Pastor Gwyneth's Mission to Nicaragua

Pastor Gwyneth traveled on a mission trip to Nicaragua with five other United Methodists from the New England Conference on April 13-20, 2009.

The United Methodist Church in New England has worked with churches in Nicaragua to create and maintain programs to help people, and to do so in the name and power of Jesus Christ. This includes a mobile health and dental clinic that is the only one that reaches all areas of the country, sewing programs, clean water programs, and children's feeding programs at schools throughout the country.

Our delegation of six New England Methodists traveled to some of the most rural impoverished areas of the country with the mobile health and dental clinic, working side by side with two physicians and the dentist who had recently lost his two sons in an accident. This is where we gave out the medicines Peoples helped to collect, and where we gave out the huge bag of beanie babies to about 90 children. Back in the urban area of Managua, we helped to feed about 100 children, a meal that is provided three times per week and for some children is their only meal.

There are so many unforgettable stories. But I would like to share just one that I hope will touch you as it did me. We were visiting one of the sewing programs in which teens and adults are taught to sew. Each student had pages of notes, and were carefully cutting and sewing patterns made from paper for practice. Graduates are then able to produce garments to sell, and can do so within their homes as they care for their children and families.

We had brought a suitcase of sewing materials that we presented to the sewing school, and they were so thankful. Then they gave each of us a beautiful, hand sewn bag. Each of these represented a big part of their livelihood. They couldn't "afford" to give, yet they did not give grudgingly but joyfully out of love and Christian hospitality.

After leaving the sewing school, the head of the sewing program, Alicia invited us over for dessert. I was amazed to hear that she had lost her husband a year ago, who was electrocuted while baptizing their son. Not only was she continuing to lead the sewing program, but she had taken over as head pastor of the church. She certainly didn't have any of the support we would have access to, such as counseling services for herself and her son. But it was clear from her manner that she depended on the Wonderful Counselor, and that God was working in her life. Our delegation leader had brought some photos from a trip Alicia's husband had made to New England shortly before his accident, which brought tears, but also brought a sense of community. She was able to share about her wounds and experience God's love through our presence with her.

As we finished up dessert, Pastor Alicia asked me to come to her sewing area and indicated she wanted me to try on a dress that had been made within the sewing program. She must have had quite an eye as the dress fit perfectly, and was exquisite. She told me through our translator that she wanted to give me the dress. This kind of extravagant hospitality was an indescribable experience of God's love. As we prepared to leave, I requested to pray for Alicia and we all gathered around and laid our hands on her. I prayed as one woman pastor to another, and truly felt the Holy Spirit praying through me as I spoke words that flowed from deep within.

It was at this moment that I realized that the "mission of our mission" was not so simple as financial support, or doing something for a community. It was much more about "being with" than "doing for," which is difficult for me to grasp as our culture is focused so strongly on accomplishment and independence rather than presence and relationship. What I didn't expect was how much the presence of our small delegation meant to our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua, and the sense of how much we need our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua and the rest of the world, every bit as much as they need us. We are the church. They are the church. We are the church together!


One of the school feeding programs where we helped to feed about 100 children.

Church Finance Update

In these difficult financial times, many people and organizations are struggling with finances. Peoples is no exception. This is already a time of year when the church's budget is in the red, but this year has been particularly tough. At the beginning of April, our opperating fund was more than $11,000 negative with no mission shares paid yet. As of the current printing of this newsletter, there are not yet updated figures for May. The increase in this shortfall does not seem to be caused by mostly by increased costs, which are not up much from last year, nor is it from pledges which are up to date and slightly ahead of last year. The major difference is in a reduction in special gifts beyond pledges or from givers that do not pledge.

So what should we be doing to respond to this? First, do not panic. It seems like a lot of money, but the church has often been behind this time of year. Most importantly God will provide all the resources needed to do the mission we are called to. Secondly, pray. Pray that we are focusing our resources on the mission of making disciples that God has called us to. Pray that you receive the resources necessary to be able to share more with the church. Third, prayerfully consider an increased pledge or special gift. Finally, we will be discussing this issue in detail at our May 12th finance and council meetings. Finance will meet at 6:15pm and Council will begin at 7:30pm. Please bring your thoughts and prayers to this meeting to help us with ideas how to overcome this challenge.

