Christmas Eve at Peoples Church

The candlelight Christmas Eve worship was a great celebration as we proclaimed the birth of Christ together. This year we left up the nativity from the pageant which was beautiful. For the Christmas Eve Photo Album go to Peoples on facebook.

Christmas Pageant

The Peoples Sunday School put on a fabulous Christmas Pageant on Sunday! Many thanks to all who scripted, lead, directed, planned, helped at practices, set up, made costumes, made props, attended, supported, cleaned up ... and especially to all of the children for their hard work to bring glory to their God!

To see the Christmas Pageant Photo Album go to Peoples on facebook.

Pageant Dress Rehearsal

The children all rehearsed on Saturday for the pageant and did a great job. To see the Pageant Rehearsal Album of many adorable pictures go to Peoples on facebook

Sharing the Good News around the Neighborhood!

The pastors hosted their annual caroling party on Friday evening, December 18 and was enjoyed by all ages. It was CHILLY but tons of fun. This year we carolled on the north side of Broadway, down Mussey, through the Green Belt and back through Mill Cove Apartments. We ended by caroling at the One Stop gas station inside! Then back to the house to WARM UP with hot cocoa, ham and lots of decorative goodies. Another great year - thanks everyone!

To see the Neighborhood Caroling album go to Peoples on facebook

Root Cellar Mission a Great Success

On 12/14, a group of nine women from Peoples met at the Root Cellar on Monday to help organize hundreds of gifts for the annual angel gift drive. Who is more blessed, those who served, or the children who will open gifts Christmas morning because of those who served and cared enough to buy gifts? Many thanks to Ellen Dunn, Jan Caron, Barbara Kenney, Betty Splettstoesser, Jody Fyles, Kathy Brann, Carol Bruneau, Marlene Tordoff and Gwyneth Arrison for their participation in this great mission!

You can view the Root Cellar Angel Gift Mission Photo Album on facebook.

Bringing the Good News to the Elderly

On 12/13, a wonderful group of Peoples people joined their voices together to bless many people at the Betsy Ross House, South Portland Nursing Home and a few individual homes too. At Betsy Ross, a resident volunteered to accompany us on piano and most of the folks there helped sing. At the nursing home we walked down corridores singing and residents got out of their beds to sing at their doorways - amazing. Then we sung outside the home of Parker and Ellie Wells, and drove down to the Cape to Bernie and Millie Bruce to sing the love of Jesus! We were all ready for some cookies and punch after that. Great fun and great blessing for all.

You may view the nursing home caroling photo album on facebook.

Decorating the Church, Meaningful Fun!

The Hanging of the Greens is a service for the whole family, decorating the church Sanctuary, decorating the tree, singing carols, hearing the Christmas story, setting up the manger (except the baby Jesus!), and bringing gifts for the Root Cellar angel program. It was great and meaningful fun for all. Thanks to Ruth Doughty for playing the piano, Rosemary Herd for leading the children's Christmas story and Chris Ward for leading the service.

For the entire photo album go Peoples Church on facebook

Coastal Christmas Fair Great Success!

The Coastal Christmas Fair at Peoples was a great success. Great variety of items for sale, great food and great craft room and children's clothing sale which was new this year. Thank you to all who set up, donated items, worked during the fair, and helped tear down.

View the entire church fair photo album on facebook.

Winter Snow Storm Policy for Peoples Church

The following are some general guidelines when there is a storm on Sunday morning:

1. Each person / family needs to assess the weather and decide for themselves if it would be best to stay home. If you feel that it would be best to stay home, why not take that opportunity to have your own family or private worship service? As a mission, perhaps you could think of some older members of the church and give them a call to see if they're okay and if they need anything.

2. If there is a parking ban in South Portland, Peoples Church will be closed for all regularly scheduled Sunday morning activities (Sunday School, coffee fellowship, worship, etc.) or at the pastors' discretion and consultation with other church leadership. On Sundays that worship is not cancelled but the weather is nominal, Sunday School may be cancelled; if Sunday School is cancelled, coffee fellowship is automatically cancelled as well.

3. We will post Sunday morning worship cancellation on TV WCSH channel 6, and an email will go out to those on the email list. If the storm occurs Sunday evening or during the week, we will also post other cancellations on channel 6 as necessary. For individual groups (committee meetings, prayer service, choir rehearsal), the group leader will contact regular members if there is a cancellation.

4. Since the pastors live next door to the church, one of the pastors will always be there to pray or to lead an informal service even when worship is cancelled. The parking lot will not be plowed and sidewalks will not be shovelled; be prepared to trudge up to the door in deep snow.

