Weekly News for March 29

March 29, 2023 North Yarmouth Congregational Church Weekly news

Join us for Worship!
We are worshiping in person on Sundays at 9:30 am. For those who wish to join us online please connect with us on YouTube at youtube.com/c/nyccucc. If you would like to see the Sunday Bulletin that can be found on our website at http://nyccucc.com. If you wish to make an offering it can be made online through Tithely at https://tithe.ly/give?c=1301940. You can also give by text: Text “Give” to 883-751-0314.

Choir Rehearsal Change
The Choir will meet on Thursday, March 30 from 6:30-8:00 pm this week

Easter Sunday Breakfast
We will be having an Easter Sunday breakfast after the Sunrise Service, approximately around 7:15am,There is a signup sheet on the table in the Gathering Space if you wish to contribute to this. If you have any questions, see Sara Rose or Lois Knight

The Things That Make for Peace Rev. Dr. Paul A. Day
Today is Vietnam Veterans Day. Fifty years ago – March 29, 1973 – the last U.S. troops left Saigon. I was in college and still remember the images of helicopters evacuating people from the U.S. embassy.

The year I became eligible for the draft the Selective Service board had instituted a lottery by birthday; my birthday was selected among the first. The day I graduated from high school I received a notice that my status was changed from 1S to 1A, with instructions to report for a physical exam. But I had already been accepted to college. Over the course of the summer I was able to get my status changed to 2S. I would be graduating from college in two months. Now the exemption had become a moot point.

Tragically, the men and women who had served in Vietnam were not given a proper welcome home. The social and political divisions that wracked the country during the war extended to the way we treated those veterans. In the years since – and with other wars and more veterans – we have tried as a nation to make up for our shoddy treatment fifty years ago and strive to honor all those who have served. But we still have a ways to go to provide care for those who have experienced the physical and emotional trauma of war.

The United States and other nations have been engaged in many wars over the years before and since the Vietnam conflict. The war in Ukraine has now past its first anniversary, with more tragedies looming.

When I visited Israel in 1990 our tour guide was a retired colonel in the Israeli Defense Forces. He had been a paratrooper when the Six-Day War broke out in 1967. He told us that he and his men were at the airfield waiting to go to Egypt, but that phase of the war was all but over. Instead, they were taken off the plane and put on a bus. The new plan was to lead the effort to re-take the Old City of Jerusalem, which they accomplished.

The colonel told us that the best way into the Old City from a strategic point was via the Dung Gate. However, with an eye to history, the decision was made to enter via the more heavily defended Zion Gate.

The Zion Gate was the likely point of entry that Jesus made into the city on Palm Sunday. “As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!’” Luke 19:41-42Jesus still weeps for us and prays that we might truly come to know “the things that make for peace.”

Grace and peace,
Pastor Paul

LOOK WHAT YOU DID!
Once again the folks in our church have responded to the needs of others so generously! $528 is being sent to the Conference for One Great Hour of Sharing. We know all too well, what with the natural disasters right here in our country, and world-wide, that folks are desperately in need of help. And we have responded. Rev. Day informed the church that $.95 of every dollar goes to where the needs are…..overhead is minimal. Thank you so much for your gifts. Missions Board

Sunday Coffee and Fellowship Time
There is a signup sheet for the next three (3) months onthe table in the Gathering Space.There is nothing fancy about this! Bring whatever you wouldlike.

Easter Flowers
We are now collecting orders for Easter flowers and dedications. Please click the button below to print the order form. Forms can also be found on the Gathering Space table and in the Sunday Bulletin. We will be accepting orders until April 2. Flowers will be available for pickup after our 9:30am Easter Service on April 9^th. All plants will have a label with name attached.

Click here for Easter flower order form

Please keep the following people in your prayers

Sandra and Vince Golonka
Wayne Malloch
Blanche Mays
Ladd Meyerhoff
Cindy Tompson

Chicken and Gravy Pie / Turkey and Gravy Pie Sale
Thank you to everyone who participated in the making and selling of pies and gravy. We had a successful pie making time and sale, and had a great time doing it. We sold 125 pies during the sale period and have sold more since. We still have Turkey and Gravy Pies and Chicken and Gravy Pies for sale. There are also a few pints of gravy available.
Cost: 9″ pie – $24 each.
pint of poultry gravy – $6.
If you would like to purchase a pie this will be ongoing until we sell out. On a Sunday you can reach out to Mark, Marsha, Lois or Leah. If it is during the week the office is open Monday-Thursday 8am-12 pm. Help yourself to a pie in the freezer (We will keep the kitchen hallway freezer stocked), and then pay Lyn or leave payment in cash or check on the office desk. If you have any questions call the office at 829-3644.

Conference Dues
Conference dues for each church are calculated on the number of members reported as of the last years fiscal term. This is regardless of whether they attend or not, but are on the membership list at the end of the year.The dues this year are $19.00 per member. This amounts to about $1,820.00 for this year. This is a “chunk of change” for our church as we are watching our budget very carefully.It would be greatly appreciated if you could help us by remitting your portion of the dues. If you have remitted payment already, it is greatly appreciated!If you have any questions, feel free to contact Lois Knight, Financial Secretary.

NYCC Street Ministry
We are well stocked up on cold weather items such as socks, gloves and hats. Thank you so much. We are now going to begin to stock up on the warmer weather items such as light weight socks, t-shirts and underwear. We will bring these items to Portland, along with breakfast sandwiches and coffee. If you are so inclined any of these items would be greatly appreciated. Jeanne

NYCC Clothing Ministry
Thank you for your generosity. Many are warmer and living easier lives because of your donations. Spring is here an clothing needs have changed.

The Clothing Ministry of NYCC collects basic clothing and accessories to be given out by the NYCC Street Ministry or donated to Maine Needs or the Freeport Thrift Store. If you are so moved, please add your contribution to the boxes in the gathering space. Most needed and asked for items:
Socks
Baseball Hats
Underwear
T-shirts
These items will be given out with the lunches when the NYCC crew visits Portland.

If you have gently used spring coats, shoes, spring clothing, like long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts, leggings, sweatpants or jeans that you would like to give, please add these to the boxes, too. These items will be donated to Maine Needs or Freeport Thrift Store. Questions, please ask Jeanne or Tracy.

Food Pantry
Communion Sunday has been our Sunday for food collection for local food pantries. SNAP benefits do not cover household or personal hygiene products. So, if you are moved to donate, please consider donating items like:
Shampoo and conditioner
Feminine Hygiene Products
Body Wash
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Laundry Detergent
Dish Soap
Kleenex
Canned and nonperishable food products are always needed, too.
Thank you for your generosity, This food will be distributed where it is most needed, the Cumberland Food Pantry or Harrison Food Bank.
*SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

A Message from our ModeratorThe following article on “Alive and Thrive at any Size” includes a list of educational sessions which are provided by Marisa Laviola, our conference minister. They cover mainline churches and the changes we are seeing in our congregations, i.e. dwindling numbers in the pews plus more. I plan to attend the April session which is on a Saturday. Is there anyone else who would like to attend with me or go to another session? Call me at 207-653-1966.

