2016 July August Steeplenotes.pub

July / August 2016 Steeplenotes - Foreside Community Church
Volume 26 Issue 7
page
STEEPLENOTES
A Newsletter of
The Foreside Community Church
United Church of Christ
July/August 2016
An Open and Affirming Congregation
INSIDE THIS MONTH:
THE FORESIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH
340 Foreside Road
Falmouth, Maine 04105-1428
Summer Worship Schedule - Rev. Susan Gilpin
2
The Big Picture and Summer Homework:
A Message from Phil Gleason
3
Pastor: The Rev. Janet K. Dorman
Sunday School Administrator: Laura Rodas
Parish Administrator: Christina Sklarz-Libby
Sunday School Teacher: Beth Penrose
Nursery Care Provider: Alexis Heldenbrand
Music Search Committee Update
4
Why Cut Sunday School?
5
Flat Jesus
6
Full Moon Pot Luck - New Date
7
Office:
Fax:
E-mail:
Web:
FCC Summer 2016 Church Calendar
7
A Memorial Ride for Tim
8
207 - 781-5880
207 -781- 9055
[email protected]
www.foresidechurch.org
Daily Lectionary Readings for July 2016
9
Daily Lectionary Readings for August 2016
10
July / August 2016 Steeplenotes - Foreside Community Church
Volume 26 Issue 7
page 2
Summer 2016 Worship Schedule - Rev. Susan Gilpin
This summer we will be celebrating in worship the same thing we are celebrating outside:
God's work in Creation. We will explore the relationships between God, creation, and human
beings. Our members who are scientists will provide their perspectives on the topics below as
well, so if you are a scientist and want to pitch in, give me a call! at 207-310-0329.
Here's the line-up so far:
July 3
Sabbath with guest preacher Rev. Ron Baard
Communion Sunday
July 10
Plants, Flora
Science Moment, Nancy Olmstead
July 17
Sky Sunday
Science moment, Nicole Bezanson
weather balloon in parking lot
July 24
Mountain Sunday
Field Trip with Tommy Johnson after worship
July 31
Ocean Sunday with Dr. Janet Wrona, DNA
Aug. 7
Trees/Forest/Wilderness
Communion
Aug. 14
Water Sunday
Science Moment with Randy Braley
August 21
Animal Sunday, outside
Blessing the pets
August 28
EcoJustice
Ferry Trip to Peaks?
Sept. 4
Cosmos Sunday
July / August 2016 Steeplenotes - Foreside Community Church
Volume 26 Issue 7
page 3
THE BIG PICTURE AND SUMMER HOMEWORK: A Message from Phil Gleason
The Governing Board met last week to discuss “big picture” issues, e.g. who are we,
where are we going, and how well are we living our Vision Statement. Both Susan
and Janet were at the meeting, and it was very gratifying to see Janet enter into the discussion. As Janet gradually returns to her role as our Pastor, this seems an opportune
time to take a step back from the day to day business of the Church and reflect on the
Big Picture, and the Governing Board encourages the entire congregation to participate
in that process. An energized, engaged congregation will be a great homecoming present for Janet!
To that end, we’d like to recommend two books for your summer reading: We Make
the Road by Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation and
Activation, by Brian McLaren, and Not Your Parents’ Offering Plate: A New Vision
for Financial Stewardship, by J. Clif Christopher. Both are available on Amazon, either
in hard copy or Kindle versions. Janet is contemplating using the McLaren book as the
basis for a year-long study/discussion group, and Susan and I and others have been
reading the Christopher book, which contains a number of fresh suggestions not just
for fundraising but for revitalizing and refocusing a congregation generally. Both
books are theologically grounded but practical, readable and provocative. You’ll be
hearing more about them when the new Church year commences in September, so
reading them over the summer is an opportunity to get a head start on the conversation.
Best wishes to everyone for a fun, restful and safe summer.