5. If you decide not to attend church on a Sunday morning, please set aside your gift or pledge contribution and either mail or bring the following Sunday. Wintry Sundays are extremely difficult on the church budget when folks skip a week's donation. Better yet, fill out a direct debit form so you need not worry about making up missed donations at all.

If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact the pastors or church council chair, Betsy Morrison. Thank you.

Christmas Letter 2009

Christmas at Peoples Church - All Welcome!

Coastal Christmas Fair Saturday, December 5, 9am-2pm

Hanging of the Greens family service, Sunday, Dec. 6, 6pm

Christmas Caroling in Nursing Homes, Sunday, Dec. 13, 1pm

Candlelight Meditation to Handel’s Messiah, Dec. 13, 7pm

Root Cellar Angel Gift Mission, Monday, Dec. 14, 9am

Neighborhood Caroling, Friday, December 18, 6pm

Children’s Christmas Pageant, Sunday, Dec. 20, 10:30am

Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship, Thursday, Dec. 24, 7pm

Last day to register for 6-week Couples Dance-Relationship Class, Monday, December 28

Serving at Wayside Soup Kitchen, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 5pm

Welcome to Four New Members!

We received four new members on Sunday, November 22, yet another reason to be thankful this season. They included Jan Caron, Rachel Harvey, Sam Seidl and Martin Whittemore. To view more photos see the New Members Photo Album.

Thank you to Brad and Betsy for bringing extra food for our fellowship afterwards, Betty for putting together decorative bags, Kathy for making lanyards for the crosses, and all of the folks who wrote letters and cards to our newest family members.

In their gift bags, new members received items representative of their vows and commitment to offer their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness: a prayer card (prayers), a shell (representing baptism and presence in Christ's body the church), a pledge card (gifts), a cross necklace (service and sacrifice), and a welcome brochure to help invite a friend to church along with a candle (witness, and being the light of Christ in the world). Welcome to all of you!

Variety Show - Variety and Talent!

Peoples United Methodist Church hosted their annual Variety Show this Saturday, and there was both variety and talent! Many fun acts, singing, piano and even the new bell choir. The food was amazing as well. Peoples folk sure know how to have a good time.

You may view more pictures at the Variety Show Photo Album.

Stewardship Bears Wonderful Fruit

This year's stewardship focus was Abiding in Christ the Vine, John 15:1-12, and took place the first three weeks of November. Each week focused on a different aspect of this text, including pruning, abiding, and joyful harvest. You may view more pictures at the Stewardship Photo Album.

Kathy Brann spent many hours putting together large apple tree displays. Each of the three weeks, branches, then leaves, and finally fruit were added to the tree during the reading of the Scripture. On the 2nd Sunday, the congregation also wrote on the back of a leaf one spiritual discipline they would covenant to begin or renew, and also taped these onto the trees. Ruth Doughty used a wheelbarrow and gardening items to help communicate the message on "Abiding in Christ" through the inward, outward and corporate spiritual disciplines.

As folks arrived for worship on Commitment Sunday, they found a tree with apples on it outside the door! Ruth decorated the altar table with abundant fruit on the final Sunday of the stewardship program as we spoke about the joyful harvest (John 15:11 Jesus said, "I have said these things to you so you may have joy, and that your joy may be complete.") Kathy Brann made apple stem headbands for all of the kids, and Andy Folley helped to get all of the kids into their new red Peoples tee-shirts. The children became real live apples collecting promise cards in apple baskets at the finale of the stewardship program on 11/15. Kathy is still awaiting a few more pledge cards to give us a final pledge total – if you have not yet turned your promised giving in for 2010, please contact Kathy Brann or turn in a card during the offering on any Sunday.

Many thanks to Kathy Brann, Ruth and Dan Doughty, Debbie Cole, Susan Angell, Earle Harvey, Chris Ward, Andy and Teresa Folley and the choir for helping to design this worship series making this such a meaningful time. Kathy will be sharing pledge results shortly.

Special Challenge Still Going Strong

The Special Challenge is still going strong, with over $1,000 raised so far. The Finance Committee has decided to open the envelope at Christmastime, which leaves one more month for those special donations to see if we can meet, or even exceed the challenge from our mystery challenger. You may also read the original letter from the Challenger.

Youth Group - Leaf Raking and Pie Making!

The Junior High Youth Group has been having great fun and making a difference in the community at the same time. Several weeks ago, the group gathered at Peoples with rakes and leaf bags in hand. They raked several lawns in the neighborhood.

On Sunday, November 22, the youth group met in the church kitchen to bake pumpkin pies for the Root Cellar. What a wonderful group of youth and adult volunteers. Thanks to all! You can view more pictures at the Youth Group Photo Album.

The youth group's next meeting will be on Friday, December 11 or a "Night out on the Town." They will be meeting at 5pm at the New Light church in Portland. If you have any questions or need a ride, please contact Pastor Jamie.

