Merry Christmas Letter to Peoples

It wouldn't be Christmas without ... This is a question that is different for everyone and made all the more complicated by the fact that most people would have at least eight different people, things, traditions, foods, decorations or songs they cannot imagine a Christmas without. This year, however, we have been looking at an increasing number of things that we have to do without as people lose jobs, have less time and less money. In addition to these losses, every year brings the changes of kids growing up and loved ones being lost. Before long, it may be that "It wouldn't be Christmas without..." becomes "It just isn't Christmas."

There is only one way to fill in this sentence that holds for all times and all situations. That is, it wouldn't be Christmas without Jesus. Jesus is worthy of being celebrated with all of the trimmings of music, friends, food, worship, decoration and tradition. Yet, when some or all of these trappings are gone, Jesus is walking with us all the closer in our loss. He might say, "Yeah, I know what you mean. At my birth, I had no family, no doctor, no clean room or even a bed. I know these losses hurt, but I'm here with you." Jesus is Emmanuel - God with us. This is the miracle of Christmas. It is not a warm, comfortable love that blows away in the face of the cold. Jesus offers a deep abiding love that provides most in times of need.

It is my hope this Christmas season that every gift or emptiness, decoration or loss would turn us to Jesus in celebration and pure need. As you turn toward Jesus, share your hope with others around you in need and come live your celebration here with brothers and sisters at Peoples throughout the year.

Prepare the way for Sunday School!

New Sunday School Unit Begins January 4 – Come learn about John the Baptist! Centers will include story telling, arts and crafts, music, and cooking. All kids ages 3-11 welcome, and bring a friend! . FMI call Andy Folley at 749-5702. 2009

Telling about Taize

It may be scary to try something new. This is particularly true when the new thing has a strange name like Taize or involves something as strange as meditation. I would like to assure you that the only scary part may be getting closer to God. The service is based loosely on the popular ecumenical services of the Taize Community. This involves meditative music, scripture, prayer and silence. For those who have been coming, it has been a wonderful uplifting time with an opportunity for fellowship afterwards. We are sure it will be for you as well. Come and invite a friend who would be fed by a quiet moment.

The meditation service will not meet December 28 as it is a school vacation. The meditation service will start back up on January 4 at 7pm, held each week on Sunday evenings.

Candles and Bells

Peoples hosted the annual Candlelight Christmas Eve worship service, and experienced the light of Jesus Christ our Savior! Thank you to all who participated in facilitating worship through singing, reading Scripture, prayer, welcoming as well as setting up and clearing up. Ushers/greeters were Charlie Lyons, Chuck Kamilewicz, Jim MacKinnon, Keith Snoddy and Tom Nelson. Doug Greer ran the sound and computer system as we used slides for the first time in this service. Dan Doughty led the welcome and announcements portion. Hank Dunn opened us up in a moving prayer. Scripture was read by Linda Greer, Linda Wade, Betty Lane, and Chris Ward. David Cole sang the offertory, and Debbie Cole led the senior choir and carols throughout worship. We closed with the dimming of lights as we sang "Silent Night" followed by some holy silence, and then the ringing of all of our bells. Merry Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas Devotional Guide

This year in lieu of the Advent meditation booklet, Art Tordoff put together a 12 Days of Christmas devotional booklet. The format is very similar to the Advent booklet with writings from Peoples people, but also contains information such as symbolism of the 12 days of Christmas.

If you haven’t already, please pick up a Christmas devotional book - readings continue for the 12 days of Christmas. Thank you to Art Tordoff for pulling this together!

Church Life Training January 24

The annual Cluster Training Event will take place January 24 9am-12:30pm. There will be workshops on the exciting Igniting Ministry program that ties our welcome to nationally run advertising as well as training for administrative committee members. To register, contact Pastor Jamie by email or 799-6814. (Snow date: January 31)

Put it on the Calendar

2009 Church Calendaring Party – The Church Council is going to gather together on Saturday, Jan 10 for several hours to plan out the next 6-12 months of church ministries, mission and fun activities. Please join us -- all are welcome

Celebrating the Year

End of Year Reports – We will be compiling a book of all committee and ministry reports to be handed out during the Life in Review 2008. These committee reports will be due January 5. Thank you!

Life in Review 2008 is a chance to hear creative presentations from teams and committees from the church to celebrate what God had done throughout the year. This year’s Life in Review is scheduled after church on January 11. Please come and celebrate the ministries of Peoples Church together, with lunch and lots of fun. If you have been a team or committee leader or have been involved in ministry this year of any kind, please be thinking about a creative, fun presentation! Photo presentations, videos, skits, songs, art ... the sky is the limit.

Pledges Well Under Way

Pledges – If you consider Peoples your church family and have not yet had an opportunity to turn in a pledge card there are extras in the pews and can be placed in the offering anytime.

Hungry New Year

Wayside Soup Kitchen on New Years Eve– Please join us in serving a meal at the Wayside Soup Kitchen on December 31. Meet there at 5pm to help set up, and then the meal service begins at 6pm. You may contact Tom Nelson 799-6321 for questions or to carpool. With the holiday we may have difficulty getting enough people – please consider serving those in need before going to our own celebrations.

Gifts for Root Cellar

Thanks to all who participated in the Root Cellar Christmas gift drive, organized by Carol Bruneau: Kathy Brann, Barbara Kenney, Ellen Dunn, Jody Fyles, Janice Huelin and Pastor Gwyneth. Gifts were given to many families in the Portland area, and Peoples was part of this great work. We shared Christ’s love and brought joy to many!

What Do You Want For Christmas?

We had about 30 people involved in various small group studies of the Advent book, "What Do You Want For Christmas?" The studies took place over the four weeks of Advent, and groups met on Monday evenings led by Pastor Jamie at the Dunn's home, Tuesday mornings led by Rosemary Herd at her home, Wednesday evenings at the church led by Claralee Street, Thursday afternoons at Ruth McLellan's home led by Earle Harvey, and a virtual study by email led by Pastor Gwyneth.

We received positive feedback on the book and group experience from all the groups, and hope to continue with these and additional small groups through the winter.

Christmas Pageant

The children presented a Christmas Pageant on December 21 during worship. Many thanks to Andy and Teresa Folley for organizing and heading up the pageant this year, Linda and Doug Greer for help with costumes and sound, Andy’s father, John for assembling the stable backdrop, and all of the other parent and teacher helpers! What an amazing time!

