District Superintendent Visits Peoples

Conversation with District Superintendent Mike
On Sunday, February 10 District Superintendent Mike Davis spent a few hours at Peoples. During the church service in the sanctuary he and Jamie shared the service. Mike’s message in the sermon illustrated a number of the jobs and duties that he and his wife Jan perform in the role of District Superintendent of the Tri-state District. He also mentioned the various connections of the United Methodist Church locally, within a cluster, at the district level and conference level and finally at the international level. This was helpful for members and friends of the congregation to know since many who are contemplating joining the United Methodist church find, perhaps, the churches they have been associated with in the past did not have the same degree of connectionalism.
Mike also talked about the value of supporting Mission Shares and then stressed the real importance of United Methodist supported camps such as Mechuana located in Winthrop, Maine. He recalled his experiences at counseling at Mechuana and told the story of Tim, a young attendee, who found that someone really loved and cared for him in this world through the experiences he was provided on Lake Narrows. There are many of us who have had the experience of sharing at that camp that have come to love the Lord and others in very meaningful ways by our participation at Camp Mechuana as children and as adults.
After church service several of the membership and some friends trekked next door to Ellis Hall to share a meal with Mike and to have a conversation with him about some of the questions that have been raised within the operation of the church.
One of the questions was concerned with the feeling that the local church doesn’t feel its own input in the church’s annual meeting with the District Superintendent. Mike said that the District Superintendent has always determined the annual meeting’s business. He also said that to expedite the meeting within a respectable period of time it is necessary to cut down the time of meetings that sometimes become to lengthy. He did approve of how we handled the meeting this year and also that we were able to gather in January for the celebration phase of what use to be part of the Annual Meeting.
A question about co-pastoring led Mike to spend some time on how he and his wife, Jan, have over the years developed into what he feels is an effective working relationship. He did say that every co-pastoring couple has to develop their own systems. Nothing was mentioned in how that relationship includes advice, give and take, with/from lay members of the church. He did mention that each church with co-pastoring usually gets more in the way of work from two pastors than they would from one. He did mention that he figured that he and Jan often would work about 60 hours apiece.
Several significant questions were not answered due to the time. Relatively few folks were present for this get together with District Superintendent Mike, but those present found it valuable.

Saturday Niters

You Missed It If You Weren’t There
On February 2 a small group of folks gathered for the first Saturday Niters get together in several years. Originally this group was formed as the Kouples Klub back in the 1950’s. Later the name was changed to Saturday Niters to encourage any adult members of the church to get together for socializing. On this rebirth night a pot luck supper was shared and those who were present chose teams, male and female in this instance and played a game of Trivial Pursuit. Those in attendance were: Dan and Ruth Doughty, Sally and

Betty Smith, Art and Marlene Tordoff, Jamie Arrison and Betty Lane. While it was only a few of many everyone in attendance had a good time Dan and Rosemary Herd were the planners for this occasion and promise that there will be more Saturday Niter episodes planned in the near future. We will have to say that while the game was a tight one it was the outnumbered side that filled their wheel first. Anyone having a suggestion on what to plan might want to get the word to Dan and/or Rosemary.
Maybe next time the weather will be better and people will have fewer things planned or the winter flu and cold season will have passed.

Inquirer's Classes

Betty Splettstoesser, Glory Dunn and Karen Jennings have been attending the Spring Inquirer's Classes, which are intended to facilitate meaningful membership for folks interested in joining Peoples. Darryll Rideout also attended the first two classes, which are required for baptism. See Baptism article below.

We have also encouraged those who are already members to consider attending these classes, to brush up on some of the basics of Christianity and Methodism, as well as to support and connect with the newcomers. Wealthy Harvey, a long time member, has attended these classes as well.

