Pastor Message Transcripts

The Message, April 21, 2024: "Linked by Love," John 10:11-18

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 21, 2024
“Linked by Love” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau John 10:11-18 Have you ever worked with someone that just did not care about the job? They may have been proficient, skilled, and ev...

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The Message, April 14, 2024: "What Now?" Luke 24:36b-48

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 16, 2024
“Now What?” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 24:36b-48 Don’t you like coming into a room in the middle of a conversation and everyone is laughing but you do not know what ...

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The Message, April 7, 2024: "How Good and Pleasant," Psalm 133

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 09, 2024
“How Good and Pleasant” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 133 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, &nbs...

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The Message, March 31, 2024, Easter Sunday: "What Do We Do Now?" John 20:1-18

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 02, 2024
“What Do We Do Now?” An Easter Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau John 20:1-18 [As I contemplated my Easter Message for this year, I thought about the disciples and what they must have been experiencing that week. Today, we have so much emotional dista...

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The Message, March 24, 2024, Palm Sunday: "Love Came Down," Mark 11:1-11

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 26, 2024
[Worship was cancelled on Sunday, March 24, due to an ice storm that knocked out the electricity at the church. Here is the text of the message that I prepared for our Palm Sunday celebration. The Children's Message was going to be the entrance of "Bat Jesus." He was goin...

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The Message, March 17: "Deep in My Heart," Jeremiah 31:31-34

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 19, 2024
“Deep in My Heart” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Jeremiah 31:31-34 (Image on screen of a group of eight dogs gathered at the counter.) My family is a “dog” family. W...

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The Message, March 10, 2024: "Forever in Joy!" Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 12, 2024
“Forever in Joy!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 “Put that down!” “Why?!” “Because I said so!” “Are you sure this ...

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The Message, March 3, 2024: "Striving for Perfection," Psalm 19

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 05, 2024
“Striving for Perfection” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 19 Are there any other perfectionists here with us this morning? It is not an easy life, is it? I mean … we hav...

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The Message, February 25, 2024: "Walking With Him," Mark 8:31-38

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 27, 2024
“Walking With Him” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Mark 8:31-38 [For the Children’s Message, I showed the children a list of all of the jobs that I had held before I became a minister. The list included: landscape company, Riverside Amusemen...

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The Message, February 18, 2024: "The First Step," Psalm 25:1-10

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 20, 2024
“The First Step …” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 25:1-10 What a wonderful coincidence it is that I am offering a message titled, “The First Step,” on the s...

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The Message, February 11, 2024: "I Will Never Leave You," 2 Kings 2:1-12

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 11, 2024
“I Will Never Leave You” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau 2 Kings 2:1-12 Have you ever seen chariots of fire? No &...

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The Message, February 4, 2024: "Have You Not Known?" Isaiah 40:21-31

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 04, 2024
“Have You Not Known?” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Isaiah 40:21-31 We know weary. We can understand what it means to be weary. &...

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The Message, January 28, 2024: "A New Authority," Mark 1:21-28

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 30, 2024
“A New Authority” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Mark 1:21-28 It was Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1993. The faithful members of First Baptist Church, Beverly, Massachusetts h...

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The Message, January 21, 2024: "Follow," Mark 1:14-20

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 23, 2024
“Follow” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Mark 1:14-20 Some of you know that my wife, Renee, and I have worked with dogs for several years fostering for an animal rescue based in Memp...

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The Message, January 14, 2024: "Known By God," Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; John 1:43-51

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 15, 2024
“Known By God” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; John 1:43-51 I grew up at a time when the television series Star Trek was very popular, and it just happened to b...

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The Message, December 17, 2023: "Dancing With Joy!" Luke 1:46b-55

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
December 19, 2023
“Dancing With Joy!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 1:46b-55 The scripture lessons that we have read during our Advent journey are wearing out our mental time machines. We have...

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The Message, December 10, 2023: "A New Way," Mark 1:1-8

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
December 12, 2023
“A New Way” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Mark 1:1-8 Last Sunday we lit the Candle of Hope and we heard from a desperate people. We heard from people that had been attacked and de...

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The Message, December 3, 2023, Advent 1: "The Promise of Hope," Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
December 05, 2023
“The Promise of Hope” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 What a contrast to the spirit in the air and the energy in this building today. As I read that passage from ...

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The Message, November 26, 2023: "Being Sheep," Matthew 25:31-46

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 28, 2023
“Being Sheep” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 25:31-36 It used to be that one could title a message or sermon “Being Sheep” without worrying about the associated ...

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The Message, November 19, 2023: "Giving Thanks," Luke 17:11-19

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 21, 2023
“Giving Thanks – Living Thanks” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 17:11-19 Let’s talk about Leprosy. That is a fun topic. This will make for great conversation around ...

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The Message, November 12, 2023: "Tending God's Light," Matthew 25:1-13

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 14, 2023
“Tending God’s Light” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 25:1-13 I have lost count. Over the course of my ministry, I have performed somewhere around three hundred wedding...

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The Message, November 5, 2023: "Partners," Matthew 23:1-12

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 05, 2023
“Partners” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 23:1-12 [I approach the pulpit accompanied by big fanfare on the organ and timpani.] Friends … Family … Fellow Church Members … Here we are … Consecration Sunday!! ...

