2018 Women's Retreat Calling all Goddesses! - Camden UCC
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First Congregational Church October 2018
Camden, Maine Vol. 34, No. 10
2018 Women’s Retreat
Calling all Goddesses!
There are still a few places in the 10th Annual
Women’s Retreat to be held November 2-4.
*** For those who wish, there will be carpooling from Camp Wavus to
attend Hank White’s Memorial Service on Saturday, 11/3. An activity
is planned for those who remain at the retreat ***
The retreat serves as a time for our church women to get to know
each other better. Imagine the luxury of five meals you haven’t
planned, shopped, prepared or cleaned up after, waking without an
alarm, beautiful views of Lake Damariscotta, walks along its wooded
shoreline and the companionship of a most amazing cast of women…
what’s stopping you from adding your name to the list?
Your loved ones will survive your absence and appreciate you even
more upon your return. You will return refreshed and renewed. Best
of all, the next time you walk into church it will be in deeper
friendship with all those other Goddesses!
Registration packets will mail the week of October 12th so sign
up on the Opportunities Table so we can mail you one, too!
Scholarships available.
For retreat questions contact:
Registration: Essie Sexton (230-8117, epsexton43@gmail.com)
Carpooling: Meg Thomas (703-314-8788,
o.meg.t@verizon.net)
Scholarships: Zella Walker (985-264-9280,
walkerzd1@gmail.com)
General Retreat inquiries:
10/1-10/14: Jinx Hufnagel (594-1895, jinxhuf6@gmail.com)
10/15-11/4: Donna Crane (230-0199, donna@tillmancrane.com)
From the Pastor’s Desk
Rev. Dr. Ute S. Molitor
Dear members and friends of the church,
I am excited to get started in our shared ministry. Thank you for all
the careful preparations (helping with the move, office painting, the
new sign, press release, dealing with paperwork, etc.)!
Thank you also for giving us some space and time these last weeks
to arrive in town and get settled. Mark and I are happy with our new
home on 8 Central Street. The move was labor intensive but we
eventually got to go hiking, sailed on a schooner, attended concerts,
fairs, and fireworks, visited churches, tried restaurants, met friendly
neighbors and are getting used to trusting that the beautiful views
don’t go away.
Mark is now back to his teaching duties in Germany and will return
in mid-December. However, we don’t want to wait that long before
welcoming you to our home. So please mark your calendars for an
all-church Open House on Sunday, October 21. This will be in lieu of
Coffee Hour following service: we will carpool from the church park-
ing lot to our home and back, as parking is very limited on Central
Street.
I look forward to getting to know you all better as we join together
on our journey of faith.
With great hope,
Ute
From Elizabeth Lally
Director of Christian Ed
Greetings from the land of Sunday School. We have had a lovely start
to our regular program year. The Pre-K through 4th grade Sunday
school class has learned about the Church Calendar Year, The Holy
Bible, and the Holy Family. Next week we move on to Creation. The
Confirmation class has had some time to go over their faith journeys
thus far, Baptism and Confirmation, and they have begun their work
in the Old Testament.
We will be having an “open house” for our classroom. We
will also be bringing a lesson into the worship service during the
children’s time in the coming weeks. This program has rejuvenated
our time with the children and will prove over time to root them
deeply in their Christian faith.
One thing to know about Godly Play is that it isn’t some-
thing that you can “quiz” the kids on. They aren’t necessarily going to
have something to show you each week after the lesson. It is an imag-
inative approach for working with children, an approach that
supports, challenges, nourishes, and guides their spiritual quest. It is
more akin to spiritual guidance than to what we generally think of as
religious education.
As we come into budget season, we are carefully and
thoughtfully putting together our needs for the coming year. We are
thankful for the congregation’s investment into our program and
their commitment to the children. We hope to include instruments in
the budget for next year’s Sunday school class. It is our intention to
expand our music offering for our youth and to include them more
often in the music portion of our worship service.
Our Christian Education committee recently met and we
would love to extend an offer to the congregation to join us on this
committee. You do not need to have children in our youth programs
to be on the committee. Our meetings usually occur just after the
worship service and we have an exciting year ahead. Greg Worden is
our chair and would love to hear from you if you feel like you might
be a good fit to help lead this important ministry of our church.
Shields Mission Project Committee
A Ministry of
The First Congregational Church
of Camden
Shelley Mills
Just like my last Beacon article, I wanted to give you snapshots of the
various requests we have been receiving in the last month. This is
just a sample. The requests come in at a steady pace, the need in
our community is great, and the available resources have been
shrinking.
