Christmas Letter 2010

At the heart of Christmas is the "good news of a great joy" spoken of by the angel in Luke 2: "For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord." We sing carols about bringing tidings of joy, but for many, Christmas can be a time of stress, emptiness and depression. Some are searching for the ideal Christmas we see in advertisements, but our own experience comes up short. Others are reminded of the Christmas we used to spend with a loved one no longer with us. Add onto these job loss, health issues or family tension and we’re much more ready to host a pity party than a joyful caroling outing!

            The good news that we celebrate at Christmas rises above happy times or difficult times.  God speaks the “good news of great joy” into our hearts through our Savior, Jesus Christ. The joy that came into the world in the Holy Child would continue as that Child would grow up and sacrifice his life to save us, “who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” (Hebrews 12:2). Not even a cross could take away the joy of our Savior.

            Once we begin focusing on the inner joy Christ makes possible, that joy comes bubbling out in love for others that they might also know the joy of Christ. We want to spend money on gifts that honor Christ; how many loved ones would be more blessed by a gift to their favorite charity in their name rather than one more sweater? We remember the needs of neighbors and offer our time and help. We see homeless folks with new eyes, remembering the words of Jesus from Matthew 25: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for Me.” And as we serve our Savior we find even more joy returned to us.

            And so this Christmas season, whether you are experiencing happy or sad times, our prayer is that you would know and experience the true love and joy that our Savior brings, and spread that love and joy to everyone you meet!

            We hope you will join us for some of our Christmas and New Year celebrations found here on the blog. If you will be spending time away from the South Portland area, we wish you safe travels. God be with you all for a joyous celebration and a Merry Christmas!

Together in ministry for Christ,

Pastors Gwyneth and Jamie Arrison  

Summary of Upcoming Events

Children’s Christmas Pageant, Sunday, Dec. 19, 10:30am
Celebrate the birth of Jesus as the kids bring the Good News!

Horse Drawn Wagon Caroling Party, Sunday, Dec 19 (REVISED DATE), 4pm
Join us for caroling around the neighborhood. Suggested donation $5/person and all proceeds will go to local missions. Reservations recommended.

Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship, Friday, Dec. 24, 7pm
Celebrate the birth of our Savior in this beautiful candlelight worship. Bring a bell!

Lessons and Carols, Sunday, Dec 26, 10am
Hear and sing the Christmas story together.

Serving at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen, Dec. 29, 5pm
Make a difference in the community as we join together to serve others in need.

Ballroom Dance & Relationship Classes, Mondays 7pm
January 10 through February 14. Beginner / intermediate ballroom dance lesson with Maine Ballroom Dancing, followed by relationship enrichment class led by the pastors using "Couple Checkup".

Heart Pillows Delivery

Submitted by Marlene Tordoff

I had a telephone call from Mercy Oncology early this morning. They needed 10-12 more pillows. I surprised them and delivered 12 pillows this afternoon. Lenore said she will be contacting us in a couple of weeks.

Therefore, our next meeting in January we will need to sew and stuff more pillows. What a joy to see the excitement and appreciation in Lenore's face when the pillows are delivered. If you are unable to work on this project, hats for children are needed at MMC.

Thanks to all of you who contribute to these projects whether in purchasing materials, knitting, sewing or stuffing.

Blessings and have a wonderful Christmas,
Marlene

CAMP MECHUWANA NEW YEARS

WHO: YOUTH GRADES 6-12
WHEN: DECEMBER 31- DROP OFF TIME 3PM
            JANUARY 1ST PICK UP IS NOON
COST: $25.00

REGISTRATION FORMS CAN BE FOUND AT: www.mechuwana.org or email mechuwana@fairpoint.net 

THERE'S A MAX OF 100 YOUTH AT THIS EVENT.  EVERY YEAR IT FILLS UP FAST - SO SIGN UP TODAY. ALL INFORMATION NEEDS TO BE EMAILED BY THE 21ST.

Horse-drawn Wagon Caroling Party RESCHEDULED

Please join us for a Horse-drawn Wagon Caroling Party on Sunday, Dec 19 (rescheduled) at 4pm as we go caroling around the neighborhood. This will be a fun family event, and an opportunity for those who have trouble walking as well.  Suggested donation $5/person, proceeds to local mission. 
    Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Caroling books will be provided!
Reservations are recommended, which can be made by phone or email through the Pastors at 619-1509.

