Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sunday School Mission
The Sunday School children want to make a difference in the world. Their current mission is to collect food for the South Portland Food Cupboard. Their goal is 100 items by April 3. As of March 27 we were half way there. To help the kids meet their goal, we are extending the collection until April 10. So bring in those cans!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Help Rebuild Japan
Submitted by UMCOR
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is working through relief and church partners in Japan to respond to and provide immediate assistance and long-term rehabilitation. With these partners, UMCOR is meeting the most basic humanitarian needs in northern Japan such as providing clean drinking water, food, cooking and eating supplies, clothing, and fuel for heating.
Do you want to be part of this mission? Go to this link to Donate Now. Or you can mail your donation to Peoples UMC c/o Kathy Brann, Financial Secretary 310 Broadway South Portland, ME 04106 and mark it "UMCOR Japan."
Please contact the pastors if you are interested in joining a short-term mission team to Japan.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is working through relief and church partners in Japan to respond to and provide immediate assistance and long-term rehabilitation. With these partners, UMCOR is meeting the most basic humanitarian needs in northern Japan such as providing clean drinking water, food, cooking and eating supplies, clothing, and fuel for heating.
Do you want to be part of this mission? Go to this link to Donate Now. Or you can mail your donation to Peoples UMC c/o Kathy Brann, Financial Secretary 310 Broadway South Portland, ME 04106 and mark it "UMCOR Japan."
Please contact the pastors if you are interested in joining a short-term mission team to Japan.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
District Workshops May 7 - All Welcome
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Welcome to a Newcomer!
We have a newcomer to Peoples UMC, born last night, March 25, 2011 to happy parents Joely and Shane. 8 pounds, 9 ounces, 20 inches. Congrats to everyone!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
What happens when we die?
That's an important question to wrestle with spiritually. Those who have placed their trust in Jesus have the confidence to know that their inheritance is eternal life, and those who have been faithful disciples long to hear the words from their Lord himself: "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21).
But what happens to our spouse or children when we die? What happens to our home, car, savings account? Often people make assumptions about what happens to our estate upon our death, for instance that our spouse automatically receives all of the inheritance, or our children do if we have no spouse. Sadly, families are often mistaken in these assumptions, and end up losing much of their rightful estate ... if only the deceased had created a will. It is also imperative to have clear legal documents regarding the care of any minor children in the event of our death.
Here is a self-assessment on the topic of wills and estate planning. How many of these can you answer affirmatively? If you'd like to learn more you may follow the link below.
But what happens to our spouse or children when we die? What happens to our home, car, savings account? Often people make assumptions about what happens to our estate upon our death, for instance that our spouse automatically receives all of the inheritance, or our children do if we have no spouse. Sadly, families are often mistaken in these assumptions, and end up losing much of their rightful estate ... if only the deceased had created a will. It is also imperative to have clear legal documents regarding the care of any minor children in the event of our death.
Here is a self-assessment on the topic of wills and estate planning. How many of these can you answer affirmatively? If you'd like to learn more you may follow the link below.
- I have a will or living trust.
- My immediate survivors know where my will or trust is located.
- My executor is still capable and qualified to serve.
- I have appointed qualified guardians for my minor children.
- My executor can find the information necessary to settle my estate.
- My attorney has recently reviewed my will or trust to ensure compliance with tax changes.
- My survivors’ financial needs have been reviewed.
- My minor children’s financial benefits are provided for in a trust.
- My survivors know who to consult in decision-making situations.
- I have made my specific charitable wishes and bequests known.
You can follow this link for more detailed information on wills, trusts and estate planning from the United Methodist Foundation of New England. There are also brochures available at church.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Angel Tree for Mission
For those who attended Sunday you witnessed an amusing skit with Mission Mary, Ellen Dunn and Betty Lane! "What's this Christmas tree doing in the middle of our worship space?!" The rest of the skit answered that question.
It's not a Christmas tree, but an ANGEL tree! And the ornaments aren't just to look at but to take.
Each ornament in the shape of an angel has a different need listed, such as gasoline for the trip or American express card for groceries or tolls, all in different amounts ranging between $5 to $400 - $400 is the amount needed to fully sponsor one team member.
All are invited to take an angel off the mission angel tree at Peoples with the way they feel called to financially support our mission team going to inner-city Wilmington in June to work with under-privileged children.
