Saturday, June 30, 2007

Bowling Vs Golfing

Email submitted by Susan Angell

CHURCH BOWLING PARTY AT YANKEE LANES Sunday, July 8 1-3 PM
Please RSVP to the pastors at 799-6814 or info@peoplesumc.com so they know how many lanes we need.
All welcome!

What is the difference between golfing and bowling?
The balls are a little bigger in bowling.
With bowling, no clubs are involved. Just the word club is kind of violent, isn't it.
Golf requires a lot of walking out doors whereas with bowling you can play inside, in air conditioning and sit down when you want to.
With bowling food is readily available but with golf, unless you carry a back pack, you have play until you get to the club house.
With bowling you don't have to duck if someone yells "Fore".
With bowling, children are welcome.
Laughter, humiliation or fudging the truth is equal in both sports.

So, if you want to have fun, inside, with food, with children, with nice adults, join the bowling party.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Mark your calendars – August Planning Retreat

On Saturday, August 25, the Discipleship Committee is sponsoring an all-church planning retreat called, “Correcting the Course.” Many attended a similar retreat in August 2005, “Righting the Ship” during which we discussed ways in which to bring balance to the main areas of our mission as a church: Discipleship, Missions, Evangelism, Fellowship and Worship. Goals were set for each area, and many of these goals have been met! We need to communicate the successes achieved, evaluate our progress, and determine significant directions effecting our future course.
The purpose of “Correcting the Course” will be to evaluate the 2005 goals we set in light of progress made, reevaluate and revise those goals and set directions with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We will discuss ideas for improving the evaluation process as we sail forward. We,with the Lord as our navigator will be setting the vision for Peoples Church for the next year or so to help us reach and disciple more people for Jesus Christ.

We hope everyone will come on out!

Celebration Through the Eyes of an Angell

An email by Susan Angell

Man oh man, do we Methodists know how to throw a party. First there was the guest book to sign, then the name tags to make out and don and then the camera gal, Kathy Brann took your picture. George Murray, Karen Darling's son, video taped all the people and activity. This was done so that Hillie, who is still in the hospital, could enjoy seeing party activities at a later time. The people that organized this affair certainly knew what they were doing.
Malcolm was set up in a nice easy chair with chairs around for people to sit and talk with him. So like a mini living room.
Testimonies to Malcolm were given by words from Rev. William Beddie, Tom Nelson, Art Tordoff, Rosemary Herd, Ray Cornilis, the organist for Merrill Auditorium and Pastor Jamie. Malcolm spoke about how his music ministry would not be possible without his wonderful wife, Hillie.
Our talented Betty Smith presented Malcolm with a blanket knitted by her with all the words of the traditional Easter hymn, The Palms. What a thoughtful gift.
Around the room tables were set up with table cloths, flowers and musical notes confetti. There was a wonderful big sheet cake from Hannafords, gifted by UMW and designed by Karen Darling ...a picture of Malcolm at the organ, musical notes and key board in frosting, and a lovely message. There was a table groaning with sweets of every kind made by tons of people. Workers in the kitchen, directed by Brad, buzzed around with activity. "Methodist Punch" was served. The thing that non Methodist people don't know, is this punch is lethal. It tastes absolutely yummy but it makes you thirsty and you want more. With 2 or 3 glasses of the stuff and lots of the sweets, you can get a sugar high quickly and act weird in about 15 minutes after intake. This makes children very active and adults silly. Some of us never learn and continue to over indulge.
Betsy Morrison took home all the cards and mementos given and will make a memory book for Hillie and Malcolm. Very thoughtful.
This open house was attended by lots of people that have enjoyed Malcolm's music over the years and plenty of old good friends. People's people were there too and everyone had a grand time. I think Malcolm knows how much we all love and appreciate him, had a good time and was honored by this party. I know I had fun.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Celebrating 67 Years on the Bench

Dr. Malcolm Cass was the guest of honor at a reception at Peoples on Sunday, June 24, 2007 for 67 years of ministry as Music Director, playing organ and directing the choir. Many attended, old friends and new.