Sincerely,
Phil Gleason, Moderator
July / August 2016 Steeplenotes - Foreside Community Church
Volume 26 Issue 7
page 4
Music Search Committee Update
The Music Search Committee is happy to report that we have completed our information gathering
phase. Thanks to everyone who participated in small group discussions, or shared their thoughts with a committee member. As we reflect on what we have heard the congregation say, we believe there is strong consensus
on key items, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Restore organ music as a regular part of the service;
Re-energize the chancel choir — balancing musical technique and talent with fun, singing a variety
of music, recruiting new members;
Work with Christian Education and Sunday School parents to develop youth music programs that
work for our families;
Support the Towne Lyne Ringers in playing monthly for worship;
Collaborate with the pastor and other staff and lay leadership to plan and perform music that enhances our worship experience;
Continue inviting congregation and community members to share their musical talents as part of our
services.
Using the congregation’s input, our existing job description for the Minister of Music role, and the guidelines
provided by the United Church of Christ Musicians Association, the Committee has developed a job description
and a profile of our church to share publicly with interested candidates. You can read both of these documents
in their entirety on the church website, www.foresidechurch.org. We have posted the job description to several
website career centers catering to music professionals, including the American Guild of Organists and the United Church of Christ Musicians Association.
Here is a summary of the job description:
Foreside Community Church seeks Organist/Accompanist/Choir Director
The Foreside Community Church, United Church of Christ in Falmouth, Maine seeks to hire one or two talented
music professionals to direct and expand our music programs. We are an Open and Affirming congregation of
about 200 which values music as a key element of our worship experience, and enjoys a variety of musical
forms and styles.
We are searching for individuals with strong musical skills and experience in the church environment who bring
creativity, a desire to collaborate, communication and leadership skills, and an energetic and engaging personality. We are open to considering someone who desires an Organist/Choir Director position, as well as considering dividing the role and hiring an Organist/Accompanist and a separate Choir Director.
For more details on the job(s) and more information on our church, please visit www.foresidechurch.org and
our Facebook page. Interested candidates can submit questions and send a resume and references via email to
the Music Search Committee at [email protected].
The committee believes it would be wise for the church to split the responsibilities for music between two parttime professionals: an Organist/Accompanist and a separate Choir Director. Dividing the role provides an opportunity for teamwork; allows the Choir Director to leave the sanctuary to work with the Sunday School during
worship; and offers continuity and coverage. The committee wants to ensure that we attract the most qualified
candidates, and so will also consider applicants who propose to consolidate all the responsibilities into one position.
We invite you to contact any members of the Search Committee with questions or with ideas for potential candidates. We hope to begin receiving applications shortly, and will be developing our process for screening and
evaluating candidates.
Search Committee members include: John Bischof, Debra Coyman, Geoff Gattis, Jeanne Hubbell,
Christine Knudsen, Kathie McCatherin, Deb Reifsnyder, Robin Singer, Ron Stadden
July / August 2016 Steeplenotes - Foreside Community Church
Volume 26 Issue 7
page 5
WHY CUT SUNDAY SCHOOL?
Delivered from the pulpit on Sunday, May 22, 2016
by Laura Rodas, Sunday School Administrator
“A teacher effects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops.” I found this
quote to be entirely true in my life and thought that especially in this church, it is true too. Our
five teachers have given many of their moments to our kids and our congregation over the last
year. They arrive a few minutes before church starts to pick up their lesson plans. After the
Children’s Moment, they head with the herd of children downstairs. Though it often feels like
shepherding cats, they get the children to the piano and to, as of late, Debbie. In the coming
year, we hope to continue the development of the children’s music with the additions of some
more complex songs and instruments performed by the kids as well so stay tuned, so to speak.
After music the kids divide up. The younger and middle kids go to the parlor to watch
a movie about a Bible story using our selected curricula, Holy Moly. Afterwards, they walk
like elephants upstairs to read through the lesson with the youngest kids doing a story book
version and our more blossomed readers in another room, reading from the Connect Bible. A
short craft is usually on tap after, where helpers’ hands are especially appreciated in the pre-k
and kindergarten room. Beth Penrose, a wonderful teacher who has come on this year, takes
the older kids to their classroom where they too watch a movie, though this one follows the liturgical calendar – so whatever we’re doing in here, they’re talking about with Beth.