When you are ready, bring in your angel with the amount promised, place in an envelope with your name (if you would like a receipt for tax purposes) and place in the offering. You will then have the angel returned to you as a reminder to continue praying for the team.
The mission team thanks you for your support!
It's not a Christmas tree, but an ANGEL tree! And the ornaments aren't just to look at but to take.
Each ornament in the shape of an angel has a different need listed, such as gasoline for the trip or American express card for groceries or tolls, all in different amounts ranging between $5 to $400 - $400 is the amount needed to fully sponsor one team member.
All are invited to take an angel off the mission angel tree at Peoples with the way they feel called to financially support our mission team going to inner-city Wilmington in June to work with under-privileged children.
When you are ready, bring in your angel with the amount promised, place in an envelope with your name (if you would like a receipt for tax purposes) and place in the offering. You will then have the angel returned to you as a reminder to continue praying for the team.
The mission team thanks you for your support!
Why YOU Should Try Electronic Giving
Ten good reasons to give electronically
1. Allows us to grow spiritually through consistent giving, and increases our likelihood of trying out percentage of income giving.
2. Improves donation consistency when worship attendance is not possible, or members are serving in nursery or Sunday School during worship. This consistency far outweighs the minimal transaction fee.
3. Frees up volunteer time spent in counting cash and checks.
4. For weekly givers, simplifies a 52-time a year task.
5. Reduces resources consumed in printing, processing and transporting checks.
6. Transactions are easily verified through personal bank statements.
7. Provides more privacy for donors.
8. Provides more donation security as there are no envelopes that can be misplaced, lost or stolen.
9. Improves accuracy, eliminating the chance of recording or posting errors.
10. Allows flexibility to change donation amounts anytime and add annual donations for special occasions such as Christmas or Easter.If YOU would like to try electronic giving, there is a short form available at church which should be given to Kathy Brann, Financial Secretary. For more on electronic giving, you might want to read this Electronic Giving article from United Methodist Communications.
You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Amadas in Concert and more
All are welcome to attend Amadas in concert, a contemporary Christian band, who will be performing at Elm Street UMC. There will be a free will offering for the band, and pizza and other food for sale before the concert.
When? April 1 @ 7pm
Where: Elm Street UMC 168 Elm Street in South Portland.
Elm Street UMC is also hosting a swap shop on April 2 from 9am-2pm and would love some extra helpers. Would be willing to help out for some or all of the day?
Let's show our support for our sister church that we might together make disciples of Jesus Christ and build up the body of Christ!
When? April 1 @ 7pm
Where: Elm Street UMC 168 Elm Street in South Portland.
Elm Street UMC is also hosting a swap shop on April 2 from 9am-2pm and would love some extra helpers. Would be willing to help out for some or all of the day?
Let's show our support for our sister church that we might together make disciples of Jesus Christ and build up the body of Christ!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Partners in Ministry, an old edition
A message from the Bishop (posted a few months ago and never publicized, but worth reading!)
♦ IMAGINE NO MALARIA Last week I returned from a meeting of our United Methodist Council of Bishops, Latin American Methodist Bishops, and Bishops from the "Methodist family", but not United Methodist, from around the world.....we now number about 77 million world-wide. Many of those Bishops serve in areas where the majority of Methodists (and others) live in extreme poverty, on less than $1 a day. And many of those areas face severe hunger, undrinkable water, lack of education and health care, and the killer diseases of tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, and Malaria.
Many of you have participated in giving to Nothing But Nets ($10 per net) and Imagine No Malaria (providing medicine and treatments) that we United Methodists have been leading in partnership with the National Basketball Association, “Sports Illustrated,” the United Nations, and now many other organizations. Thank you. Thank you......was what we heard from Bishops all over the world.
Is it making any difference?
YES!
The latest report from the UN is that, for the first time, the number of deaths from malaria is declining. Children are being saved. And one Bishop told me that people who are receiving nets from us are asking....."Why do you do this?"...."Because we serve Christ who loves you, and calls us to love each other as ourselves." People are coming to believe in this God of Love and want to be a part of such a community of caring.
