Holy Communion

Sunday, July  4

10:00 a.m.

“Broadway in York” - benefit concert

Featuring “The Bow Tie Guys”, Wendell

Nathan Cox and Susan Frank

Saturday, July 10

7:00 p.m.

2010 Youth Mission Trip

Friday, July  23 – 6:00 p.m.

Drop off your tool bag

Saturday, July 21

8:00 a.m. – Leave for Owego, NY!

Worship This Summer!

Keep Your Faith Strong!

and

Keep your Church Strong!

Dear Members and Friends of First Parish Church

I am often asked how an “interim” minister differs from a “regular” (actually, the UCC term is “settled”) minister.  The answer is that we are more similar than different. All ministers—interim and settled--are called to help congregations deepen their relationship with God through the strength and grace of Christ.  Interim ministers have the added task of helping a congregation prepare to call a new settled pastor.  One of the ways we do this is by guiding a congregation through a Self-study/Visioning process.

The purpose of such a process is to discern (through prayer, scripture study, and conversation) what the congregation feels God is calling them to do (and be) in the future and to whom the congregation feels that God is calling them to minister.

The measurable results of such a process include: a) a Vision/Mission Statement and Logo that represents what the congregation has discerned God to be calling them to do (and be) and to whom they are called to minister; b) a list of core beliefs and values that the search committee can use when interviewing candidates so that the best possible match can be found between a candidate and the church; and c) a list of programs/activities to which the church feels called (or a renewed call) to engage in.

Other (harder to measure) results of such a process include: a) growth in faith and connection to God; b) renewed energy to engage in ministry.

The Process consists of a series of 5 congregational meetings that explore:  1) Highlights from the Church’s History; 2) Core Values we hold in common; 3) Bedrock Beliefs that ground us; 4) Areas where we feel “called” to Grow; 5) Drafting a Vision Statement/Logo and beginning to identify some Action Steps. The whole congregation (members and friends) will be invited to these meetings—which will include food and fellowship as well!  High school youth and confirmation class will be asked for their input/ideas and, of course, these youth are welcome to attend the “all congregation” meetings if they wish!  (Note:  Dates for the congregational meetings have not yet been set, but we’re looking to schedule the first one sometime in September and we’ll continue monthly from there…)

It is crucial that we “ground” this Self-study/Visioning Process on the “rock” of God’s Spirit. To do this, I invite everyone to put this process on your own personal “prayer list” of things you pray for on a regular basis.  I invite you to pray that we can all be open to the guidance of God’s Spirit as we engage in this self-study/visioning process.  I invite you to pray that God will continue to deepen our faith and fill us with a great love for the people in York and the surrounding communities.

Finally, a quick word of how this fits into the search process.  Once a congregation goes through a Self-study/Visioning process, it becomes more clear about its vision, values, beliefs, strengths, and to whom it is called to “reach out” with the love of God.  The clearer a church can be about these things, the easier it is to find a match with a pastoral candidate who has a similar vision, values, beliefs, strengths, and calling.  The information from this process can be incorporated into the church “profile,” which prospective candidates will read.  (FYI:  the “profile” is a document—like a “resume”—that the search committee will put together and give to the UCC to circulate among prospective candidates.)  In case you are wondering, the church hasn’t yet appointed a search committee.  From my experience, it is always my recommendation that a search committee waits to begin its work until the self-study process is nearing completion, which would mean late Fall, early Winter.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Marlayna

P.S.  There is a group of 8 wonderful people from First Parish who are working with me as an “interim committee” to plan and implement this Self-Study/Visioning process.  They are:  Don Bernier, Jean Dolan, Tim Fitzgerald, Dana Henderson, Per Jonas, Mark Kelleher, Heidi Oliver, and Naomi Olsen.  Please keep them in your prayers as well!

In Memoriam

Ralph H. Hall

1922 - 2010

Thoughts from Linda

Another year, another Vacation Bible School and I don’t know how but each year they get better and better.  Maybe it’s just a matter of odds – after all these years we’re bound to figure out ways to make things easier, more efficient, better for the kids, etc.

