First Parish Church Congregational located in downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea on the Village Green. Missions

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1 First Parish Church Congregational located in downtown Manchester-by-the-Sea on the Village Green Missions April 2012 Church Bell The Newsletter of the First Parish Church Congregational Joe Brideau, was recently honored for all his years of service coordinating First Parish Church serving The Open Door. This beautiful cake was made by FPC member Barbara Smith, Silver Cloud Cakes, and was enjoyed by many attending the Birthday Bash on March 4. On Sunday May 6 at 5:00 p.m., the Missions Committee will sponsor a benefit performance at the First Parish Church on behalf of the Grace Center. The Grace Center is sponsored by the Cape Ann Interfaith Commission. Its mission is to operate a day resource center in our community for adults in crises. The Grace Center provides a safe and warm place for adults who have nowhere to go during the day. It also serves those adults dealing with poverty and a lack of basic needs. The performance will be made up of New York Jazz featuring vocalist Rebecca Shrimpton and pianist Bonnie MacLeod, Latin featuring the Willie Sordillo Quartet, and Dixieland featuring the Henri Smith Trio. Tickets will go on sale very soon. Please consider joining us for a very worthwhile and entertaining evening. Contributions were made to Haven From Hunger, Hospice of the North Shore, the Manchester Fund to Prevent Homelessness, and the Salvation Army.

2 PAGE 2 CHURCH BELL Christian Education Director Priscilla Duda APRIL 2012 Harambe Let us all pull together Kenya s National Motto is the theme for the month of April in the Sunday school. On April 29 th we will be having the Heifer International Talent show and luncheon following the service in the Chapel and hope to raise a significant amount of money to donate to Heifer International. Heifer International has a unique approach to ending hunger and poverty. Since 1944 Heifer has provided food and income producing animals to millions of resource poor families in 125 countries. Heifer international provides training in the care of the animals and environment which results in 1 simple gift benefiting those receiving the gift for many years to come. Heifers pass on the gift is a commitment by the receiving family to share one or more of the animal s offspring to other families in need. First Parish Sunday school has set a goal of raising enough money to purchase one Cow! One dairy cow can give up to four gallons of milk per day! That milk can be used to make cheese, butter, yogurt and the extra milk can be sold. Cows provide manure which enriches the soil and they can be used to pull heavy plows or loads. A cow will reproduce once a year which during its lifetime will provide several offspring for other neighbors. We can purchase a cow for Heifer International for $ we hope that everyone will help us to achieve this goal. We will then follow our purchase and see how many we were able to impact with this 1 simple act what better way to help teach children how everyone can help. Mother Theresa is quoted as saying We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love how right she was! Please save the date April 29 th to join us in working to reach our goal! This month schedule is: 4/1/12 no SS Palm Sunday families in worship Sunday school will be singing 4/8/12 no SS Easter Sunday families with bellies full of chocolate bunnies in worship 4/15/12 no SS April vacation 4/22/12 One room schoolhouse - The Synagogue and the Upper Room 4/29/12 Good Shepherd /World Communion (PreK) the Circle of the Holy Eucharist (K-5) Happy Spring! Priscilla Duda CE Director First Parish Church

3 The youth from Sunday school pose for a photo while waiting for the March 25th Communion service to end.

4 PAGE 4 CHURCH BELL APRIL 2012 Faith Formation Dr. Judy Haley Thanks to Jared Hamilton for an insightful look at dual (at least) narratives of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. He recommends these follow-up resources: Aziz Abu Sarah National Geographic Live! ( Rabbi Michael Lerner Embracing Israel/Palestine (Progressive, frames conflict through PTSD); Mark Braverman Fatal Embrace (Progressive, speaks to Christian atonement for centuries of anti-semitism and its role in the support of Israel); and Sandy Tolan The Lemon Tree (A story of a friendship between a Palestinian and an Israeli). April 15 with Jason Smith The Bible is filled with accounts of individuals who are given spiritual guidance through their dreams. This function of dreaming is still possible for us today, according to C.G. Jung who stated that all dreams reveal spiritual experiences. In this interactive talk, we will examine some of the accounts of dreams that appear in the Bible and discuss the role of dreams and dreaming in the Judeo-Christian tradition. We will also learn some basic dream interpretation techniques so that we can begin to hear in our own dreams what Jungian Analyst John Sanford calls God s forgotten language. First Parish Church Retreat Taking Time to Smell the Apple Blossoms The orchard country of Harvard, Mass., is the site for our all-church retreat May 4-6. Singing, resting, walking, talking, eating, creating, laughing, learning, and praying are all part of the process of restoration and renewal. For information and registration, contact Jan Marshall, Linda Palmstrom, or Judy Haley. Growing Together Thursdays at 7:30 April 12 and 26 Friday Bible Study Fridays at 4:00 April 13 and 27 Care Team Have you shared the experience? Our Care Team provides meals, rides, & visits to sustain families in our Church Community through times of illness and loss. If you would like to become involved with this wonderful support system please call; Sheila Kafer , smkafer@comcast.net Or Janet Groth at , janbythesea244@gmail.com

