The Benefits of Worship from Home:

1. You can wear your pajamas.

2. No parking hassles.

3. You can eat and drink in your "pew."

4. You can MUTE the pastor.

The M e s s e n g e r 2020First Parish Congregational Church United Church of ChristThe Church with Love and Hope to Share Saco, Maine

Sunday, Aril 5th

Worship at 8:00 am & 10:00 amPalm/ Passion Sunday

Friday April 10th

Good Friday

Thursday April 9th

7:00 pm Worship for Maundy Thursday

April 12st

Easter SundayEaster Sunday Worship 10:00 am

Scott Cousineau Senior Minister scott.cousineau@firstparishsaco.org

Kristine Galasyn, Director of Christian Education kris@firstparishsaco.org

Jacqueline Savage, Music Director jacqui@firstparishsaco.org

Nadeen DeSilva, Office Manager office@firstparishsaco.org

12 Beach Street, Saco Maine 04072 207-283-3771 www.firstparishsaco.org

Please Note: As of our publication date, all Holy Week services will be offered online only. Please watch the church website https://www.firstparishsaco.org/

or our Facebook page for any updates.

Pastor Scott’s Message…

“For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither

angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of

hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below — indeed, nothing

in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our

Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Nothing spreads faster than fear. Fear stresses our bodies … our hearts and our souls. Fear

stresses our relationships and our communities. But only if we allow that to happen.

This is an unprecedented event. We do not have training for this. There is not seminary

course in global pandemics. (Although, there will be now.) We do not have a wealth of shared experience

to guide us. We are learning as we go.

We will do this together. We will follow guidelines that will ensure our health and safety. We may have

to make short-term sacrifices to ensure long-term success. We will resist fear by following the facts. We

will resist panic by following recommended precautions.

Health officials around the world recommend that we practice social distancing in order

to “flatten the curve” … to curb transmission. And it has been successful. We will begin that practice as

well. However, I prefer to call it PHYSICAL distancing.

During this time, we NEED social closeness. We NEED connection and community. We

NEED care and compassion.

During this time, we can use technology and social media for the best possible purposes

… to remain connected to one another. During this time, those who are already in danger of social

isolation may experience social abandonment. We need to follow precautions AND we also must find

safe ways to connect with our neighbors.

During this time, ministry will look and feel different, but we must continue to serve our

neighbors.

During this time of stress and anxiety, we can share the gift of peace.

During this time of fear, we can offer the gift of love.

During this time of hoarding, we can share the gift of generosity.

In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, he wrote that “nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate

us from the love of God that is revealed in Jesus.” I would add to that, “Nothing in all creation will ever

be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in one another.”

Giving to the Church and Social Distancing

During this unprecedented time, we cannot physically gather together with

our families and friends. We cannot gather for worship or coffee hour. We miss one

another dearly and we look forward to that time when we can worship and celebrate

together!

In the meantime, many of you have asked how you can give and support the

church. If you are able, there are three ways that you can send your pledges and

offerings:

First, you can mail checks to the church, 12 Beach Street. Please know that

they may not get processed right away, since our counters are also practicing physical

distancing.

Second, there is an offering function on the church website. On the front

page click on the “Offering & Services,” and then on the “Online Offering” button. You

can then fill out the secure form to make your donation or offering.

Third, you can sign up for e-giving through your bank. There is a simple

form that you complete, and your offering or pledge will be made electronically directly

from your bank. The e-giving form is attached to this edition of the Messenger, or you

can find it on the church website.

We appreciate all of your support during this unusual and difficult time. We

know that many people in our community are struggling financially. If you are unable to

pay your pledge at this time, please know that we understand. Please do not be

embarrassed by your circumstances. You are not alone.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties and could use some help or

support from your church family, please let us know. We have the Discretionary Fund

available to offer assistance, and all disbursements are confidential. Please call. That is

what families do, we help one another.

We will get through this. May God bless you all.

Grace and Peace,

Scott

First Parish Congregational Church

Authorization Agreement for Direct Payments (ACH Debits)

To: First Parish Congregational Church

I (we) hereby authorize First Parish Congregational Church to initiate debit entries to my (our)

account indicated below at the financial institution named below.

I (we) acknowledge that the origination of Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions to

my (our) account must comply with the provisions of U.S. law.