Pageant Rehearsal

The kids had their final rehearsal for the Christmas pageant on Saturday, December 20. They tried on costumes made and re-made by Linda Greer. The set was fabricated by Andy and his father, Rev.

John Folley. Teresa and Andy, and other parents helped children with their lines. Due to the ice storm, the cookie bake wasn't possible at this time, but that didn't prevent the kids from having a great time eating ginger bread cookies and juice at our mid-morning break! Then back to another run-through, and then home to keep practicing those lines and songs!

Christmas Caroling

Thank you to all who came out to sing for the neighborhood Christmas caroling party. We sang the Good News through the church neighborhood. Then we came back to the pastors home for some food and fellowship. A good time was had by all.

How to tell your story

You tell stories every day. Yet, because we don't often tell the stories of our faith, they fade to the back of our mind. What counts as a faith story? What are the most important events and people that have formed our faith? Do your children, siblings and church friends know these stories. Be built up in your faith as we build up one another as we recover and share God's great works in our lives. This small group series will be launched in January. Details will follow.

Hanging the Greens

There was a smaller crowd for the annual Hanging the Greens service this year, but no less enthusiastic as we sang carols, decorated the church, hung ornaments on the tree and the kids brought forward gifts for the Root Cellar gift drive! Ellen Dunn then led the children in the Christmas story as the animals were placed in the manger on the altar. A wonderful and joyous time was had by all.



The Hanging of the Greens service takes place on the Sunday after the Christmas fair (the fair is generally held the first Saturday in December).

Coastal Christmas Fair

We earned $2,083 on the day of our fair and have had other funds trickle in from after fair sales. It was such a fun day. We worked hard, we had wonderful fellowship, great food from the kitchen and in these times are proud of the earnings.

Great lobster stew too! Thanks to all who donated their time and talents! And thank you to all of the United Methodist Women who led the effort.

Thank you also to Karen Jennings for putting together a wonderful craft area for children to make ornaments and gift for friends and family while parents shopped. It was a great success!

December Events at a Glance

Bring a friend and celebrate the Christ in Christmas!

Saturday Dec 6 9am
Coastal Christmas Fair

Sunday Dec 7 10:30am
Pageant rehearsals begin in Sunday School (new kids welcome)

Sunday Dec 7 6pm
Hanging of the Greens worship,
followed by 7pm Taize meditation service

Friday Dec 12 7pm
Movie time: The Nativity Story

Sunday Dec 14 4pm
Neighborhood Caroling Party at the Arrisons

Saturday Dec 20 9am
Pageant Rehearsal
followed by Cookie Bake and delivery to the highrises

Sunday Dec 21 10:30am
Christmas Pageant during worship

Wednesday Dec 24 7pm
Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship

Renewed by the light of Christ this Advent

Earle Harvey commented today how meaningful it is that we place the creche on the altar during Advent but without the baby in the manger. And that above this creche is likewise a cross but without the One crucified on it. The One we will celebrate at Christmas is the same One who is resurrected and victorious, and is the same One who loves you and me and the whole world!

The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival” and is the season when we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ coming into the world as our Savior. The worship music, Scripture readings, candle lighting and prayers during Advent help to prepare us for this great celebration and to go deeper in our faith. In addition, this is a special time to remember that Christ has promised to return and we will one day celebrate not only his first advent as a baby, but also his second advent as our resurrected Lord who will come in final judgment and salvation of all creation.

Therefore it is fitting that the mood of Advent is reflective, expectant and hopeful, providing a building sense of anticipation of the birth of Jesus who is the Light of the world. We will perhaps experience a bit of what Mary and Joseph experienced. They had worries and doubts. We also worry about the state of our world, our community, our families, our safety, and sometimes wonder, "where is God in all of this?" Their people were being oppressed by a foreign nation, the Roman Empire. We also experience oppression in many ways - addictions, finances, difficult work situations, illnesses. They were given what seemed to be an impossible task - to bring God's Son into the world. We also experience uphill battles as we face temptations and difficulties of every kind.

But in the midst of all that darkness and doubt, Mary and Joseph found hope in God. And as they trusted God with their very lives, they found God faithful. May we also be empowered this Advent season to place our trust in God, and to be renewed and transformed by the light of Christ.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." -- John 8:12 12

Advent Study 2008

We had an amazing amount of interest in small groups for the Advent study, "What Do You Want For Christmas," by James Moore. All 30 books have been distributed. A few people are using these for their personal devotional life. Most however have joined small groups, which are meeting at the Dunns home on Sundays led by Pastor Jamie, Tuesday mornings led by Rosemary at her home, the church on Wednesday evenings led by Claralee, Ruth's home on Thursday afternoons led by Earle Harvey, and a great turnout for the virtual study which is meeting through email chat led by Pastor Gwyneth.

It's a great question. What do you want for Christmas? This Advent book focuses on four gifts we might desire: hope, freedom, Christ and salvation. As we prayerfully consider these gifts each week together in study, we will also delve deeper into the Scriptures used in the study during morning worship.

We hope this Advent season might help make this the most memorable Christmas ever by drawing us closer to God and one another. All of the books have been distributed but we can find you materials if you would still like to join up. Please contact any of the group leaders.

Share the Excitement

Why do you come to church? Think about the reasons you come to grow in the faith, worship God, learn the Bible, be part of the Body. Think about the experience of being welcomed, forgiven and saved. Think about times when you had the formative experiences that bring you to church each week. Every one of us knows people who have those same needs, hopes and desires and even if they don't know it, are just waiting for someone to invite them into the family.

Inviting people to church is not about forcing your beliefs or trying to build up the church. Inviting people to church is about sharing with others what is great in your life - even better than recommending a movie or a restaurant. Yet, much like these, not everyone we invite will come - at least on the first invite. You may have to invite ten people before one says yes, or even to invite the same person several times before they think you mean it. If they say no, there is nothing lost, but they know they are welcome. Christmas is an excellent time to offer an invitation, it may already be on their minds before you ask. Try to invite someone each week of the coming month - you may find yourself with a new brother or sister in Christ!

Stewardship Celebration and Thanksgiving!

The Finance Committee has done a superb job working as a team. Kathy Brann has stepped in as acting Finance Secretary with the short-notice leave of Keith Snoddy as his career has called him overseas for a time. Chris Bowker continues to manage our bill-paying with an amazing sense of creativity and attention to detail. Earle Harvey continues to light a match under each one of us to not just do what we've always done but to step out into the realm of new possibilities. And Susan Angell, well what more can you say! She brings enthusiasm, passion and creative ideas to every bit of our stewardship.

