Down on the Farm

On Saturday, December 17 Pastor Tom and Kelly opened their home in Mount Vernon to all cookie lovers. When two folks from Peoples arrived around 10:30 AM the house was abuzz with activity. People of all ages could be seen preparing, cooking and munching a variety of delectable morsels. There were cookies of several descriptions as well as candy with needhams and toffee among the choices. Especially good in the cookie department were the cream cheese cookies although the crinkled chocolate with sprinkled powdered sugar were hard to stay away from. While munching and crunching we were introduced to a number of folks of all ages that were related, friends, parishioners of previous churches or people that had something to do with education at Maranacook High School.

Getting to Mt. Vernon was a challenge as snow squalls made the highway from Falmouth to nearly Richmond very slippery and precarious. Several cars and other vehicles were off the road and 45 was the speed limit. By the time we passed by Richmond the sky cleared and upon arrival at the homestead the folks there could not believe what we had experienced.

As is the case at Peoples children took to Tom as they do here. We found Kelly busy in the kitchen as well as new son-in-law Matt Davis. Patsy and Irene were both busy helping in the kitchen as well as making folks throughout the house feel welcome. Tom had spent a number of hours decorating the house.

Thanks for the invitation Tom and Kelly, we really enjoyed ourselves. Here are a few pictures that I took while there.

An Advent Thought

Advent is a time of anticipation, waiting expectantly for something good to happen. And we know it is something good because it is to come from God. We read in the Old Testament the prophets’ words that a Savior would come and the Israelites waited for that promise of light to be fulfilled during some very dark times.

We know that promise was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus and we celebrate that fulfillment at Christmas. The season of Advent is an invitation to experience the sense of anticipation that precedes the coming of Christ.

Taking secular music and offering it with a spiritual understanding is nothing new. A recent example is in the movie Sister Act, where many Motown tunes are sung to the glory of God.

With that in mind, during this season of Advent, my mind turns to the musical West Side Story and the Sondheim/Bernstein song “Something’s Coming.”

Could be. Who knows?
There's something due any day
I will know right away
Soon as it shows
It may come cannonballin' down through the sky
Gleam in its eye
Bright as a rose! Who knows?
It's only just out of reach
Down the block, on a beach
Under a tree
I got a feeling there's a miracle due
Gonna come true
Coming to me
Could it be?
Yes it could
Something's coming
Something good
If I can wait
Something's coming I don't know what it is
But it is
Gonna be great!
With a click
With a shock
Phone'll jingle
Door'll knock
Open the latch!
Something's coming, don't know when
But it's soon
Catch the moon
One handed catch
Around the corner
Or whistling down the river
Come on - deliver
To me
Will it be? Yes it will
Maybe just by holding still
It'll be there!
Come on, something, come on in
Don't be shy
Meet a guy
Pull up a chair
The air is hummin'
And something great is coming
Who knows
It's only just
Out of reach
Down the block, on a beach
Maybe tonight
Maybe tonight...

--From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/w/west-side-story-lyrics/somethings-coming-lyrics.html

My prayer for this Advent season is that we take time to make our hearts ready to receive Christ. Christ is coming and that is good!

Shalom,

Tom

What A Difference A Day Makes

As I sat at my daughter’s wedding a few days ago, I began to reflect on the milestones of our lives—those moments that clearly designate a significant change in our lives. When we pass a milestone, life can never be the same. We all have moments like that.

Sometimes those moments are the result of circumstances beyond our control—such as an unexpected death of a loved one. Other times, we are not aware of their significance until sometime later-- when I took a job at a summer stock company in Waterville over 25 years ago I thought it was just another job. I didn’t know I would meet Kelly Nelson and find the love of my life.

But we actually have control over most of our lives milestones—they are the result of our choices, decisions and actions. God gifted us with a free will that allows us to determine and create milestones at any time. I believe God wants us to do just that because in creating milestones, we are choosing to move out of our comfort zone; choosing to risk; choosing to trust in God’s promise to provide for our needs. Milestones can bring us closer to God.

I urge each of us to take some time in the coming days and reflect; prayerfully discern where we are and where God may be calling us to be. Let us intentionally create a moment that clearly designates where we are from where we are going. Let’s have a milestone of faith that brings us to new understandings of service and love. Let’s have a point in time that we can point to and say, “That’s the moment I chose to move closer to God.”

Shalom,

Tom

Some Thoughts

I remember back in the seventies when the twin towers were being built. It was not universally desired that they be constructed—petitions to stop the project were circulated, traditionalists were concerned about the status of the Empire State Building, nearby residents were concerned about the shadow cast by the towers. But they were built and soon became an everyday part of life in a city that is noted for always changing.