There was plenty of food, including a beautiful cake with music notes and an icing photo of Malcolm at the organ. Several were invited to speak about what Malcolm’s ministry has meant to them. We heard praises for his incredible talent, and dedication not only to music but to caring for the instrument itself. Tom Nelson spoke of the incredible model Malcolm has been for him and so many others. Bill Beddie, former pastor at Peoples spoke about coming into to meet Malcolm for the first time to begin developing a friendship: “It took about 15 minutes.”

Malcolm spoke not about his musical talent, but how his ministry would not have been possible without his soul mate, Hillie. The reception was videotaped for Hillie, who is at Mercy Hospital recovering from a stroke. Pastor Jamie spoke about how Malcolm and Hillie’s team ministry as a “pastoral couple” has been a wonderful role model for him and Gwyneth. He also spoke about their continued active participation in Bible studies, an example to us all that we should always be students of the Bible no matter our age or Christian maturity.

It was announced that the church is dedicating the organ in honor of Dr. Malcolm Cass so it can now be named the “Cass Organ.” A plaque will be displayed either on the organ or somewhere else in the church where it can be easily viewed. In addition, Rosemary Herd announced a scholarship in his name for students studying music. And finally, Betty Smith presented Malcolm and Hillie with a blanket she made with the words of The Palms stitched into the pattern!

Malcolm and Hillie, your church loves you, and holds you in prayer as you approach retirement in August. In the end, there is always the possibility of new beginnings because of the resurrection of our Savior. We are eager to see what new ways the Lord will minister through you!

Demonstrating in Washington DC

If one person does not have the right to challenge his detention, then no one does. After all, if you are mistakenly taken as that person, you would not have the right to challenge that mistake in court. Further, we have been using torture and extreme rendition on people who have never been tried or perhaps even know why they were arrested. This is why I (Jamie) answered an announcement from the Maine council of Churches to go to DC for a rally and lobbying to restore basic civil rights lost in a hastily crafted Millitary Commissions Act last year.

I got on the bus in Portland on Monday night. Tuesday morning we arrived in DC, took some training and then attended an energetic rally. I was surprised to find that the Christian speaker at this event was my own theology professor from Asbury Seminary, Prof. Chuck Gutenson. There were a variety of conservative and liberal speakers including Sister Diana Ortiz who had suffered torture and sexual abuse in a prison in Guatamala. All new that involvement in permanent detention and torture was completely abhorent to our nations’s basic principals. Further, it is abhorant for us to practice such sin in the name of fear.

Following the rally, we went to speak to our congressional delegation. Because of my past political activity, I was asked to lead of the delegation introducing our cause to Senator Snow’s office and then Senator Collins herself. Each of them were considering restoring these rights and it was well worth our time to speak with them as they were not yet looking at a full restoration. We then walked across to the House offices where we met with Representatives Allen and Michaud. They were already signed on to the bills we were pushing, though we further encouraged them not to compromise and to keep the process as transparent as possible.
We had almost no time for dinner before hopping back on the bus for Portland where we arrived at about 6am Wednesday. It was an exciting trip and felt I had shared the gospel in both our political action as well as through one on one conversations. I hope to do more of this work, perhaps bringing a full team from Peoples next time.





Monday, June 25, 2007

Directory Photos-A new directory is coming!