The classes include Bible 101 (basics of what the Bible is, how it has come to us, how to use the Bible, etc.); What We Believe (basic Christian beliefs); Why I'm a United Methodist (what makes Methodism different from other denominations such as Catholic, UCC, Presbyterian, and Baptist, what is the history of the Methodist Church, what is the relationship between Peoples and the Methodist denomination); What is My S.H.A.P.E. for Ministry (what are my Spiritual gifts, Heart for ministry, Abilities, Personality type and Experiences ... which form who I am and impact what kinds of ministries would best suit me and how I can best receive spiritual nourishment); and Why Membership (what is the advantage of joining the church rather than just attending, what is expected of members).

There is no pressure for anyone attending these classes to join, but those who do decide to join will be welcomed into Peoples UMC on March 2. New members sign a covenant statement which summarize the vows they will take from the United Methodist Hymnal during worship. These vows include a profession of their faith in Christ, and expectation of the church to provide means for them to grow in their faith, affirming the denomination's mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ, and an agreement to share in the responsibility for the church family with their prayers, presence, gifts and service.

Why all this to join the church? For membership to have any meaning, either for the member or for the church, there needs to be an ongoing relationship and connection with the church, both in terms of receiving spiritual nourishment, and in terms of serving and reaching out to others. Churches that take membership seriously will gain members who likewise take membership seriously. Even those transferring from another United Methodist Church take these classes and sign the membership covenant. We have also encouraged current members who are in leadership positions to sign this membership covenant, thus renewing their vows.

If you are interested in attending the next Inquirer's Classes, please contact the pastors. And please come out March 2 and show your support and encouragement to our newest members!

HEARTS FOR HEALING PILLOWS

The Prayer Shawl Ministry celebrated Valentine’s Day making Hearts for Healing Pillows for breast cancer surgical patients. Helping to cut, sew, iron and stuff the pillows were Susan Angell, Janice Huelin, Betty Lane, Betty Smith, Claralee Street, Marlene Tordoff and a surprise guest, Bethany Aelmore. Bethany is a student at SMCC.

The Arts & Crafts Ministry was represented by Kathy Brann, who made some beautiful, handcrafted cards. Some of the cards will be donated to Susan Angell for her Card Ministry.

After we enjoyed fun, fellowship and food, Kathy Brann offered a prayer as we laid hands on the 12 pillows that were made. Susan Angell delivered them to Mercy Hospital the next day where they were well received.

Submitted by Marlene Tordoff

Baptized into New Life in Christ

On February 3, 2008, the Peoples family gathered to witness the baptism of Darryll George Rideout, Jr. Darryll is Earle and Wealthy’s grandson-in-law who will also be served as his baptism sponsors. Other family members attending included Darryll’s spouse, Rachel Harvey Rideout; children, Jonathan Locke (age 9) and Julia Rideout (age 3); and niece, Bryanna Hanscomb (age 11). Darryll was sworn into the US Army that evening to begin several months of training in New Mexico and Missouri. He's a new believer and loves Peoples Church just in the short time he's been with us. Although he's not going to join Peoples as he doesn't know where he may end up relocating in a few months, we ask all to keep Darryll and his family in prayer. He would love to hear from folks, and you can get contact information from Rachel or the pastors.

Super Bowl XLII

Although it had a sad ending, the Peoples Super Bowl party on February 3 was an evening of fun, food and fellowship. The sofas and chairs were pulled out into Ellis Hall, and the game projected on the wall. Just wait until next year!

Holy Hospitality

Leviticus 19:33-34 Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. 34 Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

Law after law of the Old Testament gives foreigners the same protections reserved for the Israelites. Often, these come with the reminder that they too were once foreigners. This is the command of hospitality that applies every bit as much to us today. Each of us had the day as an infant, a child or an adult when we first came to church. What we have as a church family and facility is a pure gift from God and we cannot properly say that it belongs to us any more than the next stranger who walks in the door.

Our concerns for worship and the care and signage for the facility should be oriented around what would best serve tomorrows guests at least as much as our longest members. This means every questions of food in worship, style of worship, schedule of worship and sharing decision making should be considered in the light of what would be the most welcoming and loving. Even in those areas we disagree on the most loving way we need to be loving and hospitible in our disagreements.