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The Message, October 29, 2023: "You Shall Love," Matthew 22:34-40

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 29, 2023
“You Shall Love” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 22:34-40 Who do you hate? Yes … I am actually asking you to ponder this ...

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The Message, October 22: "Giving to God," Matthew 22:15-22

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 24, 2023
“Giving to God” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 22:15-22 [NOTE: As my Children’s Message, I passed out “ScottBucks” to the children and youth. Scottbucks were obviously phony bills with my image on them. There were $1s, $5...

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The Message, October 15, 2023: "Live This Way," Philippians 4:1-9

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 17, 2023
“Live This Way” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Philippians 4:1-9 I try to do my worship planning several weeks in advance. The purpose of that is to give Jacqui a chance to select ...

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The Message, October 8, 2023: "Thou SHALL ...," Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 10, 2023
“Thou SHALL …” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 Let me see a show of hands … how many of you like to be told, “NO!”? How many of yo...

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The Message, October 1, 2023: "Great is God's Faithfulness," Exodus 17:1-7

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 03, 2023
“Great is God’s Faithfulness” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Exodus 17:1-7 If the Ancient Israelites had had Tik Tok, or any other social media platform, there is no doubt tha...

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The Message, September 24, 2023: "A Place for Everyone!" Romans 12:1-8

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
September 26, 2023
“A Place for Everyone” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Romans 12:1-8 My mother … Narrator One in our little skit … wrote “Bernie the Bird” in 1997. (The tex...

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The Message, September 17, 2023: "Bless Them!" Mark 10:13-16

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
September 20, 2023
“Bless Them!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Mark 10:13-16 I love this passage from Mark’s Gospel. It is one of my favorite passages of scripture. Part of that could be due t...

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The Message, September 10, 2023: "A New Song," Psalm 149

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
September 12, 2023
“A New Song” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 149 When I say the term “earworm” … do you know what I am talking about? ...

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The Message: "Loving With God's Heart," August 20, 2023, Genesis 45:1-15

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 20, 2023
“Loving With God’s Heart” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Genesis 45:1-15 The story of Joseph is a fantastic story! It is one of the most dramatic stories in scripture. It has ...

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The Message, August 13, 2023: "I Can Walk On Water!" Matthew 14:22-33

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 15, 2023
“I Can Walk on Water!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 14:22-33 How do you feel when you watch a television program, or a movie, and you get to the end and three words appear...

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The Message, August 6, 2023: "The First Potluck," Matthew 14:13-21

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 08, 2023
“The First Potluck” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 14:13-21 I have to be honest with you. As I sat down to write this message, I was not sure which way to go with it. There ...

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The Message, July 30, 2023: "Heaven is Like ..." Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 01, 2023
“Heaven is Like …” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 I invite you all to step into the “Way Back Machine” with me. Turn the dial back to you...

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The Message, July 23, 2023: "Wheat and Weeds," Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 25, 2023
“Wheat and Weeds” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 The lovely arrangement of flowers on the altar table was given by the Guptill Family in loving memory of Rob...

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The Message, July 16, 2023: "Bursting ..." Isaiah 55:10-13 (Psalm 65:9-13)

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 18, 2023
“Bursting …” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Isaiah 55:10-13 (Psalm 65:9-13) Obviously, when I sat down several weeks ago to do my worship planning for the summer, I had absol...

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The Message, July 9, 2023: "A Light Burden," Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 11, 2023
“A Light Burden” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon ...

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The Message, July 2, 2023: "Radical Welcome," Matthew 10:40-42

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 04, 2023
“Radical Welcome” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 10:40-42 Opening Illustration: The mug. Approximately thirty years ago, my sister gave me a beautiful, matched set of a ...

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The Message, June 25, 2023: "Dare To Be Bold," Matthew 10:24-39

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 28, 2023
“Dare to be Bold” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 10:24-39 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the hou...

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The Message, June 18, 2023: "Laughing at God," Genesis 18:1-15

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 20, 2023
“Laughing at God” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Genesis 18:1-15 Okay … let me see a show of hands … how many of you enjoy a surprise visit from a stranger? Anyone? Recently, I watched a video of a comedy bit. Basically, the come...

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The Message, June 11, 2023: "Stories from the Heart," Acts 15:3-13

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 13, 2023
“Stories From the Heart” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Acts 15:5-13 (With Sarah Heath) Can you picture the scene? Paul and Barnabas have been traveling through the Gentile wor...

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The Message, May 21, 2023: "Like A Child," Matthew 18:1-7

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 21, 2023
Please Note: This Sunday is Children's Sunday. The message is a "mega" message! It is the Children's Message and the Adult Message rolled into one special message. “Like A Child” A Children's Sunday Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 18:1-7 (The mess...

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The Message, May 14, 2023: "Praise Times Twelve," Psalm 150

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 16, 2023
Please Note: There are not any messages posted for the previous weeks. On those Sundays we had guest preachers and we did not share their messages. “Praise Times Twelve!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 150 &nbs...

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The Message, April 16, 2023: "Dancing Into Joy!" Psalm 100

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 18, 2023
“Dancing Into Joy!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 100 Today is the Sunday after Easter. As I said at the beginning of the service, this week is often called ‘Holy Humor...

