Parade Mission Outreach!

Peoples Church gave out water bottles as a mission to the community during the Memorial Day Parade which goes right past the church! What a wonderful way to say "Jesus loves you." Many thanks to all who planned, donated and helped out!

You may view the entire Memorial Day Parade Photo Album here.

Baptism Celebration!

On Sunday, April 16, 2010 we baptized five children: Luke, Alexandra, Eliza, Ian and Charlotte. We had 154 attending and was certainly a wonderful celebration! Pastor Gwyneth met with the families of each of these children to discuss the meaning of baptism (for a detailed article on baptism in the Methodist tradition, read By Water and the Spirit or for a shorter description read Your Baptism Liturgy) and the seriousness and joy with which the baptismal vows are spoken - both by parents and sponsors, and by the congregation. Both Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth, as well as Rev. John Folley led the baptism service. Here's all the info if you were unable to attend worship:

Luke
Parents: Andy and Teresa
Siblings: Anna and Drew
Godparents: Tim and MaryAnn

Alexandra
Parents: Jeff and Jill

Eliza

Parents: Jason and Mary

Sibling: Ian

Ian

Parents: Jason and Mary

Sibling: Eliza

Charlotte

Parents: Martin and Catherine

Sibling: Margaret

We welcome each of these children as Preparatory members at Peoples United Methodist Church, and now have the joy and awesome responsibility to prepare these children to make their own personal commitment to becoming disciples of Jesus Christ!

You may view the Baptism Photo Album here.

Peoples First Plant Sale

Peoples Church hosted our first ever Plant Sale with all proceeds going to world missions through our Conference Mission Shares. The event was a huge success, with great fellowship, community outreach as well as fundraising. Thank you to all who planned, donated plants and helped out at the sale!

Fun Newcomer Gathering

The pastors invited visitors, newcomers and those who have recently joined Peoples to a gathering at their home to get to know one another. It was great to have so many children running around! Many thanks to all who attended! You may click here to view the entire Newcomer Gathering Photo Album.

Elegant Bridal Show!

Peoples Church held an elegant high tea and bridal show, a fun event for all who attended and participated! You can view the entire Bridal Show Photo Album here.

Coffee Fellowship

Thank you Brad and Betsy for hosting another wonderful year of coffee and snacks, and most of all a place for us to connect with one another. Weekly coffee fellowship will resume in September and will take place AFTER worship due to the change in worship time!

During the summer we hope to host a few times of fellowship with lemonade and snacks outside after worship. If you would like to host one of these, please contact the pastors. Stay tuned for dates.

Spring Cleaning Day - WOW WOW WOW WOW!

Submitted by Susan Angell Pictures by Art Tordoff

What a day this was. Raining and chilly! Nonetheless, our people gathered at Peoples UMC for Spring Cleaning. According to Rosemary, 26 people, and there were almost as many men as women! For those who rose early, at 7:30 there was a blue berry pancake, bacon and sausage breakfast cooked by our chef, Brad and his cohorts. Delicious. We then broke into groups to do many tasks. The biggest two were to clean windows and wash down thoroughly the many, many, white tables we use for bean dinners, Sunday School and just about everything. The totally icky janitor’s closet, the kitchen, ceiling tiles, problem door, leaking bathroom toilet and the children’s nursery were some of the others that various people felt called to care for. When we were done, every window possible sparkled. They were so clean when done it was amazing and the church was filled with light. The tables were cleaned and sanitized from top to bottom with detailed scrubbing and any that were wobbly, repaired. Every chair now has a foot cap. The nursery, walls, windows and toys were squeaky cleaned. The kitchen gleamed. The janitor’s closet is no longer a scary place to enter. The stockade fence units at the parsonage were taken down. Ceiling panels were replaced, etc. The 26 of us went home tired and achy but satisfied that our labor was well worth the effort for the church we love. Best of all, it was elbow to elbow fellowship and we had FUN. In addition, the lawn had been mowed by Chuck on Saturday and the garden really looks lovely in bloom this spring from the efforts of the garden group's diligent care.

Parsonage Inspection

Barbara Nelson and Chuck Kamilewicz, representatives from Staff Parish Relations and Trustees committees, did a thorough walk-through the of the church-owned pastors' home next door to the church. Thank you Barbara and Chuck, and to all of the Trustees and others who will called in to assist with deck plank replacement, indoor trim painting and other light repair work.

Spaghetti Lunch Mission Trip Benefit

The Peoples Church Mission Trip Team is hosting a spaghetti lunch after worship on June 13 at approximately 11:45am. Food items will include spaghetti with plain and meat sauce made by Fred Wade, garlic bread, assorted veggies, beverages and desserts.

Suggested donation is $5/person and additional donations will be graciously accepted! 100% of profits from the lunch after reimbursement of expenses will go toward mission trip expenses for the team. We hope you can attend! If you are unable to attend, another opportunity for you to be involved in this meaningful mission is to donate food items for the meal -a list is posted in the back of the church sanctuary . Please contact Betty Lane, or any member of the mission team for more info.

