Lenten Reflections

What is Lent? "Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism (which would take place on Easter). By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. Because Sunday is the day of the Resurrection, we skip over Sundays when we calculate the length of Lent. Therefore, in the Western Church, Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter." (quoted from http://www.kencollins.com/texts/Lent.pdf where you can read in more detail)

Jesus spent forty days in the desert preparing for his ministry. He was "tested" during this time, approached by demons offering him the opportunity to be the wrong kind of messiah. He rejected each possibility, and simply did the will of the Father, which also foreshadowed his final testing and defeat of evil through the cross and resurrection.

Jesus fasted during these forty days, and one of his temptations was to use his power to assuage his hunger rather than to depend on God. During Lent, we likewise can experience a deeper dependence on God through fasting. Some fast from food once a week during Lent. Others give up something during the entire forty days of Lent, such as chocolate or meat, TV or Internet or unnecessary purchases.

In depriving ourselves of some pleasure for a period, we discover what of the world enslaves us and we learn to trust and depend on God as we battle each temptation. As we experience the pangs of hunger or desire, we are reminded to pray. Fasting even seems to sharpen our senses and open our eyes to those in need around us. And fasting frees up time we would have spent eating, watching TV or shopping to use in service of others, and frees up financial resources that can be given to the needy. Perhaps money during this time could be set aside for the Sunday School chair project, or UMCOR for Haiti? Perhaps time could be set aside to take the E100 Bible Reading Challenge with a friend or two?

It may be most helpful then to consider not just what to "give up for Lent," but what to "take on during Lent." How is God calling us to love the Lord with more of our heart, mind, soul and strength? How is God calling us to love and serve others more faithfully? And likewise, what might God be calling us to give up to enable us to do so? May we together respond to God's call to deeper our discipleship this Lenten season.

Together in ministry for Christ,

Pastors Gwyneth & Jamie

Limited Space Still Available on Mission Trip

Mission Trip to Baltimore (DEPOSIT DUE THIS SUNDAY, JAN 31) – Peoples Church is hosting a mission trip July 11-17. If you are interested in going, a $50 deposit is due on January 31. Limited space is still available but is filling up fast from folks within and outside Peoples Church.

The total cost of the trip, including meals in Baltimore, is $325. Looking for ways to help even if you can’t go? Here are some ideas: Sponsoring someone on the trip, financial help or donations of craft supplies, loaning necessary items such as a roof top carrier, use of a van or air mattress. . We have already received a few financial donations! In addition, we will be planning times for prayer and fasting before and during the trip.

Please contact Betsy Morrison at 767-6063 or Pastor Gwyneth at 409-5530 if you have any questions.

All New Church Leadership

On Sunday, January 24, Pastor Jamie led a special commissioning service for people coming into new roles of leadership and service for 2010, and to inspire others to listen for God's call to new ministries. Of particular note are Tom and Barbara Nelson coming in as our new Lay Leader and Assistant Lay Leader, following Earle Harvey who has faithfully served as our Lay Leader for three years. In addition, Keith Snoddy is our new Staff Parish Relations Committee Chair following Dan Doughty's three year term, Betsy Morrison is our new Church Council Chair following Chris Ward's three year term, and Carol Bruneau is our new Church Life (Discipleship/Missions/Nurture) Chair, following Art Tordoff who initiated these three teams meshing a few years ago and has led the group ever since.

There are so many qualified people it should be very rare that any one person would serve more than one three-year term for any key leadership position in a healthy church. It is important to share the gifts around, especially in leadership, and also allow those in a position for a few years to experience and grow in different ministries after their term.

We give many thanks for the leadership provided by Earle Harvey, Dan Doughty, Chris Ward and Art Tordoff in these major positions the last several years, and look forward to many more years of their leadership in many different capacities. We also give thanks for Tom and Barbara Nelson, Keith Snoddy, Betsy Morrison and Carol Bruneau for answering God's call to these key leadership positions. And we also give thanks to the many other leaders and servants who are faithfully continuing in their positions or are likewise inspired to take on new ministries.