Easter Sunrise

54 people attended the sunrise worship at 5:45 am on Fisherman's Point on Willard Beach. Although it was chilly and very windy (we stood in the wind's shade behind the little buildings!), there were all smiles and lots of joyful singing. Pastor Gwyneth preached and then we shared for a few moments in small groups before our closing hymn. He is risen. He is risen indeed!

Easter Breakfast

Another wonderful Easter breakfast was prepared by many helpful hands, on a very early and chilly Easter morning (they were up cooking at about 4:30am!). Pancakes, bacon, muffins, eggs and lots of coffee! Thank you to all who helped out.

He is Risen! Easter Morning at Peoples

It was wonderful to see so many folks out for Easter morning. Pictured here are Pastor Jamie and Lector Dan Doughty reading the Scripture passage together. The choir sang several beautiful pieces, including an introit from the back of the church as we began worship.

Debbie Clark (one of our new members as of Palm Sunday) led the children's message using "resurrection eggs"! Each egg contained a symbol of the passion story, such as praying hands, cross, and rock, each of which the Sunday School children had learned all about during the unit during Lent. The last egg was empty! That was the best of all because we remember that when the women came to the tomb it was empty. Jesus is alive!

Easter Fun For Kids

Karen Jennings headed up Sunday School on Easter Sunday and was a ton of fun! All of the kids did crafts in Ellis Hall, including Easter coloring pages, coloring pages to give to Kairos Outside prison ministry, and a beautiful nest and egg craft with materials donated by Dick Alexander. In order to ensure that all of the children were able to participate in the Easter Egg hunt equitably, children were brought down by age group to the Vestry for their own separate hunts! Betty Lane and her daughters helped to put all of this together, including hiding the eggs. A great time was had by all!

Prayer Vigil

Betty Splettstoesser headed up this year's prayer vigil on Good Friday, which lasted from 3pm until after midnight. Many folks participated, and was a meaningful time for all. Thank you Betty for organizing this prayer effort!

Stations of the Cross

Although few attended, this year's Good Friday service at Peoples was perhaps the most powerful ever. Each United Methodist Church in our Casco Bay Cluster set up one station through the church which was a self-directed time of reflection and worship. Pastor Jamie put together periods of music and silence throughout a span of three hours during which time people could walk through the stations. The first station was located at the entry door, and included some information on crucifixion, and a bowl of water. Each station included reading material and reflection questions. One station consisted of some crafts in which you could make your own cross. The station pictured in the photograph was one of the most powerful, and included a hammer in which to drive nails into this wooden cross (fabricated by Chuck Kamilewicz) to remember that we crucify Christ with our own sin; he has died for us. The final station in the pastors study consisted of some scraps of paper to write down burdens - fears, sins, etc., and a shredder to run the paper through to symbolize our allowing God to take our burdens. Over in Ellis Hall, a simple lunch was served. For those who attended, it was a powerful experience. We hope to see more of you next year!

Just a Little Tidying Up

Just A Little Tidying Up

On Saturday, April 4 a few gallant men and women arrived at Peoples with bucket, rags and Murphy's soap in hand to launch an attack on the corners and crevases that inundate the nooks and crannies of the sanctuary. The purpose was to put every area of the sanctuary in order and to polish the pews so that children might find it easier to slide from end to end. When I arrived the smell of Murphy's presence was already in the air. As Marlene and I opened the door to the sanctuary we were greeted by Barbara Nelson and Janice Huelin polishing the very front pew.

Turning into the great expanse of awe striking views provided by the stained glass windows, and the huge overhanging arches of the ceiling timbers we spotted Chuck and Joanne Kamiliewicz

in the Chancel talking with someone who was out of sight behind the organ. There rising from beyond my original view was Doreen Gay cleaning around the base of the great organ that is now dedicated to Dr. Malcolm Cass. Soon Chuck was on a ladder reaching with his cloth to place a shine on the Cross beneath the Rose Window.

Turning around I looked into the semi-gloom of the sanctuary and there standing in the middle of the aisle was our smiling Angell, Susan with dust rag in hand ,but with a beaming smiling countenance about her. I thought how much Susan has done with her gift for writing among other things and snapped away so that I may continue to be reminded of her work and that of the others present for weeks to come.

