Holy Week Schedule

Sunday April 1: Last Taizé worship service 6pm, light supper of soup and bread at 5:30pm

Thursday April 5: Maundy Thursday worship service with stripping of the altar at 7pm

Friday April 6: Good Friday worship service at Elm St UMC at Noon, led by Rev. Ruth Morrison

Friday April 6: “The Passion of the Christ” movie showing at 7pm in the Vestry

Easter Sunday April 8:
* Sunrise Service at Fisherman's Point at 6am
* Children's musical and breakfast in Ellis Hall at 7am
* Easter Egg Hunt to follow (no Sunday School OR coffee fellowship)
* Easter Morning Worship at 10:30am (No Evening Worship)

Children’s Easter Musical and Breakfast

The children will be putting on a musical on Easter morning at 7am. Please come out to see the show, and have some breakfast too! There will be no children’s Sunday School on Easter. Sunday School will resume the following Sunday, April 15.

Easter Egg Hunt

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt after the children’s musical and Easter Breakfast. Come on out and join the fun!

Adult Sunday School

There will be no Sunday school on Easter Sunday. Sunday School will resume the following Sunday, April 15 at 9am with a new study, “More Parables From the Backside” by Elsworth Kallas. This is a wonderful place to connect with a small group in a meaningful way. FMI contact Art Tordoff.

The Gathering after Easter

The evening Gathering worship service will not meet on Easter. Beginning the next Sunday, April 15, The Gathering will meet in the Sanctuary at 6pm for praise music using contemporary worship videos, followed by Scripture reading and discussion in small groups. All are welcome. No childcare will be provided but children are welcome to attend. Hope to see you there ... with a friend!

Financial Update

As of the print date for the newsletter, I don't have the end-of-month figures for March yet. I do know we are coming into a month with five Sundays including Palm Sunday and Easter. This should bring in enough funds to keep us on budget for the month. We do have a plan now from the finance committee for addressing the larger budget deficit we are carrying this year over last. This plan includes an expanded push on fundraisers as well as an additonal event to raise awareness about our budget and stewardship.

On Sunday May 6th, we will be having a meal after church to discuss church finances and stewardship. We will have speakers on the United Methodist system for setting salaries and budgets, one on stewardship and one discussing our specific budget income and outflow. Please come and let us enjoy a meal together. You will also learn about how our church ministry is funded as well as how we need to bring our gifts together to not just maintain, but grow the ministry of Peoples UMC.

An Acquired Taste

I don't remember the first time I tried lobster, but I remember the first time I liked it. There was an annual cookout my family went to and I'm sure each year I got a token bite of lobster - if I was willing to take it. The thought of eating that slimy white meat from those red steaming bugs was just too much for my little stomach. So each time I would say, "No thanks, I'll have a hot dog!" Now I can't imagine choosing a hot dog over lobster if offered.

It's about the same with tithing - bringing 10% of our income to the church. The first time someone asked me, I said, "No thanks, I'll try something a bit smaller." It took a long time of making tentative offerings and occasional bigger gifts to get to the point of trusting God enough to bring the whole tithe. Now, I really love it and find that God provides more than enough for us. Perhaps your experience will be different, but I know God will be faithful. The point it, you cannot know until you try.

In 2007, we will be having Tithing Sundays on the fifth Sunday of each month.
We ask you to try to bring a tenth of your income and put it joyfully in the plate and pray that God will provide. If that simply sounds like more than you can do, just try a taste of moving in that direction. I know God will be faithful. Soon, may find the acquired taste is something you can't do without.

Finally, tithing is about your relationship to God, not the financial needs of the church. Please take some time to pray about where God may be leading you. Here are a few of the many scriptures about stewardship and tithing scriptures to study: Deuteronomy 14:22-29; 2 Chronicles 31:4-10; Malachi 3:10.

Video in Worship

At the last Worship Committee meeting folks said they would like to try using the contemporary music videos in worship more frequently. Please be patient as we are working out some of the technology kinks. We are blessed with a wonderful organist and organ which will continue to be used for most of our worship music. Please share your feedback. Thank you!