I remember going to the towers because there was a TKTS booth inside (where you could purchase half-price theater tickets.) It was the only indoor TKTS booth in New York and was great when it was raining.

I remember taking Patsy and Irene to New York in the summer of 2000. We didn’t visit the Twin Towers, but went to the top of the Empire State Building and viewed them from that vantage point.

I was serving as Election Warden in the town of Mount Vernon when the planes struck. Being at the polls the information came in bits and pieces until a television was brought in and we saw for ourselves. I remember trying to call New York, trying to locate those I knew who were supposed to be there that day. I remember in the many days following hearing names of those I didn’t know were there—names I hadn’t thought of in years became etched in my mind.

Here we are. A decade has passed. Much has changed, but much has not.

We were talking about this upcoming anniversary at our Cluster meeting the other day and the cries of don’t forget.

“Don’t forget.” The words have a connotation of desire for revenge; of I’m going to make you pay. So I choose to Remember. Re-member. Finding a way of coming together, a way of building up from the rubble. There we will find God.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.”—Psalm 42:11 (NIV)

September 11

We will be gathering for a time of prayer and reflection 8:30 am on Sunday, September 11. Our regular worship will begin at 10 am. This is also the first day of Sunday School.

Blessing of the Backpacks on Sunday, Aug 28

A reminder to all that we will gather for worship Sunday at 10 am, regardless of the weather. If you feel it is not safe for you to travel, please take time to be with God, and be with us in spirit.

--Pastor Tom

Dare to move out of your comfort zone

Coming to Peoples has changed a lot for me and Tom, pushing us to connect with new and different ways of doing things. I have spent most of my life in rural areas, so living in the "big city" is a huge change for me. I'm used to small town, small school, lots of space. This summer has been an awakening for us--some of it really positive, other parts of it not so comfortable. God has been in all of it.

The following is from a blog called Awake in the World by Debra Moffitt, published on beliefnet.com. It connects quite well with Tom's previous blog entry. What do you think?

Blessings to all, Kelly:))

Comfort can be a trap. It’s not because we’re comfortable with things that they’re necessarily good for us. One may get used to a shoe that rubs the foot or a bad smell, but that doesn’t make it good or right. When we’re truly dedicated to pursuing a spiritual life the universe conspires to accelerate our growth. Often this means being prepared for big changes that move us out of our comfort zone. Seeking comfort and security can be a trap. We opt for the decisions that appear safe rather than the ones that are right for us. Staying with a mate for financial reasons, holding onto to costly possessions, sticking to habits that may be detrimental, but are familiar, are a few of of the comfort traps.

A dream summed up comfort for me. In the dream I walk into my apartment with a light-filled guide – a higher, wiser part of myself. We’re standing at the top of some stairs looking into it. The room is a mess. It’s drab, dark and dingy. Chairs are overturned and papers are strewn about. Later I return with the guide who shows me the same place only this time it is perfectly clean and tidy. A round table stands in the center with a crystal vase full of roses. Light streams in from above. The chairs are set up as if waiting for a symphony to come in. It’s a beautiful makeover. I turn to the guide and say, “I liked it better the other way.” When I awoke, I had an ah-ha moment. I didn’t really like it the other way, I just felt comfortable with the mess. The mess had become a habit. The dream represented my inner life and the new, clean space represented the transformations coming through meditation and inner work.

Dare to explore the areas of your life that have become comfort zones and examine what’s really good for you. Look at where it will be helpful to move into new, unexplored territory. Sometimes we stay in relationships and jobs out of comfort though they may be stifling us. Even birds that learn to fly have to make a leap of faith the first time.

Let's go fly a kite

“The most damaging phrase in the language is: 'It's always been done that way'."

--Grace Murray Hopper

It has been a summer of firsts. My initial weeks here at Peoples have been a series of benchmarks—opportunities to accomplish things I‘ve never attempted before. I was hesitant at first to participate, but I took a chance.

This was the first time I ever flew a kite. Now, I have been told to go fly a kite on numerous occasions, but this was the first time I actually had one attached to a string and tried to get it airborne. Notice I said “tried.” Despite numerous efforts to tug, pull and run, the kite never stayed afloat for more than a few seconds. The movie Mary Poppins made it look much easier. While my kite may have failed in its flight, I met some people (all willing to offer kite advice), got some exercise and gave several people some slapstick entertainment. I may have planned to fly a kite, but God had other plans and it was all good.