The niches of clutter seem to surround us, much of it out of sight, but nevertheless there. While others cleaned around the area of the organ, choir loft, lectern and pulpit, others were cleaning the pews and the area at the back of the church. While I was cleaning out the closet near the back of the church I found things to throw away or to restack or to label. Many folks have grown up with the notion that if something is out of sight it is also out of mind. Well that seems to be the description of that closet---more than once a year. In the closet were two tables that had their legs removed. I showed the tables to Chuck , Joanne and others and asked them if they thought these tables would be better to use behind the back pew thus eliminating the concoction of tables that had been there. Doreen said with a table cloth over them it might work well. Transformation allowed one of the tables, often used by the Pastors in communion services to be placed neatly in the Pastor's study. With three hours of work the crew that appeared on this morning left feeling good about what they had done, where they had been and what it had meant to work with fellow parishioners to honor our Lord by serving each other and others in the midst of a room that provides sanctuary to all.

Holy Thursday

On Maundy Thursday, Peoples hosted a powerful time of worship including Holy Communion followed by a Service of Tenebrae. The choir also sang a beautiful piece.

During the Tenebrae portion, people from the congregation read Scripture to retell the passion story. As each Scripture was read, the room lights were darkened, one candle was extinguished on the candelabra and one item was removed from the altar. This was a very powerful experience of the coming darkness.

As the crucifixion was recounted, the cross was then covered in a black cloth. All that was left glowing was the white Christ candle with a painting of Jesus on the Communion table. Then Pastor Gwyneth read Psalm 22, words spoken by Jesus from up on the cross: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? At the close of this Scripture, the Christ candle was snuffed out and the beautiful portrait of Jesus was put face-down on the table. We sat in total darkness, and left in silence.

It is important for Christians to re-live the story of the crucifixion of Christ for Easter to be truly meaningful. We hope that Holy Week this year has been a meaningful time for all, and will help us to experience even more joy this Easter.

Worhip in a New Age

Every generation within the church embraces new worship styles and methods. In this technology age, Peoples as embraced these changes incredibly well, some of which have included rockin' worship videos and hymn lyrics projected on the front wall. 50 years ago this would have been unheard of, but not today!

This is especially helpful for visitors and may help them to feel more comfortable in worship. For instance, many unchurched visitors have never heard of the Lord's Prayer, let alone know how to find it quickly in our hymnal. Whoever is working the A/V system advances the slides for each part of worship, including a slide containing the Lord's Prayer. Folks who have trouble holding the hymnal (or seeing the small words) have commented how helpful it is to have these words up on the slides too.

Rob Kamilewicz, as well as Charlie Lyons, Tom Nelson and Doug Greer work audio/visual miracles with our computer and sound system every Sunday during worship. The pastors generally design the slide show, including all of the hymn lyrics, and other helpful slides to facilitate worship. Then the A/V person ensures that the proper slide is up at the right time, and helps to adjust the sound for the proper microphone and the appropriate sound level for preaching, choir singing, worship videos, etc.. It's a lot of work staying on top of that!

If you might be interested in helping out with this ministry, please see the pastors, or any of the current A/V workers. We'll be happy to train you so no computer experience is necessary!

New Members Celebration

On Palm Sunday, we received seven new members to Peoples Church! Each was presented by our Lay Leader, Earle Harvey. Pictured from left to right are Tammy Tapley and Steve Haskell (back), Jody Fyles, Catherine Whittemore, Joyce Alexander, Richard Alexander and Debbie Clark (front).

Steve Haskell, Jody Fyles, and Joyce Alexander were brought into membership by reaffirmation of faith. Margaret Whittemore transferred her membership from the Crawford Memorial UMC, Winchester, Mass. And Debbie Clark transferred her membership from the Seacoast Chapel, Saco, Maine.

Two new members, Richard Alexander and Tammy Tapley were received into membership through baptism! Although we always celebrate the new life in Christ when we baptize an infant, it is especially exciting to baptize adults who have come to faith in Jesus recently. As Peoples continues to disciple new believers, we expect many more adult baptisms in the future.

All of these members attended a 5-week membership class that covered topics such as the Bible, Christian beliefs, Methodist beliefs, balancing our spiritual need for filling and serving, and the advantages and responsibilities of membership.

In addition, all of these new members signed our Peoples UMC Membership Covenant (which you can view here and will be attached to the mailed copies of the May newsletter). As part of the service, all current members reaffirm their own faith as they also vow to support and disciple the new members. Therefore, all members were also encouraged to likewise sign the Covenant as a renewal of their membership vows, and keep in a place you will often see as a reminder of your vows.

