Sunday, April 29, 2007

Church yard Clean-Up



Church Yard Clean-up

What promised to be a rather lowery day on Saturday, April 28 ended up being a great day to work around the outside of the church. Since the yard needed sprucing up before the Second Annual Community Awareness Fair, scheduled for May 5, the Trustees scheduled the annual Spring clean-up for this weekend. The work for the day called for taking care of multitudes of not so dry leaves, refuse blownonto the property because of the busyness of the area, and beautifying the garden area. Those who put rakes, shovels and garden equipment to use were the following: Walter and Michelle Greer, Art and Marlene Tordoff, Kathy Brann, Sue Angell, Barbara Nelson, Janice Huelin, Chuck Kamilewicz, Brad Morrison and Rosemary Herd. Walter brought his trailer and before the morning was over all of the grounds had been raked, the garden cleaned out and the refuse picked up. Rosemary made coffee for all those that wanted it. I'm sure all participants felt a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Baptismal Joy!

On Sunday, April 22 we baptized three babies, including the pastors' son Alex as pictured above, and Eli Filieo and Cooper Trafford. Pastor Jamie met with the families of Eli and Cooper for two classes on the meaning of baptism (for a good article on baptism in the Methodist tradition, read "By Water and the Spirit") and the seriousness and joy with which the baptismal vows are spoken - both by parents and sponsors, and by the congregation. Pastor Jamie baptized Eli and Cooper, and Pastor Gwyneth baptized Alex. It certainly was a wonderful celebration! Here's all the info if you were unable to attend worship:

Eli Ferdinando Filieo
Parents: Kari & Aaron Filieo
Siblings: Mia & Laney
Godparents: Raelyn & Eric Renny

Cooper Dean Trafford
Parents: Shelly & Donald Trafford
Siblings: Kyle & Jenna
Godparents: Raelyn & Eric Renny

Alexandrew (Alex) Child Arrison
Parents: Gwyneth & Jamie Arrison
Siblings: Faith & Dena

Sunday, April 22, 2007

The Gathering will meet as a Bible Study

Until further notice, the Gathering contemporary worship service will meet as a lay-led small group Bible study beginning April 29. The group will continue to meet at 5:30pm for a light meal in Ellis Hall, followed by study in the church parlor at 6pm. All are welcome to attend! Please contact Earle Harvey with any questions.

Although this worship servive was created to reach out to youth and families with young children, it seems that the time of night was not compatible with the needs of these folks. On the other hand, the fellowship between the small group of folks who have been attending faithfully has been wonderful, and they as well as the pastors want this to continue. It was discussed that the group should continue to meet as a lay-led small group rather than as a worship service. They will begin studying the book of James April 29, using an interactive curriculum called BibleSense by Group Publishing.

The Gathering has been a fun and worshipful time for all of those who have come out. Thank you for your participation and support!

2nd Annual Community Awareness Fair

2nd Annual Community Awareness Fair
Ellis Hall and the Church Grounds
310 Broadway, South Portland
Saturday, May 5, 2007
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Back by popular demand Peoples United Methodist Church is sponsoring its 2nd Community Awareness Fair. The purpose of the Fair is first and foremost an opportunity for people in the community to become aware of a number of organizations that provide volunteer services and in turn seek volunteers to help in providing those services. This year nearly 30 local and some national organizations will be represented at the Fair.

Among those having booths are the following:
The Root Cellar, Habitat for Humanity, Food Pantry, Preble Street Resource Center, Southern Maine Agency on Aging, Wayside Soup Kitchen, Lions Club, Boy Scouts, Red Bird Mission, Heifer International, Red Cross, South Portland Nursing Home, Boys and Girls Club, UM Nomads, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Bean Suppers, Mercy Hospital, Maine Medical Center, Ronald MacDonald House, Kairos, Alternative to Violence, Long Creek Youth Center, Youth Alternatives, Family Crisis Shelter, Literacy Volunteers

Bring the Kids!
Plan to bring children. There will be plenty for them to do at the Fair. There will be games and cake walks with prizes for the children.

Hungry? Also on the grounds will be free hot dogs, popcorn, lemonade and cotton candy for anyone in attendance.