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Easter Message, April 9, 2023: "Weeping Into Dancing," John 20:1-18

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 11, 2023
“Weeping Into Dancing” An Easter Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau John 20:1-18 As you might imagine, over the course of my ministry I have done quite a number of funeral services. Witho...

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The Message, April 2 (Palm Sunday), "Who Is That Man?" Matthew 21:1-11

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 04, 2023
“Who Is That Man?” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 21:1-11 For some reason, some of the people in my previous churches have had trouble remembering my name. For example, when...

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The Message, March 26, 2023: "Out of the Depths," Psalm 130

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 28, 2023
“Out of the Depths …” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 130 In preparation for this message this morning, I decided to take a journey to a territory that I ordinarily p...

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The Message, March 19: "New Vision," John 9:1-17

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 21, 2023
“New Vision” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau John 9:1-17 When I was growing up attending Sunday school and summer camp, I learned the song ‘Blind Man.’ My guess is tha...

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The Message: "Living Water, Healing Water,' John 4:5-15, March 12, 2023

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 14, 2023
“Living Water, Healing Water” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau John 4:5-15 Have you ever had a conversation in which it was clear that the other person did not understand what you wer...

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The Message, March 5, 2023: "I Look to the Hills," Psalm 121

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 07, 2023
“I Look to the Hills” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 121 Introduction to Scripture Reading: Psalm 121 was composed thousands of years ago, and yet, even with centuries of ...

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The Message, February 26, 2023: "Just Say, 'NO!'", Matthew 4:1-11

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 28, 2023
“Just Say, ‘No!’” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 4:1-11 What did you give up for Lent? Did you give up anything at all? Are we still doing that? It does not seem...

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The Message, February 19, 2023: "Overshadowed. Overwhelmed. Overjoyed!" Matthew 17:1-9

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 19, 2023
“Overshadowed. Overwhelmed. Overjoyed!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 17:1-9 I am not an avid hiker. Neither am I one who would be confused with a mountain climber. However...

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The Message, February 12, 2023: "I Was Wr ... Wr ... Wr ... Wrong," Matthew 5:21-26

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 14, 2023
“I Was Wr … Wr … Wr … Wrong” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 5:21-26 So … before we begin … let me ask, “Does anyone need to leave to...

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The Message, February 5, 2023: "Lamplight and Starlight," Matthew 5:13-20

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 07, 2023
“Lamplight and Starlight” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 5:13-20 You are the salt of the earth! You are ...

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The Message, January 29, 2023: "Walk Gently," Micah 6:1-8; Matthew 5:1-12

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 29, 2023
“Walk Gently” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Micah 6:1-8; Matthew 5:1-12 Those of you who have read and/or studied the Old Testament … the Hebrew Scriptures … especial...

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The Message, January 22, 2023: "Let it Shine!" Matthew 4:12-23

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 24, 2023
“Let it Shine!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 4:12-23 It is a familiar story …. The Call of the Disciples. No doubt you have read it, or heard it preached, numerous ...

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The Message, January 15, 2023: "Born to Serve," Isaiah 49:1-7; John 1:29-42

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 16, 2023
“Born to Serve” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Isaiah 49:1-7; John 1:29-42 Are you called? Have you felt a calling in your life? Do you feel called to pursue a particular career? Or...

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The Message, January 8, 2023: "Gifting and Re-Gifting," Matthew 2:1-12

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 10, 2023
“Gifting and Re-Gifting” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 2:1-12 Have you moved on from Christmas? Have you taken down all of your decorations and put them away? &nbs...

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The Message, December 24, 2022: "The Best Presence Ever!"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
December 27, 2022
“The Best Presence Ever!” A Christmas Message By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau His name is Eddie. He showed up here at the church one day as we were preparing for a funeral. Of course, he had n...

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The Message, December 18, 2022: "What Is His Name?" Matthew 1:18-25

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
December 20, 2022
“What Is His Name?” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 1:18-25 My Name is Scott William Cousineau. My surname, my last name, is derived from old French and not surprisingly i...

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The Message, December 4, 2022: "Are You Ready?" Matthew 3:1-12

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
December 06, 2022
“Are You Ready?” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 3:1-12 We were supposed to have had a parade through the heart of Saco last night … the Parade of Lights was to be the...

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The Message, November 27: "Stay Awake!" Matthew 24:36-44

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 27, 2022
“Stay Awake!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 24:36-44 Did you all enjoy your post-dinner naps on Thursday … or whenever you celebrated Thanksgiving? Have you actually...

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The Message, November 20, 2022: "Living Thanks," John 6:25-35

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 22, 2022
“Living Thanks” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau John 6:25-35 I am sure that it will come as no surprise to you that putting on a show like ‘Into the Woods, Jr.’ is a majo...

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The Message, November 13, 2022: "Infinite Possibilities," Isaiah 65:17-25

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 17, 2022
“Infinite Possibilities” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Isaiah 65:17-25 When one studies the history of the world you come to see that wherever there is access to clean, fresh water...