Christmas Caroling in Nursing Homes Rescheduled

All are invited to join us to go Christmas Caroling in Nursing Homes Sunday, Dec. 12, 1pm. We will join voices together as we bring joyful carols to area nursing homes and shut-ins. Caroling books will be provided. Please RSVP to the pastors at 619-1509 if you are attending so we are sure to wait for you!

Youth Group Friday December 10!

Youth Group is meeting this Friday December 10 5-8:30pm!  All youth, grades 6-12 are invited! We’ll meet up at Hope.Gate.Way with friends from some other churches, have dinner, walk to Monument Square, go on a horse drawn carriage ride, take in the Christmas lights and decorations, and maybe stop off for a visit at the Art Museum or head back to HGW for some games … guaranteed fun! Please email Pastor Gwyneth or Jamie to RSVP or 619-1509. Bring a friend!  Hope.Gate.Way is located at 185 High Street in Portland, ME  04101.
    In general, the Youth Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month, at alternating locations for mission activities, learning and fun together.

Christmas Fair 2010

Submitted by Art Tordoff:  A great time was had by all at the 2010 Coastal Christmas Fair, a lot of fun was in the bargain and many folks from the community had a chance to experience the PUMC Spirit!
     For those that may not recognize the event the pictures portray the Annual Church Fair which with the exception of once has been held on the first Saturday in December in the time that I have been an attendeeor member and that dates back to 1948. My guess is that its origins are somewhere in the early partof the 20th century.
   You may view the Christmas Fair Photo Album here.

Coastal Christmas Fair 12/4

Coastal Christmas Fair will take place this Saturday, December 4, 9am-2pm. Get your Christmas shopping done! Children’s craft area while you shop.

     Items can still be donated until Friday so clear out your garage or attic or closet! Other donations would also be appreciated such as luncheon food, baked goods, etc. - please contact Chris Ward for information.
We would also love assistance in setting up the fair on Friday evening, and cleanup on Saturday afternoon. Many hands make for light work!

Hope to see you at the fair!

Advent Studies to Prepare Our Hearts for Christmas

Would you like to go deeper in your faith this Christmas? There are several excellent options for Advent Studies, and we hope you will take advantage of one of these opportunities.

"The Purpose of Christmas" small group DVD curriculum by Rick Warren is 3-week study on Mondays December 6, 13 and 20. This is a spiritually uplifting text and good for all levels, whether a new believer or mature Christian. Two groups will be meeting on Monday evenings:  5:30pm at Joely and Shane's home, and parents are welcome to bring children to this one; and 7pm at Kathy Brann's home. If you are interested in joining one of these groups please contact the hosts or pastors for more information.

“Advent Conspiracy” is a 4-week study Wednesdays 7pm 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22 led by Pastor Gwyneth.   The reading is easy but the topic very challenging, a study for mature Christians and church leaders. The goal of this group will be to assess the text as a church-wide program next year. FMI or to purchase the text, please go to www.adventconspiracy.org   You can view the Advent Conspiracy Video here as well.

"The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly" is the Advent Study taking place at the weekly home Bible Study group at Rosemary Herd's home on Tuesdays at 9am. The study has already begun but newcomers are always welcome.

Advent Meditation Books are available!

Advent Meditation Books are available! These include a daily devotion written by folks at Peoples, in addition to some Christmas hymns and other readings. Printed copies are available for a suggested donation of $3. If you cannot pay that’s ok. If you can pay for an extra for someone else that’s great too.  Many thanks to Art Tordoff for putting these together! Next year, Christmas 2011 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Peoples Advent Meditation.

Hanging of the Greens 12/5

Hanging of the Greens will take place Sunday, Dec. 5, DURING WORSHIP (no separate worship service this year) Kids hear the Christmas story and we decorate the church for Christmas together. All are invited to bring in one unwrapped gift for a child to donate to the Root Cellar gift drive. Last year the Root Cellar requested some packages of socks. We received no special requests this year but socks are good. Many of the people at the Root Cellar come from warmer climates and have no idea HOW COLD it gets here in Maine and things like gloves and hats and the like would probably be welcome gifts too.  We hope you can attend this laity-led worship!

Root Cellar Angel Drive

Please come out and help at the Root Cellar Angel Gift Mission on Monday, Dec. 13, 9am-Noon, or for any portion of this time.  We will help organize and wrap gifts for needy children in the Portland area. It's a great time of fellowship too. Please contact Carol Bruneau if you have any questions, or if you need to carpool.