May Day Gifts!

Do you remember making May baskets or dancing around a Maypole to celebrate spring on May 1? The Prayer Shawl and Craft Ministry made May baskets and delivered them around to folks in the church on May 1, knocking on the door and stealthily running away before anyone could see them! What a fun congregation we have at Peoples!

Bathing our Mission Trip in Prayer

You may not be GOING on the mission trip, but those who stay behind are just as important! You are the folks who have made it possible for us to go, so far through your financial support, and you can continue to be a vital part of our team through PRAYER.

Peoples UMC is sending out its first mission team outside of the state of Maine July 11-17. We are going to Wilmington, Delaware through Urban Promise, and our work will include ministering with children through an urban Christian camp, and doing light work projects around the city.

Here are some of the ways you can be in prayer, and participate in the work God is doing:

1. Pray each week over our mission team concerns as we prepare to embark on our first mission trip at Peoples UMC. We will be lifting up a prayer concern each week about specific needs of the team. If you would like to be added to the email prayer chain please contact Sue Angell and you can receive these by email along with the others lifted up Sunday morning during worship.

2. Sign up for an hour "slice" on our mission week prayer wheel. Times available include 7/11-7/17 8am-4pm each day. The itinerary of the group will be noted on each slice, so for instance if you select 7/11 at 10am we will be "on the road" and if you select 7/12 at 10am we will be working with children at the kids camp. Pray where you happen to be, and lift up the group several times during the hour if you are not able to spend the entire hour in prayer. See Betty Lane to sign up for a slot!

3. Volunteer to be a Prayer Buddy for one member of our mission team. We will have photos available of each member, and you will covenant to be in prayer for this person during the entire week of the mission trip. Those going include: Earle Harvey, Ellen Dunn, Isaac Dunn, Nathan Dunn, Fred Wade and Pastor Gwyneth.

4. Attend the Commissioning Service during which we will pray over and anoint each mission team member to be "sent forth" into the mission field. Most likely this will take place early on the morning the team leaves. Stay tuned for more details.

More Ways to Donate To the Peoples Mission Trip

The team thanks all those who have made donations to the mission team going to Wilmington this July, and would like to extend the opportunity to others who would like the opportunity to be part of this exciting mission. Here are a few ways:

1. Donate an item to Urban Promise (leave items in the Mural Room off Ellis Hall) –needs include:
* Small, inexpensive toys that can be used as prizes for ASP/Camp, the Urban Promise School, or our summer carnival
* Sports equipment (balls, mitts, jump ropes, hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, etc)
* Tools that you would use during the week and/or could donate to UP

2. Sponsor or provide financial assistance to one of the team members. The mission fee is $150 per person.

3. Make a general donation to the team to help cover costs not included in the mission fee such as meals and transportation, estimated at about $150 per person as well.

The Mission Trip Team thanks you in advance for your generosity and especially for your prayers!

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Have you ever considered leaving a lasting legacy? Would you like an opportunity to give to your church family that doesn't affect your current income? Have you made out a will to ensure that your resources will go to the individuals and institutions you desire?

The United Methodist Foundation of New England is pleased to be able assist you with your planned gifts. These gifts usually come from sources other than regular monthly income and can be made in the form of bequests, trusts, gift annuities, life insurance or outright gifts. You may visit the following link to help you understand how the New England Methodist Foundation can guide you through making a planned gift.

If you have any questions please contact the pastors or any member of the Finance Committee. Thank you!

Choir Fest

All choir members are invited to attend the United Methodist Choir Festival held on Peaks Island on Sunday, June 6 at 3:30pm. Please contact Debbie Cole for the ferry schedule!

Small Steps to Stewardship

Small Steps to Stewardship pledge cards will be collected on Sunday, June 6 during worship. This is a wonderful opportunity to take a step of faith and make a real difference. Will you consider making a new commitment to your church family for the remainder of 2010? Here is a summary of the pledge card options. Please contact Kathy Brann if you would like a card mailed to you, or you may print off the Small Steps Pledge Card here, which also includes a helpful chart to calculate a percentage of your giving.

Small Steps to Stewardship, Spring 2010
Peoples United Methodist Church
“For we walk by faith, not by sight” – 2 Corinthians 5:7

I will joyfully take the next step in my faith commitment! Please circle all that apply

 Take a key step to pray daily / weekly for the financial and spiritual life of our church
 Take a first step to begin pledging to the church in the amount of $_________per week
 Take the next step to calculate the percentage of income I am giving (chart on reverse)
 Take a big step to pledge to give an additional $5/week $10/week $20/week Other $______________ for the remainder of the year, working toward tithing at 10% and beyond
 Take a technological step to help the church and “go green” by giving through Direct Deposit
 Go a second mile and contribute to the July Mission Trip $__________ or Conference Mission Shares $__________ or Vacation Bible Camp $__________
 March to a different drummer and make a financial commitment not listed here!
___________________________________________________________

Name(s)____________________________________________ Date_____________________
Address _______________________________________________

This is an amazing opportunity to take a step closer to God and make a real difference.