Evening Taizé Worship Service

During Lent we have experienced a whole new kind of worship for The Gathering called Taizé. Taizé is a unique style of worship that emphasizes Scripture meditation, prayerful song, reflective prayer, and silence as a means of experiencing the presence of Christ in the church community. Visuals such as candlelight, paintings and crosses are used to help focus in prayer.

The Taize Community was initiated during World War II in Burgundy, France as an ecumenical youth movement for young people to go deeper spiritually and to know themselves reconciled to God and each other through Christ. For more info -- www.taize.fr

April 1 will be our last Taizé service and hope you will come out and experience this worship. There is a simple Lenten dinner of soup and bread provided at 5:30pm in Ellis Hall, with worship beginning at 6pm in the Sanctuary. It's a wonderful time to set aside the busyness and connect with God in a new way.

Mom's Group Startup

Pastor Gwyneth has started a weekly daytime mom's group. This provides a playdate time for preschool children and babies, connection and mutual support between moms, and opportunity to pray for our children and other needs. If you know of someone who might enjoy this time, please contact the pastors.

Pastors' Ministries in the Community

Did you know that Pastor Jamie volunteers every week in our daughter's kindergarten classroom as a teacher's assistant? The kids particularly enjoy having a male role model since most volunteers are women. Jamie also volunteers with Meals on Wheels every week, as do some other Peoples people like Jody Fyles. Pastor Jamie has also served in Kairos prison ministry, but more recently served for the first time on a youth weekend called Torch at Long Creek Youth Center.

Pastor Gwyneth served this year on a "Kairos Outside" weekend, which is for women who have been incarcerated or who have a loved one in prison. Gwyneth more recently began volunteering with the Root Cellar in their English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Gwyneth has been tutoring two Samalian women every week and it's been a great joy.

The Root Cellar is in need right now of more ESL volunteers as well as an individual or group to coordinate the overall ESL program. They are also looking for volunteers to assist with tutoring on the computer. If you have an interest in helping out in any of these ministries, please contact the Root Cellar to initiate the volunteer application process.

Morning Worship Ministries for April

Usher Team for April
Kathy Brann
Jim MacKinnon
Brad Morrison
Tom Nelson

Greeters
4/1 Susan Angell
4/8 Marlene and Art Tordoff
4/15 Barbara Nelson
4/22 Belle Graney
4/29 Betty McGouldrick

Nursery
4/1 Becky Snoddy & Betsy Morrison
4/8 No Nursery Care Provided on Easter
4/15 Betty Splettstoesser & Curtis Coughlin
4/22 Betty Lane & Pastor Gwyneth
4/29 Barbara Nelson & Curtis Coughlin

Lector
Christine Ward

April Birthdays and Anniversaries

Birthdays
1 Daniel Farley
5 Barbara Kenney
6 Maxwell Frederick Brann
Georgia Sutherland
8 Hildreth (Hillie) Cass
Jalen Diffin
12 Linda French
15 Christopher Bowker
16 Adam Doughty
18 Anna Folley
20 Ada Tordoff
21 Betsy Morrison
23 Patty Retus
25 Patrick Morrison
28 Merrill Kaiser
Tom Nelson

Anniversaries
4 Parker & Ellie Wells
6 Werner (Wes) & Betty Splettstoesser

The Bishop is coming to Tri-state!!!

Where: Eliot UMC, Eliot, Maine
When: April 14, 10am-2pm
Why: To learn about stewardship
Who: As any folks as possible from church.
What: Bishop’s Day on the District-Included in his presentation will be:
· Biblical and theological reflection
· Testimonies relating to stewardship
· A presentation on stewardship fundamentals
· Practical application tips

The men at Eliot UMC will be preparing a lunch for $7 per person. Please email then at eliotumc@yahoo.com by April 7 to let them know you are coming.

What is "date night?"

You might notice on the calendar each month something called the "pastors' date night?" We take one evening each week for a date without the kids (we also take one day each week to spend together as a family). People sometimes ask whether we see each other all of the time because we "job share" but it is surprising how little time we get together. When one of us is with the kids, the other is doing church ministry, and we don't work together at the same time except for a few hours each week when both of the older kids are in school (and the baby happens to be sleeping!). Between the kids activities and church meetings and ministries, our schedule can be very full each week.