For an updated list of leadership and committee or ministry members please go to the 2010 Lay Leadership List, or click on the link to the right which is updated throughout the year.

For Christ to be made known in South Portland and the world,
Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth Arrison

Church Council off and Running

Betsy Morrison led us in an inspiring Council Meeting in January, including a time to discern together a covenant for our time together. The following was our initial brainstorm list:

1) Respect, really listen, don’t personalize
2) Chairman is to be notified of agenda item and in all agenda items, presenter must have all the information.
3) Time limited reports and ongoing information kept to a minimum. Try and present new information.
4) One spokesman per committee.
5) Meeting will begin and end on time….7:30 to 9:00. Betsy feels that this is non negotiable.
6) Big decisions that change the life of the church must come through Council. Individuals do not make decisions.
7) Pastor Jamie advised spending funds, other than line item budget items, should be brought to Council for approval.
8) Reports such as minutes and quarterly treasurer’s report should be submitted in advance of Council meetings and distributed to Council members for review prior to next meeting.

All are welcome to attend Church Council meetings, although only Council members vote. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm.

E100 Challenge Beginning in February!

Many people want to read the Bible regularly. The problem is most get bogged down with traditional through-the-Bible reading plans so they just give up. E100 is a carefully selected list of short Bible passages--50 from the Old Testament and 50 from the New Testament, and each can easily be read in 10 minutes or less. The E100 Challenge is simple, achievable and creates a contagious enthusiasm for reading the Bible.

We recommend EVERYONE take part in this challenge. Beginning in February we are encouraging people to join up with one or two people to take the E100 Challenge. They could be family members, co-workers, friends at church, or neighbors. Although it is great to be able to meet regularly face-to-face, it is always an option to "meet" over the internet or by phone. You can use any Bible translation, you can choose how fast you want to work through the readings, and you can choose how often you will check in with one another.

If you prefer a small group format, Pastor Gwyneth will be leading a weekly study as well, and we will decide on the schedule with those who sign up with interest in that group.

The pastors will provide discussion questions and materials for everyone who signs up, but these also are optional. Forms are available at church, or by contacting the pastors. Also, please let the pastors know if you need a modern translation Bible that you can read easily. Will YOU take the E100 challenge?

Find out more at http://www.e100challenge.com/ You can register your name on the E100 wall at this website as well!

Wonderful Time Dancing!

Seven couples from the church and community have joined together for a six-week ballroom dancing class and relationship building seminar in January, which will continue through mid-February. Most are married and some are engaged to be married.

The evening begins with an hour-long ballroom dance class led by Ann Rita Smith of Maine Ballroom Dancing. For the first four weeks we have learned the Foxtrot, and now have begun to learn the Waltz. Ann has been a fabulous teacher for all levels.

The dance class is followed by an hour long relationship building class led by Steve and Kathy Beirne. We have been using the workbook from "Mastering the Mysteries of Love" covering communication principles such as showing understanding, expressing ourselves to maximize listening, how to discuss an issue, and how to coach one another so as not to fall into bad habits typical of couples when they have a disagreement.

During the third class we were given a "talking stick" to practice the concept of bringing up an issue we need to discuss, starting with something good, and then expressing the issue with the skills we have been learning so as to best facilitate the other listening and receiving the communication positively. We don't pass the talking stick to the other person until what we've said has been properly reflected!

All of the couples seem to be having a great date time and deepening their relationship at the same time. We plan to run another class next year as this one has been so successful.

All you dancers out there, please be sure to join us for our Valentine's Dance on Friday February 12 at 7pm. We plan to play some good Foxtrot and Waltz music to practice what we've learned!

You may view more photos on the Dancing Photo Album.

Celebration of 2009!