Youth Group Thanksgiving Mission

The youth group met together on 11/21 and made pumpkin pies for the Root Cellar as their mission project this Fall. Although the crowd was small this time everyone had a great time.
      The youth group will next be meeting with friends from some other churches on Friday, December 10th 5:30pm-8:30pm at New Light UMC in Portland. We'll walk to Monument Square, have dinner, go on a horse and carriage ride, take in the Christmas lights and decorations, walk around the art museum and head back to Hope.Gate.Way for some games.  Overall it's guarenteed to be a great time.  Bring a friend!
    The regional Jr. / Sr. High Youth Group generally meets every 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoon at different locations.

An Uplifting Church Conference!

Our annual Church Conference took place on Sunday, November 21 after worship, with a beautiful luncheon prepared for us as well. This is the annual all-church meeting, with Rev. Mike Davis, District Superintendent presiding. The meeting began with a slide show reminding us of how Peoples has been active in ministry this year, followed by voting on issues such as approving lay speakers and pastoral compensation, receiving bequests, etc., as well as a video presentation by Bishop Weaver followed by table discussion on ideas for continuing to make disciples of Jesus Christ through outreach in our community and how we could partner with sister churches in this outreach.
    Mike also commended our work as a church in paying off a significant portion of our mission shares this year and appreciates the many ways we are working as a church to be more faithful stewards of our resources as well as more joyful givers.
    We were honored to have Mike serve as our guest preacher that morning as well. He gave us a challenging message on what it means in today's world to "make disciples of all nations."
    The minutes of the meeting are available from Betsy Morrison who served as our Financial Secretary, or you can view the Draft Church Conference Minutes at this link, which will be reviewed during the December Church Council meeting. Thank you all who attended!

Christmas Pageant Dress Rehearsal

All children in the Christmas Pageant should plan to attend the Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, Dec 18, 9am - Noon. All children in the pageant should attend this important and fun rehearsal for the big day!  Please contact Andy Folley with any questions or to volunteer your assistance in props, costumes or other pageant preparation at 749-5702.

Children’s Christmas Pageant

Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 10am for our Children’s Christmas Pageant!  The pageant this year is called Christmas Around the World, and will be completely different this year so very exciting. The kids will show us how Christians in Mexico, Korea, Ghana Africa and Sweden celebrate the birth of Jesus. There's rumor there will also be a visit from the Magi.  Celebrate the birth of Jesus as the kids bring the Good News!

Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship

Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship, Friday, Dec. 24, 7pm  Celebrate the birth of our Savior in this beautiful candlelight worship. And bring a bell to ring!

Preble Street December 29 - Come Help Serve

Peoples Church will be helping to serve at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen on Wednesday, December 29. 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 at 799-6321.

Don't forget to wear your Peoples Church apron!

What Will You Give?

If you consider Peoples your church family and have not yet pledged your 2011 financial commitment, please turn in your pledge card as soon as you can, or contact Kathy and she can fill one out for you. THANK YOU!  FMI contact Financial Secretary, Kathy Brann at 799-1981.

Kids Craft Room at the Church Fair

We are going to have the Children's Craft Room again this year at the fair. The kids really look forward to doing the crafts and it's a great opportunity to get their parents out shopping at the fair!

A lot of the crafts this year will be made from the foam sheets and foam stickers. We would love any donations of the large sheets of foam and foam stickers. The sheets can be any colors, hoping to have a lot of red, green and white but would love other colors as well. Stickers with Christmas and winter themes would be great but would happily appreciate any as the kids will certainly use them!

We also need

~ribbon in a variety of colors and widths
~glitter pens
~any odd and ends craft things your'e looking to clean out!

As always~thank you for your support for the kids of Peoples and our community~

Karen Jennings

Generate Income for Peoples Just by Searching the Internet!

GoodSearch!  Here's a new easy way to raise money for Peoples United Methodist Church, with no cost to you.  Just start using Yahoo! powered GoodSearch.com as your internet search engine and they'll donate about a penny to Peoples UMC every time you do a search!

Every time you search, Peoples earns a penny!
http://www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=925482

   How do you do this?  Go to GoodSearch.com, select Peoples UMC in South Portland, Maine and plug in what you want to search for right there (or enter Peoples directly using the above link with the church ID#).
    You can also set up GoodSearch as your Default browser, and there are instructions on the site for doing that, or you can add a toolbar in Internet Explorer or Firefox search engines.
    There are a few exceptions (doesn't count toward image searches, etc.) which you can read about here as well as other helpful answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
    In addition, you can generate money for Peoples while you do your Christmas shoppingonline.  If you shop through the online shopping mall, GoodShop.com, you can find more than 900 top online retailers (including Amazon) who will give a percentage (1-3%) of your purchases to Peoples UMC. You pay the same price as you normally would, but a donation goes to your church family! You can access GoodShop directly from GoodSearch.
    You can read more about GoodSearch in the NY Times, Oprah Magazine, CNN, ABC News and the Wall Street Journal.

