Earle and Wealthy have celebrated 50 years together, and their son Lew threw them a terrific party at church on Saturday 9/1! Great fun and great fellowship.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Continuing Education 2007
Every year pastors in the United Methodist Church are required to take a certain number of continued education units (CEUs). There are many great options, but Pastors Gwyneth and Jamie have opted for taking Pastors Assembly in NH the last three years. Each year is a different topic relevant to clergy. This year was entitled "self care", and took place the last week of August Monday-Thursday.Many clergy end up with family and marital issues, health problems, depression and other issues. In fact, we learned that among Methodists, New England has the highest health insurance rates of any conference due to the numbers of clergy with diabetes, heart problems and depression. However, this seminar provided some great tools to maintain and improve our emotional, physical and spiritual health. The conference provided childcare as well so both pastors could attend sessions.
Casco Bay Cluster Revival Coming
Our own Casco Bay cluster is sponsoring a revival at Beech Ridge Speedway on October 6th. There will be excellent music including the Messengers of Hope and excellent preaching including our own Bishop Peter Weaver. This is a great time to bring friends out to a celebratory event with many activities for youth and children. Come and share in the Gospel of Jesus! We will be calling on you for help with publicity, children’s activities, ushering and for bringing your friends. Keep the date open! Pray about who to invite! We also need donations to help make this event a success. Please see Jamie or Keith to find out how to help, or go to the Hope Revival website. The video clip we have shown in worship a few times can be found on the website as well, or directly at Hope Revival Video. See you on the track!
Wayside Soup Kitchen - WOW
Submitted by Susan AngellWOW, WOW, WOW........................
Last night People's people served 300+ hungry persons at the Wayside Soup Kitchen. Those of us that arrived early were immediately set to work in preparation. The cooks were deeply involved in preparing fresh vegetables, salads, and the cooking of chicken and rice. Others were busily cutting pies and the like for desserts, setting tables, preparing coffee, juice and milk machines for the beverage table,cutting up blocks of butter and slicing of bread. I was totally excited that they allowed me to use the machine that slices the whole loaves of bread. For some unknown reason, usually no one allows me to touch moving machinery. Positions were assigned. Anita Lyons generously assigned her husband, Charlie Lyons to the dish washing duty. There were those that staffed the beverage table and those that put the food onto the dishes in a serving line. Tom was asked to assist with security. The remaining 6 of us were assigned our tables. If you serve restaurant style, you need 20-30 people to serve the tables, so buffet from the kitchen was necessitated. The 6 had the job of assisting people, serving refills on drinks, refreshing the butter and bread bowls, busing the tables of those that were finished and eventually washing down all the tables and chairs to ready them for the next days breakfast crowd.
The doors were opened and in they came. Some were in wheel chairs, some young people with the hard look of those living on the streets, older shop worn men and women and many carrying all they own in back packs, strollers and plastic bags and they were hungry. Time passed swiftly. Tom Nelson always amazes me. Compared to his energized wife, Barb Nelson, he looks quiet and slow moving. The man was everywhere doing this and that in his calm way. Art Tordoff too is just always in the right place at the right time. The gals that dished out the food on plates never faltered. The cooks kept the hot food coming. An extremely pretty and young woman there doing Community Service lost her veneer and began to show the strain of dealing with so many people. The young woman from Oakhurst with the friendly smile dealt with the horde admirably. Jalen, Barb and Tom's grandson and the youngest of us, managed to do the task of handing out beverages and never lost his cool. The unending stream of dirty dishes were washed and put away. After 7 and the people were gone, tables and chairs cleaned, floors swept, kitchen cleaned, trash put out and silence. Tired but at the same time energized, we all went home. GOOD JOB DONE.
There has been of talk about Peoples letting this ministry go as we are a small church with not a massive amount of people (others included Kathy Brann, Betsy Morrison, Marlene Tordoff, Janice Huelin, Betty Splettstoesser, Becky Gotlieb and Sue Angell). While lots of churches and corporations are abandoning this ministry for other, nicer, things such as ESL, Habitant for Humanity, The Root Cellar, Walks for various causes, this grittier side of community service needs our help too. We may be few but we sure showed we are mighty!
Note from Tom Nelson:
Susan you put this so very eloquently. WOW is an understatement. I was really worried when I saw only Peoples people but we may have been small but the power of Jesus was in all of us. I thank each and everyone for all their hard work. Charlie worked just about the hardest of any of us so Hats off to Charlie. Glad bean suppers are not this crazy. We will be at it in October 31 so if you missed the fun put it on your calendar.
God Bless you all and Thanks for the support
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Adult Sunday Morning Class
Adult Sunday school class
On Sunday, September 9 a class that has been meeting for over 30 years will begin again at 9 AM. While the class membership has changed over that period of time the intent has always been to bring its members closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. At the present time those who have been in the class have been using J. Ellsworth Kalas’s study book, More Parables From the Backside. The class will begin with Chapter 4 titled, "The Importance of Downward Mobility" which is based on the parable in Luke14:7-14. Anyone who would like to join us is welcome. Reading the parable in any interpretation of the Bible works and prepares you for participation in the class. The class is looking for a few good people who would like to learn in a small group format. Hope to see you there!
On Sunday, September 9 a class that has been meeting for over 30 years will begin again at 9 AM. While the class membership has changed over that period of time the intent has always been to bring its members closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. At the present time those who have been in the class have been using J. Ellsworth Kalas’s study book, More Parables From the Backside. The class will begin with Chapter 4 titled, "The Importance of Downward Mobility" which is based on the parable in Luke14:7-14. Anyone who would like to join us is welcome. Reading the parable in any interpretation of the Bible works and prepares you for participation in the class. The class is looking for a few good people who would like to learn in a small group format. Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sixty Seven Years as Organist at Peoples
Dr. Malcolm W. Cass
67 Years of service to Peoples Methodist Church
Dr. Malcolm Cass began playing the organ when many young men his own age may have played other instruments
or became deeply involved in athletic teams. His father, a Methodist preacher, and his mother had encouraged his playing and made sure that he had lessons from the organist at the Bar Harbor Church. When that organist took a leave of absence, Malcolm was asked to "fill in". As the story is told she never returned and the young Malcolm’s avocation became a lifetime of love for music especially related to the organ and choral endeavors.
In time Malcolm attended and graduated from Bowdoin College and became a Doctor of Optometry graduating from Pennsylvania School of Optometry. While a student at Bowdoin, Malcolm served as the chapel organist.
When his father, Walter H. Cass was appointed to serve Peoples United Methodist Church in South Portland in 1938 it wasn’t long before Malcolm became the regular organist and choir director at Peoples. Malcolm also fell in love with Hildreth "Hillie" Edwards who sang in the Peoples Choir. The two were married in 1942. Aside from time away for military service during World War II, Dr. Cass has served as the church organist and choir director at Peoples until his last official day, August 26, 2007.
One of the finest organists ever produced in the state of Maine, Dr. Cass had many opportunities to play elsewhere as well. For many years he was the official organist for the Maine Conference of the Methodist Church and over the years played many concerts on the Kotzchm
ar Organ in Portland’s Merrill Auditorium. On trips that he would take with his beloved Hillie he would also be graced with the opportunity to play some of Europe’s most renowned organs.
At Peoples, Malcolm had the experience of playing at least three organs. The original organ that was eventually transplanted from the High street church was an Estes that had been purchased with Choir funds and assistance from the Carnegie foundation in 1912. Put in storage until the new sanctuary was completed and able to accept the Pipes of the Estes, Malcolm with the help of others found a suitable interim organ to use in the vestry of the present church. Until the new sanctuary was ready for occupancy, church services were held in the Vestry. This instrument was found in a warehouse in Boston and was transported piece by piece to South Portland. Once the Estes was in place in the sanctuary the interim organ was sold for the same price that it had cost to buy and be transported to South Portland.
By the late 50’s, however, the Estes was showing the wear of long term service to two churches. A fund drive was organized to fill a number of needs including the purchase price of a new pipe organ. Malcolm was, along with Jason Tilton, the chief proponent for the purchase of an instrument that would last and give quality service for many years to come. Mr. Tilton was a representative of the Reuter Organ Company and gave up his commission to make sure that Peoples and Malcolm would have a quality instrument. The organ was purchased for $30,000 and installed and played for the first time in 1962. Dr. Cass while not the only person to play the organ has been the primary organist until August 26, 2007.
While most folks will remember Malcolm for his generous contributions to the music program of Peoples Church he has also contributed in so many other ways as well. He has served in the role of leadership on most of the significant bodies of the church. He also has in the past led the Men’s Club. His musical background accompanied many variety shows and Sunday school productions. He served for many years as the principal historian and archivist for church memorabilia and to top it all off, for most of his church related life he was the principal photojournalist for events held at Peoples. How he was able to play music, write notes and take pictures all at the same time I will never know!
Beyond the walls of the church he also was an active, long-termed member of both the local Lions Club and the American Guild of Organists. The Lions Eyeglass collection project of many years came at th
e inspiration of Malcolm and continues to the present day.
Certainly his life time of giving was shared with many including his sons Malcolm Jr. and David as well as a church family that have loved and admired his dedication to all of us. We would have to agree, however,
that while he is noted for his solo performances on the organ and piano his life, including music, has always been a shared partnership with Hillie. It is that devotion to each other that have made both Malcolm and Hillie, not even arguably, the most devoted and loving couple title at Peoples Church. Their life and devotion to each other is a model that few others have been able to duplicate.
On his last official day at the organ, a permanent plaque was presented for rededicating the organ in Dr. Cass’s name. Following the service Dr. Cass and Hillie sat in front of the altar and received the greetings and congratulations of the congregation and guests in attendance.
Thank you Malcolm for the many years of dedication to sharing music and life with you throughout your lifetime and ours as well!
67 Years of service to Peoples Methodist Church
Dr. Malcolm Cass began playing the organ when many young men his own age may have played other instruments
or became deeply involved in athletic teams. His father, a Methodist preacher, and his mother had encouraged his playing and made sure that he had lessons from the organist at the Bar Harbor Church. When that organist took a leave of absence, Malcolm was asked to "fill in". As the story is told she never returned and the young Malcolm’s avocation became a lifetime of love for music especially related to the organ and choral endeavors.In time Malcolm attended and graduated from Bowdoin College and became a Doctor of Optometry graduating from Pennsylvania School of Optometry. While a student at Bowdoin, Malcolm served as the chapel organist.
