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Pastor Rev. Dr. Marlayna Schmidt
“…the joy of God is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
Dear Members and Friends of First Parish Church Congregational, United Church of Christ—
Yesterday was our third congregational meeting in our Vision Process, and we had a remarkable discussion. We gathered in small groups around tables in the chapel, had lunch, shared fellowship, and reviewed the draft “Values Statement” that your Transition Team put together following our second congregational meeting. (That Values Statement is printed in this newsletter for you to review. You can also access it from the church website and get printed copies in the church and the chapel.)
Based on our Values Statement—and on what came out of our History meeting, our task yesterday was to draft a one-sentence Mission/Purpose statement. And, incredibly, in half an hour, each small group did just that! (It will now be the Transition Team’s task to look at those 6 draft statements, find the similarities, and combine them into one. And as soon as they do that, we will publicize it for review and comment!)
But the wording of those draft statements is not what I want to focus on right now. What I found remarkable in the meeting was the spirit/Spirit present in our discussion. “Remarkable” is probably not the exact right word. “Inspirational” is probably more like it. Or, better yet, what bubbled up in that meeting was Joy. While there was some “struggle” around the tables as we worked on a seemingly overwhelming task within a limited timeframe, what came out of the struggle was not frustration, but laughter!
Several people described how, as we gather together as a church, we
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experience the presence of God among us, which, even in the midst of pain, gives us a deep sense of joy. People also talked about how that joy is part of the blessing we want--and are called--to share with the world. The Hebrew Scriptures put it this way, “The joy of God is your strength.”
Starting in February and running through April, I am embarking on a sermon series called “Noticing God.” It is based on a book by author Richard Peace of that same title. (And, if you would like to really dive into this topic, you are invited to come to Bible Study on Thursday afternoons at Vin Terrill’s house. OR come on Sunday mornings at 8:40 in the chapel where we will discuss the book—a chapter each week. People will also be invited—if they wish—to talk about their own experiences of noticing God. FYI: If you come to the Sunday morning group book discussion, there is no pressure for anyone to talk in the group if you do not want to. Feel free to just come and soak it up!) It is my hope that this series will help us all deepen our experience of the joyful presence of God in our lives as we continue to follow God into the future!
Blessings, Rev. Marlayna VISION PROCESS UPDATE On December 10th, we had a very thoughtful, inspiring, and respectful conversation about VALUES, that is, the principles or standards of behavior that are most important to us, that drive the ministry and mission of our church. We looked at both “current” values (values we currently reflect by our actions as a congregation) and “aspirational” values (values we would like to live into in the future.) The draft “Values Statement” that came out of that meeting is printed elsewhere in this newsletter.
On January 21st, we had our third congregational meeting in this process, and, working in small groups, we came up with several drafts of a One-Sentence Mission/Purpose Statement (which is like a slogan or motto that describes, in a memorable way, the primary work of our church.) Using those draft statements as a basis, we (the Transition Team) will be putting together a Mission/Purpose Statement for the congregation to consider.
In the meantime, please keep our VISION process in your prayers, and please mark your calendars for the FOURTH AND FINAL meeting in our process, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 4th. Your Transition Team (Paul Driscoll, Lauren Gudonis, Mary Lumsden, Jeff Parker, Jason Smith, Lelly Smith)
Continued…
“We love because He first loved us” This is the month all about love! Love for Christ and love for one another. We have an exciting month ahead. I have started offering our midweek Sunday school two Thursdays a month for those families who ski/have sports on Sunday. So if you are one of those families, please join us in the large Sunday school room on 2/1 and 2/15 from 5:30-6:30pm.
Our Confirmation class will be participating in the worship on 2/4. They will be greeters and readers and communion preparers. Please join me in welcoming them with open arms. One of my main goals is to let the children and teenagers of this church know and see there is more to church than just the Sunday school building.
Our Confirmation class and middle school youth group will be celebrating a Fat Tuesday party on Tuesday February 13th @5:30pm. There will be yummy food and fun music as we celebrate in preparation of Lent.
As a way of integrating missions into the youth group they will be making the sandwiches for our Brown Bag mission on Friday the 23rd. Local missions are so important to our church and I hope to get the youth group more and more involved over time. We are also looking ahead to our Heifer Birthday Bash which is taking place March 11th. Be thinking about which month you want and also what talent you would like to perform for us!
It is going to be an exciting Spring and I am excited to see where God takes us and how He uses us to do His will.
