New Pentecost Sunday School Unit!

The final unit for Sunday school this year began today, on Pentecost! For the kickoff in worship on April 11, Pastor Jamie spoke about the word for Holy Spirit meaning "breath" and gave out helium balloons to the kids! He talked to the kids about the difference between using our own breath to blow up a balloon, which sinks to the ground, versus the helium kind that floats up in the air which is what it feels like to be empowered by the Holy Spirit!

You can view the whole Pentecost Sunday School photo album here.

In Sunday School the kids began learning their song, "Pass It On" which they will sing in church soon. Then the kids continued to learn through centers, including cooking, games and crafts this unit. In the games center, the 3 and 4 year olds tried to pass various objects across the floor to one another using their breath! In the cooking center, kids made pinwheel sandwiches. You can't see the breath that makes a pinwheel spin, but you know that it's real. That's the way it is with God's Spirit! Kids decorated crosses and doves in the craft center, and also began decorating their Pentecost Banner to display in Ellis Hall.

The next Pentecost session will be May 2 and then finishing up on May 16. On April 18 the kids will celebrate earth day, on May 9 the kids will do special mother's day projects, and there is no Sunday School on April 25 during school vacation. The last day of Sunday School will be May 23, and Children's Sunday on June 6!

Spring Work Day May 8!

Submitted by Sue Angell

KEEP YOUR CALENDAR OPEN FOR SPRING WORK DAY MAY 8TH at PEOPLES CHURCH! DON'T FORGET MAY 8 ON YOUR CALENDAR-SPRING CLEANING DAY

Even better....Breakfast will be served ....blueberry pancakes !!! Brad just needs a count to who is coming so he can make enough batter and coffee and the like

This will be the day we work inside the church and outside doing housekeeping and spring tasks. There's plenty of to be done. You may feel drawn to straighten out a few cutlery drawers in the kitchen, dust and straighten the parlor, wash windows, take a few curtains home and wash them, fix a leaky faucet, rake the yard, paint here and there, work on the garden and just about anything that bugs you and you feel should be done for "Spring Cleaning". If you have special talents that you want to share, we can find something for you to do. We are not talking being there for the day but an hour here and an hour there makes a world of difference and it's usually lots of fun and good fellowship and some person always brings good snacks and perks delicious coffee. The church is our home away from home and this is a time we can smarten it up.

....Lots of stuff to do to spruce up the church inside and out. Cleaning windows. Washing tables. Raking. Gardening. Guy stuff like assisting Chuck in doing the parsonage roof over porch, taking down the fences, T 11 boards on Ellis Hall, etc. If you have seen something that has been bugging you and you want to tackle it....it is yours.

Please RSVP to Sue Angell!

Children on Easter Sunday

While the adults were upstairs celebrating the risen Savior, the children were downstairs doing Easter crafts and going on Easter Egg hunts! They had a lot of fun, and learned about the Savior's love at the same time. Many thanks to Karen Jennings and Betty Lane for organizing this time, and for all those who helped out downstairs. You can view the Easter Egg Hunt photo album here.

Easter Celebration!

The worship at Fisherman's Point for Easter sunrise over Casco Bay was a beautiful time. The weather was warm and clear out, making for a beautiful sunrise over the islands. Pastor Jamie led worship, and we had music led on bagpipe by Jason. A little over 60 folks attended this beautiful time of celebrating our risen Savior. You can view a photo album of Easter Sunrise here, photos by Art Tordoff.

This was followed by a wonderful Easter breakfast back at church. Many thanks to all who helped cooked, set up and clean up, and especially to those who came for food and fellowship.

Morning worship was also very uplifting, including music by the choir and bell choir, a narrated drama of the women finding the empty tomb, and the children singing the song they have been learning in Sunday School, "Mary Told the Good News." The Walk to Emmaus story was told as a dramatized Scripture, Pastor Gwyneth preached, followed by a moving experience of Holy Communion. Over 140 people were in attendance this year.

Overall it was a wonderful day celebrating that Christ is Risen ... Christ is Risen, Indeed!

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday

Maundy Thursday was a powerful Tenebrae service including moving music by the choir, Holy Communion and Scripture readings recounting the events leading up to the crucifixion. With each reading, a symbol was removed from the altar table and a candle was snuffed out, leaving the Sanctuary in complete darkness by the last reading followed by a disturbing bang. Those attending left in silence to reflect on the amazing sacrificial love of our Savior who died for us.

Worship on Good Friday was held at Elm Street UMC and led by the United Methodist clergy together. This included a series Scripture readings, moving music and prayer. The clergy then exited the Sanctuary and read a series of "reproaches of Christ" from outside the room. The folks at Elm Street hosted a simple lunch of soup and homemade bread afterwards.