Submitted by Marlene Tordoff



If you have not had your picture taken, please see Susan Angell; call her at 799-8340 or email her at angelsuzieq@aol.com. Photos will be scheduled with Chuck and Joanne Kamilewicz. It is important to have your photograph in the directory to assist new people in getting to know each of us in our church family. As an option, Chuck will also offer packages of photographs for your purchase. Profits from this project will help defray the church deficit. Thanks for your help – Marlene Tordoff

Dr. Malcolm Cass: Dedicated and Devoted Servant

Dr. Malcolm Cass: Devoted and Dedicated Servant of Peoples United Methodist Church
It seems fitting that while we all have stories to share about Dr. Cass and Hillie those things in a person’s life that are most meaningful to them can be discerned from their own writing. In response to a request by the present historian of Peoples in gathering family histories for an as yet to be published book titled, Roots of Peoples, Dr. Cass submitted the following in 2004. Art Tordoff
Walter H. Cass, born in England, was the oldest of eight children, and his wife to be, Ethel Marion Laugher, was the only child in her Birmingham family. A letter from his sister, Olive, in 1969 told us that Marion brought Walter into deeper religious experience, and he decided to come as a clergyman to Newfoundland, which he did in 1913. This, he found, was a mistake, and after a few weeks he returned to England, but soon again crossed the Atlantic, this time to Maine, where Columbia Falls was his first pastorate. Marion followed him in 1915-15 and they were immediately married by the Rev. William Stewart of Addison, Maine. Malcolm was born in 1916.
Walter Cass studied theology at Boston University and Bangor Theological Seminary and was ordained into the full ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He and his wife, Marion served their lives in the Maine Conference., in churches at Columbia Falls, Pembroke, Milltown, Bucksport, Brownville Junction, Bar Harbor, Old Orchard Beach, and finally Peoples Church in South Portland. The Reverend Walter H. Cass dropped dead while walking up Congress Street in 1942, and his widow likewise died of a heart attack in 1950. Mrs. Cass, who had taught music in British schools in earlier years, continued as a minister’s wife in directing choirs in her husband’s churches and finally serving as director of Peoples Church Junior Choir in the 1940’s.
Malcolm Walter Cass, born in 1916, became the big brother to his sister Elaine in 1918. They grew up in the family parsonages, and attended schools starting in Bucksport and the towns served by their father as minister. Malcolm, who graduated from Bar Harbor High School in 1933, became organist of Clark Memorial Church in 1931 and has rarely since that time been without an organist’s position, serving as Bowdoin College chapel Organist, and then in various churches and Air Force chapels during college and World War II Air Force days. He was an aerial photographic officer in World War II, being captain of a B-29 2oth Air Force photo section on Guam.
In 1941, Malcolm married Hildreth E. Edwards, whom he met at a Peoples Church choir rehearsal. During World War II they were together in Colorado and Oklahoma during his tour of duty before he was sent to Guam. They are the parents of Malcolm W. Cass Jr., and David, both of whom are graduates of South Portland High School. Malcolm Jr. is also a Bowdoin graduate and employed by Glaxo-Smith-Kline pharmaceuticals in Raleigh, North Carolina where he and his wife, Annette, live. David, a Williams College graduate is with the Francine and Sterling Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Both sons are married and David and Sue are parents of adopted daughters; Elizabeth from China and Ann from Vietnam.
Malcolm Sr., is a 50 year member of the South Portland Lions Club and was recently elected to Life Membership in Lions. He is also a 60 year member of the American Guild of Organists. As an organist he has presented more than 60 concerts on the Kotzchmar Memorial Organ in Merrill Auditorium and was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the friends of the Kotzchmar Organ, which honored him with the dedication of a new booklet devoted to that instrument. He has been organist for Peoples United Methodist Church since 1946 and director of the Senior Choir since 1953 when he succeeded Mrs. Evelyn Tilton. He was also organist for the Maine Annual Conference during its last 25 years of existence as the Maine Conference. He has given many organ recitals in churches of New England.
Through the years he has acted as member, president and chairman of church clubs and committees including the Men’s Club, Trustees and Finance. He was Cubmaster of the first Cub Scout Pack in the old Peoples Church, and sons Malcolm and David were both active Scouts under the leadership of Harvey Woodbury who took his Scouts to National Jamborees in Colorado and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
Malcolm and Hillie took many trips to England where they became acquainted with his English relatives. They were members of a large group from Peoples Church who traveled in 1988 to the Holy Land and Egypt, and they also went to Italy in 1984 and met the family of Giovanni Losito, who had been an exchange student in Maine living with them during Malcolm Jr.’s and David’s high school years. Giovanni (Johnnie) has recently requested the right to add the name "Cass" to his family name Losito.
After graduation from Bowdoin College and Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Malcolm practiced optometry in Portland until his retirement in 1982. He served as President of the Maine State Board of Optometry, appointed to that board by Governor John Reed. Hillie, who was a graduate of Simmons College, has at different times been president of the Maine and New England Optometric Auxilary Societies, and the League of Women Voters of South Portland.illie, who was a graduate of Simmons
In 2003, Malcolm and Hillie Cass still pretty much center their lives about Peoples United Methodist Church, Hillie as director of the Junior Choir which sings every Sunday in church, and Malcolm leading the Senior Choir and congregation in worship with Peoples’ fine Reuter Pipe Organ.
As an addendum we must add that Malcolm served as the Church Historian for many years keeping a collection of papers and memorabilia in tact.