Blessings,
Jessica Skidmore Christian Ministry Coordinator
Christian Ministry Coordinator Jessica Skidmore
Church Council
The Council met most recently on January 16th at its regular time (always the third Tuesday of the month). Our meeting was largely dedicated to a discussion of the Budget recommended by the Trustees. We approved it after a change to fund immediate repairs needed on the organ. We are in strong financial condition and the budget is fully funded, which is great news. This will be voted on by the Congregation at the Annual Business Meeting on February 18th.
The Council formally approved our Covenant for Christian Communication which we plan to use and refer to on a regular basis on the Council and in all our Church meetings and gatherings. We hope it will be a practical guide that helps us each voice our opinion in respectful ways when we don’t see eye to eye
The Fair date has been set for November 10th and Sarah Campbell and Allison Moir-Smith will co-chair it. This is great news because this is such an important ministry of our church.
There was a lot of discussion about a letter which Vitality has worked on with Pastor Marlayna to send to members who have been moved to inactive status. We have never sent such a letter in the past and some members were not sure we needed to start now. But there are good reasons for sending such a letter – mainly we want to let people know for transparency sake, and also it gives us a chance to once more reach out to them and invite them to get involved at First Parish Church Congregational. The Vitality will use this letter at their discretion.
Finally a Church Council Job Description was passed out and we will work to update it and discuss it at our next meeting. The question of “what is Congregational” has come up of late and the Council is a big part of that. So this will be a good refresher about the important role the Council serves in our Church.
We welcome members of the Congregation to attend our Council meetings. All I ask is that you let me know in advance, so I can understand if you have a concern or matter that needs to be put on the agenda.
Your Moderator Nancy Peterson [email protected] 508-284-0883
“SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE” A Covenant for Christian Communication* (adopted by Church Council Dec., 2017)
“…speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)
As members of the Church Council of First Parish Church Congregational, UCC in Manchester-By-The-Sea
We will speak…
We will communicate calmly and directly to each other using the first person. (For example, in response to someone saying words that “sting,” we might say, “I know it’s not your intention, but when you said X, I felt hurt [or dismissed or attacked or put down.]”
We will listen without interrupting (unless someone is breaking this covenant and needs to be asked to rephrase or take a “time out” to cool down).
We will ask questions for clarification in order to confirm that we have understood correctly and ask others to do the same.
We will value all opinions and recognize that everyone is equally important. We will communicate with each other as if we were standing face-to-face with Jesus,
asking what would God have us do, and seeking God’s voice in the other person. We will take responsibility for our own speech, stopping ourselves if/when we notice
our own words escalating tension or breaking this covenant. We will recognize that our words--and how they are presented--have consequences.
The truth…
We will be as honest as we can with each other. We will strive together to understand and speak from factual information, rather than
leaping to conclusions based on assumptions or speculation.
In love…
We will speak to each other with respect. We will affirm the merit in another person’s idea or concern before we note its weak-
nesses. We will open our minds and listen to understand one another’s point of view, but
don’t necessarily have to agree. We will honor an apology by listening, responding, and making a sincere effort to for-
give, asking for God’s grace and strength to help us. We will love one another and love people where they are in their journey.
*Based on a covenant used by Tabernacle Congregational Church, UCC, in Salem, MA, which was based on Ephesians 4:11-15.
DRAFT VALUES STATEMENT (V3: 1/11/18) The following represent the CORE VALUES of First Parish Church, Congregational, United Church of Christ at this time in our history: 1. We value Transformational Worship, which we define as being fed and nourished by the Holy Spirit--through music, preaching, and prayer--in such a way that we find ourselves feeling refreshed, joyful, and helped to live from a Grace-filled center when we walk out the door into our week. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”( Romans 12:2) 2. We value Fellowship, which we define as enjoying each other’s company and deepening our connections with one another in our family of faith. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42) 3. We value Tradition, which we define as the rituals associated with the rhythms of life and faith, rituals that BOTH connect us to our democratic congregational roots that go back centuries, AND allow us to adjust to changing times, mindful that when Christ is at the center of what we do, our traditions can creatively evolve in order to stay relevant. “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15) 4. We value Christian Education, which we define as a growing understanding and knowledge of God that continues throughout life, helping both adults and children to form (and re-form) our faith and align ourselves with God’s Vision. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.” (Colossians 3:16) 5. We value Preserving Buildings, which we define as providing an environment, rich in history, to support the work of the congregation so that we can continue to pass on our faith to future generations, as it was passed on to us, for the “up-building” of community. “O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own.” (I Chronicles 29:16)
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The following represent the ASPIRATIONAL VALUES of First Parish Church, Congregational, United Church of Christ; these are values we hope to embody more in the near future: 1. We aspire to value Social Outreach, which we define as following Christ’s example of caring service, which involves finding a better balance of connecting with BOTH those who are currently part of our fellowship AND those who are not, inviting all to experience a community whose mission is characterized by love, care, and justice for all. “And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40) 2. We aspire to value Building Up the Community, which we define as seeking to follow Christ together in unity, cooperating with one another, speaking the truth in love, and trusting that each of us has the best interests of the church at heart, even when we disagree. “But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)
Church Council minutes, Congregational Meeting minutes
and documents can be found online.
