Christmas Eve services

On Christmas Eve, Monday, Dec. 24, a candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m. at the North Pownal United Methodist Church, located at 851 Lawrence Road, in Pownal. All are welcome. For more information on church programs, please contact Pastor Raymond St. Pierre at 798-4810 or 837-0682.

The First Parish Congregational Church will also be holding Christmas Eve services on Monday, Dec. 24. The service will be at 7 p.m. in the church with refreshments to follow. For more information, call Pastor John Wentworth at 688-4846.

Historical society has gift ideas

A special gift for family or friends with connections to the town of Pownal is the Pownal Scenic and Historical Society’s recently produced DVD of its Nov. 4 program, “In Tribute.” It honors “Five who did much for Pownal over their lifetimes” – William “Bill” Dewitt, Carl “Sam” Mason, Jr., Edna Snow Menchen, Marion Knight Reed, and Frank A. Knight, Jr. The DVD, a 55-minute narrative with pictures of each person honored, details the generous contributions they made to the town and the Pownal Scenic and Historical Society. These five died over the span of less than a single year. Their families had lived on Hodsdon Road for generations. All had served the towns in which they lived, and all were valued members of the historical society since its founding in 1970. They and their families were interrelated; participated in town government; belonged to area churches; attended local schools and operated local businesses in the granite and lumber industries.

Also for sale are three town histories: “On Pownal Time: 1908-2008”; “Pownal: A Rural Maine History,” published in 1977; and “History of Pownal,” published in 1908. Also available are note cards and Pownal maps (1871, 1988, 2008). All can be purchased at Mallett Hall from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday or by calling Donna Boyles at 688-4780.

Church offers? ‘The Journey’

“The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem” is the subject of a church-wide study at the North Pownal United Methodist Church.

In the study, Adam Hamilton, the author of the book, “The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem,” takes a look at the birth of Jesus Christ. Using historical information, archaeological findings and personal reflections, Hamilton illuminates this most amazing moment in history. Readers follow the footsteps of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and others, gaining insight into their own journeys.

The final discussion of the series is Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to join the church members as they explore the significance of this most important event in history.

For more information, contact the Rev. Ray St. Pierre at 837-0682 or email chaplainraymond@gmail.com.

Energy assistance available

Residents of Freeport and Pownal can now apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at the Freeport Community Center.

LIHEAP provides a once-a-year benefit to cover a portion of the cost of purchasing heating energy, which includes fuel oil, kerosene, electricity, wood and coal. This program gives priority to persons who are elderly or who have children under the age of 2 years. First-time applicants can contact Julie Fraser at 865-3985 ext. 215 for more information, or to set up an appointment. An application will be mailed to those who have previously received benefits.

North Pownal Church Food Pantry

The North Pownal United Methodist Church, Lawrence Road, has new hours for distributing food from its pantry. It is now every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.- noon. The food pantry usually receives different kinds of breads, produce, desserts, etc. All are welcome.

Church services

The First Parish Congregational Church on Route 9 will have its regular worship service on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. For more on church programs, call Craig or Cheryl Vosmus at 688-4810 or Arnold and Doris Blackstone at 688-4791.

North Pownal Methodist Church worship service is planned for Sunday at 9 a.m. with the Rev. Raymond St. Pierre. For more on church programs, contact St. Pierre at 798-4810 or 837-0682 or by email at chaplainraymond@gmail.com.