Feel free to add your stories about Hillie and Malcolm by responding to this posting.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Moms Group Going Strong

Pastor Gwyneth began a weekly mom’s group in March, which has been a wonderful blessing to six moms and their young children. We began meeting at the parsonage, but have rotated the host location more recently. During the summer we are planning to meet at parks, beaches and for “field trips” to places like the Narrow Gauge Railroad or the Children’s Museum in bad weather. Last week we took a trip to the Maine Wildlife Preserve in Gray. These activities provide space for some of the school-aged children to participate during the summer with their younger siblings. If you know of a mom who might like to join us sometime, please have them contact Pastor Gwyneth for more information.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Second Monthly Girls Night Out

This month Linda Wade planned a sunset cruise around Casco Bay. On Friday, June 22, Linda, Betty Splettstoesser and Pastor Gwyneth set off for a tour of the nearby islands. Though it was windy, the sky cleared and turned out to be quite a pleasant ride. The smaller group allowed for good conversation, and it was great just to get to know each other more than we usually do on a Sunday morning in church. The next plan is for Mini Golf! Hope to see you on the course!

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

Clinton & Elizabeth Roberts July 07
Shawn & Karen Jennings July 08
Andy & Teresa Folley July 18
Malcolm & Hillie Cass July 25
Ted & Nancy Greer July 31

JULY BIRTHDAYS

Louise Aalto July 1
Brett Bernier July 2
Madeline Coughlin July 2
Seamus Jennings July 8
Laney Filieo July 9
Dan Doughty July 12
Dustin Matthews July 16
Pastor Jamie Arrison July 21
Alan Gay July 21
Elaine Rogers July 23
Sawyer Marston July 26
Dena Arrison July 27
Melinda Marston July 27
Mary Ann Wheeler July 28
Caleb Gray July 30
Jonathan Lyons July 31

Ushers, Greeters, Nursery, Etc. for Summer

July Worship Leader (Worship Leader Coordinator, Chris Ward):
Bert Marston
August Worship Leader
Earle Harvey

Summer Nursery Workers (Nursery Coordinator, Barbara Nelson):
7/1 Andy Folley and Pastor Jamie
7/8 Becky Snoddy and Pastor Gwyneth
7/15 Teresa Folley and Karen Jennings
7/22 Barbara Nelson & Barbara Lee
7/29 Betty Lane & Betty Splettstoesser
8/5 Betsy Morrison & Kathy Brann
8/12 Doreen Gay & Becky Snoddy
8/19 Ellen Dunn & Curtis Coughlin
8/26 Linda Greer & Betty Splettstoesser

