Chairs For Church Fellowship Hall

The Nativity Memorial at Canton Lutheran Church in California will remain silent this year, breaking the tradition of people gathering for Christmas live performances. Instead, the church in this rural corner of South Dakota is struggling with how to deal with the peaceful and mourning arrival after the coronavirus tore the area.

The announcement of the church does not bear the mark of gathering and performance, but the mark of death. Since October, South Dakota and North Dakota have been spared the worst pandemics in the spring and summer, and their death rates are frightening. In the fall, the death rate per capita in each state was almost twice that of the next poorest state.

Even if the congregation mourned, they found new meaning in Advent, when Christians commemorated the long and dark night before Christmas, and they were preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Tim Tis said: "The coming season is a year we are full of anticipation. We are waiting for a long time for the arrival of new life." "We are a people who are wounded for hope."

The church’s annual nativity performance often attracts thousands of people to Guangzhou, a city of about 3,500 people, located on the Big Su River, separating South Dakota from Iowa. People come to see the camels, the angels ascending on the hydraulic lift-and of course the baby Jesus, played by one of the newcomers to the church.

Not this year.

The church cancelled live performances, fearing that large gatherings would increase the number of viruses.

Tees said: "There is only one gap, you can't fill it."

Cheryl Johnson, a member of the Lutheran Church in Guangzhou, said that although the death impact of the virus has spread, the grief in the community has stopped. The memorial service for some people was postponed; others gathered at the cemetery.

Johnson said: "These are the pillars of the community." "There should be hundreds of people using these services."

A deceased ran a construction company that built many houses in the area. The other runs a manufacturing company, which is a big employer. Many older generations are loyal donors to the charity church in the town.

Ties said that in the past few months, the Lutheran congregation has lost 12 members due to covid-19 and other reasons.

The virus has become a crucible of harmony between neighboring countries, and this is the pride of many towns. The heated debate about politics and mask requirements, the continued discomfort of isolation, the pain of losing a loved one, and the pressure on medical staff have all become discordant.

Even though the church has experienced a split, it has seen an increase in demand.

The Grand Canyon Lutheran Church is a 126-year-old church. A few miles south of Guangzhou, it is dominated by agricultural families. It stopped serving at the beginning of the pandemic.

But Rance Lindgren, who later died of the virus, insisted that the church continued to provide some form of worship, so the hymns in church organs flowed to Facebook.

The church does everything it can to meet spiritual needs while still working hard to ensure the safety of people. It purchased an FM transmitter so that believers could listen in from their car, and Lindgren held a pass-through communion.

As the weather turned colder, President Eric Scott (Eric Scott) measured the fellowship hall of the church and separated the chairs by 6 feet.

Scott said: "At that time, people were really looking for something, back to their faith, back to God."

Then, Guangzhou was hit by a bunch of cases. The 77-year-old priest passed away on November 3.

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The Abbott Museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. FMI calls 207-924-5721.

VFW Post 4298 Bingo starts at 6 pm-with new games and larger payouts.

Partnership Food Pantry, No. 60 Matthew Manor, distributed from FMI 1 noon to 1 pm on the first and third Monday, call 207-518-8833.

The weekly meditation group is held at the Guildford United Methodist Church on Monday at 1:00 noon on Monday. Beginners are welcome, guided and open to the public. This is a relaxing opportunity for contemplation and contemplation, regardless of any other group or tradition. FMI calls 207-564-3934.

Adult children from families with alcoholism and dysfunction (ACA) meet at the Guildford United Methodist Church at 10:30 am every week. For more information about ACA, please visit

.

Three Rivers Kiwanis will host junk games on the second and fourth Monday from 6 to 8 pm.

Al-Anon, 7 pm, Park St. United Methodist Church, Park St. 15.

Every four Monday nights at the Piscataquis Amateur Radio Club in City Hall at 7pm. FMI calls 207-943-2849.

The Parish House Museum at 72 Church Street is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 am to 2 pm (by appointment) until September. FMI calls 207-965-8070.

The 53 U.S. Veterans Camp on Church Street is open to veterans gatherings from 3:00 PM

The HJ Crosby Dexter Community Band practiced at Ridgeview Community School at 6 pm. FMI call 207-924-6235 or visit www.cuthbert-foundation.org.

The Northern Country Riding Club, in the Wassookeag Snowmobile Club house on Route 10 last Tuesday.

The Dexter Regional Development Corporation meets on the first Tuesday of each month. For more information. Call 207-924-3064.

Shirley B. Carter VFW Post 4298 holds a monthly meeting at 7pm on the third Tuesday of each month. Please call 207-924-3806 or 207-924-5972.

At 7 pm, an anonymous meeting on abstinence was held at the New Hope Baptist Church in Spring St. 130.

Thompson Free Library Knitting Group 11:30 am-1 pm Please call 207-564-3350 for more information.

