Senior Luncheon in June 2018

Peoples UMC Senior Luncheon

June 14, 2018

In honor of Flag Day

Since September of 2017 Peoples has been sponsoring and holding a Luncheon for Senior Citizens from throughout the city of South Portland. Originally the Southern Maine Agency on Aging sponsored both the Meals on Wheels Program and a once a month luncheon at the Peoples Ellis Hall site. Since that came to a close Brad Morrison and Marlene Tordoff have worked together to provide at least one element of the older program, that being the once a month meal for seniors. Brad has been the chef of record and Marlene has put together a team of church members to make calls, provide wait service for the meals, and  develop programs for each occasion. Attendance each month has increased and the number of guests are well into the 60s while the folks from the church who have worked of this event has been as many as 21.

This month’s luncheon and program held on June 14 featured homemade Lasagna, Salad, and breads with a light but colorful dessert.

Rosemary and Brad in the kitchen

Shari and Pam the collectors

Rita and Mary arrive

Table Number 3

Table Number 2

More of the kitchen crew

Table Number 1

Table Number 4

Folding the American Flag

Marlene introduces Wes

Luke , Liam and Kristina

Kristina

Meaning to 13 folds of the American Flag

Luke and Liam perform the ceremony

According to the American Legion website and their flag etiquette the following is their 13 Fold meanings that the Sea Scouts presented to the audience:

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

1. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
2. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
3. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
4. The fifth fold is an acknowledgment to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
5. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
6. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies.
7. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
8. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
9. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.
10. The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
11. The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
12. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Already for lunch

This luncheon for seniors is the last until we begin again on September 13. We look forward to meeting with and for all the seniors in providing the service we have been able to provide for the community.