We had this discussion just a few miles from the Panama Canal which symbolizes both a bold project that many thought impossible, as well as the injustices that surrounded tens of thousands of workers who died of malaria in the process of building the canal. Sometimes eradicating malaria seems like an impossible task, but the "project" to save millions of lives is succeeding because, in part, of the bold vision and generous giving of United Methodists like you. Our collective goal as United Methodists is to raise $75 million to combat malaria .... IMAGINE NO MALARIA....will you do your part?
♦ IMAGINE NO BUILDING....or at least not the building you're in right now. Sunday I had a great time worshipping with our congregations in Williamstown and North Adams, MA. After praying and imagining God's future for them, they have voted to come together as a new congregation and sell both of their existing buildings in preparation for a new future.
Radical? Well, checking their histories, I discovered that for the first twenty-five years of their history the Williamstown congregation never had a church building! They moved around meeting in homes, the schoolhouse, and the "hall over F.H. Sherman’s store." The North Adams Methodists were also very "movable." They started in one building, moved to another 19 years later, moved to another 28 years after that, and to another 56 years after that.....four different buildings in about 100 years! And why did they move? Most of the time it was to enhance their ability to do ministry in their area. What about your building? Is it the best fit and the best stewardship of resources for ministry today?
Oh, I know how we ( I ) can get attached to our buildings. They are full of sweet memories. I've lived in seven different houses over the years (not counting the fraternity house which was more like a barn) and had some sadness every time we moved.....but it was the people in our family who really made the "house a home".....and we all moved together.
In the Williamstown newsletter there was a great quote: "The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we can become." "Behold, God is making all things new."
This can be tough, I know. One of the members of the North Adams church reflected on sitting in the old sanctuary many Sundays and thinking about how wonderful it was.....and how empty it was.....and all the heat that was escaping. She wrote, "I wondered what it was that God wanted us to do. Did He want us to keep pouring money into this building, into heat, etc. or did He want us to be using those funds to be doing His work?" They have made the decision to move into a new future, trusting God, focusing on "God's work." And several said to me Sunday, "It feels good....even though it will be tough in some ways."
What do you imagine God is saying to your congregation about your building? We have many buildings that are great tools for God's work in our communities....let's keep them, care for them and use them fully as launching pads for ministry and mission in our communities. But then we have some other buildings that......well......you know.......that have become more of a burden than a help for God's work in the 21st century. If you would like to talk about ways to evaluate the usefulness of your building...and options that other churches have found good....at least start the conversation with your District Superintendent and with your congregation. God might surprise you with a new future, too.
♦ STICKER SHOCK: THE FOOTBALL TEAM AND THE LIQUOR STORES While at the Williamstown/North Adams worship Sunday, I met the High School football coach and his wife who are helping in a great effort to address underage drinking in their area. Operation "Sticker Shock" is a project of the Northern Berkshires Communities Coalition "mobilizing for change on alcohol." The coach and members of the football team go into the area liquor stores and ask to put stickers on the bottles and cans that say "HEY YOU! IT'S ILLEGAL TO GIVE MINORS ALCOHOL." It's working. And interestingly, many of the owners of these stores are very cooperative. You may want to try it in your community. Get more information at www.nbccoalition.org/CMCA.
Because of the devastating effects the use of alcohol can have for so many people in so many areas of life, the United Methodist Church continues to "affirm our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol as a faithful witness to God's liberating and redeeming love for persons." (2008 Discipline) For the sake of our youth and those millions who are subject to addiction, I invite you to consider an alcohol and drug-free life style as a part of your witness.
♦ IMAGINE NO MALARIA Last week I returned from a meeting of our United Methodist Council of Bishops, Latin American Methodist Bishops, and Bishops from the "Methodist family", but not United Methodist, from around the world.....we now number about 77 million world-wide. Many of those Bishops serve in areas where the majority of Methodists (and others) live in extreme poverty, on less than $1 a day. And many of those areas face severe hunger, undrinkable water, lack of education and health care, and the killer diseases of tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, and Malaria.
Many of you have participated in giving to Nothing But Nets ($10 per net) and Imagine No Malaria (providing medicine and treatments) that we United Methodists have been leading in partnership with the National Basketball Association, “Sports Illustrated,” the United Nations, and now many other organizations. Thank you. Thank you......was what we heard from Bishops all over the world.
Is it making any difference?
YES!
