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SECONCHSecond Congregational Church UCC, P.O. Box 164, 205 Main Street, Norway, ME 04268(207) 743-2290 ~ e-mail: seconch@ ~ website: June 2020 ~ WORSHIP ~ SUNDAY SCHOOL ~ CHILDCARE SUNDAYS AT 10 AMMESSAGE FROM THE MINISTERAs you are reading this, I’m in Minnesota. As most of you know, I don’t know how long we’ll be in the Midwest, but I’m hoping we’ll be back sometime in the fall, happy and healthy and ready to get back to work! One of the questions I think we’re all asking ourselves is what will church look like at that point. I’m afraid that’s something we can’t yet know. Some churches around the country have already gone back to worshipping in person, several with disastrous effects. Other churches are saying they will not open to worshipping all together for another year. The UCC has strongly suggested that churches not open until ALL safety concerns have been met.I don’t know about you, but I pray every day for a vaccine, and I don’t see the world getting back to business as usual until that happens. BUT…we have been so lucky to have Kelsey who films and edits our worship services so we can participate in worship at home, and we are hearing from people who are worshipping with us via facebook, even though for various reasons they usually can’t make it to church in person. And we are lucky that our leaders are embracing the changes we need to make to keep each other safe, and are also learning that there are valuable aspects to worshipping this way that we can continue even after things return to a new normal. This time of social distancing is difficult for most of us, but I’m hopeful that positive growth will come out of all we are learning. It’s also very important during this time to be the church for our community and for each other. If you’re missing coffee hour chats, pick up the phone and check in with your friends. Send a card or write a note. Make a list of people to pray for and pray over it each day. There are many ways we can sustain our sense of community even if we can’t exchange a hug or sing a hymn together. And just think of how sweet it will be when we are free to worship together, sing together, and share a loving touch without fear.Before I sign off, I must again thank you for all your prayers, cards, rides, and phone calls. Your support has made a big impact towards my healing. I’ll never forget how you gave me help and hope during a very scary time. And a special thanks to Melissa and Kelsey for going above and beyond by welcoming Bea into their home and family, giving her a sense of structure and care during a tumultuous time. We may be going back to my hometown for a while, but please be assured that Bea and I consider Norway our home, and we will be excited to return to you, hopefully sooner rather than later. I’ve been listening to an excellent podcast lately called “Everything Happens” by Kate Bowler. At the beginning of each episode, she reminds us that life is a chronic condition. It’s not always perfect, and none of us are guaranteed a happy ending. But there is still beautiful meaning to be found in even our hardest struggles, and the way we love each other through them.So, while I’m gone, my prayer is that you continue to love each other well, to be the church, and to hold onto hope. Remember, I’m still just a phone call away, and you all will be in my heart as I continue to heal. Be well, take good care, and I’ll see you soon!Blessings, Rev. CordeliaMessage from PeterDear Friends,Are you like us at home? Given all the time we now have available, wondering why we seem to get so little accomplished? Not really bored, but learning what the expression “stir crazy” really feels like? Eating too much ice cream? How many of you have muttered quietly or aloud: I never thought I would experience anything like this in my lifetime. Yesterday Linda and I attended church. Yup, you read that correctly. We attended worship - in a church parking lot, cars socially distanced. The message from the Pastor was excellent. It was timely, as he spoke of the separation that is occurring in our country and the need for the unity that the Holy Spirit provides. Prerecorded music issued from a loud speaker. We held an Order of Worship that we had printed off at home. We were required to wear a mask the entire time, even though we were sitting in our car, which by the way, made sipping coffee very difficult. Nope, never thought we would experience anything like this in our lifetimes.Whereas I knew the service wouldn’t be worship in the way I had grown accustomed, I felt keenly the lack of what I had come to take for granted - community and personal contact. I missed the voices of a congregation reading responsively, singly joyously together, and laughing (or not!) at jokes. Basically, I missed the “feel” that is a church people being together.As I reflect on this Pandemic Time, does it offer