At 1 pm in the central hall of the Common Sewing Club of the House of Commons. FMI contact 207-343-3018 or info@centralhallcommons.org.

Peace Partners Partner Support Team, 1 to 2:30 pm, 8 Mechanical Street. For more information. Call 207-564-8166.

The weekly ting team meets in the central hall of the House of Commons from 1-3 pm.

Hui Watch Light Body gathers at the Methodist Church at 38 East Main Street from 5:30-6:30 pm

The Addiction Cure Conference is held every Monday from 6 to 7 pm in the Highlands Maine Church, 48 Morton Avenue. FMI calls 207-564-9058.

The NAMI Connectivity Support Team will meet in the Borestone Room of Mayo District Hospital from 6:30-8 pm on the last Tuesday of this month. FMI contacted Beth at 207-924-7903.

The Guildford Historical Society holds a meeting at the Society Museum at 10 North Street at 7pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month (the museum also needs to be opened by appointment). FMI calls 207-876-4501 or 207-217-0963.

The Peace Partners will provide domestic violence services, legal referrals and support at the Outreach Office of the City Hall from 9 am. FMI calls 207-564-8166.

From 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the Monotheistic Universal Church on Chapel Street, get the AA Women's Exploration Group 12

The Sangerville Historical Society meets in the City Hall Community Room at 6:30 pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

The Abbot Historical Society Museum is open from 12 noon to 2 pm, and reservations are required. FMI calls 207-876-3073.

The K-5 Children's Bible Club will hold meetings at New Hope Baptist Church on FMI telephone 207-924-7419 from 5 to 7:30 pm.

The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church at 59 Main Street held Awana ceremonies at 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm.

The New Hope Baptist Church held a prayer meeting at 6 pm in the FMI at 207-924-7419.

Dexter Grange 155 – Dexter SCOUTS Home will have a meeting at 7pm on the second Wednesday in the lobby of No. 2 Church Street. Dinner will be provided for members and guests at 6pm.

TOPS (take off wisely) call Stephanie Bridges at 5:30-7 pm at FMI at 207-278-2307 and at Mary Tuttle at 207-924-3881.

TOPS (Take Off the Pounds Wisely) met at the Congregational Council at 8:30-10 am. Call 207-564-7276.

The community cafe lunch will be held at 11:30 in the Central Hall of the House of Commons. To reply, please call 207-943-2488 or 207-343-3018 or send an email to info@centralhallcommons.org.

The Dover-Foxcroft United Methodist Church will hold "Pay Forward" clothing from 10 am to 3 pm on the second and third Wednesday of this month, which includes children's and maternity clothes and other items.

Anchor holds the Church of God at 57 High Street, bible study is held at 6 pm

The Grief Care Support Team will meet at 207-717-8750 at 48 Morton Ave. FMI, E.FMI, Suite E, from 7 to 8 pm.

The Pine Tree Hospice Care Center provides an adult bereavement support group at 6:30-7:30 pm on the second and fourth Wednesday of FMI. The contact information is 207-564-4346 or wecare@pinetreehospice.org.

Adult study-Bible people hold at United Church at 11 am every Monday.

Partners for Peace provides domestic violence services, legal referrals, and support on the second and last Wednesday of each month at the outreach office of CA Dean Hospital from 4 noon to 4 pm of the month, or by appointment . FMI calls 207-564-8166.

The community fitness center at High St. 31 provides free light lunch and brunch at 11:15 am on the first Wednesday of each month, and there are often guest speakers. For more information. Call 207-876-4813.

The Guildford UMC thrift store is open every Wednesday and Thursday from 1:30-3 pm and Friday from 9 am to 1 pm.

The community lunch is held every Monday from 11 am to 1 pm at the Guildford United Methodist Church.

The Post 41 of the American Veterans Association is open from 7:30 am for gatherings of veterans and members.

The American Veterans Association Post 41 and postal support staff will meet at 7 pm on the first Wednesday and prepare dinner before 6 pm.

The Monson Historical Society Museum and Gift Shop are open from 10 am to 2 pm, reservations are required. FMI calls 207-557-7769 and 207-876-3073.

The ongoing pantry is open in the Unitarian Universalist churches in Sangerville and Dover-Foxcroft. The first week and third Wednesday will be FMI phone 207-876-4926, 9 am to 1 pm.

An anonymous drinker, at the Abbot’s City Hall at 8pm.

DHHS will assist with application and benefit planning at Penquis at 50 North Street from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm on the first Thursday of the month.

Wayne Ripley's weekly Tai Chi/Zhi homework will be held at the Central Hall of the House of Commons at 10 am and 6 pm. FMI contact 207-343-3018 or info@centralhallcommons.org.

Children's story time, 10:30 am, Thompson free library.

American Corps Bingo, 112 Park Street. $400 jackpot. The kitchen opens at 5 pm and the competition starts at 5:45 pm. Must be 16 years old to play. Smokeless. 207-564-8550.