This summer was also the first time I ever steered a boat and though I still confuse starboard and port, we avoided any accidents on the water. (Wes, Betty, Tom, Barbara and Kelly demonstrated true courage when I took the wheel—they didn’t even cringe; at least, I didn’t notice if they did.)

Essentially, I learned I am not the best kite flyer in Maine, nor will I win any awards for my boating prowess. But I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone on both occasions. I learned a few things, gave some observers something to talk about at the dinner table and actually enjoyed the experience.

The prophet Isaiah tells us that God is always making things new. Each day is a new start, a new beginning. God’s creation continues to move forward. Are we willing to get out of our own way and move forward with God, or will we be the biggest impediment on the journey? Can we open ourselves to truly believe that with God all things are possible? I am looking forward to what the fall brings.

Shalom,

Tom

Blessings for the new school year!

In scripture every important journey begins with a blessing.

One of the most important journeys many of us take is the one that takes us through school. It can be a time of challenges, of fear, of uncertainty. So, it is a good time to reflect and remember we do not journey alone.

On August 28, Peoples UMC will join with many other churches throughout the country and celebrate the start of this school year with a Blessing of the Backpacks. This will be an opportunity for all God’s children to bring their backpacks and school supplies to worship and join in a special blessing.

We will also include a blessing for backpacks and school supplies which have been collected to be donated to schools for those in need. If you would like to help with this effort, please bring them to Peoples on or before Sunday, August 28.

We invite all children, youth and families to bring your backpacks and school supplies to Peoples UMC at 10 am on August 28 and join in a new start for the upcoming school year!

Come shop...and bless Peoples UMC!!!

Kimberley's Travels is having a batik clothing warehouse sale on Thursday, August 4th from 3:00 to 7:00pm. Baby sized clothing all the way to women's XXL will be available! 10% OF ALL SALES ARE TITHED TO PEOPLES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH!! The sale will take place at the Kimberley's Travels warehouse at 58 Fore Street in the Portland Yacht Services Complex in Portland. Come shop...and bless Peoples UMC!! For more information, call 807-4960.

I once was lost, but now I'm found...

So, I’m driving around South Portland the other day, trying to find a specific place when I notice that I am lost. Not surprising with my sense of direction and not surprising that I left on this adventure without the new GPS device. What was surprising, though, is when I came upon a building I recognized.

You see, a few days earlier Tom Nelson was kind enough to give Kelly and me a tour of the area. There was a lot of ground covered and a lot of information shared. So much in fact that I was not sure how much of it I would actually remember.

But, here I was, hopelessly adrift, when I saw this building and all that Tom had said about it came flooding back and I was able to find my way again (for that trip anyway).

It’s funny how we never know what we will remember until the time comes when we do.

The Word is like that. We receive it, sometimes with deliberate intention, other times seemingly half listening. Sometimes we feel it doesn’t relate to us or we cannot fully grasp what is being offered and then something happens and it all comes flooding back to us with an understanding we may not have had before. It can be startling not only what we remember, but how we remember it.

We find that is true with the children. We often wonder just how much of a worship service, Sunday School class, youth group gathering, VBS week is actually sinking in and, more times than not, we are surprised days or weeks later when we hear words reflected back to us that shows not only remembering, but understanding.

It happens to us much the same way and why not—after all, we are all God’s children.

My prayer is we remain open to the Spirit, be patient with each other, and come to see and understand the blessings that are found in each opportunity.

Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:

"Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously". –Matthew 10:5-8 (The Message)

Shalom,

Tom

Parsonage phone is live!!

The parsonage phone number, 207-799-6814, is back in the parsonage. There is also voicemail available, so leave Pastor Tom a message if he does not answer.

You can also leave messages at the church at the regular church number, 207-799-1413.

A reminder that 207-619-1509 is no longer being used, since it cannot be changed over from Pastor Gwyneth.

Thanks so much. Blessings!

Phone number confusion?

In the interests of clarification, please note:

The only phone number where you can currently reach Pastor Tom is the church phone number, 799-1413. The answering machine will pick up and you can leave a message. Pastor Tom is checking it several times each day.

The phone number 619-1509 cannot be switched over from Pastor Gwynneth, and must be phased out. You cannot reach the church and/or Pastor Tom with that phone number.

The parsonage phone number 799-6814 will not be available until after July 13, when TimeWarner will be coming to change the number to a land line.

The best way to reach Pastor Tom is to send him an email at pastortom@peoplesumc.com or call the church.

