They say it’s your birthday

Dana Morrell gave a birthday party Dec. 6 for his son, Evan, who turned eight years old. Family and friends attending were: great grandparents Rita and Dick Bernier; great grandmother Josie Morrell; grandmother Debra Cabana, her husband Rick and their daughter; Jim and Michelle Farwell and their five children; Chelsi and Jami Parker and their friend Joshua; Jen and Bill Tom and their son Joshua; Kimberly Morrell; John Morrell and Kathy Gilman; and Jim Maurais and his daughter Hannah.

To the nines

Elizabeth Duncanson, daughter of Tammy and Brian Duncanson, celebrated her ninth bithday with a pizza party Dec. 6 at Thatcher’s Restaurant. There were 16 family and friends helping her celebrate including her grandparents, Maggie and Dave Garry, her grandmother Carole Brett and her big brother Colby.

Christmas party

Lew and Joanne Weatherby hosted a Christmas party for members of his family and close friends Dec. 6. The group of 18 enjoyed a great dinner followed by an evening of games.

Welcome home

It is good to see Town Councilor Kaile Warren home from the hospital. Kaile spent three days in Maine Medical Center with a heart problem that required him to have two stents put in. He says he is feeling better everyday but still needs to take it easy for awhile.

An invitation

The North Windham Union Church, United Church of Christ,

offers a special “Longest Night” service Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m.

Come out and join with others sharing and hearing prayers, Scripture and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle – and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness.

Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without loved family members who have recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult. The constant refrain on radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with

family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation – all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending.

We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know that we are not alone. Our spirits sink, as days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing deeper around us. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us.

For those reasons, the “Longest Night” service is held.

Everyone, regardless of church background (or lack of it), is welcome. The short service will be followed by a brief time for light refreshments and fellowship. For more information, call 892-6142.

90th birthday

Mary Lyons celebrated her 90th birthday Dec. 13. She has five children, three foster children, 25 grand and great grand children. Members of her family celebrated with her and helped her enjoy the special day.

Thought of the week:

Being yourself is better than being perfect.