Bells are Ringing!

The Peoples Bell Choir is off to a great start, and are planning to have their first performance at the Variety Show on Saturday, November 14. Many thanks to Debbie Cole, Music Director, for taking on this vital ministry, and for all of those who have joined the bell choir!

For a video, go to the Peoples Facebook page

Mechuwana Senior High Rally Dec 11-13

Submitted by Camp Mechuwana

SENIOR HIGH DECEMBER RALLY AT CAMP MECHUWANA
OPEN TO ALL YOUTH GRADES 9-12
DATES: DECEMBER 11-13
COST: $30.00

We will be collecting unwrapped gifts for a local Winthrop Charity. They will distribute toys to local kids who otherwise would not have any. Please, if you can bring an unwrapped gift that would be appropriate for a child.

How to register: Go to our web site http://www.mechuwana.org/ and download a registration form. Or call the office 207-377-2924 and we will send you one.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS DECEMBER 4TH.

Memberhip Sharing Lunch

After church Sunday, November 1, longtime as well as newer members gathered together with several inquirers for a wonderful potluck lunch and time of sharing. Pastor Jamie facilitated the discussion, asking questions such as what has Peoples Church meant to you, and what has your faith in Jesus Christ meant to you?

Many thanks to Chris Ward for heading up this event, including coordinating food, setup and take down crews. And thank you to all who helped out, cooked, set up, cleaned up, brought food, and participated in word or presence. That sure means a lot to those considering joining the family here at Peoples!

Inquirers classes will continue for the next several weeks on Monday evenings, and those who make a decision for membership will join on Sunday, November 22. We hope all will join us then to welcome our newest family members!

Invitation to Stewardship Worship Series

Jesus said: I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit. -- John 15:5

Please join us on November 1, 8 and 15 as we gather together our fruits of ministry as those connected to the Vine. Commitment Sunday on November 15 will be a wonderful opportunity to offer our promised giving for the new year as our first fruits.

Pledge cards will be available in worship during these weeks, and those not ready to offer them on the 15th may do so whenever it is convenient either by placing them in the offering plate during worship, or mailing them to the church at the address indicated on the card. Click here for a copy of the pledge card to print. A stewardship letter is also being emailed and mailed to our active attendees, or you may print one at the link above.

Kathy Brann, Financial Secretary, was inspired many months ago with this year's fruitful theme. We also appreciate others who have been involved in this worship and stewardship program planning process, including Sue Angell, Chris Ward, Debbie Cole, Andy Folley and Ruth Doughty. Thank you to all!

In ministry together for Christ,
Pastors Gwyneth and Jamie Arrison

Oh What A DaY

On Sunday, October 25 a number of Peoples people headed out on a Mystery Ride that saw automobiles reaching their destination anywhere from 40 minutes to over an hour. These same riders and drivers found that their odometers read anything from 14.3 miles to over 22! And we have to say that everyone had the same directions which took us from the church on a beautiful ride through South Portland and Cape Elizabeth only to find that our destination was Bug Light Park. It was a fun time together for most as we gathered by the Liberty Ship Memorial overlooking Portland Harbor, two tankers and the beautiful tree colors of the islands beyond.
We thank Dan and Ruth Doughty for setting up the event and the route. I'm sure we missed some of the beautiful scenery as we were concentrating on how many no parking signs there were near Crescent Beach State Park or what day The Good Table is closed each week or trying to find a Mobil Station when it was in fact an Irving station. Prizes were awarded with Sally Seidl and company winning one of the first place prizes while the Tordoffs matched them. The Gays and Wades also received prizes. I'm sure the youth including the Mullens and Isaac Dunn as well as Pastor Johanne Dame of Clark and Sophie Vanderburg hoped the people responsible for their food would have shown up, but alas they didn't. If I had only known earlier I might have been able to share our prize of apples with someone other than Isaac.

Mission Trip Planning Progress

A small group of folks have been meeting to plan the first group mission trip from Peoples UMC. We have met monthly throughout the summer and fall, studying Scripture together, researching various options through the United Methodist denomination (General Board of Global Ministries) and internet, praying with one another and interviewing other churches. Those part of the planning group thus far have been: Earle Harvey, Betsy Morrison, Janell Powell, Betty Lane, and Pastor Gwyneth.

At this time we have four potential mission trips, which are located in NY City, Wilmington DE, Baltimore MD, and the rural mountains of West Virginia. We are completing final research on each of these organizations and hope to make a decision by the end of November. One criteria that was important to our group was that the trip be within driving distance to reduce travel costs.