We are sorry about the confusion. Thanks for your patience!

Videos from "Hype-it-Up" on the Mission Trip

First video is Carolyn leading kids in singing "Jesus' Love is Bubbling Over"



Second video is Pastor Gwyneth leading kids in "Toody Ta"

Days 5 and 6 Mission Trip

Today (Friday) we presented the poster that the Peoples Sunday School made. The kids loved hearing about some of the decorations which included moose, lobsters and blueberries. Yesterday, we chaperoned an awesome field trip to the Herr's Chip Factory. The favorite part for most of the kids was getting some chips off the conveyor, still hot! Our last day (Friday) our Maine team also led "hype-it-up" time which included songs, skits and games. Will post some videos! We closed the day by hosting a dinner for the Urban Promise staff which was much appreciated. A great week. The evening will be filled with packing and cleaning, and an early start for home Saturday morning. Hope you can join us for a welcome home party! Contact Betty Lane for the updated time; holiday traffic may hinder travels...

Travel Day and Day 1 Mission Trip

A wonderful group came out for the send-of Saturday, then the team picked up Pastor Gwyneth in Merrimac, and met the Dunn family in Wilmington. We worshipped Sunday at Cornerstone Baptist Church for 3 hours which was amazing!  Monday was our first day working at Camp Freedom. To view more photos go to the Travel and Day 1 Photo Album as well as some send-off photos by Art Tordoff.

More Day 2 and 3 Photos

More Day 2 and 3 photos

Camp Freedom Update

We have been fortunate that the weather has been in the 80s, much cooler than last year. The Camp Format was the much the same as last year so the fact that our work group consisted of mostly camp 'veterans' made the transition very easy. We each went with a team leader or class leader and could help out right away. During meal times we helped out passing out food and cleaning up after meals. We would break down the tables and clean up the dining room after each meal freeing the leaders and teachers from those tasks.

Our work details were even more varied than last year. There was the usual bulk mailing and assisting around the office where necessary. There was no work in the Sumac problem areas. This year our projects included lawn mowing, weeding, trimming trees and shrubs. Other opportunities included moving furniture and repairing wheelbarrows. Fred started training on some of the Computer related tasks that Gwyneth and Jamie were doing(such as updating the blog) and is training for Mission Trip Administration.

We are Chaperoning a field trip this afternoon to a Potato Chip factory and a Zoo today and taking a tour of Wilmington and all the Urban Promise Centers tomorrow. We are hosting a Pizza Party for the Staff and Street leaders tomorrow night.

There has been a Gospel Band practicing next door to our house from 7PM to 9PM several nights a week this year and last year. It has been enjoyable just listening from next door, we were invited over so stopped in on Rehearsal. We had a wonderful time and thanked them for sharing their talents.

See Photo Album

Day 2 and 3 Mission Trip

We are having a great time in Wilmington, working and serving God.

Here's day 2 and 3 Mission Trip Photos:

Travel Day and Day 1 at Urban Promise

The team got here safely, we had a BBQ and Worship with the Interns and Staff. Day 1 went well, met old friends and we are making new ones.

 

View Day 1 Photos here

 

 

Peoples In Transition

Since early in May the members of Peoples United Methodist Church in South Portland have known that our present pastors, Gwyneth and Jamie Arrison and their family would be moving to serve in Merrimacport and Amesbury, Massachusetts after 6 full years with us. It is always with mixed emotions that the pastors as well as the congregation experience this kind of change. It is a practice of the Methodist church that pastors are considered “Itinerant” and are expected to move to new placements. Having been a part of the Peoples family since 1948, this will be my sixteenth change. Some of those changes have taken place over a short time while some have been more lengthy. Five to seven years seems to be about the average. During the Arrison years we have experienced marked growth in the Sunday school experience, changes in communicative methods both among parishioners and in church services, and have continued to maintain a number of previously developed ministries. The initiation of a more diversified missions program has also been a significant part of Peoples’ life especially with the advent of the Urban Promise connection.

While we have the Arrisons to thank for helping in the initiation of some of these programs, it is still the strength of the church members who carry out programs with their time, talent and financial contributions.
On Sunday, June 19, the Staff Parish Committee prepared a celebration for the Arrisons at the close of church service, in Ellis Hall. Most of the church congregation on this date stayed for the celebration and a chance to thank the Arrisons one more time for their time shared with us. A good time was had by all sharing stories with each other. You can view the Arrison Farewell Photo Album here.