Missions Opportunity

UMCOR at New England Conference
For those that may not know UMCOR stands for United Methodist Committee on Relief.
Two years ago Peoples played a major role in Maine in serving as a collection location for all kinds of relief needs during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. These items were picked up and distributed in the Gulf Coast states through UMCOR. Last year Peoples collected school supplies that were collected at the New England Methodist Conference and delivered to the Nicaraguan Covenant van at Conference. In 2007 Peoples Discipleship and Mission efforts between now and the New England Conference will again be soliciting the congregations’ support in collecting items for distribution through UMCOR to locations wherever there is a need. While there are many kits that can be put together we would like to concentrate on the following four areas. Will you help us in gathering items that are listed in the following kits? Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.

Health Kit: 1 hand towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", No kitchen towels), 1 washcloth, 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized) , 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers), 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up), 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes), 1 large tube of toothpaste (expiration date must be 12 months or longer in advance of the date of shipment to UMCOR Sager Brown), 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages

Layette Kit: 6 Cloth diapers; 2 shirts or 2 one-piece body suits; 2 baby washcloths; 2 gowns or sleepers; 2 diaper pins; one sweater open in the front; 2 receiving blankets. Value: $35 per kit. All of the inclusions should be bundled inside one of the receiving blankets and secure with the diaper pins.

School Kit: 1 pair blunt scissors rounded tip); 2 pads (or loose leaf) of 8 ½ x 11" ruled paper; 1 30-centimeter ruler; 1 hand-held pencil sharpener; 6 unsharpened pencils with erasers; 1 eraser,2 ½ "; 12 sheets of construction paper (varied colors); 1 box of 24 crayons (24 only). Value: $18 per kit. Prepare a 12" x 14" (finished size)) cloth bag with handles and a closure (Velcro, snap, or button) and place items in the bag.

Sewing Kit: 3 yards of cotton or cotton blend, solid color or print fabric ( must be three yards of uncut fabric); 1 pair of sewing scissors; 1 package of needles; 1 spool of thread; 5-8 matching buttons. Value: $18 per kit. Wrap sewing notions in the fabric and place in a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.

Important Kit Assembly Information
All items included in kits must be NEW items.
All emergency kits are carefully planned to make them usable in the greatest number of situations. Since strict rules often govern product entry into international countries, it is important that kits contain only the requested items-nothing more.
Do NOT include any personal notes, money or additional materials in the kits. These things must be painstakingly removed and will delay the shipment.

You may wish to put a kit together yourself or supply portions of any of the kits. If you are a member of a church group you may wish to put several kits together. They may be brought to church and left in the collection box at the back of the sanctuary through Sunday, June 3.
Talk to and enlist your friends and families in this worthy cause.
-Mission and Discipleship Team

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Church Bowling Party May 27

Please join us for a FREE bowling party at Yankee Lanes (10-pin) in Portland on Sunday May 27 1-3pm. This will allow for about 3 games, and includes free shoe rental, use of equipment and instruction for those interested. Light refreshments will also be available. Yankee Lanes is offering free parties to churches and other organizations to generate more interest in their facility. They do need to know an approximate head count, so please RSVP to 799-1413 or email the church office. Hope to see there!

Friday, April 20, 2007

May Birthdays

1 Cheryl Kranz
5 Paul Obie
6 Ruth Kittredge
7 Laurie Brann
Alisha Wade
8 Ryan Wade
9 Claralee Street
10 Fred Wade
13 Walter Greer
14 Karen Darling
15 Wealthy Harvey
16 Elsie Johnson
19 Fred Brann
Nancy Greer
24 Linda Wade
30 Belle Graney
31 Brad Morrison

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

New Brochures

Separate brochures highlighting our church life, small groups, children’s ministries and ministries of care are now available in the greeting area of the church sanctuary. These are geared specifically toward newcomers and visitors to Peoples in order to help them find places to connect, be nurtured and to grow intheir faith. However long time members may also not be aware of the many opportunities at Peoples, so take a set to look over for your own benefit, and then ... pass along to a friend!

Why new brochures? Several excellent welcome brochures have been designed and printed by different folks over the last few years, but it is helpful to newcomers (and members too!) to have more information provided about the church ministries than is possible in one welcome brochure. The new brochures are created as a matched set, which looks professional but also makes it easy to add new brochures. If you have ideas for additional brochure topics please let the pastors know. The next ones we are considering are the pastors' baptism and marriage policies.

If you find any ministries that are not listed, or have other ideas for improving the brochures, we are printing them in small quantities so they can be revised. Please let the pastors know your feedback. Thank you.