After a big round of applause for the new members, each was given a wooden cross with lanyards made by Kathy Brann, giving envelopes presented by Kathy Brann, and certificates of baptism and/or membership.

New members were then invited downstairs to a reception. The vestry was decorated by Betty Lane, who also put together bags for all of the greeting cards people from the church wrote to welcome each new member. Pastor Jamie put on the balloons as a finishing touch.

Here is a small summary about each new member:

Joyce Alexander was born and raised in South Portland, and is married to Richard Alexander who joined Peoples at the same time- they have been married 48 years. Joyce is retired but has worked for Seaside Nursing Home, JC Penny, Wal-Mart, Portland Post Office and Sears. Joyce enjoys knitting, cross stitch, reading romance novels, doll collecting, and caring for her four cats, one guinea pig, white dove and Beagle! Joyce and Dick have three grown children and seven grandchildren who all live close by.

Dick Alexander was also born and raised in South Portland. Richard is retired but has worked for Bortam and Maine RR, American Can Company, Seaboard Packing Company, and Portland Fish Company. Richard also served 21 years in the US Coast Guard and shipped out around most of the world during this time. He went back to school to study culinary arts after which he worked in several outfits, including as head chef at the Squirrel Island Tea Shop in Boothbay Harbor. Dick's most beloved hobby is his flower gardens in which he raises beautiful irises and lilies, and has worked to create many hybrids.

Debbie Clark is the daughter of Elaine Rogers, and attended Peoples many years ago when she lived in South Portland. Although she commutes from Saco, she feels Peoples is still her home and is worth the drive! Debbie was born and raised in New York state. She has worked for Picture Me Portrait Studio, Funtown working with international students, Olive Garden, and Family Day Care. Her hobbies include knitting and crocheting, scrapbooking and crafts.

Jody Fyles was born in St. Johnsbury, VT and raised in Portland, ME. She is retired from working at Macy's, and now works at the South Portland Library part time. Jody enjoys walking her two dogs, taking her therapy dog to visit hospitals and nursing homes, reading adventure, suspense and nonfiction novels. Jody enjoys the less formal and welcoming nature of the Methodist church, and that it is Bible-based.

Steve Haskell was born and raised in Weymouth, Mass. Steve is currently disabled, but worked as a machinist at Precision Manufacturing Solutions for many years. Steve has a 36 year old daughter and 33 year old son both living in Mass. Steve enjoys reading, fishing, model cars, and is a member of the USSForrestal Association and American Legion where he helps with suppers.

Tammy Tapley was born in Portland, ME and raised in Buxton. She works for Residential Resources. She is engaged to Dana MacLean, and has two children, Jema who attends Mahoney and Bryanna who attends Small School. Her hobbies include going for walks, collecting shells at the beach, and traveling. She says, "The Church is very welcoming and warm."

Catherine Whittemore was born in Boston and raised in Peabody, Mass. and has always been part of a United Methodist Church. She has worked at Health Dialog since 2004, and also at Harvard Vanguard in Medford, Mass. She is married to Martin who is a full time PhD student at Memorial University in Newfoundland. Their daughter Margaret attends Casco Bay High School, and their daughter Charlotte is 1-1/2. Catherine enjoys knitting- simple patterns so she can keep an eye on the kids! She also enjoys British literature and children's history books, and loves to drink loose leaf tea.

Joyce, Dick, Debbie, Jody, Steve, Tammy and Catherine: Welcome to the family!

Bishops Day on the District April 4

With God all things are ... possible!
The Bishop's Day on the District on Saturday, April 4 began with lively singing followed by some encouraging preaching that with God, all things are possible. The first part of the day was attended by clergy, and laity from many churches attended the afternoon session.

There is great hope for the United Methodist Church. In many areas of the world, the church is growing by leaps and bounds, such as in Africa. In South Korea, the United Methodist Church continues to flourish as with the Kumnan Church with 120,000 members in Seoul, Korea. What do they owe their continued growth and fruitful ministry? Prayer and small groups.

