IN THIS ISSUE
Pastor's Message
Introduction to Eastern Religions
Summer Sundays
Church News
History Moment
Community News
God is Still Speaking
If you have questions about the church, please contact one of our committee chairs.
Church Council
Margaret Hutchins
Christian Ed.
Pam Morneau
Christian Outreach
Gina Vickers
Deacons
Susan Weaver
Long Range Planning
Sue Chadima
Music
Henrik Strandskov
Personnel
Erv Snyder
Prudential
Ken Thorson
Stewardship
Peter Mendes
Church Family
If you or a family member is hospitalized and would like a visit, please call the church office.
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Caregivers Group
Mondays at 2:00 pm
Grief Support Group
September
14 and 28: 1:30
Crafter's Group
Thursdays at 1:00
Parlor
First Parish Church
United Church of Christ,
corner of Maine Street and Bath Road
Brunswick, Maine
WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE
September 3, 2010
Pastor's Message
In the UCC, we are often called "progressive" Christians, usually either to praise us or deride us for the social stances and justice issues that we take up as a larger church. Some who take issue with the church go so far as to claim that we are not "biblical" Christians. Yet the scripture is at the heart of much of what we do, testifying to our ancestors' deep commitment to taking part in God's coming Kingdom, and helping to transform the world into one of peace. On Sunday we will examine a much loved vision of the prophet Jeremiah, and talk about how we are called to be part of God's "progress" in the world, as individuals and communities of faith.
See you there!

Geoff Parker
FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH BENEVOLENCE
Our special offering this Sunday will be taken to support our local benevolence fund. The budget to support this ministry relies heavily on our first Sunday of the month giving. We ask that you give thoughtfully, so that we can continue our mission of supporting our local folks in emergency situations.
Introduction to Eastern Religions
September 23 - November 4 (Thursdays a Noon)

The Eastern Religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism/Taoism, taught by Gwen Moore, will be the subject of an introductory-level program sponsored by the Adult Education Committee this Fall. The program is organized into seven Thursday sessions, September 23 - November 4, from 12:00 to 1:00pm, in the Chapel of Pilgrim House. Bring a brown bag lunch if you wish. For a complete program description and schedule, go the church website at http://www.firstparish.net/ and look for the Adult Education program section, or call the office. (729-7331)

"SUMMER SUNDAYS"

We have nursery care for those age 2 and younger downstairs in Pilgrim House (across the street) from 9:45 until church is over.

All those age 3 and older begin in worship. After the Children's Moment, bring children age 3 through those entering 3rd grade to the Pilgrim House playground (or the Parlor in inclement weather).

Children entering 4th grade and older will remain in worship. We have books, children's bulletins and drawing supplies in the cart near the Vestry door.

Church School begins on September 12th! FMI contact Susan Fitzgerald at sfitzgerald@firstparish.net. Following worship that day, join us for an all-ages "Birthday Party."
CHURCH NEWS
The Church Office will be closed Monday, September 6.
The Caregiver's Group, which meets on Mondays at 2:00, will NOT meet this Monday, due to the holiday.
The Youth Group at FPC will be kicking off the new academic year with its annual Parent/Youth Potluck dinner in Pilgrim House on September 12th from 7-9. There will be great food, games, and brainstorming for upcoming activities.
Our popular Fellowship Breakfasts start up again on Sunday, September 19 from 8 - 9:30. Plan to attend each month on the third Sunday throughout the year.
The September Quiet Day in Brunswick will be held Friday, September 17 at 9:30 at Ann Barry's home. For information or to attend please contact Ann at annbarry@gwi.net or Jeanne Tuttle at tuttle@midcoast.com. Or phone Jeanne at 207-798-0012.
Inquiring Minds Book Group will meet on Monday Sept 20 at 7PM in Pilgrim House and the book is "Strength in What Remains" by Tracy Kidder. Please bring suggestions for books that you would like the group to consider reading. We need three good books for discussion on the third Mondays - Oct. 18, Nov. 15, and Dec. 20 - and all suggestions are VERY welcome.

Please remember that Midcoast Hunger contributions of non-perishable food items may be left in the big pine box in the Vestry on Sundays, or brought to the church office during the week.
History Moment
More Bell Tower History:
May 13: 1848: A special meeting was held to vote on two articles: 1.To see if the Parish will authorize and direct the Assessors to enlarge the belfry windows for the purpose of letting out the sound of the bell. 2. Alter the tower. #1 was passed with the stipulation that the cost to the Parish was not to exceed $100. The money was raised by subscription and the Parish did not have to contribute any money. #2 also passed. In July the new spire and tower were completed.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Habitat for Humanity Builds for the Birds! This first Annual fundraiser will feature live and silent auctions of custom-built birdhouses, which include birdhouses designed and constructed by talented local artists, big Brothers/Big Sisters, Spurwink and YMCA. The event is Wednesday, September 15 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Winter Street Center, at 880 Washington Street in Bath.

Many of you will need to change your email addresses within the next two months if you are a "suscom" customer. Please let the church office know of these changes by emailing Jane at jconnors@firstparish.net.

Many of you received the monthly newsletter very late in the month or early September. It was mailed on August 25, but with bulk mailing, the post office can hold it there as many as three days. All the more reason for you to sign up to receive it via email. The newsletter is now in a "pdf" format, with color art, etc. and looks great! Please let Jane know if you are interested in saving some paper, and receiving it earlier.