St. Rose of Lima Parish named recipients of Matthew 25 Awards

PORTLAND — The St. Rose of Lima Parish in Jay was among six Catholic parishes in Maine that have been named recipients of the 2015 Matthew 25 Awards.

The awards are presented annually by the Catholic Charities Maine Parish Social Ministry program, honoring parishes who are directly serving vulnerable people in need, regardless of their faith affiliation, and adhering to the principles of the Bible verse Matthew: 25 (“I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink…”).

Along with a stained glass award, grants totaling $15,000 are given to the parishes to assist them in expanding their capacity to serve more people or to help develop a new social ministry.

St. Rose of Lima Parish will use the grant funds to buy new freezers and thermal blankets for the Tri-Town Ministerial Food Pantry, which provides emergency and supplemental food to area families in need.

Near-death experiences explored in sermon

WINDHAM — Unity Church of Greater Portland will host speakers Jon Mundy, Ph.D. and Rod Chelberg, M.D. Sunday, June 28, at 54 River Road.

A 10 a.m. morning message titled, “Perfect Communication or Dancing with the Divine,” will be followed by a workshop with Jon and Rod from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

They will be comparing recent reports of near-death experiences with the teachings of “A Course in Miracles.”

Registration is $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

FMI: 703-276-8738, [email protected], www.unitygreaterportland.org.

Guest speaker at Calvary United Methodist Church

LEWISTON — Calvary United Methodist Church will welcome the Rev. Pat Hunter Gardiner to the pulpit as guest service leader at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service, June 28, at 59 Sabattus St.

Gardiner will speak on the topic of transitions as the church awaits the arrival of Calvary’s new pastor, the Rev. Annie Baker-Streevy, on July 1.

Recognizing that such transitions are both times of sadness and times of excited anticipation, Sunday’s service will offer all an opportunity to reflect on letting go, change and new beginnings.

The public is invited, and newcomers and visitors are welcome.

Calvary is a “reconciling” church, affirming that every person is loved by God. The building has a handicapped entrance on Bartlett Street. Child care is available.

FMI: www.calvarylewiston.org.

New Gloucester Bible Church to host Vacation Bible School

NEW GLOUCESTER — The New Gloucester Bible Church is heading “To The Edge” of the Universe to “Encounter the God of the Universe” at our upcoming Vacation Bible School from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, June 29, through Friday, July 3.

The school will be geared for children ages 3 to 12.

The church is located at 218 Lewiston Road, Route 100. Participants may register or just come to the event.

FMI: 207-926-3140.

‘The Church in the Wildwood’ announces summer services

MADRID — Reeds Mill Church on Reeds Mill Road will open its doors for summer worship services on Sunday, July 5. Services will continue throughout the summer each Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.

The last Sunday in August is Old Home Sunday. A pot luck lunch will be enjoyed at noon with the worship service that day at 1 p.m.

The Hymn Sing will take place Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Flash lights are recommended.

Holiday services will take place on Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. for Thanksgiving and a Candelight Christmas Service for Christmas on Dec. 20 at 3 p.m.

A newly installed ramp allows wheel chair access to the church.

FMI: www.reedsmillchurch.org, 207-639-2713.

Shorey Chapel to host Vacation Bible School

INDUSTRY — “Jesus Floats My Boat” is the theme of Shorey Chapel’s Vacation Bible School from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, to Friday, July 10.

The closing family picnic will take place on the final day of school from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

It is geared for kids ages 5 to 12 and will share Bible stories, crafts, games, music and snacks.

The Chapel is located at 1109 Industry Road.

FMI, pre-register: [email protected], 207-491-3803.