March Senior Luncheon

Full house for March

Ready for the show

Pastor Tom and Rosemary

Pastor Tom On the 12^th of March, Peoples held its monthly Senior Luncheon for the first time since December. In spite of the fact that the Coronavirus was spreading from the west to the east 48 guests and 22 members of the church came together to experience once again a great meal and wonderful entertainment. Chef Brad had prepared a traditional Irish meal of Corned beef and cabbage with onions and potatoes, and Irish soda bread. Rosemary had made cookies in the shape of shamrocks with green sprinkles. Many comments were made by the guests and happy that we were able to have this get-together for the community. Because of the virus hitting locally it is difficult at this time to indicate whether we will be able to meet next month. Stay tuned on that count.

Portland Ballet Artistic Director Nell

Nell shows one of Midsummer Night's Fairy Costumes

Mistress of Ceremonies Marlene

As the morning unfolded a number of male and female members of the parish set up the tables and chairs and under the guidance of Pam D the tables were decked out with decorations that were fitting for the Irish holiday. Thanks, are extended for all who helped in the hall as well as the kitchen with Brad.

5 Ballet Dancers

Nell shows another intricate fairy costume

At 11:30 AM many of the guests were already here and waiting for the entertainment. Coming back for a second time were a troop of dancers from the Portland School of Ballet under the artistic direction of Nell S. Grace, Cliana, Toni, Heather, and Milena presented a show of steps and an introduction to the school’s next production of “Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Nell also talked about the artistry and the costume designs for the production. All in attendance were enthralled by what they saw and heard. Nell said they would like to come back in the future.

UMC members ready to serve

At noon the kitchen crew began dishing out the meals which in turn were taken two at a time by the servers guided by Dan to the various tables filling each table at a time. Servers would in time collect the finished dishes and replaced them with plates of cookies.

We are also thankful for the cleanup crew that had all of us on our way home by 2:00PM.

 UMM Men at Work

Water Tank removal

Pastor Tom and Andy G

Over the course of the last few weeks, the United Methodist Men have been called on by the Trustees to work on a couple of around the church projects. The first of these was, after a regular Saturday morning meeting, to go the parking lot in back of the church to remove an old hot water tank that had already been replaced. Team leader for this project was Dick Small who led Randy, Andy Goodwin, Pastor Tom in moving the heavy load to the back of Randy’s truck. Eventual resting place for this piece of equipment would be the South Portland dump.

Dick S and Randy P

What's up there?

Can you tell who it is?

On the following Saturday Dick led another group of men in insulating pipes above the perimeter ceilings in Ellis Hall. The team also removed the Christmas lights and decorations that were hanging in Ellis Hall.

Brad Wes and Keith

Moving along

Randy about to disappear

Those who were available for this project in addition to Dick were Randy, Keith, Brad, Wes and Art.

Dedication of Ellis Hall Kitchen

 Dedication of the Ellis Hall Kitchen

Plaque on stove hood

Kitchen stove and Fire Suppressant Equipment

Over the years in the life of kitchens at Peoples United Methodist Church many women and men have put what facilities the kitchens have had to good use. Most recently it was known that a fire suppressant system needed to be in place above the present gas stove to pass full inspection and be fully engaged.

Darlings and Dan Hamilton with Doreen Gay

Barbara Jody and Becky

Peoples has long been known for its suppers and other meals that are most often served to the public. Bean suppers for many years and the more recently held Community Senior Luncheons have both given the church a good name to have a meal. Other smaller functions often keep the kitchen hopping.

Marnie Tom Herd , Paul and others

Lin leads church service and Children's Story

Sadly, Chris Ward, who was a longtime matron of the kitchen passed away and the family, Darling, started a fund in her honor that would be used for this kitchen renovation. At the same time the Hamilton family had started and raised a similar fund that, in part, might also be used for this change in the kitchen and in the name of Emma Hamilton.

Church service in Ellis Hall because of cold

Dan Hamilton, Grandson of Emma and Nick

Plaques on kitchen wall

On Sunday, January 11 after a church service that was held in Ellis Hall because it was too cold in the sanctuary, the official dedication was held in and around the new facility. Lin Arnold was asked to give the dedication prayer and words about each of the women who the kitchen was dedicated too. A picture of Chris and another of Emma Hamilton and other women of her time can be found just inside the door and there is a brass plaque on the canopy over the stove with both the names of the women.

Church members today are very thankful for all of the folks that contributed to these funds and/or gave a donation themselves to this upgrade in our facilities.