Commitment Sunday will take place June 6. Please place this card in the offering, or mail to:

Kathy Brann, Financial Secretary, Peoples UMC 310 Broadway South Portland, ME 04106.

Men's Breakfast June 12

All men are welcome to attend the Men's Breakfast on June 12 at 7:30am. This is a fun time for fellowship. Please contact Art Tordoff for location.

Choir Schedule and Summer Special Music

The choir will be singing for Music Sunday on June 13 and will be taking a break over the summer until September. However, the Bell Choir will continue to rehearse throughout the summer and we look forward to hearing the bells ringing!

In addition to the bells, we are looking for people to provide summer music. It can be solos, duets, groups, and musical instruments. Please contact Debbie Cole or sign up on the sheet in the back of the sanctuary.

Thank you!

Moms Group Schedule

The Peoples Moms Group will meet Thursday, June 10 at 10am. This will be the last regularly scheduled moms group, but will schedule special events throughout the summer. Please contact Pastor Gwyneth FMI.

Graduates Will be Recognized

If you have a family member graduating from high school or college, we will be celebrating graduates next Sunday, June 13 during worship and will list graduate’s names and information in the bulletin. Please contact Chris Ward FMI at 767-2516.

New Adult Summer Sunday School Class

Next Sunday is the first Summer Sunday School Series on the Puritanism. Martin Whittemore who is pursuing his Ph.D. in History will be facilitating a series, “the Puritan Experience in the U.S.A” which will consist of short readings, a brief presentation and extended round-table discussion. Session 1 of the series will be hosted on Sundays June 13, 20 and 27 before worship at 8:45am. FMI contact Martin at 899-0065.

New Worship Time, 10am, Beginning June 20

Beginning June 20 (Father's Day), morning worship at Peoples will be held at 10am YEAR-ROUND. For many years worship has been held at different times for summer and school-year. The recent congregation survey compiled by the Worship Committee revealed that the majority would prefer to worship at 10am year round. Church Council voted unanimously at their May meeting to make this change beginning June 20.

There are many advantages to this change. A consistent worship time will be easier to publicize and communicate. In addition, during the school-year, coffee fellowship will be able to be hosted after worship rather than before, allowing choir members to attend and providing an opportunity for all of us to connect with our guests who have attended worship. And parents will be able to pick up their children from Sunday School and continue fellowship together with the congregation. This also allows the flexibility to add adult Sunday School classes not only before but also after worship.

If 10am is too late for your summer preference, feel free to worship with us on the beach at 8am. Every Sunday through August, beginning June 27 with Blessing of the Pets, we will hold an informal time of worship at Willard Beach, near the snack shack and playground area.

Any change will take some getting used to, and there are bound to be some things no one has foreseen. But together, and with the grace of Christ, we can work out any issues as they arise. If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to contact Debbie Cole or any member of the Worship Committee.

Fall Sunday School Planning Meeting

All parents, teachers and other Sunday School volunteers are invited and encouraged to attend the Fall Sunday School planning session after worship on June 27, at approximately 11:15am. We hope to plan out the curriculum and calendar for the year! Please contact Andy Folley FMI.

Sunday Summer Program for Kids!

We have a fun children’s summer program in the works Sundays during worship beginning June 20 when we will make special Father’s Day crafts! Children 7 and over will remain in worship next week for Music Sunday and those younger may go to nursery.

We are looking for volunteers to help out over the summer with this program. Please contact the pastors if you would be interested in signing up for a week or two!

Annual Conference 2010

Pastor Jamie will be commissioned at Annual Conference during the Commissioning and Ordination service at Gordon College on June 19 and all are welcome to attend. In addition, Sam will be recognized as a 2010 Confirmand during this service! Please contact the pastors for more info.

Annual Conference will be held June 16-19. You may "attend" conference through the internet with live streaming at www.neumc.org/acstream

You may also access the schedule, 2011 budget and other information about Conference at http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/19

Preble Street Soup Kitchen - Help Serve on 6/30!

Peoples Church will be helping to serve at the Wayside Soup Kitchen on Wednesday, June 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 at 799-6321.

Don't forget to wear your Peoples Church apron!

Blessing of the Pets JUNE 27 @ 7:30am

Peoples UMC is hosting a special Blessing of the Pets at Willard Beach on June 27 at 7:30am in partnership with the South Portland Dog Owners Group. The event will be held near the snack shack on the beach, and there is ample parking in the public lot on Willow Street. Bring your dogs and pass the word to all your friends! Please contact Pastor Jamie for more info.

Peoples will continue to worship every Sunday on Willard beach July 4 - August 29 at 8am.

Click here for directions to Willard Beach

Strawberry Fest and Yard Sale July 31

Please mark your calendars for this summer's Strawberry Fest and Yard Sale on July 31 9am-2pm. Please set aside items for the sale to make this year's sale a wonderful success!