ALIVE AND THRIVE AT ANY SIZE!
This spring, Marisa will be offering a vitality workshop, Alive & Thrive at Any Size, at four locations around the state. The workshops focus on church vitality for the 21^st century, including the topics of:
Becoming a mission church: reaching out into the greater communityEngaging community partners for mission“Right-sizing” governance to prevent burnout as numbers in the pews decreaseCreative ways for pastors and lay leaders to work togetherReaching the unchurched and inviting them into the life of the churchMarisa has presented these workshops many times as ACM in Penn Central Conference. Typically, they are geared toward smaller churches that are struggling to consider their future in the 21^st century. All churches are invited because all of us are struggling with this question, no matter the size.

Please register for the following event: Winthrop Congregational Church – April 22
All workshops are 9am to 3pm, bring your own lunch
Morning coffee and drinks for lunch are provided
Questions? Contact Marisa mlaviola@maineucc.org

Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola
Conference Minister

April Meetings
Diaconate – Sunday, April 2 @11:00 am
Missions – Monday, April 10 @ 7 pm via Zoom
Trustees – Tuesday, April 11 @ 6 pm
Council – Thursday, April 20 at 6:30 pm
Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday Nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Morning at 8:30 am
Choir will meet on April 5 from 6:30-8:00 pm.
Tuesday Gals meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Men’s Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at Toddy Brook
Pet Place Pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Register for Camp TODAY!Programming for all ages
You are welcome here!
Scholarships are available for all sessions. Apply online by May 15, 2023
To sign up, visit www.pilgrimlodge.org
207-724-3200, info@ pilgrimlodge.orgPilgrim Lodge is a amp lovingly provided by the Maine Conference United Church of Christ since 1956.

Chakra Shenanigans is a fun, educational, and interactive program designed to teach families about chakras (energy centers in our bodies), their importance to our health and well-being, and how to care for them.This workshop is appropriate for children ages 6 and up, and their parents. Working in partnership with each other, parents and children will learn how to check each other’s chakras and move blocked energy. Participants will make a pendulum in the class and receive a set of chakra stones, setting them up for success to continue supporting each other after the program!When children are empowered with tools and techniques to support the well-being of family members, they become partners in the holistic health of the family.Registration fee includes one adult and up to three childrenHere is the link for registration. The April 1st class will be held at the North Yarmouth Congregational Church. https://dancingjaguarinspirations.thrivecart.com/chakra-shenanigans-yarmouth-4-1-23/Here is the link to the FB event posted on social media.
https://fb.me/e/4fO4I1y0d

Access worship directly on our YouTube channel (subscribe to our channel while you are there) at youtube.com/c/nyccucc

Weekly News for March 22

March 22, 2023 North Yarmouth Congregational Church Weekly news

From Search Committee/Rev. Paul
On Sunday, March 26th after the worship service, Rev. Paul will lead us in filling out a brief questionnaire that will aid the committee in our search.

PLEASE NOTE…A luncheon will be served at 11:30 during the meeting to complete questionnaires to help the search committee discern who we will call to be our next minister. PLEASE attend this important meeting.

Luncheon will be Mac N Cheese, pulled pork and salad. Please join us! Thanks!Your Search Committee

Sunday Coffee and Fellowship Time
There is a signup sheet for the next three (3) months on the table in the Gathering Space. There is nothing fancy about this! Bring whatever you would like.

Easter Worship Schedule
April 6 – Maundy Thursday Service
        First Congregational Church of New Gloucester, UCC
        19 Gloucester Hill Rd., New Gloucester
        5:30 pm – Soup Supper – tentative
6:30 pm – Service – tentative

April 7 – Good Friday
7 pm Service
        First Congregational Church of Gray, UCC
        11 Yarmouth Rd., Gray

April 9 – Easter Worship
        6:30 am – Sunrise Service at Skyline Farm
        7:15 am – Easter Breakfast at the Church
        9:30 am – Easter Worship

Please keep the following people in your prayers
Sandra and Vince Golonka
Wayne Malloch
Blanche Mays
Cindy Tompson

Waffle Day Rev. Dr. Paul A. Day
Food plays a large part in many religious celebrations. Of course, there is the bread and wine of Holy Communion. Shrove Tuesday features pancakes; during Lent the grocery stores offer Hot Cross Buns; and so forth. And it’s not only a Christian thing. Passover seders have a very specific menu of items, each rich in meaning as the story of the Exodus is retold. Ramada, which begins tomorrow (March 23) involves fasting during daytime, and shared meals after sunset.One of the most unusual connections, however, comes from Sweden, where March 25 is known as Waffle Day. It begins with a mispronunciation. You see, March 25 celebrates the Annunciation to Mary, when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her that she would bear the Son of God. (Exactly nine months before the celebration of the Nativity!) In Sweden, the day was traditionally called “Our Lady’s Day” – Vårfrudagen which sounds a lot like Våffeldagen (Waffle Day). At any rate, it’s a good excuse to have waffles on Saturday, if you really need one, as well as a nice break from Lenten fasts.Scholars debate whether or not Jesus was actually born on December 25th, but that date was actually based on the Annunciation rather than chosen as a supposed alternative to a pagan winter solstice celebration. You see, a long-held Jewish – and early Christian – tradition was that prophets and martyrs died on the date of their conception (not their birth). The date of Jesus’ Crucifixion was believed to be March 25th by the Roman calendar. Thus, although Easter became a “moveable feast” – the first Sunday following the first full moon following the Vernal Equinox – to keep it associated with the Jewish Passover, the Annunciation is observed on March 25th.It is a good reminder of the connection between Chronos – the way we measure time with clocks and calendars – and Kairos – the way God instills time with meaning.“God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:5-6Grace and peace,
Pastor Paul

NYCC Clothing Ministry
Thank you for your generosity. Many are warmer and living easier lives because of your donations. Basic warm clothing is still needed as winter seems to be hanging on here.

The Clothing Ministry of NYCC collects basic warm clothing and accessories to be given out by the NYCC Street Ministry or donated to Maine Needs or Preble Street. If you are so moved, please add your contribution to the boxes in the gathering space. Most needed and asked for items:
Warm Socks
Waterproof Gloves
Warm Hats
Hand Warmers
Underwear
Scarfs
These items will be given out with the lunches when the NYCC crew visits Portland.

If you have gently used warm coats, boots, warm clothing, that you would like to give, please add these to the boxes, too. These items will be donated to Maine Needs or Freeport Thrift Store. Questions, please ask Jeanne or Tracy.

Food Pantry
Communion Sunday has been our Sunday for food collection for local food pantries. SNAP benefits do not cover household or personal hygiene products. So, if you are moved to donate, please consider donating items like:Shampoo and conditioner
Feminine Hygiene Products
Body Wash
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Laundry Detergent
Dish Soap
Kleenex
Canned and nonperishable food products are always needed, too.Thank you for your generosity, This food will be distributed where it is most needed, the Cumberland Food Pantry or Harrison Food Bank.*SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

ALIVE AND THRIVE AT ANY SIZE!
This spring, Marisa will be offering a vitality workshop, Alive & Thrive at Any Size, at four locations around the state. The workshops focus on church vitality for the 21^st century, including the topics of:
Becoming a mission church: reaching out into the greater communityEngaging community partners for mission“Right-sizing” governance to prevent burnout as numbers in the pews decreaseCreative ways for pastors and lay leaders to work togetherReaching the unchurched and inviting them into the life of the churchMarisa has presented these workshops many times as ACM in Penn Central Conference. Typically, they are geared toward smaller churches that are struggling to consider their future in the 21^st century. All churches are invited because all of us are struggling with this question, no matter the size.