My Bank Information: (please print clearly)

Bank Name: ___________________________________________________________Branch__________

Bank Address: _________________________________________________________________________

City: __________________________________________State_________________Zip_______________

Bank Routing Number: _______________________________Bank Account Number: ________________

Type of Account: Checking Account Savings Account

Name(s) on Account____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Amount of Debit: $______________ Frequency of Debit Bi-weekly (Fridays) Monthly (15th)

Authorization

This authorization is to remain in full force and effect until First Parish Congregational Church has received written

notification from me (or either of us) of its termination in such time and in such manner as to afford First Parish

Congregational Church reasonable opportunity to act on it.

By signing below, the account owner(s) acknowledge that he/she understands any charges assessed by the financial

institution listed above for insufficient funds as a result of this debit authorization, are the sole responsibility of the

owner and not First Parish Congregational Church.

Date: _____________________________Email Address: _______________________________________

Printed Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________

Please attach a copy of a voided check to this form if applicable.

Spring has finally sprung and with it comes “new life”.

New life in Jesus, in us and in our church. This year it might look a

little different with the social distancing but Spring is still

happening and so will Easter. At this time we are not sure how that is

going to look exactly but we will get the word out when we do know.

We are working on a creative way for our children’s Easter Egg Hunt. We will let you

know.

Since schools are closed through April vacation, and not due to open until April 27, it

seems necessary to follow their lead. At this time Church school classes will be

suspended until after April vacation.

Jesus says: “Let the little

children come to me” -Matthew 19:14

Helping Lisa in the Nursery for the month of March was:

1st Mary Coyne

8th Abbie Henry

15th Aldene Walters

First Parish Christian Education Team appreciates your time. Thank you

Thank you to our Acolytes for the month of March

1st Johanna Fitzgerald

8th Alex Savage

15th Connor Remillard

To all our youth and chaperones that were planning to attend National Youth

Event 2020 at Purdue University, I received this notice. If you already have a

packet with forms and information, please hold onto it for now. Thank you.

""""""Due to recent CDC protocols regarding COVID-19, registration for

NYE2020 has been suspended indefinitely. All paid registrations will be refunded.”"""

Stay home, Stay well,

Kris

Pilgrim Lodge Sunday will not be taking place this year but we invite everyone to register for a camping

experience. Registration is available NOW. If in the event that Pilgrim Lodge camping season will not take

place this summer, full refunds will be granted. Campership applications will be on the website soon. One will

also be included in this newsletter and can be filled out and mailed to the church office. Please fill out a form for

every camping experience. Thank you. Below is a letter that was recently sent out by our new camping director,

Jen Paty

Pilgrim Lodge Camp Family,

Hi, Jennifer (Jen) here, I am your new settled director for Pilgrim Lodge.

I am writing in response to the news cycle, the CDC warnings and the public address from Governor Janet

Mills, concerning the COVID 19 virus and how Pilgrim Lodge continues to be proactive in preparing Camp for

the 2020 season.

The most important thing I can share with you is a reminder. Pilgrim Lodge is in the business of keeping

Campers safe and healthy in a close community. We continue to take great care to develop and maintain

medical practices to address a variety of communicable diseases, both common and rare. Because we already

have stringent state regulated practices in place and because we study and drill those practices, we have been

able to stay ahead of these new concerns. We have been able to immediately implement best

practices suggestions from the Maine CDC, American Camper Association and our Professional Health

Advisers.

The beginning of Camp season is almost 3 months away. With the exception of myself and Karen and

John Steelhammer, Pilgrim Lodge is empty and just waking up from its winter sleep. We are practicing all the

best practice advice for the prevention of COVID-19. We are washing our hands, keeping our distance, keeping

our hands below our shoulders and away from our face and wiping down surfaces with sanitizer.

Today at PL, the Coronavirus poses no immediate threat. Every day we watch, listen and review our procedures,

staff requirements and supplies needed to insure we implement any and all additional precautions

and procedures to our already excellent health protocol.

I am working closely with our excellent staff, volunteers, summer staff and of course the Pilgrim Lodge

Leadership Team to be ready, willing and able to do that which is necessary to insure our Campers a safe,

healthy and happy season.

We do not know what the future holds for the Summer Camp Season; however, we continue to create, prepare,

screen and organize your favorite camp week in preparation for opening PL for the 2020 season. As things

change, we will do our best to update you on new information specific to COVID-19and CAMP.

