Conservation committee changes date

Due to the holiday, the meeting schedule of the Pownal Conservation Committee has been changed for December. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. in Mallett Hall.

Starting in January, the committee will go back to the regular meeting schedule, which is the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in Mallett Hall. For more information, contact Ruth Hannan at 688-4919.

Church offers ?‘The Journey’

“The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem” will be 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.

Discussions will continue every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. until Dec.19. The public is invited to join the church members as they explore the significance of this most important event in history.

This special program will include worship, sermons and small-group studies that feature videos, Bible study and discussion. The study, published by Abingdon Press, was developed by Hamilton, pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., and is intended for anyone who is interested in the Christian faith.

North Pownal United Methodist Church is located at 851 Lawrence Road. For more information, contact the Rev. Ray St. Pierre at 837-0682 or email chaplainraymond@gmail.com.

Meeting schedule

The Pownal selectmen will meet on Dec. 10 and 17. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the DeWitt Room. The Pownal Board of Appeals will be meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.

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.

Raffle to benefit ?Pownal school

IMPACT, the Pownal Elementary School parent/teacher organization, is holding a raffle for various items, including a $100 gift certificate to Vignola Cinque Terre in Portland and a gift certificate to Edna & Lucy’s in Pownal. Raffle tickets are $1 each, or $5 for an arm’s length. Tickets will be available for purchase through Dec. 19.

A second raffle is also being held for the services of a private chef to provide a catered dinner in your home for up to eight people (cost of food not included). People purchasing tickets for that drawing will be entered to win a voucher for the services of Chef Charles White of Vignola Cinque Terre, which will be eligible for redemption January through June 2013, excluding holidays. The chef will work with you to develop a unique menu and host a memorable event for a birthday party, anniversary or other special occasion. Tickets for this raffle are $5 each and will be available for purchase through Dec. 31.

All proceeds will go towards promoting educational opportunities for students at Pownal Elementary School. Tickets for both raffles will be on sale at the upcoming Winter Concert on Dec. 6 at Pownal Elementary School. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please contact Kate Brown at 688-4767.

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.

Congregational ?Church news

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 news

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.