The latest report from the UN is that, for the first time, the number of deaths from malaria is declining. Children are being saved. And one Bishop told me that people who are receiving nets from us are asking....."Why do you do this?"...."Because we serve Christ who loves you, and calls us to love each other as ourselves." People are coming to believe in this God of Love and want to be a part of such a community of caring.
We had this discussion just a few miles from the Panama Canal which symbolizes both a bold project that many thought impossible, as well as the injustices that surrounded tens of thousands of workers who died of malaria in the process of building the canal. Sometimes eradicating malaria seems like an impossible task, but the "project" to save millions of lives is succeeding because, in part, of the bold vision and generous giving of United Methodists like you. Our collective goal as United Methodists is to raise $75 million to combat malaria .... IMAGINE NO MALARIA....will you do your part?
♦ IMAGINE NO BUILDING....or at least not the building you're in right now. Sunday I had a great time worshipping with our congregations in Williamstown and North Adams, MA. After praying and imagining God's future for them, they have voted to come together as a new congregation and sell both of their existing buildings in preparation for a new future.
Radical? Well, checking their histories, I discovered that for the first twenty-five years of their history the Williamstown congregation never had a church building! They moved around meeting in homes, the schoolhouse, and the "hall over F.H. Sherman’s store." The North Adams Methodists were also very "movable." They started in one building, moved to another 19 years later, moved to another 28 years after that, and to another 56 years after that.....four different buildings in about 100 years! And why did they move? Most of the time it was to enhance their ability to do ministry in their area. What about your building? Is it the best fit and the best stewardship of resources for ministry today?
Oh, I know how we ( I ) can get attached to our buildings. They are full of sweet memories. I've lived in seven different houses over the years (not counting the fraternity house which was more like a barn) and had some sadness every time we moved.....but it was the people in our family who really made the "house a home".....and we all moved together.
In the Williamstown newsletter there was a great quote: "The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we can become." "Behold, God is making all things new."
This can be tough, I know. One of the members of the North Adams church reflected on sitting in the old sanctuary many Sundays and thinking about how wonderful it was.....and how empty it was.....and all the heat that was escaping. She wrote, "I wondered what it was that God wanted us to do. Did He want us to keep pouring money into this building, into heat, etc. or did He want us to be using those funds to be doing His work?" They have made the decision to move into a new future, trusting God, focusing on "God's work." And several said to me Sunday, "It feels good....even though it will be tough in some ways."
What do you imagine God is saying to your congregation about your building? We have many buildings that are great tools for God's work in our communities....let's keep them, care for them and use them fully as launching pads for ministry and mission in our communities. But then we have some other buildings that......well......you know.......that have become more of a burden than a help for God's work in the 21st century. If you would like to talk about ways to evaluate the usefulness of your building...and options that other churches have found good....at least start the conversation with your District Superintendent and with your congregation. God might surprise you with a new future, too.
♦ STICKER SHOCK: THE FOOTBALL TEAM AND THE LIQUOR STORES While at the Williamstown/North Adams worship Sunday, I met the High School football coach and his wife who are helping in a great effort to address underage drinking in their area. Operation "Sticker Shock" is a project of the Northern Berkshires Communities Coalition "mobilizing for change on alcohol." The coach and members of the football team go into the area liquor stores and ask to put stickers on the bottles and cans that say "HEY YOU! IT'S ILLEGAL TO GIVE MINORS ALCOHOL." It's working. And interestingly, many of the owners of these stores are very cooperative. You may want to try it in your community. Get more information at www.nbccoalition.org/CMCA.
Because of the devastating effects the use of alcohol can have for so many people in so many areas of life, the United Methodist Church continues to "affirm our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol as a faithful witness to God's liberating and redeeming love for persons." (2008 Discipline) For the sake of our youth and those millions who are subject to addiction, I invite you to consider an alcohol and drug-free life style as a part of your witness.
Mechuwana Youth Leader Training
Posted by Mechuwana Methodist Camp
Last Reminder for Youth Leader Training
Grades 8-12
We still have a few openings in this Saturdays Youth Leaders Training. If you are in grades 8-12 and want to become a Youth Leader at camp Mechuwana we are having our final training session this Saturday.