So we have set it as a priority to take a date night each week, just to relax and enjoy each other's company for a few hours. It's something we recommend for any couple. And it doesn't have to take a lot of money. Sometimes we just go for a long walk on the beach or around the Old Port. Other times we see a play or shoot some pool. Right now we are taking ballroom dance classes in combination with a marriage enrichment seminar, a program put together in the Portland community of churches to strengthen marriages. It's been great fun! If this is something you might be intersted in, we might be able to host one at Peoples sometime so please let us know!

Stories from the Mission Fields

International Extravaganza: Stories from the Mission Field
On the evening of Friday, March 23 at 5:45 a meal with definite international flavor was served via buffet to nearly 80 folks of all ages. Most dishes were prepared by members of the parish from recipes that celebrated the Circle of Friends work that had been accomplished by Kevin Malcom. He had for years almost single-handedly kept Peoples connected with dozens of churches around the world. His life and work was a symbol of how small the world can be when you are joined to other peoples in the quest for world peace.
The tables were decorated with table clothes that included the colors of federal national flags and Rosemary Herd contributed international dolls to the displays on each food table. Many folks assisted in the kitchen, setting the tables, preparing the food and getting it out to the serving tables. It was a joy to see how quickly everything was taken down and put away after the program as well.
The room was festively decorated with displays of crafts and life experienced by several short-term missionaries who came to the event to present their story in display, pictures and words. There were displays that celebrated the missions experienced by Jane and
Cliff Ives in several countries including Haiti and Kosovo as well as many others. Ecuador was the theme of the display presided over by Pam and Rachael Tordoff who have both spent two week sessions in Shell, Ecuador with church members from the Hollis Center Baptist Church. Another collection of pictures illustrated the memories of
Pastor Gwyneth Arrison when she joined a group from the Grace Bible Fellowship in Camden on a mission to Cuba. As one circled the outer areas of Ellis Hall you might find Mark Tordoff showing examples of culture, mission activity and friendships developed when he went to Vladivostok, Russia when he went with men from Hollis Center. He also had memorabilia of his experiences in Africa when he went with Compassion International to Tanzania. Kevin Tordoff who is a member of the North Shore Community Church in Beverley Farms, Massachusetts, presented the other major cultural display. Recently returned from missions in Nicaragua and Ecuador sponsored by Peace and Hope International, Kevin’s display showed wares that local artisans develop and produce for sale. He is starting a new business, Global Village Trading Company that will help to provide fair trade prices to the artisan, a percentage of profit for the missions that he has worked with and some profit for himself. He is also working with a west coast organization called Lifewind that serve as medical ambassadors in several countries around the world.
Additionally there was a bulletin board that illustrated correspondence and pictures that have been received by some Peoples families that sponsor Compassion Children around the world. There was also a table where you could sign up if interested in short-term mission expereinces. That sign-up sheet will be available in the sanctuary for several weeks.
Beginning around 6:45 the evening program began with each of the people who had set up displays giving presentations that centered on three questions. 1.What do you have to do to prepared for short-term missions? 2. What can you expect or not expect once you are in the midst of your mission experience? 3. How does the experience transform your life? These three questions are suggested in the book Jane Ives wrote for Upper Room Publishing, titled, Transforming Ventures an excellent source or study for anyone anticipating or curious about short-term missions.
In addition to the aforementioned folks John Tordoff made a brief presentation. He is a freshman at Gorham High who last summer experienced a mission trip to Raleigh, North Carolina with others from Hollis Center to work and play with young folks in some of the project areas of that city.
Each of the presentations showed the personality interest and enthusiasm of those who had participated. One of the objectives of the program was to give folks in attendance an appreciation for what is going on in the world through mission opportunities. The hope and desire is that sometime in the next year or two there may be folks from Peoples that have the courage and interest to develop and go on missions elsewhere in this country or overseas.
The final presenter was Merrill Kaiser of Peoples who is presently the leader in the missions arena. The major thrust under his leadership will be to "Fill and Ark" for Heifer International. He presented a short video and gave a short speech about where we will be going with this initiative. A collection was taken at the end of the program with all proceeds going to the Ark project.
All in all it was a fabulous evening attended by many members and friends of Peoples Church. I would like to close this report with the words that could be found on the back of the evening’s program.
"We thank the participants for their time and their willingness to share their experiences in serving folks in many areas of the world. We thank you, the audience, for your graciousness and interest in participating in tonight’s program. We do hope that you will have taken away a better understanding and concern for peoples who in many cases live in conditions much less comfortable than our own. If you have taken away a message that calls for you to participate in some way, large or small, then the primary goal of tonight’s messages have been achieved."
May the Lord Bless You In Your Walk with the Lord.