Summer Ushers (Usher Coordinator, Charlie Lyons):
PLEASE HELP US FILL IN THE BLANKS !!!!!!
7/1 Chris Ward and Rosemary Herd
7/8 Barbara Nelson and Betty Splettstoesser
7/15 Charlie and Anita Lyons
7/22 Pat and Merrill Kaiser
7/29 Jim MacKinnon and Dan Doughty
8/5 Tom Nelson and Jim MacKinnon
8/12
8/19
8/26

Summer Greeters (Greeter Coordinator, Barbara Nelson):
July 1 Dan and Ruth Doughty
July 8 Anita and Charlie Lyons
July 15 Earle and Wealthy Harvey
July 22 Sally and Betty Smith
July 29th The Dunn Family
Aug 5 Becky Gotlieb
Aug 12 Becky and Keith Snoddy
Aug 19 Belle Graney
Aug 26 Jody Fyles and Janice Huelin

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Annual Conference 2007

The New England Annual Conference was held June 8-10 at Gordon College in Wenham, MA, with clergy session on June 7. Both pastors attended as the conference provides excellent childcare. In addition, Merrill Kaiser attended as the Peoples UMC lay member to annual conference. Earle Harvey attended as one of our district equalization members, a voting position that ensures there are equal numbers of clergy and lay people attending. The strong lay representation in Methodism is one of its great strengths. The biggest voting issue this year was electing lay and clergy delegates to 2008 General Conference. Earle and Merrill would be happy to share their experiences with you directly, and if you are interested in attending next year you can talk to them as well as the pastors.


Sunday, June 03, 2007

Sunday School Recognition

Rosemary Herd, Sunday School Superintendent, led the Sunday School recognition on June 3 during worship. What a joyous celebration to see the youth of the church growing in Christian maturity as disciples of Jesus Christ. Thanks to Rosemary and all of the folks who lead and help out in Sunday School!
Isaac Dunn received his gift Bible as a graduate from 4th grade.

Graduate Recognition

It was a wonderful celebration on June 3, with recognition of folks graduating, and all of the Sunday School youth receiving their certificates. Here is a photo of Jonathan Lyons and Patrick Morrison. You can read more about where they are heading in the previous newsletter post. It was also mentioned that these graduates received a scholarship check with the funds raised for Kathy Brann's graduation party last year.



Pastors’ Family Schedule

The pastors take one day off a week to spend as a family, and are shifting that day from Saturday to Monday for the summer. In addition, the pastors take one night a week for a date, and will be shifting that day from Thursday to Wednesday for the summer. As usual, they carry the cell phone (799-6814) with them so please leave a message. Any pastoral emergencies will be responded to immediately. Heads up for the pastors' vacation schedule as well: they are planning on taking two weeks in July, July 16-29.

Friday, June 01, 2007

Methodist Revival Scheduled for October 6

From the June 2007 Cape Elizabeth UMC Newsletter (some revisions made as they apply to Peoples)
Used with permission

hoperevival.peoplesumc.com

The Portland-area United Methodist Churches are sponsoring a revival at Scarborough's Beech Ridge Motor Speedway on Saturday, Oct. 6. Details of the event are still being developed by members of the UMC Casco Bay Cluster, including Peoples (Pastor Jamie and Art Tordoff represent Peoples on the Cluster).

The theme will be "Hope for a Hurting World." The New England Conference's Bishop Peter Weaver will address the revival and will also lead an Altar Call -- an opportunity for anyone who wishes to come forward and publically make or a renew a commitment to Jesus.

The revival is scheduled to start at noon and will continue until 6pm. The bishop is scheduled to speak at 7:15pm. Before then there will be music and speakers with a selection of bands each playing 20-40 minutes. Beach Ridge is a NASCAR-sanctioned motor speedway and preliminary discussions have begun to have Bishop Weaver ride in a race car around the track.

Each participating UM church will have a tent in which information about the congregation and mission work will be displayed and discussed. Stay tuned for more details as planning continues. If you feel led to help, please contact Pastor Jamie or Art Tordoff.