At this time of year we often pause to reflect on the year just past…

First off, we remember those saints whom God called home to heaven:
Viola Boulet
Barbara Matava
Helen Oldfield
John Saturley
Hu Topliff (former pastor)

Next, we rejoice and celebrate the marriage of Athena Petrin and James Clements!

And, with apologies to Dr. Seuss, we look back on:
“Oh, the Places We’ve Been!” in 2013

  • We began the new year with a worship mini-series on the “surprising statements Jesus made.”
  • Scout Sunday included the first ever “Webelos Band!!”
  • 45 of our congregation participated in small groups for “Unbinding Your Heart” in February and March.
  • Beginning with Easter, we embarked on a “Year of Invitation and Outreach.” Much of what follows falls under that banner.
  • In early April we held a “Celebration Breakfast” to culminate “Unbinding Your Heart” and commence the “Year of Invitation and Outreach.”
  • We held a most inspiring Annual Meeting of the Church on May 19th highlighted by updates on our new church structure and volunteers on-the-spot willing to fill all the vacancies on church committees. Talk about the Spirit working miracles!
  • A very successful Yard Sale welcomed in the month of June.
  • June 9 saw two major moments when Youth Sunday worship culminated the Sunday School year, and then we held a “Visioning for the Future” luncheon at which participants invoked the Spirit and discerned the direction for our church to progress in the next year.
  • The Christian Education Team hosted a wonderful and well-attended cookout and pool party at the Chase’s at the end of July.
  • The week of August 4 was the true highlight of the year as everyone pitched in for Mission Possible 2014 Work Camp and the concurrent God’s Backyard Bible Camp. This year we invited work campers from Deerfield Community Church to join us, and for the first time ever, ALL residents attended the Friday night dinner and program culminating the week’s work!
  • The Spirit was also very present motivating our Old Home Day Parade Float and Prayer Booth at the Memorial Field Gazebo. And who can forget those “praying hands” out in front of the church!
  • Catamount Backyard Bible Camp was held in evenings the week of Sept. 9th.
  • Teen Challenge presented very moving testimonials and sang songs and anthems.
  • Our “Unbinding the Gospel” Steering Committee joined with their counterparts from Deerfield and Kittery, Maine to share insights and experiences in late September.
  • Sunday School classes began again in September and covered these topics: Who is Jesus? (a pretty important question!); Making Choices; The Good Samaritan; and, Christmas around the world.
  • A very committed and enthusiastic group of 8 Confirmands began meeting weekly in September with leadership from Bree Hamel and Rev. Jim.
  • Sunday worship in the fall–under the great guidance and inspiration of our Worship Team–focused on “ACTION:” Ask, Confess, Trust, Instruct, Overcome, Navigate.
  • Adult Study Classes began in October and continued through Advent.
  • The best ever Halloween Party including Scouts and friends from Catamount was held on October 26th under the creative leadership of Eric Pearson.
  • Four church leaders and Rev. Jim attended the How to Reach New People workshop with Rev. Paul Nickerson on November 9-10.
  • The annual and always amazing Thanksgiving Baskets assembly included, for the first time, “turkey hand print” prayer invitations from our Sunday School children!
  • December 14 saw two wonderful events: Jesus Birthday Party where some 18 children did crafts, ate lunch, and had a visit from Santa. Joyce Sanborn Memorial Concert featuring Trillium was held in the evening to the delight of all attending.
  • Sunday afternoon, Dec. 22, saw a dedicated group of carolers head over to Catamount Hill and along with the carols delivered 141 gift bags to every mobile home in the park.
  • Finally, the sanctuary was filled with some 139 worshippers-including many old friends, a few new ones from Catamount and the community, and students home for the holidays-for our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service.

I can scarcely imagine where the Spirit will take us in 2014!

Unbinding Your Soul (Lent)
Adult study Jan-Feb
Be on the lookout for where the Spirit leads!
Presence in the community.
Support PA, Scout, Music, Drama opportunities