Please register for one of the following events:
Second Christian Church in Kittery – March 18
Winthrop Congregational Church – April 22
West Parish in Bethel – May 6
Hammond St. Congregational Church in Bangor – June 10
All workshops are 9am to 3pm, bring your own lunch
Morning coffee and drinks for lunch are provided

Hybrid options are available

Questions? Contact Marisa mlaviola@maineucc.org

Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola
Conference Minister

March MeetingsChoir Rehearsal – Wednesday Nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Morning at 8:30 am in the SanctuaryTuesday Gals meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Men’s Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at Toddy BrookPet Place Pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Access worship directly on our YouTube channel (subscribe to our channel while you are there) at youtube.com/c/nyccucc

Weekly News for March 15

March 15, 2023 North Yarmouth Congregational Church Weekly news

Join us for Worship! We are worshiping in person on Sundays at 9:30 am. For those who wish to join us online please connect with us on YouTube at youtube.com/c/nyccucc. If you would like to see the Sunday Bulletin that can be found on our website at http://nyccucc.com. If you wish to make an offering it can be made online through Tithely at https://tithe.ly/give?c=1301940. You can also give by text: Text “Give” to 883-751-0314.

Updated Pie Making Schedule

The following days and times have been set up.

Wednesday, March 15th at 1:00 pm – Processing Turkey and cutting up 80 lbs of Chicken

Thursday, March 16th – Making Gravy

Friday, March 17th at 9:30 am – Roll Tops and Make pies

12 pm Lunch-(Workers chicken pie lunch with squash and potato) If you want to bring something for the table feel free. Come join the fun!

12:30pm assemble pies. ALL HANDS ON DECK!

Pie Sale 3 – 5:30 pm.

Pies will be sold on a first come, first served basis. No orders will be taken for this sale. No Saturday Pickup. Pies are $24 each with a limited amount of poultry gravy for $6 per pint.

Come and join the fun! Many hands make light work.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mark Heath or Lois Knight.

Chicken Pie / Turkey Pie and Gravy Sale
The North Yarmouth Congregational Church will be selling our freshly made famous Chicken and Gravy pies or Turkey and Gravy Pies this Friday!When: Friday, March 17 from 3:00-5:30 pm.Where: At the North Yarmouth Congregational ChurchTime: 3:00-5:30 pm.Cost: 9″ pie – $24 each.
pint of poultry gravy – $6. (Very limited)This sale will be on a first come, first served basis. No orders will be taken for this sale and no Saturday pick ups. Please bring your recycle bag with you as we can no longer offer plastic bags.We can accept cash, checks, debit or credit cards.Hope to see you there!

First Russian Baptist Church Benefit dinner
Saturday, March 18 at 6pm on 211 Mosher road in Gorham. Great experience! Delicious ethnic food, desserts included. Donation is up to you. Raffles, cake auction(that is worth the donation itself!). Gorgeous homemade cakes that go for more than you can believe! Usually a bit of history and entertainment. An evening well spent. This dinner will benefit the children’s orphanage in Belarus. Submitted by Gail Strattard

OGHS – One Great Hour of Sharing
WOW ! What a great start folks gave to our asking for ONE GREAT HOUR of SHARING ! Last Sunday we chatted about it a little, and many of you responded generously. This coming Sunday March 19th is the official OGHS Sunday, and an opportunity for others to give to the cause…..which will help folks in many, many needful places. We don’t have to look far in our own country and then when we look globally, we find the need overwhelming. Thank-you so much.

Please keep the following people in your prayers
Sandra and Vince Golonka
Wayne Malloch
Blanche Mays
Cindy Tompson

NYCC Street Ministry
Until we get out of these cold damp days and nights, Caroline and I will be taking warm socks, gloves and hats to Portland, along with breakfast sandwiches and coffee. If you are so inclined any of these items would be greatly appreciated. Jeanne

A Message from our Moderator
The following article on “Alive and Thrive at any Size” includes a list of educational sessions which are provided by Marisa Laviola, our conference minister. They cover mainline churches and the changes we are seeing in our congregations, i.e. dwindling numbers in the pews plus more. I plan to attend the April session which is on a Saturday. Is there anyone else who would like to attend with me or go to another session? Call me at 207-653-1966.

ALIVE AND THRIVE AT ANY SIZE!
This spring, Marisa will be offering a vitality workshop, Alive & Thrive at Any Size, at four locations around the state. The workshops focus on church vitality for the 21^st century, including the topics of:
Becoming a mission church: reaching out into the greater communityEngaging community partners for mission“Right-sizing” governance to prevent burnout as numbers in the pews decreaseCreative ways for pastors and lay leaders to work togetherReaching the unchurched and inviting them into the life of the churchMarisa has presented these workshops many times as ACM in Penn Central Conference. Typically, they are geared toward smaller churches that are struggling to consider their future in the 21^st century. All churches are invited because all of us are struggling with this question, no matter the size.

Please register for one of the following events:
Second Christian Church in Kittery – March 18
Winthrop Congregational Church – April 22
West Parish in Bethel – May 6
Hammond St. Congregational Church in Bangor – June 10
All workshops are 9am to 3pm, bring your own lunch
Morning coffee and drinks for lunch are provided

Hybrid options are available

Questions? Contact Marisa mlaviola@maineucc.org

Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola
Conference Minister

March Meetings

March 16 – Council will meet at the church at 6:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday Nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Morning at 8:30 am in the Sanctuary
Tuesday Gals meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Men’s Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at Toddy Brook
Pet Place Pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

NYCC Clothing MinistryThank you for your generosity. Many are warmer and living easier lives because of your donations. Basic warm clothing is still needed as winter seems to be hanging on here.

The Clothing Ministry of NYCC collects basic warm clothing and accessories to be given out by the NYCC Street Ministry or donated to Maine Needs or Preble Street. If you are so moved, please add your contribution to the boxes in the gathering space. Most needed and asked for items:
Warm Socks
Waterproof Gloves
Hand Warmers
Underwear
Scarfs
These items will be given out with the lunches when the NYCC crew visits Portland.

If you have gently used warm coats, boots, snow pants, warm clothing, that you would like to give, please add these to the boxes, too. These items will be donated to Maine Needs or Preble Street. Questions, please ask Jeanne or Tracy.

Food Pantry Communion Sunday has been our Sunday for food collection for local food pantries. SNAP benefits do not cover household or personal hygiene products. So, if you are moved to donate, please consider donating items like:

Shampoo and conditioner
Feminine Hygiene Products
Body Wash
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Laundry Detergent
Dish Soap
Kleenex

Canned and nonperishable food products are always needed, too.

Access worship directly on our YouTube channel (subscribe to our channel while you are there) at youtube.com/c/nyccucc

Weekly News for March 1

March 1, 2023 North Yarmouth Congregational Church Weekly news

Shoveling and possible snow event on Saturday
As many of you may know, the Boy Scouts clean out the walkways at the church after it snows on the weekends. They will be away during the morning and early afternoon on Saturday but will be at the church in the mid-afternoon to do the cleaning out. In the meantime, if there is plowable snow, it will be taken care of by the plowing company. There are no events on the schedule for this coming weekend except for worship on Sunday so there should not be much of a need to get into the church. The Boy Scouts will have the church cleaned out in time for church on Sunday. Kristi W.

