The Steeple Press Winslow Congregational Church, United Church of Christ September/October 2014 Welcome to Reverend Kimberly Shrader Schwartz! In October, our congregation and the congregation of the Benton Falls Congregational Church will be welcoming Reverend Kimberly Shrader Schwartz. She will be a designated pastor which means that she will be eligible to apply for the position of settled pastor if she so chooses once our search process begins. Reverend Schwartz is currently serving as the minister of Vista Grande Community church in Colorado Springs. She has led the congregation there since September 2007. She has visited Maine a number of times and is looking forward to her move to the area. In her Statement on Ministry, she shares: “I received my Master’s in Divinity from the Institute of Ecumenical Theological Studies at Seattle University. Seattle University focuses on both academic and spiritual development in an ecumenical environment. Some of my biggest lessons came from my internships in school…..I served my first church as a part-time interim pastor. This small rural church had been through some tough times. Through a combination of deep listening and encouragement, I helped this small, faithful band believe in themselves and in what God could do through them once again. This experience confirmed for me the power of Christian love to transform lives and situations.

In my current call as a full time pastor, I find joy in weekly preaching, appreciate the importance of risk taking, including the inevitability of some failures and love the opportunities for creativity. I base my pastoral style on cooperating with the continuous and ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Recognizing the Spirit’s work in each person and with the congregation as a whole, I am aware that I come in “in the middle of things”. God (who is always present) has been at work in the church before my arrival and will continue to be at work long after my time. To that end, I have found it works well to build upon people’s strengths and gifts through acknowledgement, encouragement, and personal accountability. It is vital to acknowledge the good work that has been done and to praise God for the gifts of the people. It is equally important to encourage development of people’s gifts and new leadership. Additionally, in order to safeguard the integrity of the church there must also be institutional accountability. When I preach, I relate the Scriptures to the lives of the congregation. There is a connection between what we believe and what we do. So I will frequently ask, “how does what you believe shape your actions and how do your actions reflect your beliefs?” I believe God makes a difference in our lives, that our Creator loves us deeply and completely. When we allow the grace of that love to sink into our beings, it makes a very real difference in our lives. I think preaching and worship should remind us of that grace and love so that our everyday lives are enriched and transformed”. Please join us on October 4, at 5pm at the Benton Falls Church for a pot luck supper to welcome Reverend Schwartz. More information about the welcoming event will be forthcoming in a future e-blitz and bulletin. Connie Coggins Council President

The Steeple Press ~ Sept./Oct. 2014

The Life of Our Church UPDATE ON TONI HAWES AND MEALS FOR NEAL HAWES After a month in Bangor, Toni Hawes has been transferred to Lakewood Rehab in Waterville. Please send cards to her home address: 49 Simpson Avenue, Winslow, ME 04901. Neal, Toni's husband, has appreciated the meals that have been prepared for him, and he could use some more meals. If you'd like to prepare a meal for Neal, please call Cathy Cloutier (his daughter) at 861-7082.

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR CHILDREN TO ATTEND SUNDAY SCHOOL OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO TEACH? Do you have children who would like to attend the 9am Sunday School beginning Sept 7? Maybe you'd like to co-teach a session or two? Either way, please contact Tanya McLean, Youth Christian Ed Coordinator (877-1256 or [email protected])

GREETERS WANTED If you’re intererested in being a greeter, please contact Tanya McLean (877-1256 or [email protected]). It’s lots of fun and a great way to meet other church members.

REFRESHMENTS FOR SEPT. – OCT. FELLOWSHIP HOURS Sign-up sheets for Sept. and Oct. have been posted, so please note when you can bring in munchies (cookies, muffins, cheese, crackers, etc.). Coffee and tea will be provided by the church.

MON., SEPT. 15 BOOK DISCUSSION SERIES, 6:30pm Feel free to contact Mary Morrison ([email protected]) or Judy Larson (872-0971) if you have any questions.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 21 ~ DONATING ITEMS TO THE MID-MAINE HOMELESS SHELTER Betty Palmer, Executive Director of the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter will be the worship leader. On this day, please bring household and cleaning items, such as toilet paper, paper towels, Awesome cleaner (an inexpensive multipurpose cleaner), mops, brooms, etc., that can be used at the shelter or when individuals move into apartments, If you’ll be unable to attend this service, please bring your donations before Sept. 21 to the church office, Wed. and Fri., Noon - 5pm.

SAVE THE DATE ~ OCT. 4th POT-LUCK DINNER & BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR PASTOR KIM SHRADER SCHWARTZ We look forward to welcoming Kimberly Shrader Schwartz, the new pastor for our church and Benton Falls, on Saturday, October 4 with a pot-luck dinner and birthday party at the Benton Falls Church. Kim and her children, Jonathan and Elizabeth, will be arriving that day, which is also Kim's birthday. The Benton Falls Church will host the event beginning with a social time at 5pm followed by supper and birthday cakes. Amy Fogg is organizing our contributions to the pot-luck supper and will have a sign-up sheet posted as the day gets nearer. Page 2

The Steeple Press ~ Sept./Oct. 2014 . BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL 2014 CAPTURED IN PICTURES

Another Successful Blueberry Festival!

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The Steeple Press ~ Sept./Oct. 2014

The website URL is:

www.winslowucc.org 2014 Church Directory If you haven’t received your 2014 Church Directory, please call the church office (872-2544 or email [email protected]) to make arrangements to receive one.

Winslow Congregational Church United Church of Christ 12 Lithgow Street Winslow, ME 04901