Confirmation Classes Begin

February 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Annual Meeting

February 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Women’s Bible Study

with Beth Moore in video format

February 13 at 9:30 a.m.

Renewal of Marriage Vows

February 14 after worship

Ash Wednesday

February 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Coming Up - “Walk Through the Bible”

March 12 and 13

Thoughts from Linda

Change can happen in an instant or it can happen over years.  And some people embrace it willingly while others can’t bear to think of what’s next.  Either way - here we go folks – change is happening at First Parish Church!

As we prepare ourselves to move into an interim time be sure to be sensitive to how each person deals with change.  Some of us will be like my dogs when it’s time to go for a ride: Woohoo!  I’m ready – let’s go!  Others will be like ostriches – hiding their heads in the sand until it’s all over.  Others will be like teenage girls (Whatever…) or teenage boys (Did something just happen?)

There will be tears and smiles as we think of our time together with Rich and tears and smiles as we think of welcoming an interim minister and then eventually (very eventually!) a settled pastor.   Perhaps the best thing we can do for each other is what Rich said on his last Sunday:  Be kind, be kind, be kind.  Someone recently asked me how they could help  me and I answered.  Be good to each other.  That’s what I need, that’s what we all  need as we move forward.  Be kind, be good to each other, listen more than you talk (that’s hard sometimes!) be sensitive and loving. And remember, God is with us in this change, in the smiles, the tears, through it all!

See you in church!

Linda

Confirmation Begins - February 4, 7:00 - 8:15 p.m.

If you have a child in 8th grade or older and would like him or her to participate in our Confirmation program please call Linda at 363-3758.  Confirmation begins Thursday, Feb. 4 in Moody Hall from 7-8:15 p.m.  Planning ahead – Confirmation Sunday is May 23rd!

Ladies of First Parish - February 6, 9:30 - 12:30

Have the winter doldrums gotten you down??  Renew your spirit with messages of hope and humor from the Women of Faith speaker team on Saturday, February 6, from 9:30-12:30 in Fellowship Hall. The event will be hosted by Dianne Goodwin,  who has obtained DVDs which capture the excitement and encouragement of the dynamic women who share their stories with thousands of women at the Women of Faith conferences. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

Souper Bowl of Caring - February 7

The Souper Bowl of caring began with a simple prayer at Spring Valley Presbyeterian Church in SC, ”Lord, as we prepare to enjoy the Super Bowl, let us be mindful of those who do not even have a bowl of soup to eat”. Since then, churches and other places of worship have been inviting parishioners to give a dollar or two each year on Super Bowl Sunday, helping to raise over $60 million in 20 years to give directly to local food pantries and shelters.  Last year our congregation gave over $500.  In the 10 years we’ve been doing this we’ve collected over $5,500. all of which went to the York Food Pantry.  Be watching for members of our Junior High Youth Group on Super Bowl Sunday!

Annual Meeting - February 10

The Annual Meetings of the Church and Parish will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. to approve budgets, elect committee and board members, and to conduct other business of the Church and Parish.  All members are encouraged to attend.  The meeting will be held in the Sanctuary.

Another Beth Moore Study Coming to First Parish - February 13

Beginning February 13th, women will have the opportunity to be a part of another exciting and unique Bible study taught by the nationally known Bible study teacher, Beth Moore.  "Jesus, The One and Only",  is an in-depth study of the life of Jesus based on the Book of Luke.  Come along with Beth on a life-changing journey which will lead you through the hills of Galilee with the Teacher,  across the lake with the Master, and finally, on the road toward the cross with the Savior.  Get to know Jesus intimately...as though you had walked with Him during His days of earthly ministry.  The study was taped in Israel, allowing us see the places where Jesus taught and ministered.