Each organization focuses on meeting different needs such as working with children and youth, the homeless, those with AIDS, or low income families. Most offer a flexible program, including some physical labor such as construction or painting in addition to helping in a soup kitchen or running a vacation bible camp for children.
Potential dates for a trip include one week anytime in 2010, including spring vacation, but most likely will take place sometime during the summer. Costs vary with each organization but seem to range from about $300-$500 per person including meals but not travel. Some organizations accept families with young children, others do not. If you would like to bring a young child on the trip, please let us know so we can factor this into our decision.

We would love to have a LARGE group go on this mission trip! Please contact Pastor Gwyneth or any member of the planning team for more information. However, if you are fairly certain you will not be able to go, please be in prayer about how you can still be part of this exciting mission. Opportunities could include financial support, organizing fund raising for the group, organizing or participating in a daily prayer vigil during the trip, donating necessary items, helping out spouses or families of those who stay behind during the week, or writing a note of encouragement to those who will be going.

Please be in prayer for this church mission! Thank you.

Kids UNICEF Mission at Peoples

The Sunday School led a trick-or-treat for UNICEF on Sunday, October 25. During Sunday School, the kids learned about the children that UNICEF helps. Then the kids all put on their costumes, marched through the Sanctuary during the closing hymn and then formed a receiving line outside with UNICEF boxes outstretched for coins! Great fun and a great mission.

For a complete photo album of pictures, go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=152315&id=148046372078&l=a2257bb4f0

Reminder - Set Those Clocks Back!

Please remember to set your clocks back one hour this Saturday, October 31!

Walk to Emmaus

Pastor Gwyneth served as clergy on team for this spring's women's Walk to Emmaus weekend in October at Camp Mechuwana. Walk to Emmaus is a once-in-a-lifetime Christian experience, and is an organization within the United Methodist Church to renew those in the church who may feel burned out, and also provides a wonderful base of knowledge about the Christian faith and journey for new and longtime Christians alike.

Those who have attended an Emmaus, Tres Dias or similar weekend are generally hesitant to share many details. There are no secrets, but there are many surprises during the weekend that are best experienced first hand. Who at Christmastime wants to be told what a gift is before opening it?! However, if you do have specific questions about the experience, we will be happy to share every detail you wish to know.

For more information, go to Walk To Emmaus. The next Walk to Emmaus weekends are being held this Spring in Alfred, Main:. Men's Weekend - May 6-9 Women's Weekend - May 20-24. If you have any questions or might be interested in attending sometime, please contact the pastors.

Chimney Work and Other Trustees Ventures

Submitted by Susan Angell:

Exciting things are going on at Peoples. Peter Fournier Masonry is busy working on our building and sanctuary cement entrance repairing our building and will also be replacing the deteriorating chimney at the parsonage. Years of Maine weather has taken its toll on the mortar of our buttress’ (pillars which hold up the building), around windows, doors and steps. This opportunity to make the repairs before the situation became dire was due to a recent bequest by Grace Corey’s Estate.

Saturday, the 10th of October the Trustees held an out door clean up and gutters were cleaned by Chuck and Dana, the sanctuary doors were sanded by Brad and Jim, the sidings was repaired by Walter, the windows were sealed by Doreen and Susan weeded all the cracks and crevices in the walks and parking areas so that they can be cold packed. Joanne made the crew Southern sausage and biscuits to keep up their strength.

Saturday, the 17th of October, Walter will be pruned overgrown bushes in the parsonage yard with Susan trying to assist.

Chuck has already replaced some of the out door lights as well as other small jobs. The Ellis Hall thermostat was checked out by Hank Dunn and the possibility exists that they are set correctly but not operating in the correct manner and may need to be replaced.

Saturday, the 24th of October, our own Boy Scouts will arrive to rake the church grounds. Walter will be bringing his truck to haul away the leaves and church people will join in too for raking and cleaning up the garden.

Busy, busy, busy!!!

Couples Dance & Relationship Class

Coming in January, six weeks of ballroom dancing and relationship building for couples! Classes will begin the week of January 4, most likely on Monday evenings at 7pm (with Wednesday evenings as snow dates). The evening will begin with an hour long ballroom dance class led by Ann Rita Smith of Maine Ballroom Dancing and who has taught for several years at the South Portland Community Center. This will be followed by an hour session led by Steve and Kathy Beirne, who are certified teachers of the new curriculum, Mastering the Mysteries of Love.

There will be a maximum of 12 couples. However, a second 6-week session may be offered after February school vacation if there is interest. Costs for the program have not yet been finalized, but will most likely range between $10-$15 per couple per session, plus $10 for the text. A $15 registration fee will be due by mid-December, and the balance due before the first class. Scholarships may be available so if you need financial assistance to be able to attend please contact the pastors.

Please let the pastors know if you are interested in these classes. A registration form will be available shortly.

