Peoples UMC in September 2016

Two major events that took place in the last few days of September included the Annual Church Conference and the Fall Auction.

Becky and Barbara

Betty, Keith, Betsy and Lin

 Annual Conference

Reverend Deborah Shipp and Pastor Tom

Jan, Chuck, Joann, Rosemary, Shari, Dick and Janice

Pastor Tom Frey

Susan, Randy and Kit

Rev Deb Shipp and Sawyer

The conference was held on the evening of September 28 and was presided over by the Reverend Deborah Shipp and our own Pastor Tom Frey. Betsy Morrison was again elected unanimously to serve as secretary for the Conference. A booklet of annual reports from various missions and ministries of Peoples was handed out that included an Agenda for the evening, a listing of Leaders, and the form for the closing Communion Ceremony. This annual booklet serves as a good historical reference source for the work of the church in any given year.

Pam and Marlene

There was ample time for the more than 30 folks present to interject thoughts they had on a variety of topics including the Welcoming/Reconciling Statement for Peoples that was approved, although not unanimously by those present. The Statement agreed to is as follows:

Kathy

“Peoples UMC holds dear Jesus’ message that all people are loved and respected by God. Following the all-inclusive love of God we practice acceptance, belonging, caring, compassion and spiritual growth. We believe in creating space at the Table for all God’s children to transform our church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.

We proclaim this statement of welcome to all who have known the pain of exclusion and discrimination. Within this church, we welcome all in our journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect as we commit ourselves to learning more about each other.”

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can for as long as ever you can.” John Wesley

While we all thought that we were a truly open church with a welcome for anyone who graces our doors it was considered necessary to formalize what we, but not all, have felt about the nature of Peoples UMC. The history of openness goes back to 1888 when the name change for the church took place by vote of the Stewards and Leaders Committee of that era when Peoples was incorporated after being known as the Methodist Episcopal Church of Ferry Village.

Communion Elements

The theme of this year’s conference, “Planting Seeds of Trust” was referenced in the worship time that led us through the Conference. The thrust of the message was that we are all, individually and together, the sowers of God’s word and the doers of his work, both within Peoples church and beyond. Let us all continue our walk with the Lord.

Food Auction

Harold and Doreen

Actioneer Harold

Alan and Kathy

Bidders gather

Rob

In the past Peoples has sponsored an auction usually held in the fall with all manner of items from heavy furniture through food items prepared in the kitchens of parishioners. It was often the case that the food items often received higher bids than furniture and other trinkets that were considered by the donators to have at least sentimental value. This year’s edition presided over by auctioneer extraordinaire, Harold Sutherland, and our own Doreen Gay was made up exclusively of food items.

Bidders on the other side

Brad and Betsy

Goodies  for bids

The tables were filled with pies, cakes and cookies. There was Lasagna, spaghetti sauce and pesto with Spring rolls featured nearby. Mixed in were gift certificates for local eating emporiums displayed alongside baskets filled with breakfast ingredients or candy. The topper this year as it has been for many years was a meal prepared by Brad Morrison for four wherever and whenever the highest bidder wanted it. Knowing that the proceeds of the event would benefit the church bidders were generous in their bids. Two chocolate cream pies by Pat began the evening and both brought in $40 a piece. The Lasagna brought in $62 with several packages of 6 Spring rolls going for $30 apiece. These are just a few examples of the many items with Brad’s catered meal going for $400. When the proceeds were added up over $2200 had been taken in.

We have to think that this is a good money maker yet the social life that went with the occasion was equally as valuable for those that attended. Certainly part of the fun was watching and listening to Harold operate.

Helping with the money handling were Susan Angell and Becky Gotlieb.

 

Looking ahead at Peoples

This coming Saturday, October 8 will be the second fall meeting of the United Methodist Men which will take place in the vestry at 7:30AM. Breakfast will be prepared by Brad and anyone willing to assist. Breakfast will be followed by a meeting that will discuss major activities that the men need to be prepared for through the end of the year.

Immediately following the meeting a number of the men will be working in the parlor of Ellis Hall to remove the ceiling and the folding dividing wall between the parlor and children’s room with the intention of redoing the ceiling and putting in a permanent wall to replace the divider.

In November the UMM will be sponsoring a variety show on Friday, November 4 in Ellis Hall. On November 12 we will hold our November breakfast and meeting. This is also the day that the fall cleanup outside and inside the church will take place.

In December the men expect to have a table at the Christmas Fair. The men still need to determine what we will be doing for that table.

If you are associated with other ministries and missions of Peoples UMC please feel free to send write-ups and pictures to Art or Tom to get them on the blog. This is a resource that can be used to plant seeds on the blog by going directly to it or through the reference on Facebook.