This study features personal, daily assignments [not required, but encouraged] and then a weekly group session with the teaching and humor of Beth Moore, presented in a video format.  This study will take place on Saturday mornings from 9:30 - 11:00 in Fellowship Hall, with Susan Brindle facilitating the sessions.  Workbooks will be available for purchase as we begin the study.  The introductory session will be on February 13th.  The ten subsequent sessions will be held each Saturday with the exception of the "Walk Through the Bible" weekend in March.  Women, plan now to be a part of this very rich and meaningful study.  For more details, you may call Susan Brindle at 363-0372.

Renewal of Vows - February 14

What a better day to renew your wedding vows than on Valentine’s Day!  On Sunday at 11:30 you and your spouse are invited to join Linda in the sanctuary to renew your wedding vows.  The service is brief and very special.  If you’re interested in being part of this event, just RSVP to the church office at 363-3758!

Ash Wednesday - February 17

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent.  We’ll worship at 7:00 p.m. with a reflective service filled with prayer and music.  The service concludes with the traditional marking of the ashes for any who wish to receive this ancient Christian symbol of a repentant heart.

Lenten Book Study - March 10, 17, 24

A group will be meeting during Lent to read and discuss 3:16 by Max Lucado.  This Scripture from John is a meaningful passage leading up to Easter.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  The group will meet in the New Parish House at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 10, 17, and 24.  If you would like to join us, please call the Church Office to order a copy of the book.    s/Charline Ludgate

Annual Reports

All Annual Reports and information to be included in our Church and Parish Annual Reports are now past due.

Committee Ministry

New committee members will be elected at the annual meetings, Feb. 10. Those presently serving on committees whose terms are expiring should serve until the end of February. The terms of the new members begin March 1. However, because we need committee chairs in place by March 1, we ask all the committees of the Church and Parish to meet in February to elect chairs and officers for the coming year.  And thank you to all who serve so faithfully and so well!

New Orleans Mission Trip - Saturday, June 19

Would you like to join the 7th group mission trip to New Orleans? Despite the fact that Katrina devastated the New Orleans area five and half years ago, there remain thousands who are still not in their homes. There is a job for volunteers from skilled to unskilled.

We plan to leave on Saturday, June 19 and tour the area Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Our work week begins on Monday and ends on Friday. The trip has been a very rewarding one to approximately 65 workers from First Parish.  For further information, please call Sue Sullivan at  384-2180

Thank You Notes

Thank you for the beautiful Poinsettia plant sent to us for Christmas.  First Parish Church is very kind, and thoughtful to remember us during this special season.

Sincerely, Ralph and Nancy Hall

Dear Friends, Thank you all very much for the lovely Christmas plant.  It brightens up my home.  I’d also like to thank you for the many cards.

Sincerely, Frances McIntire

On behalf of the Christian Ed Committee: Thank you to everyone who helped make our coat drive a success!  Operation Blessing was most appreciative of your contributions and all the coats donated will go to good use during these cold winter months.  Many thanks, s/C.E. Committee

Thank You Celebration Committee!  A huge thank you to everyone who made Rich’s last Sunday so wonderful for all of us!  Thank you to our speakers, our singers, those who sent cards, remembrances for the scrapbook, and baked for the reception.  None of this would have happened without you!  And a special thank you to the committee who put their heart and soul into the planning of this day:  Nancy Ergmann, Charline Ludgate, Susan Lippoth, Audrey Peabody, Chick Willing, Sue Sullivan, Jim and Kathy Carter,  Naomi and Bill Olsen and Linda Hirst.

Food Pantry

The York Food Pantry is in need of soups, cocoa, pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, personal care items and paper goods. If you can help those in need, please bring your donations to church on Sunday morning or drop your donation off at the church office during the week.  Thank you so much.

Haitian Relief

A couple of weeks ago we had a special offering to benefit the people in Haiti following the devastating earthquake.  Our congregation gave a generous $2,918! As of  Monday, January 25, 2010, over $500,000 had been given to the UCC who, with its partners in Haiti, is providing basic humanitarian relief such as temporary shelter, and food and health assistance.  Funds are also being used to provide water and sanitation engineers and equipment to construct water purification systems.  The need and work is ongoing and we are so grateful for your generosity.  To find out more about how the U.C.C. is helping go to the website:  www.ucc.org and click on the link for Haiti.