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The Message, November 6, 2022: "Make a Joyful Noise!" Psalm 98

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 06, 2022
“Make a Joyful Noise!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 98 When I was a much younger man, my brother and I, and several of our friends, would occasionally go out for breakfast ...

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The Message, October 30, 2022: "Transformed By Love," Luke 19:1-10

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 02, 2022
“Transformed by Love” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 19:1-10 Tomorrow is Halloween. How many of you are going to dress up as Zacchaeus this year? Anyone? Anyone? &nbs...

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The Message, October 23, 2022: "Be the Sinner!" Luke 18:9-14

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 25, 2022
“Be the Sinner!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 18:9-14 This is an unusual story. It does not fit our ear very well. It does not follow the familiar pattern to which we are...

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The Message, October 16, 2022: "Are We Bothering God?" Luke 18:1-8

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 18, 2022
“Are We Bothering God?” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 18:1-8 What is your favorite time of day? Is it your first cup of coffee or tea in the morning? ...

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The Message: "Planting Our Garden," Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, October 9, 2022

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 11, 2022
“Planting Our Garden” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Let me ask you … show of hands … how many of you are living in the same house in which you were born? &nbs...

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The Message: "One Bread, One Body," October 2, 2022, Acts 2:43-47

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 04, 2022
“One Bread, One Body” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Acts 2:43-47 “Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. T...

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The Message, September 25, 2022: "Pursue Righteousness," 1 Timothy 6:6-19

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
September 27, 2022
“Pursue Righteousness” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau 1 Timothy 6:6-19 “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Lif...

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The Message, September 18, 2022: "Peace Like a River," 1 Timothy 2:1-7

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
September 20, 2022
“Peace Like a River” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Prayer is the foundation of our life and worship. It is our conversation with God. It is that time when we lift o...

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The Message: "Blessed and Blessing," Mark 10:13-16, September 11, 2022

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
September 13, 2022
“Blessed and Blessing” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Mark 10:13-16 This passage from Mark is one that is likely familiar to all of us. Even if you have never cracked the spine of a...

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The Message: "Known By God," Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, September 4, 2022

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
September 06, 2022
“Known By God” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 Mistaken identity. It can be one of life’s most embarrassing moments because when it happens it usually happ...

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The Message, August 28, 2022: "Campfire Stories," 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 30, 2022
“Campfire Stories” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 [Children’s Message: Invite the children to enjoy “s’mores” around the campfire. Just give them each a marshmallow. To make a real s’more, ne...

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The Message: "Still Risen," The Easter Story, August 21, 2022

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 23, 2022
“Still Risen!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau The Easter Story [Read from Walter Wangerin, Jr.’s, The Book of God, for scripture reading] The human brain is a remarkable t...

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The Message: "God All Around Us," August 14, 2022, Matthew 25:34-40

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 16, 2022
“God All Around Us” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 25:34-40 Over the last few days, I have watched a handful of videos created by people sharing their perspective on the wor...

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The Message, August 7, 2022, "By Faith!", Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 09, 2022
“By Faith!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 OPENING: Birthday cake. Take out the birthday cake, insert candle, ask the congregation if it is anyo...

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The Message, July 31, 2022, Shepherds! And Angels! And Magi! Oh My!

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 02, 2022
“Shepherds! And Angels! And Magi! Oh My!” A Christmas Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 2:1-20 How many of you have had the opportunity to be in a Christmas pageant? Raise your hand...

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The Message, July 24, 2022, "Spirit Stories"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 26, 2022
“Spirit Stories” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Genesis 1:1-2; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Children’s Message: Glass cylinder God Box ...

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The Message: July 10, 2022, "Who Is God?"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 10, 2022
“Who Is God?” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Genesis 1:1-5; John 1:1-5 Many moons ago, I served on the Committee for Ministerial Preparation for the Boston Southwest Association ...

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The Message, July 3, 2022: "A Joyful Noise!"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 05, 2022
“A Joyful Noise!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 66:1-9 Okay everyone … it is time for Pastor Scott’s weekly sermon survey! &n...

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The Message, June 26, 2022: "Take Up the Mantle"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 28, 2022
“Take Up the Mantle” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 Did you have a favorite teacher when you were in school? Most likely you did. And, if you are like me, you pr...

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The Message, June 19, 2022: "Our Hope"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 21, 2022
“Our Hope” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 42 It was the worst day of his life. The iron bands of grief ...

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The Message, June 12, 2022: "Abide in Love"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 14, 2022
“Abide in Love” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau 1 John 4:16b-21 Over the course of my ministry, I have had the privilege of living in three different church-owned parsonages. I k...

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The Message, June 5, 2022: "Filled With the Spirit"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 07, 2022
“Filled With the Spirit!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Acts 2:1-21 Have you ever experienced anything like that? The rush of wind? The tongues of flame? The jumping, dancing or...

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The Message, May 29, 2022, "Be the Song"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 31, 2022
“Be the Song” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 98 I am under no illusion when it comes to why people come to church. I know that a certain percentage of people go to church ...

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The Message, May 22, 2022, "... and He Blessed Them"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 24, 2022
“… and He Blessed Them” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Mark 10:13-16 Prior to enrolling in seminary, I worked a variety of jobs. I worked for a plastics company in their i...