Budget Lunch

Sunday May 6 after church we are hosting a lunch to discuss the 2007 budget for Peoples UMC, what the money goes toward, and how much more is needed to reduce our deficit so that we can continue and grow vital ministries for the church and community.

The 2007 budget for Peoples UMC is $13,300 more in deficit than 2006. Though 2006 had been an improvement on the previous year, we need to begin to reduce our deficit below the current $45,000 level.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions and discuss creative solutions. We will also be asking our congregation to raise our collective pledges by $10,000 and are looking to increase a few of our other fundraising efforts.

We are confident that our variety of new programs in worship, adult small groups and youth will bring future growth for the church and for the increase of God’s kingdom in South Portland. We are further confident that God will provide all that His ministry needs through your faithful response. Please come to this luncheon and consider increasing the portion of what God has given you that you to return to His ministry here at Peoples. Please RSVP to the church office 799-1413.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Walking Club Startup

Submitted by Becky Gotlieb and Barbara Nelson

Becky Gotlieb and Barbara Nelson have recently formed a small group of folks who are interested in exercising and talking about how to better take care of themselves. They are walking on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30pm as well as Saturday mornings, and meet in the church parking lot. If interested, please call Becky at 799-3416 or Barbara at 799-6321. "Please join us for Fellowship and working to get healthier together. " If interested in joining the group please call Becky at 799-3416 or Barbara at 799-6321.

Workshop with the Bishop

Bishop Pete Weaver led us in an inspiring workshop on stewardship in our churches; certainly a relevant topic given the seriousness of our financial situation at Peoples. We are not alone in our struggle either -- most of our sister UM churches are in the same boat.

Why is this? Some of the reasons mentioned by other churches were lack of ministry vision to get people psyched to give, failure to communicate financial status and where money goes (in an exciting way), personal debt of the congregation and a culture that encourages luxury rather than sacrifice, church building maintenace, living on the edge of the budget so giving goes only to heat, salaries and pension rather than exciting missional opportunities, lack of accountability in our personal giving, encouraging low commitment membership so we don't offend people (the fastest growing churches actually require the highest commitment ones also).

The bishop spoke about worship creating the environment for joyful and sacrificial giving, and challenged pastors to use more "creative energy" in designing unique ways to present the offering each week. He also spoke about creating a "narrative budget" rather than communicating financal numbers with an unintelligible spreadsheet!

There was also a presentation on Good $ense, the workshop hosted here at Peoples just a few months ago, and good discussion in small groups on all of these topics. This is part of a comprehensive program of personal and church stewardship worshops and materals that the conference is making available to churches.

"You don't make a pickle by sprinkling a cucumber with vinegar," said the Bishop. Likewise, we don't create an environment of biblical stewardship with a three-week canned stewardship package once a year. Rather churches need "immersion in stewardship" throughout the year.

We look forward to hearing your inspirational and revolutionary ideas!

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Ushers, Greeters, etc. for May

Nursery (Barbara Nelson, Coordinator)
5/6 Doreen Gay & Kathy Brann
5/13 Andy Folley & Pastor Jamie
5/20 Barbara Nelson & Karen Jennings
5/27 Barbara Nelson & Barbara Lee

Ushers for May (Charlie Lyons, Coordinator)
Chuck Kamilewicz
Keith Snoddy

Greeters (Barbara Nelson, Coordinator)
5/6 Paul and Sharon Obie
5/13 Betty Splettstoesser
5/20 Barbara Nelson
5/27 Becky Snoddy

Lector for May (Chris Ward, Coordinator)
Ellen Dunn

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Easter Blessings

There was a lot of joy this Easter at Peoples! The day started with a beautiful sunrise on Fisherman's Point with about 40 who braved the cold. The sun began to peek above the island just as we were reading the Scripture. "Thy Word is a light unto my path" came to mind.






Next was the Children's musical during which we heard the joyful voices of some of the kids from Sunday School. Many thanks to Andy Folley for his leadership of this group, and to Rosemary Herd and all of the Sunday School volunteers.



This was followed by a wonderful Easter breakfast of pancakes, bacon and muffins by Brad Morrison. Thanks to Brad, Chris, Joanne and Chuck, and everyone else who helped out in the kitchen, and with setup and clearup.

