Worried about cancellations - check TV channel 6, 8, 13.
Church office hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 – 2:30
Phone: 563-3379
E-mail: newcongo@midcoast.com
USEFUL CHURCH DOCUMENTS: Try looking here ...
CURRENT STUFF (jump to NEWS)(jump to Events)
Chat'n'Chew on Thursday, March 1: Bring a sandwich, bring a friend – and share conversations and fun with friends old and new. Soup and beverages provided.
WOMEN'S SUNDAY 3/4: To celebrate Women's Sunday on March 4th we will have a
Women's Choir. All women of the congregation are invited to join the women
of the choir to sing on that Sunday. We will rehearse for a short time
following the service on February 26th and at 9:00 AM on March 4th.
THE SECOND’S SECOND ANNUAL RETREAT will be held Saturday, March 10th at Camp Kieve from 9 AM to 3 PM. This one day retreat is open to all in the church family interested in participating . Last year 35 people or so had a wonderful day and we hope for an even larger group this year. The theme for the day will focus on celebrating the gifts of who we are in faith that support the ministry of our church. It promises to be a meaningful and fun day together. A sign up sheet is located on the table in the Fellowship Hall for all interested. Carpooling is encouraged, and rides are available – just contact Lucy or Ken (563-3379 or newcongo@midcoast.com)
BACH'S LUNCH PROGRAM 3/21 AT NOON: On Wednesday, March 21st (J. S. Bach's birthday) the Music Committee is sponsoring a Bach's Lunch program and boxed lunch. The program will begin at noon and will last about a half hour.
It will include organ and choral music of J. S. Bach. An offering will be received and lunches will be sold for $10. All proceeds will benefit the Community Energy Fund. Mark this date on your calendar; it's an event you don't want to miss!
PILGRIM LODGE SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION is now open. We are delighted to announce that Christian Outreach will be able to immediately reimburse families for the $75 deposit for one week of camp per student. Simply register online at http://www.pilgrimlodge.org and then contact Lucy or Laurie if you are requesting reimbursement. Or contact Laurie if you would like to register through the mail.
In order to support families with financial need, Christian Outreach plans additional fundraising to help our children attend the camp they love. Please remember that some camps fill up very quickly and register soon. And to all of you who are helping to make this happen, thank you on behalf of the kids and their families.
Laurie
Slideshow from 2/29/2011 (Annual Meeting) Sermon: The conclusion of Ken's sermon was worth some 185,000 words - see why for yourself. For larger images, click on the slideshow when it is playing.
Paul Bryant joyfully attaches our rejuvenated sign in front of the church. Paul made and painted a new panel for the sign to replace the badly weathered original, and D&L Screen Printers of Newcastle made the lettering on the new piece look identical to the original. Great work, and many thanks!
January-February Newsletter is here: There's a wealth of good information in this edition, which you can download here.
Weekly Adult Bible Study: Join us at 10:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall to learn about the lectionary selections for the coming Sunday. These sessions are informal and all are welcome
Karl's Kids Video: Here is a short video about Karl's Kids 4th Annual Karl's Kids funraiser at Sugarloaf Mountain ski area. Thanks to LCTV for making this available, showing the good work being done by this charitable event created to honor the memory and legacy of Karl Berger.
Karl's Kids from LCTV on Vimeo.
Ecumenical Food Pantry Update: View this new documentary on the wonderful work being done by the Ecumentical Food Pantry in Newcastle (EFP) and fellow food pantries in Lincoln Country, and read the updated information below on our EFP summarizing the year 2010.
"People to People: The Food Pantries of Lincoln County, Maine" from Lee Arnott on Vimeo. To view this as a larger image or full-screen, go here on Vimeo.