This is the crew that designed our stewardship series this year, ramping up to stewardship Sunday November 23 with the presentation of our pledges for 2009 in 12 baskets, representing the 12 baskets of leftover bread in the feeding of the 5000 biblical story, complete with a little boy (Braden Wellington!) who offered his lunch. I especially appreciated how they made sure guests and others who were not ready to pledge that day could still participate and not feel awkward or left out. That is Christian hospitality.

And it gets better still. The pledge results this year are amazing. As of November 23, the Peoples family has generously offered $89,688 for 2009, with a total of 32 pledging units so far. Despite financial conditions, no families who pledged last year have decreased their pledge. And 17 families who pledged last year increased their pledge this year - with an average of over $10 increase per pledge. And finally, we have 2 new pledgers! What an exciting time this is as we experience God's faithfulness together. Thank you.

Kathy Brann expects that there are a few more individuals and families who are still planning to pledge their support of their Peoples church family. Come and join in God's work! You will be blessed abundantly.

And for any guest readers, we invite you to witness how this church family loves and cares for one another, as well as those in need in the community and world, in prayer, presence, service, witness, and with our financial resources. And we don't do this in our own power, but in the love of Christ and the power of God's Spirit.

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am truly thankful for my church family!

Blessings from,
Pastor Gwyneth

2008 Financial Status

It never ceases to amaze me how God answers our prayers. This year has been very tough financially. Our world economy is grim. Folks in our pews have experienced lay-offs, reduced income, increased medical bills and other financial issues. The Finance Committee has wondered through these last few months, how is this all going to affect the church? For many years, the church has relied on endowment income to balance the checkbook at the end of the year. With the market conditions, this is simply not possible this year.

However, our Treasurer, Chris Bowker, believes that we are expecting to end the year with our bills paid. The lights won't be turned off. Our phone won't be cut off. This is wonderful news! In addition, we are expecting to be able to pay *about* $3,000 of our conference mission shares. These mission shares represent our connection with United Methodists in Maine, New England, and around the world. They pay for TV ads, missionaries, Bishops, District Superintendents, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), and many other functions of the general church that we may take for granted. For a great article on the "what, why and how" of missions shares, you can read more at Mission Shares Explained.

Our total mission shares due to the conference for 2008 is $20,496. Thus far we have paid $0, although expect to pay about $3,000 if income goes as projected - that's less than 25%. Last year we were able to pay about 60% of our mission shares due to help from our endowment income. Since this is not possible, we are looking for 2nd mile donations for 2008 so that we might more faithfully fulfill our covenant as United Methodists. Any gift will help! Would you consider making an extra donation?

Thank you to all of the Peoples people for so much cheerful generosity. God is doing great things through you!
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 6

New Direct Debit Option

Submitted by the Finance Committee

There is a new option for making your donations to Peoples United Methodist Church. This is an option for automatically withdrawing your donation to the church from your checking or savings account every week, every other week, or every month. There are also options for annual contributions such as Easter and Christmas.

Advantages could include convenience and time savings to the giver, greater confidentiality in giving, less time spent counting money received in the plate, and consistent giving even when church attendance is not possible. If you are interested, simply fill out the Authorization Form and give to either Kathy Brann (Acting Financial Secretary) or Chris Bowker (Treasurer). You may give it to them in person, place it in the offering plate, deliver it to one of their mailboxes in the church office, or mail it to their attention at Peoples United Methodist Church 310 Broadway So. Portland, ME 04106. For those receiving this by mail, this form is attached to the newsletter, and there are copies at church in the Sanctuary as well.

There is a small ($0.25) fee for each transaction that is deducted from what the church receives. You may revise or discontinue your electronic giving at any time by filling out the same form. If you would like to know more about the organization offering these services, you may contact Chris Bowker or read about Vanco Services at www.vancoservices.com/secure/vanco_login.htm

For those who would like to take advantage of this opportunity but find it meaningful to symbolize their giving in worship, please request a set of offering cards to place in the plate each week that say "I gave electronically". If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Chris Bowker, Kathy Brann, or the pastors.

Coastal Christmas Fair Dec 6

Submitted by Sue Angell

The time is here- The Peoples United Methodist Church Coastal Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday, December 6, 9am to 1pm. Your donations to the tables can be placed in Ellis Hall against the wall between the parlor and library/Sunday school room.....trash and treasure, better used goods, books, etc. Candy, knits and crafts, baked goods should probably be brought in the day before. We will be there Friday afternoon and evening setting up and anyone wanting to assist are welcome. The people that volunteered to take down and pack up tables after fair, don't forget us please!!! Anyone wishing to donate things to the kitchen should see Chris Ward. I sent out advertising a week or so ago and since both the Current and Forecaster did not have it in their papers I sent 2nd notices. This is one of our largest fundraisers and we really need the support of the whole church either in participating or attending. Come on down. Have the chili and good home made foods. Enjoy the fun.

Hanging of the Greens Dec 7

The Hanging of the Greens worship will be held on Sunday, December 7 at 6pm. All are invited to participate as we sing carols, decorate the tree, hang wreaths and other greens around the Sanctuary, and hear the story told of events leading up to the birth of Jesus as the kids place the figurines of the creche on the altar. This year we will be sending along a financial gift to Red Bird Mission and supporting the Root Cellar with our gifts of toys. Please bring along one new or mint-condition child's gift which we will place under the tree during the service. For ideas, you might consider gifts such as kids winter clothing, school backpacks, etc. as well as crafts and toys.

At the close of this service, we will begin our weekly meditation service, and hope some folks might stay and try it out. The tree will be lit, and we will invite those who wish to stay to light a candle as the lights are dimmed and we begin our time of meditation. There will be some Scripture, prayer and chant music with periods of silence. The meditation service lasts about 45 minutes.

Worshippers are reminded that AA meets downstairs in the Vestry Sundays from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Please respect their privacy and use the outside entrance to the Sanctuary. Thank you.

Let us prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord!

The Nativity Story Dec 12

The church will be showing the movie, The Nativity Story, on Friday, December 12 at 7pm. The movie is free, and we'll have popcorn and drinks for sale. The movie is rated PG for adult content and violence. For more information on the movie, see the Christianity Today Movie Review.

Christmas Caroling Party Dec 14

The pastors will be hosting the annual Christmas caroling party on Sunday, December 14 at 4pm. We will go out caroling in the church neighborhood and then come back to the house for some hors d'oeuvres and festive goodies. Meet at the pastors’ home at 154 Mussey Street (next to the church). Please dress warmly and bring your flashlight. All ages welcome.