Client came to KCHC after he was evicted from his mobile home.
He fell behind on the lot payments because he was sup-
porting his children who live with his ex-wife (e.g. mortgage,
heating oil, food & clothing). He has since reimbursed the
landlord and intends to file suit for a wrongful eviction and
has contacted Pine Tree Legal. He is unable to work due to
multiple medical needs: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, blood
clots, heart failure, leg ulcers, kidney failure and depression.
He is on the donor list for a heart transplant. He has a pace
maker and defibrillator. He takes care of his teenage son,
who has Asperger’s syndrome, and his mother, who has
dementia. He has SSDI income for himself and his son and
could afford a motel in early August. Needs emergency shel-
ter. Shields paid $350 for one week at the Yankee Traveler
motel.
2 adults, 1 child (age 8). Request via Broadreach for help with
CMP bill. Mom is currently unemployed because she is taking
care of her terminally ill son (Vanishing White Matter of the
Brain). Mom recently had asked the dad to leave the home
due to substance abuse issues. This has changed her financial
situation as they are living on her son’s social security income
of $675. Her son’s life expectancy at this time is approx. 6
months. Shields paid $772 to CMP.
.
Single male, age 24, referred by KCHC. Client has intellectual
disabilities. He cannot take care of himself. Case Manager is
working with DHHS to get him into a group home. Previous
case mangers did not apply for the appropriate Section 21
(in-home supervision & assistance) and section 29
(community supports & services). As of May 30, 2018 the
waiting list for Section 21 is 1703. Living with dad is not an
option because he is abusive. Has also applied for SSDI.
Shields paid for 7 nights ($35 per night, total: $245) for a
campsite at Mic Mac Cove Family Campground.
Single female, 1 child (teen), referred by Sweetser. Client is the
guardian for her great nephew. She receives SSDI and was
working part-time until the past 6 months. She has had ma-
jor health issues with her heart and diabetes. She has been
hospitalized several times. She has a mortgage that she can-
not pay due to her husband leaving her. She is only able to
pay partial mortgage and other bills partially due to very lim-
ited income. She is going to try to return to part-time work if
her health permits. The request is to help with her CMP bill.
Amount owed is $994. $500 from Community Investors has
been requested. Client does have a payment plan with CMP.
Shields paid $494 to CMP.
.
Your donation to the Shields Mission Project is an investment in our com-
munity. Our church can offer this kind of financial outreach because of the
support of the congregation and of the greater community. (None of our
funding comes from the church’s budget.) We are a church that is willing to
lend a hand to people we will never meet, and that commitment helps en-
sure that our church’s mission of reaching out to the community will contin-
ue in the years ahead.
Shields Committee: Deb Endl (Chair), Betty Bates, Jeanne Denny, Julianne
Edmondson, Jean Forest,
Rich Stuart, Roberta Walker, Shelley Mills (Administrator)
Our mission as an outreach ministry of the church: “To help provide less
fortunate citizens of Knox County warmth, shelter, food, clothing, transpor-
tation, education, childcare, health care etc. and to enable them to become
more able to live a productive and self-sustaining life.
From Matt Mainster
Director of Music
Dear wonderful friends,
I don’t think I have ever felt so special in my life, nor as surprised, nor
valued, as I did on Sunday, August 26th when everyone gifted Nathan
and me with the beautiful Steinway grand piano donated by the
Granville family. I know from speaking with the Granville children
that their mother cherished it during her lifetime, and I feel extreme-
ly honored to be the next person to cherish it for my lifetime. It is
truly one of Steinway’s “golden era” gems, and I can't begin to thank
everyone enough for entrusting it to me. From now on, every time
Nathan or I sit down to play or listen to it, we'll have this wonderful
memory of the day our friends at First Congregational gave it to us.
And don’t even get me started on that CHECK! Nathan and I almost
had heart attacks when we opened it! Your kindness, well wishes,
and extreme generosity not only paid for the moving and tuning of
the piano, but will continue to pay for its future care for some time to
come ...
As for the wedding, we had a perfect day
with blue skies and breezy temps––just
how we like it! Nathan made the wedding
cake (which I hope many of you got to try!)
as well as all the food: chicken confit with
candied lemons and cherry gastrique, steak
with blackberry sauce, and a slew of home-
grown root vegetables. There were also tea
cakes, croissants, biscotti, madeleines, etc.
––all made by my brilliant husband. And to
serenade us, we had the wonderful stylings
of Mes Amis, the local gypsy-jazz band
that’s performed many times for us here at
First Congregational. *Check out the “thank you” letter that went out
in a church email for pictures of our wedding day and of the piano!