Recent Baptisms

Lindsay Rae Rivers, daughter of Cheryl and Tony Rivers, born January 19, 2007 at York, Maine was baptized January 10, 2010

Evan Michael Gass, son of Jana Gass, born July 11, 2008 at York, Maine was baptized on January 24, 2010.

Christian Education News

Christian Education Update

Reminder: We use the offering collected from the children during Church School to sponsor our Compassion International Children. Currently we are supporting a girl from India and a boy from Peru.  To learn more, check out the Christian Education bulletin board now hanging in Moody Hall near the stairs.  During the second Sunday of February Vacation (2/21), there will be a movie and craft for the kids in Moody Hall in place of regular Church School. We wanted to give our very devoted teachers a little break before the kids go back to school.

K-Klub - Saturday,  February 6

Our youth group for 5th & 6th graders are going bowling Saturday, at the Naval Shipyard, courtesy of David Cox.  Cost is $12 per person. We’re meeting at 12:30 at the church and will return at 3:30.  Please RSVP to the church at 363-3758 by Thursday, February 4th!

Junior High Youth Group - Saturday, Feb. 13

It’s the Jr. High Youth Group’s turn to go bowling at the Naval Shipyard! We’re meeting at the church at 12:30 p.m. and will return at 3:30 p.m.  Please RSVP to the church at 363-3758.  Cost is $12 per person.

Youth Mission Trip Orientation Meeting - Sunday, Feb. 21

We’ll be having our next Youth Mission Trip Orientation Meeting at 11 a.m. following Worship on Sunday, Feb. 21st.  Please gather in Moody Hall for a brief meeting.  The next payment of $150 is due at this time.  Thank you!

Committee Meetings

Mission Committee - Tuesday; February 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Christian Education - Saturday; February 6 at 8:30 a.m.

Diaconate Meeting - Tuesday; February 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Back by Popular Demand

A “Walk Thru the Bible Seminar” of the Old Testament, will be held at First Parish Church, on March 12 and 13, Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Here's what people have said about the seminar:  "The teaching techniques used in this presentation were enjoyable and extremely effective. Our congregation came away from their "Walk" with renewed zeal for the scriptures."  "It was exciting to see people not only learning the content of the Bible, but also grasping the meaning of the Bible for their everyday lives.  "It's not often that a church has the opportunity to enjoy such fun, bathed in spiritual depth. The WTTB was positively one of the best sessions I have ever enjoyed and has left a lasting influence...a greater desire to study God's word."

Mark your calendars now for this life changing event!  If you would like to be part of the planning team, please contact Carol Rholl at 363-0241 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Thanks!

“Walk Through The Bible” - March 12 and 13

The world’s most popular Bible seminar is coming to First Parish Church.

On March 12 and 13, the First Parish Church  will offer the Walk Through the Old Testament, the entertaining interactive learning presentation that helps people absorb – and remember – the key characters, geography and major themes of the entire Old Testament. Floors are turned into maps, the characters come alive and the stories are presented in just six hours – from 7-9pm on Friday and 9am-1pm on Saturday – enabling you to master a survey of the Old Testament, even if you have very little prior Bible knowledge. Everyone is welcome. The cost is $20 per person, which includes the accompanying book that is yours to keep. To register or for more information, please contact the church office at 363-3758.

In Memoriam

Lorraine Fiske

1920 - 2010

Welcome Table at Coffee Hour

We've expanded our horizons for our Welcome Table and have added a box labeled "Your Hopes and Dreams for our Church" and invite you to use this resource to express those thoughts.  We also want to make the Welcome Table a source of information for not just visitors but for each of us as well. We would love to hear your thoughts and ideas for making this presence at Coffee Hour a helpful resource for all.  And again, we ask for everyone's help to make visitors attending our church for the first time feel truly welcome.  If you see someone you don't recognize, introduce yourself and invite them to join us at Coffee Hour to share refreshments and learn more about our church.  If you are interested in volunteering at the Welcome Table, call the church office and we will happily call you to schedule a Sunday that works for you.

s/The Welcoming (formerly Membership) Committee

The Upper Woodlands Cemetery

Now is the time to consider purchasing pre-need cemetery lots.  Please call, Bill Foster at 363-3720, to make an appointment.