TIME - 10AM -4PM
LOCATION- CAMP MECHUWANA
COST- $85.00 (Includes training and summer placement)
DATE- This Saturday March 26
If you would like to go but have not sent in your registration please contact the camp by email: mechuwana@fairpoint.net or phone 207-377-2924
Last Reminder for Youth Leader Training
Grades 8-12
We still have a few openings in this Saturdays Youth Leaders Training. If you are in grades 8-12 and want to become a Youth Leader at camp Mechuwana we are having our final training session this Saturday.
TIME - 10AM -4PM
LOCATION- CAMP MECHUWANA
COST- $85.00 (Includes training and summer placement)
DATE- This Saturday March 26
If you would like to go but have not sent in your registration please contact the camp by email: mechuwana@fairpoint.net or phone 207-377-2924
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Youth Group Building Project!
The new Peoples Youth Group has been meeting for just a few weeks and having plenty of fun. This week youth had to work together as a team to build a house out of graham crackers ... each using only one arm!
If you know of a youth interested in meeting with us, please invite them! Contact Pastor Jamie to find out more at 799-6814.
If you know of a youth interested in meeting with us, please invite them! Contact Pastor Jamie to find out more at 799-6814.
Surprise Baby Shower!
Peoples held a surprise baby shower for Joely and Shane who are expecting their second child shortly! Everyone had a wonderful time, and thank you to all who helped to organize, especially Betty Splettstoesser for heading up this event! You can click here to view the Baby Shower Photo Album.
Saint Patrick's Cookie Bake
The Sunday School held its annual cookie bake on March 13, this time for Saint Patrick's Day. Kids of all ages had fun decorating cookies, keeping one bag for themselves and taking one to give away. You can click here to view the Cookie Bake photo album, and check back as more photos are added!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Environmental Summit April 9
Submitted by Interfaith Power and Light
On April 9th at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell (just outside of Augusta), please join us for a day to develop a unified response and to clarify the unique role that Maine’s faith communities and others can play in this effort to protect our natural world.
We would like to personally invite you to this special gathering which we are calling “Awaken to Action.” Maine Interfaith Power and Light and Maine Audubon are hosting clergy, lay people, community leaders and others to plan what lies next for responding to a global climate crisis in the making. Following a keynote address by Malcolm Burson, Climate Adaptation Program Manager of the Maine.Department of Environmental Protection, participants will take part in a dynamic group process that will allow participants to identify critical issues and form a consensus around next steps. Among possible topics to be explored:
Please note that we have scholarships available and encourage you to inquire about them (call or email us). To register please click here. We hope to see you there on the 9th!
On April 9th at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell (just outside of Augusta), please join us for a day to develop a unified response and to clarify the unique role that Maine’s faith communities and others can play in this effort to protect our natural world.
We would like to personally invite you to this special gathering which we are calling “Awaken to Action.” Maine Interfaith Power and Light and Maine Audubon are hosting clergy, lay people, community leaders and others to plan what lies next for responding to a global climate crisis in the making. Following a keynote address by Malcolm Burson, Climate Adaptation Program Manager of the Maine.Department of Environmental Protection, participants will take part in a dynamic group process that will allow participants to identify critical issues and form a consensus around next steps. Among possible topics to be explored:
- the growing ethical challenges posed by climate change & how we respond;
- how faith traditions can act to inform and inspire environmental stewardship; and
- charting a collaborative course towards local and global sustainability.
Please note that we have scholarships available and encourage you to inquire about them (call or email us). To register please click here. We hope to see you there on the 9th!
Friday, March 11, 2011
UMCOR Assesses Response to Pacific Emergency
Submitted by UMCOR. See full article at this link.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is connecting with partners to assess damages and needs resulting from the powerful 8.9-magnitude earthquake and 33-foot-high tsunami that rocked Japan today.
As the tidal wave rolls across the Pacific, tsunami warnings have been issued throughout the region, from Japan to Chile. Small islands are in danger of being completely covered by the tidal wave, and developing countries are especially vulnerable, a Red Cross spokesperson told Reuters news agency.
The quake hit in the middle of the afternoon, at 2:46 Tokyo time, just off of Honshu, Japan’s most populous island. It is the strongest earthquake to hit Japan in the 140 years that records have been kept. It takes the place of last year’s earthquake in Chile as the fifth strongest ever anywhere in the world.
“UMCOR is closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Pacific,” said Melissa Crutchfield, UMCOR executive for International Disaster Response.