On Sunday, January 24 after church service 70 members and friends of Peoples gathered in Ellis Hall for the annual Life of the Church in Review. A terrific meal was prepared by Brad and Betsy Morrison which was embellished by the delectable treats of other parishioners.
After the meal the afternoon festivities began by the "Singing Ushers" rendition of "Precious Lord". This was followed by raising up members of Peoples that have gone to be with their "Precious Lord" in the past year. Elaine Rogers, Ruth McLellan, Betty McGouldrick and Tommy Johnson were among those that were presented in word and picture. Olive Sweetsir and Ruth Kittredge were two other members of the church that passed from our midst this past year.
Celebrations followed with accolades for Pastor Gwyneth who was ordained at the Annual Conference this year. Kathy Brann was also commended for her innovative program in Stewardship this past fall. Art Tordoff was also commended for his work this past Christmas season on the Advent Meditation booklet that was published for the 23rd year in a row.
Earle Harvey served as the Master of Ceremonies with assistance from others such as Sue Angell, Chris Ward, Pastor Gwyneth and Pastor Jamie.

Rosemary Herd and her sister, Marilyn entertained us with a puppet show that featured two nosy puppets who shared some of the local church gossip in a very entertaining manner.

Presentations were made by a number of church leaders including Andy Folly on the growth of the Sunday School program, Pastor Gwyneth on the effectiveness of last summer's Avalanche Ranch VBS, Pastor Jamie on the growth of the youth program, Betty Splettstoesser on the Memorial Day Water Bottle Mission and Pastor Gwyneth on the increasing use of technology in the dispersal of information.

Children who were present were entertained periodically with the adults but also had the opportunity to play games and/or watch Veggie Tales in the parlor.

A really good time was had by all. Congratulations to all the people of Peoples for a meaningful year of worship, fellowship and mission. We all look forward to what the Lord has in store for our spiritual community in the coming year.

Haiti: How You Can Help

A major earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti on January 12, 2010, causing widespread destruction. Millions of people are affected and the death toll is now above 150,000.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has close ties with the Methodist Church in Haiti and is responding to the devastating earthquake with funding, material resources and prayers. UMCOR has been in Haiti responding with medical attention, food packets, shelter and drinking water for survivors since the day of the earthquake. UMCOR has a 4 STAR rating from Charity Navigator and is one of the only organizations working in Haiti to have an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy.

There are a number of ways for individuals and local churches to help in the response, and this page has links to updated news as well as resources to assist local churches in spreading the word about how to best support the relief efforts.

Call for Prayer:

Bishop Peter D. Weaver of the New England Annual Conference is calling all New England United Methodists to prayer for the people of Haiti in the wake of this devastating earthquake. Please pray for all of the people affected by the earthquake. Thank you for your faithful support for all of God’s children.

Other Ways to Help:

UMCOR Donations: If you can donate toward relief efforts, please make payment to Peoples UMC with a note in the memo line or envelope: UMCOR Advance # 418325 for Haiti. Or you can give securely online at www.umcor.org 100% of donations go to relief efforts in Haiti, not administration.

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission will be looking for many volunteers to go to Haiti within the next few months. There is required training before joining a team; if interested please speak with the pastors.

UMCOR Health Kits for Haiti are being collected. Health kits provide basic necessities to people who have been forced to leave their homes because of human conflict or natural disaster. You may bring any individual items, or place the group of items for one full kit inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag. Please place in the boxes provided in the back of the church or in Ellis Hall next to the office.

• 1 hand towel (15" x 25" up to 17" x 27", No kitchen towels)

• 1 washcloth

• 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)

• 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)

• 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)

• 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes)

• 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages

• $2.00 ($1 to purchase toothpaste and $1 for processing/ shipping costs for each kit).

(NOTE: UMCOR is now purchasing toothpaste in bulk to be added to health kits before shipping to ensure that the product does not expire before they are sent.)

Important Kit Assembly Information:

• All items included in kits must be NEW items.

• All emergency kits are carefully planned to make them usable in the greatest number of situations. Since strict rules often govern product entry into international countries, it is important that kits contain only the requested items-nothing more.

• Do NOT include any personal notes, money or additional materials in the kits. These things must be painstakingly removed and will delay the shipment.