Teachers also provide a reprieve for parents, a chance for them to come, be a part of
community, connect with quiet and with God and all of you. As a parent to three kids, quiet is
blessedly in short supply. Being able to attend church and know my kids are also growing
their knowledge base and their faith in a safe environment means the world to me and I know it
does to other parents. As you look around here, though, you’ll see many of the teachers are
parents of young ones. I’d love to have next year a few more congregational members who
didn’t have young kids up here.
Attendees Penny Johnson
and Olivia Knudsen recently completing an art
assignment during Sunday
School.
July / August 2016 Steeplenotes - Foreside Community Church
Volume 26 Issue 7
page 6
FLAT JESUS
Jesus loved nature—mountains, lakes, flowers, birds. He spent time with them, he appreciated them, he even preached about them. So, wherever you go this summer, take Jesus with
you, and keep your eyes open for the gifts of Creation. Here’s how. Contact the office for a
cut-out of Flat Jesus ([email protected] or call 781-5880.) Color Flat Jesus. You
may also glue him to a piece of cardboard or laminate him. When you are outside in a beautiful place, give thanks for it. Then take a picture of Flat Jesus and email it to Christina in the
church office ([email protected]), or Rev. Susan ([email protected].) Let
us know where you and Flat Jesus are in your picture. We will post it on the church’s Facebook Page, which in turn will also display it on the church’s website! Then you and your
neighbors, friends, and family can see your photo and all the places on earth where Flat Jesus
Reverend Gilpin and Miss Tracy
prepare Flat Jesus for his summer
visits.
Flat Jesus and friend, Clifford Gilpin enjoy fresh air, speckled sunshine, and a hammock!
July / August 2016 Steeplenotes - Foreside Community Church
Volume 26 Issue 7
page 7
The Stewardship and Pledge Campaign
Full Moon Pot Luck
has been rescheduled to
July 18 at 6:00 p.m.
The location is on the deck at Carol Ward’s home
(35 Old Powerhouse Road, Falmouth, 838-8235.) If
you have ever helped the church in either area, or
plan to, you are welcome to come, and deserve to be
rewarded. Nothing to bring? Come anyway. We
know loaves and fishes…..
Please park toward the top of the PYC lot, or better
yet, come with a member who has a sticker. Only 5
cars fit in my driveway.
FORESIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH’S SUMMER CALENDAR FOR 2016
Summer already, and as is the custom, the majority of meetings and special gatherings will not convene during the months of July and August. Of course Sunday Worship will keep to the 9:30 a.m.
start time each week and this summer has a diverse and interesting agenda. For a view of what is in
store each Sunday, please return to page 2 of this newsletter. Other wise, please note these dates
in your calendar:
JULY
Friday, July 8:
Monday, July 11:
Friday, July 15:
Monday, July 18:
Thursday, July 21:
Friday, July 22:
Friday, July 29:
office closed
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Baysite Annual Dinner and Meeting
office closed
6:00 p.m. Full Moon Pot Luck (see ar ticle above)
7:30 a.m. Stewar dship Ministr y Monthly Meeting
office closed
4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Guiding Eyes for the Blind Tr aining
(All are invited to attend and watch the training.)
office closed
4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Guiding Eyes for the Blind Tr aining
(Here come the puppies again so come and watch the training!)