Or maybe it’s as we like to say – a “God thing”.  Maybe as we begin each year planning and praying, maybe as the church prays for us, maybe as we open ourselves up to whatever it is God hopes to teach us and the kids each year – and trust that all will go well - things do get better and better.   Even the weather is cooperating (mostly!)

Doing God’s work; following God’s purpose and hope for our lives, sharing God’s love takes a great amount of prayer, openness and trust.  Yet every time we put ourselves in God’s hands the results are amazing!   Until next time at VBS. . .

See you in Church!!

Linda

Broadway in York - Saturday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m.

On Saturday evening, July 10, there will be a wonderful concert of Broadway Show tunes.  The concert will be held at First Parish and all proceeds go to benefit the York Food Pantry.  Suggested donation is $10.00  The concert will feature the Bow Tie Guys, Wendell Purrington, Nathan Cox and Susan Frank.  Please join us for this fabulous evening of music and to support the food pantry.  Our sanctuary is air conditioned!

Thank You Note

The members of the Village Quilters would like to say “thank you” to the First Parish Church for allowing us to use a room to do our quilting in, and, giving us a closet to store our supplies. We are donating the proceeds from our first Quilters Tea, for the Church to use as you wish.  Your support of our group means a lot to us. Sincerely, The Village Quilters

P.S.  note from Church Office.  The Village Quilters made a very generous donation of $500.00 to First Parish.  What a wonderful donation.

Stewardship Workshop

Attention all church leaders:  deacons, assessors, members of the stewardship committee, church officers, committee chairs who deal with church funds/finances, and any other interested parties:

As some of you know (from emails I’ve sent), my husband (Paul Nickerson) is a church consultant in the area of "church vitality."  He works half-time for the Massachusetts Conference of the UCC, and the other half he works with various denominations all over the country.  In his work, he often addresses issues of stewardship.

He has a stewardship workshop called "How To Develop Tippers into Tithers" that he has led all over the country, to rave reviews.  (And i'm not just saying that because I am biased--it really is a good workshop!  I've brought people from other churches to the workshop, and folks have found it very helpful to their church's ministry.  :-)

He is willing to offer the seminar (free of charge) to First Parish Church, as a favor to me :-).  He will abbreviate it a bit, since there is only one church attending, so it would only last about 2 and a half hours.

The workshop is specifically geared for anyone in a church who works with funds/finances, and it is especially helpful to stewardship committees, treasurers, and pastors.  (Though any church leader could get something out of it.)

This workshop will help church teams:

• Learn principles of giving

• Re-think motives for giving

• Re-think the stewardship letter

• Help people grow in their giving

I've polled committee chairs, and the best dates for the majority of them are EITHER:

Sunday, August 1st, after church OR Wednesday, August 4th,  at 7:00 p.m.

If you are interested and/or able to attend, which date would be better for you?   (As soon as I hear from a majority of you, I will pick a date and let you know!)

Thank you for considering this!

Rev. Marlayna

P.S.  If you come to the workshop, we will feed you.  :-)

Women’s Fellowship

Women’s Fellowship Colonial Market needs you! Yarn and patterns will be available July 11 in Moody Hall.  Women’s Fellowship will not meet in July or August.

The Journey to Bethlehem

Last year we offered a gift to our community.  In a brief moment in December, a visitor circled our drive and was reacquainted with The Story, now two thousand years old, of peasants and kings, shepherds and angels, and a Babe.  A simple story, yet our preparation of eight months and our visitor’s eight minutes with us formed a linking which lifted all of us.

The Journey to Bethlehem is a reverent re-telling of the Christmas Story in simple scenes, silent except for the carillon.  You are welcome to be a part.  This year’s date is Saturday, December 18.

More to come.

Janet and Larry Cassidy, 363-4237 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

York Food Pantry - Items needed in July

Thank you so much for your continuing support.  If you pick up an extra item or two while doing your weekly shopping it would be greatly appreciated.  Some suggested items are listed below.  Nonperishable items are always appropriate donations.  Items may be left in the narthex of the church on Sunday morning or at the church office during the week.