The church is located at 310 Broadway South Portland, ME 04106. Kits can be dropped off Sunday during worship, or weekdays 8am-1pm through the Mussey Street entrance. For questions you may call 799-1413.

Peoples UMC is the drop-off site for the Greater Portland area, and all kits will be collected by UMCOR the first week of March. Carol Bruneau is looking for a team to help assemble the first round of kits after church on February 7. Kits will be collected through the end of February.

Thank you for your prayers and support for our sisters and brothers in Haiti. May Christ's love be revealed to Haiti through the outpouring of prayers, donations and support in the aftermath of this tragedy.

Jesus in the Temple Sunday School Unit

The children are learning about Jesus in the Temple this unit of Sunday School, including building a model Temple designed by Angela, and center led by Angela and Betty. Dick and Aaron are leading the food center, Andy and Danielle are leading the games center, and Marlene and Janice are leading the Jewish prayer shawl center. The kids are learning about some of the traditions Jesus would have experienced as a Jewish boy, including celebrating the Passover at the Temple in Jerusalem.

Doesn't this look fun? The Sunday School is always looking for volunteers. Please see Andy if you feel called to help out!

Jr. High Youth Group

The Jr. High youth group will be gathering on both the 14th and 28th of February. On the 14th, we will be working on health kits for Haiti meeting at Peoples at 1:15pm. There may even be a ski/sledding overnight trip coming up for March, so please come along and bring a friend!

Peoples Mom's Group February 4 and 11

The Peoples mom's group is for moms at home with babies and toddlers. It's a fun time for kids to play, and moms to connect and support one another. We also generally spend some time praying for our children at the end. If you're interested in joining us in February, we will be meeting on the 1st and 2nd Thursday 11a-12pm (February 4 and 11) at the pastors' home, but contact Pastor Gwyneth to verify the schedule. Hope to see you there!

For a photo album of the mom's group click here or go to Peoples on facebook.

Valentine’s Dance Feb 12 !

On Friday, February 12 at 7pm, Peoples is hosting a fun valentine’s dance for the whole family. We’ll have a variety of music for all ages, and refreshments. All are welcome, and bring a friend! We could use a good sound system, if anyone had one available to borrow. FMI contact Rosemary Herd at 799-2392.

Valentine's Cookie Bake

Sunday, February 14 the Sunday School will be decorating cookies and asking families to deliver them. Join us for worship at 10:30am and then kids and helpers will leave from worship to begin decorating and bagging cookies! Most cookies will be prebaked, but a small amount will be baked during Sunday School as well. Students will be asked to deliver (if they wish) one or more bags. We hope to be done shortly after our normal time, by about noon.

We have all of the supplies we need, just need some helping hands! We are looking for 4-6 adult volunteers to assist with frosting, baking, helping with the young ones, bagging and labeling. If you can help out in any way, please contact Rosemary at 799-2392 or Andy Folley at 749-5702. Thank you!

Serving at the Root Cellar February 25

Peoples is scheduled to host the Root Cellar’s weekly community dinner Thursday, February 25 at 5pm, which provides food for many needy families. If you can help serve or provide food, please contact Carol at 799-5995. We especially need about 8-10 people to help serve. Thank you!

Family Pizza Night February 25

Family Pizza Night is scheduled for Thursday, February 25 at 5pm. This is an event for parents, Sunday School teachers and other Sunday School volunteers for a time of fellowship. However, this is also a wonderful opportunity for ANYONE to have some time of fellowship and Bible discussion. All are welcome! 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!

Pastors on Vacation

The pastors will be away during school vacation, February 15-21. If you need assistance during this time, please contact Tom and Barbara as Lay Leaders (799-6321). If there is a pastoral emergency, they can put you into contact with a local clergy who will be on call for us during this time, and can also reach Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth if necessary. As usual, please contact Susan Angell (799-8340) with any prayer concerns to put on the prayer chain.

Interested in church membership?

Inquirer's Classes for membership at People Church will begin the end of February. Please contact the pastors if you are interested in finding out more about membership at Peoples. New members will join on Palm Sunday, March 28 during worship!