at least one benefit? As we recognize what we are missing out on - the hugs of grandchildren, feeling comfortable in a store or restaurant, being together at church - will we finally be able to identify and acknowledge what truly brings happiness? Perhaps this Experience of a Lifetime can bring that realization home. It is, of course, the things of the Spirit that we should treasure. “It is the Spirit that gives life.” (John 6:3) As the Season of Pentecost begins, let us rededicate ourselves as Christ’s Church, to bring the Spirit to those who especially need such gentle care and love. I truly believe that by ensuring that all people have such simple gifts, we ultimately serve the God who desires justice and peace.Faithfully, Peter CelebrationsOn June 10th, 2020 ?Allison R Lupien and Emily A Lupien graduate from Medomak Valley High School. Allison graduates Magna Cum Laude and has recieved the Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence. She will attend the University of Maine at Orono in the fall and has a UMaine Presidential and a Visual and Performing Arts scholarship. She plans to study Computer Science and continue studies on her violin. Emily graduates Magna Cum Laude. She plans to attend the University of Maine, Orono School of Business in the fall and has a Top Maine Scholar Award of full tuition and a Visual and Performing Arts scholarship. She will continue to pursue vocal musical activities. The Emery-Lupien family is very proud of Allison and Emily and all of their accomplishments.?On May 9th, 2020 ?Claire E. Lupien?graduated?Highest Honors from the University of Maine, Honors College with a BS in Chemical Engineering. She will begin working at Crane Currency in Dalton, MA as a Continuous Improvement Engineer starting this summer. The Emery-Lupien family is very proud of her and her accomplishmentsClaire, Allison and Emily Lupien are the daughters of Tom and Lara Lupien and the granddaughters of Elaine and Norman Emery.?On Sunday, June 14, we will celebrate Senior Sunday and honor Mollie Van Loan. MESSAGE FROM THE MODERATORDrive Thru Meals:Our drive-thru meals have been a huge success. Our last meal was handed out within 10 minutes! We did not do a meal on Memorial Day but are planning our next meal for Monday, June 1st. The menu will be spaghetti and a garlic biscuit with cookies for dessert. We have received some great donations that will allow us to continue to provide this meal and we are hoping to increase the number of meals we prepare so that we don’t have to turn anyone away. Your help allows us to complete this very important mission to our community. Thank You!Thrift ShopOur church family sale of brand new men’s clothing was a chance to pilot our safe distancing process for our sale to the public that we are holding on Saturday, May 30th from 9:00 – Noon. We brought in about $287.00 from church family members and are hoping to have a successful out come from our public sale. Watch for update news! If you saw our update announcement that we will not be having our annual yard sale in August due to the uncertainty of the restrictions and safety measures that will be needed during that time and the amount of donations that we usually receive, we hope that we may be able to do something different. This clothing sale will allow us to see if we can manage some smaller sales throughout the summer. We will be requiring our visitors to wear masks and will limit the amount of people into the church during the sale. We have received a couple of calls regarding estate sales that would like to make donations and we will be looking at how we can manage those donations without the annual yard sale. More to come!Message from the Moderator:Welcome to summer – even though it has not officially arrived yet! It is hard to believe that on May 9th we had snow and then we have ended May with days in the high 80’s! I guess it just goes along with all the other unusual things that 2020 has brought us. We are at the half way point in 2020 and the first half of this year has certainly kept us off balance, and I imagine we are all staying more alert about what the second half of the year is going to bring!So how are you using this time? Are you taking the time to look around you and all the helpers? Are you supporting local businesses as they provide take-out or curb side service? Are you helping your neighbor or checking in on those you are alone? I know that many of you are! We responded to your questions about how you can help with the drive-thru meals – and the response was overwhelming! Some of you have helped with transportation for Cordelia and Nicki when needed. Cards and notes have arrived in the mail just to stay in touch! And I know that many of you have been supporting our local businesses as they have adjusted to new ways of doing business. Are you enjoying your home more now that you have been spending more time there? Are you