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!