Worship Around the Cluster During Lent

We will be worshipping together with other United Methodist Churches in our area ("cluster") during the Lent. We hope you can join us for some or all of these meaningful times of worship on Wednesdays at 7pm. Peoples will be hosting the weekly Lenten worship on March 10, which will include leading worship with our choir. We will also be putting together refreshments for after worship, and if you can help with these please contact Chris Ward. Thank you!

2/17 (Ash Wednesday) Cape Elizabeth UMC
The church is located at 280 Ocean House Road in Cape Elizabeth. FMI call 799-8396.

2/24 West Scarborough UMC
The church is located at 2 Church Street-Route 1 in West Scarborough. FMI call 883-2814.

3/3 Thornton Heights UMC
The church is located at 100 Westbrook Street in South Portland. FMI call 774-0487.

3/10 Peoples UMC

The church is located at 310 Broadway in South Portland. FMI call 799-1413.

3/17 First UMC
The church is located at 179 Ridgeland Avenue in South Portland. FMI call 767-2688.

3/24 Buxton UMC
The church is located at 276 Chicopee Rd in Buxton. FMI call 642-3996.

4/10 (Good Friday) Elm Street UMC
The church is located at 168 Elm Street in South Portland. FMI call 799-0407.

Keeping in Touch By Email

The contents of this newsletter are available by email or paper copy each month. It saves the church significant printing and postage costs if you prefer to read the newsletter on your computer, or have the ability to print at home. Please contact the pastors if you would like to receive the “Peoples News” monthly church newsletter by email.

Many active members are on the Peoples email prayer and information chain. Prayer requests and updates, as well as information and reminders about church events are emailed to this list throughout the week. Please also contact the pastors if you would like to be added to the email prayer & info chain.

Remember, you can request to be removed from either of these lists at any time.
Pastors Gwyneth and Jamie Arrison
thearrisons@peoplesumc.com
619-1509

Come Celebrate 2009!

Join us for Life in Review 2009 – This is a chance to hear creative presentations from teams and committees from the church to celebrate what God had done throughout the year. This year’s Life in Review is scheduled after church on January 24. Please come and celebrate the ministries of Peoples Church together, with lunch and lots of fun.

Exciting Training Event Jan 23

ReThink, ReNew, ReChurch! January 23 12:00– 4:30pm right here at Peoples. This is a great time to think about new ways to do ministry in the 21st century. The day will begin with a round table discussion on new church plants and new ways to be the church. These include classes in postmodern thought, 21st century culture and reaching out to the unchurched. There will be a class to encourage participation on mission trips. There will also be classes for members of Worship, Trustees, SPRC and Finance committees. To register, contact Pastor Jamie by email or 799-6814.

Dancing with the Stars

The 6-Week ballroom dancing and relationship building class has begun! Classes are being held Mondays at 7pm with an hour-long ballroom dance class led by Ann Rita Smith of Maine Ballroom Dancing followed by an hour class, Mastering the Mysteries of Love, led by Steve and Kathy Beirne. Class will be closed after the second class, January 11. Cost per couple is $70, which includes the text. Registration forms are available by contacting the church office at 799-1413. Hope to see you on the dance floor!

Jr. High Sledding Party This Sunday!

Youth Sledding Party this Sunday, January 10 - meet at 1:30 pm at Fort Williams, Cape Elizabeth. All middle schoolers, grades 6-8, are invited to join us this Sunday afternoon at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth for an afternoon of winter fun! We'll meet up by the swing set on the left when you first drive in at Fort Williams. Please dress warmly... It's supposed to be really cold this weekend! Also, bring a sled if you have one -- otherwise we can share.

Following our sledding adventure, we will head back to Peoples Church for hot chocolate. The event ends at 3:00 pm.

The group meets every 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoon. Come and join the fun! Please contact Pastor Jamie if you'd like to know more, or to find out about carpooling.

Kids, Come Build a Model Temple!