Check out the most recent FPCC Photo Directory
Do we have your correct contact information?
An updated photo?
You can email us at [email protected]
Continued…
Vitality Committee
Missions
We are so happy to be seeing so many new faces in church, and we are getting to know them. Please continue to extend our warm welcome to newcomers and be sure to introduce them to the Vitality Team: Mary Ellen Cook, Jane Pearson, Pam Price, or Allison Moir-Smith.
The Open Door Christmas Dinner -- always beautifully done by the Missions Committee -- was also a wonderful Vitality event. Two new families helped serve, cut pies, pass plates, give out gifts and create the Christmas spirit. It was a happy, heart-felt experience for all.
On Sunday, February 11 immediately following service, new members and newcomers are invited to a Winter Blahs Potluck Brunch hosted by the Vitality Team at Allison and Jason Smith's house. Let's break up this endless New England winter with some cozy carbohydrates and eggs (and probably a mimosa or two).
Along with Stewardship, we are re-imagining the annual pledge thank-you party. Three consecutive years at Community Center is enough; attendance has been declining. A new shot-in-the-arm is needed. Stay tuned for details!
CHECK OUT SET OUT BRING OUT
The Open Door invites us to contribute food items for their Food Pantry to provide food for hungry folks.
Problem is: I forget on Sunday morning. Rushing off, I just don't think about it till I get back home.
So here's a reminder for me and you.
CHECK OUT at the market a food item you could donate.
SET OUT something near the door that you will easily grab.
BRING OUT the donation and leave it in the basket at church.
Thanks to all who faithfully support this mission each week.
Grace and Peace, Lelly Smith for Missions Commmittee [email protected]
Vision Meeting
For those who ski or have sports on Sundays another
opportunity to get the Sunday school lesson from the previous week.
Offered Thursdays, February 1 & 15, March 8 & 22, April 5, 5:30-6:30 PM.
We will gather in the large Sunday school room (Annie Greenleaf room for a lesson, small
snack and a craft.
Would you like to be more involved with our Sunday school program? Check out all the opportunities to help online.
02/02 POWERS, JENNIFER 8 STORY ROAD MAGNOLIA MA 01930 [email protected]
02/02 SCARAFONI, BEN 5 ALLEN AVE MANCHESTER [email protected]
02/04 STANTON, JEANNE 1 HIGHWOOD ROAD MANCHESTER [email protected]
02/06 ROUINE, PAIGE 4 MICHAEL RD BEVERLY MA 01915
02/12 DEMEO, SAM 24 WOODHOLM RD MANCHESTER
02/15 MONDELLO, MARISSA 44 ENGLEWOOD RD MAGNOLIA MA
02/17 LONDON, LINDY P.O. BOX. 23 MANCHESTER [email protected]
02/22 POTTER, JULIA 1101 HEIGHTS CAPE ANN GLOUCESTER
02/23 BENINCASA, BONNIE 25 HICKORY HILL ROAD MANCHESTER [email protected]
02/24 HESLOP, ANN 34 NORWOOD AVENUE MANCHESTER [email protected]
02/28 WILKINSON, BENJAMIN 47 FOREST STREET MANCHESTER
“Noticing God” sermon series based on a book of that title by Richard Peace
Feb 4 “How Do We Notice the Presence of God?” (Scripture: Jeremiah 29:12-13; Acts 17:22-28 - “The Message,” a modern-language paraphrase)
Feb 11 “Noticing God in Mystical Encounters” (Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:1-9. Note: In this Scripture the Apostle Paul has a mystical experience and shares how he has learned to put it in perspective)
Feb 18 “Noticing God in the Ordinary” (Scripture: Psalm 8)
Feb 25 “Noticing God in the Still Small Voice” (Scripture: I Kings 19:11-13)
Mar 4 “Noticing God in the Power of Community” (Scripture: Matthew 25:35)
Mar 11 “Noticing God in the Written Word” (Scripture: John 1:1-5; 2 Timothy 3:16)
Mar 18 “Noticing God in Creation, Culture, and Creativity” (Scripture: Romans 1:20 – “The Message,” a modern-language paraphrase)
[Mar 25 Palm Sunday—not part of series (Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11)]
[April 1 Easter—not part of series. Scripture: John 20:1-18)]
April 8 “Noticing God in the Church” (Scripture: Matthew 18:20; Hebrews 10:24-25)
April 15 “How Do We Know It Is God?” (Scripture: Romans 12:1-2; I Corinthians 13:13)
Adult Discussion group based on this series will take place each Sunday in the Chapel Conference Room from 8:40—9:20 AM.
