Appreciation Sunday

Appreciation Sunday at Peoples UMC

During the life of a church many individuals contribute in unselfish ways to the operation and ministries of that community. On Sunday, June 5, 2016 the church service was dedicated to honoring individuals and groups for their commitment to our church community.

Rosemary

Rosemary, Pastor Tom and children

The first to get up and honor someone was Rosemary when she thanked those who had served with the Sunday school during the year. She also presented small gifts to the children that were present. Let me add at this point how important Rosemary has been and continues to be for so many of the elements of church life from Sunday school, to Tuesday morning Bible group to choir, to Church Life, to leading the Church Council.

Becky G

She was followed by Becky G. who recognized the entire group that makes up the Finance Committee. She also thanked each and every person who has contributed to the financial needs of Peoples through gifts, tithes and offerings.

Chris, Rosemary and Dick M

Rosemary called Dick M to the front of the sanctuary as well as her sister Chris. He presented a plaque that he had made that has John 3:16 carved into it. Chris received for the church and it should be mounted in a conspicuous location. This is really a beautiful piece to add to the dedications and artistic creations hanging throughout the buildings of Peoples.

Christy

Betsy

Christy stood in the congregation and thanked her Dad, Brad, for all that he has unstintingly done for the people of Peoples. While much may surround food, Brad has also served well especially on the Trustees. From the same family, Betsy showed her gratitude for the many who have assisted her with the nursery over the years.

Debbie

Debbie C showed her appreciation for each and every member of the choir as the choir director handing out certificates to all. She also recognized Ruth D for the times that Ruth has filled in for Debbie by playing the piano. As head of the Worship Committee, Debbie also recognized Wealthy for all the “little things” that she does to make the church service run smoothly. Let us also take a moment to recognize Debbie for all she has done for the operation of worship and especially all she has done for our music program.

Dick S

Dick S then rose and thanked the men of the church for the work they had done and, by the way, will continue to do in refurbishing the garage at the parsonage. Several hours and even days have gone in to residing the building and restructuring the front of the garage and some of the flooring. As a fellow UMM member I thank Dick for heading up this project and the others who have come to assist.

Lin

Joidie and Pastor Tom

The next to stand from the congregation was Lin who showed his appreciation for our pastor, Tom, who is our spiritual guide as well as a pastor who is busily engaged in all aspects of church life. Lin was followed by Jodie who comes to Peoples with her two grandchildren all the way from Lisbon Falls. In speaking for herself and the children she showed her appreciation to Pastor Tom for what he means to them. We as a whole church body thank Pastor Tom for his leadership and concern for all of us.

Susan

Pastor Tom and Doreen

Susan was recognized for her many endeavors by Doreen for her many roles as keeper of the records, minutes and history of many church organizations. Susan in return honored many of the organizations and individuals that have helped her and worked hard to support ministries and administration of the church over the course of the past year.

Shari

Another contributor to our church life as noted is Dave B husband of Carol B by Shari even though he may not be a member of the church. He is not alone but his labors are deeply appreciated.  In this same category of appreciation we should extend that appreciation to others that may not be members of Peoples, but do contribute to the life of Peoples. Let us also note that both Pack 22 and Troop 23 not only meet at Peoples, but have carried out projects such as the building of the playground and fall cleanups for the church. Meals on Wheels have worked out of Peoples for many years and have hosted various Senior citizen activities in Ellis Hall. There has been an AA meeting in the vestry on Sunday evenings for may years and an Aerobics class offered that members have taken advantage of for several years on Saturday mornings.

While this article hopefully shares what folks shared on Sunday, June 5, it tries to go beyond a bit and give us thoughts of other folks that we have gained an appreciation of in the life of Peoples UMC. If you have others that you can think of that was not included in the above list feel comfortable in writing a comment that may not have been included in what we have written for this article.