5 Lenten Drama March 18th First Parish Church, Congregational 1 Chapel Lane, P.O. Box 187 Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA Phone: Ext. 1 Website office.fpchurch@verizon.net Facebook

6 Board of Trustees This is the first in a series of articles from the Board of Trustees that are intended to keep our Congregation informed about the financial, capital and budgetary operations of our church. Below is a chart that compares the actual income and expenses for 2011 with those budgeted for The projected deficit for 2012 of almost $22k will come from the endowment fund. Although total pledges increased in 2012, income is projected to decline because the spring fundraiser that generated over $7k and the year end special appeal that raised over $5k are not scheduled for Also in 2011 there was a dividend increase of over $7k that is not projected for The increase in expense is the result of a series of much needed repair projects that will cost over $6k, rising insurance costs and the purchase of some tables and chairs. This is the 4 th consecutive year in which salary increases are not being awarded.

7 PAGE 7 CHURCH BELL APRIL 2012 Call for Your Participation As a congregation, we enjoy worshiping together. New members of the church get the suggestion: Worship Plus One. Try to get involved in ONE other activity. You are likely to find it very enjoyable to get to know people and worthwhile to contribute to the life of the congregation. At this time, we are looking ahead to find volunteers to join in supporting some church activities. Working together, you can have a lot of fun, especially if meetings are short and efficient. We all are busy and are organizing church work as efficiently as possible. Here are some things you might like to get involved in: Financial record keeping, counting the offering, helping with accounting. With the Trustees, sharing responsibility for managing our Church property and facilities, such as Church, Chapel and Parsonage. Prepare contracts and agreements with church staff. Prepare and oversee church budget. Fund raising takes inspiration. You can join in envisioning and planning to provide funding for the vitality, benevolence and service of First Parish Church. Missions work can be your special area. Help the committee promote mission work, allocate collected funds, and encourages active participation by members of the congregation. Worship is the responsibility of the Deacons who work with the Pastor. Maybe you would enjoy being part of the support for Sunday morning worship. Music is a joy for the Church Choir who welcomes new singers. Also, you could help with the young people s junior choir. Youth and Children have education and projects is important for our community. Can you help with our Church School or Youth activities? Special events organizing. You would work with others to set up and organize hospitality and meals when needed. This could include fun or educational functions like Soup and Conversation We look forward to working with you through these church activities. Why not get in touch and find out about one of them? Lelly Smith, Chair of the Nominating Committee, <LellySmith@verizon.net> with Martha Gubbins, Penny Lapham, Jen Powers, Ann Ranger

8 Worship Schedule Sunday, April 1 st Palm Sunday Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2; Mark 11:1-11 Sermon: Hosanna! Blessed is the One who Comes! Hymns: Ride On, Ride On in Majesty All Glory, Laud, and Honor All the Hail the Power of Jesus Name Thurs. 21 st Maundy Thursday, Tenebrae of the Lights (traditional) Fri. 22 nd Good Friday [@ Sacred Heart sanctuary] Sunday, April 24 th - Easter Easter Sunrise (6:00 a.m.) Ecumenical Service On Singing Beach Easter Worship (10:00 First Parish Church Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Mark 16:1-8 Sermon: Hymns: Trembling & Bewildered They said Nothing Christ, the Lord is Risen Today I Come to the Garden Alone The Day of Resurrection Sunday, April 15 th Jared Hamilton TBA Sunday, April 22 nd Judy Haley Sermon: What I Do Have Scripture: Luke 24:33-38 Acts 3:1-10 Hymns: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak Won t You Let Me Be Your Servant? Sunday, April 29 th Scripture: Psalm 23 John 10:11-18 Sermon: Hymns: The Shepherd King Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us Christ is Made the Sure Foundation