The Nursery is open every Sunday morning
during worship for your convenience.
Come and meet Megan!
Save the Date! The Christmas Fair will be on
Saturday, November 10 from 9 to 1
An enthusiastic and happy group of more than a dozen met in January to set a date for this year's Fair, set goals and share new ideas (garnered from some scouting trips to other Christmas fairs).
Our goals are to increase our income from the Fair, increase involvement of young families and children, and try a new couple of new things, while keeping all the favorites.
How can you help now? By remembering the Fair as you declutter this winter. Contact Allison (617-935-3362) to arrange a convenient drop-off.
The diaconate assisted with an additional funeral after Christmas. The Care Team provided meals to a family. Twelve poinsettias that graced our sanctuary were delivered to grateful recipients. Thank you to all the individuals and families who read scripture, greeted, lit the Advent wreath, held candles for the candlelight services, stuffed programs, tidied up the church and more for the month of December. It takes many committed people to celebrate Jesus’ birth in this joyful way. We are entertaining a suggestion to use the Bride's Room as a nursery when an occasion calls for the need. Considerations include where to relocate coffee and tea pots, how to secure electric cords, storage of a Pack ‘n Play, etc… We look forward to working this out. Welcome, little ones! Thank you. Respectfully submitted, Susan Parker Please consider offering to read and/or greet for Sunday services. Readers and Greeters are always needed, to volunteer speak to the Deacons, or you can also sign up online.
Diaconate
Annual Business Meeting
February 18 following worship
FIRST PARISH CHURCH, CONGREGATIONAL United Church of Christ
Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING February 18, 2018
TO: Active Members of the First Parish Church, Congregational, United Church of
Christ, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts You are hereby notified to meet in the Church on Sunday, February 18, 2018 immediately following the Worship Service, for the following purposes: To wit: ARTICLE I: To accept the report of the Annual Business Meeting held on February 5,
2017 ARTICLE II: To see what action the Church will take in regard to the budget proposal
for 2018 as submitted by the Board of Trustees. ARTICLE III: To hear and act upon the reports of the Financial Secretary, the Board of
Trustees, the Investment Committee, the Christian Education Committee, the Diaconate Board, the Missions Committee, the Music Committee, the Stewardship Committee, and the Vitality Committee.
ARTICLE IV: To hear and act upon any other business of a financial nature that may
come before the meeting. George A. Nickless, Clerk
PRAYER TEAM “For where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”. Matthew 18:20
Prayer Team will be ending in March, the last 2 sessions are Thursdays, February 1 and 15.
SEASIDE PARISH KNITTERS We would love to have you join us on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month in the Conference Room of the Chapel, 3-5 PM. Read more about us online.
FPCC CARE TEAM Please contact Sue Pick ([email protected] or 978-548-0145) if you would like to share your ideas, time, and talents with the FPC Care Team.
FLOWERS FOR THE ALTAR Please call Penny Lapham at 978-526-7128, by Monday to be included in
The following Sunday’s bulletin.
SNOW CANCELATION INFORMATION:
1) During the Week: If a snow/ice storm is bad enough for school to be canceled in Manchester, the church office will be closed.
2) On Sunday: If a major snow/ice storm occurs on Sunday morning (or late Saturday night), the pastor and the co-chairs of deacons will decide by 8:30 am on Sun-day morning whether or not to cancel worship. The pastor will then post the cancelation on the church website and on WBZ (radio and TV) and will send out an email to the church list.
BIBLE STUDY Bible Study Thursdays 4-5:30 PM (for adults) at 37 Beach St (home of Vin Terrill). Join us for a weekly study of our scriptures led by Rev. Marlayna.
New Adult “Sunday School”DiscussionAdult Discussion group based on this series will take place each Sunday in the Chapel
Conference Room from 8:40—9:20 AM.