First week:----- paper towels------canned soups------- laundry detergent

Second week:-- toilet paper--------canned chicken----- hand soap

Third week:---- sandwich bags--- canned vegetables-- shampoo

Fourth week:--- toilet paper------- canned fruits-------- toothpaste

Fifth week:----- kleenex canned-- meats----------------- dish detergent

Cell Phones VS Bibles

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

--What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

--What if we flipped through it several times a day?

--What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

--What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?

--What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?

--What if we used it when we traveled?

--What if we used it in case of emergency?

--This is something to make you go.....hmm.....where is my Bible?

--Oh, and one more thing.  Unlike our cell phone, we don’t have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

--Makes you stop and think ‘where are my priorities?

And no dropped call!   Where is Your Bible?

Attendance Numbers

Date------------Attendance

------------------10:00  a.m.

May 30-------------- 164

June 6--------------- 227

June 13------------- 268

June 20------------- 265

June 27------------- 217

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

June Assessors Report

The board of assessors held its regular monthly meeting on June 1st, 2010. Bob White, Dan Peabody, Jeff McConnell, Tom Pullar, Liz Kinzly along with Pastor Linda Hirst were in attendance.

Pastor’s Report

Linda stated that eleven youths were recently confirmed.  This group was very engaged and active in their religious studies. Each confirmand has a mentor and a sponsor.  The sponsor introduces the confirmand to the Church on Confirmation Sunday.  The mentor meets with the confirmand to discuss their faith and really helps the confirmand connect to the Church.  Vacation Bible School is gearing up.  It is scheduled for the last week in June. The Senior High mission trip is to Owego, New York and the arrangements are made.  Marlayna has been with us for three months and is doing a very good job.

Fall Festival

The Fall Festival agreement with the York Village Business Association (YVBA) was signed on May 17, 2010.  The YVBA has been asked to provide a brief festival update each month so that the Assessors may publish it in the monthly newsletter.

Interim Process/Boundaries

Marlayna was unable to attend the meeting but provided a summary of the UCC boundaries training and interim process by email.  Marlayna has written a summary of the training for the June newsletter.  The training was to help understand boundaries in the transition process.  The boundaries are set based upon the question, “What is best for the Church?”  Linda reviewed “The Ethics of Ministry” from the UCC which Tom had copied for each of us.  She stated that in the past the UCC had not provided clear guidance on transition and boundaries but it now has written guidelines.  The recommended boundaries can be hard for certain members but are for the good of the Church.

Marlayna has worked with the Pastoral Relations Committee to put together an "interim committee” that represents a cross-section of the congregation:  Jean Dolan (from PRC); Naomi Olsen (Women's Fellowship); Dana Williams (choir); Heidi Oliver (parent of Sunday school children); Tim Fitzgerald (Personnel); Mark Kelleher (does FPC web-site); Per Jonas (Deacon & PRC); Don Bernier (PRC).  The committee will start meeting in June and will tailor the interim process for First Parish Church.

House Committees

Liz stated that the Church House Committee is looking into painting the inside of the Narthex windows which look terrible due to chipping paint.  An estimate will be obtained for the painting.  The Church steeple and clock face work will begin August 1, 2010 and will last two months.  As the steeple work requires staging, the outside appearance of the Church will be impacted during the repair.  The Church office will provide notification of the work to individuals that have scheduled events in the Church during August and September.  The Deacons are working a Church emergency plan which may require installation of a railing for the back door of the Church.

The Parsonage Committee has received a quote to shingle the Parsonage.  This work proposal will be considered after reviewing the Capital Campaign cash flow.  The committee is also obtaining quotes to install a handrail for the kitchen steps and for painting the foyer.  Payment for the mowing of the Parsonage lawn for one month was authorized by the Assessors.  During these few weeks, alternative no cost mowing arrangements are being researched.