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The Message, May 15, "A New Thing"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 17, 2022
“A New Thing” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Revelation 21:1-6 How does it make you feel when you think of a new thing? &...

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The Message, May 1, 2022, "Where Do We Go From Here?"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 03, 2022
“Where Do We Go From Here?” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Acts 9:1-20 I know that some of you lived and worked in Massachusetts. We have a number of transplants who made their w...

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The Message, April 17, 2022, Easter, "Risen!"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 19, 2022
“Risen!” An Easter Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 24:1-12 Wow! What a week it has been! Last Sunday we celebrated the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. We marche...

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The Message, April 10, 2022, "He's Here!"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 12, 2022
“He’s Here!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 19:28-40 It is nice to go somewhere and receive a warm welcome. &nbs...

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The Message, April 3, 2022, "Extravagant Love"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 05, 2022
“Extravagant Love” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau John 12:1-8 It was interesting … as I was preparing the message for this morning, I found myself being drawn toward a me...

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The Message, March 27, 2022, "Getting Lost"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 29, 2022
“Getting Lost” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 After I accepted the call to serve First Baptist Church in New London, New Hampshire, Renee and I drove from Shake...

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The Message, March 20, 2022, "Along the Way"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 22, 2022
“Journey to Jerusalem: Along the Way” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 13:1-9 Let’s be honest, shall we. I mean … this is a safe place, right? &nbs...

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The Message, March 6, 2022, "Unpacking for the Journey"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 08, 2022
“Unpacking for the Journey” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 9:51-62 Let me ask … when you go away for a weekend, how much luggage do you pack? &nb...

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The Message, February 20, 2022, "Extravagant Love!"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 22, 2022
“Extravagant Love!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 6:27-38 [Show Video. Neighbors behaving badly.] That is precisely how Jesus wrote it up, right? If Jesus had had acces...

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The Message, February 13, 2022, "Blessed and ... Whoa!"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 15, 2022
“Blessed and … Whoa!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 6:17-26 Years ago, my friend Joe told me the story about his son learning how to play soccer. Jamie was four years o...

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The Message, February 6, 2022, "Deep Water"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 08, 2022
“Deep Water” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 5:1-11 Have any of you had the opportunity to go to Israel? I know that some of you have. I was fortunate enough to go on a four...

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The Message, January 30, "The Greatest of These Is Love"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 01, 2022
“The Greatest of These is Love” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Usually, when I read those words, I have a wedding couple standing in front of me. My guess i...

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The Message, January 23, 2022, "Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 25, 2022
“Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a This may come as a surprise to you … but I am not getting any younger. I know th...

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The Message, January 16, 2022, "Serving the Good Stuff"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 18, 2022
“Serving the Good Stuff” John 2:1-11 A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Over the course of my ministry, I have performed a LOT of weddings. I have lost track at this point, but well ...

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The Message, January 9, 2022, "Follow That Star!"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 11, 2022
“Follow That Star!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 2:1-12 Are you excited for Epiphany? Well … not really Epiphany, that was Thursday … but the celebration of Epiph...

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The Message, January 2, 2022, "The Life of the Party!"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 04, 2022
“The Life of the Party” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau John 1:10-18 This is usually the party season. These two weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year are typically the time for ...

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Christmas Message, December 24, 2021, "A Gift Meant to be Shared"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
December 29, 2021
“A Gift Meant to Be Shared” A Christmas Message Have you ever received a gift that was SO GOOD that you did not want to share it? &...

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The Message, December 19, 2021: "Time to Dance!"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
December 21, 2021
Time to Dance!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 1:39-45 Let me ask you … when was the last time that jumped for joy? When was the last time that you were inspired to dance? ...

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The Message, December 5, 2021, "What Do You Want For Christmas?"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
December 07, 2021
“What Do You Want for Christmas?” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 3:1-6 My guess is that most of you grew up with the Sears & Roebuck Christmas catalog. Was it as exciting f...

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The Message, November 28, 2021, "Darkest Before the Dawn"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 29, 2021
“Darkest Before the Dawn” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Luke 21:25-36 Here is a phrase that most ministers will not make: “I LOVE it when the first Sunday of Advent follow...

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The Message, November 21, 2021, "Blessed and Blessing"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 23, 2021
“Blessed and Blessing” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Matthew 6:25-34 Well … here it is Consecration Sunday, so you know what that means. It is time for the pastor to give...

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The Message, November 14, 2021, "Beware!"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 16, 2021
“Beware!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Mark 13:1-8 Two ministers were standing by the side of the road holding signs of warning for the passing motorists. The first minister&rsqu...

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The Message, Sunday, November 7, 2021, "A Powerful Pittance"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 09, 2021
“A Powerful Pittance” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Mark 12:38-44 Open: Climb up on step stool wearing a collection of stoles. “Can everyone see me?” Begin to offer a long, flowery prayer … ...

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The Message, October 31, 2021, "Not Far from the Kingdom"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 02, 2021
“Not Far From the Kingdom” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Mark 12:28-34 I am certain that you are all familiar with the scene. You have either seen it on television, or in the movies, o...

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The Message, October 24, 2021, "I Can See!"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 26, 2021
“I Can See!” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Mark 10:46-52 Sing: “I love a parade!” Well … not really, but that is how the song goes. And I am not aware of a song that g...

