What Began In May Continues into June

Memorial Day Water Distribution

One of the projects that was started a few years ago by Betty Splettstoesser and continued this year was setting up a water stand outside the church on Memorial Day. The stand is the home base to distribute bottles of water for those folks watching the parade and who have become thirsty. There is no charge for the water and I am sure that some folks now make it a habit to encamp somewhere near the church in order to reap the benefits of the free water. This is a local mission that works to note the presence of Peoples Church in this community. Along the parade route I spotted some Peoples people preparing for the parade that was led by a SPPD Honor Guard and the South Portland High School Award Winning Marching Band.

 Sanctuary Project Continues

Displaced by the work in the Sanctuary, the church body has made good use of Ellis Hall for worship services for three weeks running. Ellis Hall is kind of an intimate setting and I think the church body has actually felt closer. This past Sunday was also a celebration for the children of the Sunday school. Andy Folley, the superintendent of Sunday school, recognized all of those who had served as teachers and issued a certificate to all of the students who had participated during this past year.

An update on the work in the Sanctuary indicates that all of the work in the Chancel appears to be complete as is the laying of tile in the sanctuary area. Most recent pictures show Jim MacDonald ready to begin the dusting of the whole area of the sanctuary. The dusting took place before the carpet layers were to be in the area. A few pictures will show the viewer that the pews are back in place and that the carpet layers had begun the work of laying carpet around the perimeter of the sanctuary and down the center aisle.

Courage to Care

One of the largest events to take place at Peoples in a number of years was held on Saturday, June 2. Prepared by the Ross family and friends this event included a meal prepared by, our own Brad Morrison, Have Chef Will Travel, and a silent auction of many items solicited by Joely and Shane. A slide show starred Maddy as she has gone through many operations and will soon be experiencing another at the Shrine Hospital for Children. Maddy had been diagnosed with hip dysplasia when she was a baby. Many folks from the church family as well as Shriners and Masons and their families were among the more than 110 folks that were in attendance. According to Joely’s most recent report on Facebook over $5033 was raised and will be donated to Shrine Hospital. A good time was had by all. For many months now the Rosses have been collecting around town can tabs in collection containers labeled “Can Tabs for Kids” which are turned in for financial remuneration and also support the efforts of the hospital.