February 1, 2012

Old South News & Notes
Church Website: www.oldsouthcongregational.org
Email: oldsouth@gwi.net
Phone: (207) 622-1220

The Rev. Susan M. Reisert, Minister (home phone: (207) 877-8489; smreiser@colby.edu)
Ms. Bunny Stanley, Music Director
Ms. Christine Bartlett, Administrative Assistant
Ms. Sara Brobst, Christian Education Director

Meetings and Events

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesday, 9:00 – 1:00; Wednesday, 9:00 – 11:45; and, Thursday, 9:00 - 1:00. 

PASTOR'S OFFICE HOURS

Thursday, 10:00 – 1:00; Tuesday, 9:00 - Noon..

THE THINKING SPOT

Here are some of the points that I made in last Sunday’s Stewardship sermon, reasons why you should “Count Yourself Blessed”!

1. It is a blessing that the Holy Spirit has led us to follow a congregational path, where we are all called to be ministers. And, even more than that, that we have been led to be, though in covenant with other churches, we are independent. No bishop has instructed me on what to say today; we are not beholden to an authority structure that exists outside of this body. We are the church.

2. It is a blessing that we gather in a church where we discover and are led to experience the abundant and unconditional love of God. If you have experienced a terrible calamity, if you are experiencing disease or a terrible sadness, if life hasn’t gone the way you imagined, you won’t find in this church accusation or a suggestion that you think about or reflect on what you might have done wrong in your life. We don’t believe that God works that way. We don’t believe that God punishes us for misdeeds, but rather journeys with us, celebrating with us when we experience life’s joys, and supporting and encouraging us when life’s challenges come our way.

3. It is a blessing that we gather in a church that does not place judgment on sexual orientation. If you are a homosexual or a transgendered person, or if you have a relative or friend who is homosexual or transgendered, you will not find in this church the instruction that God doesn’t fully love you or your relative or friend, at least not until they reject that part of themselves. It is a blessing that we gather in a church where truly all are welcome and that all are encouraged to accept the invitation of the fullness of life, and the love of God, that are found in that connection to our Savior

4. It is a blessing that we gather in a church where women are invited as full participants.

5. It is a blessing that we gather in a church that does not judge us by the kind of job we have or the income we receive, or by how old we are, or how young, or in the middle, or how big or small we are, or our favorite football team. It is a blessing that we find welcome here, and place of refuge from the judgments of the world, a place of sanctuary from the destructive attitudes that the world offers.

6. It is a blessing that we gather in this church, where we are called and invited to engage in some pretty ridiculous and crazy things, like: bless those who curse you and pray for those who abuse you. Love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Do not judge, but instead, forgive. These crazy, ridiculous things are blessings not just for us, but for those whom we encounter, that we are not to live out our faith just here, in this place, but in our lives, finding renewal here, each Sunday, for our work of witness out there during the week. It is a blessing that we are called to live in the wonder of God’s love for us and for each and every person.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

IT’S STEWARDSHIP TIME!

Stewardship letters, along with pledge cards, were mailed out a week and a half ago. If you haven’t returned your pledge card, please mail it to the office, or put it in the offering plate on Sunday.

SARA BROBST RESIGNATION

We are all very sad that our Christian Education Director, Sara Brobst, has had to resign from her post, effective March 4, 2012. Many thanks, Sara, for all that you’ve done and we look forward to celebrating with you during your last weeks with us.

CHURCH CLOSING/CANCELLATION OF WORSHIP

It’s rare that we feel the need to cancel worship, but this past Sunday was one of them.

In the event of a cancellation, we try to get the word out in several different ways:

1. Phone tree. The Deacons keep a phone tree, which is up-dated annually.
2. E-mail to those on the News&Notes list.
3. Notice sent to WGME television and WCSH.
4. Facebook page.

Please make note of these.

Bible Bunch

The Bible Bunch meets on Wednesdays, at Noon, at South Parish in Augusta. The meetings last about an hour.

Bring your lunch and a Bible. Come join us!

CARDS and NOTES

The following people would appreciate hearing from you:

Lorraine Stiles
Sandy River Center
119 Livermore Falls Rd.
Farmington, Me. 04938

(Do you know someone else who appreciate a card? Let me know!)

DEACON'S FUND

The Diaconate has provided envelopes in the pews for your contribution to the Diaconate Fund.  The fund is used to assist those in financial emergencies and to support a number of local, not-for-profit organizations throughout the year. Monies raised through February will go to Hannaford gift cards.

OLD SOUTH CHURCH SLATES FOR SALE

We still have slates available for sale. The slates are from the roof of the Old South Church that over the years have fallen off. They now have a picture of the beautiful Old South Church printed on them. They are a remarkable piece of art and memorabilia from one of Maine's historical churches which dates back to 1790. Please speak to Cornell Knight if you are interested.

A Funny

A young man was very excited because he just won a ticket to the Super Bowl. His excitement lessened as he realized his seat was in the back of the stadium. As he searched the rows ahead of him for a better seat, he found an empty one right next to the field. He approached the man sitting next to the empty seat and asked if it was taken. The man replied, "No." Amazed the young man asked, "How could someone pass up a seat like this?" The older gentleman responded, "That's my wife's seat. We've been to every Super Bowl together since the day we were married but she has passed away." "Oh, how sad," the man said. "I'm sorry to hear that, but couldn't you find a friend or relative to come with you?" "No," the man said, "They're all at the funeral."