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The Message, October 17, 2021, "Great Service"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 19, 2021
“Great Service” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Mark 10:35-45 I am not a mind-reader … but I may be able to guess what some of you are thinking. ...

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The Message, October 10, 2021, "Never Alone"

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 12, 2021
“Never Alone” A Message by Rev. Scott W. Cousineau Psalm 22:1-15 “My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?! Why have you abandoned me?!” &nb...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, August 10, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 10, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, August 10, 2021 ... Grace is tricky. It seems as though it is always easier to get your ire up than to offer forgiveness. It is easier to get offended than to take the time to see where the other might be coming from. A colleague of mine just shared a P...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, August 3, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 03, 2021
On Saturday afternoon I baked bread. That may not seem like much of an accomplishment, but I assure you that it was. During the peak of COVID yeast and flour were rare commodities. EVERYONE turned into bakers and the ingredients required for baking bread could not be found in any...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, July 27, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 27, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, July 27, 2021 ... I helped a squirrel today. Or ... at least I hope that I did. When I went home for lunch, I saw the little squirrel in the road next to the curb. I thought that it was funny that he did not run away. Naturally, I thought about it all du...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, July 20, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 20, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, July 20, 2021 ... The word "miracle" is often used sarcastically. When your beloved hometown team finally wins a game ... "It is a miracle!" The sarcasm is sometimes joined by our own personal interest. When your spouse FINALLY does the one thing that y...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, July 13, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 13, 2021
Anyone that has flown on a commercial flight and has paid attention to the safety instructions offered by the flight crew before the plane pushes away from the terminal knows that in the event that the cabin loses pressure, an oxygen mask will drop from the overhead compartment. ...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, July 6, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 06, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, July 6, 2021 ... I always love Vacation Bible School! I love the fact that a group of children spend an entire week with us singing, learning, laughing, playing, and exploring the Bible. It is an opportunity to spend more than just a few fleeting moments...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 29, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 29, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 29, 2021 ... I try to plan the worship services several weeks in advance so that Jacqui can plan the music and prepare the choirs. As I was planning for this Sunday's service a song can to mind ... To dream the impossible dream To fight the unbeat...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 22, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 22, 2021
The first dog that Renee and I adopted was a six month old chocolate lab named Jonah. He was a wonderful dog ... eventually. When he joined our family he was all puppy with all of that unbridled puppy energy. Our next door neighbors at the time were Miles and Debbie. Miles was a ...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 15, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 15, 2021
Weekly Greeting, June 15, 2021 ... They say, "If you do not like the weather in New England ... wait a minute!" Certainly, the last few weeks have been a rollercoaster ride here in southern Maine. First it was too cold and wet to plant in the garden, then it was too hot and dry ...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 8, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 08, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 8, 2021 ... A Yeti was spotted on the front lawn of the church today. He was pointing up at the heart that says, "Let us love one another." It was a surprising sighting because the yeti are typically found in colder climates. (Of course, it is not ...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 2, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 02, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 2, 2021 ... In recent months, I have started watching a new television series ... Maine Cabin Masters. I am not sure what network it is on, or what day or time. I usually stumble across it when I am channel surfing up and down the dial. (I am not s...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, May, 26, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 26, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, May 26, 2021 ... I looked in the mirror as I shaved this morning and I saw an older man looking back at me. Perhaps it was the swath of shaving cream ... but it seemed as though my face wore a few more wrinkles than I remember, and my hair seemed a litt...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, May 18