We have made improvements to Ellis Hall, the Sunday School rooms and the nursury. More improvements are on their way. We ask for your feedback and ideas on how to best be welcoming in all aspects of our facility and worship.

We Need Your Music

Come join us Thursdays at 6:30 as we put together a variety of contemporary and classical choir anthems and / or special music. All intstruments, singers and skill levels welcome. We do have the ability to include more organ music again, but we don't want to lose any of the variety that has been appreciated these last months. Come add your notes to our worship!

Time to Join a Small Group Study

A number of small group opportunities are continuing or beginning at Peoples. Contact the pastors with questions about any of the groups. You are welcome to join.

9am Tuesday morning at RosemaryHerd's there is an open Bible study. Art Tordoff is continuing to lead the adult Sunday School at 9am Sundays. Monday night is the book study Velvet Elvis.

There is an Inquirer’s Class Series 2:30pm at the church for folks inquiring about membership or members wanting to brush up any one or all of the topics.
February 4 “Why I’m a United Methodist”
February 6 “Finding our S.H.A.P.E. for Ministry”
February 27 “Why Membership?”

Lenten Study –You are invited to a 6-week devotional study during Lent on Mondays 2-3pm beginning February 11 at the home of Ruth McLellan. We are using a text entitled, “Devotional Classics” from Renovaré.

New groups are forming. Please let us know if you would like to have a group in your home or appartment or if there is a special time or topic you are interested in.

Lenten and Holy Week Services

Ash Wednesday Service February 6 7pm at Thornton Heights UMC. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, which is the time of year the Church reflects on the events leading up to the crucifixion of Christ and on our own faithfulness as disciples who follow Jesus. Weekly Lenten services are sponsored by our cluster (other United Methodist Churches in our area). Peoples will be hosting on February 20th and we will be responsible for food after that worship service – if you can help out please contact Chris Ward. The following is the schedule:

Feb 6 What is Grace? Thornton Heights UMC
Feb 13 Fasting Elm Street UMC
Feb 20 Prayer Peoples UMC
Feb 27 Holy Conferencing First UMC
Mar 5 Scripture West Scarborough UMC
Mar 12 Sacraments Cape Elizabeth UMC
Mar 20 Passover Meal Peoples UMC
Mar 21 Good Friday Thornton Heights UMC
Mar 22 Easter Vigil Clark Memorial UMC

The Maundy Thursday service on March 20th will include a Seder or Passover meal. This is a special opportunity to both remember the saving work of God in the Exodus story as well as better understand the setting for the Last Supper. Come and invite a friend. Children are particularly encouraged to come.

Cluster Training Hosted By Peoples people

Cluster Training Hosted by Peoples people
On Saturday, January 26, Ellis Hall filled with members of Casco Bay Cluster churches and beyond. Some folks in attendance were from as far away as the Green Street United Methodist Church in Augusta. As a matter of fact the Green Street folks helped set up the facility. Rosemary Herd and Chris Ward graciously served coffee, tea, juices and sweets before the event began and at breaks later in the day. At noon all in attendance broke for lunch which also was prepared by Chris and Rosemary.
Pastor Jamie Arrison helped open the training session with a worship service. Following the opening the nearly 60 folks in attendance separated into four initial groups that included Safe Sanctuaries led by Reverend Hattie Stoltsfus in Ellis Hall. Pastor David Nicol led a small group in the Sanctuary with a power point on Organizing Small Churches. He used Elm Street and their program to illustrate his presentation. On the breezeway Reverend Jim Young gathered those in attendance that were new members of their church trustees. And Pastor Jamie Arrison led a rather sizable group in the church vestry interested in leading small groups.
A break followed then a second group met in Ellis Hall with Reverend Hattie Stoltsfus, while Reverend Curtis Brown gathered folks in the Sanctuary in a presentation on the church of the Twenty first Century. Paralleling these two presentations were a presentation on Natural Church Development led by Reverend Kate Nicol and Reverend Gene Koelker filled out this second session with a group gathered to discuss Lay Pastoral Care.
Following lunch four more sessions were held making a rather long but meaningful day for those in attendance. District Superintendent Mike Davis held a program for SPRC members on the pastoral evaluation process while Pastors David Nicol and Jamie Arrison led a group in the areas of Stewardship and Finance. Reverend Ruth Morrison led a program on aspects of Christian Education and Art Tordoff of Peoples led a small group on Records, History and Archives.
Many attendees specialized in their area of appointment but many also attended other groups to gain a broader understanding of the scope of church life and the need for dedicated leadership.
Pastor Jamie offered a prayer and sent us forth with blessings for a safe trip home.