Join the Play!

The Sunday School children will present a Christmas Pageant on December 21st during the service. Practice will be on the Sundays of December 7th and 14th during Sunday School.

A dress rehearsal will take place on the 20th of December at 9:00AM. Please drop off your
child(ren) to their teachers at the sanctuary door (not Ellis Hall). Children will practice for the play, be served a pizza lunch in Ellis Hall, and then decorate cookies to distribute to local elderly housing buildings on Broadway. We are asking that parents join us in delivering cookies. We will leave Ellis Hall at 12:45 to deliver cookies. We will sing a Christmas carol in their activity room, and then pass out cookies. Children will be able to leave with their parents at approximately 1:30AM. Please call Andy Folley at 749-5702 if you have questions.

Advent Meditation Devotionals

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 bad news is that this year we only received about 1/4 the number needed so there will be no published booklet to pick up on November 30. However, those that were received will be read in worship during Advent, and one other from Art Tordoff is included in the newsletter in lieu of the Peoples Roots section this month. You can read the Advent Devotion by Art Tordoff at this link.

And the continued good news is that we will be composing a similar devotional booklet, but to be used during the 12 days of Christmas. So if you had a meditation prepared, or an idea but had not written it down yet, we still need these! We have not yet found someone to compile and print these into booklets but you may for now get them to the pastors, if possible by the Arrisons email. Please turn these in by December 14, and the booklets will be distributed on Sunday December 21 and Christmas Eve. Thank you!

Correction

Our new music director's address was incorrectly listed in last month's newsletter. Her address should be:

Debbie Cole
123 Shepherd Lane
Portland ME 04103

Laity Sunday

Submitted by Susan Angell

This service was awesome!!! The organist played, the choir sang, the ushers sang, Chris and Dan sang, we sang....Boy oh Boy, we Methodists like our hymns. The children, lead by Andy and Teresa, brought food items for the food pantry to the altar rail as part of the procession. Doreen did a very nice children's message. All the children joined the Jr Choir as they sang. Rosemary spoke the message titled "Love is a Blessing" and it was goooooooooooood. Betsy Morrison read scripture. The collection of pledge cards directed by Kathy Brann of Finance and our lay leader, Earle, was done by 12 people with 12 baskets representing the "Fishes and Loaves" story and they were blessed at the altar. Prayer cards were read beautifully by Claralee. Lastly Ellen lead us in a rousing benediction to close. The joy was there, the spirit was there and I am glad I was there.

PS For those who aren't familiar with this Methodist tradition, every year during the Fall, United Methodist Churches host a "Laity Sunday" during which the people of the church lead worship instead of the pastors. It was a real treat for Jamie and I to sit in the pews and witness God's Spirit working so powerfully in the church. Wow! Thank you to Earle Harvey as Lay Leader for coordinating this worship service as his role in developing and discipling the laity of the church and celebrating the Lay ministry of the church. Seeing so many new faces helping to lead worship was wonderful. Thank you to all who participated! Pastor Gwyneth

Variety Show 2008

Submitted by Susan Angell

If you missed this, you missed out on a fabulous show put on by many talented persons. First of all our MC, "The Marilyn Voter", is just one hot ticket. She sings, does improv, jams with musicians and is just a great entertainer to behold. The children were wonderful. Dena played piano, Faith played piano and sang, Alexandrew did a brief improv on piano, Caleb played the guitar and Aaron Matthews was our invisible entertainer. He experience a little stage fright and sang his song from "the wings". Our Pastors performed a wonderful swing dance. Dan and Chris performed a duet accompanied by Ruth. Rosemary and Linda W put on a hilarious puppet show with very unique sea creatures in a story written by Rosemary and with her own puppet creations. Sally Smith performed a stand up comedy routine. Sally's costumes are a whole act in themselves. Jean Swanson told us a joke from the audience. Betty Smith sang a sweet Irish lullaby. Pastor Jamie sang a love song. The ushers sang for us and they had rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed and were just so good. Fred Wade played the piano. Merrill sang beautifully. Glory Dunn read to us the tale "The Shooting of Dan McGrew" and poem "Comfort"and this woman is a natural story teller. Pastor Jamie strummed bass and Tim Wedge sang and they were a class act BUT when Marilyn ad libbed and jammed with them on one song, they were GREAT! In the kitchen Janice Huelin's crew Jody F, Carol B, served coffee and sweets that they had purchased or made or received from lots of people like Barb N, Betsy M and Becky G. Earle Harvey was here there and everywhere and I am not exactly sure what his role was, other than recruitment guy, but I do know he did it very well. Our unsung heroes and directors, Chris worked her magic using her persuasive ways and her fabulously talented family and Merrill Kaiser worked hard getting this show on the stage. Maybe we are off Broadway, OK, way off Broadway, BUT we were spectacular.

Peoples Workday

Submitted by Susan Angell

The day dawned icy cold. Starting at 8:00 am, at 22 degrees and windy, People's People gathered through out the morning to rake and mow and clean the church grounds. I personally had so many clothes on to ward off the cold that if I fell I would have bounced. Walter with his BIG mower and truck with trailer, Chuck, Brad, Doreen, Susan, Kathy B, Barb & Tom, Art with his leaf vacuum/blower tool. We raked and mowed and vacuumed with vigor and did the job within a short time and then some of us gathered in the kitchen. In the kitchen I removed my wool hat and my hair took on a life of its own with static cling....some parts were flat and other parts stood straight up in the air. When Doreen looked at me she said uh it really doesn't look THAT bad, kind of "edgy". How kind. Chuck made fresh coffee and we ate home made biscuits with sausage made by Chuck and Joanne. Those were the best sausage and biscuits I ever ate. A really good time!

Life in Review 2008 - Jan 11

Last year we held our first "Life in Review" in which we heard creative presentations from teams and committees from the church to celebrate what God had done throughout the year. This year we will be holding another Life in Review for 2008, which is scheduled after church on January 11. Please come and celebrate the ministries of Peoples Church together, with lunch and lots of fun. Photo presentations, videos, skits, songs, art ... the sky is the limit.

If you have been a team or committee leader or have been involved in ministry this year of any kind, please be thinking about a creative, fun presentation! In addition, we will be compiling a book of all committee and ministry reports to be handed out that day. These committee reports will be due January 5. Thank you!

