Church guide

Dear God... Each day give us the courage and strength to live our lives according to Your will. Amen .

Many thanks for the loving hands that prepared the sumptuous breakfast yesterday in celebration of Father's Day. Wherever two or more are gathered in His name..... Indeed, we celebrate!

Could use some more help at the lobster roll supper today....

Great story in the new Congregationalist-by Rev. Justin Nierer- "Mrs Peabody and the 12 Bibles". He tells of being a new young minister and preaching from the pulpit, suggesting folks follow in the pew BIbles, mark them if they wished, and if they needed a Bible to feel free to take one..."Mrs. Peabody" corralled him later, and told him he had no business doing that- that she had donated 12 Bibles in the names of friends and relatives, and did NOT want them given away- so she proceeded to go through the pews and reclaim her Bibles- took them home with her. He goes on to relate that a few years later, when Mrs. Peabody was gravely ill he visited her at her home, and there were the 12 Bibles lined up on a bookshelf..... Very good food for thought, reminding us that a Gift is a GIFT- No strings should be attached. Give with an open heart! (I was reminded of a short story by Flannery O'Connor from a book study years ago, in a book called Listening for God- called Revelation- where the "good" church going lady gets her comeuppance where she has a "revelation"- and a vision of judgment day- and is surprised to see herself being near the end of the line.....) On that note- Keep your heart open! (From the editor, LS)

Enjoying the June edition of The Congregationalist , the publication of our association, the NACCC. I especially appreciated an article based on the writings of Henry Dexter from 1880, called The Congregational Advantage. "2. Congregationalism has advantage over other polities in being more practicable that they. "It is the only polity that can form and run a church regularly without external authority and help." ***** FYI- we are totally independent and self governed. There is no Vatican, no Bishop, no outside governing board. Early settlers in the American colonies were Congregationalists. (The Pilgrims)

The Morrises shared a beautiful uplifting story- how the ingredients of a cake aren't very tasty on their own, but combined together are yummy... Food for thought. THEN Pastor John outdid himself in his message, which was combined with Holy Communion. "The church is sadly fragmented....We are not "all one". .... If we are not unified as one, the world won't believe." We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord...and they'll know we are Christians, by our LOVE.

"Dressing for church"...always have, probably always will. Some of us, at church, DO "dress" every Sunday- some don't. Not quite the hat and white gloves of Grandma's protocol, but still- dressing "up". But- does it matter? Nope WE don't care HOW you're dressed.....and God knows- we're just there to share fellowship with fellow believers, searchers along the path...our church family. Come as you are..... And by the way today is communion Sunday...I'm reminded of the invitation - "come, not because you must, but because you may, not because you are strong, but because you are weak....come, share the Lord's Supper. All are welcome at His table.

It says VBS in the South- but I think this applies to OUR VBS as well....

Looking to see if there are any High School grads with a connection to our church who would attend grad Sunday. At the last Diaconate meeting we hadn't thought of any- let us know if we're missing someone.

Big thanks to Mary Dailey for putting together the movie trip for tomorrow-34 people are going!

The Dixfield Congregational Church will be having a private showing of the faith-based movie "Breakthrough" at the Narrow Gauge Cinema In Farmington on Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m. The cost is $6.00 per person which includes the movie, a small drink and a small popcorn. Please let Mary Dailey know if you would like to go. She will need to receive your payment by Wednesday, May 8 (cash or check made out to the church). (You can comment below if you want to attend- or contact Mary. Will let you know about payment)

Interesting read....the last shall be first....

Hey....if this church can have a cat..maybe that's what we need...?

Blest be the tie that binds.....

Come for breakfast. $6.50 for pancakes or Belgian waffles, or wholegrain French toast, with optional mixed berry syrup and cream..bev. included. $4 for kids. Greek yogurt berry parfait will also be available for folks who don't like carbs!

Setting up for the Spring Fling...

Be sure your calendar is marked for next Saturday's Spring Fling at church! 8 am to noon. Breakfast, Attic Treasures, baked goods, Flip-it raffles, other raffles, plants....... Contribute, and attend!

Such a day...beginning Holy week...blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

Thanks to Addy for blessing us this morning.