Two Horses
Author Unknown Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.... Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing. If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow. As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell. Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way....Good friends are like that... You may not always see them, but you know they are always there. Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours. And remember... Be kinder than necessary- Everyone you meet is fighting Some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly....... And leave the rest to God!

A letter from Sandra and Letha
Last Sunday, Valentine’s Day, my partner, Letha, and I were married by Rev. Mary Lee-Clark at your wonderful church. Other than a couple of friends who had been classmates at Bennington College, we were without family and friends present there with us. We had flown up from Georgia to get married in the wonderful state of Vermont, and although our families were with us in spirit, they were not able to be there in person. On Sunday morning we attended your ten o’clock service, where we invited your congregation to join us for our two o’clock wedding. The outpouring of Christian love from your congregation was more than we could ever have imagined. Robin Hoag came up and asked if we had planned a reception, if we had a cake. “No,” we answered. “You do now,” she said, and she brought back a wedding cake, complete with topper, and planned an on-the-spot reception. Roger Patterson and Marilyn Barber brought us a big bouquet of flowers. Over twenty people came back to attend our wedding and shared laughs and love with us, thank you. Thank you to the Second Congregational Church and your wonderful Pastor, Rev. Mary, for showing us how the world ought to be. Sincerely, Sandra and Letha

OGHS for Haiti update:
A total of $1430 has been raised to date, not including all the donations of hygiene kit items.

There are Sundays in March for anyone to place a
plant on the Altar. During lent instead of flowers, we are placing a green plant on the Altar. The plant can be brought in on Sunday morning as you come to church, or on Saturday if that's more convenient. Please sign up on the Flower calendar. Contact Grace Sohn at 447-1976 with any questions. Thank you

Youth Group News
As noted previously, the Youth Group will be preparing a Potato Brunch on March 14th, please bring your appetites! The youth group is doing a rendition of a 30 hour famine that will take place the weekend of March 27th. They will then prepare Sunday Supper on March 28th. Sign ups are after service or on Lori and Dave Nicols’ message machine (442-3940). Looking ahead the youth group will be conducting service on Youth Sunday April 11th.

Looking ahead to Holy Week–
Maundy Thursday, April 1, Agape Meal and Service of Communion and Tenebrae, 6:30 p.m. in Webster Hall Good Friday, April 2, noon-3 p.m. Vigil in the Sanctuary, with readings and prayers from noon - 1 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 4– 8 a.m. (Note earlier time)– Early Easter Vigil service, with Lighting of the Pascal Candle, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and Communion 10 a.m. – Service of Worship and Celebration, with Brass, Bells, and Choirs