Jeff stated that the Pilgrim room is done except for changing a few light switch plates due to the color of the plates and installing one light switch.  The room looks incredible.  A dedication ceremony will be planned for the near future.  A request by the cub scouts for a ceremony box was referred to the Fellowship Hall Committee for oversight.

Capital Review and Building Maintenance Coordinator

Tom passed out the spreadsheets that he has prepared on the capital improvement projects and the current funds available for the projects.  Additional information is needed to complete the spreadsheets so Tom will contact each committee chair to obtain the needed information.  Tom also shared the draft job description of a potential new position, Building Maintenance Coordinator.  Everyone is to review the job description and provide feedback to Tom.

Church Keys

After discussing the cost and benefits to re-keying locks, the Assessors approved having new keys made for the Church and then determining if other buildings such as the Parish House will be re-keyed.  The Church will be re-keyed in August which will allow key holders to be notified and a process for issuing the new keys to be instituted.

For the next few months, the Assessor meetings will be moved to the 3rd Monday of the month.  The next Assessors meeting will be at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 19th.  The meeting ended at approximately 8:45 pm with a prayer given by Linda.

Respectfully submitted, Dan Peabody Chair, Board of Assessors

Christian Education News

Christian Education Update

Starting Sunday, June 27th, Summer Church School begins.  Children of all ages

will be together in our "one room schoolhouse."  Have a great summer!

s/Keri Harrod, Director of C.E.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School was a tremendous success.  We had 74 campers between the ages of 4 and 10, 43 “crew” (ages 11-18), and 25 adults (no ages provided).  We traveled through Egypt on Joseph’s journey from prison to palace.  The children had lots of fun,  sang new songs, played great games, and best of all, learned all about Joseph and God.  Thank you to all of you our supporters who donated supplies, scholarships, and money for craft supplies, We especially want to thank Steve Dunne for ice cream, Jeremy and Loretta Prescott for popcorn, Stonewall Kitchen for jars.  Thanks to Marj and Norma for all their behind the scenes work.

Finally, thank you to all of our staff, teens and adults, for giving of yourself to further our children’s Christian education and for making personal connections with our children.

s/Heidi Oliver and Linda Dunn, co chairs VBS

Congratulations Graduates!!!

Congratulations to our high school graduates – we’re so proud of you and we pray for God’s blessings upon you all as you take your next step in life!

Katherine Blasik------- Ali Graziano-----------Carlena Smith

Matthew Campbell---- Scott Goodwin---------Alison Swietek

Jack Carley-------------Alexandra Haight------Erica Wagner

James Cassotis-------- Rachel Lee--------------Dylan Wilford

Emma Clark------------Maxwell Leeman-------Savannah Tapley

Kellee Cribby-----------Meghan Lusty----------Ashley Taylor

Jill Cross----------------Alexandra Rennie---- -Abbie Zerbinopoulos

Senior High Mission Trip! - July 24 - 31

We’re off to Owego, NY July 24 - 31 and would love the church to keep us in your prayers!  It will be a week of hard work, fun, singing and of course, growing closer to God and one another.  Here’s a list of our participants!

Hallee Ayers-------- Evan Hoatson-------- Haley Spencer

Rachel Barrows---- Ben Lawlor------------Shelby Spencer

Katie Blasik--------- Max Leeman---------- Julie Walter

Emily Campbell---- Andrew Lusty-------- Tory Zeller

Kellee Cribby------- Morgan Mahony----- Amy Ziobrowski

Ruby Cribby-------- Talia Pepin

Caroline Cross----- Shannon Ramsey----- Chaperones:

Alanna Eaton------ Thomas Rasche------- Chelsea DeFeo

Briana Eaton------- Abby Raynes---------- Rev. Linda Hirst

Matt Eaton--------- Tanner Robinson----- Anne Lewis

Nicholas Eaton---- Carlena Smith--------- Nelson Walter

Nick Goulette-------Philip Solimine---------Chick Willing

To send a letter/package, write to:

(Name)

c/o Group Workcamps

Owego Free Academy

1 Sheldon Guile Drive

Owego, NY  13827

Be sure that items of value are trackable and insured. Group Workcamps Foundation nor the school are responsible for lost or misdirected letters or packages and will not return packages that are not picked up or delivered before the end of camp.