Peoples Variety Show 2010

The Peoples Variety Show was held November 13, ranging from classical music to comedy acts, harmonica to bagpipes, and poetry to fencing!  You can view the entire 2010 Variety Show Photo Album here.

     Those who participated included Paul and Justin on Harmonica and Jazz Piano, Pastor Jamie and Faith demonstrating fencing, Dena on piano, Mariah singing, Merrill and Marilyn singing with guitar, Aaron reciting poetry and singing, Pastor Gwyneth leading the congregation in a silly song called Toody Ta, Betty Smith singing, Faith on piano, Ushers and children singing in their jammies!, Fred playing piano, Jason on bagpipes, Sally with a comedy skit, Chris and Dan singing accompanied by Ruth on piano and ending the night with a hilarious song by Marilyn.  Also, many thanks to all who participated and attended, and to our two guest bands who played such amazing music: Angus and the Rock Dogs and Apollo 13 whom the children loved dancing to!  And of course a huge thank you to Dickey for leading the evening as our MC.  Also, a special thanks to Merrill Kaiser for organizing this event and all those who helped to plan, set up and take down.  Another fabulous time was had by all.
  

Senior High Youth Rally

Senior High Youth Rally at Camp Mechuwana
Come join us for the Senior High rally as we gather for fellowship, worship and all around awesome weekend.

WHEN: DECEMBER 10-12 (Drop off 6pm on Friday) (Pickup noon on Sunday)
WHERE: CAMP MECHUWANA
COST: $35.00

PLEASE GO TO OUR WEB SITE AND DOWN LOAD A FORM www.mechuwana.org or email us the information mechuwana@fairpoint.net.

If you can only come to part of the weekend because of other commitments, that is fine just let us know when you will be arriving.

Calling All Kids for the Pageant!

The kids Sunday School have begun assigning parts for the Christmas Pageant. Be sure to attend worship this Sunday if you'd like your kids involved, or contact Andy Folley. The pageant this year is called Christmas Around the World, and will be completely different this year so very exciting. The kids will show us how Christians in Mexico, Korea, Ghana Africa and Sweden celebrate the birth of Jesus. There's rumor there will also be a visit from the Magi!

Variety Show, Saturday, Nov 13 at 7pm

Peoples United Methodist Church cordially invites all of you to our ANNUAL VARIETY SHOW being held this Saturday, November 13th @7:00 pm.  This is a fun event that show cases Peoples people performing on stage, show casing some very interesting talents.  Some are very talented, some are very amusing and some are very strange!!! Our ushers sing, our pastors perform, children perform, various comedy skits, music by the bell choir, a band and MORE. Always bring tissues for tears of laughter.  Variety is the key word here and talent is optional. There are snacks and drinks available for purchase.  For a $3.00 donation (children under 12 free) you can enjoy a pleasant and hilarious evening of good fun. COME ON DOWN to Peoples this Saturday.  Come and join the fun and silliness, ranging from comedy to classical musicians. If you have an act you’d like to add, please contact Merrill Kaiser at 799-8750. You can view the 2009 Variety Show Photo Album here.

Game Night on Saturday Nov 6

Everyone who attended had fun playing pegs'n jokers and 3-15 Rummy at the Peoples Fall game night. We hope more can join us next time!

Outdoor Cleanup Day - Wow!

Many faithful Peoples folks attended the Outdoor Cleanup Party on Saturday, November 6! Workers raked leaves, cleaned out gutters, trimmed hedges and even installed the new banner on the outside of Ellis Hall. We also saw the finished product of the overhauled bean supper sign.
    All of the work is amazing so be sure to check it out and say thank you to those who cared enough about their church family to work so hard on a Saturday morning!
You can view the outdoor cleanup photo album here.

Note from Chuck Kamilewicz:  A special 'thank you' to all those who were there, and to David and Carol who refurbished the bean supper sign with Lexon and vinyl lettering.  It looks so good.