Wayside

We had another great crowd from Peoples out for the Wayside Soup Kitchen - Darryl Ridout, Jim MacKinnon, Hank Dunn, Hank's sister Bonnie, Sue Angell, Kathy Brann, Betty Splettstoesser, Becky Gotlieb, Pastor Gwyneth, Betsy Morrison, Marlene & Art Tordoff (the 12 disciples?!). Many got there early to help set up the tables. Betsy Morrison was apprenticing as a leader, and gave the instructions to all of the volunteers (27 total), and Gwyneth led the group in prayer. The folks were then let in the doors to find seats. Becky and Betty worked on the drinks, Jim helped out in the kitchen, and the rest were assigned to a table to get a dinner and drinks for each person and then clear the table for the next seating. The dinner lasts from 6-7pm, and then the crew begins cleaning the tables, floors and kitchen. It was amazing to watch everyone working together, and with such joy, the joy of fellowship and knowing we are serving Jesus as we serve our fellow sisters and brothers in need. If you've never served at the Wayside, why not give it a try? They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner 365 days a year, and welcome volunteers anytime. Or you can wait to go with the church family on the 5th Wednesday evening of each month. The next one is April 30!

Trustees to the Rescue

During the annual furnace cleaning for the church and parsonage, Irving noticed that the oil tank in the parsonage was in very bad shape, and they were especally concerned about one leg that was almost completely rusted through. The tank could tip over and rupture, with the resulting leak costing thousands of dollars to clean up.

Trustees scheduled the work to be completed within two weeks, and today the tank was successfully replaced. Walter Greer helped get the crew started in the morning, and the whole job was done within a few hours. The tank was only quarter full so was easy to pump out too.

Here is a note from Walter: The old tank, in the process of removing it, had the bad leg collapse! The tank did not rupture, so no mess/no trouble. The men doing the removal said that (most likely) the tank leg would have given way this winter when the tank was filled - causing the tank to list and fall. What a mess that would have been!

Thanks again to all the Trustees for the work you do "behind the scenes."

Closeup of the tank foot that collapsed during the tank removal

The Irving folks who put in the new tank - life expectancy about 25 years for this one, although they guessed the one removed was about 40 years old!

Life in Review 2007

The Life in Review celebration after church Sunday was a wonderful success. In the words of Susan Angell, "Who knew hearing reports could be such fun?" And this was the purpose: to celebrate the work of Peoples Church in 2007 and remember all that God has done through us. When you put it all together, it was truly awe inspiring.

The event started out with lunch - Methodists like to eat, and eat we did! About 50 folks attended, and tables were strategically positioned by Chuck and Rob so that the presentations could begin while people were still eating. Rosemary created beautiful place settings, and we set up the projector and TV to provide lots of visuals. The only requirement of people asked to present was: "No reading reports!" There were copies of the 2007 end-of-year report book which can be viewed here (or request a printed copy from the pastors). The appendix also provides financial and other end-of-year information.