Peoples UMC was open for a prayer vigil from 2pm through midnight. Some folks signed up for time slots, and others just showed up to pray. Many thanks to Betty Splettstoesser for organizing this prayer vigil.

It is always wonderful to attend worship on Easter Sunday with all of the joy knowing that He is risen. But Easter is always more joyful and full of the light of Christ for those who have experienced the darkness of betrayal and death in the passion of Christ. Don't miss it next year!

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday included a fun march with palms by all of the children as the adults waved theirs in the air singing, "Hail Lion of Judah!" The procession was a joyful one, and this was followed by the children going downstairs for a blessing of the Temple downstairs with Pastor Gwyneth. You can view the Palm Sunday photo album here.

Senior High Youth Rally

There's a Senior High Youth Rally at Mechuwana on May 7-9. Here's the info:

"We will be talking about who we are to ourselves, to each other, and how camp has affected who we are. We will have a senior banquet, senior share night, bring a story, song or memory to share.There will be a dance, games, wonderful live music during our services, and a lot of fun."

Camp Mechuwana
May 7-9
Cost: $30.00
FOR YOUTH IN GRADES 9-12
Please send in your registration before April 30th
You can down-load a full registration form at www.mechuwana.org
Email: mechuwana@fairpoint.net

Mechuwana Summer Camps

Summer camps at Mechuwana, which is Methodist camp in Winthrop, Maine, are filling up fast. There are camps for grades 2-12, plus some adult camps as well. There are brochures on the table in Ellis Hall or you can look online at http://www.mechuwana.org/

We don't have any current scholarships but can put out the word if you need financial assistance. There are also some scholarships through Mechuwana. Mechuwana will not turn away anyone for financial reasons.

Please speak to the pastors if you would like more information.

Easter Letter

You may click here to view the full color copy as well!

Easter 2010

Peoples Family,Our Lenten Journey has taken us through many experiences and emotions this season. We have experienced not just casual Christianity but what it means to have passionate faith – passionately trusting in Jesus, passionately needing God, passionately confessing our sin, passionately experiencing joy. The season of Lent truly is a journey of faith. It is an essential experience we encounter as a community. The music and stories associated with the journey cause us to contemplate our humanity and our need for a Savior. The journey, however, culminates in the greatest news we could ever hope for! Jesus is Alive! The Author of Hope and Grace is Arisen! This Journey is not meant to keep us focused on ourselves. The Journey with Jesus focuses our attention outward to those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus, or to those whose faith has fallen asleep. You can make a difference in someone else’s journey by sharing the excitement you have experienced in knowing Jesus and helping them connect with the same love of Christ you have experienced.

There are several opportunities to invite others to connect with the love of Christ through Peoples Church, which are listed on the reverse side. We invite you to pray for God’s leading, and invite those God places on your heart.

We pray God’s richest blessings on you this Easter season!
Together in Ministry for Christ

Gwyneth & Jamie Arrison, Co-Pastors

Easter Week Activities

Palm Sunday, March 28, worship at 10:30am
Palms to wave and Sunday School for kids ages 3-11. Nursery provided as well.

Maundy Thursday, April 1 at 7pm
A service of readings and extinguishing candles while the sanctuary is stripped of its symbols and linens.

Good Friday, April 2 at Noon, Elm Street UMC
Worship with other United Methodist churches in the area to experience the crucifixion of Christ and why this is “good.”

Prayer Vigil, April 2, 2pm-Midnight
The church will be open for prayer during this time, or you can sign up for a timeslot. Can you spare just one hour to pray on this most Holy Day?

Easter Sunrise, Sunday, April 4, Fishermen’s Point, 6:15am
Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus as the sun comes up over Casco Bay. Please park at the public lot at Willard Beach, observe all parking signs and respect sleeping neighbors. Thank you! Easter breakfast immediately following.

Easter Breakfast, Sunday, April 4, 7:00am
Easter Breakfast in Ellis Hall immediately following the sunrise service, approximately 7:00 am Lots of pancakes and other great food and fellowship. Free will offering. There will be no coffee fellowship on Easter Sunday.

Easter Morning Worship, Sunday, April 4, 10:30am
We will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus during morning worship. Nursery care is provided.

Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 4, 10:30am
Children will leave from worship for a fun Easter egg hunt, crafts and activities.

Prayer Vigil

There is a prayer vigil at Peoples on Good Friday, April 2, 2pm-midnight. The church will be open for prayer during this time. Please sign up for a time slot to be in prayer (at the back of the sanctuary or contact Betty Splettstoesser), or just show up during this time. Someone will be present at all times so one will be alone in the building.

Can you spare just one hour to pray on this Holy Day?