Here is a photo of the kids receiving instructions for the Easter Candy Hunt! Before going to get ready for morning worship, the kids had a great time running around finding Easter candy! Thanks to Betty Lane for coordinating this, which included putting together special Easter bags for each child.
Happy Easter to everyone!

He is risen!
He is risen indeed!




Holy Week

Holy Week helped prepare us to experience the cross of Christ so as to fully experience our Easter joy. The darkness and reverence of this week was experienced at a special Maundy Thursday worship led by Pastor Jamie, a Good Friday service led by the UM pastors in the area, a prayer vigil coordinated by Betty Splettstoesser from 1:30-9:30pm with every slot filled, and finally a showing of the last hours of the life of Christ in a showing of the movie, "The Passion of the Christ." Thanks to all who helped coordinate and set up these events so that we could truly worship the Lord this Holy Week.

The Palms on Palm Sunday


On Palm Sunday, many came out to sing "The Palms" as current AND past members of Junior Choir. It was a joy to see the group together, and everyone clapped for Hillie Cass who served as the Junior Choir Director for 40 years before retiring, and for Malcolm Cass who has announced his upcoming retirement as Organist and Music Director. The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC - the "HR" for the Methodist Church) is discussing Malcolm's retirement and is seeking an interim music director for between 3-12 months. Ideas and suggestions are welcome - please contact Dan Doughty as SPRC Chair.

In addition, plans are being made for a concert in honor of Malcolm and Hillie Cass, most likely in June. Stay tuned for details.

Tri-State District Yourth Retreat

Submitted by our D.S. Rev Jan and Mike Davis

Below you will find info on the Tri-State District Yourth Retreat for all middle or high school youth and youth leaders. The event is May 4 - 5th, 2007 at the Exeter United Methodist Church in New Hampshire

Friday, May 4th
6:00pm: Registration
7:00pm: Greeting/Prayer/ Rules
8:00pm: Pay it Forward excerpts and discussion
10:00pm: Worship with Praise Band
11:00pm: ready for bed
11:30pm: Lights out!!

Saturday May 5th
7:00am Rise and Shine!!!
8:00am Morning Vespers (Praise Team) then Breakfast
9:00am Block #1
Adults - Basics of Vital Youth Ministry I, By Steve Murray
Youth - How have you made a difference already?
Both - Reaching Beyond the Walls of the Local Church by Cat Janson
10:15am: Break
10:30am: Block #2
Adults - Basics of Youth Ministry II (Steve M.)
Youth- Illustrating your mission work thru the Arts with Priscilla Dreyman
11:45am: Break
Noon: Lunch and Learn
Lunch and Learn-Marilyn Robb will lead the discussion about Mission work.
1:15pm: Block #3
Adults-ABCs of Youth Mission Trips
Youth - How are you going to ‘pay it forward’?
2:30 pm: Closing Worship (Praise Team)

What to bring?
You may not be under the stars, but you will need something to sleep on. If you do not have a sleeping bag, bring a couple of blankets and don’t forget your pillow. You will want to bring your toothbrush and any other items you want to care for personal hygiene needs. P.S. Sorry, no time for showers. Also bring a white plain Tee Shirt to be Silk Screened with event logo. What else is important when youth get together? FOOD!!!!! If you bring a snack, bring enough to share. Also bring the “Student Movie Pass” Form. Finallyl, bring a great attitude and your Bible will be very helpful

RSVP to Pastor Gwyneth or Jamie

Clark Memorial UMC Coffee House

Open Hearts Christian Coffee House
Clark Memorial UMC, Portland, ME
Upcoming Dates:
April 28, 2007 at 6:30 PM
May 26, 2007 at 6:30 PM

April's artists include: 6-piece, high energy, Christian Contemporary band "Beyond Blue;" Amazing guitarist Gary Richardson performing music from his CD "When Angels Fly".
This event is hosted by: Clark Memorial UMC, Portland ME
Coordinator: Coffee House
Contact Phone: (207) 653-0339

Mystery Dinner by UMC in Gray

Submitted by Natalie Blake, Good Shepherd UMC, Gray, ME

It looks like it’s going to be a very “Spirited” night at the Swanson Manor. On the 150th anniversary of the infamous Davenport family murders, Ms. Laurie Swanson has invited eight individuals to spend the night in her haunted home. Among the invitees is a direct descendent of the murder victims, a prominent psychic, a tabloid reporter and a couple of paranormal investigators. As the spirits do their best to frighten our guests with strange sights and sounds, a murder occurs. Who knows which illustrious detective will arrive on the scene first, but with a little luck and a lot of skill, you could help solve the murder.