“We’re in contact with our partners in the region, mindful of the still developing emergency in Japan as well as of the risk to other countries, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, and to Hawaii, which are expected to be impacted by the tsunami,” she said.
UMCOR head, the Rev. Cynthia Fierro Harvey, urged prayers for those affected by the disaster. She said that as needs become clarified, UMCOR will respond.
“Once again, in the wake of disaster and in the face of widespread need, we rely on the ever expansive generosity of United Methodists and all people of goodwill to help us respond to those whose lives have suddenly been turned upside down,” she said.
So far, 300 deaths have been reported in Japan, but as relief and recovery efforts get underway, the number of deaths and injured is expected to rise much higher.
The 33-foot tsunami barged into the port of Sendai in northeastern Japan, pushing buildings, cars, ships—everything in its path, far inland. In Tokyo, the quake disrupted electricity and ground and air transportation— and sent people fleeing from office buildings and homes for the safety of parks and other open areas.
Your support for Pacific Emergency, UMCOR Advance #3021317, is urgently needed. Please give now.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Experience Easter ... Easter Experience
Last year one of our small groups used "Easter Experience" during Lent, and it meant so much to them that they are repeating the study again this Lent. So we have decided to invite the whole congregation to "Experience Easter" through this powerful 6-week study this year. In addition, the pastors will be starting a sermon series on March 20 in conjunction with the study sessions.
"The Easter Experience is a video-driven study with the power to change lives with the message of God’s loving plan for us. Using dramatic story-telling and challenging teaching by Kyle Idleman, the six-episode series brings the passion and resurrection to life."
"The Easter Experience is a video-driven study with the power to change lives with the message of God’s loving plan for us. Using dramatic story-telling and challenging teaching by Kyle Idleman, the six-episode series brings the passion and resurrection to life."
Groups at Peoples will meet for 6 weeks, beginning week of March 20. Here's the schedule:
- Sundays 11:30am - Group co-led by Martin Whittemore and Betty Lane. Lunch will be provided on March 20, and will discuss food options for future dates. Childcare will be provided.
- (NOW FULL) Mondays 7:00pm - Group meeting at the home of Kathy Brann, led by Tom Nelson.
- Tuesdays 9:00am - Group meeting at the home of Carol Bruneau, led by Rosemary Herd (study began March 8 but newcomers welcome)
Lent Sermon Series: Easter Experience!
Lent Sermon Series Begins Next Sunday, March 20 based on the all-church small group study, “Easter Experience”. Come and be part of this exciting Lenten journey together. Learn more here about Easter Experience.
3/20 My Life Has a Purpose (with guest preacher Rev. Curtis Brown)
3/27 My Life Can Change
4/3 My Pain is Understood
4/10 My Life Has a Plan
4/17 I Have a Promise of Eternal Life (Palm/Passion Sunday)
4/24 My Hope is Secure (Easter Sunday)
Mechuwana Summer Camp - Register Today!
The Mechuwana Summer Camp Brochure is now available and registration open at www.mechuwana.org. Brochures are also available at church. If you would like a brochure mailed to you, please email Mechuwana or call 207.377.2924
There are mother/child camps, grandfriend/child camps, and overnight camps beginning in grade 2 through high school ranging from theater camps, sports camps, crafts camps and adventure camps.
All camps have a strong emphasis on Christian principles and values, and lots of time for traditional camp activities such as swimming, boating and singing by the campfire!
REMEMBER MANY CAMPS FILL VERY FAST SO REGISTER TODAY!
What about money? Here's some important info for you:
1. The church will be paying the $50 registration fee for EVERY child from Peoples. You may register your camper now without payment, but be sure to put down Peoples UMC for your church. Peoples will pay the registration fees in one lump sum.
2. If you do not need assistance with the registration fee, feel free to make a donation of $50 or more to Peoples indicating it is for the Mechuwana Camp Fund, and placing in the offering during worship or mailing to Peoples UMC 310 Broadway South Portland, ME 04106 to the attention of Kathy Brann, Financial Secretary.
3. Families should pay as much as they can of the remaining camp fee. Mechuwana now takes all major credit cards. However, Mechuwana does not turn anyone away for lack of money. Peoples will pay as much as possible of the unpaid fees out of donations to the Mechuwana Fund. And Mechuwana also has scholarship funds to supply what families and churches are unable to provide.