Many Thanks to the Scouts!

The Boy Scouts helped rake leaves on the church property on Saturday, November 7. Many thanks to all the crew!

Peoples Mom's Group Has Started Up Again

If you are home with your child, please join us for some adult fellowship and kids playtime every other Thursday at 10am. We will be hosting in various homes, so please contact Pastor Gwyneth for date and location. Our first meeting together took place two weeks ago, and had three active little boys and an adorable baby. We hope you can join us too!

All NEW Meditation Service 2nd Sundays 7pm

Our meditation service has gotten a face lift! We are no longer doing "Taize" style meditation. However, we are still hosting monthly candlelight meditation services. Our first was held on the 2nd Sunday of November. The group listened to a Scripture reading on healing, followed by about 45 minutes listening to meditative healing music in candlelight. Everyone seemed to like the new style.

Why the change? The group has felt that some music background would help to hide the distracting street noises rather than long periods of complete silence as is typical with Taize. In addition, we felt that quiet listening was more meditative than trying to sing, even though Taize music is repetitive. If you have any questions, you may contact any of the meditation leadership team: Claralee Street, Betty Lane, Karen Freitas or Pastor Gwyneth.

Meditation may not be your "cup of tea." However, our primary aim is not just for "Peoples folk" but as an opportunity to invite a friend to church who may be uncomfortable with traditional Sunday worship. Please consider inviting a friend to come with you next time. It may not be your favorite style of worship, but it may be theirs!

Join us every 2nd Sunday at 7pm.

Good News in Sunday School!

Sunday School finished the Christmas unit on November 22, and beginning December 6 will be practicing for the pageant. In Sunday School this unit, children learned all about the Good News leading up to the birth of Jesus. Children learned about the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and Joseph and Mary during the time leading up to the births of John and his cousin Jesus. There were four stations for this unit including music, games, art and cooking. In the music station, the children learned songs that proclaim the good news. These songs will be part of our Christmas Pageant performance. In the art station children learned about the story of Mary’s visit from the angel Gabriel. In games, children learned a good news rap, had an angel relay race and put together puzzles of baby Jesus. Finally, in the cooking station, children baked goodies for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

We hope your children will join us for the remainder of this wonderful Christmas celebration as they prepare for the pageant which is scheduled for December 20! Reminder: there is no Sunday School November 29 or during Christmas vacation.

Join us for a Christmas Mission

Please join us at the Root Cellar on Monday, December 14 9am-12pm to help organize and wrap gifts for the Christmas Angel program for needy children. The group from Peoples had a wonderful time last year and the Root Cellar can use plenty of volunteers. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Bruneau.

Adopt-a-Child for Christmas

Would you adopt a needy child in the Portland area for Christmas? The Root Cellar will give you the name of the child and their gift needs, which are often winter clothing. There is no obligation to purchase all of the gift suggestions - all gift purchases are at the discretion of the donor family. Please make sure each gift is carefully marked with the child's name and their family number. Gifts are due by the afternoon of Friday December 11th. To adopt a child, please contact Christine Ming at 837-1410.

Food Pantry Collections through December 20

We will be collecting food for the food pantry through December 20 for delivery before Christmas. If you need assistance in bringing items to church, or have any questions, please contact Carol Bruneau.

Items requested include cereal, peanut butter, canned or instant potatoes, dry milk, spaghetti and sauce, beef & chicken gravy, beef stew, crackers, tuna helper, rice, soups, juices, baked beans, jello & puddings, canned tuna, canned meats, mac & cheese, pancake mix, maple syrup, school snacks, canned fruit, canned veggies, condiments, dishwashing liquid, paper goods, hygiene products (shampoo, soap, feminine products, etc.)

Peoples Advent Meditation Booklets

Prepare your hearts for Christmas using a meditation booklet compiled by Art Tordoff of writings from people within Peoples United Methodist Church. Suggested donation of $3, and they are available at church. Daily readings begin November 29 and go through Christmas Day.

Study Opportunity to Prepare for Christmas

Advent Studies begin the week of November 29 to prepare our hearts for Christmas using the text, “The Advent of the Savior.” On a seemingly ordinary day, in a manger in the middle of bustling, overcrowded Bethlehem, the promised Messiah slipped into the world as a tiny baby. Thousands had longed for his coming, few witnessed his entrance, but millions have been changed by his life. These six studies, edited by Cindy Bunch, will introduce you to the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus, remind you of God's faithfulness and power to fulfill his promises, and draw you more deeply into the love that brought Christ to earth.

Three groups plan on using this study: Adult Sunday School, Tuesday morning Bible study, and a new group that will be meeting at Betsy Ross, most likely on Thursday during the daytime. If you have any questions about these studies, would like to join one of these groups or form your own group, please contact Art Tordoff or the pastors.