All Health Enthusiasts

Becky Gotlieb and Barbara Nelson would like to form a small group of folks who are interested in exercising and talking about how to better take care of themselves. Plans are to walk the Green Belt walkway and to share healthy living ideas. If interested please call Becky at 799-3416 or Barbara at 799-6321.

The 2nd Annual Community Awareness Fair

Submitted by Rosemary Herd:

The 2nd Annual Community Awareness Fair Coming May 5th

Here is an opportunity for you to become involved in your community.
Sat. May 5th,from 9am -1pm Peoples UMC will have organizations
Represented from the community and I need your help to make this
A success.

Set Up—Last year we had many organizations inside Ellis Hall. Tables
Were needed as well as checking to make sure that everyone was made
Comfortable and had water, etc.

Outside -----Someone to cook Hot Dogs / pop popcorn /do cotton candy/
Pour lemonade/run the cake walk/ assist in the games for the kids/and
Handle the prizes.Last year it got a little crazy.

If you would like to be part of the committee or if you can help out
Please contact Rosemary Herd @ rherd@maine.rr.com or call
799-2392. Thank you in advance because Peoples people always
come through.It is a Blessing to become involved and you will
be Blessed threefold.

I forgot to mention that this is all free to the community. If you
would care to make a donation in the form of money (to rent the
popcorn and cotton candy machines) or hot dogs and rolls, lemonade,
or cakes for the cake walk, I wouldn’t refuse it.

It is going to be AWESOME !!!

New Cressey Road United Methodist Church in Gorham hosts New England Leadership Academy on Methodist History and Heritage Meeting

On Saturday over 125 Methodists from around New England initiated the Leadership Academy by hosting a unique session on preserving New England Methodism’s history and heritage. Reverend Lin Arnold who indicated that a Methodist pastorate has existed in Gorham since 1804 gave the welcome. Meeting in this brand new church was an indication that time leads to the need for change in order to meet the changing demands of society.
         
Following Lin’s welcome Bishop Peter D. Weaver was introduced as the keynote speaker for the day. Bishop Pete said we were responsible for maintaining the accomplishments and directions of folks who historically were upstream from us. He equally emphasized that we must consider ourselves upstream from those that will follow us in the Methodist traditions and beliefs. We have an obligation to those downstreamers to preserve what we have, but not to dwell on what is past, but to use that heritage for change or adapt when necessary to meet new needs. He quoted from Maya Angelou, that “people who have been upstream to us had committed their spirit to growth and change.” The Bishop mentioned that there were two distinct beginnings to Methodism in the United States. The first evolved from a Methodist class at John Street in New York City in 1766. The founding fathers appealed to John Wesley in England by saying,” We will sell our coats and shirts if you send us a preacher.” That church moved in the direction of building a formidable church building, which they continued to maintain. The other direction of Methodism in America developed in Sam’s Creek, Maryland. In that community, Robert Straweridge directed that community to build a very simple log structure as a meeting place and concentrated instead in reaching out to the needs of the community. I think the juxtaposition created by these two beginnings has a message to us today. I believe that it means that we do have a need to maintain a property and to allow many to use it. It also says that we need to be aware of the needs of the community beyond our church walls and help to meet those needs; locally, nationally and globally.