Earle Harvey introduced the program and each presenter. The Junior Choir provided music during dessert, and Ellen Dunn as Junior Choir Director shared a few words about some recent changes in rehearsals brought about by the kids asking for more fun! The reaharsals are now held in Ellis Hall instead of the Sanctuary, and start with a snack. Then after rehearsal the kids are allowed to run around a bit and play. It's been a big hit with all the Junior Choir. Then the Senior Choir sang an upbeat number, and Dan informed everyone that 2012 will mark the 100th anniversary of the senior choir singing.The last musical group was the Ushers, and they of course had everyone in stitches with their number, complete with sun glasses!

There were a number of certificates passed out for years of service in a ministry area until recently, which included Rosemary Herd (Sunday School Superintendent for 7 years), Linda Wade (Sunday School Teacher for 20 years), Chris Ward (Lay Leader for 13 years), Kathy Brann (Prayer Service Leader for 9 years) and Paul and Sharon Obie (Communion Stewards for 20 years). Then Earle asked folks to share other names - we realized that all of us are important members of the body of Christ!

Two slide shows were shown, one put together with photos from Art Tordoff by Rosemary (with niece Kate's help!), and the other by Pastor Gwyneth. Then each presenter came forward to speak for a few minute about the one or two most exciting aspects or events of their ministry in 2007. We heard from the Walking Group, Trustees, SPRC, Discipleship, Sunday School, UMW, Nurture, Heifer, Missions, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Worship and Visitor Ministries. Then there were three memorial presentations to celebrate the lives of some of our most beloved members who have passed onto glory this year: Hillie Cass, Jim Darling and Kevin Malcom.

During some reflection time at the end, folks responded how thankful they were for this opportunity to see and celebrate all the church had done this year, and even just reviewing the end-of-year book was amazing to see all that God has done through us this year. The pastors encouraged folks to think and pray over what they'd heard and read to see if God may be drawing them into new ministries.

A big thank you to Rosemary Herd, Art Tordoff and Earle Harvey who worked together tirelessly with Pastor Gwyneth to put this all together. Also a big thank you to all who attended, AND to all who submitted their written reports for the end-of-year book! God is good! (all the time)

Eagle Scouts Ceremony

Peoples Church hosted an exciting event on Saturday, January 5. Not one, but two members of the boy scout troup 23 which meets at Peoples each week earned the Eagle Scout Award.

Pictured below are those recipients: Alexander Latendresse and Nicholas Robertson. The reception and ceremony was organized by Lynne Teague and Joe Picoraro who have faithfully led the scouts for many years, and Lynne was particularly proud of her son, Nic!

The ceremony began with a welcome and invocation by Pastor Gwyneth, followed by a candle lighting ceremony that sybolically explains the values learned by the scouts. The requirements for each badge were explained, which are extraudinarily difficult. Two of their teachers spoke about their experiences with them as students in the classroom, and Joe and Lynne also spoke. Alex and Nic also gave presentations on their final projects which were community projects: building a bridge at the fieldhouse, and building a sidewalk for handicap access for kids at Small School. The ceremony ended with a reception in honor of the two boys and their families and friends for this amazing achievement.

Caroling as a Mission

The previous two years we have gone caroling as a church around the neighborhood, singing the Good News as a way of evangelism. This year due to the weather we had to postpone and revise the singing to indoors. So on the afternoon of December 23, four adults and four children went to the Betsy Ross House, followed by the South Portland Nursing Home. The residents from both facilities loved that we brought caroling books for them to sing along too, but especially loved seeing the children.

A Fun and Exciting Pageant for Peoples

It seemed that God was truly present at Peoples during worship on Sunday, December 23: the music, Karen Jenning's devotional message was inspired and inspiring as a personal witness of her faith journey and her children's impact on that journey; and most especially the children's pageant (see article below) which was filmed by NBC and aired on the channel 6 news Sunday evening. This included interviews of Andy Folley as Sunday School Superintendent, Samantha Foote as Mary, and Caleb Marston as a Magi. You can play the news clip here ...

