Peoples UMC Advent Season 2013

Advent Season at Peoples UMC South Portland

Hanging of the Greens

Advent this year began on December 1, only a few days after a late Thanksgiving. The first service saw congregation members involved in the service in a number of ways. Pastor Tom followed a program that helped explain a number of the traditions that have become part of the Christmas season. While the choir sang the sanctuary became festooned with Evergreen wreaths and swags. Many members of the congregation, young and older, rose from their pews and picked up the greens. These were hung at the end of pews and from the beams of the church.

Pat and Merrill and their grandson, Christopher and his girl friend Bobbielynn came forward and lit the Candle of Hope in the Advent Wreath.

Pastor Tom added some understanding of what relationship the Poinsettia plant has to America as well as meaning to church life. This was followed by the decorating of the Christmas tree in the front of the church. Members were asked to bring meaningful decorations from home or from those that have been used on the tree for a number of years. Once the tree was decorated then the children brought forth toys and other gifts that would be placed beneath the tree and later distributed through the Root Cellar in Portland.

Later after the children had left for Pageant practice, Pastor Tom called adult volunteers to come forward and place Crèche figures in the Stable on top of the piano.

Since it was the first Sunday of the month it was also appropriate to include a communion service on this first Sunday in Advent.

Caroling rounded out some of the time throughout the service and a meaningful inspirational time was had by all.

It was announced that the Celebration of Advent 2013 Meditation Book was available for all members of the Congregation. There was also a Christmas Activity book for the children available that would have games and stories for elementary age children as well as colored paper dolls that could be cut out, placed on cardboard with the idea of making a Crèche scene with the help of adults.

 

 A Victorian Christmas Fair

While many may see a Christmas Fair as a means of making money for the church exclusively there is much more than that. There is no single event in the life of Peoples, other than church services, that call on more members to participate in its life. Mostly an event involving the women of the church, there are elements of the male world that call for participation also.

When one entered the front door of Ellis Hall on Saturday morning, December 7, the result of many hours of labor on the previous afternoon and evening could be realized. There is the craft table that was womanned primarily by Sally and Linda. Across the pathway is the Jewelry Table presided over by Doreen, Sharon and Pam. Further along one comes to the potpourri and rice warmers made, prepared and sold by Pipeline, the youth group led by adults Dick and many of the parents of upper elementary and middle school children. Further along the way Barbara, two Bettys,, Joanne, and Jody could be seen helping buyers sort through a myriad of treasures.

Into the breezeway the trail would go where one could find books, games and videos. Pam and Becky were the hostesses in this arena. Back into Ellis Hall one could round the bend to find Kathy holding forth with another table upon which one might find crafts and other donated treasures. In the middle of this area was young Aaron with his own candy creations available in pails, buckets and cups. Carol on yet another corner could be found with many things including a variety of glassware.

To the back of the hall was the baked foods table with Amy and Marlene along with a candy table presided over by Janice and another Becky. Many folks would find what they were looking for and have it gone before they left the hall. Many folks beyond the four women mentioned in this paragraph had helped supply the goodies for these tables.

Rosemary and Betsy took turns collecting money at the food counter first for coffee and donuts and later for fish and corn chowder/ Hot dogs and Chili which were also on the menu. Brad was the principal chef while he was ably assisted by others including Keith. Chris could be found moving around the Hall or seated in the kitchen.

Among the other men that helped set up and take down were Dick, Art, Braden and Fred could be seen in those back up roles.

I do recall coming into Ellis Hall in the morning and seeing Pastor Tom licking his fingers after frosting Whoopie Pies. Kelly could be seen throughout the hall sampling and chatting as she went the rounds.

As the season of Advent progresses and we celebrate and share our lives together we will add to this blog of activity.