November Peoples Senior Luncheon

November Community Luncheon

Dick a the keyboard

On November eighth Peoples UMC held its monthly Senior Community Luncheon. By 9:30 AM a crew of men and women began setting up the tables, covering them with appropriately fall colored table cloths then set silverware and napkins in place. Pam D had acquired some cute stand up turkeys for centerpieces.

Pastor Tom, Rosemary and others

Early arriving guests began arriving around 10:30 AM for an early cup of coffee and a chance to talk with friends. While guests were arriving Brad M, Rosemary and Len with help from Dick S and others were beginning to prepare the meal that would be served to the guests after the entertainment that was scheduled for 11:30 AM.

Kitchen crew

Resting after setting Ellis Hall up

By the time for entertainment most of the guests had passed through the table where greeters Joanne and Susan willingly collected money for the meal. The amount of money collected from each individual would help to defray the expenses of decorations and the food prepared for the meal. This day’s meal would be Turkey and gravy, mashed potato and sliced acorn squash. Rolls, cranberry sauce and water jugs were also place on each of 11 tables.

Patty Medina and Marlene

Patty and her skinny friend

Friends from Spurwink

Orange table

Before the meal was to be served by any of several servers that had been assigned by Marlene T, she had introduced Patty Medina, a fitness expert and trainer, who does run a program on Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 10:00 AM  here in Ellis Hall. She spoke first about connections we have in not exercising properly or enough and some of the ailments and pains that are bodies sustain through arthritis, bursitis, and other painful conditions. She used a skeleton and several charts to show bone issues as well as nerve and muscle issues. To close out the program she had those who could stand do some of the exercises that she uses in her classes.   Patty was well received and one could hear that some of those attending would like to join her regular program.

Table decorations

Servers prepared to do their job

Check in with Susan and Joanne

Marlene thanked Patty for her program and then introduced Pastor Tom to give the blessing for the meal. While a few guests were straggling in the kitchen crew and the servers teamed to deliver the meals to the 65 guests who had come. Once the meals were served those who were working in the kitchen and the servers could sit down and enjoy the meal scattered throughout the guests. Rosemary had prepared pumpkin bars with whipped cream which were then delivered guests.

People listening to Patty

Friends with coffee

There were at least 18 folks from the church who helped in the setup of Ellis Hall, worked in the kitchen, or helped serve the guests. We do believe a good time was had by all.

 December 13 is the date of the next Senior Community Luncheon. The entertainment for that event will be The Flukes, a local Ukulele band that has become quite popular.

A little exercise with Patty

     As 2018 nears its end, it is time to consider how we may best share our time and talents with the church.  In January, the Church Council hopes to establish the make up of each church committee and team.
     So, now is the time to consider how you can step up and help.  Now is the time to talk to other committee members to see what is involved.  To keep providing ministry and services, we need to come together to vision, plan and execute the daily functioning of Peoples.
     Here is a list of some of the opportunities to serve.  There are openings on all committees and teams.  Many hands make light work, so we ask to you to prayerfully consider your place in the ministry of Peoples and we thank you for your discernment and help.

CHURCH COUNCIL:  This is the overseeing body of the work of the church.  A representative from each of the other committees is asked to serve as we keep each other informed as to what each group is undertaking.  There are also ad-hoc members of this committee who serve not as representatives of other groups, but to supply other ideas and considerations.   This team is also where visioning is taking place.  Where will we be in five years?  What are the gifts and graces of our community?  Where should we be focusing our energy and resources?  The committee meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.   If you’d like to be part of this looking toward tomorrow, please see Pastor Tom about joining this committee.

STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS (SPRC):  This is a group that works with the pastor to better serve the community.  They do an annual review of the pastor’s work, as well as all paid employees of the church.  They work with the conference in matters of pastoral change and other related issues.  To belong to this committee you must be a full member of Peoples.  There is a limit of nine that can serve.  The committee meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 2:15 pm.  (The day/time is flexible if it does not meet your availability.) If you would like more information, please speak with Pastor Tom or Keith Snoddy.

FINANCE:  While this group reviews budget numbers, it is not just about accounting.  Most of the focus of this group is visioning how to best teach and/or demonstrate stewardship as a foundation of our faith.  Meetings are the Thursday before the Church Council meeting at 6 pm.  If you’d like to know more, please see Pastor Tom, Kathy Brann or Sue Angell.

CHURCH LIFE:  This committee is really a large umbrella that covers many areas of interest.  Church Social Events, Christian Education,  Outreach Ministries, all fall under the heading of Church Life.  You need not be involved in each of these areas.  If your passion is for a specific area or event, you are welcome to join and participate in the creation, planning and development of your area of interest.  If curious, please see Pastor Tom, Carol Bruneau or Rosemary Herd for more information.

TRUSTEES:  This group maintains the church and parsonage buildings and properties.  They meet the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.  There is a limit of nine members on this board. If interested, please see Walter Greer, Brad Morrison or Pastor Tom.

SUNDAY SCHOOL/NURSERY: Spend some time with our children.  You’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn. Circumstances have made our need great in this area, as we need a Sunday School Superintendent to oversee the children’s faith growth and a nursery coordinator to schedule volunteers for this vital ministry.. Please see Pastor Tom if called to this ministry!

BUT I CAN’T MAKE IT TO MEETINGS VOLUNTEERS:  There are ways to serve that do not require monthly meetings and can even be done at home. If you’d like to learn how to help, please see Pastor Tom or any of the listed names in your area of interest.

AND LET’S NOT FORGET:  We have so many other groups that provide vital ministries to the community—The Worship Team, Choir, Bell Choir, The Prayer Shawl/Craft Ministry, The Men’s Group, United Methodist Women, The Garden Club, Church Archives, serving at the Bean Suppers to name a few.  We can always use extra hands and hearts.