New Pastor Appointed to Peoples Announced

Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth are being reappointed as of July 1. You can read more about the Arrisons new appointment here.  On Sunday, May 21, the new pastor was announced who has been appointed to Peoples. Our SPRC Chair, Keith Snoddy writes the following:

On this past Saturday, May 21, the Staff Parish Relations Committee met with our District Superintendent, Mike Davis, to meet our new pastor, Tom Frey. After meeting and interviewing Tom It was the consensus opinion of SPRC that Tom is a good fit for Peoples. The following is a brief bio about him:

Pastor Tom Frey has lived in Maine for 25 years, having been born in Brooklyn and raised in New York. His wife Kelly is a high school Spanish teacher and they have two daughters Patsy (age 21) and Irene (age 18).

He is a second career pastor, having worked in the entertainment field and as a writer in the past. He has degrees in Theater Arts, English, a Master’s of Divinity and has done master’s work in secondary education. Peoples is his third appointment, having served churches in West Cumberland and Richmond.

Having a strong commitment to Christ, Tom loves working with children and youth and is passionate about preaching God’s love and bringing that love everywhere and to everyone possible. He believes that church is about what we do and not where we meet.

An additional announcement is that as a result of Tom's appointment to Peoples we will be getting a new DS. This is because Tom's daughter Patsy will be marrying one of Mike's sons in September this year. Conference rules do not allow a DS to supervise a family member so we will get a new DS with this appointment, Our new DS will be Beverly Stenmark who is the current DS for the Mid Maine district.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me or any other member of SPRC. The members are: Jason House, Betty Lane, Barb Nelson, Tom Nelson, Sally Smith and Chris Ward.

In Christian service together,
Keith Snoddy - Chairman SPRC

Partners in Ministry Message from the Bishop

Dear Partners in Ministry,

♦ “HE GOT AWAY!" Recently we were worshipping with the "resurrection people" of a church which is needing to envision some fresh, life-giving ways of worship and mission. (I hope your church is doing the same....we all need to). During the children’s time, the pastor, building on the Easter story, was talking about the empty tomb. With all seriousness, she asked the kids, "What happened to Jesus?" One little guy, without missing a beat, blurted out, "He got away!"

Amen, child of God. In the resurrection, Jesus "got away" from all that would entomb us, all that would hold us back, all the smell of death that lurks in our world, in our churches, and in our own hearts.....and He invites us to follow Him into new life. I hope your church, and our conference is running as fast and joyously as we can after the risen Christ who's got a way for us to new life.

♦ MOVIN' ON OUT...this summer. Jesus not only "moved on out" of the tomb, but his whole "way" of ministry was "movin' on out" of the synagogues, out to where the hurt and pain and margins of his time were. He challenged his disciples to "go into all the world" (Mark 16:15)....move on out. On Pentecost (get ready for wind and fire on June 12, again) His followers moved on out into the diverse crowds of the city sharing "the mighty works of God!" (Acts 2:11)....and the crowds thought these Christians were a little tipsy. John Wesley was thought to be a little crazy to move on out to preach in the coal fields, Asbury to move on out to America, Jesse Lee to move on out from sunny Virginia to the snows of New England (of course he hadn't discovered skiing yet)....but they all dared to go. What about you and me?

Summer time is a great time to be "movin' on out" of our buildings and into our communities and world in some new ways. Here are some ideas some of our churches have done:
Move Worship out onto the lawn, or to the town commons, or city park, or state park. Many of our "beach area" churches have a service on the beach (along with one at the church). Do not "hide the light of your worship under a bushel".....outside services are often inviting to people who might not "dress up and enter the inner-sanctum" of a church building. Encourage people to bring brunch food, blankets to sit on, (remember Jesus' feeding of the 5,000?...well...) The last church I served, the 9 a.m. on the lawn service quickly became the largest of the four services we had on weekends....plus attracting new people right off the city street.
Do your "fellowship time" outside after your service(s) that are held at the church. Let the community see that you are alive and well and having a good time. Do "lemonade on the lawn" instead of "coffee in the cloister!" Expand it to have a "Good Neighbors Block Party" a couple of times during the summer inviting everyone in town (or around) to come to get to know each other. Some churches have built in a 5K walk/run for a mission like helping victims in Haiti, or Japan, or your own area...it gives a great opportunity to introduce non-church folk to the great work the church does around to world through UMCOR etc.
Take Vacation Bible School on the Road to somebody's backyard in a residential neighborhood, or at a farm (a lot of kids have never seen a cow face to face), or a trailer park, or the community room in a low income housing project, instead of expecting people to come to the church. I've heard of churches doing VBS in picnic pavilions at a local amusement park, or at an automobile dealer's show room. (He was a member of the church, and loved doing it....plus it was biblical; "and they were all of one Accord.") Use your imagination....and connections...to reach new kids in new places. Plus, don't forget to plan follow up contacts and events for the kids who do come to your VBS in the fall, wherever you hold it. That's a good way to jump-start your Sunday School or after-school ministries with kids all year around.
Move on out with a volunteer in mission (VIM) team either in your own community or for a week of travel to some other part of New England....or the world. Some churches have a project they are doing every Saturday during the summer in their community....sometimes in cooperation with groups like Habitat for Humanity, etc. This allows people to join in when they can during the summer...plus invite friends to join in too. VIM trips are planned by many of our churches, and even if you don't have one going from your church, check with your district office about other churches that you could team with this summer, in preparation for developing your own VIM trip/team next summer. You will find that these experiences are powerful spiritual and missional times for youth, adults, and families..."movin' on out."