The Good Shepherd Players present a mystery dinner production, “A Spirited Night in Swanson Manor” at Spring Meadows Golf and Country Club. World premier performances will be on May 4th and May 11th at 6:30 pm. Tickets for the shows are $30 per person and include salad, main course and dessert. Seats are limited, so make your reservations at 637-3880. Ask about special pricing for groups of eight.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Greater Portland Visioning Committee

Greater Portland Visioning Meeting
After several delays for weather and conflicts with other meetings, District Superintendent Michael Davis gathered a small group of pastors and lay folks together at Elm Street United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 31. In attendance were Pastors Kate and David Nichol of Clark Memorial and Elm Street/Buxton respectively. Reverend Ruth Morrison of Cape Elizabeth and Reverend Lynn Campbell of Thornton Heights. were also present. Representing Good Shepherd was Natalie Blake and Art Tordoff represented Peoples.
This group has met periodically for a year looking at how the United Methodist churches in the Greater Portland area might better become the hands and feet of God and to answer the following questions:
How can we reach new folks and read what their needs are perceived to be?
How willing are United Methodists in the local area churches to accept change and to change if necessary?
What prevents us as a body from moving on?

Each church is unique and has its own talents and specialties. Are these strengths emphasized? How can all of the United Methodist churches in the area best utilize their resources and support each other? These are a couple of the questions that were forthcoming at this session. Discussion was obviously limited with the limited number of representatives in attendance. The discussion for a time did center on what help we can bring to each other collectively. It was mentioned that one area that has already been talked about was working together on purchase of such items as fuel. It was mentioned that Tom Nelson of Peoples had brought that message to the two Clusters and that a number of churches were interested in following up in this area.

District Superintendent Mike said that he believed that all of the churches have the potential for growth due to a careful look at the demography statistics that we had been presented last year. Part of the success of growth can only come about if the churches are actively engaged in mission and ministry. Each congregation needs to discover God’s vision for them as well as how each congregation can work with other congregations for common causes. He went on to say that God’s love for the church is greater than our own. The last point that he made was that you can’t have the attitude of putting off something because of a lack of perceived personnel or financial resources to undertake change. Through God and prayer there are usually resources and personnel made available to carry out necessary changes, yet each individual must play his or her part in fulfilling the mission.

The district superintendent also made the following observations that are important for each church and the Clusters in the Greater Portland area to consider.
1. Things are often thought to have been said about something that in fact have
not been said or have been misinterpreted. It is important to not assume
something without further research and face to face communication.
2. Area churches here as well as many other areas are in decline. If we are to carry the message of Christ in a United Methodist tradition change has to take place and be accepted.
3. Many congregations appear to be suspicious of the Conference leadership directives which appear to include DS’es and in some cases other folks that find headquarters remote from the immediate area.
4. A greater sense of loss would exist locally if merger were forced on local congregations. It does seem strange if on the one hand the conference is anxious to have new church starts while suggesting and perhaps causing other parishes to disband, fold or merge.
Some congregations actually desire to grow and accept change in many areas of church life.
5. At the same time many congregations live in the past and want to be what they were 30 years ago by maintaining status quo.
6. Many congregations fear the future especially, it is felt, in this area although we do have a great potential for growth according to demographic statistics.
7. We need to honor history but where do we go from here? History can be a great teacher, but we are presently making the history that will affect the church that is downstream from us today.
8 and 9. Portland and its peninsula is not lost. Those who will form a new church out of the Chestnut population will need help from other area churches and in turn will influence a different direction for all churches in the area.
10. Dare we explore new ways of serving together? We need to look at organizing
in new ways or through different eyes.

The group discerned that it was not necessary to meet as a Visioning Committee again but instead to trust the Clusters, Casco Bay and Greater Portland to work on change together. While they will remain separate clusters it was thought that the two clusters have regular meetings together four times a year by sharing meeting times and places. More to be seen in this realm in Cluster meeting reports in the near future.

As the writer of this article I have taken the writer's license to add some opinion as a followup to some of the observations that are credited to the District Superintendent. If you are not in agreement with either the observations or the added commentary please feel free to respond to this addition to the blog.