Note from Sue Angell:  Fall clean up was a great success.  Two troop leaders and 4-5 scouts were amazing in that they cleaned a huge area of leaves in 3 hours!!!  Marlene spent 3-4 hours on her knees working on our garden and what a fine job she did. Art Tordoff, our bush wacker, trimmed all our parsonage bushes while Keith Snoddy trimmed raked.  David Bruneau was THE man with his motor on his back and leaf blower with which he blew leaves and cleaned the parking lot as well as then mowing the parsonage lawn. David also gifted us with a NEW and wonderful Bean Dinner outdoor sign!  Carol was here there and everywhere working on and hanging a church banner and washing windows. Becky Gottlieb showed up after working most of the morning at her job and cleaned windows in the breezeway and worked until she ran out of steam. Chuck scaled the parsonage and replaced all down spouts and then replaced boards on the parsonage deck.  Joanne took good care of us by sending sausages and biscuits. Rosemary Herd greeted us all with a great smile and kept fresh coffee coming and assisted in the stage set up for the variety show and digging up of Christmas Fair decorations from last year.  Kathy was there. Brad was everywhere.  He brought coffee first thing, helped Marlene, raked, lifted barrels of leaves, assisted Art, assisted everyone, etc.  Susan and Kathy raked and hauled  barrels of leaves and bushes.  Walter brought his truck, tools and tarps.  His truck trailer was filled to the brim with leaves!  He brought cold pack tar and mended various areas of the parking lot and sidewalks with the assistance of Brad and Chuck tamping it down.  Men love that stuff. We all left tired, dirty and satisfied!  Hard work, fresh air and good companions are the best health tonic there is!

Celebrating Thanksgiving with Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2010

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in Thanksgiving.      -- Colossians 2:6-7   

Dear Peoples Family,

      What do you think of when you hear the word, Thanksgiving?  Often we think of the holiday in our nation’s history. Or perhaps we think of the many blessings for which we are thankful. However, as Christians, Thanksgiving is most importantly a faithful attitude that shapes the way we live, the choices we make, and our outlook on tomorrow. This attitude has little to do with outward circumstances and all to do with our thankfulness for what Christ has done for us. Therefore, for the Christian, Thanksgiving happens in the midst of poverty and in the face of scarcity. For the Christian, Thanksgiving can be celebrated in war zones, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, as well as in our warm and comfortable homes.

      Thanksgiving is not about being the luckiest, the richest, or the healthiest. It is about knowing in the depth of our being that we belong to God through our Savior Jesus Christ.  And from that depth of belonging emerges a thankful joy leading us to celebration and generosity. These are the thanksgiving blessings we pray for you: A joyful heart “abounding with thanksgiving” in Christ, and the gift of responding to the joy we experience by giving ourselves for others.

We pray God’s richest blessings on you this Thanksgiving! 

Together in Ministry for Christ

Revs. Gwyneth  & Jamie Arrison

Sunday School Supports UNICEF

The Sunday School learned about the ministries of UNICEF and then came up after worship for a wonderful time collecting loose change. The kids took their UNICEF boxes so they could go trick or treating with them in the evening!
   You can view the whole UNICEF Collection Photo Album here.

Coffee Fellowship

Brad and Betsy Morrison joyfully provide coffee and goodies for fellowship after worship every week, and have done this for a number of years. Every now and then when they are away, they call on some folks to fill in. This past Sunday Jody Fyles, Janice Huelin and Carol Bruneau worked together to provide this wonderful time of hospitality.

Commitment Sunday on Oct 31

    Commitment Sunday will take place October 31, a wonderful opportunity to offer our promised giving for 2011 as a resolution to be more generous people, not by our own goodness but only through God’s grace. The Commitment Card and Stewardship Letter are available here, as well in the back of the church if you have not yet received these by email or mail.
     Children are encouraged to participate as well. There is a children's commitment card and a children's stewardship letter; as well as a Jr and Sr High youth stewardship letter, all of which can be downloaded here (Jr and Sr High youth are welcome to use the children's or adult commitment card).
     If you are unable to attend on commitment Sunday on 10/31, you may place your commitment card in the offering anytime, or you can mail to the address found on the card.
    If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Brann at 799-1981. Thank you for your generosity to your church family!

Gently Used Clothing and Other Donations!

Submitted by Sue Angell

Gently Used clothing was collected during worship 10/24 as part 2 of our Stewardship Sermon Series.  Rather than discard in the trash such clothing no longer worn by us, we wanted to donated it first to people of the congregation that know a needy family that could use them or recycle such clothing for ourselves that we might need.  If you have not had an opportunity to look at what was collected, they are in clearly marked boxes in Ellis hall which is open during the morning Thursday, Friday and of course Sunday 10/31.  All items still in the boxes on the Root Cellar day the it is open for donations, items will be brought to them. Since most of the clothing is career apparel and not active wear and the Root Cellar assists people working or seeking jobs by assisting them with the proper clothing, this seemed like a good idea by the Stewardship Committee. So take a minute to look over the items to see if there is something you or someone you know can use.

