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November 25, 2009 Happy Thanksgiving to You and Yours
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- Pilgrim Lodge 2010 schedule is posted
- Soup for the Soul at Williston West
- Hymnals available
- Small Church Vitality Initiative
- Information Evening at BTS
- Thoughts on being Thankful
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The 2010 Pilgrim Lodge Schedule is posted:
1. Go to http://www.pilgrimlodge.org/schedule.html. There are a few sessions that are still tentative and they are listed as such but we wanted you to get this information as soon as possible. Brochures and On-line registration will be ready in early February
2. Elsa Peters and Gina Finocchario are co-hosting what we hope will grow into a monthly interfaith series of discussion evenings. Casual gatherings around soup and faith to share personal stories, root ourselves in deep moral imperatives, and call each other into communal action-- around healthcare reform. We hope that you will consider joining us! We have planned the first gathering already, but are very open to suggestions and input and additional leadership about future ones.
Might you share our invitation with your members, friends, colleagues and interested parties? We'd love to have your voice and faith join ours. Questions? Contact Gina: 207-774-4060 x102 pastorgina@gwi.net Or Elsa: 207-799-3361 elsa@fccucc.org
3. Prides Corner Congregational Church UCC, Westbrook, ME has about 145 copies of the 1976 hymnal, Hymns for the Family of God with blue covers for any church who would like them. We also have 8 copies of the Chalice Hymnal for anyone who needs them. Please call the church office at 797-4636.
4. “Small Church Vitality Initiative”
If someone asked about your church’s vital signs what would you say? “Alive and kicking?” “Coughing and groaning?” “On life support and not expected to survive?” The Maine Conference has developed a “Small Church Vitality Initiative,” which is designed to help the smaller churches in our Conference begin a process to discover ways of bringing new life and health to their church’s ministry. Led by our Associate Conference Minister for Small Church Development, this initiative incorporates laity and clergy involvement in facilitated work sessions as the church creates their own individualized planning for redevelopment/congregational vitality. Eligibility criteria and application information can be downloaded at: for eligibility, click http://www.maineucc.org/smallchurchmissionteam/Small%20Church%20Vitality%20Initiative%20Oct%2009.pdf For the Preliminary assessment form click: http://www.maineucc.org/smallchurchmissionteam/Congregational%20Vitality%20Preliminary%20Assessment.pdf
For more information contact Rev. Darren Morgan at dmorgan207@roadrunner.com
5. Information Evening at BTS Portland Campus
Bangor Theological Seminary will be hosting an “Information Evening” at the BTS Portland Campus, 159 State Street, on Tuesday December 8 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
This informal session is designed to inform you about the opportunities at BTS and answer any questions you might have. Possible topics include: degree programs, the admissions process, and financial aid information. Light refreshments will be provided.
Whether you are thinking of answering a call to ministry or simply seeking answers to spiritual questions, you’ll find what you need at BTS. For more information or to reserve a space, call Fae Gilbride, Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid: 800-287-6781 x126, email fgilbride@bts.edu or sign up online
6. Some thoughts on being thankful from an unknown poet:
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
during those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.