AUGUST
Wednesday, August 10:
Saturday & Sunday
August 13 & 14:
Thursday, August 18:
Friday, August 19:
Sunday, August 28:
Wednesday, August 31:
6:30 p.m. Ministr y of Wor ship Monthly Meeting
7:00 p.m. Fellowship Ministr y Monthly Meeting (tentative)
Tim’s Ride (see page 8 of this newsletter for details)
7:30 a.m. Stewar dship Ministr y Monthly Meeting
Deadline for September Steeplenotes article submittal
8:00 to 9:20 a.m. Special Sunday School Ministr y Meeting
1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Community of Pr actice with Rev. J udy Br aun
July / August 2016 Steeplenotes - Foreside Community Church
Volume 26 Issue 7
page 8
Memorial Ride for Tim
For 25 years Tim Blanchette rode an accessible bike in the MS bike ride and
raised thousands of dollars to help Multiple
Sclerosis patients. This year 31 friends and family members have formed a Memorial Team to “Ride for Tim” on August 13 and 14 in memory of Tim and his
selfless giving to others. Tim’s younger son is looking for sponsors. To sponsor Aaron, please go to the MS web site:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/
Once there click on Donate - then fill in the name: Aaron Blanchette, Maine and
his sponsor page will appear.
Or if easier, you can give his mom Dottie a check (no amount is too small)
made out to the MS Society of Maine.
Thank you!
July / August 2016 Steeplenotes - Foreside Community Church
Volume 26 Issue 7
page 9
DAILY LECTIONARY READINGS FOR JULY 2016
Fri., July 1
Psalm 30 2
Kings 4:18-31 2
Corinthians 8:1-7
Mon., July 11
Psalm 7
Amos 3:9—4:5
James 2:1-7
Fri., July 22
Psalm 85
Hosea 5:1-15
Acts 2:22-36
Sat., July 2
Psalm 30
2 Kings 4:32-37
Luke 9:1-6
Tues., July 12
Psalm 7
Amos 4:6-13
1 John 3:11-17
Sat., July 23
Psalm 85
Hosea 1:11—2:15
Luke 8:22-25
Sun., July 3
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
Galatians 6:[1-6] 7-16
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Wed, July 13
Psalm 7
Amos 5:1-9
Matthew 25:31-46
Sun., July 24
Hosea 1:2-10
Psalm 85
Colossians 2:6-15 [16-19]
Luke 11:1-13
Mon., July 4
Psalm 6
2 Kings 5:15-19a
Acts 19:21-27
Tues., July 5
Psalm 6
2 Kings 5:19b-27
Acts 19:28-41
Wed., July 6
Psalm 6
2 Kings 6:1-7
Luke 10:13-16
Thurs., July 14
Psalm 52
Amos 5:10-17
Hebrews 5:1-6
Fri., July 15
Psalm 52
Amos 5:18-27
Ephesians 3:14-21
Sat., July 16
Psalm 52
Amos 6:1-14
Luke 8:4-10
Mon., July 25
Psalm 44
Hosea 2:14—3:5
Colossians 2:16—3:1
Tues., July 26
Psalm 44
Hosea 6:1-10
Romans 9:30—10:4
Wed., July 27
Psalm 44
Hosea 6:11—7:16
Matthew 5:43-48
Thurs., July 7
Psalm 82
Amos 1:1—2:3
James 2:14-26
Sun., July 17
Amos 8:1-12
Psalm 52
Colossians 1:15-28
Luke 10:38-42
Thurs., July 28
Psalm 107:1-9, 43
Hosea 8:1-14
Romans 11:33-36
Fri., July 8
Psalm 82
Amos 2:4-11
Acts 7:9-16
Mon., July 18
Psalm 119:17-32
Amos 7:1-6
Colossians 1:27—2:7
Fri., July 29
Psalm 107:1-9, 43
Hosea 9:1-17
Ephesians 4:17-24
Sat., July 9
Psalm 82
Amos 2:12—3:8
John 3:16-21
Tues., July 19
Psalm 119:17-32
Amos 8:13—9:4
1 John 2:1-6
Sat., July 30
Psalm 107:1-9, 43
Hosea 10:1-15
Mark 10:17-22