Advent Studies

Advent is a season to prepare for the coming of Jesus. We celebrate this season with special study offerings. There will be at least three groups working through the book "Advent of the Savior" edited by Cindy Bunch beginning toward the end of November. The Tuesday morning group at Rosemary Herd's house and the adult Sunday School class will use this book during their regular meeting times as well as a new group starting up at the Betsy Ross House schedule to be determined. All of these groups are open and this is a wonderful time to join. If you would like to join a group at another time, contact the pastor as we are able to form new groups as needed. Be prepared for Jesus this year before the business of the season takes over. Come and join us.

Christmas Sunday School Unit Begins Nov 1

Good News! Good News is the title of the new Sunday School unit starting November 1. Come and hear the story of Jesus' birth from the very first people to get to share the Good News. You too have Good News to hear and share. We will also begin preparing for our Christmas pagent. These next weeks are an excellent time to invite friends and family members to come see what the birth of Jesus means to them with activities including cooking, art, storytelling, games, music and more. It's all Good.

Advent Begins November 29

Advent is the season where we prepare for the coming of Jesus. This coming of Jesus has a double meaning as we prepare to remember the coming of Jesus in Christmas as well as we look ahead to the time when Jesus comes again. At one time, Advent was, like lent, a time of fasting. These days we are more likely to be spending December with a month of feasting on food and the excesses of purchasing in preparation for an extravagant Christmas. This year, with unemployment high and budgets running slim, it may be an excellent time to recapture the Peace and simplicity of a fasting Advent. Is there one thing that can be left out from our normal practices - a rich food, a scaled back present budget, a few less lights? What is there from our hectic practice of Christmas that distracts us from remembering and trusting in our Lord Jesus that we can leave aside this year? Perhaps there is even one thing for each of the four candles of our Advent season? I don't want to steal one bit of Joy from the season, but rather to refocus our Joy on the life of Love Jesus is calling us to. As with any fast, any pangs of hunger or regret for setting aside something from the season should be a call to prayer to return us to praise of Jesus and Hope for his return. Let us spend as much effort preparing our hearts and lives for the coming of Jesus as we do for the coming of the holiday this year.

Need Acts for Variety Show!

Do you have an act to share? The Peoples variety show is to be held on Saturday, November 14. Please see Earle Harvey to apply. The show starts at 6pm in the Vestry. Refreshments will be on sale all evening. Mark your calendars for an evening of fun and frolic!

Advent Devotions

Would YOU Write an Advent Devotion? There has been a tradition at Peoples of folks from the church writing meditations about an experience of God which are then compiled into a daily devotional guide to be used during Advent. Please get these to Art Tordoff, preferably by the end of October. The last date to submit will be November 15. It would also be helpful to let Art know if you plan to write one if you think you might procrastinate the actual writing! You may contact Art at 799-6222 or atordof1@maine.rr.com. Booklets will be distributed November 29. Blank forms are available in back of the church if you need to hand write your devotion. Thank you.

Annual Church Conference

Church/Charge Conference is scheduled for Sunday, November 15 at 3pm. All are welcome to attend this annual meeting of the church and hear some words from our District Superintendent, Rev. Mike Davis.

Membership Potluck Lunch Nov 1

All are welcome to attend this potluck lunch after church on November 1! Those who are interested in membership at Peoples are invited to listen to long-term as well as newer members to hear why they love Peoples Church. This will be wonderful time of learning from one another the meaning of faith and participation in the church. Please RSVP to the pastors or Chris Ward.

Interested in Church Membership?

Inquirer's Classes for membership at People Church will begin shortly. Please contact the pastors if you are interested in finding out more about membership at Peoples.

Family Pizza Night

Family Pizza Night is scheduled for Thursday, October 29 at 5pm. This is an event for parents, Sunday School teachers and other Sunday School volunteers for a time of fellowship. In addition, we will have some teacher training and time for questions and sharing about the next Sunday School unit. We hope you (and your children!) can attend!

Church Council Calendar Planning

Church Council Calendar Planning will take place next Saturday, October 24 at 9am. All Council members should attend, and anyone interested in planning out church activities for the next 6 months is welcome to attend.

Serving at the Root Cellar

Please join Peoples people to help serve a meal at the Root Cellar on Munjoy Hill in Portland on Thursday, October 22. Please see Carol Bruneau for details, or contact her at 799-5995.

New Opportunity for Meditation

Peoples Church is restarting monthly meditation services, which will be held the 2nd Sunday of each month at 7pm, next scheduled for November 8. The format has changed to include a short Scripture reading and meditation followed by meditative music for about 45 minutes. Additional prayers and Scriptures will be included in a bulletin for private use. November’s theme will be healing. December's theme will be Christmas with music from Handel's Messiah. This is a great chance to bring a friend who may not be comfortable yet with church. Please contact Pastor Gwyneth for more information.