Easter at Fisherman's Point

Please join us at 6:15am to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus as the sun comes up over Casco Bay. All ages are welcome. Be sure to dress warmly!

Please park at the public lot at Willard Beach, observe all parking signs and respect sleeping neighbors. Thank you.

To get to Fisherman's Point from the public lot, walk to the beach, walk down the beach to the right (south) to the stairs, and Fisherman's Point will be on your left. It's about 1/4 mile walk from the lot.

Easter breakfast immediately following, at about 7am.

Worshipping Together in the Methodist Connection

Every Wednesday during Lent the United Methodist Churches have gathered together for worship at a different church each week, and a different presiding pastor. The church choirs have each helped to lead worship, and we have had some special music as well, such as the "Messengers of Hope" as seen in the photo.

Our last service will be held at noon on Good Friday (April 2), hosted by Elm Street UMC. Thank you to all who have attended and supported these mid-week worship services!

Lenten Prayer Room

Our sister church, Thornton Heights UMC has set up a beautiful prayer room with “prayer centers” as a way to deepen faith during this Lenten journey. The church is located at 100 Westbrook Street in South Portland. FMI call 774-0487.

Easter Flowers

If you would like to purchase flowers to help decorate the church for Easter, and/or list your donation in memory of a loved one, please obtain a form on the back table in the sanctuary. These are due to Chris Ward no later than Wednesday, March 31. Flowers may be dropped off Saturday, April 3 from 9:30am-5pm. Thank you.

Last Chance for a Mission Trip!

Peoples Church is hosting a mission trip July 11-17, its first ever mission trip outside the state of Maine. We have 7 folks registered which is very exciting, and will take as many as 5 more. The final deadline for sign up is April 11, the Sunday after Easter. This is to ensure significant time for team bonding and information sharing.

All team members signed up by April 11 will attend monthly meetings in April, May and June. The next team meeting will take place after church on April 11. These team meetings are mandatory for all who are signed up for the trip as there will be important information and resources shared and is imperative for team bonding.

Looking for ways to help even if you can’t go? Here are some ideas: Sponsoring someone on the trip, financial help or donations of craft supplies, loaning necessary items such as a roof top carrier or air mattress. In addition, we will be planning some special fundraisers as well as times for prayer before and during the trip. Please contact Betsy Morrison at 767-6063 or Pastor Gwyneth at 409-5530 if you have any questions.

Preble Street Soup Kitchen - Help Serve on 3/31!

Peoples Church will be helping to serve at the Wayside Soup Kitchen on Wednesday, March 31. Please arrive around 5pm to help set up. Meal begins at 6pm. The soup kitchen is located at 252 Oxford Street (near the Portland Post Office). For questions or to arrange a carpool, please contact Tom Nelson at 799-6321.

View more pictures at our Wayside Photo Album.

Don't forget to wear your Peoples Church apron!

Preparing Kids for Easter: "Go and Tell!"

As usual the most popular center has been the cooking center! This unit kids have been making cinnamon sugar biscuits with marsh-mellows that "disappear" after they go into the oven (tomb!). The kids are learning all about the true meaning of Easter, the empty tomb and the hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ. The unit is called "Go and Tell" which encourages all of us to share the good news of Jesus with a friend. The kids will also be singing their song they are learning on Easter Sunday! There's also a model tomb, which for now is closed off with a big rock! Many thanks to Karen Jennings for heading up this unit, and all of the teachers and helpers.

Click here to view the Sunday School "Go and Tell" Photo Album

Worship Time Survey

You will find in your church bulletins on 3/28 and 4/11 a survey concerning a possible change in worship schedule beginning this summer. Results from the survey will be brought to Worship and Church Council to assist church leadership in making this decision. Stay tuned for details!

New Sunday School Unit Soon

On Sunday, April 11 a new Sunday School unit begins! Exploring Pentecost together through fun learning centers, including cooking, science, games, crafts, and music. The children will also be doing special activities for Mother’s Day and Earth Day.

For more information or to register your child in the Sunday School, please contact Andy Folley at 749-5702

Church Retreat in Bridgton April 10

All are welcome to join the pastors for a weekend retreat on Saturday April 10, “Walking with the Risen Savior.” The retreat will take place at the lakeside “Bullwinkle” with beautiful mountain views. There will be group study, personal devotion and reflection as well as fun and fellowship. Refreshments will be available at 9:00am and the first session will begin at 9:30am. Lunch will be provided, and the retreat will end at 4pm.

If there are families with children who would like to attend, we will arrange children’s activities or possibly a group mission! Please contact the pastors with your interest. Cost: $5/person Registration due Thursday, April 8: Min: 6 Max: 20

Infant Baptism

If you are interested in being baptized, or having a child baptized, or are just interested in the theology of baptism in the United Methodist church, please contact the pastors; classes will be starting soon.