trying new recipes, gone back to baking or making your own bread? Are you checking out the where to get your food locally? Are you just taking time to sit on the porch or deck and listening to the quiet and peaceful times that we didn’t realize was so vital? Sometimes Bruce and I just go for a ride and we are noticing that more people are putting in gardens this year. Houses are having work done – everything from painting to flowers and other landscaping being done. Kids are out in their yards playing and riding bikes. Riding by Young’s Greenhouse we find people bringing wagons full of plants to their cars. All those things that we didn’t have time for because we were so busy running from here to there in the hectic life we were all living. I know that some of our “to-do” items had been on our list for years and they have been accomplished and finally removed from the list!Do we REALLY want to go back to “normal”? I enjoy being able to talk with our children and they actually have the time to talk! I am now making time to sit on the porch, to check in with friends all across the country and not feeling rushed. Our plan for this summer is to support Maine businesses. If restrictions lift and everything opens up again – we will find things right here in Maine to support. If we all do that, then our State will be able to get on its feet again. I can’t imagine how Governors, Mayors, and businesses are managing during this difficult time and having to make decisions that they know have great impact on people’s lives. I am sure that they have many sleepless nights as they weigh all sides of what the results will be from a decision they have to make. I am thankful that I do not have that responsibility and while I may not like some of the decisions that are made, I believe that they are probably the best decision at that time. On June 9th the Church Council will begin a discussion about how and when to re-open our church. There is a lot to think about and lots of plans that will need to be put in place before we can decide on what is best for the church. I am thankful that I do not have to make these decisions alone!Stay safe and be well! I encourage you to take the time to recognize all the good things that are happening around us – because there are good things happening every day! We are blessed to be on this journey together!Pam Davison, ModeratorPrayers for Justice:The time is NOW for all of us to be a part of bringing justice to all. While we pray for all the anguish that is happening right now in Minneapolis we need to remember that this is not just a problem in Minneapolis – but is all over our country. Pray for wisdom, and the ability to sit down and talk seriously about the racism that continues in our country and how to stop it.Isn’t it time to stop being afraid of those that are different from us? Whether it is the color of our skin, who we love, how we look, how we worship and no matter what illness we may have – physical or mental or what our nationality is or where we come from. KINDNESS REALLY DOES MATTER – and should be something that we all should aspire to and work towards each and every day. Jesus said to all of us – “Follow Me” – this is not the path that HE wants us on!Praying for the people of Minneapolis, and all those who are saying “ENOUGH”. Praying for peace, wisdom and justice for ALL.MISSION COMMITTEE UPDATE:Although the church family has been worshiping virtually for the past two and a half months the Mission Committee?has been able to continue with its outreach/commitment to the Maine Conference and our community.? We have been able to keep current with our pledge to the Maine Conference, United Church of Christ, and have received lovely thank you letters for our recent gifts to the Harrison Food Bank, Oxford Hills Food Pantry and Norway Community Lunch program.? These organizations are providing support to the many families here in the Oxford Hills area who are experiencing serious food insecurity issues and we feel blessed to be able to help them at this time.? ?With June fast approaching, we will be wrapping up our Strengthen the Church special offering on Pentacost?Sunday,May 31st. Donations may be sent to Second Congregational Church, P.O. Box 164, Norway, Maine, 04268. We thank you for your support of this special offering of the United Church of Christ that will be split between our Maine Conference and the national church office.??Looking forward, during the summer months of June, July and August, for the past few years we have usually collected a variety of items for the schools children in our community.? Not knowing just what school will look like in September we would like to encourage our church?family to continue to collect pencils, pens, colored pencils, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, scissors, and glue sticks, especially as they often are on sale during the summer.? We will collect them