Also, there are a number of personal devotional Advent study guides that would be excellent for those who cannot attend a group study. These are on a table in Ellis Hall with the suggested donation prices marked on them. These also make nice gifts for a friend with whom you would like to share the love of Jesus.

Coastal Community Christmas Fair is Here!

Join us at Peoples for the Coastal Community Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 5 9am-2pm.

Uniquely Maine made items, jewelry, knits, crafts, candy, home made baked goods, books, trash and treasures, nearly new young children’s winter clothes and children’s craft room. Luncheon served 11-1 with chili, lobster stew, chicken salad, hot dogs and more.

Kids Crafts and Clothes at the Christmas Fair

On Saturday, December 5th the church will host its annual Christmas Fair from 9am-1pm. At the fair Sunday School Teachers will have a Children’s Workshop where children may create crafts for a small donation while their parents shop. There will also be a new section at the Christmas Fair this year, Gently Used Children’s Clothing. If you would like to volunteer to help for an hour or two at the Children’s Workshop or at the Clothing Table, or if you have clothing or craft supplies to donate, please contact Teresa Folley, Karen Jennings, or Angela Blanchette.

Donations for the Church Fair

Submitted by Sue Angell

Donations for the church fair may be dropped off beginning 11/30 and neatly placed in the room with the mural. If you are donating food/baked goods, Ellis Hall will be open from 3:00 pm on Friday 12/14, which is when volunteers will begin setup. Volunteers to set up are welcome and volunteers to break down and clean up AFTER fair on Saturday ARE VERY WELCOME.

Mechuwana Senior High Rally Dec 11-13

Submitted by Camp Mechuwana

SENIOR HIGH DECEMBER RALLY AT CAMP MECHUWANA
OPEN TO ALL YOUTH GRADES 9-12
DATES: DECEMBER 11-13
COST: $30.00

We will be collecting unwrapped gifts for a local Winthrop Charity. They will distribute toys to local kids who otherwise would not have any. Please, if you can bring an unwrapped gift that would be appropriate for a child. How to register: Go to our web site http://www.mechuwana.org/ and download a registration form. Or call the office 207-377-2924 and we will send you one. DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS DECEMBER 4TH.

Join us to Decorate the Church for Christmas

Peoples annual Hanging of the Greens will be held December 6 at 6pm. We will sing carols, decorate the church with greens, hang ornaments on the tree, and hear a special Christmas children's message.

Please bring one unwrapped child's gift for the Root Cellar Christmas Angel program. Their current request is children's socks of all sizes, in addition to toys.

This is a wonderful service for all ages, and hope to see you there! This also is another great opportunity to bring a friend.

Christmas Meditation Service December 13

All are invited to join us for a special Christmas candlelight meditation service on Sunday, December 13 at 7pm. The Christmas story will be read, followed by time for quiet meditation while listening to Handel's Messiah. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite a friend to church who may be uncomfortable with traditional Sunday worship.

Jr. High Youth Group Night Out on the Town!

All Jr. High youth are invited to a night out on the town on Friday, December 11. We will meet at 5pm at the New Light church. If you have any questions or need help finding a ride, please contact Pastor Jamie.

Bringing Carols to Nursing Homes and Other

On Sunday, December 13 after church, Peoples folks will be going to the Betsy Ross House and the South Portland Nursing Home to sing Christmas carols. We will meet at 12:45pm at church.

We also hope to drive around to some of our own folks who might enjoy caroling at their doorsteps.

Then everyone is invited back to church for some hot cocoa and light refreshments. Children are especially welcome to join us!

Neighborhood Caroling

The Arrisons will be hosting the annual neighborhood caroling party, tentatively scheduled for Friday, December 18 at 6pm. There is a possibility, although probably small, of getting a horse drawn hay ride for the caroling, and if we are able to schedule this the date may likely change. However, until further notice, we'll plan on walking with our own two legs on the 18th, and hope you can join us. This is a fun time for all ages.

After caroling and bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ around the block, everyone is invited back to the Arrisons for refreshments and fellowship. Please remember to dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Caroling books will be provided. Donations are welcome, and please RSVP to the Arrisons.

Christmas Pageant December 20

You don't want to miss the Peoples Christmas Pageant, and this is the perfect opportunity to invite a friend or two. The Sunday School has already begun work on this year's pageant and is sure to bring wonder and joy this Christmas season. This year's pageant will take place on Sunday, December 20 during the morning worship at 10:30 am. You don't want to miss this!

Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship

All are invited to the Peoples annual Candlelight Christmas Eve worship on December 24 at 7pm. This is a special time for all ages to celebrate the birth of Jesus together.