When his father, Walter H. Cass was appointed to serve Peoples United Methodist Church in South Portland in 1938 it wasn’t long before Malcolm became the regular organist and choir director at Peoples. Malcolm also fell in love with Hildreth "Hillie" Edwards who sang in the Peoples Choir. The two were married in 1942. Aside from time away for military service during World War II, Dr. Cass has served as the church organist and choir director at Peoples until his last official day, August 26, 2007.
One of the finest organists ever produced in the state of Maine, Dr. Cass had many opportunities to play elsewhere as well. For many years he was the official organist for the Maine Conference of the Methodist Church and over the years played many concerts on the Kotzchm
ar Organ in Portland’s Merrill Auditorium. On trips that he would take with his beloved Hillie he would also be graced with the opportunity to play some of Europe’s most renowned organs.At Peoples, Malcolm had the experience of playing at least three organs. The original organ that was eventually transplanted from the High street church was an Estes that had been purchased with Choir funds and assistance from the Carnegie foundation in 1912. Put in storage until the new sanctuary was completed and able to accept the Pipes of the Estes, Malcolm with the help of others found a suitable interim organ to use in the vestry of the present church. Until the new sanctuary was ready for occupancy, church services were held in the Vestry. This instrument was found in a warehouse in Boston and was transported piece by piece to South Portland. Once the Estes was in place in the sanctuary the interim organ was sold for the same price that it had cost to buy and be transported to South Portland.
By the late 50’s, however, the Estes was showing the wear of long term service to two churches. A fund drive was organized to fill a number of needs including the purchase price of a new pipe organ. Malcolm was, along with Jason Tilton, the chief proponent for the purchase of an instrument that would last and give quality service for many years to come. Mr. Tilton was a representative of the Reuter Organ Company and gave up his commission to make sure that Peoples and Malcolm would have a quality instrument. The organ was purchased for $30,000 and installed and played for the first time in 1962. Dr. Cass while not the only person to play the organ has been the primary organist until August 26, 2007.
While most folks will remember Malcolm for his generous contributions to the music program of Peoples Church he has also contributed in so many other ways as well. He has served in the role of leadership on most of the significant bodies of the church. He also has in the past led the Men’s Club. His musical background accompanied many variety shows and Sunday school productions. He served for many years as the principal historian and archivist for church memorabilia and to top it all off, for most of his church related life he was the principal photojournalist for events held at Peoples. How he was able to play music, write notes and take pictures all at the same time I will never know!
Beyond the walls of the church he also was an active, long-termed member of both the local Lions Club and the American Guild of Organists. The Lions Eyeglass collection project of many years came at th
e inspiration of Malcolm and continues to the present day.Certainly his life time of giving was shared with many including his sons Malcolm Jr. and David as well as a church family that have loved and admired his dedication to all of us. We would have to agree, however,
that while he is noted for his solo performances on the organ and piano his life, including music, has always been a shared partnership with Hillie. It is that devotion to each other that have made both Malcolm and Hillie, not even arguably, the most devoted and loving couple title at Peoples Church. Their life and devotion to each other is a model that few others have been able to duplicate.On his last official day at the organ, a permanent plaque was presented for rededicating the organ in Dr. Cass’s name. Following the service Dr. Cass and Hillie sat in front of the altar and received the greetings and congratulations of the congregation and guests in attendance.
Thank you Malcolm for the many years of dedication to sharing music and life with you throughout your lifetime and ours as well!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Peoples Church Prayerful Vision Set 2007-2008
This summary was reviewed by the Discipleship Committee this month, and will be presented to Church Council for review and revision. It is important that the church has a means of holding ourselves accountable to our prayerful vision set during Checking the Course. Therefore, this summary will be used at the monthly Council meetings to check in on the status of these items, and help provide resources and other means of support. If you have any feedback, please contact Art Tordoff or bring your ideas to Council. Thank you!
Summary of Vision for Peoples 2007-2008
Summary of Vision for Peoples 2007-2008
Intreat Profitable for Those Who Attended
Peoples United Methodist Church
Checking the Course
Intreat Proposed Course Changes
On Saturday, August 25, members and friends of Peoples Church participated in an Intreat designed to lo
ok at where we are as a church and where we feel we should be heading. 
Those in attendance were Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth Arrision, Lay Leader Earle Harvey, Church Council leader and Worship Committee Chairperson, Chris Ward, Rosemary Herd, Art and Marlene Tordoff, Dan Doughty, Betty Splettoesser, Sally and Betty Smith, Linda Wade, Claralee Street, Susan Angell, Kathy Brann, Becky Gotlieb, Fred Wade, and Barbara Nelson.
The Intreat began with a meaningful worship service at Thomas Knight Park in Knightville led by Pastor Gwyneth. Returning to Ellis Hall we indulged in coffee and sweets prepared by Rosemary Herd and Chris Ward, before beginning the three watches that made up the program. Art Tordoff, Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth shared leadership with the assistance of Earle Harvey and Chris Ward. All in attendance were actively engaged in the proposals that came from the groups on Worship, Fellowship and Evangelism/Outreach.
From the Crew on Worship:
This group included Chris Ward, Pastor Jamie, Linda Wade, Sue Angell, Claralee Street
Discussion centered on restructuring committee work. During monthly meetings for September, November, January and May all folks holding positions related to worship will be expected to be in attendance as a "committee of the whole". The committee of the whole would include the chairperson, the Pastors, music officials, communion stewards, altar preparers, ushers, greeters, follow-up team members, representatives from other worship experiences related to the church and others, at times, deemed a part of the worship team.
During the months of October, December, February, March and April a Subset of the whole committee will continue to work as a worship design team. This team membership is yet to be determined and sh
ould be finalized at the next Worship committee meeting. Its specific duties should also be defined at the next meeting. Changes should be reported out at Church Council.
From the Fellowship crew:
This group included Rosemary Herd, Dan Doughty, Kathy Brann, Betty Smith and Pastor Gwyneth
This group proposed that a number of social –fellowship events be planned over the course of the coming year. The purposes of such a thrust would be to provide a variety of appealing activities for a variety of parishioners and friends. At least one event needs to be planned in each season.
Activity One: Mystery Ride is already scheduled for Sunday, October 21. This would be primarily a church family building event. This group would be instrumental in developing the particulars including communication.
Activity Two: Resurrection of the Saturday Niters The first reinstatement of this program will take place on Saturday, January 26, 2008. Fellowship committee responsibility to fill in the specifics.
Activity 3: Spring might be either a Calendar Dessert for all or a Church Barbecue. More later. The focus will continuously be on Church Family development.
Ongoing activities that will be encouraged to continue include the Men’s Monthly Breakfast, Girl’s Night Out, Bean Suppers, Shawl Ministry, Knitting/Crocheting Group, Mom’s group, Connections with SMCC, Walking Group, Update of the telephone tree.
Possibility of starting a Visitation crew was mentioned. This would involve training to be good visitors in a number of situations.
From the Outreach/Evangelism group
This group included Earle, Marlene and Art Tordoff, Fred Wade and Pastor Gwyneth.
Evangelism: The main thrust in this area centers around two events that will take place in the Greater Portland area this fall. The first of these events is the Casco Bay Cluster sponsored event, "Hope In A Hurting World" that will take place at Beech Ridge Speedway on Saturday, October 6, 2007 from Noon to Six PM. Pastor Jamie is the "front man" for our involvement with the following assisting for Peoples Church (and anyone else that is willing to help) Art Tordoff, Marlene Tordoff, Earle Harvey, Fred Wade and Sue Angell. In a real sense with advertising this event is well underway.
The duty of the local committee will be to advertise in print and will develop a telephone tree to develop the necessary personal touch. The advertising and work of the committee will be in part responsible for encouraging and getting folks to the event. The goal in the form of statistics will to be responsible for 75 to 100 folks from church and our friends and families to the event. We will need 5 to 10 people to serve as telephone contacters. Marlene indicated that she would head the telephone folks. Art will get the word out and enlist folks to serve as ushers and children’s activity folks for the event. Earle and Fred will collect materials for the Peoples table in the "Big Tent" and will acquire folks to serve at the table during the open period. Gwyneth will acquire business cards and check on magnets with Peoples information on them for a giveaway. The team will be responsible for reviewing the existing visitor packets and update them for this event as additional handouts. Earle also indicated that he would be responsible for acquiring Spiritual counselors who will volunteer to offer consolation and advice at the end of the Revival presentations as well as set up our own local follow-up with information provided from the Revival.
Discipleship members will assist in the follow-up process with the establishment of new member groups and invitations to already existing learning functions of the church.
The second major Evangelism activity in the Fall will be to have as many people attend the E3 Conference to be held by the New England United Methodist Conference at Woodfords Congregational Church on November 1-3. More on that to come.
Outreach:
The group discussing this area was without the rightful leader who will be Merrill Kaiser who was on vacation at the time of the Intreat. Other folks who should be strong advocates in this area would be The Folleys, Art Tordoff, Earle Harvey, Rosemary Herd and the Pastors.
The program that we are emphasizing most already is part of the Mission support program for the Heifer Project. This church will continue to raise money through the Sunday school and the local church to "Fill and Ark". In order to do this the goal in financial support is to raise $5000. This committee set a goal to have at least 75 members and friends of the church supporting the project financially, spiritually and through participation in the events of the church that are related. Two events that will be related would be to sponsor a Variety Show in October (assigned date is October 12), proceeds of which would go to Heifer. The other major event would be to have a field trip to the Heifer sponsored farm in Massachusetts possibly to assist the caretakers in some way and to see how the farm operates. This event needs to take place by June of 2008. Continuation of the money collection boxes in and out of Sunday school is urged and that there should be a day periodically (every three months) in church where the boxes are collected and totals announced. In addition to what the children are using for an Ark to fill should be duplicated or brought to church on a regular basis for others to witness.
More brochures on Heifer should be made available and another occasion to show Heifer videos could be arranged.
Two other hands on activities were discussed and would like Missions to investigate possibilities. One would be to form a work party to Mechuwana in the Spring and the other would be to investigate the local Habitat for Humanity program and whether we would have enough people to serve on a work party or not and whether HH could use us.
Continuing in the spring of 2008 we feel that another International Missions Night should be encouraged and would fall under Discipleship, Missions, Fellowship and the Lay Leader for development. Likewise another Community Awareness Fair should be considered by the same group but to consider moving it to a more logical time to garner volunteers such as early fall.
Other local missions such as the Root Cellar and Wayside Soup Kitchen should also continue as well as other "regular" or traditional mission activities. The thrust should be to not only support missions financially, but to also have active involvement in those missions.
In the closing minutes of the Intreat, Pastor Jamie asked us to submit in three words or less to the group as a whole what we felt the church should be emphasizing. The following is a way that those suggestions could be put together.
