Final service for Deering Memorial

PARIS — Deering Memorial United Methodist Church congregation, led by the Rev. Anna-Jean Alexander, will celebrate 101 years of ministry during the church’s final worship service at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at 39 Main St. 

Joining the closing service will be the Rev. Karen Munson, district superintendent, and former pastors. Organist Faye Hill and past organist Phil House will participate in the service by playing favorite hymns.

The congregation of this historic church was established in 1815. The present granite building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The service is open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

First Universalist lists services

PARIS — The First Universalist Church has announced upcoming worship services at 10 a.m. Sundays on Pine Street.

Anita White will lead the worship service on Sept. 18, and Silver Moore-Leamon will give the sermon on Sept. 25.

Music is under the direction of Donna Hurd. Coffee and fellowship follow all worship services. Child care is available, and the church is wheelchair-accessible.

The First Universalist Church welcomes and celebrates all beliefs.

Cakes for the Queen of Heaven

AUBURN — The introductory meeting of the Cakes for the Queen of Heaven, a women’s spirituality group, will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the First Universalist Church of Auburn at 169 Pleasant St. 

This circle of women explores pre-Christian goddess traditions — sabbats, solstices and rituals of the Wheel of the Year — and aspects of feminine theology that have been lost from traditional religious upbringings.

The name “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven” comes from the book of Jeremiah in the Hebrew Bible and is a “reclaiming” of a statement meant to demean the old goddess religions. As used in the women’s group, it becomes a new reference of power.

Those interested are invited to explore the group for several meetings. In December, continuing participants will commit to the monthly gatherings for the remainder of the year.

FMI, RSVP: [email protected], 207-783-0461, www.auburnuu.org.

‘Making Sense of the Bible’

AUBURN — The Rev. Stephen Bascom will offer the course Making Sense of the Bible at the United Methodist Church of Auburn.

It will be offered over six weeks from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 20 to Oct. 25, or after worship from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 25 to Oct. 30.

The course will follow “Making Sense of the Bible: Rediscovering the Power of Scripture Today” by Adam Hamilton. The book is $18 and can be ordered through the church upon registration. Financial assistance may be available. 

Dessert will be served on Tuesdays, and a light lunch will be served during Sunday classes.

All are welcome. Registration is required.

FMI, register: 207-782-3972. 

Christian Women United luncheon

PARIS — A Christian Women United luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, at First Congregational Church, 17 East Main St.

The guest speaker will be Cynthia Riley, the church’s youth and family pastor. The title of her storytelling event is “Wise, Heroic, Compassionate and Just: Biblical Stories of Women just Like You.”

The cost to participate is $8, and reservations are required.

FMI, RSVP: 207-743-6684.

Ladies of St. Anne to meet

SABATTUS — The Ladies of St. Anne Sodality of Holy Family Parish will hold their general membership meeting and a pot pie dinner at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, in the Parish Hall. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

There will be a business meeting following the dinner with installation of officers, counselors, new members and honorary members.

Tickets are $10, and the deadline for reservations is Sept. 15.

FMI, tickets: 207-783-3850.