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
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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
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
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 AngellIf 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!
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!
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!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
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!
Friday, November 14, 2008
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.
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.
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