Here's a comment from Susan Angell: The Christmas Story presented by our children with LOTS of help from many adults was just FABULOUS! It was a real joy to see them all in their costumes...Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the angels, the shepherds, wise men, etc. and the sheep and cows were especially endearing. THE SET designed by the Greer Family was PERFECT. The costumes were inventive and lovely. How fortunate we are to have so many talented children and adults ... Thank you one and all for this most wonderful service. Thank you Ellen and Pastor Gwyneth for Offeratory singing of "Mary Did You Know?". It was such a great service, I didn't want it to ever end .

Christmas Pageant!

The Sanctuary will take on a different look for the Christmas Pageant on December 23rd ... it will be remade into a stable.

This amazing production is a must see: Under the leadership and direction of Andy and Teresa Folley, costume creation by Melinda Marston and Susan Paige, set design by Linda and Eric Greer, Audio-Visual work by Doug Greer, and much assistance and support by all the parents, and most importantly ... all of the kids as angels, shepherds, cows, baby donkeys, wise men, star, Mary and Joseph. The production tells the simple story with word and song as the kids proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ born on Christmas Day.

On Saturday, December 22, all gathered for a dress rehearsal. This was followed by a pizza party with games like pin-the-tale-on-the-donkey. Then the cake candles were lit, and all sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus!

We hope all are blessed by this special celebration this Christmas. Thank you to all who have worked hard to bring about this Christmas miracle!

Church / Charge Conference

The annual church conference was held Tuesday evening, December 18 and have had positive feedback, especially on the presentation on "Warming Up Your Welcome" (see next article) put on by our district superintendent, Rev. Mike Davis.

For those who were not able to attend, here are some of the highlights from the evening:

Taize Worship led by Mike Davis -- This is a style of worship popular among younger generations today which is a bit surprising as it is very contemplative. WE were given permission to not like it! The worship included silence, meditative singing of one verse repeated for several minutes, Scripture, prayers offered from the people and more singing. Several folks attended the Taize worship at Peoples last Spring so this was not a new experience for a few.

Marlene Tordoff was elected as Recording Secretary. We offered a slide presentation to give thanks for the folks who have gone to be with the Lord this year. We've lost some folks who were very dear to us this year and had a chance to share about this. Mike offered some encouraging words, that "the hurt goes deeper because we've lived and loved together."

Mike spoke about the importance of mission shares in the conference, and our church's contribution which goes toward churches such as the Lawrence UMC that has brought in 47 new converts this year. Mike also presented a conference wide missions focus called "Nothing But Nets". With the purchase of nets to cover African children while they sleep to protect them from mosquitoes, the disease of malaria could be virtually wiped out. Malaria kills a child every 30 seconds - that's 3000 children every day. Nets cost $10/day, and the district has put out a challenge for each church to purchase 17 nets - that would be 1,000 nets for the conference. It was pointed out in the video that one little girl raised 1,000 nets all by herself so certainly 15,000 Methodists should be able to do the same! This is the first time Methodists have partnered with organizations such as the MBA and Sports Illustrated. We also were encouraged not just to take this on as a church but to partner with other area organizations - boy scouts, work places, etc.

A list of inactive members was voted on unanimously to begin the removal process. These are folks who have had no contact with the church for some time. The Darling trust fund was accepted unanimously. The lay speakers were all approved as well for continued ministry: Chris Ward and Merrill Kaiser (advanced lay speakers) and Art Tordoff (basic lay speaker). Mike Gray now holds his membership at Annual Conference so Peoples no longer is responsible for his candidacy process.

Pastor Jamie reviewed the list of folks who will be holding various ministry and committee positions for 2008. Earle Harvey presented a creative report on what it means to bring the Gospel to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the to the ends of the earth, and such ministry stems from our Small Group Ministry as we are encouraged to serve together within the Food Cupboard, the Root Cellar, Red Bird Mission, and Heifer.

The pastors compensation package was approved. Pastor Gwyneth then presented the pastors report with a video presentation of photos showing our life together the last year, which was encouraging and fun. The conference closed with the presentation on Warming Up Your Welcome, and then we closed in a prayer circle as those connected with each other through Christ.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the pastors or other attendees.