The Bishop early in his presentation indicated that it was not unusual for congregations to make major changes in church property to meet changing demands on an average every 35 years throughout the late 1700’s and most of the 1800’s. Late in the 1800’s and into the 20th century that phenomenon seemed to lengthen as congregations seemed to become more complacent. Adaptations to cultural change did not occur. The increased use of the automobile for example put a pinch on some churches as they had not left any room for parking conditions. Many times churches did not adjust to the needs of the handicapped. It was mentioned that the Methodist churches that are growing are those that have allowed themselves the opportunity to meet those needs. As a thought to the future we might ask ourselves though will the “outskirts churches” be in a convenient location if and when the use of fossil fuels ebbs and wains?
But remember the other route of Methodism that grew out of Maryland. There will always be the poor, the needy, the handicapped, those needing solace and comfort. As the Bishop said, “as Methodists we are called to boldly proclaim Christ in our neighborhoods.”

The Bishop said that he had spent the previous night with teens that were taking lay speaker training. Their knowledge and direction impressed him. He said that we have a great need to nurture young folks and not lose them to other elements of society that call them.

Bishop Pete said that it is essential that clergy and the laity (claity in his lexicon) need to work together not at odds with each other. He said that we need to look at some of the practices that need to be cast aside and to adopt others more appropriate to the present. He said that is the lesson of history (and I as a historian wholeheartedly agree.) Making such decisions are difficult because often a practice deemed absolutely necessary by some is absolutely unnecessary to someone else. Issues are not resolved if we don’t talk them out though.


The Bishop also said that we needed to be passionate about our spirituality. That was the heart of the Holy Club mission that was founded by the Wesleys. He included the definitions of prevenient Grace, justifying Grace and sanctifying Grace as part of our spirituality. He also talked about need-based evangelism in reaching out to our communities and completed this part of his message with why inspiring worship is essential in keeping ourselves and seekers focused. All three of these elements are all essentials, but are found to usually be at the bottom of the priorities list when churches are engaged in Natural Church Development.

The Bishop’s message lasted nearly two hours yet it was very inspirational, meaningful and engaging. Certainly the message, not to take away from the breakout groups in the afternoon carried the most singularly meaningful message of the day. I hope the readers of this entry find it useful. One that develops questions and leads to significant action.

Four breakout groups followed lunch. Most sessions were attended by 25 or more folks. Some sessions dealt with the principles and theology of the United Methodist Church while the two others were on early Methodism in Maine and how to use timelines in recording the history of the local church. I attended the latter of these. Only Pastor Ernest Farrar and Joni Gatcombe of the Round Pond United Methodist Church and I were in the group. I found our conversation to be extraordinary. We all were able to share historical work and research that we have done and I do believe new friendships and research partners evolved from our link. Rosemary Herd and Chris Ward were the other two folks that attended this meeting on Saturday, March 10, 2007. Both of them attended the session on early New England Methodism.

The day concluded with a meaningful communion served by the Bishop and Lin.
This was a day well spent in study and worship with many United Methodists.

Men's Breakfast

The Men's Breakfast
Once a month men of Peoples United Methodist Church come together in the Vestry of the church for breakfast and to chat about a myriad of topics. Anywhere from a few to 20 or so men of all ages have met in this maner and for that purpose for over two years. Formulated originally by Hank Dunn, the activitiy continues with few changes to its purpose. It is an opportunity for men of all ages to meet in a relaxed atmosphere.


Often Brad Morrison, our resident professional chef, prepares a delectable meal. In the event that Brad is not available others faithfully fill in. To date Hank, Chuck, Charlie, Fred, Jamie and Dan have served as primary preparers. Others have assisted in the kitchen. Among those that attended the March 10 breakfast were Brad, Doug Greer, Jamie Arrison, Jim MacKinnon, Dan Doughty, Tom Nelson, Charlie Lyons, Chuck Kamilewicz, Keith Snoddy, Fred Wade and Art Tordoff. The Men's breakfast regularly meets at 7:30 on the second Saturday in a given month September through June. If you would like to be added to the e-mail list or receive a call as a reminder please notify Pastor Jamie or Art Tordoff or any of the men who's names appear in this article. Hope to see you there!

