information, please call the
church office at 729-7331 or email Ray Cornils at
rcornils@firstparish.net.
Getting Ready for Fall Music
Choir
Ages
Rehearsal Time
Cherub Choir
Age 4 - 1st grade
Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:00 pm
September 10
Junior Choir
Grades 2 - 6
Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
September 10
Westminster Choir
Grades 7 - 12
Thursdays, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
September 10
Senior Choir
College and Adult
Wednesdays, 7:30 - 9:00 pm
September 9
Chamber Choir
Advanced Adult
Thursdays, 7:45 - 9:00 pm
September 17
Chapel Ringers
(for all ages)
Parish Ringers
(advanced adult)
Handbell Choir
Mondays, 5:30 - 7:15 pm
*First rehearsal Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 5:30-7PM
Handbell Choir
Wednesdays 5:30 - 7:15 pm
First Rehearsal
September 21
September 9
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During the summer Sue and I are less regular
in our attendance at church. Summer on the
coast of Maine has its many distractions, including the many friends and families who visit at this time of year. Despite our absence, the
work and mission of First Parish Church quietly goes on. This work is enabled by the pledges and the many gifts of financial support by
you, the members and friends of First Parish
Church. With our wealth of talents as a congregation, Brunswick and the surrounding area
are a better place, just part of the many Blessings of being part of God's call to service. Thank you for all that you do as part of
the mission and in support of the work of the
church.
We are excited to launch another season of book discussions and our next meeting will be on Monday, September 14th at 7:00 PM in the Parlor of Pilgrim House. We
will discuss two books: “Lila” by
Marilynne Robinson and “The
Road to Character” by David
Brooks. The Inquiring Minds book
group is co-ed and we welcome
readers with all points of view.
You are invited to drop in for one
discussion or drop in for the entire
season of monthly discussions. For more information,
contact Becky Halbrook at rebecca.halbrook@gmail.com
or call 207 389-2286.
John Pearson
Planned Giving Corner
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
If you don’t have a will, your estate will be
managed by someone appointed by the court,
and your property will pass according to state
law.
Almost as bad as not having a will is having
an out-of-date will that no longer expresses
your wishes or that does not take into account
changes in tax law.
Do you want to know more about First
Parish? Are you thinking about perhaps
joining First Parish in the future?
Come to the following gathering after
worship on Sunday, October 4th in the
choir room of the Vestry.
On Sunday, October 18th, we will be receiving new
members into our church during worship.
All are welcome. You are invited to come whether or
not you are interested in joining at this time.
When you revise your will, the Planned Giving Committee encourages you to consider
First Parish Church. Suggested ways of giving are included in the brochure Methods of
Planned Giving, which is in racks by the
doors.
The Caregiving Journey
is not a planned journey; it
happens unexpectedly, and we at First Parish reach out to help. The
Caregiver Support Group meets every Monday from 2:00 to 3:00
in the Pilgrim House Parlor, and is open to any caregiver in our
church or surrounding community. Caregivers have the opportunity
to share feelings and concerns, and support one another. Community
resource materials are available. The Caregiving Journey is not a
journey to go alone! For further information, please contact Judy
Bauman at 207 729-1219.
The staff invites all parishioners in
their 90s (and their spouses) to attend a celebration luncheon here in
the chapel of Pilgrim House on
Wednesday, September 30 at
Noon. Please rsvp by September
25th. If you need assistance with
transportation, please call the
church office.
(207 729-7331)
There is no agenda. We will just
share stories!
Hope to see you here!
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While the office is usually very quiet during the summer months, there is still activity here. We had a large
group of folks use our sanctuary and grounds for a gathering place and lunch in July. They were a group of
business owners from all over the United States who met in Portland for a conference and they were on a tour
of Brunswick Landing and downtown Brunswick. The Brunswick Downtown Association asked to use our
building, as we can accommodate large groups.
We also had a bicycle troop of young folks who needed a place to rest and have
lunch (and use the facilities!). They were from all over the United States and were
headed to help with a Habitat for Humanity “build” in Portland and throughout the
Northeast.
The Apogee Adventures Camp (www.apogeeadventures.com) were here again in
mid-June, training their young people to go out to be camp counselors all over the world. Check out the website! They served over 50 young people twice a day from our Fellowship kitchen!
The DaVinci Camp was occupying the Learning Land space in the basement for four weeks (July to MidAugust), for a science-based experience for young people ages 4-13. (www.davinciexperience.com)
Special Invitation
In preparation for Mary Baard’s October
18th sermon on “Light and Dark,” Susan
Wegner, Associate Professor of Art History at Bowdoin College, has graciously
agreed to a private tour of the most recent
exhibit in the Walker Art Museum, “Night
Vision: Nocturnes in American Art, 18601960.” This exhibit is dedicated to scenes
of the night in American Art during an era
not yet illuminated by electricity to the
space age. It
will be held at
Noon on Sunday, September
27. Please call
the church office to sign up.