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 18, 2021
Greetings First Parish Family and Friends! It is party season! After most, if not all, celebrations were cancelled last year, our young people are able to celebrate this year. I have driven past Laurel Hill and seen clusters of youth having their photos taken before they head of...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, May 4, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 04, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, May 4, 2021 ... What type of sleeper are you? Heavy sleeper? Or light? I have trouble falling asleep if there is any sound other than the ambient sound of the house. A drip, drip, or a train, or traffic will keep me awake for hours. But ... once I do fal...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, April 20, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 27, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, April 20, 2021 ... I am strong! I am invincible! I am ... Bat Pastor! Okay ... I may not be strong. I am definitely not invincible. But I am ... Bat Pastor. And I am vaccinated! This morning I received the second dose of the vaccine. Even as I await t...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, April 27, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 27, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, April 27, 2021 ... Years ago, I read a sermon titled, "God, the Music Lover." The author of the sermon spoke of the rhythms of the universe and the songs of Creation as the evidence for God's love of music. The sermon then pointed out that God placed tha...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, April 13, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 13, 2021
Her name was Helen. She was a tough and feisty girl. She was picked up as a stray on the streets of Memphis, Tennessee rummaging around in dumpsters and trash barrels for food. She was blind and mostly deaf. The staff at the animal shelter told the rescue director that she should...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, April 6, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
April 06, 2021
Wow! What a wonderful Easter celebration! The glorious music is still reverberating through my heart, and mind, and soul! It is hard to believe that we are still worshipping on a virtual platform after a year apart. It was fabulous to sing the Hallelujah Chorus, but I dearly wis...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, March 30, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 30, 2021
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winte...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, March 23, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 23, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, March 23, 2021 ... Like many people across the country, I spent much of yesterday evening glued to the news waiting to learn more about the tragic events in Boulder, Colorado. And like most people, I was shocked and heartbroken to learn that ten people h...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, March 16, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 16, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, March 16, 2021 ... Confucius once said, "Choose a job that you love, and you will never work a day in your life." His words are true. Over the years, I have spoken with numerous people that hate their jobs. Every day is a grind for them. Each day steals...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, March 9, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 09, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, March 9, 2021 ... The very first wedding that I performed was to take place on a lovely outcrop of rock on the shore of a beautiful lake. There was a winding path to get down to the location that including a number of stone steps set into the hillside. T...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, March 2, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
March 02, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, March 2, 2021 ... If I asked you to create your own personal tablets containing your own ten commandments, what would they be? Go ahead and do it. I will meet you back here in a few minutes ................... - - - - - - - - - - Okay ... wha...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, February 23, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 23, 2021
Consider this prayer by Charles de Foucauld: "I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you; I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me and in all your creatures. I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, February 9, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
February 09, 2021
Greetings Friends! I apologize that there was not a greeting last week. The snow storm made a mess of my schedule. Did you miss me? Speaking of last week's storm ... I do not mind snow storms. In fact, I rather enjoy them. Unlike raking, which I despise, I enjoy shoveling! Go fi...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, January 26, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 26, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, January 26, 2021 ... You may be familiar with the old folk tale about the blind men and the elephant. It goes something like this: An elephant arrived in a remote village, and the villagers were all very excited. In the village, there lived several men ...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, January 19, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 19, 2021
Last week I wrote about love. I joined the chorus of preachers and teachers and leaders that proclaim the need for, and the power of, love. Love wins. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." He also said, "Hate cannot...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, January 7, 2021

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
January 07, 2021
Scott's Weekly Greeting, January 7, 2021 ... I normally "pen" this greeting on Tuesday afternoons, but this week I was caught up with other responsibilities. In some ways I am glad for the delay, in other ways I am not. The events of yesterday afternoon were shocking, devastatin...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, December 15, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
December 15, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... “Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” ? Laura Ingalls Wilder I think that nearly every minister knows tha...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, December 8, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
December 08, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... "The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation." That is the definition of joy. Maybe I have not been paying enough attention, but it seems to me that joy is a word that we do ...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, December 1, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
December 01, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... “Into this world, this demented inn in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, Christ comes uninvited.” ~ Thomas Merton Every evening ... or afternoon ... as the sun sets, I turn on the outdoor lights at the parsonage. I am no...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, November 24, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 24, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... This is the week of the year that many church leaders get seasonal whiplash. The season changes so quickly that we pivot and can almost lose our heads! As most people are making their final preparations for Thanksgiving, we are making plans for Adve...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, November 17, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 17, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... “Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse.” ~Henry Van Dyke Thanksgiving is a little over a week away. Or ... is it a...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, November 10, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 10, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... Walking is good for the body and good for the soul. A lot of folks are runners. I do not run ... unless I am being chased. And to be honest, outside of childhood games, I cannot recall a single instance of being chased. Certainly not as an adult. I ...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, October 3, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
November 03, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... I should not have ... but I did. I clicked on a link to view a video of an altercation at a polling place today. There was no violence, but there was a threat. There was yelling, swearing, and name-calling. As my stomach began to churn, I stopped watc...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, October 27, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 27, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... This week I have had occasion to consider some of the people that have played a role in making me the person that I am today. When I was in elementary school, we had two "lunch ladies" ... Mrs. Black and Mrs. White. In a twist on the cowboy hat ster...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, October 6, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
October 06, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... My weekly messages do not always pop easily into my mind. Sometimes I struggle with what I should say and write. Today was one of those days. I typically write something that will introduce the message for the upcoming Sunday message. This week it is...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, September 22, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
September 22, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... I was one of those kids that liked school growing up. I had an inquisitive mind and I liked learning new things. I still do. Of course, school also brought out the competitive part of my nature. Exams were a competition and I wanted to win! So my inqu...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, September 15, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
September 15, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... I grew up learning to love animals ... creatures of every sort. As a child, we walked through the woods looking for salamanders and toads, crickets and grasshoppers. We caught fireflies but always let them go. For a while we lived in the Berkshires n...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, September 8, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
September 08, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... Memory is a funny thing, is it not? Sometimes repetition helps us embed something into our memory. For example, if you are trying to learn the lines for the play in which you are performing, you repeat them over and over again. It is the same if you a...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, September 2, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
September 02, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... I just went for a walk. Not a long walk, just a walk around the block. I had considered popping my earbuds in and listening to music as I walked, but decided against it. And I am so glad that I did. As I walked, I was able to listen to the world aroun...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, August 18, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 18, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... Have you ever had a deja vu experience? There is always that strange feeling that you recognize a particular moment as having already happened. I have had that experience several times in my life. Sometimes it was just a fleeting glimpse, or the feeli...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, August 11, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 11, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting - August 11 Did you enjoy the worship service on Sunday? (If you have not watched it yet ... check it out on the church's YouTube channel.) What was your favorite part? The carols? The special music? The special guests? Or simply the opportunity to let g...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, August 4, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
August 04, 2020
Yesterday afternoon I stood behind the pulpit in the Temple in Ocean Park, Maine. I was asked to record a sermon for the Ocean Park Association's worship service on August 16. I have worshipped in the Temple dozens and dozens of times. As I looked out from behind the pulpit, I w...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, July 28, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 28, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... One of my favorite summer past-times is watching the Red Sox play baseball. I am not necessarily a baseball fan. I will not typically watch a random game for the love of the game. I am a Red Sox fan. I enjoy settling in, watching the games, and then c...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, July 21, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 21, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... Do you remember the old Christmas movie, The Year Without a Santa Claus? It is the 1974 stop motion animated movie that told the dramatic tale of the year that Kris Kringle decided not to deliver toys to the children. Kris woke up with a cold right be...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, July 14, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 14, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... On several occasions, I have mentioned that I have been coming to this part of Maine since I was ten years old. It began when I attended Seaside Camp at Oceanwood in Ocean Park. About that same time, my mother was actively involved in the youth confer...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, July 8, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
July 08, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... Today is the first day back in the office after a few days off. One of my activities during the brief stay-cation was spreading topsoil in the backyard of the parsonage. (Thank you, Dan Carter, for the dump truck load of soil!) Apparently, the individ...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 30, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 30, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... I am preparing to take off for a few vacation days. Taking vacation time is not something that I am very good at. In the past I have been known to take my briefcase on vacation with me. I check my emails and answer phone calls while I am supposed to b...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 26, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 26, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... As of Thursday (6/25), I have walked this earth for fifty-seven years. Wow! As I lay in bed last night, counting sheep and trying to sleep, I pondered the year gone by. Year number fifty-six was quite a year. It was a year in which I experienced nearl...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 16, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 16, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... This morning I watched a very powerful video of a commencement address speaker. The speaker's name is Rick Rigsby. He is a former professor at Texas A&M University, and he spoke about the wisest person that he ever met. As he stood in front of a g...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 9, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 09, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... People are getting antsy. With states loosening restrictions on physical distancing and moving forward in their stages toward re-opening, people are beginning to inquire about worship. In the last couple of days, I have been asked several times, "When...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, June 2, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
June 02, 2020
To be honest ... I am at a loss for words. I communicate for a living, but I cannot adequately express the feelings that I have in mere words. I can write the word "scream," but it lacks the volume and raw emotion of an actual scream. I can write the word "heartbroken," but it do...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, May 26, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 26, 2020
As you are all well aware, yesterday marked our nation's observance of Memorial Day. Yesterday was the first time in thirteen years that I did not march in a Memorial Day parade, or offer public prayer at a war memorial. We all had to find new ways to pay tribute to, and honor th...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, May 19, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 19, 2020
More years ago than I care to count ... or admit ... I led canoe trips down the Allagash Wilderness Waterway for the youth of the churches I served. Most of the trips were two weeks long and spanned over one hundred miles. A couple of the trips were one week in length and travele...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, May 12, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 12, 2020
My guess is that you have heard the phrase "teachable moment." If not, it is exactly what the phrase implies ... one finds themselves in a situation that presents an opportunity to teach a lesson. Educators and youth workers often refer to experiencing teachable moments with the ...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting, May 5, 2020