Ash Wednesday Service Update
Ash Wednesday data:
Gray and New Gloucester Congregational churches joined us for the supper and service on February 22.Between 55 and 60 folks had a delicious soup supper…thank you to all who contributed the tasty soups and bread!Approximately 60 folks were at the service which was led by the 3 Pastors.
$331.00 was collected and will be sent to The Maine UCC Conference for the new seminary. We also had 26 folks view our service online.Thanks to all for everything,
Jeanne

March-ing through Lent Rev. Dr. Paul A. Day
We have turned the page in the calendar, leaving behind the long short month of February and entering March and its harbingers of spring. We are beginning to see a few robins. Under the blanket of snow new life is pushing its way upward. Fresh-cut daffodils appear in the market. Girl Scouts are selling cookies. Baseball is being played in Florida and Arizona. (I’ve already watched a couple of Red Sox games on TV; I haven’t decided yet whether or not I like the new rules.)On March 12th we turn the clocks one hour ahead. From March 1st to March 31st we gain an hour-and-a half of daylight, and the average daily temperature rises from 30° to 40°.The Church’s liturgical calendar moves us through Lent. (The name of the season comes from an old Anglo-Saxon term for spring and the lengthening of days.) The Gospel lessons for the Sundays in March diverge from the annual cycle of reading from Matthew; instead, we have lengthy accounts from John, featuring four familiar encounters with Jesus.

3/5       Nicodemus                                          (John 3)
3/12     The Samaritan Woman at the Well     (John 4)
3/19     The Man Born Blind                           (John 9)
3/26     Martha, Mary & Lazarus                    (John 11)

While we listen to their stories may we discover new truths to apply in our lives—and in our Church life. For example, the story of Nicodemus includes verse 16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Perhaps the single most well-known verse from the Bible, often taken to stand alone; but what does it mean in its original context? How does it fit into the story?

Nicodemus encounter with Jesus also has Jesus familiar statement, “You must be born again.” What does it mean to you to be “born again”? Finally, the story also has a clue to why our church steeple has a weathervane! You’ll have to come to worship – in person or on-line – to find out.Grace and peace,
Pastor PaulP.S. – I have been reading the daily devotional Running from Empty. Have you? You’ll notice it has quite a variety of voices among the contributors. Admittedly, I resonate more with some than others; you probably do, too. But it’s good for you and me to hear those other voices, even or perhaps especially those we may find discordant. For they challenge us and make us think. May God use God’s word, devotions, and prayers to deepen our faith and strengthen our commitments.

Please keep the following people in your prayers
Sandra and Vince Golonka
Dot Hayward
Wayne Malloch
Blanche Mays
Cindy Tompson

……But we’ve always done it that way !
The effort has been restarted to take a good look at the church’s Constitution and By-Laws. As they stand now, it is nearly, if not totally impossible, to stay within many of the rules and regulations as written. We started this project pre-pandemic and, of course, it was put on hold. Dr. Day has agreed to work with us as we pursue this much needed review. His background and experiences with other churches will be so appreciated. Folks have mixed feelings and ideas about this project and we need or want to hear them all. Leslie Eastman, Priscilla Brobst, Jeanne Chadbourne are meeting with Pastor Paul after church 2 Sundays a month (we are quite flexible), and we really would like you to sit with us, share your thoughts and perhaps give some of your time and concern to this effort. Simply put, many of the by-laws aren’t doable as written for our church! We know change is difficult, but we are looking forward to fresh ways of accomplishing anything that will help NYCC continue to be a viable part of our community. The only words that will raise the hair on the back of our necks are ” but we’ve always done it that way” ! Please consider joining this group …good things can happen.

ALIVE AND THRIVE AT ANY SIZE!This spring, Marisa will be offering a vitality workshop, Alive & Thrive at Any Size, at four locations around the state. The workshops focus on church vitality for the 21^st century, including the topics of:
Becoming a mission church: reaching out into the greater communityEngaging community partners for mission“Right-sizing” governance to prevent burnout as numbers in the pews decreaseCreative ways for pastors and lay leaders to work togetherReaching the unchurched and inviting them into the life of the churchMarisa has presented these workshops many times as ACM in Penn Central Conference. Typically, they are geared toward smaller churches that are struggling to consider their future in the 21^st century. All churches are invited because all of us are struggling with this question, no matter the size.

Please register for one of the following events:
Second Christian Church in Kittery – March 18
Winthrop Congregational Church – April 22
West Parish in Bethel – May 6
Hammond St. Congregational Church in Bangor – June 10
All workshops are 9am to 3pm, bring your own lunch
Morning coffee and drinks for lunch are provided

Hybrid options are available

Questions? Contact Marisa mlaviola@maineucc.org

Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola
Conference Minister

March Meetings
March 5 – Diaconate will meet in Fellowship Hall following worshipMarch 12 – Faith Formation will meet in Fellowship Hall following worship March 14 – Missions will meet at 7 p.m. via ZoomMarch 14 – Trustees will meet at the church at 6 p.m.March 16 – Council will meet at the church at 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday Nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Morning at 8:30 am in the SanctuaryTuesday Gals meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Men’s Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at Toddy BrookPet Place Pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

NYCC Clothing Ministry
Thank you all for your generosity. Carloads of clothing have been donated and bags of gloves, hats and socks have been given out. The warm winter wear is making lives easier for those living outside and new Mainers who have arrived with next to nothing. Thank you, your generosity is astounding.

The Clothing Ministry of NYCC collects basic warm clothing and accessories to be given out by the NYCC Street Ministry or donated to Maine Needs or Preble Street. If you are so moved, please add your contribution to the boxes in the gathering space. Most needed and asked for items:
Warm Socks
Waterproof Gloves
Hand Warmers
Underwear
Scarfs
These items will be given out with the lunches when the NYCC crew visits Portland.

If you have gently used warm coats, boots, snow pants, warm clothing, that you would like to give, please add these to the boxes, too. These items will be donated to Maine Needs or Preble Street. Questions, please ask Jeanne or Tracy.

Food Pantry
Thank you to all who donated food to for the “Soup-er” Bowl Sunday fun. The cart was filled to overflowing. The soup and other foods will help many families in Maine.

Communion Sunday has been our Sunday for food collection for local food pantries. SNAP benefits do not cover household or personal hygiene products. So, if you are moved to donate, please consider donating items like:

Shampoo and conditioner
Feminine Hygiene Products
Body Wash
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Laundry Detergent
Dish Soap
Kleenex

Canned and nonperishable food products are always needed, too.

Access worship directly on our YouTube channel (subscribe to our channel while you are there) at youtube.com/c/nyccucc

Weekly News for February 22

February 22, 2023 North Yarmouth Congregational Church Weekly news

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND
Soup Supper @ 5:30pm
Worship @6:30 pm
Sharing supper and worship with North Yarmouth, New Gloucester and Gray Congregational Churches

Letting the Bible Read Us
Rev. Dr. Paul A. Day

“The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.” Hebrews 4:12-13

Bible reading is foundational for spiritual growth. Our worship services are built around Scripture. Many Christians practice some form of daily Bible reading. Some people may read just a single verse; others a longer section, perhaps reading through the entire Bible in a year; many use a daily devotional in print or on-line. But however we read Scriptures, God’s Word is reading us, discovers our condition, reveals our inner thoughts and motives, our actions and attitudes.