4. If you would like donate toward the Mechuwana Fund, or fully or partially sponsor someone from Peoples to attend camp this summer, please contact Kathy Brann at 799.1981.
There are mother/child camps, grandfriend/child camps, and overnight camps beginning in grade 2 through high school ranging from theater camps, sports camps, crafts camps and adventure camps.
All camps have a strong emphasis on Christian principles and values, and lots of time for traditional camp activities such as swimming, boating and singing by the campfire!
REMEMBER MANY CAMPS FILL VERY FAST SO REGISTER TODAY!
What about money? Here's some important info for you:
1. The church will be paying the $50 registration fee for EVERY child from Peoples. You may register your camper now without payment, but be sure to put down Peoples UMC for your church. Peoples will pay the registration fees in one lump sum.
2. If you do not need assistance with the registration fee, feel free to make a donation of $50 or more to Peoples indicating it is for the Mechuwana Camp Fund, and placing in the offering during worship or mailing to Peoples UMC 310 Broadway South Portland, ME 04106 to the attention of Kathy Brann, Financial Secretary.
3. Families should pay as much as they can of the remaining camp fee. Mechuwana now takes all major credit cards. However, Mechuwana does not turn anyone away for lack of money. Peoples will pay as much as possible of the unpaid fees out of donations to the Mechuwana Fund. And Mechuwana also has scholarship funds to supply what families and churches are unable to provide.
4. If you would like donate toward the Mechuwana Fund, or fully or partially sponsor someone from Peoples to attend camp this summer, please contact Kathy Brann at 799.1981.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Guest Preacher on March 20
Please honor the Rev. Curtis Brown as our guest preacher on Sunday, March 20. Rev. Brown has served as the New England Conference Director of Congregational Development in the United Methodist Church for several years, and will be going back to pastor in the local church beginning July 1. We look forward to hearing God's Word together!
Youth Group Sunday 5:30pm
Peoples Youth Group is now meeting weekly. Please join us next on Sunday, March 13 at 5:30pm at Peoples. We will be sharing dinner, playing games and making our own building but you'll have to come and find out what that's about. And bring a friend!
The Peoples Youth Group will be focusing on missions such as world hunger and habitat for humanity with fun and meaningful activities for youth to engage these issues.
FMI please contact Pastor Jamie at 799.6814.
The Peoples Youth Group will be focusing on missions such as world hunger and habitat for humanity with fun and meaningful activities for youth to engage these issues.
FMI please contact Pastor Jamie at 799.6814.
Bake Sale Sunday March 13
Join us during coffee fellowship after worship on Sunday, March 13 for a bake sale! This first bake sale is hosted by the Tuesday Bible Study Group. There are more scheduled during the season of Lent. There will be baked goods ranging from cookies to "to go" meals for lunch. All proceeds go to the mission of the church.
Bake Sale Schedule:
March 13 Tuesday Bible Study Group
March 27 Trustees
April 3 Choir
April 10 Mission Team (proceeds go to support the 2011 mission trip)
Dates open during Lent for other groups: March 20 and April 17
Bake Sale Schedule:
March 13 Tuesday Bible Study Group
March 27 Trustees
April 3 Choir
April 10 Mission Team (proceeds go to support the 2011 mission trip)
Dates open during Lent for other groups: March 20 and April 17
Monday, March 07, 2011
Fast During Lent ... from Carbon
As we enter the Season of Lent, we pause to reflect on our stewardship of God's great gift of Creation.
Prayerfully consider this ecumenical invitation to
Join A Lenten Fast ....from Carbon.
Over 2500 people have already signed up!
Beginning Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent, participants will receive a daily email with a suggested carbon-reducing activity. When possible, this will include a quantitative measure of the carbon reduction resulting from the activity. Each daily email will also have a section suggesting a weekly focus for congregations.
We invite you to join others fasting from carbon during Lent.
Click Here for more information.
You can register immediately by using this Link.
Submitted by United Methodist Foundation of New England
Your Stewardship Resource Center
Prayerfully consider this ecumenical invitation to
Join A Lenten Fast ....from Carbon.
Over 2500 people have already signed up!
Beginning Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent, participants will receive a daily email with a suggested carbon-reducing activity. When possible, this will include a quantitative measure of the carbon reduction resulting from the activity. Each daily email will also have a section suggesting a weekly focus for congregations.