Winter Snow Storm Policy for Peoples Church

The following are some general guidelines when there is a storm on Sunday morning, as discussed at this month's Church Council meeting:

1. Each person / family needs to assess the weather and decide for themselves if it would be best to stay home. If you feel that it would be best to stay home, why not take that opportunity to have your own family or private worship service? As a mission, perhaps you could think of some older members of the church and give them a call to see if they're okay and if they need anything.

2. If there is a parking ban in South Portland, Peoples Church will be closed for all regularly scheduled Sunday morning activities (Sunday School, coffee fellowship, worship, etc.) or at the pastors' discretion and consultation with other church leadership. On Sundays that worship is not cancelled but the weather is nominal, Sunday School may be cancelled; if Sunday School is cancelled, coffee fellowship is automatically cancelled as well.

3. We will post Sunday morning worship cancellation on TV WCSH channel 6, and an email will go out to those on the email list. If the storm occurs Sunday evening or during the week, we will also post other cancellations on channel 6 as necessary. For individual groups (committee meetings, prayer service, choir rehearsal), the group leader will contact regular members if there is a cancellation.

4. Since the pastors live next door to the church, one of the pastors will always be there to pray or to lead an informal service even when worship is cancelled. The parking lot will not be plowed and sidewalks will not be shovelled; be prepared to trudge up to the door in deep snow.

5. If you decide not to attend church on a Sunday morning, please set aside your gift or pledge contribution and either mail or bring the following Sunday. Wintry Sundays are extremely difficult on the church budget when folks skip a week's donation. Better yet, fill out a direct debit form so you need not worry about making up missed donations at all.

If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact the pastors or church council chair, Chris Ward. Thank you.

God's Covenant Rainbow

And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth." Genesis 9:12-17

May we at Peoples Church know that God saw the rainbow and remembered the everlasting covenant with us and every living creature.

To view an entire album of photos of the rainbow over the church go to this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=147249&id=148046372078&l=9041c1d5e6

Golf Scramble!

The love and joy of God rained down on us for this years golf tournament. Given the weather, the turnout was excellent. Tom Nelson and his team of ringers sweeped up the top prizes at an awards ceremony well fed by Chris Ward and Rosemary Herd. Thank you Earle Harvey for organizinging this years event as well as all participants, sponsers, food helpers and the South Portland municipal course. Now that we're all dried out let us start praying for better weather for next year, with at least as much great fun and fellowship. The United Methodist Men's group kept aside the earnings to help build up future missions and projects.

For more golf scramble pictures, go to:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=152640&id=148046372078&l=fdcfecdc5d

Serving the Poor

What a blessing it was to serve with compassion those in our Portland area in need. Have you served at the soup kitchen before? If not, come on out and give it a try. We could use a lot more helpers! Peoples next serves there December 30, and every 5th Wednesday of the month.

For some more photos go to: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=145502&id=148046372078

Would YOU Write an Advent Meditation?

Submitted by Art Tordoff:

There has been a long tradition at Peoples of folks from the church writing meditations about an experience of God which are then compiled into a daily devotional guide to be used during Advent. The Advent season begins on November 29. If you had a meditation prepared last year that wasn't submitted, or would like to write one for this year, please get these to Art Tordoff, preferably by the end of October. The last date to submit will be November 15. It would also be helpful to let Art know if you plan to write one if you think you might procrastinate the actual writing! You may contact Art at 799-6222 or atordof1@maine.rr.com Click here for a sample devotion by Art Tordoff. Booklets will be distributed November 29. Thank you.

Stewardship in November

Jesus said: I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. -- John 15:5 5

Please join us in the first three weeks of November as we gather together our fruits of ministry as those connected to the Vine.

Consecration Sunday on November 15 will be a wonderful opportunity to offer our promised giving for the new year as our first fruits.

Reminder - No Sunday School Oct 11

Due to the Columbus Day holiday, there will be no kids Sunday School on October 11. Children may go to nursery or remain in worship.

Join Us For a Mystery Ride!

Submitted by Ruth Doughty


Please plan to join us for Peoples Church Fall Mystery Ride on Sunday, October 25. Dress warm, pack a picnic lunch, a blanket and/or chairs and meet in Ellis Hall following morning worship. You will be given a set of questions to answer and directions to follow as we make our way to the mystery destination. Prizes will be awarded to those who answer the most questions correctly and arrive in the allotted amount of time. Hope to see you there! Hosted by Dan and Ruth Doughty.

Wayside Soup Kitchen - Help Serve Sept 30

Peoples Church will be helping to serve at the Wayside Soup Kitchen this Wednesday, September 30. Please arrive around 5pm to help set up. Meal begins at 6pm. The soup kitchen is located at 252 Oxford Street (near the Portland Post Office). For questions or to arrange a carpool, please contact Tom Nelson at
799-6321.