Trick or Treat for UNICEF will held after worship 10/31

2009 UNICEF Collection

Trick or Treat for UNICEF will held after worship 10/31. Be ready with your loose change after worship! Click here to learn more about UNICEF and the wonderful work of this mission organization around the world.

Mission Trip Planning Team meeting after worship 10/31.

The planning team for our 2011 mission trip will be meeting after worship Sunday, 10/31. Anyone who is interested in helping with or going on a 2011 mission trip from Peoples next year are welcome to attend. There are several options which we will be discussing over the next several months, including another trip to Wilmington, DE (which we found out is very meaningful for the urban children there to see a team re-visit), or a new trip to Appalachia or another area of the country. An international trip will most likely be in the future, but if this is your desire please attend so we can discuss. If you are interested, but unable to attend please contact Pastor Gwyneth at 409-5530.

Church Cleanup Day, Saturday, Nov 6 at 8am.

Church Cleanup Day, Saturday, Nov 6 at 8am. Please come join us as we spruce up the church inside and out! There will be plenty to do for all ages, from raking to dusting. Come for a half hour, 2 hours or the whole morning!

      Note from Sue Angell:   This is a fun time for all who love their church. Just like spring clean up, anyone can feel free to do indoor tasks or Fall Cleaning that call to you. Organize you agenday and bring a friend to help you. Those individuals who just love being out doors can rake or work in the garden. Walter Greer comes with a truck and we just load it with leaves. We have pruning of bushes and assisting the Trustees who are doing crazy things like putting on the downspout on the parsonage (holding ladder?),etc. Some have only an hour and that is OK too. Bring rakes, gloves, etc. COME ON DOWN!

What is All Saints Day?

All Saints Day, November 1, is the Christian Memorial Day on which all who died for their testimony of Jesus are remembered. The word Halloween itself is a contraction of All hallows evening, which is the original English-language Christian term for All Saints Eve. (‘Hallow is an old word for ‘saint.’). Most  churches celebrate on the first Sunday of November, and Peoples will be celebrating on November 7.

20 and Over Crowd Game Night, Nov 6 at 7pm.

This is a fun evening out for adults.  Join us as we play cribbage, quarkle, pegs’n jokers, or bring your favorite game. Singles welcome. Couples, this would be a great chance to get a babysitter and have a fun date night!

Church Auction Results

The 2010 auction was great fun, fellowship as well as fundraiser. The huge amounts that food items went for, especially in comparison to some very valuable items, brought the same idea to several people. Perhaps we need to consider a food auction next year!  Please let us know your thoughts.  Many thanks to Doreen Gay for all the work put into this "fun-raiser."  This earned for the church a total of $2,834.65 

Continuing Education for Pastors

Did you know that pastors in the United Methodist Church are expected to take classes and workshops each year? The requirement is at least 1 CEU per year, and a total of 8 CEU's per four years. It's not only required, but it's a good idea! Pastors are disciples, which means we are called not only to teach and lead others to Christ, but also to continuously learn and experience new ways of following Christ.
     Pastors Gwyneth and Jamie have attended a variety of workshops over their 5+ years of pastoral ministry, and just recently became aware of some classes geared to pastors at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, MA. On October 26, Pastor Gwyneth  took a class called, "Decision Making: The Way to Wisdom" with Garry Friesen, an Elder at a well known church in Portland, OR called Imago Dei.  Pastor Gwyneth saw several other United Methodist colleagues there, and the class was well attended.
   This particular seminar was on discerning God's will, and teaching your congregation about how they are to discern God’s will for their lives.  Christians should not be looking for an elusive perfect will of God for every decision. Rather God has granted Scripture and His wisdom sufficient in every decision. The seminar ended with the freeing concept of “faithfulness” over “success” as the goal of every ministry. Garry has written a wonderful book on which this seminar was based, called, "Decision Making and the Will of God."
   These seminars are open to laity as well as clergy. If you are interested, you may view more information at the Lifetime Learners link at Gordon-Conwell Seminary.

Mystery Ride 2010 Great Fun!

The 2010 Mystery Ride on 10/24 was another fabulous time for all who attended. Dick and Cheryl Matthews created the route with many fun questions along the way, to our mystery destination which was the Cookie Jar! The Cookie Jar donated cookies for the event as well, and we went back to church to have lunch together and review the answers. You can view the 2010 Mystery Ride Photo Album here.