We invite you to join others fasting from carbon during Lent.
Click Here for more information.
You can register immediately by using this Link.
Submitted by United Methodist Foundation of New England
Your Stewardship Resource Center
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Sunday School, Out of Egypt!
The kids are learning all about Moses and how God rescued the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt, bringing them safely across the Red Sea on dry ground. Or some of you may know this as the Book of Exodus in the Bible. But rather than just listening to these stories, the kids are experiencing them through cooking, games, music and other centers. Don't let your kids miss out! You can view some photos from the first week, a photo album of the games and cooking centers (click on a photo to enlarge).
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Saint Patrick's Day Cookie Bake March 13
The Sunday School will be hosting a Saint Patrick’s Day Cookie Bake on March 13 during worship. Kids will have a chance to decorate cookies, keeping one bag for themselves and having one bag to give to someone of their choice – a grandparent, friend, neighbor, shut-in or even a stranger who looks like they need a reminder of God’s love!
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Daily Devotion during Lent - Try It!
Lent is a time to go deeper in our faith journey as we prepare our hearts to greet our Risen Savior on Easter. One way we can do this is through daily Scripture reading and prayer. There are many options, but one recommended by the pastors is called Journey to the Cross Daily Devotion during Lent
You can have this devotion emailed to you each day, or you can subscribe other ways such as twitter and facebook. Check out the link above and make your choice.
The devotion begins March 14 and ends on Easter. All are welcome to try it out, and invite a friend too.
You can have this devotion emailed to you each day, or you can subscribe other ways such as twitter and facebook. Check out the link above and make your choice.
The devotion begins March 14 and ends on Easter. All are welcome to try it out, and invite a friend too.
Lenten Wednesday Worship Schedule
Each year the United Methodist Churches in our area (Casco Bay Cluster) work together to plan worship on Wednesday evenings through the season of Lent. Worship is held at a different church each week, co-led by laity and clergy from each church. All worship except Good Friday begins at 7pm. We hope to see you there!
3/9 Cape Elizabeth UMC (Ash Wednesday)
Rev. Jamie Arrison preaching
The church is located at 280 Ocean House Road in Cape Elizabeth. FMI call 799-8396.
3/16 West Scarborough UMC
Rev. Ruth Morrison preaching
The church is located at Rt 1 and Church Street in West Scarborough. FMi call 883-2814.
3/23 Thornton Heights UMC
Rev. Andrea Harvey preaching
The church is located at 100 Westbrook Street in South Portland. FMI call 774-0487.
3/30 First UMC
Rev. Priscilla Dreyman preaching
04/22-GOOD FRIDAY- Elm St. UMC at 12:00. The program will be done in stations with a lunch (soup, rolls, dessert) following the service.
04/24-SUN RISE SERVICES
* 5:30am at Fisherman's Point at Willard Beach followed by pancake breakfast at Peoples UMC
* Two Lights beach followed by a breakfast buffet at the Cape Nazarene Church
3/9 Cape Elizabeth UMC (Ash Wednesday)
Rev. Jamie Arrison preaching
The church is located at 280 Ocean House Road in Cape Elizabeth. FMI call 799-8396.
3/16 West Scarborough UMC
Rev. Ruth Morrison preaching
The church is located at Rt 1 and Church Street in West Scarborough. FMi call 883-2814.
3/23 Thornton Heights UMC
Rev. Andrea Harvey preaching
The church is located at 100 Westbrook Street in South Portland. FMI call 774-0487.
3/30 First UMC
Rev. Priscilla Dreyman preaching
The church is located at 179 Ridgeland Avenue in South Portland. FMI call 767-2688.
4/6 Elm Street UMC
Rev. Lynne Campbell preaching
The church is located at 168 Elm Street in South Portland. FMI call 799-0407.
4/13 Peoples UMC
Rev. Johanne Dame preaching
The church is located at 310 Broadway in South Portland. FMI call 799-1413.
04/22-GOOD FRIDAY- Elm St. UMC at 12:00. The program will be done in stations with a lunch (soup, rolls, dessert) following the service.
04/24-SUN RISE SERVICES
* 5:30am at Fisherman's Point at Willard Beach followed by pancake breakfast at Peoples UMC
* Two Lights beach followed by a breakfast buffet at the Cape Nazarene Church
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