(207 729-7331) as numbers are limited.
(We will meet at the museum.)
Yes! We are having a linen and clothing sale on Friday, September 11 from
4-7 and Saturday, September 12 from 9
-2 PM in Fellowship Hall.
Unused and gently used items will be
accepted here beginning Thursday,
September 3 and continue until September 10. We are looking for clothing items as well as linens such as sheets, tablecloths, bedspreads, curtains, quilts.
Come and donate items, and then come back for a bargain
yourself!!
Halls of Holly Fair
Saturday, November 21
9 AM - 2 PM
Fellowship Hall
Mark and Melon Patrick are once again
chairing our fair. Please look for more
information in the weeks to come as to
how you can help!
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 Prayers for: Susan Fitzgerald, Sally Twine, Rollin Haynes, David Girardin; Hope Mahoney and her family
on the death of Hope’s mother, Tryntje Stephen, who died on July 11, 2015. Prayers also for David Olson
who has recently been diagnosed with early stage Parkinson’s.
 The Caregivers’ Support Group meets each Monday at 2:00 pm in the Pilgrim House Parlor. FMI, please
call Judy Bauman at 729-1219. (see below)
 The Grief Support Group will meet on Wednesdays at 2 PM in the Parlor. FMI, please call Virginia Derr
at 725-4147.
 The Advanced Cancer Support Group meets twice a month. If you are interested in more information,
please call the church office or Jeanne Tuttle at 721-0721.
 This is a reminder that sermons, our Weekly Email, and the monthly newsletter (Pilgrims’ Progress) can
be accessed via our website: http://www.firstparish.net.
 Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program is in need of the following items: Canned vegetables and fruit,
canned beef stew, small jars of peanut butter. Also, personal care items such as shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, diapers and feminine hygiene products are always needed. These items may be brought to the
church office during the week, or to the large wooden container in the Vestry on Sundays.
 First Parish will host a CHANS flu clinic again this year after worship on October 4. Donations are welcome, but no one will be turned away.
 Two more graduates! Pearson Cost, BHS, will attend Gettysburg College; Jesse Arford, BHS, will attend
the University of N.H. Congratulations!
Fellowship Breakfast: September 21 from 8 - 9:30 AM in Fellowship Hall before worship! Remember the
THIRD Sunday of each month!
Thank you to the following people who helpd with a Tedford Housing Shelter meal from March through July. Many of you helped more than once!
Jennifer Anderson, Ellen Asherman, Ann Baldwin, Judy Bauman, Bonnie Blair, Liz Boyce, Nancy Damiani,
Marty Dome, Betsy Eaton, Ethel Granholm, Lennie and Steve Gray, Susan and Grace Green, Becky Hawkins,
Leslie Hunt, April Kenney, Elaine Kurtz, Lois Langbein, Sarah Levy, Hope Mahoney, Eleanor Morrell, Jane
Nichols-Ecker, Merci Normand, Betty O’Brien, Dave and Nancy Olson, Sue Pearson, Don and Mary Anna
Price, Christine Rudalevige, Diane Sharkey, Jean Shaw, Alene Staley, Nikki Strandskov, Wendy Suehrstedt,
Ruth Thibodeau, Jean Vaughn, Mary Lee Ward, Marjorie Zibailo.
First Parish Church had a slow but steady month of July. Income was a bit off but expenses
were below budget as well. At this time, we are $3,000 behind budget overall for the year.
That said, we are $15,400 behind budget in pledge and regular giving income. Expenses are
also below budget but will definitely catch up to budgeted levels over the next few months.
Hopefully our income will get back on budget over the next few months as well. By the time
you see this message, September will be right around the corner. We will have our next Birthday Club birthday cake in mid-September. It would be great to have more Birthday Club members to celebrate on that
cake! Thanks for giving some thought to joining the Birthday Club over the next few weeks to give First Parish that little extra income we need to close our income gap.
Enjoy your last weeks of a wonderful Maine summer!
Wendy Suehrstedt, Treasurer
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FIRST PARISH CHURCH
9 CLEAVELAND STREET
BRUNSWICK, MAINE 04011
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
BRUNSWICK, ME
PERMIT NO. 19
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Steve Williams (left) Business Administrator,
poses for a picture on our new granite bench.
We hope to see you sitting on it, perhaps with
an ice cream cone? Greg Lobikis (Casco Masonry), works on our chimneys to grind out the
old cement from 1955 and seal it to stop our
leaks!
Office is located at 9 Cleaveland Street, Brunswick Maine 04011
Church Office Phone Number: 207 729-7331
Church Office Fax Number: 207 729-4512
Website: www.firstparish.net
Our buildings are accessible to the physically challenged.
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM t0 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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