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The Federated Church of Stillwater, Maine |
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Questions Visitors Might Have about Stillwater Federated
What Other Things Might it help to Know? Is everything Always Serious?
The Church FacilityGetting in and around the building what entrance should I use?There are three doors into our facility. The main door on the front leads to our sanctuary. This door is equipped with a wheelchair ramp, and you may park on Bennoch Road (in front of the door). There are two doors leading from our parking lot into our basement vestry. This is the area where we have our Sunday School, and our after church coffee hour. (See map http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?mapdata=zpEXbX) Where is the rest room, and nursery?The stairway to your right coming in the main entrance leads downstairs. The rest room is on the left off the first room downstairs. The first room that you come to is the infant nursery. The door in front of you leads to the vestry. What is a Federated Church?Our Federated Church is affiliated with both the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church. Other Federated Churches have different affiliations. Our Pastor Ron will leave this church, and go down the road to that "other" church, where he will share the message that he gave for us. If you want a fresh message, then you should come here.
Sunday morning serviceWhat time should I come?During the winter, the worship service begins at 9:00 AM. From June 1 through Labor Day, our worship service begins at 8:30 AM. Some people arrive a little earlier to help set up the refreshments for after the service or for choir practice. Sunday School for children begins after the Children's message. What goes on during a service?For those who would like to know what is expected of the congregation during a service, a page has been created showing a sample order of worship as it appears in a bulletin. What goes on afterwards?Please join us for refreshments and fellowship. That's when we share what's been going on in our lives and just enjoy each others' company. It's an ideal time for you to learn more about our church. Why sign the Guest Book?The Guest Book is simply our way of keeping track of visitors and newcomers who might be interested in coming back. We would appreciate your giving an address and phone number, but that is up to you. This is one of the ways of measuring our success at reaching out to the community. How do I get in touch with the Pastor?You can call the church office (207-827-3559), call the parsonage (207-827-3681) or send an e-mail message to stillwater@hotpop.com. When is Communion?The first Sunday of each month is Communion Sunday. We also have communion on Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Good Friday). Who can participate in Communion?Everyone who wishes to take Communion in the spirit with which it is offered is welcome to participate. What's the food at the back of the church for?Anyone may bring food (canned foods and shelf stable items seem best) at any time for donation to the food bank at Crossroads Ministry.
Children's participation and activitiesMay my children stay in the sanctuary during the service?You and your children should do whatever makes you most comfortable. Usually, children attend the beginning portions of the service. In fact, they are invited (but not required) to come to the front of the sanctuary for "Children's Story," a mini sermon especially for them. Afterward if children are uneasy about leaving their parents or prefer to listen to the sermon, they are welcome to stay. What if my child is restless?If you wish, you may take your child to our nursery. What if my child is too young to sit through the service?Feel free to leave your child in the nursery downstairs. The infant nursery is staffed by an adult care giver starting 15 minutes prior to Sunday school. This nursery has a carpeted floor. It is equipped with cribs and a changing table. We have also, selected age appropriate toys. We use a dehumidifier to keep down mold count. What youth activities do you have?
Keeping up with what's going onHow do I find out about other activities?Upcoming events are announced during each service and described on the back of your bulletin. Please pick up a copy of our monthly newsletter. Current issues are on the display desk in the foyer along with the current Daily Devotional Guide, "The Upper Room," and other materials you are welcome to pick up. The bulletin board to the right of the sanctuary entrance has other church news. The bulletin board to the left of the kitchen entrance has notices about community events and services. How can I get the newsletter?Sign the Attendance Roster and clearly write your address with zip code. Then
mention to anybody that you would like to receive our newsletter -
they'll make sure your name on the mailing list. Our Newsletter is prepared early each month. Mailing labels are put on copies for everyone on
the mailing list. These, plus several without mailing labels, are set out on the
first Sunday. People, who are there that Sunday, just pick theirs up. The others
are stamped and mailed the following week.
Getting involvedAre there other Christian growth opportunities?Our Pastor leads Gospel Study at varying homes every Thursday at 10 AM; the Biblical text to be studied is printed on the back of your bulletin. Annie Matthews Women Society meets at the church in the evenings on the second Monday of the month. How do I get on a committee?The Nominating Committee makes "appointments" at the beginning of each year. However, everybody is welcome to the meetings of any committee and is invited to participate. The Administrative Council, which deals with a variety of church matters, usually meets the third Tuesday (or announced if at another time). Your attendance would be welcomed. What about social events?Events are announced in the bulletin. We are most known for our 4 community Baked Bean Dinners, and Strawberry Festival in the spring. May I sign up for Sunday morning duties?We are delighted to have everybody help with these responsibilities. If you want to know more about how to do what, ask anyone after the service. The following is a list of possible duties:
MembershipHow do I become a member?New members are welcome anytime. We accept members on transfer of membership or confession of faith. Just ask anyone what to do! What if I'm not a member of the UCC or UMC?We will welcome you from any faith or no faith. We are all members of the "Body of Christ". That is an awesome privilege and responsibility. If you acknowledge this privilege and responsibility, then you may be member here!
What Projects are in Progress?
What Other Things Might it help to Know?
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Send mail to Norm Buck with questions or comments about this web site. |
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