Lent is a season for being aware of how the Bible is reading us, and to intentionally submit to its analysis. We have made available the daily devotional booklet Running from Empty, produced by the United Church of Christ Stillspeaking Writers’ Group. It is an excellent tool for growing our souls during this season.

Having the “thoughts and intentions of our hearts . . . naked and laid bare to the eyes of the One to whom we must render account” seems unpleasant and intimidating. But then we remember that One is the One who loves us and always desires the best for us. And so, the writer of Hebrews goes on to point out:

“We have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16

We begin our corporate Lenten observances tonight (February 22) with an Ash Wednesday Service at 6:30 p.m. We are hosting our brothers and sisters from the Gray and New Gloucester Congregational churches – complete with a combined choir! Come early if you can – at 5:30 p.m. – for a simple Soup Supper and fellowship.

On the First Sunday in Lent,* February 26, we will look at how Jesus faced temptation, and how he can help us when we face temptations today. Join us in the sanctuary or on-line as you are able.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Paul

*First Sunday in Lent: Lent is a period of 40 days, remembering that Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness. But Lent actually begins on Ash Wednesday – 46 days before Easter! That is because the six Sundays are in Lent but not of Lent. You see, Lent is traditionally a period of fasting, or abstinence; but Sundays are never fast days since every Sunday is a mini-Easter, celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection on the First Day of the week.

Please keep the following people in your prayers

Sandra and Vince Golonka
Dot Hayward
Wayne Malloch
Blanche Mays
Cindy Tompson

Maine Conference
United Church of Christ
ALIVE AND THRIVE AT ANY SIZE!
This spring, Marisa will be offering a vitality workshop, Alive & Thrive at Any Size, at four locations around the state. The workshops focus on church vitality for the 21st century, including the topics of:

Becoming a mission church: reaching out into the greater community
Engaging community partners for mission
“Right-sizing” governance to prevent burnout as numbers in the pews decrease
Creative ways for pastors and lay leaders to work together
Reaching the unchurched and inviting them into the life of the church
Marisa has presented these workshops many times as ACM in Penn Central Conference. Typically, they are geared toward smaller churches that are struggling to consider their future in the 21st century. All churches are invited because all of us are struggling with this question, no matter the size.

Please register for one of the following events:
Second Christian Church in Kittery – March 18
Winthrop Congregational Church – April 22
West Parish in Bethel – May 6
Hammond St. Congregational Church in Bangor – June 10
All workshops are 9am to 3pm, bring your own lunch
Morning coffee and drinks for lunch are provided

Hybrid options are available

Questions? Contact Marisa mlaviola@maineucc.org

Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola, Conference Minister

March Meetings
March 5 – Diaconate will meet in Fellowship Hall following worship

March 12 – Faith Formation will meet in Fellowship Hall following worship

March 14 – Missions will meet at 7 p.m. via Zoom

March 14 – Trustees will meet at the church at 6 p.m.

March 16 – Council will meet at the church at 6:30 p.m.

Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday Nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Morning at 8:30 am in the Sanctuary

Tuesday Gals meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Men’s Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at Toddy Brook

Pet Place Pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

NYCC Clothing Ministry

Thank you all for your generosity. Carloads of clothing have been donated and bags of gloves, hats and socks have been given out. The warm winter wear is making lives easier for those living outside and new Mainers who have arrived with next to nothing. Thank you, your generosity is astounding.

The Clothing Ministry of NYCC collects basic warm clothing and accessories to be given out by the NYCC Street Ministry or donated to Maine Needs or Preble Street. If you are so moved, please add your contribution to the boxes in the gathering space. Most needed and asked for items:
Warm Socks
Waterproof Gloves
Hand Warmers
Underwear
Scarfs
These items will be given out with the lunches when the NYCC crew visits Portland.

If you have gently used warm coats, boots, snow pants, warm clothing, that you would like to give, please add these to the boxes, too. These items will be donated to Maine Needs or Preble Street. Questions, please ask Jeanne or Tracy.

Food Pantry

Thank you to all who donated food to for the “Soup-er” Bowl Sunday fun. The cart was filled to overflowing. The soup and other foods will help many families in Maine.

Communion Sunday has been our Sunday for food collection for local food pantries. SNAP benefits do not cover household or personal hygiene products. So, if you are moved to donate, please consider donating items like:

Shampoo and conditioner
Feminine Hygiene Products
Body Wash
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Laundry Detergent
Dish Soap
Kleenex

Canned and nonperishable food products are always needed, too.

One Great Hour of Sharing® is one of four special mission offerings of the United Church of Christ. This Lenten Offering supports the disaster, refugee, and development ministries of the United Church of Christ within Wider Church Ministries. We will take this offering on Sunday, March 19.

Access worship directly on our YouTube channel (subscribe to our channel while you are there) at youtube.com/c/nyccucc

Weekly News for February 15

February 15, 2023 North Yarmouth Congregational Church Weekly news

A Note from the Office
The office will close at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 16th.

The church office will be closed on Monday, February 20 for the Presidents Day holiday.

Chicken Pie Supper Raffle Winners!

Congratulations to our winners of the Chicken and Gravy Pie Dinner. They are Erin F., Gwen P., Kathy K. and Tammie T. Thank you to everyone for participating in the raffle fundraiser. We received $1,440 to benefit the church.

Community Food Pantry Donations, a new twist.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the “Souper” Bowl food pantry campaign.

The final grocery cart score is:

Chiefs – 40
Eagles – 18
And Souper Bowl? What Souper Bowl? 30

Congratulations to the Chiefs!🏈 – We got it right!

Ash Wednesday Soup Supper
You have probably heard by now that we, NYCC, is hosting this year’s Ash Wednesday service and inviting Gray Congregational and New Gloucester Congregational. NYCC will be providing soup, biscuits, and corn bread at 5:30pm ahead of the 6:3 pm service. Jeff S. and I both have signed up for making soups but we could use at least two more good size soups to make sure we have enough soup to go around. There is a sign up sheet in the gathering space for soups, biscuits and corn bread. Thanks All! Marsha

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND
Soup Supper @ 5:30pm
Worship @6:30 pm
Sharing bread and worship with North Yarmouth, New Gloucester and Gray Congregational Churches

The Transfiguration of the Lord
Rev. Dr. Paul A. Day

In the Covenant Congregational Church of my youth we did not pay much attention to the
festivals and seasons of the Church Year beyond Advent-Christmas, Holy Week-Easter, and
Pentecost/Confirmation Sunday. More than that was somehow viewed as “Catholic.” Then came
the worship renewal movement of the 1970s and a recovery of much of (small c) catholic
tradition in Protestant churches. You see, we discovered that in rejecting some of those
traditions, we had “thrown out the baby with the bath water.”

One of the “lesser festivals” was the “Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.” It was observed
on August 6th, so it still did not receive much attention. (Some parts of the Church still observe
that date.) Then came the ecumenical liturgical reforms. The celebration of the Transfiguration
was moved to the last Sunday after Epiphany.

The Transfiguration (see Matthew 17:1-9) makes a perfect bookend to the season which begins
with the Baptism of the Lord (Matthew 3:13-17). For, as Jesus came up out of the water, the
Voice from heaven declared, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” And
on the Mount of Transfiguration “a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice
said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’”

On Sunday I will share a bit about my own experience on the Mount of the Transfiguration in
Israel, and how we handle “mountain-top” moments. Join us for worship in the sanctuary or on-
line, as you are able.