Now, on to business … With choirs started back up, we’ll have some
wonderful anthems to share with you this season, including but not
limited to pieces by Handel, Brahms, Rachmaninoff, and Bach. But
don’t let the weight of those names worry you––we’ll have some
lighter, more recently composed gems for you too! If you’ve ever
wanted to sing or ring, now’s a perfect time to give us a try! Stop by
any Wednesday at 6 p.m. for handbells, or 7 p.m. for choir.
We had a truly terrific Friends of Music concert season this year, much
of which came to us as a stroke of luck, so I hope you were there to
enjoy most if not all of it! We’ve got our final “Christmas By the Sea”
variety concert still on the docket for Friday, November 30th at noon,
and then next year be on the lookout for a classical guitarist, a national
award-winning singer/songwriter, and Mes Amis among others!
Again, Nathan and I can’t thank you enough for making us feel so
special and cared for as we celebrated our wedding––what with the
choir party, and all the cards and well-wishes, AND that magnificent
piano, we were truly very spoiled. As I said in my previous letter, I
made the best decision of my life moving to Maine four summers ago,
because ever since, I haven’t spent a day without love, friendship, and
music.
We’re so grateful to have you in our lives,
Matt
_________________________________________________________
A NOTE OF THANKS
FROM PASTOR DEB JENKS
I want to thank everyone for the most amaz-
ing, awesome farewell reception, cards, and
gifts as I ended my time with you as Interim
Minister. The almost three years we spent
working and worshiping together were a great
joy for me.
I will hold you all always in my heart and in my
prayers as you continue your life and ministry with Ute.
With Love and Much Appreciation,
Pastor Deb
From Heavenly Threads
Melissa Chapman, Manager
& Beth Gerrish, Assistant Manager
October Greetings from Heavenly Threads Thrift Shop, an outreach
mission of your church.
Please remember that your support of the shop - through donations
and purchases - helps the Outreach Committee to give generously to
local charities and non-profits.
Look no further than HT for a great place to volunteer this winter. We
can always use an extra set of hands to organize books, jewelry, purses
or greeting cards, work the register, stock the shelves and racks, and
chat up the wonderful community of shoppers who enjoy their retail
therapy here.
Shifts are usually three hours, but two would be great as well. If it is
hard to commit right now...join our on-call/substitute list.
We have wonderful fall clothing for the entire family - including beau-
tiful cashmere sweaters, fleece jackets and vests, wool coats, hats,
scarves and gloves, and even some blaze orange and camouflage
hunting wear.
We always have a case full of jewelry, a large book selection,
housewares, linens, footwear, sewing and craft goods, yarn and mate-
rial, Christmas decorations, office supplies, art and picture frames, an-
tiques, collectibles, kitchen goods... and so much more!
Our Halloween costume selection is great this year.
Ask us about the weekly sale when you come.
Please remember HT when you or friends are looking for a home for
your gently-used items.
HOURS: Monday - Saturday 10 - 4. (Closed Mondays in winter.)
236-3203
10/2 Marge Wester 10/14 Jinx Hufnagel
10/3 Vicki Fletcher 10/16 Lexi Doudera
10/5 Jean Silva 10/19 Ann Harmon Fear
10/6 Donna Crane Lila Vultee
Carole Brand 10/20 Leigh Smith
10/10 Phyllis Matteo 10/21 Bob Matteo
Will Orne 10/27 Kathy Pease
10/13 Kate Edge 10/28 Greg Currier
Chris Mills Jan Kelsey
10/31 Noel Cox
Our PRICELESS Volunteers
If Ushers & Fellowship Team Members are unable to assume duties
on that day, please find a substitute and alert Nan or Becky in the
DATE LITURGISTS USHERS FELLOWSHIP
Oct 7 Roberta Walker Bette McFarland, #4 Jeni Mason, Carol &
Amy Rollins, Lucy Gary Spinney, Deb
Goulet, Vicky Yates Endl, Barbara Lamb,
Charlene & Peter Orne,
Annie Woodfuff,
Jonathan Frost
Oct 14 Betty Bates Bob Garcia, Kim #5 Bob & Judy
Young, June Fryer, Laurence, Chris &
Betsy Perry Shelley Mills, Tony &
Betty Bates, Julie
Clement
Oct 21 Debbi Hitchings Jean Forest, Ann #6 Sarah Shepherd,
Bex, Ann Rafferty Gloria Guiduli, Debbi &
Roy Hitchings,
Marcia Dietrich
Oct 28 Andi Hamalainen Dave Jackson, #7 Judy Cucinotta,
Melvin Achorn, Scott Andi Hamalainen,
Achorn, Louis Julianne Edmondson,
Regnier Rita Elliott, Mimi
Benedict
Soup Lunch Begins October 24th!