Need Donations for Church Auction!

Submitted by Doreen Gay

Our annual fundraising auction of the church is on Friday, October 9th. The viewing begins at 6:00 pm along with "good eats" and the live auction begins at 7:00 pm. Would you please prayerfully consider attending, inviting a friend, donating an item, service or money, contacting a local business for a donation? Thank you so much for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please note, I must receive all donations by 10/6/09 for printing of the program

Golf Scramble This Saturday

Do you want to have fun and play golf at the same time? Peoples is sponsoring a golf scramble on October 3 at the S. Portland Municipal Golf Course. Entrance fee will be $35 / person. Tee times start at 8am. Prizes will be awarded and refreshments served at the church after the matches. Team captains are looking for golfers to complete their teams: Hank Dunn, Merrill Kaiser, Tom Nelson, Keith Snoddy, Art Tordoff, Fred Wade and Jamie Arrison.

Outside Work Day October 10

Submitted by Doreen Gay

We will begin at 8:30am on Saturday, October 10 doing general church yard cleanup and minor repairs. Please consider volunteering some time. The Trustees need your help. Thank you. Rain date October 17.
Doreen Gay, Trustee

Church Workshop and Seminars in Maine

Submitted from UMCatalyst to Peoples Church blog at www.peoplesumcnews.blogspot.com

Fall District Workshops Start Next Week
As we are being challenged to "Rethink Church" and to focus our congregation's energies outward into mission in our communities and world, the Conference staff will conduct a variety of practical workshops this fall to give local churches information and resources to help enhance and empower your mission work and experiences. All clergy and local church members are invited to attend!

Dates
Tuesday, September 29 -- Wesley UMC, Concord, NH
Wednesday, September 30 -- First UMC, Westfield, MA
Friday, October 2 -- Grant Memorial UMC, Presque Island, ME
Saturday, October 3 -- Peoples UMC, Baileyville, ME
Monday, October 5 -- First UMC, Littleton, NH
Tuesday, October 6 -- Osterville UMC, Osterville, MA
Thursday, October 8 -- Fisk UMC, Natick, MA
Wednesday, October 14 -- Eliot UMC, Eliot, ME
Saturday, October 31 -- Wakefield/Lynnfield UMC, Wakefield, MA

Agenda
Weekday Workshops:
6:30 pm - Gathering
6:45 pm - Worship
7:00 to 8:00 pm - Workshop choice 1
8:15 to 9:15 pm - Workshop choice 2

Saturday Workshops:
9:00 am - Gathering
9:30 am - Worship9:45 to 10:40 am - Workshop choice 1
10:45 to 11:45 am - Workshop choice 2

Workshop Offerings
There are 7 workshops*, each exploring a different aspect of Mission in a New Day. Each workshop will be offered twice during the evening, so participants can choose two of the offerings.
Visit www.neumc.org/newday for full workshop descriptions.

Doing What is Needed. Curtis Brown, Director of Congregational Development.
Connecting with Mission Resources. Alexx Wood, Director of Communications.
Being Mission: Deepening Discipleship Through Mission Experiences. Wanda Stahl, Director of Spiritual Formation.
As a Fire is Meant for Burning. James McPhee, Director of Connectional Ministries
Hands on Mission with United Methodist Volunteers in Mission. David Stackpole or Howard McGlaufin, United Methodist Volunteers in Mission.
Youth and Young Adults in Mission. Lorraine Macpherson, Director, United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth - Northeast
Mission Opportunities at Mechuwana. Norman Thombs, Camp Director.

RegistrationAll clergy and laity are invited to attend! Registration is FREE. Visit www.neumc.org/newday for more information.

Cluster of Courses & Workshops for Church Leaders
Sponsored by the Jesse Lee ClusterOf the Mid Maine District United Methodist Church
Hosted by Green Street UMC 13 Green Street, Augusta, Maine
Saturday Sept. 26, Oct. 3, 10, 2009
8:30 gathering worship, 9:00-1:00 class sessions (with fellowship break)

Beginning & Advanced Lay Speaking Courses(pre-registration required by Sept. 15 to receive books with first assignments)
Basic Course: Introduction to Lay Speaking
Youth Basic Course
Road Map for Bible Study (Advanced Course)
Daily Spiritual Disciplines (Advanced Course) Single Session Resource workshops: (no pre-registration)

Sept. 26: 9-1, Statistical Reports with Joy Mueller
Oct. 3: 9-11, Endowment strategies with Gary Melville
Oct. 10: 9-11, 11-1, Stewardship with Bonnie Marden Same Boat brainstorms (no pre-registration needed)
Sept. 26: 9-10:30, Church Secretaries & Administrators.
Oct. 3: 9-10:30, Mission and Outreach
Oct. 10: 9-10:30, Church Musicians

