207 348-6602 | Worship every Sunday @ 10 a.m. Zoom available.
207 348-6602 | Worship every Sunday @ 10 a.m. Zoom available.
What is happening at DISCC this week
Dear Church Family:
Holy Week is past, but the glory lives on! And yesterday was full of Easter glory. The Sunrise service on the Stonington pier was very well attended; and a wonderful “first look” at the beauty of Easter on this island. Pastors Elaine Hewes and Andy Stoessel were my co-officiants and it is wonderful to have such terrific colleagues. We are always looking for ways to partner with our friends at St. Brendan’s.
Our Easter service here at 10 am was full of magnificent music and Easter tidings. We had trumpet accompaniment to our hymns which really added to our celebration. The musical team of Edie Dunham and trumpeters Tim Ensworth and Tom Gotwals sent us out with an amazing Bach postlude. Thanks to our choir and bell choir for their fine musical offerings. And of course, Rosie Guy and Sue Bayley provided a feast for our fellowship time. A lot goes into planning Holy Week and we thank all who worked to make it a success. Our deacons provided a nice supper for our Maundy Thursday observance, which was greatly appreciated.
And then there was also Paul Revere’s ride to celebrate! In 2026 America will commemorate the 250th anniversary of our founding. Last Friday that anniversary was kicked off with an observance of Paul Revere’s ride to alert his fellow colonists of the movement of British troops, April 18-19 1775. New England citizens were encouraged to mark this event by lighting 2 lights; to remember the 2 lanterns lit in the Christ Church steeple in Boston. “One if by land, and two if by sea…” We also participated by ringing our church bell for two minutes. This was handled by Alan and Barbara Chesney, and the hanging of the lanterns in our steeple was handled by the team of Bowes/Bayley.
This coming Sunday is hymn spotlight Sunday and we will examine some of our favorite Easter hymns. Enjoy this beautiful spring weather as the message “He is Risen!” still rings in our ears. Tomorrow, Tuesday April 22 at 4 pm we are welcome to join our friends at St. Brendans for a simple service of prayer, meditation and song. We are building community in a time that feels so divisive.
See you in church,
Pastor Kim
This weekend our church is scheduled to participate in the Town of Deer Isle roadside clean-up. We have the section from the Mill Pond Irving Station to the church, including the park across the street. I know the weather is not great for Saturday, but possibly you could help later this afternoon or Sunday afternoon. If you get in touch with me, I can let you know what sections might already be finished. Here is an excerpt from Ed Billings about the clean-up.
Thanks, Pastor Kim
Happy Earth Week and the kickoff for our Roadside Cleanup 2025.
First and foremost, thank you for volunteering for this community service, and while we all know that this is a single dedicated weekend to join together for a common purpose, it is also something that many do on a continuing basis year round. Thank you for your dedication and efforts to keep our island beautiful.
If you have not picked up garbage bags already, this is a reminder that there are several places on the island to pick them up; Deer Isle Town office, and IHT on the Sunset Road, and you may also use your own bags if desired. Upon completion of your area the bags may be left on the side of Rte 15/15A or taken to the Transfer Station for proper disposal.
Please stay safe while traversing our island by wearing brightly colored clothing and protective gloves. If you come across larger items such as tires or anything else, please make note of their location and we’ll try to have them removed as promptly as possible.
On Sunday April 27th, we observe our monthly “Hymn Spotlight” where we examine some of our favorite hymns with respect to the worship theme. On this, the first Sunday after Easter, we traditionally read the passage from John 20:19-31. Thomas, one of the 12 disciples was not there the Sunday evening of Easter when the risen Jesus appeared to other disciples. So, he disputed the excited account by his fellow disciples that Jesus had walked through a locked door to offer a message of peace. This doubting Thomas then is confronted by the risen Jesus who once again appears in the Upper Room. We will sing Thomas Troeger’s powerful hymn “These Things Did Thomas Count as Real.” Jesus did not chide Thomas; but instead allowed him to examine the marks of crucifixion on Jesus’ hands and feet, so that Thomas could believe. What is it that we need to believe in the risen Jesus?
ZOOM link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89054308778?pwd=Y1lrRSswbWhLeDNUcnZpS01OclZJZz09
For those who may be grieving the present state of our country . . .
For those who fear for the most vulnerable among us (immigrants, refugees, folks in the LGBTQ community, people of color, those who are economically disadvantaged) . . .
For those who are watching in dismay as programs serving those in greatest need both at home and around the world are being defunded . . .
For those who are mourning the spirit of meanness and revenge that pervades our present political landscape . . .
For those who are asking, “What can I do? Where can I turn for courage, support and hope?” . . .
For anyone experiencing such feelings of anger, despair and hopelessness, you are invited to attend a “Gathering for These Difficult Times” at St. Brendan. During our time together there will be readings, music, silence, conversation, and an opportunity to create a sense of community in these fractured times. People of all faith traditions (as well as no faith traditions) are welcome.
There will be such a “Gathering for These Difficult Times” at St. Brendan every fourth Tuesday of the month at 4:00. Any questions, please call the church office at 348-6240.
Join us every Thursday at 10:00 am!
This is a group that is just for fun! We have toys and books and music to share, and coffee or tea for the moms and caregivers. Get out of the house and enjoy the kids and conversation! It’s free, and meets every Thursday morning at the Deer Isle/Sunset Congregational church (the big white church in Deer Isle) at 10 a.m
Email [email protected] to receive our weekly newsletter.