In order for us to offer to the community a
delicious bowl of hot, homemade soup, bread
and dessert each Wednesday through March,
we are grateful for, and depend on, our
wonderful soup volunteers.
We need YOU to volunteer. Cooks, sous chefs, wait staff and
clean-up crew members are needed on a weekly basis. You’ll
be able to sign up on the big board in the Pilgrim Room.
Learn Soup Making On Wednesday, October 10
Jinx and Gail will hold a soup-making seminar for anyone who might
be interested in being one of our cooks. Come get some valuable tips
and ideas from two of our very best soup makers. They'll show you
the ins and outs so that you will feel totally comfortable at the stove.
10 a.m. til noon.
If you’re interested, please sign up
on the Opportunities Table.
_______________________________________
Announcing a Special Musical Event
To benefit Soup Lunch
On Sunday, October 14th at 4:00 pm
Suggested donation $10
“ Great Movie Songs of the Past”
Presented by PLAY IT FORWARD MUSIC COMPANY
Director, Maryann Jacks
Featuring Matt Mainster on piano and many
volunteer musicians!October Activities
1 Monday
2 Tuesday
3 Wednesday, 9:30am, Staff meeting; 6:00pm, Choral Bells rehearse;
7:00pm, Sanctuary Choir rehearses
4 Thursday, 9:00am, XiGong; Noon, Prayer Shawl meets; 5:00pm, Deacons
meet
5 Friday, 6 Saturday
7SUNDAY, SUNDAY, 9:30am, Worship, Communion; 10:30am, Finance
Committee meets
8 Monday, 9 Tuesday
10 Wednesday, 9:30am, Staff meeting; 10:00am, Soup Making Seminar;
5:30pm, Trustees meet; 6:00pm, Choral Bells rehearse; 7:00pm,
Sanctuary Choir rehearses
11 Thursday , 9:00am, XiGong; 9:30am, Care Team meets; 10:30am,
Membership Committee meets; Noon, Prayer Shawl meets;
12 Friday, 8-1, Partners in Health Book Sale & set up for Saturday sale;
9:00am, Outreach Committee meets
13 Saturday 8-1, Partners in Health yard sale
14 SUNDAY 9:30am, Worship; 4:00pm, Play Forward Concert benefits
Shields
15 Monday, Cabinet Reports due to Nan
16Tuesday
17 Wednesday, 9:30am, Staff meeting; 6:00pm, Choral Bells
Rehearse; 7:00pm, Sanctuary Choir rehearses
18 Thursday, 9:00am, XiGong; Noon, Prayer Shawl meets; 5:30pm Trustee
Meeting
19 Friday, 20 Saturday
21 SUNDAY 9:30am, Worship, followed by Open House at the Molitors,
Carpooling from church parking lot (no coffee hour at church)
22Monday
23 Tuesday, 5:30 pm, Cabinet meets
24 Wednesday, 9:30am, Staff meeting; NOON Soup Lunch Begins; 6:00pm,
Choral Bells rehearse; 7:00pm, Sanctuary Choir rehearses
25 Thursday, 9:00am, XiGong; Noon, Prayer Shawl meets, November Beacon
copy due
26 Friday, 27 Saturday
28 SUNDAY 9:30am, Worship: All Saints Day, Reformation Sunday
29 Monday
30 Tuesday
31Wednesday, HALLOWEEN, 9:30am, Staff meeting; NOON Soup Lunch;
6:00pm, Choral Bells rehearse; 7:00pm, Sanctuary Choir rehearsesFirst Congregational Church
55 Elm Street
Camden, ME 04843
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
F IR ST C O NGR E GA TIO NAL C HU R CH O F C A MDE N
An Open & Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ
Growing in Faith, Centered in Christ, Committed to Community
O U R M I SSI O N & V I SIO N
Our vision is that all people here find a spiritual home, grow in faith,
and experience and share God’s unconditional love and grace through Christ. As disciples of Christ,
our mission is to build a community of faith by learning and living the word of God.
TO CONTACT US:
Call the Church Office at 207.236.4821, Monday through Friday, 8:30-3:30pm
E-mail the Church Office at churchoffice@camdenucc.org
Check out our website: www.camdenucc.orgYou can also read
