This Saturday, Feb 4th, our friend, the Rev. Mia Dyson, and her Portland Discernment Group are hosting an interfaith conference at St. Ansgar. Area clergy and lay leaders of churches, synagogues, and mosques will be in attendance. The topic is "The Future of Religious Communities - Will They Be Here For Us?"
The conference will begin with a light supper at 6PM. Then there will be a round table discussion dealing with the challenges faced and signs of hope emerging within area religious communities. The focus will be on ways to find and promote spiritual growth and renewal. Please join us for this evening of interfaith dialogue and fellowship.
Registration is not mandatory, but a quick email to conference2012@saintansgar.org will help organizers prepare.
We are no longer the only ELCA Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation in Maine. Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bangor has joined us. As RIC churches we have endorsed a statement of welcome to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons into the full life and ministry of our congregations. Pastor Bill Barter and a delegation of St. Ansgar members traveled to Bangor this past Sunday to help celebrate. Congratulations to Redeemer on taking this faithful and affirming step!
Amidst the commotion and stresses of the season, let us find repose in receiving the gift of new birth and life. Please join us for a special evening of community worship this Advent featuring chants and prayers originating from the world-reknowned monastery in Taize, France. We will watch and pray together as easily sung melodies and the simple and timeless words of Scripture are interspersed with silence and icon imagery. All are welcome. Come, watch, and pray together Sun, December 18th, at 5PM.
Meet at the church before 6pm!! We'll be singing in the Rosemont neighborhood. This is an intergenerational event sponsored by the youth group. It would be wonderful if we had some adult voices to make this successful. Younger children are encouraged to attend also! Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided afterwards! Bring jingle bells if you have some!
The economy is down, and so is church membership throughout the country. However, St. Ansgar is bucking that trend. We are a GROWING congregation. Why? How unusual is our growth compared to local ELCA churches? Click on the You Tube link below for Pastor Bill's thoughts on what sets St. Ansgar apart, what challenges we still face, and how you can help.
http://youtu.be/ziE6m2A7BkE
This Sunday, 9/18, St. Ansgar celebrates 50 years in the Rosemont neighborhood. Come join us for a special worship service and potluck luncheon. History buffs, please note. Our congregation's archivist will have a selection of historical photos on display.
We will also host our first Taize Community Prayer of the season this Sunday evening. Wind down from your hectic weekend with meditative prayer and song. Taize starts at 5PM.
The fall worship schedule starts today. We will begin at 10:00 AM. Please come and join us as we mark the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks and pray for peace.