Remember to bring a bell to ring after the moment of silence following Silent Night!

Wayside Soup Kitchen - Help Serve December 30

Peoples Church will be helping to serve at the Wayside Soup Kitchen on Wednesday, December 30. Please arrive around 5pm to help set up. Meal begins at 6pm. The soup kitchen is located at 252 Oxford Street (near the Portland Post Office). For questions or to arrange a carpool, please contact Tom Nelson at799-6321.

View more pictures at our Wayside Photo Album.

Don't forget to wear your Peoples Church apron!

Couples Dance & Relationship Class

Coming in January, 6-weeks of ballroom dancing and relationship building for couples! Classes will begin the week of January 4, Monday evenings at 7pm (with Wednesday evenings as snow dates).

The evening will begin with an hour long ballroom dance class led by Ann Rita Smith of Maine Ballroom Dancing and who has taught for several years at the South Portland Community Center. This will be followed by an hour session led by Steve and Kathy Beirne, who are certified teachers of the new curriculum, Mastering the Mysteries of Love. Some of the content will cover Christian relationship principles.

There will be a maximum of 12 couples, and minimum of 5 couples . The cost per couple will be $70, which includes the text. To hold your spot, a $10 registration fee will be due by December 28, and the balance due by the first class on January 4. Scholarships may be available so if you need financial assistance to be able to attend please contact the pastors.

Please contact the pastors if you are interested in these classes. You may print a registration form here and mail or drop off to the church with your registration fee.

Mission Trip is Planned for Summer 2010!

A team of Peoples people have been meeting for about six months to plan and organize our church's first mission trip out of the state of Maine. Please mark your calendars for Sunday, January 10 after worship from noon-1pm to see a presentation from the team about the mission.

We have selected Experience Mission in Baltimore, Maryland. Experience Mission is a non-denominational, Christian-based mission. Their mission in Baltimore works with a children's ministry called the Christian Community Center, which is located in the heart of Baltimore. In addition to leading Kids Club at the Christian Community Center, mission volunteers will work with the homeless and help with work projects such as painting and minor repairs. We will most likely travel on the mission trip July 11-16, however this date is still tentative.

Each morning there is time set aside for devotions and prayer, and the staff lead worship after dinner each evening. All meals are prepared by the Experience Mission staff. Our Peoples planning team will continue to work on details such as transportation, fund-raising, and sign-up. The cost of the trip is $265 per person, plus travel expenses.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about this mission trip, or ways you may be able to support the team even if you cannot attend yourself, please come to our informational meeting on January 10! If you have any questions before then, please contact any of our team members: Betsy Morrison, Betty Lane, Janell Powell, Earle Harvey and Pastor Gwyneth.

No Sunday School November 29

Just a reminder that there is no children's Sunday School this Sunday, November 29 due to the holiday. Children ages 5 and under may go to nursery, and if someone would like to supervise a movie during worship children 5 and up may do this. Otherwise children 5 and up will remain in worship, and there are craft bags for them to use. Please contact the pastors if you would be able to help out. Thanks!

More Aprons Anyone?

We would like to know how many more people would like to have church aprons. Please contact Rosemary Herd so that your name can be added to the list when we put in the next order. Thank you!

Videotaping

Beginning Sunday, November 29, Pastor Jamie will be preaching all through Advent and will be videotaping each service as he prepares for his interviews with the Board of Ordained Ministry in February. Many thanks to Wes Splettstoesser who will be doing this taping!

Bells are Ringing!

The Peoples Bell Choir is off to a great start, performing at the Variety Show and we look forward to hearing more from them in December. Many thanks to Debbie Cole, Music Director, for taking on this vital ministry, and for all of those who have joined the bell choir! I you are interested in joining, please contact Debbie Cole.

For a video, go to the Peoples Facebook page

Membership Sharing Lunch

After church Sunday, November 1, longtime as well as newer members gathered together with several inquirers for a wonderful potluck lunch and time of sharing. Pastor Jamie facilitated the discussion, asking questions such as what has Peoples Church meant to you, and what has your faith in Jesus Christ meant to you?

Many thanks to Chris Ward for heading up this event, including coordinating food, setup and take down crews. And thank you to all who helped out, cooked, set up, cleaned up, brought food, and participated in word or presence. That sure means a lot to those considering joining the family here at Peoples!

Inquirers classes will continue for the next several weeks on Monday evenings, and those who make a decision for membership will join on Sunday, November 22. We hope all will join us then to welcome our newest family members!

Invitation to Stewardship Worship Series

Jesus said: I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit. -- John 15:5

Please join us on November 1, 8 and 15 as we gather together our fruits of ministry as those connected to the Vine. Commitment Sunday on November 15 will be a wonderful opportunity to offer our promised giving for the new year as our first fruits.