Lay Speaking Course Registrar: Ruth Cannon, 207-786-3929, ruthcannon@roadrunner.com For general information contact Sessions Dean, Heather Brown at (207) 445-2284, heathernbrown@hotmail.com Click here for flyer: Cluster Courses Fall 2009

New England Conference School of Christian Mission One-Day Event
Quincy Community UMC, Quincy, MA
Saturday, October 3, 2009 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Missed the 3-day School of Christian Mission? Never been before? Then this is for you! Choose one of the following options:
- A comprehensive study (six hours) on Sudan with Rev. Garvin Warden
- Children/Youth study on Food and Faith and Sudan with Cat Janson and staff
- A pot pourri (two hours each) of the three studies offered this year: Sudan, Food and Faith, and Native American Survival Rev. Garvin Warden, Rene Wilbur, and Pat Parent, Study Leaders

Click here for more information and registration materials. For more information contact Margaret Buckley, Registrar, at qcumc2@comcast.net or (617) 773-3319 or Rev. Barbara Schreier, Dean, at bstks@sbcglobal.net or (860) 928-0308

Mid Maine District Leadership Academy
Saturday, October 17, 2009
8:30 am to 3 pm
Pleasant Street UMC, Waterville, ME

Agenda for the Day8:30 to 9

Registration and coffee 9 to 9:30
Opening worship led by Pastor Tom Frey and the youth of the Dresden Richmond UMC
9:30 to 11 First workshop session
11:15 to Noon District Conference work
Noon to 1 PM Lunch
1 to 2:30 Second workshop session
2:45 to 3 Closing worship led by Rev. Beverly Stenmark, District Superintendent for the Mid Maine District.

A book table will be available and will offer books that supplement the workshops as well as other books of interest.

Workshops and Leaders
An Introduction to The Workshop Rotation Model for Sunday School - Jen Thibert, Sunday School Superintendent, Pleasant Street UMC in Waterville
Creativity in Worship - Rev. Karen Munson, Pastor, Readfield UMC
Me? A Leader? - Dick Babb, Auburn UMC is an educator and as a consultant in organization development.
TAPPING OUT A NEW ?TUNE? - District Lay Leaders, Betty Austin and Joni Gatcombe
Pastor Parish Relations Committees - District Superintendent, Beverly Stenmark
Committees and Prayerful Work - Margo Carmines
?Acts? of church transformation - Rev. Neil Gastonguay, Pastor Bath UMC
Equipping Ourselves to Transform the Workplace - Rev. Nancy Smith, pastor and author
Doing a Church Financial Audit - Les Davis a lay person from the Green Street UMC.
Christian Stewardship - Rev. Linda Campbell-Marshall, retired pastor and former District Superintendent of the former Central Maine District For Brochure with Workshop Descriptions and Additional Information, Click Here

Discernment on Personal Giving

Submitted from Faith & Money www.umfne.org to the Peoples Church blog at www.peoplesnews.blogspot.com

Maimonides Ladder

Maimonides, a 12th century Jewish scholar, invented this eight rung Ladder of Giving.

1. The Lowest: Giving begrudgingly, embarrassing the recipient.
2. Giving cheerfully but giving too little.
3. Giving cheerfully and adequately but only after being asked.
4. Giving before being asked.
5. Giving when you do not know who is benefiting,
but the recipient knows your identity.
6. Giving when you know who is benefiting, but the recipient does not know your identity.
7. Giving when neither the donor nor the recipient is aware of the other's identity.
8. The Highest: Giving money, a loan, your time or whatever else it takes to enable an individual to be self-reliant.

Note: The concept of giving anonymously without knowing the recipient traces back to ancient Israel. Beggars would regularly congregate next to a wall of a courtyard and donors, being aware of this, would face the opposite direction and toss coins over the shoulders in the direction of the wall. Therefore, the recipients of the charity would not feel ashamed or indebted to the giver. How bold are you in your giving? For more examples of each level, Click Here
Source: http://www.charitywatch.org/articles/eightrungs.html

Quotes

* When we give to God, we are just taking our hands off what already belongs to God.
* We should give according to our income, lest God make our income according to our giving.
* Two things ruin a church--loose living and tight giving.
* With the price of everything else going up these days, aren’t you glad the Lord hasn’t increased the tithe to 15%?
Source: www.kluth.org

Off to a Wonderful Start to the Fall

Submitted by Gwyneth Arrison at http://www.peoplesumcnews.blogspot.com/

The Sunday School has begun the year with over 20 youth, and is using PowerXpress curriculum which makes learning fun as kids learn the lesson through cooking, stories, games, music and other interative centers. All children age 3-11 are welcome. Please see our Sunday School link for more information.