"Where God is----------------there is----
Teamwork
Invitation, Welcome, Fun
Agenda communicating action
Supporting small miracles
Sharing family
Love for others
Checking the Course
Intreat Proposed Course Changes
On Saturday, August 25, members and friends of Peoples Church participated in an Intreat designed to lo
ok at where we are as a church and where we feel we should be heading. 
Those in attendance were Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth Arrision, Lay Leader Earle Harvey, Church Council leader and Worship Committee Chairperson, Chris Ward, Rosemary Herd, Art and Marlene Tordoff, Dan Doughty, Betty Splettoesser, Sally and Betty Smith, Linda Wade, Claralee Street, Susan Angell, Kathy Brann, Becky Gotlieb, Fred Wade, and Barbara Nelson.The Intreat began with a meaningful worship service at Thomas Knight Park in Knightville led by Pastor Gwyneth. Returning to Ellis Hall we indulged in coffee and sweets prepared by Rosemary Herd and Chris Ward, before beginning the three watches that made up the program. Art Tordoff, Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth shared leadership with the assistance of Earle Harvey and Chris Ward. All in attendance were actively engaged in the proposals that came from the groups on Worship, Fellowship and Evangelism/Outreach.
From the Crew on Worship:
This group included Chris Ward, Pastor Jamie, Linda Wade, Sue Angell, Claralee Street
Discussion centered on restructuring committee work. During monthly meetings for September, November, January and May all folks holding positions related to worship will be expected to be in attendance as a "committee of the whole". The committee of the whole would include the chairperson, the Pastors, music officials, communion stewards, altar preparers, ushers, greeters, follow-up team members, representatives from other worship experiences related to the church and others, at times, deemed a part of the worship team.
During the months of October, December, February, March and April a Subset of the whole committee will continue to work as a worship design team. This team membership is yet to be determined and sh
ould be finalized at the next Worship committee meeting. Its specific duties should also be defined at the next meeting. Changes should be reported out at Church Council.From the Fellowship crew:
This group included Rosemary Herd, Dan Doughty, Kathy Brann, Betty Smith and Pastor Gwyneth
This group proposed that a number of social –fellowship events be planned over the course of the coming year. The purposes of such a thrust would be to provide a variety of appealing activities for a variety of parishioners and friends. At least one event needs to be planned in each season.
Activity One: Mystery Ride is already scheduled for Sunday, October 21. This would be primarily a church family building event. This group would be instrumental in developing the particulars including communication.
Activity Two: Resurrection of the Saturday Niters The first reinstatement of this program will take place on Saturday, January 26, 2008. Fellowship committee responsibility to fill in the specifics.
Activity 3: Spring might be either a Calendar Dessert for all or a Church Barbecue. More later. The focus will continuously be on Church Family development.
Ongoing activities that will be encouraged to continue include the Men’s Monthly Breakfast, Girl’s Night Out, Bean Suppers, Shawl Ministry, Knitting/Crocheting Group, Mom’s group, Connections with SMCC, Walking Group, Update of the telephone tree.
Possibility of starting a Visitation crew was mentioned. This would involve training to be good visitors in a number of situations.
From the Outreach/Evangelism group
This group included Earle, Marlene and Art Tordoff, Fred Wade and Pastor Gwyneth.
Evangelism: The main thrust in this area centers around two events that will take place in the Greater Portland area this fall. The first of these events is the Casco Bay Cluster sponsored event, "Hope In A Hurting World" that will take place at Beech Ridge Speedway on Saturday, October 6, 2007 from Noon to Six PM. Pastor Jamie is the "front man" for our involvement with the following assisting for Peoples Church (and anyone else that is willing to help) Art Tordoff, Marlene Tordoff, Earle Harvey, Fred Wade and Sue Angell. In a real sense with advertising this event is well underway.
The duty of the local committee will be to advertise in print and will develop a telephone tree to develop the necessary personal touch. The advertising and work of the committee will be in part responsible for encouraging and getting folks to the event. The goal in the form of statistics will to be responsible for 75 to 100 folks from church and our friends and families to the event. We will need 5 to 10 people to serve as telephone contacters. Marlene indicated that she would head the telephone folks. Art will get the word out and enlist folks to serve as ushers and children’s activity folks for the event. Earle and Fred will collect materials for the Peoples table in the "Big Tent" and will acquire folks to serve at the table during the open period. Gwyneth will acquire business cards and check on magnets with Peoples information on them for a giveaway. The team will be responsible for reviewing the existing visitor packets and update them for this event as additional handouts. Earle also indicated that he would be responsible for acquiring Spiritual counselors who will volunteer to offer consolation and advice at the end of the Revival presentations as well as set up our own local follow-up with information provided from the Revival.
Discipleship members will assist in the follow-up process with the establishment of new member groups and invitations to already existing learning functions of the church.
The second major Evangelism activity in the Fall will be to have as many people attend the E3 Conference to be held by the New England United Methodist Conference at Woodfords Congregational Church on November 1-3. More on that to come.
Outreach:
The group discussing this area was without the rightful leader who will be Merrill Kaiser who was on vacation at the time of the Intreat. Other folks who should be strong advocates in this area would be The Folleys, Art Tordoff, Earle Harvey, Rosemary Herd and the Pastors.
The program that we are emphasizing most already is part of the Mission support program for the Heifer Project. This church will continue to raise money through the Sunday school and the local church to "Fill and Ark". In order to do this the goal in financial support is to raise $5000. This committee set a goal to have at least 75 members and friends of the church supporting the project financially, spiritually and through participation in the events of the church that are related. Two events that will be related would be to sponsor a Variety Show in October (assigned date is October 12), proceeds of which would go to Heifer. The other major event would be to have a field trip to the Heifer sponsored farm in Massachusetts possibly to assist the caretakers in some way and to see how the farm operates. This event needs to take place by June of 2008. Continuation of the money collection boxes in and out of Sunday school is urged and that there should be a day periodically (every three months) in church where the boxes are collected and totals announced. In addition to what the children are using for an Ark to fill should be duplicated or brought to church on a regular basis for others to witness.
More brochures on Heifer should be made available and another occasion to show Heifer videos could be arranged.
Two other hands on activities were discussed and would like Missions to investigate possibilities. One would be to form a work party to Mechuwana in the Spring and the other would be to investigate the local Habitat for Humanity program and whether we would have enough people to serve on a work party or not and whether HH could use us.
Continuing in the spring of 2008 we feel that another International Missions Night should be encouraged and would fall under Discipleship, Missions, Fellowship and the Lay Leader for development. Likewise another Community Awareness Fair should be considered by the same group but to consider moving it to a more logical time to garner volunteers such as early fall.
Other local missions such as the Root Cellar and Wayside Soup Kitchen should also continue as well as other "regular" or traditional mission activities. The thrust should be to not only support missions financially, but to also have active involvement in those missions.
In the closing minutes of the Intreat, Pastor Jamie asked us to submit in three words or less to the group as a whole what we felt the church should be emphasizing. The following is a way that those suggestions could be put together.
"Where God is----------------there is----
Teamwork
Invitation, Welcome, Fun
Agenda communicating action
Supporting small miracles
Sharing family
Love for others
Checking the Course
Peoples United Methodist Church
Checking the Course
All members and friends of Peoples were invited to participate in an Intreat to investigate the course that we might see ourselves on as a church family over the next year. 18 folks participated in some aspect of the day’s program. The event got under way as 9 folks trekked
to Thomas Knight Park to be led in worship by Pastor Gwyneth Arrison. Gwyneth’s message encouraged all of us to try and see our "vision" as if it were through "God’s Eyes." She also asked to consider as we approached the day the following questions:What is the dream you personally dream for Peoples?
What would it look like to live as God’s family?
What is God’s vision for calling Peoples to serve in this community?
What is God’s vision for you in bringing your dreams and others of the church to reality?
The reader of this article should ponder these four questions and respond perhaps to the pastors or the leader of the Church Council or to one of the other significant entities of church leadership so that you to might be heard.
When we arrived back at the church, another 9 folks, including Chris Ward and Rosemary Herd who had stayed at the church and prepared coffee and snacks. When it was time to begin the First Watch, Art Tordoff reiterated the questions that Gwyneth had earlier raised to everyone present for the Intreat. He also used devotion from The Upper Room from August 4 that was appropriate to the theme of the day. The reading used the naval blessing, wishing for " fair winds and a following sea" for the days events as well as the year ahead for Peoples church. While we originally would have broken the group into six groups it was decided to use three themes that were concerned with the three areas that those present felt were most in need of work at Peoples. The three groups were concerned with Worship, Fellowship and the combination Evangelism/Outreach.
Those three group areas "spiritstormed" a number of ideas some of which were re
lated to work undone since the last intreat, 2 years ago, and some ideas were quite new. Eventually it was hoped that everyone would eventually settle on one common theme to work in through all of the present work areas: Worship, Discipleship, Fellowship, Ministry/Evangelism, Mission/Outreach and Administration.During the Second Watch each group was able to narrow their lists down and settle into a more manageble, measurable, and accountable program. After lunch it was expected that somehow from this smaller listing the larger group might be able to settle on one general theme. In the end those who were there at the end of the program and after a great deal of discussion related to each it was felt that through the Council and the various committees mentioned above that all of the final proposals could be incorporated in the coming year’s church life.
The discussion among those who attended could have gone on beyond the time restraints of the day, but there is always a point beyond which discussion is no longer effective. Those that this reporter talked to were amazed, in some cases, to learn what was involved under each of the topics. An appreciation for what goes on and needs to be done was gained by all who were present. The feeling of family was very much present and felt by those in attendance.
While some of the programs for the coming year will come from "Checking the Course" those in attendance want all members and friends of the church to be informed. We also encourage those who could not be in attendance to find out and participate and help to implement necessary change and activity. You will find a more detail summarization of the actual proposals in another article prepared for that purpose.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Celebrating a New Member
Carol Bruneau joined the congregation of Peoples United Methodist Church on August 12. She grew up in Winthrop , Maine, very much part of the United Methodist Church there until she married and attended her husband's church. She had been thinking about coming back to the Methodist Church for a while and Earle invited her to represent the Lions Club at Peoples first Community Fair in 2006. Carol says, "I told him I had gone to the Methodist Church and he invited me to come to Peoples and both Gwyneth and Jamie invited me to attend a Sunday service also. Many people here have made me feel very welcome and attending church in the faith I grew up in is such joy to me."Carol, we welcome you as part of the Peoples family!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
August Anniversaries and Birthdays
See the new link to the right with birthdays and anniversaries listed for the whole year, thanks to Marlene Tordoff!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Bowling Party Great Fun!