Church Council Calendaring Party Jan 10

The Church Council is planning a party ... a work party! We are going to gather together on Saturday, Jan 10 for several hours to plan out the next 6-12 months of church ministries, mission and fun activities. All Council members should attend if it all possible but anyone, longtimers and newcomers, are welcome to attend and provide ideas. If you will need childcare, please contact Chris Ward as council chair so that arrangements can be made.

Cluster Training Event Jan 24

Save the date: Saturday, January 24 9am-12:30pm. There will be workshops on the exciting Igniting Ministry program that ties our welcome to nationally run advertising as well as training for administrative committee members. To register, contact Pastor Jamie by email or 799-6814. Details coming in January newsletter.

Walking on Water

Both pastors attended this year's congregational development workshops in November - Jamie attended the main 3-day event in Bloomfield, CT, and Gwyneth attended the satellite morning event in Belfast, ME. One of Jamie's seminars was an all-day workshop on Igniting Ministries. This is a Methodist ministry in helping churches to warm up their welcome and to reach out to folks not currently going to church. This is also the organization funding the TV ads nationally. Beginning Dec 10 you will be seeing a new ad campaign for the season of Advent, and we will be putting out door hangers through the neighborhood in South Portland that match the theme of these ads. If you are interested in doing more with this kind of ministry, please contact Pastor Jamie.

The plenary speaker was Paul Nixon, author of the book "I Refuse To Lead a Dying Church," and we heard his main seminar in Belfast on DVD. It was titled, "Why young people would rather walk the dog on Sunday morning." Sad but true. What can we do to reach more youth and young adults? Let's pray together and follow where God leads!

Thank you

Thank you to Christine Ward for offering to lead this year’s Thanksgiving Worship Service, which will be held on Wednesday, November 26 at 7pm. We are thankful for this opportunity to worship!

Fall Mystery Ride

Submitted by Ruth Doughty

About 25 mystery riders gathered in Ellis Hall after church on Sunday, Nov. 2. After a brief introduction they bravely headed out, not knowing where they were going, but armed with clipboards full of directions to follow and questions to answer along the way. The directions were challenging and the questions tough, but the mystery riders were diligent and determined as they made their way along "a wide road" (Broadway) onto a "happy incline" (Pleasant Hill) and to a "dark, sharp road" (Black Point). Participants finished their mystery ride at beautiful Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth.

Because temperatures were low and winds were high, folks drove back to Ellis Hall where they were greeted with hot cider and enjoyed a brown bag lunch. After lunch, questions were reviewed and winners determined.

The Arrison's, the Dunn's and Doreen Gay did a great job of sticking to the speed limit while following directions and answering questions. Our first prize winners were the Morrison's. Congratulations Brad and Betsy! Hope you're enjoying those donuts and apple cider. A fun time was had by all and we hope more riders will join in the mystery ride another year.

Time Change November 2

Daylight savings time ends on the first Sunday of November. Please remember to set your clocks back Sunday morning (Fall back, Spring ahead!).

New Music Director

As many know, the Staff Parish Relations Committee has been working for over a year now seeking a music director since the retirement of Dr. Malcolm Cass. During this time, Debbie Cole has graciously led music at Peoples many weeks. Debbie has brought many music gifts on piano and organ, as well as leadership of the senior choir. We realized recently that Debbie is in fact a wonderful fit for our music program, and she has graciously accepted our offer as our part time Music Director. She will continue a similar schedule, about three weeks of each month. Please say hello to Debbie and welcome her!

Debbie and David Cole
22 Colonial Road Portland, ME 04102
(207) 797-9618
Email

Consecration Sunday November 23

In the past several years, the pastors have written a pledge letter to church members. This year, the Finance Committee and other laity will be publishing a letter, which will contain a pledge card for 2009 and some personal thoughts from various people. We hope you will read this and celebrate all of the ways God has provided for you, and how God has worked through you to reach others with the love of Christ as well.

If you consider Peoples your church family, we hope you will seriously and prayerfully consider continuing or beginning "percentage giving" and to indicate your pledge to give for 2009. Why? Most importantly for our own faith. Our level of financial giving is a direct indication of how much we trust God, and how close a relationship we have with the body of Christ, which is the Church. When we decide to give a percentage of our income to our church family up front, we step out in faith that God will provide for us the rest of the week or month. On the other hand, when we give at the end of the week or month whatever we happen to have left over, or throw in the plate whatever we happen to have in our wallet, we are walking by "sight" rather than by "faith."

Pledging is also an indication of our level of faith. Some folks are only comfortable in giving what they can afford to give each week rather than making a promise to God and the Church what they will give for the coming year. When we budget out our giving ahead of time, we are walking by faith rather than by sight.

All of us (no exceptions) have room to grow in this area of stewardship of our finances. Even folks who are currently giving at 10% or more of their income can grow in what it means to give sacrificially. And we also have room to grow in other areas of stewardship; as we have been learning in Living For Giving, stewardship does have to do with money but is much bigger than money alone. We are in fact stewards of the manifold grace of God!

On Laity Sunday November 23, when the lay folks of the church lead worship, there will also be an opportunity to offer your pledge cards in response to God's grace in your life. This is called Consecration Sunday, as we will together bless the pledges of the church family. So offer your pledge with joy and gratitude for the manifold grace of God.

Fall Cleanup Day

The leaves are falling and snow is coming ... it's time for yard work! Please come and help out your church family on the morning of Saturday, November 22. Some folks will be there at 8am, others later. Bring a rake if you have one. However, Trustees will not be held accountable for any leaf fights or pile jumping that might occur! Come yourself, or bring the family and have some fun together.

Variety Show

Do you have an act to share in the Variety show to be held on November 22 (REVISED DATE)? See Chris Ward or Merrill Kaiser to apply. The show starts at 7pm in the Vestry. Refreshments will be on sale all evening. Mark your calendars for an evening of fun and frolic!

Want to Walk on Water?

Walk on Water! Nov 6-8 in Bloomfield, CT with Paul Nixon as the keynote speaker! …

or Attend the satellite workshops in Belfast Maine on Nov 8 9am-12:30pm. Keynote speaker, Paul Nixon will be heard through broadcast. You can register online, or obtain brochures in the back of the church sanctuary.

Pastor Jamie will be attending the CT conference, as well as a special all-day workshop on Ignighting Ministries on Nov 5. Pastor Gwyneth will be attending the morning workshop in Belfast on November 8. If you are intersted in attending either, it's not too late to register!

Fall Mystery Ride November 2

Please plan to join us for Peoples Church Fall Mystery Ride. Dress warm, pack a picnic lunch, a blanket and/or chairs and meet in Ellis Hall following the church service. 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.