9 Daily Lectionary Sun., Apr.1 Sixth Sunday in Lent (Palm/Passion Sunday) Palms: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29, Mark 11:1-11 or John 12:12-16 Passion: Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11, Mark 14:1 15:47 or Mark 15:1-39 [40-47] Mon., Apr. 2 Monday of Holy Week -Isaiah 42:1-9, Psalm 36:5-11, Hebrews 9:11-15 John 12:1-1 Tues., Apr. 3 Tuesday of Holy Week- Isaiah 49:1-7, Psalm 71:1-14, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 John 12:20-36 Wed., Apr. 4 Wednesday of Holy Week Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 70, Hebrews 12:1-3 John 13:21-32 Thurs., Apr. 5 Maundy Thursday -Exodus 12:1-4 [5-10] 11-14, Psalm 116:1-2, Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Fri., Apr. 6 Good Friday Isaiah 52:13 53:12 Psalm 22 Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1 19:42 Sat., Apr. 7 Holy Saturday Job 14:1-14 or Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24, Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16, 1 Peter 4:1-8 Matthew 27:57-66 or John 19:38-42 Sun., Apr. 8 Easter Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 118:1-2, Corinthians 15:1-11 or Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8 Mon., Apr. 9 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Genesis 1: Corinthians 15:35-49 Tues., Apr. 10 Psalm 118:1-2, Genesis 1:20 2:4a 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Wed., Apr. 11 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24, Song of Solomon 3:1-11 Mark 16:1-8 Thurs., Apr. 12 Psalm 133, Daniel 1:1-21 Acts 2:42-47 Fri., Apr. 13 Psalm 133 Daniel 2:1-23 Acts 4:23-31 Sat., Apr. 14 Psalm 133, Daniel 2:24-49 John 12:44-50 Sun., Apr. 15 Second Sunday of Easter Acts 4:32-35 Psalm John 1:1 2:2 John 20:19-31 Mon., Apr. 16 Psalm 135, Daniel 3: John 2:3-11 Tues., Apr. 17 Psalm 135, Daniel 6: John 2:12-17 Wed., Apr. 18 Psalm 135 Isaiah 26:1-15, Mark 12:18-27 Thurs., Apr. 19 Psalm 4, Daniel 9: John 2:18-25 Fri., Apr. 20 Psalm 4 Daniel 10: John 2:26-28 Sat., Apr. 21 Psalm 4, Acts 3:1-10 Luke 22:24-30 Sun., Apr. 22 Third Sunday of Easter Acts 3:12-19 Psalm 4 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36b-48 Mon., Apr. 23 Psalm 150, Jeremiah 30:1-11a, 1 John 3:10-16 Tues., Apr. 24 Psalm 150 Hosea 5:15 6:6, 2 John 1-6 Wed., Apr. 25 Psalm 150 Proverbs 9:1-6, Mark 16:9-18 Thurs., Apr. 26 Psalm 23 Genesis 30:25-43 Acts 3:17-26 Fri., Apr. 27 Psalm 23, Genesis 46:28 47:6, Acts 4:1-4 Sat., Apr. 28 Psalm 23, Genesis 48:8-19 Mark 6:30-34 Sun., Apr. 29 Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 4:5-12, Psalm 23 1 John 3:16-24 John 10:11-18 Mon., Apr. 30 Psalm 95 1 Samuel 16: Peter 5:1-5

10 Look around...see the beauty in God's world...feel the warmth of the sun; watch the grasses and the woodland plants return to that rich, deep green; the miracle of spring blossoms...deep blues, yellows, pinks and purples; enjoy each day; celebrate new life. Thank you for helping with the Spring Clean-Up of the sanctuary...it's sparkling! Head Deacon: Paul Gudonis Assistant Deacon: Jason Smith In joy and peace, FPC Diaconate Diaconate A Taste of Grace - in appreciation of the FPC cookbook It was November; I bought my cookbooks packaged as a set of 2 tied up in bright red ribbon. I kept one shared the second with my mom, Jane for Christmas. What a gift this cookbook would be...after knowing mom for 62 years (she is 88), I learned that she loves to read cookbooks. Over the holiday, we sat side by side reading it together. I did manage to submit a few family favorites...betsy's Beef Burgundy, a long time tradition at church suppers (First Congregational Church, Ravenna, Ohio) and my grandmothers recipe for Swedish Apple Pie (dad's favorite dessert). As we shared the memories and stories of family times, mom read the entire cookbook. I told her about my church friends as we came to each delicious offering...she has met so many of you during yearly visits to FPC. What special time! The story continues...one Sunday in January, we are talking on the phone... mom says "I was just reading the cookbook again; this recipe and that one sound so good, I'm going to try these soon". Wow! Thanks for inspiring special time with mom...these recipes continue to bring us joy. With love & grace, Linda