Transfiguration Sunday also marks the transition from Epiphany to Lent. After coming down
from the mountain Jesus set his face to Jerusalem, beginning the journey to the Cross, and beganteaching his followers to take up their own cross and follow him.

February 21 is Shrove Tuesday. “Shrove” comes from an old verb – “shriven” – that means
receiving absolution, or forgiveness, and making a fresh start. Traditionally, it was celebrated
with a pancake supper – a perfect way to use up whatever fats/oils and syrup (and bacon) was
left in the house. The day is more widely known as Mardi Gras (literally, Fat Tuesday) – a party
to use up fats and sweets. In Latin cultures it is known as Carneval (literally, “Farewell, meat.)
Then, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22. Again, join us for worship at 6:30 pm, if
you are able. We will be hosting our brothers and sisters from the Gray and New Gloucester
Congregational churches.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Paul

Hybrid options are available

Questions? Contact Marisa mlaviola@maineucc.org

Rev. Dr. Marisa Laviola
Conference Minister

Please keep the following people in your prayers

Sandra and Vince Golonka
Dot Hayward
Wayne Malloch
Blanche Mays
Cindy Tompson

NYCC Clothing Ministry

The news continues to unfold about the devastating earthquake on the border of Turkey and Syria. The death toll continues to rise – numbers are pointing to over 5,000 – depending on the source. This is shattering news and adds to the challenges of the war in this area for over a decade.

The UCC has posted a prayer and short statement in response to this crisis. While the earthquake was on the border, the tremors were felt as far away as Lebanon and Cyprus. At this time, we are issuing an appeal to help recovery efforts in Turkey and Syria. It is hard to tell what other areas are affected or the extent of the damage from this seismic event.

Amid this current uncertainty, you can be certain that with your financial support the United Church of Christ will be there helping those in need. Give generously by clicking here. You may also text UCCDISASTER to 41444.

Sincerely,

image
Kent Siladi

Director of PhilanthropyTwitter YouTube Instagram

*If you are more comfortable writing a check to the church please write disaster relief in the memo line.

February Meetings
February 16 – Council will meet in person at 6:30 p.m.

Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday Nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Morning at 8:30 am in the Sanctuary

Tuesday Gals meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Men’s Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at Toddy Brook

Pet Place Pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Weekly News for February 8

February 8, 2023 North Yarmouth Congregational Church Weekly news

Chicken and Gravy Pie Raffle is Here!

ONLY 1 MORE DAY TO PURCHASE TICKETS
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Buy a chance to win one of four delicious home-cooked meals!
Win a delicious chicken & gravy pie dinner with wine and dessert!

Just in time for a cozy Valentine’s Day dinner!

4 lucky winners will each win 2 famous chicken & gravy pies, lovingly baked by the North Yarmouth Congregational Church resident chefs, plus wine and dessert for you to enjoy with the people you love.

Winners can pick up their prize at the church or we can arrange for local delivery. Thank you for your support!

Donations Will Benefit
First Congregational Church, UCC, North Yarmouth Maine

Please share this raffle with your friends and family! (Sharing the link on your Facebook page gets you extra chances to win!)

We truly appreciate your support in these challenging times. Love and blessings from our church family to yours.

Please click on the link below to go to purchase raffle tickets.

Purchase Chicken and Gravy Pie Dinner Tickets Here!
You can also text “chickenpie” to 855-202-2100 to get the link to the raffle!

Community Food Pantry Donations, a new twist.

Let’s make February a “Souper Bowl” Sunday

UPDATE: as of Sunday the game score prediction is:

Chiefs. 34
Eagles. 16

And Souper Bowl? What Souper Bowl? 23

Go Chiefs!🏈

In celebration of the Super Bowl, let’s fill the grocery cart with canned soup. Isn’t this a “souper” idea? A friendly competition between the Chief and Eagle fans. There will be two boxes in the Gathering Space, one for the Chiefs, one for the Eagles. Add your soup(or other foods) to the box of your choice so we can determine which team has the most “souper” fans. Maybe even a prediction as to who will win on the 12th.

For those who watch for the commercials, the puppy bowl, halftime show or not at all, there will be a third box for you. Let’s have some fun and help stock the food pantry at the same time!

Why Is February Black History Month?
Rev. Dr. Paul A. Day

February is recognized as Black History Month. Do you know why? February was chosen because it contains the birthdays of two of the most important figures in African-American History: The 12th is, of course, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. The second man is Frederick Douglass, born into slavery and a renowned orator and leader in the struggle for freedom and justice. Douglass was born in February – 1817 or ’18 – the exact date is unknown; he chose to celebrate his birthday on the 14th. Douglass died on February 20, 1895.

At a time when the teaching of history has become a political football, it is important to recognize and listen to various narratives—especially those that have long been silenced.

On Sunday we will observe Black History Month and Racial Justice Sunday. We give thanks for the progress we have made from the days of slavery, lynchings, and Jim Crow laws. At the same time, we recognize that we have further to go in the quest for true justice and equality for all. We know that laws and public policies can only go so far. Only God can change hearts and minds. But we can and must live up to and live into God’s ways.

Abraham Lincoln was asked why he had not joined any church. He replied, “When any church will inscribe over its altars, as its sole qualification for membership, the Savior’s condensed statement for the substance of both law and gospel, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself,’ that church will I join with all my heart and soul.”
I pray Abraham Lincoln would find a warm welcome and kindred spirits in our church.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Paul

P.S. – February 12 is also SOUP-er Bowl Sunday. We will bless the cans of soup we bring – for the Eagles, the Chiefs or “What Soup-er Bowl?” – for the Food Pantry. (And perhaps some pet food in honor of the Puppy Bowl and Kitten Bowl.) A friend commented, “I only watch the Super Bowl for the commercials and the half-time show – and I don’t care how many baskets they score.”)

P.P.S. – Lent is coming! We will host our sisters and brothers of the Gray and New Gloucester congregational churches for an Ash Wednesday Service at 6:30 pm on February 22nd.
We also have daily devotional booklets available for you to take home and use during Lent. Running on Empty written by the United Church of Christ Stillspeaking Writers group. Pick up yours today.

Please keep the following people in your prayers

Sandra and Vince Golonka
Dot Hayward
Wayne Malloch
Blanche Mays
Cindy Tompson

Newsies from NYCC Street Ministries

Caroline and I were grateful to be able to offer a little bit of warmth to the folks in Portland during this recent cold snap. We were hoping that they had warm places to get in out of the cold. We found out that several places, i.e. First Parish UUC on Congress St. was opening a warming center……as did other places…..soooooo, knowing that we had A LOT of handwarmers (thank you very much) we took them in. They weren’t doing much good under the table in the office! The workers at First Parish, and for sure the clients, were so thankful.

If you are so inclined, we will be taking cold weather socks, gloves, and hats for our February and March end of the month visits and appreciate how supportive NYCC folks are to this mission.

Can’t say thank you enough, Jeanne

NYCC Clothing Ministry

Dear Friends:

Sincerely,

Kent Siladi, Director of Philanthropy

February Meetings

February 12 – Faith Formation will meet in person following worship

February 13 – Missions will meet in person at 7 p.m. via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87514968916?pwd=UzAzVEhoTDFxUDNVMEpzL2VFaEE4QT09

February 14 – Trustees will meet in person at 6 p.m.

February 16 – Council will meet in person at 6:30 p.m.

Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday Nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Morning at 8:30 am in the Sanctuary

Tuesday Gals meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Men’s Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at Toddy Brook

Pet Place Pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Board Game Afternoon

Let’s hang out and play games!
We’ve got a small selection of games (like Catan,Ticket to Ride, Rummikub, Splendor, Sorry, and cribbage), but this will be more fun if you bring your favorite card or board game to add to the mix.

Saturday, February 11 from 3:00-5:00 pm. at Westcustago Hall/No. Yarmouth Community Center.

https://facebook.com/events/s/board-game-afternoon/1183293099217624/

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland is looking for families to own new homes in Standish.
Habitat homes are for affordable, energy-efficient and for people who never thought they could own a home!
Think you don’t qualify? A family of four can earn up to $73,255!
Future homeowners must make no more than 65% of the area median income and demonstrate a need for affordable housing, an ability to pay a low interest mortgage, and a willingness to partner with Habitat.

How to Apply:
Download an application or request a mailed copy online at habitatportlandme.org/apply OR pick it up at 659 Warren Avenue, Portland, ME
Ask questions and get help filling out your application:
Group sessions available March 4-7 (Scarborough); March 8-9 (Standish); March 13-14 (Gorham); March 15-16 (Windham)
One-on-one meetings available by request
Completed applications due by noon on April 5, 2023
Questions? Email Family Services Director, Molly, at molly@habitatme.org or call 207-772-2151 x 104.

Weekly News for February 1

February 1, 2023 North Yarmouth Congregational Church Weekly news

Congregational Meeting

A meeting to accept the minutes from our annual meeting will take place after church on Sunday Feb 5th right after church. We would appreciate any of you who can stay. This meeting usually takes 90 seconds!

Chicken and Gravy Pie Raffle is Here!

ONLY 8 MORE DAYS TO PURCHASE TICKETS
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Buy a chance to win one of four delicious home-cooked meals!
Win a delicious chicken & gravy pie dinner with wine and dessert!

Just in time for a cozy Valentine’s Day dinner!

Winners can pick up their prize at the church or we can arrange for local delivery. Thank you for your support!

Donations Will Benefit
First Congregational Church, UCC, North Yarmouth Maine

Please share this raffle with your friends and family! (Sharing the link on your Facebook page gets you extra chances to win!)

We truly appreciate your support in these challenging times. Love and blessings from our church family to yours.

Please click on the link below to go to purchase raffle tickets.

Purchase Chicken and Gravy Pie Dinner Tickets Here!

You can also text “chickenpie” to 855-202-2100 to get the link to the raffle!

Groundhog Day Rev. Paul A. Day
In Celtic tradition February 1-2 is celebrated as Imbolc / St. Brigid’s Day – with a great feast to welcome the First Day of Spring! It is approximately half-way from the Winter Solstice to the Spring Equinox. The annual focus on Punxsutawney Phil and other rodents who predict six more weeks of winter are an echo of older pre-Christian traditions.

Groundhog Day is one of my favorite movies, starring the comic genius of Bill Murray, who re-lives the day over and over until he finally learns to get it right.

This winter it seems like Mother Nature hasn’t got it right, yet—or is she merely mocking us? After a mild early winter and a major snow deficit, we’ve had four plowable storms in a little over a week. We’ve made up the deficit. And now we are facing sub-zero temperatures and ever colder windchills predicted for the weekend. It may be the beginning of springtime in Ireland and other mild marine climates, but we live in Maine. Whatever Phil or other weather prognosticators may say, we know there is a lot of winter still ahead of us.

In Christian tradition, February 2 is Candlemas – remembering the 40th day after Christmas when, in accordance with Jewish Law, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to offer a sacrifice. (see Luke 2:22-38 and Leviticus 12:1-8)

At the Temple they were met by a man named Simeon, who took the child in his arms and proclaimed:
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

The name Candlemas comes from the tradition of bringing new candles to church to be blessed, and to give thanks to God for God’s Light. It is also a time to remove the Christmas candles from the windows (though some may leave them up right through the end of the season after Epiphany.)

Such traditions point us to Jesus’ words, “You are the salt of the earth. . . . You are the light of the world.” We will be looking at Matthew 5:13-20 in worship on Sunday. Join us if you are able, and find out what I learned on a visit to a salt mine in Kansas 650’ underground.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Paul

Community Food Pantry Donations, a new twist.

Let’s make February a “Souper Bowl” Sunday

For those who watch for the commercials, the puppy bowl, halftime show or not at all, there will be a third box for you. Let’s have some fun and help stock the food pantry at the same time!

NEWS FROM NYCC STREET MINISTRY

By heating up the Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches and making coffee instead of buying these items we were able to offer twice as many folks a warm lunch. At a fraction of the cost! I over heard one man say to another guy “the coffee even has sugar and cream” with a sweet smile on his face. Sometimes it seems that it doesn’t take much to make a positive difference in another’s life.

We were a bit overwhelmed with the number of clients on this visit…..it may have been the cold weather…..and we totally ran out of gloves, socks, and hats….and lunches! We are so thankful to you folks who keep us supplied with cold weather items and the cash that is slipped unexpectedly into our hands. What we are doing in Portland absolutely could not be done without you.

Caroline and Jeanne say “THANK-YOU” a whole bunch.

Please keep the following people in your prayers

Sandra and Vince Golonka
Dot Hayward
Wayne Malloch
Blanche Mays
Cindy Tompson
Online Church Directory
If you would like to have the church directory at your fingertips please click on the link below create a login and follow the instructions.

NYCC Clothing Ministry

Coffee Hour
Now that we have gone back to our traditional coffee hour with homemade baked goods, fruit, cheese and crackers, etc. we need your help. There is a signup sheet at church in the gathering space, so please check it out and consider doing the setup and clean up and goodies, or share it with one person setting up, one person cleaning up, and a couple of people baking or bringing other goodies. Thanks all!

Marsha Heath

February Meetings

February 5 – Diaconate will meet in person following worship
February 12 – Faith Formation will meet in person following worship
February 13 – Missions will meet in person at 7 p.m. via Zoom

February 14 – Trustees will meet in person at 6 p.m.

February 16 – Council will meet in person at 6:30 p.m.

Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday Nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Morning at 8:30 am in the Sanctuary

Tuesday Gals meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

Men’s Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at Toddy Brook

Pet Place Pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Access worship directly on our YouTube channel (subscribe to our channel while you are there) at youtube.com/c/nyccucc

Weekly News for January 25

January 25, 2023 North Yarmouth Congregational Church Weekly news

No Choir
Due to the weather forecast, there will be no choir rehearsal tonight 1/25/2023

Chicken and Gravy Pie Raffle is Here!

Buy a chance to win one of four delicious home-cooked meals!
Win a delicious chicken & gravy pie dinner with wine and dessert!

Just in time for a cozy Valentine’s Day dinner!

Winners can pick up their prize at the church or we can arrange for local delivery. Thank you for your support!

Donations Will Benefit
First Congregational Church, UCC, North Yarmouth Maine

Please share this raffle with your friends and family! (Sharing the link on your Facebook page gets you extra chances to win!)

We truly appreciate your support in these challenging times. Love and blessings from our church family to yours.

Please click on the link below to go to purchase raffle tickets.

Purchase Chicken and Gravy Pie Dinner Tickets Here!
You can also text “chickenpie” to 855-202-2100 to get the link to the raffle!