Sun., July 10
Amos 7:7-17
Psalm 82
Colossians 1:1-14
Luke 10:25-37
Wed., July 20
Psalm 119:17-32
Amos 9:5-15
John 6:41-51
Sun., July 31
Hosea 11:1-11
Psalm 107:1-9, 43
Colossians 3:1-11
Luke 12:13-21
Thurs., July 21
Psalm 85
Hosea 4:1-19
Acts 1:15-20
July / August 2016 Steeplenotes - Foreside Community Church
Volume 26 Issue 7
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DAILY LECTIONARY READINGS FOR AUGUST 2016
Mon., Aug. 1
Psalm 60
Hosea 11:12—12:14
Colossians 3:18—4:1
Fri., Aug. 12
Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19
Isaiah 3:1-17
Hebrews 10:32-39
Mon., Aug. 22
Psalm 10
Jeremiah 7:1-15
Hebrews 3:7—4:11
Tues., Aug. 2
Psalm 60
Hosea 13:1-16
Colossians 4:2-6
Sat., Aug. 13
Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19
Isaiah 3:18—4:6
Matthew 24:15-27
Tues., Aug. 23
Psalm 10
Jeremiah 7:16-26
Revelation 3:7-13
Wed., Aug. 3
Psalm 60
Hosea 14:1-9
Luke 12:22-31
Sun., Aug. 14
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19
Hebrews 11:29—12:2
Luke 12:49-56
Wed., Aug. 24
Psalm 10
Jeremiah 7:27-34
Luke 6:6-11
Thurs., Aug. 4
Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23
Isaiah 9:8-17
Romans 9:1-9
Fri., Aug. 5
Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23
Isaiah 9:18—10:4
Acts 7:1-8
Sat., Aug. 6
Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23
Isaiah 1:2-9, 21-23
Matthew 6:19-24
Mon., Aug. 15
Psalm 74
Isaiah 5:8-23
1 John 4:1-6
Tues., Aug. 16
Psalm 74
Isaiah 5:24-30
Acts 7:44-53
Wed., Aug. 17
Psalm 74
Isaiah 27:1-13
Luke 19:45-48
Thurs., Aug. 25
Psalm 81:1, 10-16
Jeremiah 11:1-17
1 Peter 3:8-12
Fri., Aug. 26
Psalm 81:1, 10-16
Jeremiah 12:1-13
1 Peter 4:7-11
Sat., Aug. 27
Psalm 81:1, 10-16
Jeremiah 2:1-3, 14-22
Matthew 20:20-28
Sun., Aug. 7
Isaiah 1:1, 10-20
Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Luke 12:32-40
Thurs., Aug. 18
Psalm 71:1-6
Jeremiah 6:1-19
Hebrews 12:3-17
Sun., Aug. 28
Jeremiah 2:4-13
Psalm 81:1, 10-16
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Mon., Aug. 8
Psalm 11
Isaiah 2:1-4
Hebrews 11:1-7
Fri., Aug. 19
Psalm 71:1-6
Jeremiah 6:20-30
Acts 17:1-9
Mon., Aug. 29
Psalm 58
Jeremiah 2:23-37
Hebrews 13:7-21
Tues., Aug. 9
Psalm 11
Isaiah 24:1-13
Hebrews 11:17-28
Sat., Aug. 20
Psalm 71:1-6
Jeremiah 1:1-3, 11-19
Luke 6:1-5
Tues., Aug. 30
Psalm 58
Jeremiah 3:1-14
Titus 1:1-9
Wed., Aug. 10
Psalm 11
Isaiah 24:14-23
Luke 12:41-48
Sun., Aug. 21
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Psalm 71:1-6
Hebrews 12:18-29
Luke 13:10-17
Wed., Aug. 31
Psalm 58
Jeremiah 3:15-25
Luke 14:15-24
Thurs., Aug. 11
Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19
Isaiah 2:5-11
Hebrews 10:26-31
July / August 2016 Steeplenotes - Foreside Community Church
Volume 26 Issue 7
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July / August 2016 Steeplenotes - Foreside Community Church
S
TEEPLENOTES
A Newsletter of
The Foreside Community Church
United Church of Christ
THE FORESIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH
340 Foreside Road
Falmouth, Maine 04105-1428
Volume 26 Issue 7
page 12