Update From Brad Schaaf, Chair of the EFP Board, 5/1/2011: For the first four months of 2011 there was a 32% increase in the number of different households that visited compared to the same period in 2010. The average number of visits per different household thru April of 2011 was 4.63 versus 3.57, 3.24, and 2.47 in 2010, 2009 and 2008 respectively. As a result of the very significant increases in both the number of different households as well as the average visits per different household the total number of visits increased 71% compared to the same period last year. From Tuesday January 3, 2011 to Tuesday April 29 2011, we added 53 new clients, of which 23 reside outside of our tri-town primary area of service of Damariscotta, Newcastle and Nobleboro. Incredibly on Tuesday April 5, 2011 a one-day record of 100 households visited the Pantry. This compares to an average of 11 through the first nine months of 2008 just prior to the recession deepening precipitously.
Amazingly, in spite of a long history of never actively soliciting donations from anyone other than members of the seven sponsoring churches, the annual contributions of money and food have never failed to rise each year and were up by 40% in 2010 at a time when many charities have experienced significant shortfalls.
Brad Schaaf, Chair of the EFP, is convinced that the catalyst for such generosity is directly related to this being an all-volunteer, church-based effort and an ecumenical one at that. It is a testimonial and validation to those who believe that money does indeed follow mission.
Please take the time to read the latest updates below, and you will no doubt come away with a greater appreciation of how much can be accomplished by a faith-based mission.
No one is turned away, so your support is always both needed and appreciated. Please bring food to church or donate money, since a substantial quantity of food is purchased every month from the Yellowfront Grocery to bridge the gap between donations and needs. Suggested food items: Peanut Butter, Jelly, Pasta, Spaghetti Sauce, Canned Vegetables, Canned Soup, Cereal, Tuna, Canned Beef Stew, Canned Fruit, Tea/Coffee, Canned Beans, Dried Beans. Monetary donations can be brought to the church office or mailed to Ecumenical Food Pantry, P.O. Box 46, Newcastle, ME 04553.
- Food Pantry Visitation Summary – 4-year YTD thru April (pdf)
- EFP Staffing Comparison 2008 vs 2011 (pdf)
- EFP Visit & Cost Projections – 2011 (pdf)
- Food Pantry Visitors by Town – April 2011 (pdf)
Newsletters – The SECOND Best News is published Bi-monthly and online! Many of your have received an e-mail with a link to the Newsletters, but you also can read an issue by clicking the link here. In addition, a few printed copies are available in the church office for anyone who does not have access to e-mail or the internet - call 563-3379 for help getting a printed copy.
Potluck & UCC101: See "News" below!
UCC Video/Ad – Radical Hospitality, Extravagant Welcome, Changing Lives ...
Uniquely UCC from United Church of Christ on Vimeo.
EVENTS (jump to NEWS)(jump to Top)
Church Fair Friday-Saturday August 5th-6th: Mark your calendars Now!
Check back here periodically to learn about upcoming events.
CURRENT NEWS (jump to Events)(jump to Top)
Youth Group Supports Heifer International: Extract from a letter to Heifer:
The youth of Second Congregational Church held several fundraisers during 2010 to support Heifer International. This past year, with the guidance and support of one of our church members, our youth hosted a food trailer at our summer church fair, donated their Sunday School offerings, and held a Thanks Giving Dinner in early November, all to benefit your organization. The amount collected, $1,061.65, is enclosed by check.
The youth group specified how they wanted their donation to be used - see the full letter here. Well Done!!
On January 9th our Second Sunday Potluck Supper gathering was enriched by games and discussion that helped us to understand a bit more about our Congregational roots and about both the Maine Conference of the UCC and the National UCC. Susie Craig shared her excitement about our denomination and her knowledge of how the pieces fit together – with 10 Associations and 164 local churches, there are lots of pieces!. There were many quesions that showed we all were engaged in the information exchange. As Susie said,
We happen to be part of one of the most unusual denominations when it comes to how we operate. Many of us come to the UCC from different denominations and faiths. That diversity only has the opportunity to enrich our dialogue. The options open to us as we enter this new year – and as we enter each day personally and as a congregation – are exciting and faith-challenging.
