LOVELL — Already it is June. The year is just about half over. How time flies. Watching spring flow into summer this year has been so good and hard at the same time. I want to thank all of you who sent food, cards and love my way during the last weeks. I am grateful for your love and your presence through these things. Fortunately, time goes on and healing begins slowly. God’s healing hand reaches in and embraces me in my loss. God’s healing hand reaches in each one of us often when we are not aware. Often, we do not know how to pray but the Holy Spirit does for us. From Romans 8, 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.

Spring is the time when life is bursting forth all around us. I am finding this is a good time to reflect on the incredible, unbelievable, and very real love of God. God walks with us every day. Please, take time to breathe deeply and know that “The Lord is God”.

Thrift Shop: Open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 to 2. Face coverings are still required unless you are FULLY VACCINATED. We continue to receive LOTS of great merchandise. Stop by and see! $2 Bag Sale on the last Saturday of each month. Help needed. Please call the church office to get involved. 925-1321.

Ladies Circle: The Ladies Circle has resumed regular meetings. The May meeting was held on May 11 using masks, distancing and sanitizing even though all seven ladies are fully immunized or have had Covid 19. Plans for Church World Service kits and CWS Blanket Sunday on May 9 were reviewed. Donations are being accepted and the Circle will donate $50 for ten blankets and $112 to cover cost plus shipping for one each Hygiene Kit, School Kit and Cleanup Buckets. Having a Foodless Bake Sale was discussed with plans to discuss again at the June meeting. The Circle will also donate funds to help with the cost of replacing the Vestry and Pastor’s office windows but are waiting for the final estimate on that project. As soon as the window replacement project is complete the Circle will replace the Vestry drapes. A decision was to not sponsor a Thrift Shop Fashion Show in July this year. The Ladies are excited about having our June 8 luncheon at The Old Mill Tavern in Harrison. Hopefully the weather will be good so we can take advantage of the limited outside seating. We will be back to a regular schedule for the July 13 meeting and would love to have you join us at 12:30 in the Lovell UCC Vestry. For further information, contact Linda Libby 925-3661 or [email protected] or Carolyn Carter at 928-2080 or [email protected]

Girl Scouts: The Lovell Girl Scout leaders were relieved to have Maine change the codes from yellow to green which allows troops to meet in person inside or outside using all safety precautions such as masks, distancing and sanitizing. Troops still cannot do overnight camping but are hoping this will be allowed starting in September. On Friday night, May 7, the Apple Mountain Unit Service Team sponsored a Virtual Recognition Celebration for all volunteers. Although not the same as a face-to-face dinner and ceremony, the fun evening included awards of year pins, some special awards, a game of Jeopardy, a song and a “Goodie Bag” that was delivered to each volunteer before the celebration. Lovell volunteers who received year pins for years in Girl Scouts were: Kari Reed – 5 yrs. and Danielle Moore – 10 yrs. Volunteers who received year pins for volunteer years were: Danielle Moore – 5 yrs. and Kari Reed – 5 yrs. All the Lovell troops are currently spring registering girls, and new this year is the opportunity for a girl to register for the rest of this year and all of next year for $55. Looking ahead to fall troop leadership, volunteers will be needed on all levels. If you would like further information, please contact Linda Libby, 925-3661 or [email protected]

Missions Committee: We have restocked our frozen dinner supply. If you, or someone you know, is in need of a meal please call the church office. We are happy to help!

We continue our ongoing food collection for the local pantries; donations of non-perishable food are always welcome. Donations bins are located in the church vestry.

Christian Education: Due to Covid restrictions and the gradual re-opening of the church and all activities, Vacation Bible School will NOT be held in 2021. We look forward to welcoming you all in 2022. Happy Summer!