We had 18 bowlers plus a few other observers, at Yankee Lanes after church on July 8. Yankee Lanes opened up four lanes for us, two with bumpers for the kids, all expenses paid as a special promotion. We could tell it was going to be a special time when we entered the names on one of the scoring machines (no more writing scores on your own card - everything is computerized!) the initials spelled SEEK!Curtis Coughlin was the high-score
with 129. Mallory and Alisha Wade bowled, as did all of the youth who attended. The biggest miracle of the day, however, was Elaine Rogers throwing the ball down the alley! Who would have thought she had just been released from rehab?!Everyone had a fun time. That's part of what it means to fellowship as the body of Christ.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Strawberry Yard Sale Grand Success
Article submitted by Susan Angell by email
Photo: Betty Splettstoeser working at the fair
I have not had so much fun in ages. Our garage sale was dynamic and the food from the kitchen: strawberry shortcake, hot dogs, chips, soda, punch, etc. was soooooooooooooo good. The food just flowed out under the direction of Chris Bowker and Chris Ward. Hand picked strawberries (by Chris B) and hulled the night before by Chris B and Janice Huelin. That night there were tons of people bringing stuff in, putting stuff on tables, pricing, etc. and it was crazy.
During the sale I was assisted in cashiering by Joanne Kamilewicz who was able to add all those figures in her head and I never even had to use my calculator. Barb, Betty, Kathy, Doreen, Becky G and Becky S and many others floated throughout the hall assisting in pricing and customer service. Carol Bruneau was dynamite on clothing and shoes. Mary Ann Wheeler sold an unprecedented $100 plus just on books.
Then the young, the strong, the brawny, men and women, packed up that hall, broke down the tables and packed up and hauled off the unsold items in about 45 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our yard sale/strawberry festival is always the best in town but our unprecedented success this year has to be attributed to publicity. We had advertised in just about every local paper. The volunteers that helped clean up the hall after the sale was the frosting on the cake.
OUR NET SALES, WITH SOME TABS STILL TO COME IN, WAS: $1334.54 (Last year around $800)
Photo: Betty Splettstoeser working at the fair
I have not had so much fun in ages. Our garage sale was dynamic and the food from the kitchen: strawberry shortcake, hot dogs, chips, soda, punch, etc. was soooooooooooooo good. The food just flowed out under the direction of Chris Bowker and Chris Ward. Hand picked strawberries (by Chris B) and hulled the night before by Chris B and Janice Huelin. That night there were tons of people bringing stuff in, putting stuff on tables, pricing, etc. and it was crazy.During the sale I was assisted in cashiering by Joanne Kamilewicz who was able to add all those figures in her head and I never even had to use my calculator. Barb, Betty, Kathy, Doreen, Becky G and Becky S and many others floated throughout the hall assisting in pricing and customer service. Carol Bruneau was dynamite on clothing and shoes. Mary Ann Wheeler sold an unprecedented $100 plus just on books.
Then the young, the strong, the brawny, men and women, packed up that hall, broke down the tables and packed up and hauled off the unsold items in about 45 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our yard sale/strawberry festival is always the best in town but our unprecedented success this year has to be attributed to publicity. We had advertised in just about every local paper. The volunteers that helped clean up the hall after the sale was the frosting on the cake.
OUR NET SALES, WITH SOME TABS STILL TO COME IN, WAS: $1334.54 (Last year around $800)
Friday, July 06, 2007
Chug-a-Chug-a-Choo-Choo
The Peoples Moms Group took a fun ride on the Narrow Gauge Railroad in Portland this week. Moms and kids all had a great time. The kids got to blow the train whistle, and we also spent some time at the train museum.
The children quickly gained their "train legs" and were admiring the view of Casco Bay along the way.The moms group meets weekly on Tuesdays. During the summer months the group is hosting outings to parks and field trips in order to accomodate the school-aged children. Please contact Pastor Gwyneth for further information. The following is the tentative summer schedule:
July 3 Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad in Portland (field trip)
July 10 Bug Light - bring a kite to fly
July 17 Fort Williams playground
July 24 Deering Oaks playground
July 31 Cancelled
Aug 7 Eastern Promenade Playground (kite flying too)
Aug 14 Mackworth Island (field trip - explore beach and walking trail)
Aug 21 Kettle Cove Beach
Aug 28 Payson Park
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Paul Colman Concert
A group from Peoples attended the Paul Colman Concert, which was sponsored by the Greater Portland Christian School. The combination of Paul's Australian accent, humor, musical talent, and authentic witness made for a very uplifting evening. The opening group for Paul was The Wrecking. I got the sense that our folks enjoyed Paul Colman more because you could actually understand the lyrics! But The Wrecking also was a very talented group, and showed a moving video on the Christian mission organization they support called International Justice Mission which works toward world justice by freeing people who have been forced into slavery, stopping forced prostituion of children, seeking fair and timely trial for prisoners and other ways in which injustice occurs across our globe.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Bowling Vs Golfing
Email submitted by Susan Angell
CHURCH BOWLING PARTY AT YANKEE LANES Sunday, July 8 1-3 PM
Please RSVP to the pastors at 799-6814 or info@peoplesumc.com so they know how many lanes we need.
All welcome!
What is the difference between golfing and bowling?
The balls are a little bigger in bowling.
With bowling, no clubs are involved. Just the word club is kind of violent, isn't it.
Golf requires a lot of walking out doors whereas with bowling you can play inside, in air conditioning and sit down when you want to.
With bowling food is readily available but with golf, unless you carry a back pack, you have play until you get to the club house.
With bowling you don't have to duck if someone yells "Fore".
With bowling, children are welcome.
Laughter, humiliation or fudging the truth is equal in both sports.
So, if you want to have fun, inside, with food, with children, with nice adults, join the bowling party.
CHURCH BOWLING PARTY AT YANKEE LANES Sunday, July 8 1-3 PM
Please RSVP to the pastors at 799-6814 or info@peoplesumc.com so they know how many lanes we need.
All welcome!
What is the difference between golfing and bowling?
The balls are a little bigger in bowling.
With bowling, no clubs are involved. Just the word club is kind of violent, isn't it.
Golf requires a lot of walking out doors whereas with bowling you can play inside, in air conditioning and sit down when you want to.
With bowling food is readily available but with golf, unless you carry a back pack, you have play until you get to the club house.
With bowling you don't have to duck if someone yells "Fore".
With bowling, children are welcome.
Laughter, humiliation or fudging the truth is equal in both sports.
So, if you want to have fun, inside, with food, with children, with nice adults, join the bowling party.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Mark your calendars – August Planning Retreat
On Saturday, August 25, the Discipleship Committee is sponsoring an all-church planning retreat called, “Correcting the Course.” Many attended a similar retreat in August 2005, “Righting the Ship” during which we discussed ways in which to bring balance to the main areas of our mission as a church: Discipleship, Missions, Evangelism, Fellowship and Worship. Goals were set for each area, and many of these goals have been met! We need to communicate the successes achieved, evaluate our progress, and determine significant directions effecting our future course.
The purpose of “Correcting the Course” will be to evaluate the 2005 goals we set in light of progress made, reevaluate and revise those goals and set directions with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We will discuss ideas for improving the evaluation process as we sail forward. We,with the Lord as our navigator will be setting the vision for Peoples Church for the next year or so to help us reach and disciple more people for Jesus Christ.
We hope everyone will come on out!
The purpose of “Correcting the Course” will be to evaluate the 2005 goals we set in light of progress made, reevaluate and revise those goals and set directions with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We will discuss ideas for improving the evaluation process as we sail forward. We,with the Lord as our navigator will be setting the vision for Peoples Church for the next year or so to help us reach and disciple more people for Jesus Christ.
We hope everyone will come on out!
Celebration Through the Eyes of an Angell
An email by Susan Angell
Man oh man, do we Methodists know how to throw a party. First there was the guest book to sign, then the name tags to make out and don and then the camera gal, Kathy Brann took your picture. George Murray, Karen Darling's son, video taped all the people and activity. This was done so that Hillie, who is still in the hospital, could enjoy seeing party activities at a later time. The people that organized this affair certainly knew what they were doing.
Malcolm was set up in a nice easy chair with chairs around for people to sit and talk with him. So like a mini living room.
Testimonies to Malcolm were given by words from Rev. William Beddie, Tom Nelson, Art Tordoff, Rosemary Herd, Ray Cornilis, the organist for Merrill Auditorium and Pastor Jamie. Malcolm spoke about how his music ministry would not be possible without his wonderful wife, Hillie.
Our talented Betty Smith presented Malcolm with a blanket knitted by her with all the words of the traditional Easter hymn, The Palms. What a thoughtful gift.
Around the room tables were set up with table cloths, flowers and musical notes confetti. There was a wonderful big sheet cake from Hannafords, gifted by UMW and designed by Karen Darling ...a picture of Malcolm at the organ, musical notes and key board in frosting, and a lovely message. There was a table groaning with sweets of every kind made by tons of people. Workers in the kitchen, directed by Brad, buzzed around with activity. "Methodist Punch" was served. The thing that non Methodist people don't know, is this punch is lethal. It tastes absolutely yummy but it makes you thirsty and you want more. With 2 or 3 glasses of the stuff and lots of the sweets, you can get a sugar high quickly and act weird in about 15 minutes after intake. This makes children very active and adults silly. Some of us never learn and continue to over indulge.
Betsy Morrison took home all the cards and mementos given and will make a memory book for Hillie and Malcolm. Very thoughtful.
This open house was attended by lots of people that have enjoyed Malcolm's music over the years and plenty of old good friends. People's people were there too and everyone had a grand time. I think Malcolm knows how much we all love and appreciate him, had a good time and was honored by this party. I know I had fun.
Man oh man, do we Methodists know how to throw a party. First there was the guest book to sign, then the name tags to make out and don and then the camera gal, Kathy Brann took your picture. George Murray, Karen Darling's son, video taped all the people and activity. This was done so that Hillie, who is still in the hospital, could enjoy seeing party activities at a later time. The people that organized this affair certainly knew what they were doing.
Malcolm was set up in a nice easy chair with chairs around for people to sit and talk with him. So like a mini living room.
Testimonies to Malcolm were given by words from Rev. William Beddie, Tom Nelson, Art Tordoff, Rosemary Herd, Ray Cornilis, the organist for Merrill Auditorium and Pastor Jamie. Malcolm spoke about how his music ministry would not be possible without his wonderful wife, Hillie.