♦ OSAMA BIN LADEN, JESUS, AND ME. Jesus never said it would be easy for me or those of us who want to follow Him in the terrible realities of this world. But this is what He said: "You have heard it said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matt. 5:43-45)

And this is what Paul wrote in trying to follow Jesus in the terrible realities of this world; "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' No, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by doing so you will heap burning coals upon his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:19-21).

So, I've been unsettled by the Word of God in the terrible realities of this world and the way Osama Bin Laden died. I hope you have been wrestling with this too. For me this is no time for celebration, but rather for confession about how far our world and my own heart has yet to go if we are to truly follow the Christ who came to save us and our world in the midst of the terrible realities. "O Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us."

♦ CALLING ALL CONFIRMANDS Last year over 1500 new people professed their faith in Jesus Christ and joined the movement of United Methodists here in New England. Many of those were young people who were confirmed around this time of year. At Annual Conference we will celebrate those being confirmed in our churches and close our annual conference on Saturday, June 11, beginning at 1:00 p.m. with an one hour service dedicated to and involving these young people. I will be sharing with them some stories of young followers of Jesus Christ who have made a powerful difference in this world, just as they can and are. I will also share with each of them a special token of the day and their confirmation.

I invite you to come and bring your confirmands for this great time at Gordon College. Those who come in the morning can be involved in putting together food kits for our Stop Hunger Now mission project. It is to be a time of reminding all of us that we are Partners in Ministry in a global movement for the sake of Christ and the transformation of the world. I will look forward to seeing you there!

PS: Pray for our upcoming Annual Conference which will be held from June 8-11 at Gordon College, Wenham, Mass. "Best of all, God is with us!"

Grace and Peace,

Pete

Spring Clean Up Day

Submitted by Art Tordoff

    It was a great day to come out to breakfast and a great day to work in and outside the church. If my calculations are correct there were 20 folks that came out to breakfast for 7:30 in the vestry and when it came time to go out and work around the church yard or inside cleaning windows there were 29 church members of every size and shape and their were another two Scout Dads with five Scouts that worked at raking, mowing, chopping weeding and cleaning windows just to name a number of the chores that were carried out. The weather couldn’t have been much better and the church property has rarely looked as good as it does as a result. Thanks again Brad for being our provider of nourishment and sustenance.    

     We have the Lord to thank for all that was done, for the food we were provided with and the good feeling that we all have felt by contributing to the community that is known as Peoples.  Thanks to all.

     You can view more photos on the Clean Up Day Photo Album.

Bake Sale and Car Wash! May 15 after worship

The Peoples kids want to support the June Peoples mission trip by hosting a bake sale and car wash. Isn't that amazing?  The bake sale will begin right after worship, at 11:30am.  The car wash will begin about noon to give the Sunday School a chance to set up.
    So come on out this Sunday, May 15 and show your support! And don't forget your car.

Mission Trip 2011 - How YOU Can Help

Peoples Church is gearing up for our second summer 2011 mission trip! The trip date is set for June 25-July 2, 2011. The destination is back to Urban Promise in Wilmington, DE ministering to underprivileged inner city youth.  You can view a short 2010 Mission Trip Slideshow here. It's worth a peak!

    Those going on the 2011 Mission Trip include:  Earle Harvey, Fred Wade, Ellen Dunn, Isaac Dunn, Nathan Dunn, Carolyn Civitarese and Pastor Gwyneth.

    This year, you may not be "going" on the mission trip, but there are many ways you can still be part of the team.  Here are just a few, and if you have other ideas, please contact Pastor Gwyneth or any of the team members, who in addition to the above going on the trip include Betty Lane, Betty Smith, Shane and Joely Ross, and others are always welcome.

