Christmas Senior Luncheon

Christmas Senior Community Luncheon

Preparations

Our friend Jack

Peoples’ monthly community luncheon held on December 13 was attended by over 75 folks from the local community and church. Sue and Joanne were at the check-in table to greet all those that were to be there, since most were present because they were called by someone. The first guest through the door was our old(?) friend Jack.

Dan and Ruth

Centerpiece 1

Dan Rosemary and Becky G

Centerpiece 2

Centerpiece and gift

Pam D. had placed white and blue cloths on the tables and decorated the tables with season appropriate floral displays. Also placed at each place setting was a small gift that each person present was given. Again before the official entertainment and meal Dick M played the keyboard. Most of the music he played on this occasion was Christmas carol oriented.

Dick Miller

Many of the guests

The Flukes from Falmouth

The Flukes closeup

Ruth introduces the Flukes

Before the meal was served the entertainment was a ukulele band from Falmouth called the “Flukes”. The name of the group is derived from Falmouth Library Ukulele Society. Members of this group had played a role in our Variety Show last year. There were 13 members that were able to be with us at this time. The folks that were there for this month’s luncheon and entertainment were enthralled by the group’s liveliness and knowledge of old standby songs and Christmas carols. One of the songs that was particularly entertaining was a changed version of “Mr. Sandman”. Their rendition was titled, “Mr. Santa”. We thank Ruth D. for the contact with the Flukes and the introduction of the band.

Betty gets with it

Hawaiian Christmas and other songs

The Flukes were invited to stay and eat with all of us. This gave us a little more time to talk with them and thank them for their contribution of music.

Pastor Tom asks a blessing

At 12 noon Pastor Tom gave the blessing before the servers were put to work delivering the meals to each of the guests before they too, could sit and enjoy the meal mixed in with the guests.

After the meal many stayed to talk and/or cleanup before leaving for the day.

Servers ready to serve

We will not be holding luncheons in January and February due to uncertain weather, but will be back on March 14, 2019. We hope to see you with us then and other times in between.

A hand for our chef Brad

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE THURSDAY-- 7 PM

Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult.
The constant refrain on the radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation - all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know that we are not alone. 
Our spirits sink, as the days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing deeper around us. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us.
For these reasons, Peoples United Methodist Church, will offer a special “Blue Christmas” service

on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 7 pm.
Come out, and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle  - and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background (or lack of it) is welcome.

Hanging of the Greens

Hanging of the Greens

The Chancel is ready

Candles and wreaths

The church service on December 2, 2018 at Peoples Church provided the membership with one of the most interactive services since the same time last year. The date provided us with the first Sunday in the 2018 Advent Season. Seeing so many people and children of various ages participating did signal the first theme of the season which is Hope. The service began with the choir singing the Prelude from the back of the sanctuary. Thirteen people were engaged in that introduction to the service and to the season of Advent.

Paul and Dan figure how
to hang the  wreath

Lay Speaker Dan led us in singing “His Name is Wonderful” followed by “Come Thou Long Expected King” and then “Go Tell It On the Mountain”.

Kit and Randy light the candle
of Hope

It was during the preceding singing that several of the folks, young and old,  brought wreaths to the sides of the church and hangers of bows to the aisle pew sides.

Pastor Tom then explained the purpose and meaning of the Advent Wreath then calling upon  Kit and Randy to tell the story of the first candle, “The Candle of Hope” and then they lit it.

As the choir came forward to sing their anthem the congregation settled in to their seats for this time of musical inspiration.

Dan Betsy and Paul

Barbara and Pastor Tom

The children who usually are excused to Sunday school about this time would not leave today so they would be able to take part in whatever else would be happening. Decorating the Christmas tree just inside the communion rail while the congregation sang, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” then filled the aisles with young and old that either brought their own ornaments or were able to pick from many that had been placed on the rail. Once all who wished to had come forward and the tree was decorated, then the lights were put on with the brightest star at the top of the tree.

The PUMC Choir

Decorating the tree

Pastor Tom’s chosen message for the day was titled “The Chain We Forge in Life” and he linked it to the verses of Luke 19: 1-10.

The wreath a symbol of everlasting Love, Hope, Peace and Joy

More decorations

A meaningful service was felt by all, another spiritual event that makes this season so meaningful to all of us in this inspired community. We look forward to Advent studies and other religious services as well as meeting with old friends and our families knowing that the directions of our lives have been provided us by our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Toys for the Root Celler

The Creche

William adds an animal

Hannah helps

Emily and the Creche

Pastor Tom and the children

A little crowded but finished

William and a pew hanger

PUMC Christmas Fair

Peoples Christmas Fair Builds and Serves Community

Barb is preparing for the crowd

Janice and Becky with their candy

The Peoples Christmas Fair historically has most often taken place on the first Saturday in the month of December. Tradition is a very important part of this occasion. On the day before men and women gather in ELLIS Hall to get the lights up, the tables arranged and the decorations and goods prepared for the event on the tables arranged in colorful ways. The Hall is alive with excitement as a large number of the membership work together in community to be prepared for the next day.

Everyone needs to sit down on occasion

Betty and Barb

By 8:00AM on Saturday all is close to readiness with those who will be working tables putting the final touches in order. Jeanne and Sally are ready with knit goods, while Doreen, Pam D and Sharon are polishing the last of their Jewelry displays. Carol and Kathy with help from Linda are also in the center of the room ready to serve with a myriad of items for purchase. On the far side of the room one will find Betty and Barb with Jan and Jody assisting in the trash and treasure confines. Linking with them on the same side one would find Pam B and others ready to sell many different Christmas decorations at reasonable prices. In the breezeway is the used book room presided over by Becky G and Susan assisted by Pam L. Back into the hall we see Mariah and Hannah with their personalized Christmas tree ornaments next door to Marlene and Amy on the baked goods table and just outside the kitchen the candy table where Janice and Becky S tempt the buyers with their gathered homemade goodies.

Jeanne Marlene and Amy

Carol Pastor Tom and Kathy

Doreen and Kathy

Hannah and Mariah

In the kitchen you would likely find Brad, Keith, Danielle and Len (who also held jobs that took him to the rest of the hall to greet folks). While you might want coffee and a

Danielle and Sally

Hear no evil speak no evil

Randy Ellen and Hank

Community Luncheon in December

Jan and Pam B

Jan Joanne Pam and Mike

 John and Kathy

Taking a break

Mariah Hannah Marlene and Amy

Pam D and perusers

Pastor Tom and Wes

Randy Dan Wes and Jim

Rosemary gets some help from Steve

All the scones were gone before the fair opened

Sharon and Doreen

The Doors are open at 9 AM

donut early you would be able to get Corn Chowder and Haddock Chowder as well as hot dogs and chicken salad at Lunch. Betsy with her great smile greeted those who would be eating with us on this occasion.

The Olsons with Marlene and Amy

The last stop or the first stop for visitors would be the Men’s Table where you might find cheddar cheese, green tomato relish as well as many wood creations, key chains, candles advent meditation booklets and note cards. You might also have a chance to talk with Randy, Wes, Jim, Tom, Dan or Art.

While this event held every year works to bring in needed monies for the church it is just as important to experience the spiritual and physical community that is built by working together.

Keep the season bright