Pledge cards will be available in worship during these weeks, and those not ready to offer them on the 15th may do so whenever it is convenient either by placing them in the offering plate during worship, or mailing them to the church at the address indicated on the card. Click here for a copy of the pledge card to print. A stewardship letter is also being emailed and mailed to our active attendees, or you may print one at the link above.

Kathy Brann, Financial Secretary, was inspired many months ago with this year's fruitful theme. We also appreciate others who have been involved in this worship and stewardship program planning process, including Sue Angell, Chris Ward, Debbie Cole, Andy Folley and Ruth Doughty. Thank you to all!

In ministry together for Christ,
Pastors Gwyneth and Jamie Arrison

Oh What A DaY

On Sunday, October 25 a number of Peoples people headed out on a Mystery Ride that saw automobiles reaching their destination anywhere from 40 minutes to over an hour. These same riders and drivers found that their odometers read anything from 14.3 miles to over 22! And we have to say that everyone had the same directions which took us from the church on a beautiful ride through South Portland and Cape Elizabeth only to find that our destination was Bug Light Park. It was a fun time together for most as we gathered by the Liberty Ship Memorial overlooking Portland Harbor, two tankers and the beautiful tree colors of the islands beyond.
We thank Dan and Ruth Doughty for setting up the event and the route. I'm sure we missed some of the beautiful scenery as we were concentrating on how many no parking signs there were near Crescent Beach State Park or what day The Good Table is closed each week or trying to find a Mobil Station when it was in fact an Irving station. Prizes were awarded with Sally Seidl and company winning one of the first place prizes while the Tordoffs matched them. The Gays and Wades also received prizes. I'm sure the youth including the Mullens and Isaac Dunn as well as Pastor Johanne Dame of Clark and Sophie Vanderburg hoped the people responsible for their food would have shown up, but alas they didn't. If I had only known earlier I might have been able to share our prize of apples with someone other than Isaac.

Mission Trip Planning Progress

A small group of folks have been meeting to plan the first group mission trip from Peoples UMC. We have met monthly throughout the summer and fall, studying Scripture together, researching various options through the United Methodist denomination (General Board of Global Ministries) and internet, praying with one another and interviewing other churches. Those part of the planning group thus far have been: Earle Harvey, Betsy Morrison, Janell Powell, Betty Lane, and Pastor Gwyneth.

At this time we have four potential mission trips, which are located in NY City, Wilmington DE, Baltimore MD, and the rural mountains of West Virginia. We are completing final research on each of these organizations and hope to make a decision by the end of November. One criteria that was important to our group was that the trip be within driving distance to reduce travel costs.

Each organization focuses on meeting different needs such as working with children and youth, the homeless, those with AIDS, or low income families. Most offer a flexible program, including some physical labor such as construction or painting in addition to helping in a soup kitchen or running a vacation bible camp for children.
Potential dates for a trip include one week anytime in 2010, including spring vacation, but most likely will take place sometime during the summer. Costs vary with each organization but seem to range from about $300-$500 per person including meals but not travel. Some organizations accept families with young children, others do not. If you would like to bring a young child on the trip, please let us know so we can factor this into our decision.

We would love to have a LARGE group go on this mission trip! Please contact Pastor Gwyneth or any member of the planning team for more information. However, if you are fairly certain you will not be able to go, please be in prayer about how you can still be part of this exciting mission. Opportunities could include financial support, organizing fund raising for the group, organizing or participating in a daily prayer vigil during the trip, donating necessary items, helping out spouses or families of those who stay behind during the week, or writing a note of encouragement to those who will be going.

Please be in prayer for this church mission! Thank you.

Kids UNICEF Mission at Peoples

The Sunday School led a trick-or-treat for UNICEF on Sunday, October 25. During Sunday School, the kids learned about the children that UNICEF helps. Then the kids all put on their costumes, marched through the Sanctuary during the closing hymn and then formed a receiving line outside with UNICEF boxes outstretched for coins! Great fun and a great mission.

For a complete photo album of pictures, go to http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=152315&id=148046372078&l=a2257bb4f0

Reminder - Set Those Clocks Back!

Please remember to set your clocks back one hour this Saturday, October 31!

Walk to Emmaus

Pastor Gwyneth served as clergy on team for this spring's women's Walk to Emmaus weekend in October at Camp Mechuwana. Walk to Emmaus is a once-in-a-lifetime Christian experience, and is an organization within the United Methodist Church to renew those in the church who may feel burned out, and also provides a wonderful base of knowledge about the Christian faith and journey for new and longtime Christians alike.