Church Conference

About 20 attended this year's church conference with District Superintendent, Rev. Mike Davis presiding. Several brought refreshments, and we began with worship led by Mike before delving into business. Earle Harvey presented a creative lay leader's report with a horn of plenty, and each piece of fruit representing an area of ministry we will be focusing on in 2009. The pastors showed a slide show of highlights for 2008. And Pastor David Nicol represented the District Ministry Team to present ways in which we might "re-think" church in order to start growing and reaching people beyond our walls. This time included discussion in small groups with questions such as "What is your passion in life" and, "How could your passion in life be used to reach people with the Good News of Jesus Christ?"

Doreen Gay, Recording Secretary, will be publishing minutes within the next few weeks, which will be presented to Church Council. If you are unable to attend Council and would like a copy, please let the pastors or Chris Ward, Council Chair, know.

Wayside Ministry Going Strong

Peoples serves at the Wayside Soup Kitchen every 5th Wednesday. Many from Peoples joined together on October 28 and served about 200. Some served in the kitchen, others waited on tables, and still others helped with drinks. Several also joined with us from the Tuttle Road UMC, as well as other local organizations.

Why not try this exciting ministry? You will be very blessed. Next time we're scheduled is December 31, New Years Eve. What better way to usher in the new year than to serve those in need? Helpers can arrive between 5-6pm, and the doors open at 6pm, with clean up generally done by 7:30pm. If you have any questions or need a ride, please contact Tom Nelson.

A very HAPPY Halloween

During worship the week before Halloween, the Sunday School initiated a mission for UNICEF. The kids collected loose change after worship, dressed in costume. On Halloween, the kids will be taking their UNICEF boxes out into the neighborhood to continue collecting money: kids helping kids!

Please stop by Ellis Hall and see the bulletin board display. Also, for more information on UNICEF, please see www.unicef.org

Bible Politics Forum

What does the Bible have to say about the political issues of the day? This is not intended to be an easy question, nor do all Christians agree. What is important though is to understand how our faith impacts our politics and our involvement in the world. We are not expecting to all agree, but to listen, love and learn. All are welcome to participate in this open forum. Mondays through the week after the election 7pm at church. FMI call Pastor Jamie at 799-6814 or see biblepolitics.blogspot.com.

Stewardship Preaching Series

We are in the midst of a stewardship preaching series through mid-November, “Living for Giving” which coincides with the 5-week small group studies that began the end of October. Stewardship is about a lot more than “giving money to the church.” It’s about God’s grace. Come and find out more! It’s not too late to join a group – please see Earle Harvey or the pastors for more information.

* Monday 7pm at the Dunns home
* Tuesdays 9am at Rosemary’s home
* Wednesdays 7pm in the Church Parlor (off Ellis Hall)
* Virtual Group by Email

In addition, the Finance Committee is scheduling special speakers throughout November to talk about the joy of stewardship personally to them.

For more information on this, please see the Stewardship article from last month's newsletter.

Pie Bake Fundraiser

Submitted by Rosemary Herd

Is there any interest in having a little time out of the kitchen during the holidays? How about your favorite pies being baked for you? What I am proposing is a fundraiser to help the church and you as well. The pies will be baked and either delivered to you or they can be piced up the day before Thanksgiving at the church. Unless specified, each pie will be 9" apple, pumpkin, squash, pecan and others on request. The cost would be $10-$15 depending on the pie. If interested, please contact Rosemary Herd 799-2392 or Chris Ward 767-2516. If it turns out well, we can repeat for Christmas, adding cookies to the mix.

Changes in Finance

As many already know, Keith and Becky Snoddy who have served as Financial Secretary for eight years are needing to step down from that role due to a work assignment that will place Keith overseas for large amounts of time in the next year+. We give thanks for these many years of faithful service and dedication. In addition, Becky will be assisting in counting, and Keith will be filling in as he can.

Kathy Brann has felt led to step in as acting Financial Secretary, and will be officially brought in when Church Council votes on the entire slate of leaders for 2009 in December. Kathy brings years of accounting experience, and has been serving as Finance Chair this year. Kathy also brings some innovative ideas, which will be brought to Church Council in November.

Please keep all of these folks in your prayers, and support them in any way you can. Thank you again to Keith and Becky, and to Kathy for stepping up to the plate!

Golf Scramble

Submitted by Earle Harvey

The Peoples Wild Golf Scramble was held on October 18 at the South Portland Municipal Golf Course. The event was jointly sponsored by the Methodist Men under Merrill Kaiser with support by Nurture Chairperson, Rosemary Herd who furnished the food.

Twenty-four members and friend participated for various prizes. The winning team was Tom Nelson, Captain. The longest drive for women was Barbara Nelson. The closest to the pin for the men was Mark Tordoff. The closest to the pin for the women was Cynthia Beddie.

Prizes were donated by Dicks Sporting Goods and South Portland Municipal Golf Course.

Second Saturday Mornings

Somewhere around 6:45 the lights go on in the vestry of Peoples United Methodist Church. The chef comes struggling through the door with pots and pans He makes a second trip from the car with eggs, bacon, sausage, orange juice and English muffins. Soon he is rustling through the cabinets in the kitchen for coffee, coffee makers and the toaster. Sugar and cream are placed on the counter along with plates, napkins and plastic ware. The pans are placed on the stove and the food of the day is soon under preparation. And to thin that this chef had cooked and prepared food the night before at the church auction.

The first person through the door after the chef can smell the food in preparation and gives the chef a "Good Morning" and then sets about cleaning the tables and setting them. While a general e-mail and some calls have gone out over the previous couple of days the preparers have no idea how many men will be popping in before beginning a weekend with family, friends and who knows what else.

The appointed time comes for folks to come through the door. Brad the chef is obviously the first there. Soon it is Art and Dan and Fred, and Jamie along with Earle that have arrived for friendly conversation and a terrific meal. Chuck and Rob and Jim will also join the small group of early risers on this beautiful morning in October. While he cann not always join us because of his work schedule we are glad to welcome Andy Goodwin on this particular day.

The Men's Saturday Morning Breakfast welcomes all men of the church to drop by on the Second Saturday of the month at 7:30 AM in the vestry. While Brad Morrison is the principal chef Fred, Dan, Charlie, Chuck and Jamie have also done their part in bringing a meal to we who are more reluctant to cook.

If you wish to be reminded on a monthly basis please let Art Tordoff know and he will make sure that it is done.