Attendance Numbers

Date -------Attendance

----------------10:00

Jan. 3-------------112

Jan. 10-----------268

Jan. 17-----------300

Jan. 24-----------343

CLYNK Bags

This is a reminder to fill your CLYNK bags and bring them to Hannaford’s, who, in return, send the remittance to our local Food Pantry.  CLYNK bags may be obtained at the Church Office, in the Pilgrim Room of Fellowship Hall, or in the Narthex of the Church.  Thank you for participating in this wonderful program.

s/Carol Macdonald

Assessors’ Notes

The board of assessors held its regular monthly meeting on January 11th, 2010. Bob White, Dan Peabody, Jeff McConnell, Mark Vilinski, Liz Kinzly along with Pastor Knight and Ray Hamlin were in attendance.

Financial Report

Ray Hamlin, Treasurer, presented the financial report for the calendar year ending 12/31/09.   The full 2009 endowment income has now been transferred to the operating budget.  The budget was $4103.60 in the negative.  This was due to both pledge income and loose plate collection for the year being lower than budgeted.  Additionally, bank interest was also approximately $1900.00 less than budgeted and the property use fees were down $5000.00.  Helping the budget was that fuel oil costs were $20,000.00 less than budgeted. The Assessors voted to cover the budget shortfall by transferring $4,103.60 from the Parish Reserve Fund.  The financial report was accepted.  As in past years, the Assessors approved designating $23,000 of Rich’s annual 2010 compensation as housing allowance.

2010 Budget:

The 2010 budget must be revised to reflect the lower projected pledge income in 2010.  Jeff will revise the budget and the Assessors will review the budget in a special meeting on January 24, 2010.  The budget will be voted on at the annual meeting on February 10, 2010.

Pastor’s Report:

Rich has established a $2000.00 Video Ministry Fund with funds from the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund (PDF).  This will provide for future video and sound system equipment expenses.  In addition, the prayer room is receiving a kneeler purchased in memory of Mr. Gerrity.  Rich indicated that he would like to purchase his 2004 laptop as he has a large number of pictures stored on it and is very comfortable using it.  The Assessors unanimously voted that the laptop be given to Rich as a gift from the Parish and Church.  The Church has received a generous gift from Mrs. Colgate which is to be used for the Pilgrim room.  Rich concluded his last Assessor’s meeting by expressing his appreciation and thankfulness to the Assessors and to the Church for the past 15 years.

Pilgrim Room

A motion was made to approve funding for the YFI engineering bill ($1722.60) and repair contract ($25,313.94) for the Pilgrim room.  The motion was passed unanimously.   The generous donation from Ms. Colgate for the Pilgrim room was again noted.

Capital Improvements

Liz reviewed the work that needs to be done on the Church steeple and clock face as recommended by the Church House Committee.  This work should be done in the summer of 2010 and will be expensive.  The Assessors fully support the planned work but a warrant article may be necessary to allow the Assessors to borrow from the Parish Reserve Fund if the necessary funds have not been received from the Capital Improvement Campaign by this summer.

Audit Committee

The Assessors accepted with regret the resignation of Jeff McConnell from the audit committee.

Annual Meeting

The date for the annual meeting was set as February 10, 2010.  The meeting warrant must be posted 7 days prior to the meeting.  The Clerk of the Parish prepares the warrant.  Marjorie and Norma will gather the committee chair reports for inclusion in the annual meeting booklet.

Respectfully submitted,

Dan Peabody Chair, Board of Assessors

Quote of Note

“Change is the law of life.

And those who look only to the past or present

are certain to miss the future.

-John F. Kennedy