We know that it’s a stressful time in all our lives. The PL Team is working to put together helpful resources, fun

ideas, music singalongs, storytelling times and even art projects to share while we watch and wait. Coming

soon ….. “PL Camp Sunday” on Facebook and Instagram

Getting Ready for Pilgrim Lodge Camp Season 2020.

Jennifer L Paty (Jen)

Director Pilgrim Lodge

TWO LOCAL MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

Did you know that 1 in 5 children in Maine are food insecure? You can help! In April, (if our

church and local schools are open) the Mission Team will be having a food drive to

support Youth Full Maine. Please fill the Youth Full Maine shopping cart with these items:

macaroni and cheese,

Chef Boyardee pop top cans,

chicken noodle or beef/vegetable soups,

granola bars,

canned beans,

canned pasta sauce,

pasta,

canned chicken/tuna

peanut butter,

small boxes of cereal/oatmeal packets,

rice.

Youth Full Maine (YFM) is a non-profit organization that provides food to children and their

families who are food insecure. YFM manages food pantries in pre-K through 12th grade

schools, and regularly distributes fresh produce at schools, neighborhood sites, and summer

lunch program sites.

All food is available for children or their guardians to take home for the evenings, weekends,

and school breaks. Seventy-five percent of the food YFM provides is donated from business

and individual food drives, community food pantries, and produce from local farms and

markets.

Youth Full Maine partners with Good Shepherd Food Bank to access more donated and

discounted dry goods and local produce. Volunteers provide the majority of the labor for

program operations. Volunteers act as liaisons to the active schools with pantries, pick up and

deliver food, help distribute food among students at produce distribution sites, serve on the

board and board committees, and more.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Katie Brown at info@youthfullme.org, or call

(207) 391-0185. To give a monetary donation, make the check out to Youth Full Maine, and

send it to: Youth Full Maine/ P.O. Box 745 / Biddeford, ME 04005.

Changes in Mission Outreach

As many of you know, First Parish has been providing volunteers to prepare breakfast for seniors at the Paul Hazleton residence here in Saco for several years. The meal supplies come from a United Way grant but the hands that cook and serve come from our own congregation! The meals prepared by First Parish are every other month on the third Saturday of the month.

In addition, First Parish has been preparing potluck dinners for veterans in two local transitional housing programs, Huot House in Saco and Veterans Career House in Biddeford. These dinners have been occurring every 3-4 months for about the past two years.

Both of these services have been received by the residents with thanks as those who participate from First Parish can attest.

Due to the current coronavirus epidemic, however, both of these ministry efforts must be placed on hold. Volunteers of America Northern New England, which run these residential programs, would like to extend grateful thanks for your willingness to become involved in this local outreach of concern and compassion.

Submitted by Thom Kircher

Submitted by Lisa Edstrom

Deacons’ Corner

DEACONS’ CORNER As we head slowly and optimistically into spring and a return to

“normal,” your diaconate is looking forward to welcoming new members and to

continuing our service to Pastor Scott in his loving and inspiring ministry.

As most of you know, one of our roles as deacons is assisting in the serving of

communion. We prepare the elements in the sacristy (a room set aside for our use in the

lower level), deliver them to the congregation at the direction of the pastor, and then

clean the communion vessels so they are ready for next time. You may be wondering

why we occasionally use the INTINCTION method, whereby members of the

congregation come forward to receive the elements from the pastor and a few deacons.

When our church was being rebuilt after the fire, the congregation faithfully worshiped

at Thornton Academy for over four years. Intinction was the only practical method of

sharing communion at that venue, and so we traditionally use that method on the first

Sunday in December, to commemorate the long-awaited first worship service in our

new building, when members of the congregation walked from Thornton to First Parish,

cheered on by many residents of Saco and members of other churches!

Sometimes circumstances suggest that we use intinction on other occasions. Recent

example: the first Sunday of February when most of the female deacons were away at

the Women’s Spiritual Retreat and there weren’t sufficient deacons to serve communion

in the customary way. But when we do use intinction, be assured we always have a

deacon on standby to directly serve communion to those unable to come forward.

We are happy and blessed to be able to share this sacred time with all of our members

and friends, in whichever way is best.