The next Men's Breakfast will be on Saturday, November 8. Who know with the Red Sox schedule complete and the Election just over we might find something else to chat about.

Annual Auction Filled With Spirit

On Friday evening, October 10, the tables were filled with auctionable items ready at 6 PM for the attenders to peruse. Doreen Gay was still running around getting things in apple pie order while Betty Lane, Alan Gay and Brad Morrison were busy preparing the food that people would come early to eat. A number of folks, both members of the church and visitors, were in the hall early chowing down of chili, corn chowder and other delectable. They also bought homemade cookies and cakes for dessert.
Shortly before 7 PM Harold Sutherland, the famous auctioneer, came through the door to Ellis Hall and proceeded to look over the merchandise and renew friendships with Doreen and many others who had frequented his many auctions both at Peoples and elsewhere. Doreen welcomed the gathering of peoples there for an evening of entertainment and bargains. This was followed by a prayer offered by Pastor Jamie and then it was time for Harold to go to work.
It is rather interesting that some items of what might be considered of great worth seemed to go for very low bids while other items that one would not expect would bring in as much went for a rather tidy sum. The bidding certainly showed the tight financial times that we seem to be in at present. Some folks did walk away with some outstanding bargains. For the most part the attenders had a very good time and a goodly sum of money was again raised for the benefit of the church.
We certainly thank Doreen for all of the effort that she put in to the arrangements and Sue Angell, Marlene Tordoff and Betsy Morrison for their cool calculations of sales and money. Amy Wellington was helpful in assisting with the merchandise and Samantha Foote, Nathan and Isaac Dunn for their willingness to serve as runners.

Stewardship Study for the Whole Church

Beginning the week of October 13, we will be forming multiple small groups for a church-wide 5-week study of Living For Giving, a Wesleyan View of Stewardship by United Methodist Bishop Kenneth Carder, which you can download for free. The pastors will begin a preaching series on October 19 to further expand the Scriptural concepts that groups have been discussing during the week.

Many church-goers cringe when they hear the word "stewardship," which may bring to mind boring stewardship campaigns and feeling pressured to give more when finances are already tight at home. However, this study puts "stewardship" in a much broader perspective than money alone. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism himself taught widely about stewardship in connection to God's grace.

A pilot group, led by Earle Harvey, began this study together in September to evaluate its use for the church; those attending (as well as those studying the book on their own) have all had very positive feedback. The format is similar to Disciple Bible Study with video, workbook and life application questions. The workbook serves well as devotional material, but is especially fruitful when discussed in a small group setting.

Earle Harvey is currently seeking people to host a group in their home, as well as people to lead and facilitate. We will have sign ups at church, and hope everyone will want to join a group. In addition, if you are interested in leading or participating in a "virtual study" through email please keep this in mind as well.

WOW Satellite Opportunity in Belfast!

You may have already read the blog post below about the Walk on Water conference in CT. Pastor Jamie is planning on attending and would be happy to give anyone a ride who wants to go.

However, it's just come to our attention that a satellite version of this same conference is being offered in Maine!

Saturday November 8 at 9am-12:30pm in Belfast, Maine

Don't miss this opportunity!
The School of Congregational Development for the United Methodist Church in New England

For the first time, we’re thrilled to offer a shorter taste of the WOW event to those who can’t make it to the main campus in Bloomfield CT. Bring yourself, your church leadership team, or your entire congregation on Saturday, November 8th.

It’s close. It’s brief. It’s convenient. So plan to join us right now!

Keynote Speaker: Paul Nixon
We’ll rebroadcast Paul Nixon’s plenary presentation from the main campus. Paul is a pastor, church planter, coach, consultant, and the author of several books including “I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church.”

Location:
Belfast United Methodist Church
23 Mill Lane Belfast, ME

Schedule:
9:00 Opening Worship
9:30 Workshop Session #1:
A. From Fist to Fingers
B. Growing Healthy Churches

10:30 Keynote Broadcast: Paul Nixon
11:30 Workshop Session #2:
A. No More Boring Worship
B. Tuning In
12:30 Depart

Childcare will be provided.

Register Now!
Click here to download the flyer and registration: WOW Satellite

Fresh new Jr. Choir

Junior Choir is going through some changes this year to make it more accessible to more kids. Jr. Choir will only rehearse and sing on the 2nd and 4th Sundays, but we are looking into other ways such as drama that kids could facilitate worship during the other weeks. Also, we have decided to set aside robes this year. This is not a matter of taking the responsibility of leading worship less seriously, but rather keeping worship relevant for the current generation.

Please contact Ellen Dunn for more info. or to join up!

Bible Politics Forum

What does the Bible have to say about the political issues of the day? This is not intended to be an easy question, nor do all Christians agree. What is important though is to understand how our faith impacts our politics and our involvement in the world. We are not expecting to all agree, but to listen, love and learn. All are welcome to participate in this open forum. Mondays through the election 7pm at church.
October 6 Economy, Environment, Energy
October 13 Life, Death and Choice
October 20 US Role in the World
October 27 Getting to the Truth in Media
November 3 Healthcare
November 10 Beyond Bipartisanship
FMI call Pastor Jamie at 799-6814 or see biblepolitics.blogspot.com.

Taizé Meditation Services

Do you ever feel like you run from one thing to the next, even sometimes on Sunday morning? Why not try out the evening meditation service Sundays at 7pm. Taizé is a Christian youth movement in France that is formed around a community that emphasizes quietness, simplicity and Christian service. To read more about this community, see http://www.taize.fr/. The worship style includes meditation chant music, prayer, Scripture and silent reflection in candlelight. Visuals such as icons provide focus for our meditation. After about 45 minutes of meditation, we meet in the pastors' study for some refreshments and fellowship.

The current Taize worship team that designs each service includes Betty Lane, Claralee Street, Ellen Dunn, Karen Freitas and Pastor Gwyneth. If you have any questions about Taizé, feel free to contact any of us and we would be happy to talk with you.

All welcome!

Church Auction October 10

Submitted by Doreen Gay (photo by Art Tordoff)

Please donate items, a weekend at your camp, gift certificate, baked goods, or personal certificate for services such as babysitting, cleaning, or handyman! AND please save the date and invite a friend or two as it’s a fun event run buy a professional auctioneer! There will be a viewing at 6PM. The live auction will be at 7PM. Refreshments will be for sale also. FMI or to help, contact Doreen at 767-3572 or agay1@maine.rr.com

A Ministry of Caring

Small Group Workshop in Tri-State District – "A Ministry of Caring" by Duane A. Ewers. This is a small group opportunity in exploring your gifts and interest in reaching out to others.