The Lifelong Learning Course "Introduction to Meditation" in the House of Commons will last until Thursday, February 13, at 6:30 pm in the Central Hall of the House of Commons. The course is based on the background and practice of meditation to relax and refresh. Beginners are welcome. You can use a chair, and if necessary, you can bring a cushion or a meditation stool. Please arrive early so that you can sit down and settle down quietly before 6:30pm. The fee is $6 per session. No one will be turned away. 

The theft starts at 6 pm at the Harmony Community Center to benefit the repair of the building, registration is carried out at 5:30 pm, and a lottery is drawn for partners.

Lakeshore House opened the microphone night at FMI from 6 to 9 pm, the phone is 207-997-7069.

Partners for Peace provides outreach hours from 8:30 am to 12 pm on the upper floor of the Morrison Building on Main St. FMI. The phone is 207-564-8166.

A Ladies' Bible Study on the Fruit of the Holy Spirit was held at New Hope Baptist Church at 10 am. FMI calls 207-924-7419.

The Abbott Memorial Library will host a story session for preschoolers at 11 am for more information. Call 207-924-7292.

Perform simple yoga at all levels of the House of Commons in the central hall from 9 am to 10 am. FMI contact 207-343-3018 or info@centralhallcommons.org.

An anonymous drinker, at 7pm at the Dover-Folcroft United Methodist Church at 156 East Main Street.

The opposition dance of the House of Commons will be held in the Central Hall of the House of Commons at 7pm on the second Friday of this month.

Womancare provides outreach services several times a month. Call 564-8165 for the date and location.

An anonymous drinker, in the light next to the church at 7pm.

The partner food pantry at 84 Elm Street will be distributed from the second and fourth Friday of FMI 518-8833 pm.

The Harmony Community Center holds Friday's Nite Jam from 6pm to 9pm to benefit the building's maintenance.

Three Rivers Senior Citizens Meeting, the first and third Friday noon at Carlos (Milo) City Hall, 6 Pleasant St. FMI Avenue, call 207-943-5185.

The distribution time of the Dexter community food pantry is 8-9 am on the first and third Saturday of each month. FMI contact 207-924-7419 or church@newhopechurch.org.

A spinning art group will be held on the fourth Saturday of the month at the Abbott Memorial Library from September 30 to 11:30, welcoming all fiber arts.

At 7 pm, the unknown drunkard will meet at Guilford UMC at 3 School St.

Three Rivers Chivanis holds card games at 1:00 pm on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.

South Sangerville Grange meets on the first Saturday of each month, lunch is available at noon and meets at 1 pm

The Brownville Community Church holds Sunday school at 9 am, worship service at 10 am, and then a coffee social meeting.

St. John’s Episcopal Church holds a service at 8:45 in the morning

The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church at 59 Main Street presides over Sunday schools at 10 am, 11 am and 1 pm.

Our Lady's Kitchen provides free (warmly accepted) hot cooking at noon in St. Anne Parish Hall, Free St. 64.

Saint

Augustine’s Anglican Church (1213 Dexter Rd.) held a service with the Eucharist at 11 am, followed by lunch.

Anonymous abstainers, at the Thompson Free Library at 11 am.

The adult volleyball game was played at Morton Avenue gym at 4-7 pm when FMI called 207-564-3265.

The Guildford UMC located at No. 3 School Street, the worship activity starts at 10 am and coffee is served in the fellowship hall at 9:15 am. The youth program also provides free youth pancake breakfast before 8:30 in the morning.

The Thompson Free Library starts a new year in the philosophical world every month (3:30 pm via Zoom Online), discussing the intersection of poetry and philosophy. FMI Go

Sanhe Kiwanis hosted a garbage event at 1 p.m.

Weather permitting, the U.S. Veterans Association Post 41 will only be open for supper from 4 pm to 6 pm. Drive or call 207-943-6850.

The annual meeting of the Piscatakis County Promotion Association started at 3 pm online. Register on

Please visit https://extension.umaine.edu/register/product/piscataquis-county-cooperative-extension-association-annual-meeting/. 

The Shaw's Public Library Reading Club met at the town office at 4 pm to discuss Eve Chase's "Black Rabbit House". FMI contact 207-695-3579 or

The Thompson Free Library Reading Group met at Zoom at 6 pm to discuss Mary Alice Monroe's "Butterfly's Daughter". FMI Go

The annual ice fishing German competition of the Dexter Fish and Game Association is held on Lake Vasoakog. FMI calls 207-924-5082.

Thompson Free Library Host

At 6 pm, the voice from the family story grand slam examined the concept of hindsight. FMI Go

The 14th annual Moosehead Togue Derby Lake and Ricky Craven will be held today, tomorrow and Sunday. FMI goes to the NREC Moosehead Facebook page.