Our talented Betty Smith presented Malcolm with a blanket knitted by her with all the words of the traditional Easter hymn, The Palms. What a thoughtful gift.
Around the room tables were set up with table cloths, flowers and musical notes confetti. There was a wonderful big sheet cake from Hannafords, gifted by UMW and designed by Karen Darling ...a picture of Malcolm at the organ, musical notes and key board in frosting, and a lovely message. There was a table groaning with sweets of every kind made by tons of people. Workers in the kitchen, directed by Brad, buzzed around with activity. "Methodist Punch" was served. The thing that non Methodist people don't know, is this punch is lethal. It tastes absolutely yummy but it makes you thirsty and you want more. With 2 or 3 glasses of the stuff and lots of the sweets, you can get a sugar high quickly and act weird in about 15 minutes after intake. This makes children very active and adults silly. Some of us never learn and continue to over indulge.
Betsy Morrison took home all the cards and mementos given and will make a memory book for Hillie and Malcolm. Very thoughtful.
This open house was attended by lots of people that have enjoyed Malcolm's music over the years and plenty of old good friends. People's people were there too and everyone had a grand time. I think Malcolm knows how much we all love and appreciate him, had a good time and was honored by this party. I know I had fun.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Celebrating 67 Years on the Bench
Dr. Malcolm Cass was the guest of honor at a reception at Peoples on Sunday, June 24, 2007 for 67 years of ministry as Music Director, playing organ and directing the choir. Many attended, old friends and new.
There was plenty of food, including a beautiful cake with music notes and an icing photo of Malcolm at the organ. Several were invited to speak about what Malcolm’s ministry has meant to them. We heard praises for his incredible talent, and dedication not only to music but to caring for the instrument itself. Tom Nelson spoke of the incredible model Malcolm has been for him and so many others. Bill Beddie, former pastor at Peoples spoke about coming into to meet Malcolm for the first time to begin developing a friendship: “It took about 15 minutes.”
Malcolm spoke not about his musical talent, but how his ministry would not have been possible without his soul mate, Hillie. The reception was videotaped for Hillie, who is at Mercy Hospital recovering from a stroke. Pastor Jamie spoke about how Malcolm and Hillie’s team ministry as a “pastoral couple” has been a wonderful role model for him and Gwyneth. He also spoke about their continued active participation in Bible studies, an example to us all that we should always be students of the Bible no matter our age or Christian maturity.It was announced that the church is dedicating the organ in honor of Dr. Malcolm Cass so it can now be named the “Cass Organ.” A plaque will be displayed either on the organ or somewhere else in the church where it can be easily viewed. In addition, Rosemary Herd announced a scholarship in his name for students studying music. And finally, Betty Smith presented Malcolm and Hillie with a blanket she made with the words of The Palms stitched into the pattern!
Malcolm and Hillie, your church loves you, and holds you in prayer as you approach retirement in August. In the end, there is always the possibility of new beginnings because of the resurrection of our Savior. We are eager to see what new ways the Lord will minister through you!
Demonstrating in Washington DC
If one person does not have the right to challenge his detention, then no one does. After all, if you are mistakenly taken as that person, you would not have the right to challenge that mistake in court. Further, we have been using torture and extreme rendition on people who have never been tried or perhaps even know why they were arrested. This is why I (Jamie) answered an announcement from the Maine council of Churches to go to DC for a rally and lobbying to restore basic civil rights lost in a hastily crafted Millitary Commissions Act last year.
I got on the bus in Portland on Monday night. Tuesday morning we arrived in DC, took some training and then attended an energetic rally. I was surprised to find that the Christian speaker at this event was my own theology professor from Asbury Seminary, Prof. Chuck Gutenson. There were a variety of conservative and liberal speakers including Sister Diana Ortiz who had suffered torture and sexual abuse in a prison in Guatamala. All new that involvement in permanent detention and torture was completely abhorent to our nations’s basic principals. Further, it is abhorant for us to practice such sin in the name of fear.
Following the rally, we went to speak to our congressional delegation. Because of my past political activity, I was asked to lead of the delegation introducing our cause to Senator Snow’s office and then Senator Collins herself. Each of them were considering restoring these rights and it was well worth our time to speak with them as they were not yet looking at a full restoration. We then walked across to the House offices where we met with Representatives Allen and Michaud. They were already signed on to the bills we were pushing, though we further encouraged them not to compromise and to keep the process as transparent as possible.
We had almost no time for dinner before hopping back on the bus for Portland where we arrived at about 6am Wednesday. It was an exciting trip and felt I had shared the gospel in both our political action as well as through one on one conversations. I hope to do more of this work, perhaps bringing a full team from Peoples next time.
I got on the bus in Portland on Monday night. Tuesday morning we arrived in DC, took some training and then attended an energetic rally. I was surprised to find that the Christian speaker at this event was my own theology professor from Asbury Seminary, Prof. Chuck Gutenson. There were a variety of conservative and liberal speakers including Sister Diana Ortiz who had suffered torture and sexual abuse in a prison in Guatamala. All new that involvement in permanent detention and torture was completely abhorent to our nations’s basic principals. Further, it is abhorant for us to practice such sin in the name of fear.
Following the rally, we went to speak to our congressional delegation. Because of my past political activity, I was asked to lead of the delegation introducing our cause to Senator Snow’s office and then Senator Collins herself. Each of them were considering restoring these rights and it was well worth our time to speak with them as they were not yet looking at a full restoration. We then walked across to the House offices where we met with Representatives Allen and Michaud. They were already signed on to the bills we were pushing, though we further encouraged them not to compromise and to keep the process as transparent as possible.
We had almost no time for dinner before hopping back on the bus for Portland where we arrived at about 6am Wednesday. It was an exciting trip and felt I had shared the gospel in both our political action as well as through one on one conversations. I hope to do more of this work, perhaps bringing a full team from Peoples next time.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Directory Photos-A new directory is coming!
Submitted by Marlene Tordoff
If you have not had your picture taken, please see Susan Angell; call her at 799-8340 or email her at angelsuzieq@aol.com. Photos will be scheduled with Chuck and Joanne Kamilewicz. It is important to have your photograph in the directory to assist new people in getting to know each of us in our church family. As an option, Chuck will also offer packages of photographs for your purchase. Profits from this project will help defray the church deficit. Thanks for your help – Marlene Tordoff
If you have not had your picture taken, please see Susan Angell; call her at 799-8340 or email her at angelsuzieq@aol.com. Photos will be scheduled with Chuck and Joanne Kamilewicz. It is important to have your photograph in the directory to assist new people in getting to know each of us in our church family. As an option, Chuck will also offer packages of photographs for your purchase. Profits from this project will help defray the church deficit. Thanks for your help – Marlene Tordoff
Dr. Malcolm Cass: Dedicated and Devoted Servant
Dr. Malcolm Cass: Devoted and Dedicated Servant of Peoples United Methodist Church
It seems fitting that while we all have stories to share about Dr. Cass and Hillie those things in a person’s life that are most meaningful to them can be discerned from their own writing. In response to a request by the present historian of Peoples in gathering family histories for an as yet to be published book titled, Roots of Peoples, Dr. Cass submitted the following in 2004. Art Tordoff
Walter H. Cass, born in England, was the oldest of eight children, and his wife to be, Ethel Marion Laugher, was the only child in her Birmingham family. A letter from his sister, Olive, in 1969 told us that Marion brought Walter into deeper religious experience, and he decided to come as a clergyman to Newfoundland, which he did in 1913. This, he found, was a mistake, and after a few weeks he returned to England, but soon again crossed the Atlantic, this time to Maine, where Columbia Falls was his first pastorate. Marion followed him in 1915-15 and they were immediately married by the Rev. William Stewart of Addison, Maine. Malcolm was born in 1916.
Walter Cass studied theology at Boston University and Bangor Theological Seminary and was ordained into the full ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He and his wife, Marion served their lives in the Maine Conference., in churches at Columbia Falls, Pembroke, Milltown, Bucksport, Brownville Junction, Bar Harbor, Old Orchard Beach, and finally Peoples Church in South Portland. The Reverend Walter H. Cass dropped dead while walking up Congress Street in 1942, and his widow likewise died of a heart attack in 1950. Mrs. Cass, who had taught music in British schools in earlier years, continued as a minister’s wife in directing choirs in her husband’s churches and finally serving as director of Peoples Church Junior Choir in the 1940’s.
Malcolm Walter Cass, born in 1916, became the big brother to his sister Elaine in 1918. They grew up in the family parsonages, and attended schools starting in Bucksport and the towns served by their father as minister. Malcolm, who graduated from Bar Harbor High School in 1933, became organist of Clark Memorial Church in 1931 and has rarely since that time been without an organist’s position, serving as Bowdoin College chapel Organist, and then in various churches and Air Force chapels during college and World War II Air Force days. He was an aerial photographic officer in World War II, being captain of a B-29 2oth Air Force photo section on Guam.
In 1941, Malcolm married Hildreth E. Edwards, whom he met at a Peoples Church choir rehearsal. During World War II they were together in Colorado and Oklahoma during his tour of duty before he was sent to Guam. They are the parents of Malcolm W. Cass Jr., and David, both of whom are graduates of South Portland High School. Malcolm Jr. is also a Bowdoin graduate and employed by Glaxo-Smith-Kline pharmaceuticals in Raleigh, North Carolina where he and his wife, Annette, live. David, a Williams College graduate is with the Francine and Sterling Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Both sons are married and David and Sue are parents of adopted daughters; Elizabeth from China and Ann from Vietnam.
Malcolm Sr., is a 50 year member of the South Portland Lions Club and was recently elected to Life Membership in Lions. He is also a 60 year member of the American Guild of Organists. As an organist he has presented more than 60 concerts on the Kotzchmar Memorial Organ in Merrill Auditorium and was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the friends of the Kotzchmar Organ, which honored him with the dedication of a new booklet devoted to that instrument. He has been organist for Peoples United Methodist Church since 1946 and director of the Senior Choir since 1953 when he succeeded Mrs. Evelyn Tilton. He was also organist for the Maine Annual Conference during its last 25 years of existence as the Maine Conference. He has given many organ recitals in churches of New England.
Through the years he has acted as member, president and chairman of church clubs and committees including the Men’s Club, Trustees and Finance. He was Cubmaster of the first Cub Scout Pack in the old Peoples Church, and sons Malcolm and David were both active Scouts under the leadership of Harvey Woodbury who took his Scouts to National Jamborees in Colorado and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
Malcolm and Hillie took many trips to England where they became acquainted with his English relatives. They were members of a large group from Peoples Church who traveled in 1988 to the Holy Land and Egypt, and they also went to Italy in 1984 and met the family of Giovanni Losito, who had been an exchange student in Maine living with them during Malcolm Jr.’s and David’s high school years. Giovanni (Johnnie) has recently requested the right to add the name "Cass" to his family name Losito.