It was a most enjoyable evening - and there was plenty of delicious food.
If you would like to learn more, check out this "short course" on the UCC website.
Susie about The Second's Organization Pieces of the Maine
Conference, UCC
Christmas Pageant 12/19: Have you ever wished you could have been part of the first Christmas, on that starry night in Bethlehem so long ago? The congregation worshipping at Second Congregational Church in Newcastle last Sunday felt as though they were. Talented narrators Ted Clapp and Eli Daiute guided their listeners through the miracle of Christmas, weaving in scripture readings by Carole Blanton and a host of Christmas music under the leadership of Jane Wilmot, Minister of Music. Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, played by Hannah, Josh, and Mischa Miller, entered the scene following their 2-year-old daughter Addie, dressed as a Christmas angel carrying a shining light to guide the way.
The church’s two choirs served as the heavenly host, setting the stage with a prelude by the bell choir and the spirited singing of the gospel anthem, Jesus What a Wonderful Child, by the Chancel Choir. As the service unfolded, every member of the congregation was given something extra to wear…a crown, a shepherd’s staff, or a scarf or headpiece representing the townspeople of both Bethlehem and Newcastle. The blending of a hundred or more voices in all of the familiar carols resounded, while one by one, members of the congregation came forward to join the manger scene. For those present in the sanctuary that morning, time slipped away and the birth of baby Jesus happened anew. ... Laurie Chandler
Some photos from the service are available here, with thanks to John Andrews for beautiful photos taken from the balcony.
Heritage Sunday 11/21: We experienced a taste of congregational worship during Colonial times – standing for prayer, questioning the Preacher, watching out for the proddings of the Tithyingman. Quite a few members of the congregation were dressed appropriately for the era. Fortunately the furnace was not replaced by a small stove.
Fall Church Cleanup A Snap: Thanks to a good turnout of strong spirits and arms and legs and backs, the outside of the church was spruced up in a couple of hours. Then the customary donuts/coffee/cider finished the job!
Thanks-Giving Youth Fundraiser 11/6: Over 60 members and friends enjoyed a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings to raise money for the Youth Group's support of Heifer International. We were hoping to feed more people and consequently be more able to support Heifer – and still raised over $400 for the project. Food was abundant and delicious (thank you, Bill Howlett and all sous-chefs), and our youth (and some sainted parents) did a wonderful job serving and cleaning up afterwards.
Children's Sunday June 13, 2010: The youth of Second Congregational Church led an inspiring and exciting worship! Many volunteers were recognized including those who taught Sunday School and who staffed the nursery. Our three Seniors graduating local high schools (three different schools!) were recognized by Pam Gormley for the Deacons: Patience Bryant graduated from Lincoln Academy and will go to USM; Alexis Tischbein graduated from Wiscasset High School and will go to Colby College; Katherine Seibel graduated from The Governor's Academy and will go to Trinity College. For larger photos than show below, check out our Picasa photos
Youth 30 Hour Famine: On Saturday, May 1st, Timm Gormley and Griffin Han-Lalime treated downtown shoppers and library patrons to live music to raise awareness about world hunger. Luke Levesque and Alex Welch were helping to spread the word and raise funds for the event, in which youth from four area youth groups will participate together in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine on May 7 and 8. Our youth will tell the congregation about the event during worship on Sunday May 9th.
The paper chain visible in the photos was made by our students during the last famine and represents the 1,208 children under the age of 5 who died each hour from hunger, disease, and related causes in 2007. Thankfully, this number is now lower. Many thanks to Pam and Mal Gormley for help and hospitality at the Skidompha Library and to Susan and Austin Levesque for stretching out our huge chain. Many members of the community and our church family stopped by to visit, learn more about hunger, contribute to the cause, and, of course, to enjoy the music.