Junior High Regional Youth Group

The regional Jr. High Youth Group will be meeting next Sunday, September 27 at 1pm, and every 2nd and 4th Sunday this Fall. We have been having a fantastic time with a great group of kids over the summer and are looking forward to more excitement through the year. If you know someone in Jr. High, please invite them to join us.

To see photos of some of the youth at the first event click here

New Jr./Sr. High Sunday School

There is a new Jr./Sr. High Sunday School which is meeting Sundays at 9am in Ellis Hall at Peoples. This is currently led by Pastor Jamie and would love to add some additional teachers or assistants. Youth in grades 6-12 are welcome. Come for discussion about life and God’s word.

Small Groups at Peoples

If you are not currently sharing in a small group or Bible study, there are several options available. Adult Sunday school is discussing “What’s So Amazing about Grace”. The Tuesday morning group is studying the book of Proverbs. There are new groups forming for financial planning, Bible study, Purpose Driven Life and perhaps another book study. Please contact the pastors to find where you can best connect.

New Hand bell Choir

Submitted by Debbie Cole, posted by Gwyneth Arrison on the Peoples Church blog at http://www.peoplesumcnews.blogspot.com/

WANTED: Hand bell Ringers
Why: To start a hand bell choir
Who: Anyone 12 years old and older
When: Beginning Thursday September 24th from 6:00--7:00 pm

Please contact Debbie Cole if you are interested in being a part of this
new group. No experience is required, but I would greatly welcome anyone who has been a hand bell ringer in the past.Come be a part of this exciting new musical fellowship!

Partners in Ministry 9/17/09

Submitted by Bishop Pete Weaver, Posted by Pastor Gwyneth on the Peoples UMC Blog at www.peoplesumcnews.blogspot.com

Dear Partners in Ministry,

"MY LIFE FLOWS ON IN ENDLESS SONG, above earth's lamentations....Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?" I love this great old hymn by the nineteenth century preacher/poet Robert Lowry that is now in our "The Faith We Sing" hymnal (2212). I don't know about you, but it feels like we just started summer, but here we are "flowing" into fall. A huge maple tree down our street has already turned brilliant reds and yellows and created a crunchy, colorful carpet under foot where our dog and I sometimes walk....she looked up at me the other day with her toes tangled in leaves as if to say, "What is this....already???"
But our lives flow on. Out of summer into fall, out of renewing vacation into reenergized vocation, out of the past into the future. Beyond lamentations into celebrations. With the Lord of love how can we keeping from singing...and being glad to be partners in ministry.
Last Sunday, the lay leader of the church where I was preaching told the congregation that he was glad I had made it, because, lifting up the local paper, he noted that my picture and a little blurb about my coming was on the obituary page. I'm glad in Christ our lives flow on....no matter what!

"OH, WE LOVE OUR TIMES TOGETHER..." The congregation where I was preaching last Sunday was really two congregations: North Haverhill and Woodsville, N.H. They are doing great things and they are needed in their two different, but nearby communities. Ordinarily they worship in their two different communities, but they also "love their times together" as one woman put it. They do some mission projects together, share youth events, and worship together at various times through the year, as they did last week. The sanctuary was full that Sunday, and you should have heard the two choirs together...wow. The vitality, joy and vision to reach out into their larger area for Christ seemed to mutually lift both congregations as they are connected in the one Body of Christ and as the connected United Methodist witnesses in their region. It's great when our congregations find ways to bring&nbs p;their various gifts together, and to share their strengths as they serve their areas. Is there another church nearby that your congregation could be working with more closely.....and experiencing the joy of Christ even more richly?

HOW'S THE TEMPERATURE OF YOUR COFFEE HOUR? At the Pastors’ Assembly this summer the Rev. Jack Johnson who is the Executive Director of the Mass. Council of Churches (and former D.S. from New Jersey) talked about the experience of visiting many different churches on Sundays in his position. The pastor often invites the congregation to a "coffee hour" (or fellowship time, or, as I heard in one church, a "chat and chew" time). Jack reported that the coffee may be warm, but the atmosphere of welcome is too often chilly or downright cold. Regular members of the congregation head for their friends and leave visitors standing alone...Oh well, if there's no one to chat with, chew a little more and head home. That "last impression" of a church is often what sticks with visitors....who rarely come back....unless they like being left out in the cold.
Make sure you intentionally have some people prepared to "greet" and get to know visitors after the service in these "fellowship" settings. They should be ready to introduce visitors to others in the congregation who may live near them or have the same profession or be around the same age. They should be able to talk about other programs and activities that the visitor might be interested in, as well as offer to show them around the church and point out pictures on a bulletin board or creative posters in the fellowship area that show activities of the congregation in the community (missions, youth activities, kids’ picnic, helping at a shelter, worship on the beach, etc.). Sensitize the whole congregation to welcoming visitors...."But, we're such a friendly church"...yea, to each other, but what about the stranger? Check the temperature of the welcome in your church.