• Attend the Send-Off in the church parking lot on Saturday, June 25 at 8am to show your support for the whole team.

• Sign up for a slot in the prayer-vigil during the trip, which will cover the whole team in prayer during travel and mission-hours of their trip.
• Donate mission supplies. List from Urban Promise to be provided soon.
• Take an angel from the tree to support the team financially. For gas cards, it is most convenient for the team to purchase American Express cards so they can be used at any gas station. Or if you prefer, you can donate with cash or check which will be converted to American Express cards.
• Serve as a Prayer Buddy for one member of the team, whom you covenant to pray for regularly throughout the trip as well as attend the send-off and welcome home to show your support for him/her.
• Attend the Welcome-Home in the church parking lot on Saturday, July 2 (about 6pm) to welcome the team home.
• Attend worship on July 3 and 10 to hear team members share about their mission experience.

Mother's Day at Peoples!

The dad's (and a few boys, and yes some ladies) helped the kids make Mother's Day handprint plates during Sunday School!  It was good, messy fun, and moms sure appreciated their gifts. You may view more photos in the Mother's Day Photo Album.

Plant Sale May 21 - Get Ready!

Submitted by Carol Bruneau

WE NEED OUR PEOPLES GARDNERS WHO HAVE PLANTS TO DIVIDE UP TO PLEASE DIG THEM UP AND POT THEM UP AND LABEL THEM AND BRING THEM TO THE CHURCH FOR THE CHURCH PLANT SALE. YOU MAY BRING YOUR PLANTS TO THE CHURCH AND PUT THEM ALONG THE SIDE OF ELLIS HALL, JUST AFTER THE KITCHEN DOOR, ON FRIDAY MAY 20 OR ON SATURDAY BY AROUND 8:00AM.

IF YOU HAVE ANY GARDEN TOOLS YOU DO NOT NEED WE WILL ALSO HAVE AN AREA FOR GARDEN TOOLS FOR SALE.

IF YOU NEED PLANTS FOR YOUR GARDENS , THE SALE GOES FROM 9:00AM UNTIL 12:00 PM AND WE WERE PRETTY MUCH SOLD OUT BY 11:00 LAST YEAR.

Pastors Announce Reappointment

Pastors Gwyneth and Jamie announced in worship today that they have been appointed to churches in northern Massachusetts. As of July 1, Pastor Jamie will be serving half time at First UMC in Amesbury. They have just voted to become a new site of the large and growing multi-site ministry in Plaistow and Sandown New Hampshire. Pastor Gwyneth will also be serving half time, at Merrimacport UMC, although will be taking a renewal leave through the summer so will begin her appointment September 1.

Though neither Peoples nor the pastors were looking for a change in appointment at this time, the specific needs of the Amesbury and Merrimacport churches led the Bishop and District Superintendents to make this change. They are in the process of discerning who will be the new pastor appointed to Peoples. Though this could take a few weeks, the new pastor will be ready to begin July 1. The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is already in conversation with our District Superintendent about the specific gifts Peoples is currently seeking in a pastor. Please contact Keith Snoddy as the chair if you have any input for the committee.

With the announcement, Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth preached a shared sermon on dealing with the stress of this transition with direct communication, prayer, Bible study and a complete dependence on Jesus. In all of this it is helpful to remember that the church is the people, regardless of changes in building location, pastors or ministries. This is not the time to go looking for another church! Rather, it’s the time to draw even closer together as the Peoples family, and continue reaching out to the community in vital ministry.

Please feel free to contact the pastors through the next several months with questions or just some conversation. Pastor Jamie will also be leading a Sunday School class beginning May 8 at 8:30am to address topics such as our United Methodist connection, appointment system, care and hospitality for the new pastor and family, preparing the lay leadership for this transition, etiquette in terms of contact with the outgoing pastors, and other subjects that may arise.

Here are some questions for all of us to ponder in the next few months:
• How you I help continue the ministries of Peoples through this transition and make them even stronger?
• What are some ways I can show hospitality to the new pastor and family? Some ideas might include having flowers waiting in the parsonage, arranging for meals for the first few days after arriving, providing a tour of the community, and having everyone wear nametags in worship.
• What would be most helpful in order to say goodbye to the Arrison family?

Please ponder these questions and others that arise, and please especially be in prayer for all of the pastors and churches who are in transition.

Together in Ministry for Christ,
Gwyneth and Jamie

Easter Egg Hunt, Stories and Crafts!