We are encouraging our congregation to join in the experience of hunger by not eating breakfast on Sunday morning, May 9th. During coffee hour, the youth group will provide samples of a recipe from World Vision similar to Plumpy'nut, a vitamin-fortified product high in calories and nutrients, to allow anyone interested to taste and experience "emergency nutrition".
Bill Walsh talked about the Open and Affirming Process ("ONA") during lunch on 4/11: About 55 friends and members stayed after church to learn a bit about the "Open and Affirming" process (called ONA for short) in the UCC church. Many were stunned to learn that the original resolution regarding ONA from the General Synod is almost 25 years old! Pam Gormley, chair of the Deacons, and Mary Bausch, Moderator of the church, emphasized that this presentation is a first step, and the primary objective is to let everyone be heard and differences of opinion be respected as we learn together what this is about and how we at Second Congregational Church will respond to this opportunity to live our faith. 
Bill Walsh on ONA Some of the 55 Attentive Listeners
GSB School Honor Roll: Quite a few familiar names are on the list just published in the Lincoln County News: Jenny Arter, Channing Nelson, Eli Ganem, Alexandra Welch, Elizabeth Seibel, Eli Daiute. Congratulations to all! And sincere apologies if we omitted anyone!!
Youth Group to Boston 3/27-28:
Five members of our youth group – Eli Daiute, Israel Daiute, Luke Levesque, Billy Seaman, and Alex Welch – and leaders Laurie Chandler and Hannah McGhee, traveled to greater Boston this past Palm Sunday weekend. This epic journey began with a drive to the end of the Blue Line of the T, where we all enjoyed the excitement of riding the T to Quincy Market. Quincy Market's historic architecture, live entertainment, and variety of shops and eateries kept us busy eating and shopping until early afternoon.
The ever popular New England Aquarium was our next stop and stop we did, waiting in a huge line for our tickets. With tickets in hand at last, we explored the aquarium and watched The Ultimate Wave: Tahiti, in 3D at the aquarium's IMAX theater. Topping the list of favorites at the aquarium were the seals, ananconda, penguins, and giant central tank with tropical Atlantic fishes and sea turtles.
Back on the T to our cars, then a short drive took us to lovely First Church in Swampscott, MA, where we were welcomed with open arms. Many thanks to the Howletts for introducing us to First Church through their daughter Cynthia and her family, who are members there. Sharon, Janet, Mike, and the many youth group members treated us to a delicious dinner of calzone and salad, followed by an evening of games and sharing.
The hospitality of the folks at First Church was amazing and they thought of all the little details to make our stay comfortable. Sunday morning the "girls" got up early and ventured down to the beach, where the boardwalk actually crosses the town line into nearby Lynn. An elegant neighborhood and a lovely church to call home for a night! Then we all sat down to a scrumptious pancake breakfast before attending Palm Sunday worship. After coffee hour, there was time for a few more games of ping pong and air hockey, then we headed for home by way of Applebee's. The youth group wishes to thank all of their friends at Second Congregational for supporting the Midwinter Supper that helped pay for our adventure.
Some photos of our adventure can be seen in the slideshow below - or for larger images with captions click here. Enjoy!
Second Congregational's first-ever Jazz Sunday had us rocking on March 21st! The Lincoln Academy Jazz Ensemble filled the choir loft and provided music for our worship service. Ruth Monsell joined them for the anthem to sing Duke Ellington's Come Sunday. The young musicians brought much joy and energy to our worship. Then on Thursday they head off for New York City to be part of "Music Festivals 2010" with groups from other schools.
LA Jazz Ensemble During Worship Ruth Monsell "Come Sunday"
OLDER NEWS (jump to Events)(jump to Top)
Advent Family Craft Workshop & Pot Luck Supper Sunday 12/6/09: This was fun for everyone in the family. The craft workshop began at 3:00 p.m. with activities that ranged from wreath making to popcorn strings to wood working to Christmas ornaments to ... there was just too much to list! Following the workshop, we enjoyed a pot luck supper that gave us a chance to visit with old friends and make new ones. Huge Thanks to everyone who participated, and especially to those who provided projects and materials and hands-on instruction. You can get a sense of what went on by clicking on the slide show below. Or you can view the album online with larger images and captions here.