To send an email:

1.  Go to www.groupworkcamps.com

2.  Click on the tab at the top of the home page, “Email a Workcamper" to fill in the info.

3.  Click on "Submit" to send your email message.

Note that workcampers will not be able to send emails. To ensure that your email gets through in time, submit your message by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 29.

Children’s Musical - Table for Five. . . .Thousand the miracle of the loaves and fishes – WOW!

Amazing!  Inspiring!  Awesome!  Those were just some of the comments about our Children and Youth Choir’s Musical on June 13th.  A huge thank you to Gina Connolly our choir director, for her time and talent and love that she gives our children.  And another huge thank you to Kim Karchenes for practicing with our kids every week and telling them stories they never forget!  And of course a big, big thank you to Nancy Purinton who gathers our kids and helps them with snacks and keeps them focused until choir begins – Keri Harrod, too!  We have wonderful volunteers and great kids in our choir – all of your joy and enthusiasm is so appreciated!

Church School all Summer Long!

Along with our one worship service this summer is our one church school class for all ages!  Kids will stay for the children’s message then head over to   Fellowship Hall where they will enjoy a great bible story and lesson.  Please give your child the gift of ongoing church school this summer!  Thank you to Samantha Stephens who has agreed to coordinate our program and if you’d like to help please call Linda Hirst at 363-3758 or Samantha at 351-3057.

Portland Sea Dogs!!! -  Sun., Aug. 22 for 1:00 p.m. game

We’re going to the Sea Dogs!  Sunday, August 22 is the date for a 1:00 p.m. game. Tickets are $8.00 and are in the “Green Monster” section (lots of room to run around!)  Stop by the church office or call to reserve your tickets!

The Upper Woodlands Cemetery

Now is the time to consider purchasing pre-need cemetery lots.  Please call,  Chick Willing - 430-1157, to make an appointment.

Baptism

Kaiden James Clary, son of Linnea and Clark Clary, born December 18, 2009 at Portland, Maine was baptized June 20, 2010.  Lynne Tocci is the proud grandmother.

U.C.C. National Disaster Ministries

The United Church of Christ National Disaster Ministries has been involved in assisting with technology-caused disaster for ten years.  The oil spill in the Gulf will have a heavy impact on wildlife and most importantly on people who earn their livelihood by fishing in these waters.  These are the very same people who are only just recovering from Hurricane Katrina which occurred almost five years ago.  The UCC is preparing to assist in an ecumenical response with unmet needs that may be identified in the next couple of weeks.  The UCC will continue to monitor the situation.  Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida will be impacted by this spill.  Five staging areas are in place and ready to protect sensitive shorelines.  These areas include:  Biloxi, MS; Pensacola, FL; Venice, LA; Pascagoula, MS; and Theodore, AL.

How You Can Help

1. Pray for people who live in communities affected by technology-caused disasters.

2.  To help those affected by disasters you may send gifts payable to your congregation marked for OGHS special fund Emergency USA:  2010 Gulf Oil Spill with the request they be sent through the Conference office on to Wider Church Ministries.

OR

3. Send gifts, made out to Wider Church Ministries and marked in the memo portion OGHS special fund Emergency USA: 2010 Gulf Oil Spill to UCC Financial Services; Wider Church Ministries, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115.

AMIGOS: American Mission in Grace Offering Sustenance

Thank you for all of the generosity in filling the food buckets for the Honduran school children.  We filled 200 buckets which includes 23 buckets with medical supplies for the Kalachucha Clinic in Concepcion del Norte.  The congregation of First Parish truly came together over the last several months in order to fill so many buckets.  I am grateful to be part of this giving and caring congregation.  May you know that many children in Honduras will have at least one meal a day over the summer months.  Thank you and may God make His face to shine upon you for your compassion and generous hearts. s/Nancy, Randy and Matt Eaton