After graduation from Bowdoin College and Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Malcolm practiced optometry in Portland until his retirement in 1982. He served as President of the Maine State Board of Optometry, appointed to that board by Governor John Reed. Hillie, who was a graduate of Simmons College, has at different times been president of the Maine and New England Optometric Auxilary Societies, and the League of Women Voters of South Portland.illie, who was a graduate of Simmons
In 2003, Malcolm and Hillie Cass still pretty much center their lives about Peoples United Methodist Church, Hillie as director of the Junior Choir which sings every Sunday in church, and Malcolm leading the Senior Choir and congregation in worship with Peoples’ fine Reuter Pipe Organ.
As an addendum we must add that Malcolm served as the Church Historian for many years keeping a collection of papers and memorabilia in tact.
Feel free to add your stories about Hillie and Malcolm by responding to this posting.
It seems fitting that while we all have stories to share about Dr. Cass and Hillie those things in a person’s life that are most meaningful to them can be discerned from their own writing. In response to a request by the present historian of Peoples in gathering family histories for an as yet to be published book titled, Roots of Peoples, Dr. Cass submitted the following in 2004. Art Tordoff
Walter H. Cass, born in England, was the oldest of eight children, and his wife to be, Ethel Marion Laugher, was the only child in her Birmingham family. A letter from his sister, Olive, in 1969 told us that Marion brought Walter into deeper religious experience, and he decided to come as a clergyman to Newfoundland, which he did in 1913. This, he found, was a mistake, and after a few weeks he returned to England, but soon again crossed the Atlantic, this time to Maine, where Columbia Falls was his first pastorate. Marion followed him in 1915-15 and they were immediately married by the Rev. William Stewart of Addison, Maine. Malcolm was born in 1916.
Walter Cass studied theology at Boston University and Bangor Theological Seminary and was ordained into the full ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He and his wife, Marion served their lives in the Maine Conference., in churches at Columbia Falls, Pembroke, Milltown, Bucksport, Brownville Junction, Bar Harbor, Old Orchard Beach, and finally Peoples Church in South Portland. The Reverend Walter H. Cass dropped dead while walking up Congress Street in 1942, and his widow likewise died of a heart attack in 1950. Mrs. Cass, who had taught music in British schools in earlier years, continued as a minister’s wife in directing choirs in her husband’s churches and finally serving as director of Peoples Church Junior Choir in the 1940’s.
Malcolm Walter Cass, born in 1916, became the big brother to his sister Elaine in 1918. They grew up in the family parsonages, and attended schools starting in Bucksport and the towns served by their father as minister. Malcolm, who graduated from Bar Harbor High School in 1933, became organist of Clark Memorial Church in 1931 and has rarely since that time been without an organist’s position, serving as Bowdoin College chapel Organist, and then in various churches and Air Force chapels during college and World War II Air Force days. He was an aerial photographic officer in World War II, being captain of a B-29 2oth Air Force photo section on Guam.
In 1941, Malcolm married Hildreth E. Edwards, whom he met at a Peoples Church choir rehearsal. During World War II they were together in Colorado and Oklahoma during his tour of duty before he was sent to Guam. They are the parents of Malcolm W. Cass Jr., and David, both of whom are graduates of South Portland High School. Malcolm Jr. is also a Bowdoin graduate and employed by Glaxo-Smith-Kline pharmaceuticals in Raleigh, North Carolina where he and his wife, Annette, live. David, a Williams College graduate is with the Francine and Sterling Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Both sons are married and David and Sue are parents of adopted daughters; Elizabeth from China and Ann from Vietnam.
Malcolm Sr., is a 50 year member of the South Portland Lions Club and was recently elected to Life Membership in Lions. He is also a 60 year member of the American Guild of Organists. As an organist he has presented more than 60 concerts on the Kotzchmar Memorial Organ in Merrill Auditorium and was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the friends of the Kotzchmar Organ, which honored him with the dedication of a new booklet devoted to that instrument. He has been organist for Peoples United Methodist Church since 1946 and director of the Senior Choir since 1953 when he succeeded Mrs. Evelyn Tilton. He was also organist for the Maine Annual Conference during its last 25 years of existence as the Maine Conference. He has given many organ recitals in churches of New England.
Through the years he has acted as member, president and chairman of church clubs and committees including the Men’s Club, Trustees and Finance. He was Cubmaster of the first Cub Scout Pack in the old Peoples Church, and sons Malcolm and David were both active Scouts under the leadership of Harvey Woodbury who took his Scouts to National Jamborees in Colorado and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
Malcolm and Hillie took many trips to England where they became acquainted with his English relatives. They were members of a large group from Peoples Church who traveled in 1988 to the Holy Land and Egypt, and they also went to Italy in 1984 and met the family of Giovanni Losito, who had been an exchange student in Maine living with them during Malcolm Jr.’s and David’s high school years. Giovanni (Johnnie) has recently requested the right to add the name "Cass" to his family name Losito.
After graduation from Bowdoin College and Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Malcolm practiced optometry in Portland until his retirement in 1982. He served as President of the Maine State Board of Optometry, appointed to that board by Governor John Reed. Hillie, who was a graduate of Simmons College, has at different times been president of the Maine and New England Optometric Auxilary Societies, and the League of Women Voters of South Portland.illie, who was a graduate of Simmons
In 2003, Malcolm and Hillie Cass still pretty much center their lives about Peoples United Methodist Church, Hillie as director of the Junior Choir which sings every Sunday in church, and Malcolm leading the Senior Choir and congregation in worship with Peoples’ fine Reuter Pipe Organ.
As an addendum we must add that Malcolm served as the Church Historian for many years keeping a collection of papers and memorabilia in tact.
Feel free to add your stories about Hillie and Malcolm by responding to this posting.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Moms Group Going Strong
Pastor Gwyneth began a weekly mom’s group in March, which has been a wonderful blessing to six moms and their young children. We began meeting at the parsonage, but have rotated the host location more recently. During the summer we are planning to meet at parks, beaches and for “field trips” to places like the Narrow Gauge Railroad or the Children’s Museum in bad weather. Last week we took a trip to the Maine Wildlife Preserve in Gray. These activities provide space for some of the school-aged children to participate during the summer with their younger siblings. If you know of a mom who might like to join us sometime, please have them contact Pastor Gwyneth for more information.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Second Monthly Girls Night Out
This month Linda Wade planned a sunset cruise around Casco Bay. On Friday, June 22, Linda, Betty Splettstoesser and Pastor Gwyneth set off for a tour of the nearby islands. Though it was windy, the sky cleared and turned out to be quite a pleasant ride. The smaller group allowed for good conversation, and it was great just to get to know each other more than we usually do on a Sunday morning in church. The next plan is for Mini Golf! Hope to see you on the course!
JULY ANNIVERSARIES
Clinton & Elizabeth Roberts July 07
Shawn & Karen Jennings July 08
Andy & Teresa Folley July 18
Malcolm & Hillie Cass July 25
Ted & Nancy Greer July 31
Shawn & Karen Jennings July 08
Andy & Teresa Folley July 18
Malcolm & Hillie Cass July 25
Ted & Nancy Greer July 31
JULY BIRTHDAYS
Louise Aalto July 1
Brett Bernier July 2
Madeline Coughlin July 2
Seamus Jennings July 8
Laney Filieo July 9
Dan Doughty July 12
Dustin Matthews July 16
Pastor Jamie Arrison July 21
Alan Gay July 21
Elaine Rogers July 23
Sawyer Marston July 26
Dena Arrison July 27
Melinda Marston July 27
Mary Ann Wheeler July 28
Caleb Gray July 30
Jonathan Lyons July 31
Brett Bernier July 2
Madeline Coughlin July 2
Seamus Jennings July 8
Laney Filieo July 9
Dan Doughty July 12
Dustin Matthews July 16
Pastor Jamie Arrison July 21
Alan Gay July 21
Elaine Rogers July 23
Sawyer Marston July 26
Dena Arrison July 27
Melinda Marston July 27
Mary Ann Wheeler July 28
Caleb Gray July 30
Jonathan Lyons July 31
Ushers, Greeters, Nursery, Etc. for Summer
July Worship Leader (Worship Leader Coordinator, Chris Ward):
Bert Marston
August Worship Leader
Earle Harvey
Summer Nursery Workers (Nursery Coordinator, Barbara Nelson):
7/1 Andy Folley and Pastor Jamie
7/8 Becky Snoddy and Pastor Gwyneth
7/15 Teresa Folley and Karen Jennings
7/22 Barbara Nelson & Barbara Lee
7/29 Betty Lane & Betty Splettstoesser
8/5 Betsy Morrison & Kathy Brann
8/12 Doreen Gay & Becky Snoddy
8/19 Ellen Dunn & Curtis Coughlin
8/26 Linda Greer & Betty Splettstoesser
Summer Ushers (Usher Coordinator, Charlie Lyons):
PLEASE HELP US FILL IN THE BLANKS !!!!!!
7/1 Chris Ward and Rosemary Herd
7/8 Barbara Nelson and Betty Splettstoesser
7/15 Charlie and Anita Lyons
7/22 Pat and Merrill Kaiser
7/29 Jim MacKinnon and Dan Doughty
8/5 Tom Nelson and Jim MacKinnon
8/12
8/19
8/26
Summer Greeters (Greeter Coordinator, Barbara Nelson):
July 1 Dan and Ruth Doughty
July 8 Anita and Charlie Lyons
July 15 Earle and Wealthy Harvey
July 22 Sally and Betty Smith
July 29th The Dunn Family
Aug 5 Becky Gotlieb
Aug 12 Becky and Keith Snoddy
Aug 19 Belle Graney
Aug 26 Jody Fyles and Janice Huelin
Bert Marston
August Worship Leader
Earle Harvey
Summer Nursery Workers (Nursery Coordinator, Barbara Nelson):
7/1 Andy Folley and Pastor Jamie
7/8 Becky Snoddy and Pastor Gwyneth
7/15 Teresa Folley and Karen Jennings
7/22 Barbara Nelson & Barbara Lee
7/29 Betty Lane & Betty Splettstoesser
8/5 Betsy Morrison & Kathy Brann
8/12 Doreen Gay & Becky Snoddy
8/19 Ellen Dunn & Curtis Coughlin
8/26 Linda Greer & Betty Splettstoesser
Summer Ushers (Usher Coordinator, Charlie Lyons):
PLEASE HELP US FILL IN THE BLANKS !!!!!!