After the children's message, kids went downstairs to hear Easter stories, make crafts and hunt for Easter eggs in small groups. You can view many more photos on the Easter Egg Hunt Photo Album.

Easter Morning Worship

We had a wonderful celebration of the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Happy Easter everyone! You can view more photos on the Easter Morning Worship Photo Album.

Easter Sunrise Resurrection Celebration

We never did actually see the sun, but we did witness the resurrection of the Son! Jason opened worship on bagpipes with Amazing Grace, followed by a dramatized reading of the Scripture complete with Jesus, Mary and two angels and meditation by Pastor Gwyneth. A beautiful time of worship in the growing light, and a wonderful breakfast with pancakes, muffins, eggs and bacon. You can view more photos at the Easter Sunrise Photo Album.

Holy Thursday

On Holy Thursday this year we experienced the sacrificial nature of the last supper with foot washing and Holy Communion.

Palm Passion Sunday

Everyone received palm branches on Palm Sunday. After the children went downstairs for Sunday School, the adults made crosses out of their palms during the message on the crucifixion. You can view more pictures on the Palm Sunday Photo Album.

Youth Group Habitat Mission Project

Great fun for a great cause. Our youth assembled 6 work stools for Habitat for Humanity. They were on the job helping to build houses the very next day! Go Karts next week!  View more pictures on the Youth Group Habitat Photo Album.

SPRING CLEAN UP SATURDAY, MAY 7

Submitted by Susan Angell
Spring clean up will be held on Saturday, May 7 beginning at 8 AM TO WHENEVER! THIS IS A FUN DAY FOR RAKING, GARDEN WORK, BUSH TRIMMING, GUTTER CLEANING. etc.
    One year a group of people decided that they wanted to work indoors and brought pails and cloths and cleaned every window in the church and the Rosses cleaned everything in the nursery and a batch of people cleaned every one of those white tables used for just about everything!
Last Fall David Bruneau was VERY popular because he brought a leaf blower that he strapped on his back and the Spring before a Cub Scout dad, Scott Frank, brought his. David blew leaves and Scott blew all the sand out of the parking lot. What fun it was to watch.
HINT#1: don't park your car in the lots but on the street unless you want it sand blasted There is a tree in the parsonage yard that we are thinking needs taking down.
HINT #2: bring cameras to record the silly things we might possibly attempt

SO COME ONE, COME ALL AND SPRUCE UP YOUR CHURCH and have fun. Some of the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts are coming too. Last Fall most everyone was aged 60 and older and we need some younger people to come and keep us on our toes. Bring the children to train them for your own yard work that needs to be done. Coffee and drinks usually are available for us to keep up our strength!!!

Palm Sunday Worship 10am

Please join us for worship on Palm Sunday, April 17.  Everyone will receive palms to wave and the Sunday School children will be singing a special piece.  As the story goes, the crowds shouting "Hosanna!" within a few days would be shouting "Crucify!"  We will experience this shift during worship as we explore the forgiveness and acceptance we can receive through the cross in our current sermon series "Easter Experience."  Please join us for this meaningful time, and bring a friend.

Holy Thursday Gathering

Please join us on Holy Thursday, April 21 at 7pm as we gather to share Communion and Foot Washing. This is a meditative time of worship as we experience the last few hours before Christ's crucifixion. All are welcome.

Good Friday Gathering at Noon

The United Methodist Churches are gathering together on Good Friday, noon on April 22 at Elm Street UMC for worship. The worship will be a series of creative, self-directed prayer stations, and is sure to be a powerful experience of the crucifixion to prepare our hearts for our Easter celebrations on Sunday.  Please join us.  Please click here for directions to Elm Street UMC at 168 Elm Street South Portland, ME  04106.

Easter Sunrise Resurrection Celebration April 24

Join us on April 24 at 5:30am on Willard Beach at Fisherman's Point on Easter morning to worship together, celebrating the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, as the sun rises over the islands.  Please park in the public lot on Willow Street, and be sure to show courtesy to our sleeping neighbors.
   For directions click here.  The address for the public lot is 20 Willow Street  South Portland, ME 04106

Easter Pancake Breakfast

Please join us after the Easter sunrise resurrection celebration for a wonderful pancake breakfast, beginning at about 6:15am.  Pancakes, sausage, muffins and more. All are welcome.  Freewill donations will be accepted.

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Sunday

April 24^th

For children Age 11 and under.  There will be games and crafts as well as Easter egg hunts by age groups.

FMI contact Andy Folley at 749-5702.