Those who have attended an Emmaus, Tres Dias or similar weekend are generally hesitant to share many details. There are no secrets, but there are many surprises during the weekend that are best experienced first hand. Who at Christmastime wants to be told what a gift is before opening it?! However, if you do have specific questions about the experience, we will be happy to share every detail you wish to know.

For more information, go to Walk To Emmaus. The next Walk to Emmaus weekends are being held this Spring in Alfred, Main:. Men's Weekend - May 6-9 Women's Weekend - May 20-24. If you have any questions or might be interested in attending sometime, please contact the pastors.

Chimney Work and Other Trustees Ventures

Submitted by Susan Angell:

Exciting things are going on at Peoples. Peter Fournier Masonry is busy working on our building and sanctuary cement entrance repairing our building and will also be replacing the deteriorating chimney at the parsonage. Years of Maine weather has taken its toll on the mortar of our buttress’ (pillars which hold up the building), around windows, doors and steps. This opportunity to make the repairs before the situation became dire was due to a recent bequest by Grace Corey’s Estate.

Saturday, the 10th of October the Trustees held an out door clean up and gutters were cleaned by Chuck and Dana, the sanctuary doors were sanded by Brad and Jim, the sidings was repaired by Walter, the windows were sealed by Doreen and Susan weeded all the cracks and crevices in the walks and parking areas so that they can be cold packed. Joanne made the crew Southern sausage and biscuits to keep up their strength.

Saturday, the 17th of October, Walter will be pruned overgrown bushes in the parsonage yard with Susan trying to assist.

Chuck has already replaced some of the out door lights as well as other small jobs. The Ellis Hall thermostat was checked out by Hank Dunn and the possibility exists that they are set correctly but not operating in the correct manner and may need to be replaced.

Saturday, the 24th of October, our own Boy Scouts will arrive to rake the church grounds. Walter will be bringing his truck to haul away the leaves and church people will join in too for raking and cleaning up the garden.

Busy, busy, busy!!!

Advent Studies

Advent is a season to prepare for the coming of Jesus. We celebrate this season with special study offerings. There will be at least three groups working through the book "Advent of the Savior" edited by Cindy Bunch beginning toward the end of November. The Tuesday morning group at Rosemary Herd's house and the adult Sunday School class will use this book during their regular meeting times as well as a new group starting up at the Betsy Ross House schedule to be determined. All of these groups are open and this is a wonderful time to join. If you would like to join a group at another time, contact the pastor as we are able to form new groups as needed. Be prepared for Jesus this year before the business of the season takes over. Come and join us.

Christmas Sunday School Unit Begins Nov 1

Good News! Good News is the title of the new Sunday School unit starting November 1. Come and hear the story of Jesus' birth from the very first people to get to share the Good News. You too have Good News to hear and share. We will also begin preparing for our Christmas pagent. These next weeks are an excellent time to invite friends and family members to come see what the birth of Jesus means to them with activities including cooking, art, storytelling, games, music and more. It's all Good.

Advent Begins November 29

Advent is the season where we prepare for the coming of Jesus. This coming of Jesus has a double meaning as we prepare to remember the coming of Jesus in Christmas as well as we look ahead to the time when Jesus comes again. At one time, Advent was, like lent, a time of fasting. These days we are more likely to be spending December with a month of feasting on food and the excesses of purchasing in preparation for an extravagant Christmas. This year, with unemployment high and budgets running slim, it may be an excellent time to recapture the Peace and simplicity of a fasting Advent. Is there one thing that can be left out from our normal practices - a rich food, a scaled back present budget, a few less lights? What is there from our hectic practice of Christmas that distracts us from remembering and trusting in our Lord Jesus that we can leave aside this year? Perhaps there is even one thing for each of the four candles of our Advent season? I don't want to steal one bit of Joy from the season, but rather to refocus our Joy on the life of Love Jesus is calling us to. As with any fast, any pangs of hunger or regret for setting aside something from the season should be a call to prayer to return us to praise of Jesus and Hope for his return. Let us spend as much effort preparing our hearts and lives for the coming of Jesus as we do for the coming of the holiday this year.

Need Acts for Variety Show!

Do you have an act to share? The Peoples variety show is to be held on Saturday, November 14. Please see Earle Harvey to apply. The show starts at 6pm in the Vestry. Refreshments will be on sale all evening. Mark your calendars for an evening of fun and frolic!

Advent Devotions

Would YOU Write an Advent Devotion? There has been a 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. Please get these to Art Tordoff, preferably by the end of October. The last date to submit will be November 15. It would also be helpful to let Art know if you plan to write one if you think you might procrastinate the actual writing! You may contact Art at 799-6222 or atordof1@maine.rr.com. Booklets will be distributed November 29. Blank forms are available in back of the church if you need to hand write your devotion. Thank you.