Thanks and blessings, Dan Carter and Nadine Russell,

Co-chairs

Hello First Parish. As you know, in the past, May has brought the start of our Team Events Season. The first event of the year is the Memorial Day on May 25th. Our team invites you to put this date on your calendar and plan to march with us at this year's Memorial Day Parade. We invite YOU and your family to join the parade as emissaries for Jesus and First Parish Church. It is a way that you can actively participate in the vitality of our church and to spread the Good News to our community. A robust and enthusiastic group of marchers tells the community we are vital. Last year we had a wonderful and enthusiastic group from our church. Let's continue fulfilling our destiny as Christians and spread the "Good News".

In June, we are planning to continue our Water and Watermelon give away at the Saco Main Street Art Festival. For the past five years, we have been spreading The Good News by giving bottles of water and slices of watermelon to all the vendors and attendees at this busy and fun Event. this month, we will be signing up people to join us dates and times will be announced.

I am also going to borrow a page out of dear friend's play book here. Be the first to come to me with the

secret word "vital" and I will have something special for you. Now on to other business.

Good News Team

This year we are planning two special events for our church. A concert celebrating the Beach Boys on Tuesday June 30th. There will be announces and opportunities to sign up soon.

Plus on August 23rd we will be going out the Sea Dogs Ball Park again. Last year we had a large group from First Parish enjoyed a sumptuous meal in their Picnic Pavilion. We also got to watch Revered Scott throw one of the first pitches (If you were there you know what I am talking about)! Also Robert Guptill sang the National Anthem and Peter Gray sang God Bless America...They were both Outstanding. Who knows maybe this year they will sing again. We will be making announcements about sign-up soon for this event as well.

First Parish Group at last years Beatles Concert

The Good News Team has a lot of fun planning these events and would like to invite you to be part of our Team. If you have IT experience or just like fun we are a great team to join.

Rick Campbell GNT

Prayer Shawl MinistryThank You Notes

Submitted byEJ Jackson

Flower and Altar

Due to the uncertainty of when we will be able to gather at First Parish for services, the Flower &

Altar Team has decided to not take further orders for Easter. If you have ordered flowers for

Easter, a member of the Flower & Altar Team will contact you regarding reimbursement.

We plan to continue to have flowers for the altar even though parishioner’s will be watching the

service online. If you have signed up to provide Sunday flowers, a member of Flower & Altar will

contact you to determine if you still want to provide flowers for that date or would prefer to cancel

or postpone to another date.

Thank you for your understanding during these unchartered and challenging times. If you have

questions for Flower & Altar, please don’t hesitate to contact Patrice at 207-590-1109.

Patrice Tripp & Marcia Lord, Co Chairs

Palm SundayThe large palms gracing our Sanctuary today are given in memory

of Tracy Lynn Richard by her parents Mike and Deb Richard

Book Club Every 4th Tuesday of the Month

6:30 pm in the Parlor

Tuesday, April 28 Where the Crawdads Singby Delia Owens

Tuesday, May 26The Things We Cannot Say

by Kelly Rimmer

Tuesday, June 23 Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End

by Atul Gawande

Tuesday, June 28 American Savior: A Novel of Divine Politics

by Roland Merullo

Tuesday, Sept. 22 The Nickel Boysby Colson Whitehead

Here are some photos from the Backpacks and Costumes we sent to

Makengo’s daughter’s church.

Mission Team bought 10 backpacks and Christian Education donated 10

Christmas pageant costumes.

2020Bean Suppah Dates

Please check with the church before coming to the April Suppah

First Parish Congregational Church12 Beach Street, Saco

(Corner of Beach and Main St.)Time 5:00 – 6:30 pm

$8.00 for Adults$4.00 for Children ages (6-12)

Children under 6 years old are freeMenu:

Pea BeansKidney Beans

Hot DogsMacaroni & Cheese

Brown Bread/Dinner RollsColeslawDeserts

BeveragesVolunteers Wanted

We are looking for volunteers to helpwith the Bean Suppers.

Please sign up on the sign up sheet outside the office door.

April 11May 9June 13July 11Aug 8Sept 12Oct 10Nov 14

Next Beach and Main Street Coffee House

June 27 at 6:00 PM

“This To Shall Pass” Choir

If the video doesn’t load for you please click here

The MessengerFirst Parish Congregational Church 12 Beach StreetSaco, ME 04072

If you’d like to make an offering or a donation to

First Parish Church Saco Please go to

https://www.firstparishsaco.org/Offering

Or you can find the link on our website at www.firstparishsaco.org

For ongoing updates and information please go to our Facebook Page

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