7/1 Chris Ward and Rosemary Herd
7/8 Barbara Nelson and Betty Splettstoesser
7/15 Charlie and Anita Lyons
7/22 Pat and Merrill Kaiser
7/29 Jim MacKinnon and Dan Doughty
8/5 Tom Nelson and Jim MacKinnon
8/12
8/19
8/26
Summer Greeters (Greeter Coordinator, Barbara Nelson):
July 1 Dan and Ruth Doughty
July 8 Anita and Charlie Lyons
July 15 Earle and Wealthy Harvey
July 22 Sally and Betty Smith
July 29th The Dunn Family
Aug 5 Becky Gotlieb
Aug 12 Becky and Keith Snoddy
Aug 19 Belle Graney
Aug 26 Jody Fyles and Janice Huelin
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Annual Conference 2007
The New England Annual Conference was held June 8-10 at Gordon College in Wenham, MA, with clergy session on June 7. Both pastors attended as the conference provides excellent childcare. In addition, Merrill Kaiser attended as the Peoples UMC lay member to annual conference. Earle Harvey attended as one of our district equalization members, a voting position that ensures there are equal numbers of clergy and lay people attending. The strong lay representation in Methodism is one of its great strengths. The biggest voting issue this year was electing lay and clergy delegates to 2008 General Conference. Earle and Merrill would be happy to share their experiences with you directly, and if you are interested in attending next year you can talk to them as well as the pastors.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Sunday School Recognition
Rosemary Herd, Sunday School Superintendent, led the Sunday School recognition on June 3 during worship. What a joyous celebration to see the youth of the church growing in Christian maturity as disciples of Jesus Christ. Thanks to Rosemary and all of the folks who lead and help out in Sunday School!
Isaac Dunn received his gift Bible as a graduate from 4th grade.
Graduate Recognition
It was a wonderful celebration on June 3, with recognition of folks graduating, and all of the Sunday School youth receiving their certificates. Here is a photo of Jonathan Lyons and Patrick Morrison. You can read more about where they are heading in the previous newsletter post. It was also mentioned that these graduates received a scholarship check with the funds raised for Kathy Brann's graduation party last year.
Pastors’ Family Schedule
The pastors take one day off a week to spend as a family, and are shifting that day from Saturday to Monday for the summer. In addition, the pastors take one night a week for a date, and will be shifting that day from Thursday to Wednesday for the summer. As usual, they carry the cell phone (799-6814) with them so please leave a message. Any pastoral emergencies will be responded to immediately. Heads up for the pastors' vacation schedule as well: they are planning on taking two weeks in July, July 16-29.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Methodist Revival Scheduled for October 6
From the June 2007 Cape Elizabeth UMC Newsletter (some revisions made as they apply to Peoples)
Used with permission
hoperevival.peoplesumc.com
The Portland-area United Methodist Churches are sponsoring a revival at Scarborough's Beech Ridge Motor Speedway on Saturday, Oct. 6. Details of the event are still being developed by members of the UMC Casco Bay Cluster, including Peoples (Pastor Jamie and Art Tordoff represent Peoples on the Cluster).
The theme will be "Hope for a Hurting World." The New England Conference's Bishop Peter Weaver will address the revival and will also lead an Altar Call -- an opportunity for anyone who wishes to come forward and publically make or a renew a commitment to Jesus.
The revival is scheduled to start at noon and will continue until 6pm. The bishop is scheduled to speak at 7:15pm. Before then there will be music and speakers with a selection of bands each playing 20-40 minutes. Beach Ridge is a NASCAR-sanctioned motor speedway and preliminary discussions have begun to have Bishop Weaver ride in a race car around the track.
Each participating UM church will have a tent in which information about the congregation and mission work will be displayed and discussed. Stay tuned for more details as planning continues. If you feel led to help, please contact Pastor Jamie or Art Tordoff.
Used with permission
hoperevival.peoplesumc.com
The Portland-area United Methodist Churches are sponsoring a revival at Scarborough's Beech Ridge Motor Speedway on Saturday, Oct. 6. Details of the event are still being developed by members of the UMC Casco Bay Cluster, including Peoples (Pastor Jamie and Art Tordoff represent Peoples on the Cluster).
The theme will be "Hope for a Hurting World." The New England Conference's Bishop Peter Weaver will address the revival and will also lead an Altar Call -- an opportunity for anyone who wishes to come forward and publically make or a renew a commitment to Jesus.
The revival is scheduled to start at noon and will continue until 6pm. The bishop is scheduled to speak at 7:15pm. Before then there will be music and speakers with a selection of bands each playing 20-40 minutes. Beach Ridge is a NASCAR-sanctioned motor speedway and preliminary discussions have begun to have Bishop Weaver ride in a race car around the track.
Each participating UM church will have a tent in which information about the congregation and mission work will be displayed and discussed. Stay tuned for more details as planning continues. If you feel led to help, please contact Pastor Jamie or Art Tordoff.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Celebrating Grads
Congratulations to all of the graduates with ties to Peoples! If you know someone who has graduated that is missing from this list, please contact the pastors.
Graduates from SPHS from Peoples UMC:
Jonathan Lyons – will be studying communications and playing lacrosse at USM Gorham in the fall.
Patrick Morrison – has been excepted to the entrepreneurial program at SMCC, though is considering waiting a semester and working at a relative’s dude ranch. Patrick is also graduating from Portland Arts & Technology High School (PATHS).
Other grads formerly from Peoples:
SPHS: Meghan Granell, Becky Braley, Joanna Pike; Cape Elizabeth HS: Katie Yosua; Gray New Gloucester High School and PATHS: Justin Harvey
Merrill & Pat Kaiser’s daughter, Pamela Kaiser is completing her Ph.D. in African American Literature at the University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. She is defending her dissertation at the end of June so please keep her in prayer!
Congratulations to all!
Graduates from SPHS from Peoples UMC:
Jonathan Lyons – will be studying communications and playing lacrosse at USM Gorham in the fall.
Patrick Morrison – has been excepted to the entrepreneurial program at SMCC, though is considering waiting a semester and working at a relative’s dude ranch. Patrick is also graduating from Portland Arts & Technology High School (PATHS).
Other grads formerly from Peoples:
SPHS: Meghan Granell, Becky Braley, Joanna Pike; Cape Elizabeth HS: Katie Yosua; Gray New Gloucester High School and PATHS: Justin Harvey
Merrill & Pat Kaiser’s daughter, Pamela Kaiser is completing her Ph.D. in African American Literature at the University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee. She is defending her dissertation at the end of June so please keep her in prayer!
Congratulations to all!
New-Church Directory Coming Soon
A team led by Marlene Tordoff is putting together an updated, phone and address directory, done in-house! This will enable the church to keep the directory continuously updated and provide flexible design. This directory will also include photographs, which assists newcomers and others to learn names and faces in the church family. Chuck & Joanne Kamilewicz have been photographing folks the last several weeks - what a great team they've been!
As an option, Chuck will also offer packages of photographs for your purchase. Profits from this project will help defray the church deficit. If you have not yet had your picture taken, please email Susan Angell or call her at 799-8340 to schedule a timeslot. Thanks for your help.
As an option, Chuck will also offer packages of photographs for your purchase. Profits from this project will help defray the church deficit. If you have not yet had your picture taken, please email Susan Angell or call her at 799-8340 to schedule a timeslot. Thanks for your help.
Yard Sale and Strawberry Festival
Barbara Nelson and Chris Bowker have generously volunteered to run our church yard sale and strawberry festival this year on July 7th. They cannot, however, do it alone. We need the items filling your closets, garages and attics. We need your soups and baked goods. We need your time and strength for setting and cleaning up. Please contact Barbara for yard sale items and help and Chris for offers of help with food. This is always a fun and successful event, but it needs you.
Free Bowling for All
Come join us for a free afternoon of bowling on July 8th at Yankee Lanes in Portland at 1PM. This is a fun event for all ages, whether you bowl a perfect game or can’t even pick up the ball. Please call the pastors at 799-6814 to RSVP
Celebrating Sunday School
Rosemary Herd along with an excellent team of teachers, helpers and leaders including Andy Folley, Linda Wade, Betty Smith, Chris Ward, Wealthy Harvey, Karen Jennings and more, put together an exciting year of Sunday School for our young people. We had fifteen children who were often in attendance in addition to four little ones who will be soon joining the ranks with their older siblings.
Next year's program will be even more exciting with a new curiculum. We may even have a new schedule to make Sunday morning easier for families. The important part is that most of our new curiculums require breaking the groups into smaller age groups. To help support these additional classes, we will need new teachers as well as more students. We would like to see an minimum attendance next year of twenty. To this end, every one that reads this should think of two families that you can start inviting to church. We already have a basic pamphlet available in the back of the sanctuary that you can use to share what is going on at Peoples with your friends and famlilies. The ministries of our church will only reach more people if you invite them in.
Thanks again to the teachers and kids of our Sunday School for a great year even as we look for an even better one next year!
Next year's program will be even more exciting with a new curiculum. We may even have a new schedule to make Sunday morning easier for families. The important part is that most of our new curiculums require breaking the groups into smaller age groups. To help support these additional classes, we will need new teachers as well as more students. We would like to see an minimum attendance next year of twenty. To this end, every one that reads this should think of two families that you can start inviting to church. We already have a basic pamphlet available in the back of the sanctuary that you can use to share what is going on at Peoples with your friends and famlilies. The ministries of our church will only reach more people if you invite them in.
Thanks again to the teachers and kids of our Sunday School for a great year even as we look for an even better one next year!
Calendar Planning
The time has come for us to develop the church calendar for 07-08. Please consider joining us for the Church Council meetin on June 12th at 7:30pm. This is a good time to celebrate what the church has been doing in the last year and look for exciting ways to expand the ministry in the year to come. Pray about this time and if you are not able to attend, share your feedback, ideas and most importantly what you hear from God in your prayers about our ministries in the new year.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
June Worship Teams
June Worship Leader (Lector Coordinator, Chris Ward):
Rosemary Herd
June Ushers (Usher Coordinator, Charlie Lyons):
Art Tordoff
Charlie Lyons
Rosemary Herd
June Ushers (Usher Coordinator, Charlie Lyons):
Art Tordoff
Charlie Lyons
June Nursery Schedule
"Jesus loves the little children" and so do we. Thank you to all who serve in the nursery during morning worship!!! Kathy Brann, Curtis Coughlin, Ellen Dunn, Andy Folley, Teresa Folley, Doreen Gay, Linda Greer, Karen Jennings, Betty Lane, Betsy Morrison, Barbara Nelson, Becky Snoddy, Betty Splettstoesser, Pastor Jamie and Pastor GwynethSome of our regular nursery folks are unable to serve as they are recovering from surgeries/illnesses, so we could really use a few extra hands. In addition, summer can be difficult to schedule with vacations.
