Community Senior Luncheon

Ellis Hall is ready

Senior Community Luncheon and Program

Dick ,Shari and Jim

The program is underway

 For many years the Southern Maine Agency on Aging had sponsored the Meals on Wheels Program with Peoples UMC being the location for preparation and distribution of meals to Senior citizens living in the area. SMAA also prepared once a month for a luncheon in Ellis Hall. In the last year SMAA had retreated to their Scarborough site for the distribution of Meals and the practice of the once a month luncheon also came to an end.

Chef Brad at the grill

Fred Ronco on Medicare

Fred Ronco and Marlene Tordoff

Brad Morrison and other members of Peoples thought that we as a church body should try to restore the luncheons. On Thursday, September 14 at 11 o’clock AM the “new luncheon” was instituted. Long before the day, Brad and Marlene Tordoff began to put together a team of members to call lists of people that had been provided by SMAA and another list from the Commodities Program that the church was already engaged in. SMAA was called to inform them of this activity and to welcome their input. SMAA also provided the source of the first program that was to be presented. Fred Ronco made an oral and visual presentation on Medicare and other insurance programs that held a message for our elder citizens.

Chef Brad prepares the meal

Brad prepared a menu that would include Barbeque Chicken, bread and a combination of rice and beans.  Advertising was also placed in the high rises locally as well as throughout the church. A set up and cleanup committee was developed as well. Many of our own members would be participants in the luncheon. Ruth Doughty was willing to take on the job of decorating for the event. Joanne Kamiliewicz was willing to become the lead caller.

Janice serves Wes and Betty

By the time the event was to take place over 60 members of the church and community had said they would like to come. Most of those who said they would did, in time with a few others that had not indicated they would be there. Chef Brad, however, was prepared with plenty of food for all. The meal was topped off with a dessert of Blueberry Cake with whipped cream.

Ready for luch

Many of those present were taking notes when Fred was speaking. All who were present were provided with a packet of information that was prepared to go with his talk.

The crowd increases

Many of those present voiced their opinions, most of which were favorable. Many loved the meal, thought that the seating arrangement was quite different than in the past, enjoyed being with friends and were grateful for the service provided by waiters and waitresses. Most thought the program was good and helpful. Easy access to Ellis Hall was also a plus for this site. Some felt that they didn’t mind “buffet style” on occasion. Most approved having this kind of function as a monthly endeavor.

Shari, Joanne, Dick and Pastor Tom

Among our own workers we did feel that the event for a first time was very successful. We did learn from this experience how to improve in the coming months. It was great to see so many of our own members bringing about the success of this event. While not all members of “the crew” are mentioned by name in this blog let it be known that all of the work put into this venture was very much appreciated by those that initially brought the first luncheon and program for seniors to fruition.

A meeting of all of you who are interested in continuing this worthwhile endeavor are welcome to attend a meeting of review and planning after church in Ellis Hall this coming Sunday, September 24.

Peoples Fall Schedule is Underway

And Brad serves

Standing in line

With the passing of the Labor Day weekend not only are the children back in school but the activities that generate life in a church are also ready to dust off the summer season and bring back enthusiasm to church life.

Standing and waiting

Getting nourished

This past weekend the first meeting of the United Methodist Men was held on Saturday morning at 7:30 AM in the church vestry. 11 men were in attendance and we were joined by 5 women invited to attend since they would be most responsible for the Annual Peoples Fall Community Carnival that would follow.

A big church family

Chuck and Rob up a tree

After breakfast the men met for their monthly meeting and discussed some of the events that we expect to be part of. We discussed the need to improve the children’s playground, indicated that the parsonage garage project is now complete, and that we need to continue to take care of the grounds around the church and parsonage. Additionally we discussed straightening the flagpole by the memorial garden, when the variety show should take place, and being actively engaged in the Christmas Fair. Being engaged in collecting cleaning kits and hygiene kits to send to replenish the supplies that are dispersed through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) was recommended. This will be a church wide project for at least the next month. It is hoped that other churches in the Casco Bay Cluster will also participate.

Bobbing

Apples and Hudson

After the meeting was ended some of the men joined the women who were setting up and preparing for the Community Fair. Two members were engaged in hanging pennants from the roof of Ellis Hall to a tall tree across the parking lot. Several tables were set up and games for the kids who would attend were put in place. The kitchen area was set up with the hot dog steamer, coffee, tea and lemonade.

One more bobber

Carol Len and Pam

While the numbers who came were relatively small those that did attend and participate had a good time.

Rob adn blood pressure

Betty the star

Carol face paints

Danielle and pop corn

Rosemary and Groucho

Rock painting

More rock painting

 

 

 

 

Sunday was the first service back in the sanctuary and while Ellis Hall was probably cooler and provided easier access for some folks with varying affirmatives there were many folks who cheered when the service started. Pastor Tom’s sermon was very dynamic and meaningful and the choir began by singing a very rousing number.

A first for Peoples on Thursday, September 14 will be the first of what we hope will be an ongoing activity. Since Meals on Wheels sponsored by the Southern Maine Council on Aging left the building there has been little activity that would periodically use Ellis Hall for a meal for older folks. The meal and program that a number of People’s People are bringing about is a return to the Senior Community luncheon and program. Over 60 people signed up from the community. The meal will be prepared by our own chef, Brad Morrison and a program featuring Fred Ronco who will talk about Medicare etc. will follow. Look for more on this activity soon.

AUTUMN LEAVES

As the leaves begin to change color, many things are happening at Peoples in the next couple of weeks. 

 On Saturday, Sept. 9, we will host an old-fashioned community carnival complete with free hotdogs and snacks, games such as a sack race, a three-legged race and tug of war.  Community groups will also be represented, offering information about services they provide to our community.  Old fashion family fun and prizes!  The carnival starts at 10 am!  See you there!

 On Thursday, Sept. 14, we will host a barbecue for senior citizens, with Fred Ronco from SMAA, who will  help clarify and navigate health care options.  If you'd like to attend, please call the church office (799-1413) to make a reservation.  The meal starts at 11 am

 Saturday Sept. 16 marks the return of Peoples UMC monthly Bean Suppers.  Held the third Saturday of every month through May, we begin serving at 5 pm.  Bring your friends for a great meal!

 On Sunday Sept. 17 our District Superintendent Rev. James McPhee will join us in worship, as we gather to praise God and do the work of the church.  We begin at 10 am and all are invited.

And let us not forget our SUPPORT UMCOR collection going on through the month of September.  Please see how you can help support this disaster relief ministry.