Cheerful greetings to one and all from Little Cranberry Island and the rockbound coast of Maine…the home of the Islesford Congregational Church. As March slowly edges her way into Spring, the promise of renewal and rebirth magnifies itself as we witness the slow miracle of the subtle changes of the seasons.
The Islesford Congregational Church serves many needs and purposes for her beloved island community. It is the home of the beautiful gifts of the Ashley Bryan Sea Glass Windows. Visitors from across the country and around the world come to witness these beautiful windows that depict the life of Jesus. It is a sanctuary where weddings are performed and celebrated with loved ones. It is a quiet place to say final goodbyes for those dearly beloved family members and friends. The practicing on the organ or piano of budding musicians can be heard on any given day or night since our doors are never locked.
There has been much use of the Food Pantry at the church this past year. Greatly appreciated donations of nonperishable foods and money to replenish the shelves have been blessings as the shelves and plastic storage tubs slowly emptied… feeding our needy families and friends on the island. Even dog and cat food has been offered for our loving pets who give so much unconditional love and comfort.
Hiking groups and visitors to the island find sanctuary within the walls of this fortress from the stormy elements that on occasion will surprise hikers and visitors to the island. It is truly a lovely spot to find oneself so as to dry off and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Late last year our minister, Pastor Tom Powell, his wife Becca and their three beautiful children, left their island home for their new home in PA where Becca was offered an amazing job at her college as the Head of the Graphics Department. This is not only very important for Becca and her career, but also it brings the whole family closer to family members and both sets of grandparents. The good news is that Pastor Tom has accepted another call from our church, for at least one year, where he will lead worship once a month during a Zoom meeting. For the second Sunday of the month, he will recruit a visiting minister or leader for worship within the church. He will be here in person for Easter Worship. The best news is that during the months of mid-June through mid-August, Pastor Tom and his family will reside in the parsonage and live there for those two summer months while he leads us in worship each Sunday. We look with anticipation to this time of transition and growth as we move forward with God’s guidance and blessings.
As Spring warms the island, we find ourselves preparing for much needed repairs to the Islesford Congregational Church. The fourth and final post securing the church’s steeple has now become too damaged to hold the steeple in place and must be rebuilt and restored.
We have reached out once again to MidMaine Restoration for their help and assistance during the preparation for this greatly needed project. It appears that the steeple may not need to be painted this year, but there are areas on the roof that need much attention since shingles have appeared on the ground after strong, damaging winds have pummeled the church.
Your generous donations will help to secure the continued blessings and gifts this beautiful structure has offered to many for over a century, this happily being our 125th anniversary!
Such a wonderful way to celebrate and help keep the legacy of the Islesford Congregational Church alive and growing and to help secure her presence for yet another 125 years.
SOS-Save Our Steeple!
We give heartfelt thanks to you all for your generous gifts. Remember, no gift is ever too small. All gifts are greatly appreciated as we journey into the New Year and our second century.
We wish you all bright blessings for the upcoming seasons. We look forward to another year filled with hope, love and grace, and when we will all once again gather together like family to rekindle our special bonds of friendship.
Sincerely,
Islesford Congregational Society, Board of Trustees
Joy Sprague, President
Amy Palmer, Treasurer
Becca Powell, Secretary
David Thomas, Trustee
Skip Stevens, Trustee
Tax-deductible donations payable to the Islesford Congregational Church may be mailed to PO Box 103, Islesford ME 04646. If you prefer you can visit our website www.islesfordchurch.com where you can securely make an online donation.