Dear church friends, “Come away to a deserted place by yourselves, and rest awhile.”  These are Jesus’ words to the disciples, encouraging them to take up the pattern that he practiced, with involvement with people in the wider world interspersed with time to withdraw and rest, for prayer and renewal.  Being incarnate in the world as one of us, he knew what it is to be weary at times, to give of ourselves in certain seasons until there is a need to pull back and recharge. Summer may bring a chance to come away to one of the quiet places in nature, whether watching the birds on the patio, on a walk around the neighborhood, or in travels to the mountains or coast, where we can set down the usual pattern of our days, lay aside our screens, and rest [...]

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 Lamentations 3: 22-24 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in God.’ As we begin to emerge and re-engage as the pandemic season eases, we’re grateful for how God has brought us through all the challenges that the past year has held.  At times, we’ve been weary as so many things that seemed firmly in place have been swept away by so much change. Scripture reminds us that while there are troubles for each day, God also gives mercy and strength sufficient for each day.  We recall how the manna was given to the Israelites in the wilderness, just enough for each day.  And this seems to be echoed here; mercy [...]

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In preparation for the election of Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and Congregational Nominating Committee (CNC) members at a Congregational Meeting to be held in the Fall, your help is needed. The CNC will send information on officers and members currently serving, including those whose terms are ending in January of 2022. Please help by sending the response forms to suggest names for consideration, along with supporting information to hello@firstpresportland.org You can even suggest your own name if you have an interest in this form of ministry. Links will also be available in email blasts. Sunday, June 27th is the deadline for reception of suggested names. Thank you in advance, for your thoughtful responses. CNC Response Form 2021 [...]

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You have generously showered the babies at the church with love! Thank you to every person who gave gift cards and purchased items through Amazon to help refresh the church nursery. Additionally, many volunteers have helped clean, paint, and decorate to ensure safety and hospitality. Thank you one and all for your investment in the littlest disciples at FPC. The church nursery really does look fabulous. I can’t wait to give you a tour in the fall when we reopen both our nursery services and Sunday school. Parents and Grandparents, please know that we are cooking up some amazing, faith-filled, fun programming for the fall. We pray you will entrust your babies, children, and youth to our care as we share in helping them know Jesus’ love for them more fully. With love and in hope, Pastor Carmen [...]

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