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!