Month’s events at Norway church

NORWAY — On Sunday, Sept. 9, at 9 a.m., members of Second Congregational Church in Norway will be flipping pancakes, frying sausage and pouring juice for the Sunday School kickoff and the Blessing of the Backpacks.

The church also invites people to join the choir, which practices Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the Music Room. The bell choir will meet Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 12, under the direction of Elaine Emery.

For those interested in musical theater, signs-ups for the great musical adventure “It’s Saturday!” will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8. Directed by Shirli Allen-Heald, it is open to K-6 grade students.

Finally, a free community supper will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. The menu is still under wraps but visit www.seconch.com for more information on this and other events in the month of September.

Hebrew School starts Sept. 9

AUBURN — On Sunday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon, a score of children from ages 3-14 will join their four teachers in this new Hebrew year of 5773 (2012-13) for Family Hebrew School at Temple Shalom. Joining Rabbi Hillel Katzir, who will be teaching the oldest students (12 to 14 year olds), will be Jerryanne LaPerriere (9-11 year olds), Nancy Levinsky (6 to 8 year olds) and Allyson Casares (3 to 5 year olds).

Besides learning from traditional textbooks, the children will be using games, songs and arts and crafts to learn about Jewish holidays, the Hebrew language, prayers, good deeds, Bible stories and the State of Israel. The children will also begin to participate in and, at times, lead parts of the religious services.

Call Temple Shalom at 786-4201 for more information. The school meets on most Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon.

Blue Mass is Sept. 9

LEWISTON — The seventh annual Blue Mass honoring Maine’s law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Msgr. Marc Caron will give thanks and bestow blessings upon those who contribute to the public health and safety. Emergency personnel from across the state have been invited to attend.

Members of these public safety agencies will attend the Mass in uniform, color guards will be on hand and the Maine Public Safety Pipe and Drum Corps will perform outside the church directly before and after the Mass.

The Blue Mass is held in September in order to remember all the emergency personnel who sacrificed so much on 9/11, but most especially to thank those who serve us today.

Family members and the general public are invited. The Mass will be followed by a reception.

First U. starts church year

PARIS — The First Universalist Church on 36 Pine St. will resume their church year at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9. The opening sermon, “Wrestling for a Blessing,” will be delivered by Silver Moore-Leamon. Music is under the direction of organist Donna Hurd and Sunday School is under the direction of Renee Wales. Coffee and fellowship will follow the worship service. Childcare is available and all are welcome.

‘Back to Church’ event planned

AUBURN — The Court Street Baptist Church will join with approximately 10,000 other congregations throughout the United States to celebrate Back to Church Sunday at 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 16.

“We at Court Street Baptist Church are happy to join this national emphasis because we believe that church involvement has beneficial results for individuals, families, communities and entire societies,” said the Reverend Dr. David “Pastor Dave” Clark. “In these changing and uncertain times, (getting) back to church can help provide a needed spiritual context for living our day to day lives.

“Many people have never attended a church service, or haven’t done so in a long time. Some people have thought about it, but just need that extra little nudge to act on the desire. Back to Church Sunday can be that little nudge,” the pastor added.

He extends an invitation to all seekers. The church is at 129 Court St. A time of fellowship, with cake and punch served, will follow the service.