By Rev. Scott W. Cousineau
May 05, 2020
Scott's Weekly Greeting ... Because of the uncertainty and difficulty of the last few weeks, the Board of Deacons and I have had a weekly check-in time. Every Friday we discuss the pastoral care needs of our church family and the wider community. Being able to DO something has m...

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By Rev. Scott Cousineau
December 01, 2019
I started seeing the Christmas trees going up at the big box hardware stores in August … AUGUST! Soon after, the displays of other Christmas decorations went up. I had to walk through a Christmas wonderland to purchase by birdseed and yard tools. I think that it was app...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting ...

By Rev. Scott Cousineau
November 26, 2019
I just enjoyed my THIRD Thanksgiving dinner, and it is not even Thanksgiving day yet! Of course, the second one was leftovers ... so I am not sure if that actually counts on the tally sheet. Every time that we gather with friends and family is a special occasion, but this Tha...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting...

By Rev. Scott Cousineau
November 19, 2019
It's the most wonderful time of the year With the kids jingle belling And everyone telling you be of good cheer It's the most wonderful time of the year ... I am sure that you are familiar with this popular Christmas song. You may have even heard it already playing on the r...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting ...

By Rev. Scott Cousineau
November 13, 2019
I am so sorry that this is a day late. I truly hope that it is not a dollar short. Those of us who live in the great State of Maine (and several other states) awoke to frigid temperatures this morning. When I left for the office, it was fifteen degrees with a windchill in the ...

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Scott's Weekly Greeting ...

By Rev. Scott Cousineau
November 05, 2019
Several weeks ago, I introduced Flat Pastor to the congregation one Sunday morning. Flat Pastor stood beside me at the communion table as I shared the morning message. As you can see, Flat Pastor is a caricature of me. He was created by one of the members of my previous church...

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Congregational Church
UCC, SACO MAINE
12 BEACH STREET | SACO, ME 04072
207-283-3771

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