Fall Cleanup Work Session: On Saturday 11/14/2009 the Holy Cleaners worked wonders on the grounds of Second Congregational Church. There was a brief pause in the action for the photo op below, then purposeful pandemonium resumed.
Left to right in the photo below: Barb Howlett, Bill Howlett (behind shovel), Andy Gockel, Ken Dale, Mary Bausch, John Merrill, John Janell, Brad Craig, Larry Townley (and his leaf blower), Susan and David Levesque, Wilt Jones, Peter Tischbein
2009 Fall Cleanup Crew Stewardship Moments 11/1/2009: Betty Johnson shared some of her history with Second Congregational Church and created a bridge between our rich past and our exciting future. Then following worship, we worked/played together forming words, echoing this year's stewardship theme of hearing and doing the word.
Mission Sunday 10/25/2009: Terri Taylor welcomed friends representing 29 organizations which serve others on our behalf. Our missions giving this year supported these groups and their good works to the tune of $26,000. We all should give thanks for this opportunity to help those in need, and keep open our hearts and minds to help others throughout the year. More information is available on the Mission Outreach page.
Representatives of the 29 Organizations Supported by Second Congregational's Missions Gifts in 2009. (J. Andrews photo)
Community Ribs Barbecue Dinner on 8/29/2009: People looking forward to a delicious meal of BBQ ribs with all the trimmings had to be patient and determined – a fire incident at the Publick House caused the streets to be closed to non-emergency vehicles until just before 6p.m.. Despite the delayed access and wretched blowing rain, nearly 80 meals were served. Medals for valor and dedication should be given to the outdoor grill chefs, Phil and Clayton, and to all who worked to make this event a success. Kudos to Bill Howlett and Ken Dale for orchestrating the event. Community Chicken Barbecue Dinner on 8/1: Blessed by enthusiastic volunteers and a beautiful summer evening, we served over 140 chicken barbecue dinners to appreciative guests. It was obvious that the meal was delicious and well received. There is even a chance that some money was raised towards targets in the budget for community dinners. Huge thanks to all who helped!
What an evening for a community dinner!
Cooks Working Yummy Dessert This Is Working?
"Our Life Together" All-Church Event Friday evening & Saturday morning, February 6-7, 2009: Over 80 people in our church family participated in this event. We began with a pot luck supper Friday night, after which we celebrated our lives together at Second Congregational Church including a 10-minute slide show of the church from 1855 up to the present.
Darren Morgan, of the Maine Conference of the UCC, served as faciltator for this event. He gave us our marching orders after explaining what we were going to do. We adjourned to the Sanctuary and wrestled with which words describing our church fit various categories – and which categories were most important. We could not settle on only one, or only two — we needed three categories: Worship and Music, Congregational Life, and Mission/Outreach. The photo below gives a sense of the results of our efforts. Education was another category that unfor-tunately is not shown below for technical photo reasons (webmaster ineptitude).
Saturday morning we returned for a light breakfast prepared by Bill Howlett, when we discovered that our church had been destroyed by Hurricane Zeus. Armed with knowledge that we had some proceeds from insurance and a 3-year pledge of support from the Maine Conference of the UCC, we divided into five small groups to grapple with how we would rise again and build on our strengths and improve any and all aspects of our ministry and facilities. We worked in our groups for over an hour, then came together in the Sanctuary to share what each group had experienced. Darren helped tie things together, and we left excited about where we are and where we might choose to go — and thankful that we have not suffered the ravages of Hurricane Zeus.
This event evolved from the work of our long range and strategic planning groups, and was a wonderful chance for all voices to be heard. Thanks to Herb McKinney and the committee for putting this together! A few photos from the event will play in a slideshow above. Or you can see larger photos with captions here.