Need Children's Items for Christmas Fair!

Submitted by Teresa Folley

We will be having a children's gently-used clothing table at the Christmas Fair again this year. If you have children, or know someone with children, we are in need of lots of donations!

We are specifically looking for gently used fall/winter clothing sizes infant-size 12: snowsuits, jackets, boots, mittens, holiday outfits and daily clothing such as dresses, pants, shirts, sweaters, pj's, shoes, etc. If you have something to donate you may drop it off to us in the Sunday School classrooms starting now.

We are also looking for plastic hangers, such as those that clothes come on from the store so that we can display items.

Thanks so much for your donations! Make sure to stop by at the fair to see if you can find a new outfit for your child, grandchild or other special little one in your life!

Painting Project

Submitted by Doreen Gay

     Ben Galvez, owner of Express Painting, was hired to do some long over due touch ups on the parsonage. We had areas on the exterior first floor that were peeling badly and even with all our good intentions, the trustees could not get to the job themselves. Ben and his crew arrived just in time seasonally speaking, they scraped, prepped where needed, and applied two finish coats of paint. The same was done to the trim, but only in limited areas. There is still much work that needs to be done to our parsonage and garage, which is well over a hundred years old. The trustees are committed to preserving and caring for this wonderful home as best we can, but as you can imagine, it is very expensive to do.   

     The Trustees also had Ben and crew scrap, prime, and put two finish coats on the breezeway windows, which have needed paint longer than I can remember! The crew inspected all of the windows and door frames of the church and touched those up as well. We're pleased to have this job completed and our beautiful stained glass windows preserved.  

     If you have a passion for painting and time to give, the trustees can always use your help as we personally take on many of the painting jobs needed inside and outside of our buildings. Please contact a trustee if this is your gift!

Stewardship Sermon Series Oct 17, 24 and 31

We are in the midst of the 2010 Stewardship Preaching Series on the topic of Generous Giving through God’s Grace. We hope you will prepare your hearts in prayer.

10/17 Zacchaeus The Value of Generosity Luke 19:1-9

10/24 Barnabus The Affect of Generosity Acts 4:32-37

10/31 The Widow The Challenge to Generosity Mark 12:41-44

    During the first week, Kathy Brann played the part of Zacchaeus, climbing a tree right in the sanctuary as the Scripture story was read! On the second week, folks are invited to bring in items to donate, such as a winter coat they no longer use, boots that don't fit, or a kitchen appliance collecting dust. After worship anyone in need of these items will be invited to take them, and anything left over will go to the Preble Street homeless center. 

   The third week is commitment Sunday, and all are invited to bring their pledge cards forward indicating their promised giving for 2011. We hope you will join us.

Church Auction Friday, October 22

Submitted by Sue Angell
Our really fun live auction is this Friday, 10/22.  The volunteer professional auctioneer is entertainment in himself.  Lots of good stuff up for bid and lots of reasonable prices.  It is not too early for Christmas shopping and the gift certificates for restaurants, stores, gas, etc. donated are just the ticket to give to those hard to buy for people.  The viewing begins at 6:00 pm along with "good eats".  COME, BRING A FRIEND AND HAVE A GOOD TIME.

Thoughts on the Bean Suppah

Submitted by Sue Angell

I spent Saturday evening fuming and fussing because the Portland Press Herald didn't put in my advertisement nor did the Forecaster and it cost us $300 in lost revenues. I was spitting mad!  After Pastor Jamie's sermon today and Chris Bowker's stewardship speech, I thought about it more deeply.  Yes, we lost revenue BUT we had wonderful fellowship.  Church people showed up to help and they were great fun to be with.  Casseroles and pies were delicious.  A couple of the workers noted a fellow that had come in with his son to assist with clean up at the end and they had that look of persons who were hungry and they encouraged the two to eat of the plenty left over and to take some home.  The leftovers were then placed into containers and Chuck and Joanne took this food to a shelter. Maybe this dinner was not about revenue but the Lord wanted us to feed the hungry. Hmmm.