Daily Lectionary
Link for monthly lection-ary- http://www.macucc.org/education/lectionary.htm
Thurs., Feb. 1 Psalm 147:1-
11, 20c Proverbs 12:10-21
Galatians 5:2-15
Fri., Feb. 2 Psalm 147:1-11,
20c Job 36:1-23 1 Corinthians
9:1-16
Sat., Feb. 3 Psalm 147:1-11,
20c Isaiah 46:1-13 Matthew
12:9-14
Sun., Feb. 4 Fifth Sunday
after the Epiphany Isaiah
40:21-31 Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Mark
1:29-39
Mon., Feb. 5 Psalm 102:12-28
2 Kings 4:8-17, 32-37 Acts
14:1-7
Tues., Feb. 6 Psalm 102:12-
28 2 Kings 8:1-6 Acts 15:36-
41
Wed., Feb. 7 Psalm 102:12-28
Job 6:1-13 Mark 3:7-12
Thurs., Feb. 8 Psalm 50:1-6 1
Kings 11:26-40 2 Corinthians
2:12-17
Fri., Feb. 9 Psalm 50:1-6 1
Kings 14:1-18 1
Timothy 1:12-20
Sat., Feb. 10 Psalm 50:1-6 1
Kings 16:1-7 Luke 19:41-44
Sun., Feb. 11 Sixth Sunday
after the
Epiphany; Transfiguration 2
Kings 2:1-12 Psalm 50:1-6 2
Corinthians 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9
Mon., Feb. 12 Psalm 110:1-4
Exodus 19:7-25 Hebrews 2:1-
4
Tues., Feb. 13 Psalm 110:1-4
Job 19:23-27 1 Timothy 3:14-
16
Wed., Feb. 14 Ash
Wednesday Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
or Isaiah 58:1-12 Psalm 51:1-
17 2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Thurs., Feb. 15 Psalm 25:1-
10 Daniel 9:1-14 1 John 1:3-
10
Fri., Feb. 16 Psalm 25:1-10
Daniel 9:15-25a 2 Timothy
4:1-5
Sat., Feb. 17 Psalm 25:1-10
Psalm 32 Matthew 9:2-13
Sun., Feb. 18 First Sunday in
Lent Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm
25:1-10 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark
1:9-15
Mon., Feb. 19 Psalm 77 Job
4:1-21 Ephesians 2:1-10
Tues., Feb. 20 Psalm 77 Job
5:8-27 1 Peter 3:8-18a
Wed., Feb. 21 Psalm 77
Proverbs 30:1-9 Matthew 4:1-
11
Thurs., Feb. 22 Psalm 22:23-
31 Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18
Romans 3:21-31
Fri., Feb. 23 Psalm 22:23-31
Genesis 16:1-6 Romans 4:1-
12
Sat., Feb. 24 Psalm 22:23-31
Genesis 16:7-15 Mark 8:27-
30
Sun., Feb. 25 Second Sunday
in Lent Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Psalm 22:23-31
Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-
38 or Mark 9:2-9
Mon., Feb. 26 Psalm 105:1-
11, 37-45 Genesis 21:1-7
Hebrews 1:8-12
Tues., Feb. 27 Psalm 105:1-
11, 37-45 Genesis 22:1-19
Hebrews 11:1-3, 13-19
Wed., Feb. 28 Psalm 105:1-
11, 37-45 Jeremiah 30:12-22
John 12:36-43
Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consulta-tion on Common Texts. common-texts.org. Used by permission. This resource may be reproduced by con-gregations for their own worship and educational activities. Provided by the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ – made possible by Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support and Fellowship Dues.
First Parish Church, Congregational 1 Chapel Lane, P.O. Box 187
Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944 Address Correction Requested
ASH WEDNESDAY Worship service: 7:00 PM on Wednesday, February 14th in the sanctuary. This will be a 30 minute, meditative service where Rev. Marlayna will talk about the meaning of this sacred day, and people will be invited, if they wish, to receive ashes as a sign of repentance. LENTEN VESPERS Looking for a way to deepen your spiritual connections to God this Lenten Season? Join us for a quiet service of prayer, poetry, and candle-lighting on the sev-en Saturday evenings of Lent as we remember the time Jesus spent in the wilderness. Services focusing on how we can connect to God in “the desert wilderness” of our lives will be held at First Parish Church Congregational from 5:30 to 6:00 PM starting on Saturday, February 17th and running through Saturday, March 31st. Members of the church and the general public are welcome to attend.