Warming Up Your Welcome Seminar

This was a seminar designed by Mike and Jan Davis and was presented during our church conference on Tuesday evening, December 18.

Have you ever thought about what it was like the first time you visited a church? Have you visited another church recently and felt uncomfortable not knowing anyone or not knowing where to find the bathroom or not understanding a part of the worship service? How much more so for someone who has never gone to church before -- we learned that 50-70% of residents in New England have no previous church connection.

People do visit though - at Peoples, we have at least one visitor almost every week. A few stay, but most do not. We need to ask why. The title of the seminar was "how warm is your welcome?" One of the quotes was: "Almost all churches say they are friendly, but few make friends." What would it mean to make friends with visitors at Peoples?

One suggestion was to think of visitors as guests. This puts the responsibility on us to ensure our guests are well cared for. Other suggestions, to get us thinking, were putting cones out on the nearest street parking spaces that say "Reserved for Visitors." The nursery space is also very important for visiting families, which is why we are in progress on this right now. How about finding your way around the building as a visitor? How many signs do we have to help folks find their way? Visitors make up their minds about a church within the first 10 minutes of arriving - that includes finding parking and finding the correct door to enter through. We need to make sure these first 10 minutes are as welcoming as possible.

It also very important that visitors be greeted by folks not paid to be there - in other words someone in addition to the pastor! It was also suggested that the ushers reserve the best seats (on the isles, toward the back) for visitors. Several folks shared experiences (within Peoples and while visiting other churches) of visitors being told to move out of someone's seat. If we are to be a warm and welcoming church, we need to be willing to give up our seat preference for our guest. On the other hand, we also need to be sensitive to visitors. It can be overwhelming with ten people trying to talk to them at once, and hugging is generally not a good idea with newcomers -- much better to offer a friendly hand and warm smile.

We were given a list of types of folks who might visit the church who are different than the majority that makes up the church today, whether we would want to worship with them, and whether our church would welcome them. How warm would we welcome an interracial or gay couple, a man wearing multiple piercings, or a parent with crying children?

We also discussed the difficult transition when visitors begin getting involved in the life of the church and begin bringing ideas and change that may seem threatening. It is difficult to let go of control and allow new folks the freedom to bring change.

So, whose role is it to welcome visitors? We learned that welcoming visitors is the responsibility of EVERYONE of us in the church! Mike left us with three challenges:
1. Welcoming our guests begins with me - every single person
2. During coffee fellowship or before worship, greet everyone within 10 feet of us. Ask visitors their names and show Christian hospitality.
3. Within the first 3 minutes after church, do not converse with other members until speaking with all of the visitors first.

District Yankee Swap

On Tuesday, December 11, Pastors Gwyneth and Jamie travelled to a Tri-State District meeting at the Exeter UMC. We started with worship together and Holy Communion, followed by some discussion with our District Superintendents, Mike and Jan Davis. The biggest question on people's minds was the status of Vermont coming into the New England Conference as its current Troy Conference seeks to merge with the New York Conference. Whether Vermont decides to ask to be included in New England will be decided during the Troy Annual Conference in June 2008. New England would then vote on whether to receive Vermont in June 2009.

It didn't take long until the party began though. Everyone brought $5 and under gifts for a good old-fashioned Yankee Swap. Each person drew a number, and starting with the lowest number each pastor selected a gift to unwrap and then could either keep or exchange it for some other unwrapped gift! It was a fun time with a lot of laughs.

We finished our time together with lunch (Methodists never get together without a meal). At Exeter UMC they have their kitchen right off the Sanctuary, and they had set up a beautiful dining area in the Sanctuary with candles and Christmas place mats. In addition, the church set up childcare so we were able to have some adult conversation.

Overall it was a great time, and well worth the drive to Exeter! Mike and Jan are hoping to set up more frequent district meetings throughout the year.