A LAMENTATION: RACISM One of earth's deepest "lamentations," to use Robert Lowry's word again, is the persistent, pervasive sin of racism that is alive and well in many of our hearts, churches, communities and most recently exhibited in our body- politic. We have always had political disagreements in our democratic political processes, which can be healthy, but we have never had a member of congress shout "You Lie" at a President of the United States as he spoke to the Congress about a critical issue in our nation's life. I do not believe it would have happened had the President been white.
Racism happens in our lives when we believe we have the power to act out our prejudices....the power to breach civility....the power to keep others from moving into our neighborhood....the power to shun others who enter our church.
Last week I gathered with fifty or sixty other New England United Methodists for three days of reflecting on racism in ourselves and the systems we are a part of. The Council of Bishops has regularly addressed racism in our own ranks as well as the larger church and society. The first session on racism I remember being a part of was in 1958 when I was a freshmen in a highly diverse urban high school....and there have been many, many such times since. And every time I realize more about my own "white privilege" and power.....I find myself with confessions from my own heart and for our own church....and I experience the blessing of God's grace that keeps me growing...and making new commitments to be a part of ending racism. For, like you I hope, I truly do want to "love my neighbor as I love myself," "Do unto others as I would have them do unto me," and to " ;do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God." This is not just a political matter, it is a profoundly spiritual matter.
Again and again, I have learned that each of us has our own personal work to do, and we have the calling from God to confront racism in every form around us....be it in systems, jokes, schools, housing, our politics, etc. And we have the ability to influence others and invite them into this ongoing journey, until lamentations turn to celebrations.
I hope that you are having these discussions in your church, with family and friends. Let God lead us to be the people and church and community that reflect God's will done on earth, even as it is in heaven!

Grace and Peace,

Pete

New Walk-In Office Hours for Peoples Church

Submitted by Pastor Gwyneth at the Peoples Church Blog at http://www.peoplesumcnews.blogspot.com/

The pastors at Peoples have new office hours this Fall. Please feel free to drop in to see us. These hours will be as follows (except holidays):

Mondays 4-6pm Pastor Jamie
Wednesdays 9-11am Pastor Gwyneth

You can reach us by email or phone to set up an appointment if these times are not convenient. Our church phone is 799-6814 Our emails are as follows: Pastor Jamie: jamie@peoplesumc.com Pastor Gwyneth: gwyneth@peoplesumc.com Both Pastors: thearrisons@peoplesumc.com (Please note, the emails of pastorgwyneth and pastorjamie were deleted several years ago - please make sure your email groups and address book are updated).

Community Suppers Are Back at Peoples!

The Peoples UMC invites you to attend the first community supper of the year on Saturday, September 19. The dinner begins with a blessing at 5pm. The price is $7/individual or $16 per family, a great deal considering the wonderful homemade dishes and desserts, and a chance to meet others in the community.

If you are part of the Peoples family, all help is welcome to make this monthly event a great success. We need cassaroles and pies, we need volunteers to help in the kitchen and serving tables, help in set up and clean up. Above all, bring your smile and prepare to have a great time!

Dinners are held the 3rd Saturday of every month during the school year. For questions, please contact Chris Ward at 767-2516.

Carnival welcomed many from community

There haven't been horses outside the front door of Peoples United Methodist Church since its founding, but on Saturday, September 13 there were several, giving rides to a continuous line of children from 10am to 2pm. Hearts and Horses Farm in Buxton brought a pair of ponies for the day, and also promoted their primary mission of therepeutic riding for those with handicaps. In addition to ponies, this year's carnival brought the South Portland Fire Department, who brought a truck and let kids climb around inside. Outside volunteers made popcorn, cotton candy and hot dogs, all served fresh ... and free of charge.

Inside the activities included three puppet shows shown throughout the carnival, complete with a brand new puppet stage. The puppet show on the story of Creation brought many laughs and some learning too. The Sunday School brought in a large display of pictures and information to hand out to many prospective kids and parents. Games such as indoor golf, ducks in the water, pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, and "fishers of people" were very popular. In addition, the craft ministry drew the attention of many kids.

Another highlight of the carnival was face painting, and some of the teens and even littler ones enjoyed a hand at painting some faces as well. Others brought in displays of how Peoples people are making a difference, such as the prayer shawl ministry, choir, and Pastor Gwyneth's mission to Nicaragua.

Many thanks to the Church Life Committee for heading up this fun event, and for all of the volunteers who helped set up, staff and take down!

For a photo album of the event, go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=140167&id=148046372078&ref=mf