TWO SATURDAY SESSIONS: Oct 11 & Nov 15 9 am – 4 pm
LOCATION: Tuttle Road UMC, 52 Tuttle Rd, Cumberland Center
INSTRUCTORS: Pastor Linda Brewster & Rev. Meg Queior
COST: $12

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER (by Oct 1):
Meg Queior 207-829-3766 mqueior@verizon.net
Linda Brewster 207-807-2210 ljbre@maine.rr.com
If attend both sessions, satisfies the requirement for Advanced Lay Speaker certification

Mechuwana Work Day October 11

Our Spring plans for a work day at Camp Mechuwana have been rescheduled for Saturday, October 11. Work will include clean up, painting and shingling and help with a running list of small projects for all ages to help close up the camp for the season.

We hope many will come out for this fun time of missions and fellowship. Please contact Carol Bruneau if you plan to attend and if you would be willing to drive or need a ride.

Golf Scramble

Submitted by Earle Harvey (photo by Art Tordoff)

Do you want to have fun and play golf at the same time? Peoples is sponsoring a golf scramble on October 18 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: Dan Doughty, Hank Dunn, Merrill Kaiser, Tom Nelson, Bill Beddie, Keith Snoddy, Art Tordoff, Fred Wade and Jamie Arrison.

Church Conference October 30 7:30pm

Church Conference is our annual meeting, a time for sharing and learning from our District Superintendent, Rev. Mike Davis, as well as a small amount of church business such as voting on the pastors' compensation package.

All are invited and welcome to attend, and all church leaders strongly encouraged to participate.

We'll begin with worship, and the Staff Parish Relations Committee is providing refreshments. Please mark your calendars for Thursday, October 30 at 7:30pm.

Want to learn how to Walk on Water?

Take a road trip for this year's School of Congregational Development event!
WOW: Walk on Water
Thurs-Sat, November 6-8, 2008
Bloomfield, CT at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, a Catholic retreat center

Keynote speaker will be Paul Nixon to New England! Paul will speak twice on Friday, November 7. Paul is the author of several books, including I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church.

Registration Details:
--Individual registration: $85 per person before Sept. 30; $100 per person after Sept. 30
--New this year: registration fees include all Friday meals and Saturday breakfast!
Register online today at www.neumc.org/wow.
One of the pastors will be attending. If you would like to carpool, please let us know.

Variety Show

Submitted by Earle Harvey

Do you have an act to share in the Variety show to be held on November 8 ?

See Chris Ward or Merrill Kaiser to apply. The show starts at 7pm in the Vestry. Refreshments will be on sale all evening. Mark your calendars for an evening of fun and frolic!

Peoples Ice Skating

The Portland Ice Arena donated an hour of rink time to Peoples Church, including rentals. We hosted the party on September 7 after church, and a number of families came with their kids. A great time was had by all!

Community Fair

Community Fair/Nickel Carnival A Success
What a fantastic time was had on Saturday, September 6 by one and all!
Primarily through the efforts of Andy Folley and Rosemary Herd a wide array of games were prepared for the children of the neighborhood. Children could dig in a sandbox to discover Noah’s Ark-eological finds or they could do a Biblical word scramble to identify the books of the Bible. Jonah was present also for a bean bag toss into the whale’s mouth. Some children found that finding the real "Angelic" duckies in a pool was fun while others took out frustrations and feelings by tossing darts at balloons. Each game that children participated in cost a nickel which in turn would go toward the support of a mission project that the Sunday school would determine at a later date. Free food was available in the form of Sno-cones, Popcorn and hotdogs. Carol Bruneau and Earle Harvey representing the discipleship committee willingly acquired information, materials or actual personalities to man booths that advertised many of the local and distant missions that Peoples church supports. Ronald MacDonald House, Root Cellar, Wayside Soup Kitchen, the Food Pantry, Boys and Girls Club, Meals on Wheels and the Heifer Project along with information from the South Portland Police and Fire Departments were available for children and adults to investigate. Our own Shawl Ministry was also well represented with a beautiful display of handiwork.
An estimate of the number of folks who came through the door on this Saturday morning was somewhere in the vicinity of 100. This could be discerned by the number of hotdogs, sno-cones and cones of popcorn that were handed out. For those serving food and those working at various stations the general feeling was that we all had fun and the event offered an opportunity to disciple to the community that we live in.

Well bless our souls! Guess who's birthday it was? Happy Birthday Pastor Gwyneth!

Back into the Swing Fall 2008

The Fall schedule has begun! Here are a few reminders. For locations please go to the church calendar link.

SUNDAYS
Adult Sunday School 9am
Coffee Fellowship 10am
Worship 10:30am
Kids Sunday School during worship (kids leave after the children's message)

OTHER WEEKLY EVENTS
Walking group Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4pm
Prayer Service Wednesdays 7:00pm
Senior Choir Rehearsal Thursdays 7:00pm

MONTHLY MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Staff Parish Relations Committee 1st Tuesday 7pm
Worship Committee 2nd Tuesday 6:30pm
Finance Committee 2nd Tuesday 6:30pm
Church Council 2nd Tuesday 7:30pm
Prayer Shawl and Craft Ministry 2nd Thursday 7:00pm
Men's Breakfast 2nd Saturday 7:30am
Ushers Meeting 2nd Saturday 8:45am
Discipleship / Missions / Nurture 3rd Tuesday 7pm
Bean Supper 3rd Saturday 5:00pm
United Methodist Women 3rd Tuesday 1pm
Trustees 4th Tuesday 7:00pm

Still up in the air for scheduling ...
Junior Choir (most likely will be practicing Sunday mornings only; stay tuned for more)

Community Fair & Carnival Sept 6

Peoples is hosting a community fair and children's nickel carnival on Saturday, September 6. Nickel Games, Prizes, & Food! Bring your nickels and come join the fun! In the event of rain, the carnival will be held in Ellis Hall. If you have questions or can help out, please contact Rosemary Herd or Andy Folley.

Kids Sunday School Begins September 7

This Fall the Sunday School is using a new program called PowerXpress. Children will participate in "High Voltage Bible Experience Stations," which incorporate art, cooking, games, music, movement, science, storytelling and video to teach the children the stories of the Bible.

Children attend worship during the 10:30am service, and then go downstairs after the children's message with their teachers. Parents should pick up children immediately following worship.

If you would like more information or learn how you can help out, please contact Andy Folley at 749-5702.