However, in New England the statistics for United Methodists are not so great. Statistically, a church needs 120 in average attendance to maintain the budget required for a full time pastor. However, the average attendance for Methodists in New England is 57. That is why more and more Methodist Churches in New England are moving from full time pastors to 1/2 or even 1/4 time pastors because they cannot afford the salary and health insurance for a full time pastor and still maintain their building.

Our Bishop Pete Weaver and our District Superintendents Mike and Jan Davis, outlined our current course. We currently have 528 churches in New England. 256 of these are currently less than full time. There are currently 150 more churches that will likely need to go to less than full time in the next several years. This will mean about 100 churches with full time pastors, and currently there are 212 full time Elders (not to mention many full time Local Pastors).

The Bishop shared the bottom line ... the United Methodist Church needs to change, or die. The Church will never die - God will find another movement to make disciples of Jesus Christ if we are not doing this work as Methodists. But we are being invited to embrace this time, to change so as to become part of what could be a very exciting movement of the Holy Spirit in New England.

We may for instance be looking at a completely new way of pastoring churches, with two or three pastors serving a large circuit of churches in an area. This is already being done in several other Conferences.

One church in our District is in the process of selling their building, and liquidating that money to be used for missions in the community, renting space to worship on Sundays, and meeting in small groups throughout the week in members homes. That kind of change requires a lot of faith.

Yes, the United Methodist Church in New England is in a great deal of trouble. But with God ... all things are possible!

Would you join us in prayer and discernment for our future as United Methodists?

Upcoming Events!

40 Days of Love - Groups are still forming for this 6-week DVD-based study. Current groups are meeting Mondays 7pm, Tuesdays 9am, and Thursdays 6pm. To join and invite a friend to a small group please contact Art at 799-6222. Please join us for our current preaching series on love and relationships in May!

UMCOR Kits - For the month of May we are collecting sewing kits, either a whole kit or just pick up any item(s) on the kit list and put them in the box in the back of the church and we will put the kits together when we have enough items. The list of items and instructions are in the back.

Candlelight Meditation Service is held the first Sunday of the month, and is next scheduled May 3 and June 7 at 7pm. Scripture, prayer, silent reflection and meditative music. Worship lasts about 45 minutes, followed by a time of snacks and fellowship.

National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 7, Peoples UMC is co-hosting one session of prayer on Willard Beach with the new Southern Maine Community College student group SERVE. Park in the public lot and walk to beach – the group will meet near the playground area. The prayer topic will be business and the world economy. Please contact the pastors for more information, or Bethany at 699-6322 for the detailed schedule of prayer on campus at the All Faith’s Chapel throughout the day.

Men’s Breakfast Saturday May 9 at 7:30 am. Come on down for some great food and fellowship, and then maybe join us to help out with some yard work outside!

Worship Workshop with Marcia McFee on Saturday, May 9. 8:30 am - 4:00 pm at the Elliot UMC. If you are interested in bringing some new and creative ideas to worship, please consider attending this workshop led by one of the best seminar leaders and consultants in the field of worship today. The seminar is hosted by our Tri State Distict, and is less than an hour's drive. Please contact the pastors for a registration form.

Church Yard Cleanup Day on Saturday, May 9. Come one Come All to Peoples Annual Outdoor Cleanup. Starting at 9:00 am we’ll exfoliate the grounds of our church. Please bring gloves, rakes and any other implements for ground work and any time you can spare. Thank you All for the Care of Your Church -- Brad Morrison

Vacation Bible School - The meeting date has been moved from today to May 17 at 9am to allow the Sunday School teachers to plan end-of-year activities. We hope to host a VBS program called “Crocodile Dock” by Group Publishing July 13-17. If you might be able to help with set-up, take-down, leading a center or just helping out please come to our first planning meeting, or let the pastors know.

A New Regional Youth Group will begin Sunday May 17 at 1pm, and will also meet Sunday May 31 at 1pm. Gather in the Peoples parking lot by 12:45pm and we will carpool to New Light UMC on High Street in Portland for Pizza making and games. Jr. and Sr. High youth please contact Pastor Jamie at 799-6814.

Mechuwana Cleanup Day May 23. Mark it on your calendar and stay tuned for time and carpooling details.

International Missions Dinner – New Date! Will be held on Saturday, May 30 at 6pm. Pastor Gwyneth will be sharing about her recent trip to Nicaragua and there will also be information presented on the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). More details to follow (the progressive dinner will be postponed until summer or fall).