at the end of the summer and distribute them to the schools later in the fall or thru Right Start at Christmas.? We also hope that you are keeping yours eyes open for "Found Money" which we will be collecting in September for Safe Passage, the Maine based program for the children and families who live at the Guatamala?City Dump in Guatamala.? This program provides education, health care, nutrition and counseling for these special young people and their parents.?Bible StudyWeekly online BIBLE STUDY on Zoom to begin on Wednesday June 3 at 1pm.?All are welcome to attend Zoom bible study hosted by the Second Congregational Church of Norway, held every Wednesday at 1pm.? No prior knowledge of the Bible required!?From the comfort of your home, enjoy this opportunity to connect with others as we reflect on the Psalms. Did you know that the Psalms are ancient songs and poems of prayer and worship written thousands of years ago? Psalms continue to bring comfort, guidance, and meaning to our lives today.?How to join the Zoom bible study. When it’s time to meet, follow this link: If you are using computer, tablet or smartphone:? ID: 911 1304 1323Password: 324675If you are joining by phone, dial this number:?One tap mobile ? ? +16465588656Dial in by landline phone: +1 646 558 8656 US?Meeting ID: 911 1304 1323Password: 324675Please feel free to contact our bible study leader ahead of time if you have ANY questions about the Bible study or about using Zoom. Susan Prindall 508-930-3234. syprindall@.?It will be wonderful to “see” each other on Wednesdays at 1pm, beginning June 3rd! UPCOMING MEETINGSChurch Council: Tuesday, June 9, 6:30 PM via Zoom.ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUESWe can use your help. Each year, Second Congregational Church must pay annual dues to the National and Local Conferences of the United Church of Christ. These dues are to be paid for each of our active members. This year’s dues are $17.00 per person, which is paid out of our annual budget. Your direct contribution will help defray this cost.Please make check payable to Second Congregational Church, UCC. Mark the Memo section DUES and bring or mail them to church. Mail: Collector, PO Box 164, Norway, ME 04268CORDELIA’S ADDRESSCordelia Strandskov2512 11th Avenue SouthMinneapolis, MN 55404JUNE BIRTHDAYS3406140258445Church Council Moderator, Pam DavisonCollector, Carolyn BakerTreasurer, Jane MunnShirli Allen Heald, Deb Ladner, Mary-Jane Robichaud, Foster Shibles, Deb Fickett, Sid Hollowell (member at large)Trustees Deb Ladner, Keith Ladner, Foster Shibles, Buck Gouin, Melissa Wood, John Ellis, Randy Butters. Beth Kane (I)Spiritual Life & LeadershipShirli-Allen Heald, Christina Bigelow, Sharon Hollowell, Mary-Jane Robichaud, Mickie Shibles, Melissa WoodDeaconsJody Deegan, Robert & Debbie Fickett, Laura Gouin, Chad Pendexter, Mary-Jane Robichaud, Mary Gatchell, Christina Bigelow, Michele Johnson, Jon Ladd.Mission CommitteeMickie Shibles, Linda Porter, Karen Ellis, Jane Munn, Bruce Davison, Trudy Brown.Youth and Family TeamMelissa Wood, Annie TilsleyStewardshipDeb Ladner, Jean Saunders, Dave PorterChurch StaffMinister: Cordelia StrandskovDirector of Music: Shirli Allen HealdOrganist/Pianist: Elaine Emery, Ed BaldridgeOffice HoursTuesday – Friday 9 a.m. to noonor by appointment.00Church Council Moderator, Pam DavisonCollector, Carolyn BakerTreasurer, Jane MunnShirli Allen Heald, Deb Ladner, Mary-Jane Robichaud, Foster Shibles, Deb Fickett, Sid Hollowell (member at large)Trustees Deb Ladner, Keith Ladner, Foster Shibles, Buck Gouin, Melissa Wood, John Ellis, Randy Butters. Beth Kane (I)Spiritual Life & LeadershipShirli-Allen Heald, Christina Bigelow, Sharon Hollowell, Mary-Jane Robichaud, Mickie Shibles, Melissa WoodDeaconsJody Deegan, Robert & Debbie Fickett, Laura Gouin, Chad Pendexter, Mary-Jane Robichaud, Mary Gatchell, Christina Bigelow, Michele Johnson, Jon Ladd.Mission CommitteeMickie Shibles, Linda Porter, Karen Ellis, Jane Munn, Bruce Davison, Trudy Brown.Youth and Family TeamMelissa Wood, Annie TilsleyStewardshipDeb Ladner, Jean Saunders, Dave PorterChurch StaffMinister: Cordelia StrandskovDirector of Music: Shirli Allen HealdOrganist/Pianist: Elaine Emery, Ed BaldridgeOffice HoursTuesday – Friday 9 a.m. to noonor by appointment.1st Hilary Ware8th Elaine Emery11th Rhonda Chase14th Kerry Munn24th Amanda Fickett29th Josh Couch29th Jane GibsonJUNE ANNIVERSARIES 3rd Robert & Bonnie Story 11th Kerry & Jane Munn 25th Rev. John & Karen EllisPLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS ?Arlin Bigelow, Kathleen Mel Brink (Debbie Fickett’s father), Zachary (Judy and Tere Porter’s grandson), Dorothy Hobbs, Martha Farrington, Helen Heath, David Porter, Jane Gibson, John Higgins, Karen Ellis, Jane Munn, Hope Millett, Mark Petroff (Cordelia’s uncle), Cupe Gross (Annie Tilsley’s mom), and P.J. Allen. ................
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