As you see from the list above, some of the nursery workers have small children, others have older or even grown children. If you feel a tug to serve, please let Barbara Nelson or Pastor Gwyneth know so we can initiate the background check process. Thank you!
June Nursery Schedule
6/3 Becky Snoddy & Betty Lane
6/10 Betty Splettstoesser & Ellen Dunn
6/17 Betsy Morrison & Curtis Coughlin
6/24 Betty Lane & Kathy Brann
June Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays
8 Teresa Folley
10 Eliza Jane Chace
10 Earle Harvey
10 Danielle Seidl
13 Charles (Chuck) Kamilewicz
15 Drew Folley, Edward Greer, Kara Kenney
17 Michael Gray
20 Rosemary Herd
23 Rebekah Gray, Richard Matthews
24 Samantha Foote, Janice Huelin
25 Karen Jennings
29 Mariah Bowker
30 Grace Corey
Anniversaries
11 Danny & Linda French
12 Ryan & Sharon Wade
14 Jamie & Gwyneth Arrison, Doug & Linda Greer
17 William (Bill) & Cynthia Beddie
24 Maxwell & Bonnie Brown
27 Robert & Janice Huelin
29 George & Glory Dunn
30 Alan & Doreen Gay
30 Jonathan & Luann Farley
8 Teresa Folley
10 Eliza Jane Chace
10 Earle Harvey
10 Danielle Seidl
13 Charles (Chuck) Kamilewicz
15 Drew Folley, Edward Greer, Kara Kenney
17 Michael Gray
20 Rosemary Herd
23 Rebekah Gray, Richard Matthews
24 Samantha Foote, Janice Huelin
25 Karen Jennings
29 Mariah Bowker
30 Grace Corey
Anniversaries
11 Danny & Linda French
12 Ryan & Sharon Wade
14 Jamie & Gwyneth Arrison, Doug & Linda Greer
17 William (Bill) & Cynthia Beddie
24 Maxwell & Bonnie Brown
27 Robert & Janice Huelin
29 George & Glory Dunn
30 Alan & Doreen Gay
30 Jonathan & Luann Farley
Friday, May 25, 2007
Girls Night Out
Linda Wade suggested a girls/women/ladies night out, not to do church business but just to have fun. This first group met at the Portland Art Museum on Friday night, including Rosemary Herd, Amy Wellington (first time out since surgery!), Linda Wade, Chris Ward, Kathy Brann, Betty Lane and Pastor Gwyneth. It was a great time! If you have suggestions for more fun trips, please contact Linda, or run with the idea yourself! One idea discussed was a sunset cruise around Casco Bay. Stay tuned ...
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Trustees and SPRC Join at the Parsonage
On May 20, members of Trustees, Walter Greer and Chuck Kamilewicz met up with members of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, Claralee Street and Becky Snoddy to walk through the parsonage with the pastors. Some may not realize that the church owns the house next door, and that's where the pastors live. It's a beautiful house with lots of class, but also getting up in years so it's important for the church to keep up on maintenance. Annual parsonage inspections are required by every United Methodist Church, and that they meet basic living standards established by the denomination. Our parsonage is in surprisingly good condition, and only a few minor repairs were noted. Thanks to Walter, Chuck, Claralee and Becky for your ministry, and for all of the Trustees who will be coordinating repairs!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Bean Suppah - Tidbits of Behind the Scenes
Submitted through Email by Susan Angell
Did you know that people take beans, molasses, etc. and bake those beans at home. Barbara and Tom buy all the supplies. Charlie Lyons makes the time to pick these bean up where they have been bubbling away and cooked to perfection.
Did you know that Chris Ward and anyone she can convince/connive into to joining her, comes in around 2:30-3:00. The tables have been set up by our Boy Scouts with dishes and silverware. Chris' crew garnish all the tables with salt and pepper shakers, sugar, paper cups, butter and cream. Belle Graney comes in early to get those huge coffee urns perking.
The pie person (Chris Bowker pictured here) comes in at 4:00 and cuts those pies that are received. This is probably one of the better tasks because left over crumbs of pies from cutting are the property of the cutter and if you ever tasted the excellent pies our people bake, you know that is a very good thing. When I sub for the cutter, I make sure that lots of crumbs don't make it to the plates.
Has any one heard of the "Hostess with the Mostess", Pearl Mesta? Well, we have our own Pearl and her name is Hillie Cass who arrives at 4:00 too and she meets and greets our customers, taking them to their tables, making sure they stop at the pie table and smoozing with the crowd. Maryann Wheeler comes in along with Hillie and is our cashier extrodinaire.
What happens to the left overs? The kitchen people place them in Oakhurst containers donated by Tom Nelson. Belle Graney used to pop those in her car and take them to charitable organizations. Now, they are set aside for the Sunday night Gathering people for their repast. Nothing goes to waste! Very, very, rarely some of us are forced to take home a piece of left over pie. It is one of the sacrifices I am willing to make for the good of the cause now that Bill Beddie is no longer here to do it for us.
Our last Bean Supper before Summer will be held June 16. Come on down and join the fun!
Did you know that people take beans, molasses, etc. and bake those beans at home. Barbara and Tom buy all the supplies. Charlie Lyons makes the time to pick these bean up where they have been bubbling away and cooked to perfection.Did you know that Chris Ward and anyone she can convince/connive into to joining her, comes in around 2:30-3:00. The tables have been set up by our Boy Scouts with dishes and silverware. Chris' crew garnish all the tables with salt and pepper shakers, sugar, paper cups, butter and cream. Belle Graney comes in early to get those huge coffee urns perking.
The pie person (Chris Bowker pictured here) comes in at 4:00 and cuts those pies that are received. This is probably one of the better tasks because left over crumbs of pies from cutting are the property of the cutter and if you ever tasted the excellent pies our people bake, you know that is a very good thing. When I sub for the cutter, I make sure that lots of crumbs don't make it to the plates.Has any one heard of the "Hostess with the Mostess", Pearl Mesta? Well, we have our own Pearl and her name is Hillie Cass who arrives at 4:00 too and she meets and greets our customers, taking them to their tables, making sure they stop at the pie table and smoozing with the crowd. Maryann Wheeler comes in along with Hillie and is our cashier extrodinaire.
What happens to the left overs? The kitchen people place them in Oakhurst containers donated by Tom Nelson. Belle Graney used to pop those in her car and take them to charitable organizations. Now, they are set aside for the Sunday night Gathering people for their repast. Nothing goes to waste! Very, very, rarely some of us are forced to take home a piece of left over pie. It is one of the sacrifices I am willing to make for the good of the cause now that Bill Beddie is no longer here to do it for us.Our last Bean Supper before Summer will be held June 16. Come on down and join the fun!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Tri State District Pre Conferencing
The pastors attended the annual district meeting to prepare for Annual Conference. Pictured in the photo are two familiar Peoples people, Rev. Bill Beddie and Rev. Wanda Stahl (leading the discussion). Annual Conference will take place June 8-10 with Merrill Kaiser attending as our Lay Member to Annual Conference, and Earle Harvey attending as an Equilization Member (lay members to balance the number of clergy and lay people who vote). The pastors will also be attending the clergy session on June 7. The biggest topic at Conference this year will be electing delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences.
Farewell to Maryjean
As many of you know, the church is under a tight budget crunch. The Staff Parish Relations Committee (HR for the church) has made the difficult decision to eliminate the position of Church Secretary. Maryjean Raymond has served faithfully in this position 30 plus years and will always be considered part of the Peoples family. Her last day was May 11. We will miss you Maryjean.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Luncheon To Discuss the Budget
About 25 people stayed after the service on May 6th to hear about our church's budget situation and discuss ideas for turning it around. We discussed the budget from the top - the pastors' package down through the building expenses, mission shares, administrative costs and down to our meager spending on ministry. We found a few areas of potential savings in utilities and administrative costs and a few fund raising ideas. In short, it is clear that the budget will only be balenced by an increase in the amount our members bring forward to share together as a church family. We discussed what our budget might look like if we were all tithing - that is bringing the first 10% of our income to hold together. The result could be as much as a $40,000 or more surplus that could be going to new ministries or even helping out members in sudden need. The bottom line, is that God has blessed our church family with enough resources to more than just support our local church. Rather, we have enough to have an abundance of ministry. With this attitude of abundance, we are asking for every regular giver to increase their pledge by 1% of your annual income. This should raise an additional $10,000 in just the second half of this year. So far, only a few people have turned in specific pledge increases, but these few amount to almost a quarter of that goal. If we all bring together a full portion, we will be growing into an attitude of abundance that will carry over to our other ministries of reaching out. I am sure this change can bring about growth, not just in financial stability, but especially in our spiritual lives as we learn to depend more fully on God.
Community Fair; Another Great Year
This year's community fair was another wonderful time with food, games, and booths all around Ellis Hall representing agencies in our community that are seeking volunteers. A Big Thank You goes out to Rosemary Herd, Earle Harvey, and Art Tordoff, as well as many other folks who helped plan, organize, advertise, set up and take down. Plans are underway to host the next event in Fall 2008 !
Hank Dunn and Linda Greer showing off their casts. Both attended the fair even though recovering from recent surgeries!
Hank Dunn and Linda Greer showing off their casts. Both attended the fair even though recovering from recent surgeries!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Heifer International Presentation
.JPG)
.JPG)
If you didn't attend this past Sunday's Worship Service, you missed a treat. Merrill Kaiser and Rosemary Herd gave a presentation on Heifer International and the children dressed for the occasion. Ellen Dunn led the choir in song.(See pictures)
Heifer International is an organization whose mission is to make a difference in the lives of struggling families around the globe. Globe banks and calendars were handed out to those who wanted to participate. The idea is that each day you see how fortunate you are by looking at the calendar. It will tell you to count certain items in your house. For example, on a Thursday, you count the number of eggs in your refrigerator. For each egg you count, put 5 cents in the Globe bank. The more fortunate you are, the more you put in your globe bank. With a number of people doing this, farm animals can be purchased for families in need.
In the pictures, who can you identify? Sammy, Isaac, Nathan, Caleb, Samantha, Melinda and Sawyer. The costumes were on loan by Andy Foley's mother.
For more information, see Merrill Kaiser.
Thank you to all who participated in this ongoing project.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)