Thank You!
Dear Church Members and Choir,
Thank you so much for your generous Christmas gift. You are a joy to work with and play for!
Pete Dickson, Organist

Please keep the following people in your prayers

NYCC Clothing Ministry

Community Food Pantry Donations.

The first Sunday of the month has been designated as Food Pantry Collection Sunday. We will be focusing on non food items. Current pantry needs include:

Paper towels Laundry Detergent
Toilet Paper Dish Soap
Tissues Diapers
Deodorant Pull-ups
Shampoo Baby Wipes
Conditioner Feminine Hygiene Products

Please add your donation to the grocery cart in the Gathering Space. You can donate to the cart at any time. Thank you very much for your ongoing support for the Cumberland Community Food Pantry which supports North Yarmouth families.

Coffee Hour
We have gone back to our traditional coffee hour with homemade baked goods, fruit, cheese and crackers, etc. We still have prepackaged goodies as well.

There is a signup sheet at church in the gathering space, so please check it out and consider doing the setup and clean up and goodies, or share it with one person setting up, one person cleaning up, and a couple of people baking or bringing other goodies. Thanks all!

Marsha Heath

January Meetings

Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday Nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Morning at 8:30 am in the Sanctuary

Tuesday Gals meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Tuesday Gals will not be meeting on January 31.

Men’s Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at Toddy Brook

Pet Place Pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Access worship directly on our YouTube channel (subscribe to our channel while you are there) at youtube.com/c/nyccucc

Weekly News for January 18

January 18, 2023 North Yarmouth Congregational Church Weekly news

Annual Meeting Reminder
REMINDER to all members:

The 217th annual meeting of the North Yarmouth Congregational Church is next Sunday, January 22, 2023, immediately after the church service which is at approximately 10:30 a.m. A quorum of 30 members is required for the meeting to begin so please plan to join us for this important meeting. Thank you!

Annual Reports
Want an Annual Report before next Sunday? They are on the Gathering Place table. Office will be open 7:30 – noon Wed and Thursday or before the meeting on Sunday. Jeanne

Council Meeting Reminder

The Council will meet on Thursday, January 19 in person at 6:30 p.m. at the church.

A Note from the Nominating Committee
Dear Friends, we need you! We have several vacancies on our committees and we need your energy and wisdom to fill the slots. We have openings for the Deacons, the Trustees, Faith Formation, and the Tech Team. Please let me know as soon as you can if you are interested. My email is apgraham1@gmail.com
Many thanks and Happy New Year!
Annie

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

In the Church Calendar January 18th commemorates the Confession of Peter.

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist but others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 13:16-19)

The day also marks the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which has been observed annually since 1908. The octave ends on January 25th, which celebrates the Conversion of Paul. (see Acts 9:1-9)

The founders deliberately bracketed the Week of Prayer between the days honoring the two greatest leaders of the early church. For unity does not mean uniformity. Peter and Paul were quite different from each other, and often disagreed. One time Paul had to stand up to Peter when he was not practicing what he preached. (see Galatians 2:11-12)

For his part, Peter thought that Paul’s letters were hard to understand. (see 2 Peter 3:16)

Our unity is based on Jesus Christ. I hold dual ordination standing in the Evangelical Covenant Church and the United Church of Christ. The two denominations share the same motto: Conjuncti in Christo — United in Christ. Indeed, the whole world-wide Church is united in Christ regardless of nationalities, languages, denominations, or theological traditions. And in each local parish or congregation we are united in Christ.

During this week we join our prayers with Jesus’ own prayer: “I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21)

Grace & peace,

Pastor Paul

Annual Meeting Discussion-Benevolence Giving Allocation

Hello friends,

At the Annual Meeting, The Missions Committee members would like you to consider changing the way benevolence giving is allocated. Below are a few details to consider.

Currently, your benevolence giving is split 50/50. 50% to the missions fund (OCLM) that is managed by the committee and 50% to the UCC-mission fund (OCWM).

We’d like to change the split to 70/30. 70% to the local fund(OCLM) and 30% to the UCC (OCWM). This change would allow us to target the missions chosen by you and the committee. We can better support local missions like the NYCC Street Ministry, Community Food Pantry, Harrison Food Bank to name a few. So many have been hit hard by the rising cost of basic needs, food, fuel, housing. With more local funds, we can help our neighbors.

As a congregation, we have supported OCWM. In addition to 50% of our benevolence giving, we have given to disaster relief($685 in 2022) and special offerings like One Great Hour of Sharing($323), Neighbors in Need($225), Christmas Fund($543) and Strengthen the Church($124).

For a small church, we do a great job helping others.

No need for a decision now. We wanted to provide information before the meeting to help with your decision.

OCLM = Our Church’s Local Mission
OCWM= Our Church’s Wider Mission

Thank You!
Thank you to Marcia W. for the window wind blockers for the Sanctuary. What a difference they have made. And we might save a little fuel, too!

Dear Church Family,

Thank you very much for the monetary gift I received on Christmas Eve. It will surely be put to good use. I am amazed, thinking, as I approach my 22nd year as your sexton! Where has the time gone? I often think of the dear friends we have lost over the years as I vacuum between the pews in the sanctuary. My mind wanders to by-gone years and thinking “oh that’s where so-and-so used to sit” and “oh yes, Charlotte Lawrence sat here” and “yes Carol Black sat in the Hamilton/Black pew with George! “And this was Marge and Carol Wallace’s pew”! History….and now we have new friends!!!!

As we go forward into this next year, I pray that the church(the people) will find the future to be kind, positive, happy and healthy and generous. Thanks again, Mark

Please keep the following people in your prayers

Sandra and Vince Golonka
Dot Hayward
Wayne Malloch
Blanche Mays
Cindy Tompson

NYCC Street Ministry
NYCC STREET MINISTRY is trying something different. Buying breakfast treats from a national chain was proving rather expensive and we were able to serve so few people, soooo…..we found out about Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches, were told they tasted really good and cost a little over $1.00 apiece ! You can’t beat that with a stick ! We also will be making our own coffee and using the urns from church kitchen. We are excited to try this. Yes, there will be a little more prep time but it should be very doable.
Speaking of easy, you folks are making it so easy for us to offer warm hats, warm socks, warm scarves, sweet treats, hygiene bags and hand warmers to those in need. We have enough of these items to get us through January. The one item we could use some help with is warm gloves. We are incredibly thankful for all you do for this ministry.
Caroline and Jeanne

P.S. Does anyone have a thermal bag that hold heat that we can borrow for a couple of months to transport the sandwiches to Portland.

NYCC Clothing Ministry

Community Food Pantry Donations

The first Sunday of the month has been designated as Food Pantry Collection Sunday. We will be focusing on non food items. Current pantry needs include:

Paper towels Laundry Detergent
Toilet Paper Dish Soap
Tissues Diapers
Deodorant Pull-ups
Shampoo Baby Wipes
Conditioner Feminine Hygiene Products

Coffee Hour
We have gone back to our traditional coffee hour with homemade baked goods, fruit, cheese and crackers, etc. We still have prepackaged goodies as well.

Marsha Heath

January Meetings

January 19 – Council will meet in person at 6:30 p.m.

Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday Nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Morning at 8:30 am in the Sanctuary

Tuesday Gals meets on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
*Tuesday Gals will not be meeting on January 31.

Men’s Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at 7:30 a.m. at Toddy Brook

Pet Place Pantry is open on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00-10:00 a.m.