New Sunday School Unit Begins Sunday, January 10. Come learn about Jesus in the Temple! And experience building a model temple. All kids ages 3-11 welcome, and bring a friend! For more info. call Andy Folley at 749-5702.

Prayer and Meditation in Candlelight

Are you feeling stressed out after the holidays? Need a place just to "be?" Join us this Sunday 7-8pm for a candlelight meditation service. There's a short Scripture followed by about 45 minutes of calming music in a beautiful, candlelit sanctuary. All are welcome!

Thursday Mom's Group

The Peoples mom's group is for moms at home with babies and toddlers. It's a fun time for kids to play, and moms to connect and support one another. We also generally spend some time praying for our children at the end. If you're interested in joining us, we meet 1st and 3rd Thursdays 10-11am at the pastors' home, but contact Pastor Gwyneth to verify the schedule. Hope to see you there!

For a photo album of the mom's group click here or go to Peoples on facebook.

Mission Trip Informational Meeting

The Mission Team at Peoples Church (did you know we had one?!) hopes that you will consider joining us this Sunday, January 10, after worship in Ellis Hall for a brief, one hour informational meeting that will explain the many different and wonderful ways to be involved in the Mission Trip to Baltimore, Maryland that we have planned for this July 2010. The Mission Team has been meeting for about 8 months to discuss, discern and pray regarding what mission trip we should embark upon as a church and with others who might be interested. We really beleive that God is calling us to this trip to Baltimore to assist with activities for inner city children and youth.

In our history as a church, there is no record of us ever going on a mission trip ouside our own state so this is will be a very exciting venture for all involved. There are many ways to be involved: from actually going on the mission trip, to providing craft materials for us to take and use with the children, to praying diligently before, during and after the trip.

Personally, I feel as though it's the right time for Peoples to venture a bit further than our comfort zone and share our love of God in this way. I hope you'll agree and join us on Sunday to hear more.

In Christian Love and Service,

Betsy Morrison

Ephesians at SMCC

Pastor Jamie will be leading a Bible study at the Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) on the book of Ephesians. Any folks from church are welcome to join up too! Please contact Jamie for more information.

Take the E100 Challenge!

Many people want to read the Bible regularly. The problem is most get bogged down with traditional through-the-Bible reading plans so they just give up. E100 is a carefully selected list of short Bible passages--50 from the Old Testament and 50 from the New Testament, and can easily be read in 10 minutes or less. The E100 Challenge is simple, achievable and creates a contagious enthusiasm for reading the Bible. We recommend EVERYONE take part in this challenge, either as individuals, with a prayer partner or two, or in a small group. Beginning in February... more information will be coming soon! Find out more at www.e100challenge.com

New Phone Contacts for Pastors

There is a new and easier way to reach your pastors by phone. (207)-619-1509 is the new number to reach the pastors. This number has it's own voice mail set up to foward calls and voice mails to one or both pastors depending on who is on call. This is the best way to get a quicker response, though there are obviously some times we cannot answer.

Each of us will then have our own phone. You will be able to call the pastors individually, though according to our current policy, we will screen calls during our family times and get back when our schedule allows unless it is an emergency. Jamie's number is 799-6814 and Gwyneth's number is 409-5530.

Roughly, our current schedule is as follows: Pastor Gwyneth on call Monday mornings, Tuesday afternoons, and Wednesdays. Pastor Jamie on call Monday afternoons, Tuesday mornings and Thursdays. Fridays are covered by the preaching pastor that week. During the school year, Saturday is our day off. You know where to find us on Sunday!


As another note, the church office phone, 799-1413, continues to be out-of-service, and this is currently forwarded to one of our cell phones. Trustees will continue to work on this in the coming weeks and will hopefully be resolved soon.
Our emails will remain unchanged. Pastor Gwyneth AND Pastor Jamie: thearrisons at peoplesumc.com Pastor Gwyneth: gwyneth at peoplesumc.com Pastor Jamie: jamie at peoplesumc.com


If you have any questions about these new contacts please let us know. Thank you for your patience with these changes, and we do hope that this will eventually create paths for smoother communication.