Stewardship Devotion Begins Oct 11

    We are inviting EVERYONE to participate in our 21 day Upper Room Stewardship Devotion  found at the link here. This devotion was created especially for Peoples United Methodist Church and reprinted by permission of the publisher, The Upper Room magazine.     We invite you to use this devotional to reflect daily on God’s call to be good stewards of our resources during the 21 days of our Stewardship Series, “Generous Giving through God’s Grace.” You will find a suggested Scripture reading and devotion for each day, beginning Monday, October 11.  
   In addition, we are encouraging everyone to engage in at least one generous ACT each of these 21 days. Some suggestions are listed in the front of the devotion, but feel free to make up your own. A page is provided for you to record the acts you choose. We look forward to hearing about some of the ways you have blessed others and have been blessed yourselves as you have served and helped others.
     Through the last six months, we have been focusing on different aspects of stewardship other than money, such as how we are using our time and spiritual gifts to serve. However, during this upcoming stewardship series, we will be focusing much more on our financial resources leading up to Consecration Sunday on October 31 when we will offer our promised giving for 2011.
     More than any other topic Jesus talked about the issue of how we handle money. Our hopes are that we will all grow spiritually as we are challenged in our faith regarding this very important topic.

The Finance Committee
Keith Snoddy, Chris Bowker, Sue Angell, Kathy Brann, Walter Greer and Pastor Gwyneth

Advent Meditations 2010

The Advent Meditation booklet that members of Peoples United Methodist Church have contributed to with their thoughts and prayers this year will mark its 24th year. We hope you will take a few moments to create a meditation complete with Biblical verse and Prayer for this year’s edition. Click here for a Advent Devotion Form, as well as a sample Advent Devotion. Please pick one up, take some time to fill it out either on the paper provided or on-line and give or send it to Art Tordoff by Sunday, November 14. Advent booklets will be available on Sunday, November 28, the first day of Advent.

Art Tordoff

New Adult Sunday School Class Starting Soon

In approximately 3 weeks the Adult Sunday Morning Class will begin using a new text in our class.
It is titled, Elijah: Remaining Steadfast through Uncertainty written by Gene A. Getz. Chapter titles are as follows:
· Idolatry Comes In All Shapes And Sizes A Place To Hide
· Experiencing God’s Faithfulness
· Learning The Power Of Prayer
· Avoiding Rationalism
· Avoiding Double-Mindedness
· Majesty Not Magic
· Overcoming Depression
· God’s Counseling Model
· We All Need A Friend
· What Will People Remember

The cost of the text is $11 which is the suggested donation.  If you are interested please let me know by Monday, October 11 in order that I might place an order for the books. If you have not been a member of this class before please join us at 8:45 on Sunday mornings. Newcomers are welcome!

In Christian love and service,
Art Tordoff

Sunday School Gathering after Worship

After worship on 10/3 parents, children, Sunday School teachers and other members gathered for lunch followed by a Bible discussion led by Pastor Gwyneth on the upcoming Christmas Unit which will focus on the story of the magi called "Christmas Around the World" while the kids watched a movie. Andy described the 5 centers for this unit, as well as preliminary plans for the pageant. It was a great time! You can view a few more pictures in the Sunday School Gathering Photo Album.

Bible Discussion
    Adults learned some interesting things together on the story of the magi from Matthew 2:1-12. This story is typically read for Epiphany, the 12 day after Christmas, usually celebrated on the first Sunday of January. For most of church history, Epiphany was the primary day of celebration, second only to Easter. Only in the last few hundred years has the birth of Jesus had any significance in the Church. That's really great for the kids to learn about Epiphany! You can view a sermon poem, "Daughter of a Wise Man" by Pastor Gwyneth here.
    So who were the magi? They were astrologers from the east, so they were Gentiles, not Jews. They followed a star to Bethlehem which they took to be a divine revelation, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus.  Despite the popular hymn "We Three Kings" we don't actually know how many magi there were, only that there were three gifts. These typically symbolize the kingship, deity and sacrificial ministry of Jesus.
   Why would God reveal the birth of the Messiah to foreigners? This was an early indication that the Gospel of Jesus was expanding to include all the world, signifying the extension of salvation to the Gentiles. This is the primary meaning of Epiphany and why it is so important in the Church.
    We also learned how the Magi are mentioned in other parts of Scripture, for instance in the book of Daniel. In fact Daniel was made a chief of the magi, and due to jealousy he was thrown by his peers into the lion's den, which he miraculously survived.

Noah's Ark Sunday School Unit

     The first unit of Sunday School is already completed! It was a wonderful time for kids and adults learning together about God's covenant with Noah and the sign of the rainbow.
     In the arts center, kids made a rainbow with their hand prints, which was great fun and looks beautiful in the room. Some of the teachers put their hand prints up too - you can view an album of these pictures here.

      Many thanks to Andy Folley who led the Games Center, Teresa Folley & Angela Blanchette who led the Arts Center, Karen Jennings who led the Story Center, and Ellen Dunn who led music for the unit. Many thanks to other helpers as well.