Annual Church Conference

Church/Charge Conference is scheduled for Sunday, November 15 at 3pm. All are welcome to attend this annual meeting of the church and hear some words from our District Superintendent, Rev. Mike Davis.

Membership Potluck Lunch Nov 1

All are welcome to attend this potluck lunch after church on November 1! Those who are interested in membership at Peoples are invited to listen to long-term as well as newer members to hear why they love Peoples Church. This will be wonderful time of learning from one another the meaning of faith and participation in the church. Please RSVP to the pastors or Chris Ward.

Interested in Church Membership?

Inquirer's Classes for membership at People Church will begin shortly. Please contact the pastors if you are interested in finding out more about membership at Peoples.

Family Pizza Night

Family Pizza Night is scheduled for Thursday, October 29 at 5pm. This is an event for parents, Sunday School teachers and other Sunday School volunteers for a time of fellowship. In addition, we will have some teacher training and time for questions and sharing about the next Sunday School unit. We hope you (and your children!) can attend!

Church Council Calendar Planning

Church Council Calendar Planning will take place next Saturday, October 24 at 9am. All Council members should attend, and anyone interested in planning out church activities for the next 6 months is welcome to attend.

Serving at the Root Cellar

Please join Peoples people to help serve a meal at the Root Cellar on Munjoy Hill in Portland on Thursday, October 22. Please see Carol Bruneau for details, or contact her at 799-5995.

New Opportunity for Meditation

Peoples Church is restarting monthly meditation services, which will be held the 2nd Sunday of each month at 7pm, next scheduled for November 8. The format has changed to include a short Scripture reading and meditation followed by meditative music for about 45 minutes. Additional prayers and Scriptures will be included in a bulletin for private use. November’s theme will be healing. December's theme will be Christmas with music from Handel's Messiah. This is a great chance to bring a friend who may not be comfortable yet with church. Please contact Pastor Gwyneth for more information.

Winter Snow Storm Policy for Peoples Church

The following are some general guidelines when there is a storm on Sunday morning, as discussed at this month's Church Council meeting:

1. Each person / family needs to assess the weather and decide for themselves if it would be best to stay home. If you feel that it would be best to stay home, why not take that opportunity to have your own family or private worship service? As a mission, perhaps you could think of some older members of the church and give them a call to see if they're okay and if they need anything.

2. If there is a parking ban in South Portland, Peoples Church will be closed for all regularly scheduled Sunday morning activities (Sunday School, coffee fellowship, worship, etc.) or at the pastors' discretion and consultation with other church leadership. On Sundays that worship is not cancelled but the weather is nominal, Sunday School may be cancelled; if Sunday School is cancelled, coffee fellowship is automatically cancelled as well.

3. We will post Sunday morning worship cancellation on TV WCSH channel 6, and an email will go out to those on the email list. If the storm occurs Sunday evening or during the week, we will also post other cancellations on channel 6 as necessary. For individual groups (committee meetings, prayer service, choir rehearsal), the group leader will contact regular members if there is a cancellation.

4. Since the pastors live next door to the church, one of the pastors will always be there to pray or to lead an informal service even when worship is cancelled. The parking lot will not be plowed and sidewalks will not be shovelled; be prepared to trudge up to the door in deep snow.

5. If you decide not to attend church on a Sunday morning, please set aside your gift or pledge contribution and either mail or bring the following Sunday. Wintry Sundays are extremely difficult on the church budget when folks skip a week's donation. Better yet, fill out a direct debit form so you need not worry about making up missed donations at all.

If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact the pastors or church council chair, Chris Ward. Thank you.

God's Covenant Rainbow

And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth." So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth." Genesis 9:12-17

May we at Peoples Church know that God saw the rainbow and remembered the everlasting covenant with us and every living creature.

To view an entire album of photos of the rainbow over the church go to this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=147249&id=148046372078&l=9041c1d5e6

Golf Scramble!

The love and joy of God rained down on us for this years golf tournament. Given the weather, the turnout was excellent. Tom Nelson and his team of ringers sweeped up the top prizes at an awards ceremony well fed by Chris Ward and Rosemary Herd. Thank you Earle Harvey for organizinging this years event as well as all participants, sponsers, food helpers and the South Portland municipal course. Now that we're all dried out let us start praying for better weather for next year, with at least as much great fun and fellowship. The United Methodist Men's group kept aside the earnings to help build up future missions and projects.

For more golf scramble pictures, go to:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=152640&id=148046372078&l=fdcfecdc5d

Serving the Poor

What a blessing it was to serve with compassion those in our Portland area in need. Have you served at the soup kitchen before? If not, come on out and give it a try. We could use a lot more helpers! Peoples next serves there December 30, and every 5th Wednesday of the month.

For some more photos go to: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=145502&id=148046372078