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.