Casco Bay Cluster Revival

Casco Bay Cluster to Sponsor Revival
Help Needed
The Casco Bay Cluster is holding a revival this fall on October 6, 2007 at Beach Ridge Speedway. There are many opportunities to get involved and help make this even a meaningful and spirit-filled success.
Possible jobs:
Advertising: Are you or do you know anyone in the field? Are you willing to make some calls? We would like to use all venues to advertise this timely event.
Tents: We plan on having tents staffed to talk to visitors about United Methodism, about your church, about missions and activities sponsored by your church and other community agencies. The gift of gab or a little muscle would be very helpful, Oh yes, if you know where tents for displays can be acquired that would be helpful as well.
Bands: Do you know musicians that would be willing to perform during the revivial? We are open to any and all suggestions.
Clean-up: Beach Ridge is providing many amenities at no cost but we will be required to clean up after the event. If you are willing to head up a committee or are willing to pick up trash we would love to hear from you.
Ushering: If willing to head a committee or to help seat and direct people during the event speak to a Pastor from any of the Methodist churches in South Portland, Buxton, Cape Elizabeth, or Scarborough to volunteer.
Scheduling of Speakers: Do you kow inspirational speakers that you feel would add to the presentation that are already scheduled? Bishop Peter D, Weaver will be the Keynote speaker. Would you be willing to make some phone calls related to this?
Children's Activities: Are you good with kids of all ages, but especially little ones? We could use your help. We need people to staff the area and provide activities.
Transportation: Willing to work on possible busing groups, arranging car pools for those without transportation to the venue. Are you willing to work in the parking lots?

We will be holding special cluster meetings to work on just the Revivial. I f interested in helping, please come to a meeting. Dates will be sent to Cluster representatives. First meeting is March 27 at noon at Peoples UMC, 310 Broadway in South Portland.

As a member of Peoples contact Pastor Jamie Arrison or Art Tordoff about how you would like to participate and help in this extraordinary event.

Financial Update

To encourage us as a church to reach our goal of funding our budget for this year, we will continue to share the latest financial news. February finishes with our expenses exceeding income for the year by $4,800. There are some good factors that help make our immediate picture hopeful. We have paid our oil bills on delivery as opposed to waiting for invoices. The result is our oil expences for March and April will be lower than last year. We have paid more towards our mission shares this year than up to this point last year due to invoicing of ministerial support costs as well as a donation by Bishop Ives towards our general conference benevolences. We also had a special gift of $5000 towards the budget from another source.

Going forward, we will need to both consider reducing some expenses as well as adding additional income to make up for the $46,000 budget deficit this year. If you are able, please prayerfully consider increasing your pledge. We will be encouraging tithing with four tithing Sundays this year on the fifth Sundays of April, July, September and December. These are opportunities to experience bringing the first 10% of your income for the week to share together with the church and seeing how God continues to provide.

We will also look towards other special gifts and creative fundraising. If you have an idea, please share your thoughts. It would be particularly helpful in this cold season of high prices if some felt led to donate towards our oil bill. Thank you for your consideration and continued prayers over our budget. We can have confidence that through the faithful obedience of His people, God will provide all we need to fulfill His calling for our church.

Root Cellar Ministry

Thank you to all who served at the Root Cellar Thursday!
Here is a wonderful opportunity for service to the community not so far from our home church at Peoples. Spearheaded by Earle Harvey, a sizeable contingent of workers from Peoples put on a meal and worship service for the many folks that gather at Portland's Root Celler located on Washington Avenue at the base of Munjoy Hill. Chris Bowker was our primary cook and he in turn was assisted by Merrill Kaiser and Chuck Kamilewicz with a few stirs of the pot by Art Tordoff. Helping serve were Marlene Tordoff, Chris Ward and Sue Angell. Additional workers in the kitchen and serving were Kathy Brann, Barbara Nelson, Betty Splettstoesser, Doreen Gay and Jim MacKinnon. Marilyn Voter had the crowd singing before Pastor Jamie gave a stirring message. Peoples is next scheduled to serve on May 10 so mark your calendars. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be in mission and ministry right here in the Portland area.