Finances at Peoples

This year the Church Council approved a budget with a deficit of about $36,000. The last few years have been considerably worse financially than years previous due to the stock market. However, as many have pointed out, using investment income is not only unpredictable, it also decreases people's need to give. The most serious matter at hand is that for the past two years, in order to pay the bills such as heat and light, Peoples has paid only 6-8% of our mission shares to the Conference. Of the 70 some churches in our district, we were in the bottom 6. We cannot continue to avoid this important responsibility. These mission shares go to support vital conference ministries such as all of our Methodist Camps like Mechuwana. You can click here to see all of the ministries that Mission Shares support. Also at this link you can find mission share information and history for individual churches.

However, the good news is that we have begun to tap a Conference resource to help Peoples put together a financial plan for the future. The Finance Committee and other leaders will be working together with the District Superintendent, Rev. Mike Davis and the Tri State District Mission Shares Review Team led by Rev. Deb Shipp. If you have any questions about this process, feel free to contact the pastors or any member of the Finance Committee. And if you feel led to come on board to help out with this mission shares review process, please also contact us.

Above all, please be in prayer for your church family. More important than meeting our budget is knowing that we are each giving all that God is calling us to. This type of sacrifice is essential to growing in faith. So many are struggling financially and most feel they are giving all they can. The question is not, however, what we can do, but what God can do through us! Amen!

E100 Journey Through the Bible Continues

We have begun an exciting journey through the Bible together called E100. Read through 100 carefully selected Bible passages with a family member, co-worker, friend or small group. Read at your own pace, using a Bible translation of your choice. Easy-to-Read Bibles are available, and the first order for guide books have all been spoken for, but if you'd like one please contact the pastors at thearrisons@peoplesumc.com

Many folks are reading together with a spouse or friend. There are also several groups, one using email chat, and another that will be starting up on Wednesday evenings after Easter (most likely meeting every other week) at the Whittemore's home. If you are interested in either of these, or starting a group of your own, please contact the pastors and we can get you started.

Won't you join us on this journey together? It's not too late to join!

Candlelight Meditation April 11 7pm

The April meditation will be held Sunday, April 11 at 7pm. This month’s Easter theme: "Victory in Christ!” Join us for a short Scripture reading followed by about 45 minutes of reflection while listening to meditative instrumental music in the beautiful candlelit sanctuary.

Some of your unchurched friends or family may be uncomfortable with traditional Sunday morning church. This casual time of meditation is the perfect opportunity to invite someone to attend with you.

Meditations are held the 2nd Sunday of each month.Come relax and connect with God.

Mark Your Calendars for Christmastime!

It's never too late to start planning Christmas events! Mark your calendars for a horse-drawn caroling party on Sunday, December 12 at 4pm!

All money collected for the rides will go to a mission, yet to be decided. If you have ideas for a mission, please contact the pastors.

Mom's Group

The Peoples mom's group is for moms at home with babies and toddlers. It's a fun time for kids to play, and moms to connect and support one another. This is a time to connect with other parents as the children play with a large variety of toys or crafts. We also generally spend some time praying for our children at the end. If you're interested in joining us, we meet 1st and 3rd Thursdays. We will be meeting next on April 1 and April 15. The group meets from 10am-noon so feel free to leave early or come late! We meet at the pastors' home, and as the weather improves we will be meeting at parks. Please RSVP to Pastor Gwyneth whether you can attend. Hope to see you there!

New Publication Policy Approved

The Church Council voted and unanimously approved this month a new publication policy, which includes our use of photos online:

Peoples United Methodist Church Publication Policy

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." -- Matthew 5:14-16 14

Including images of our church family in ministry on our webpage, online newsletter/blog, and facebook is an effective way to “let our light shine,” and an excellent outreach tool to a visitor who may be curious about what our events and activities are like. Photos may also motivate and encourage others to become more involved. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.
However, we also realize the importance of online safety, particularly for children. To this end, the Peoples United Methodist Church ensures the following regarding our online presence:

* Last names and other identifying information (e.g., phone numbers, emails, addresses) are not disclosed except for church staff and ministry leaders, or unless permission is first obtained.
* Minor children will not be identified by name unless parental permission is first obtained.
* Any person objecting to the use of his or her photo, and/or objecting to the use of a minor child’s photo, should inform the pastors or webmaster.
* Peoples United Methodist Church reserves the right to amend this policy at any time.

All photos found on our church online spaces are the property of the Peoples United Methodist Church unless otherwise noted.

Questions or concerns regarding this policy should be addressed to the church at (207) 619-1509 or office@peoplesumc.com

Heads up for a High Seas Expedition!

We are beginning to plan for Vacation Bible Camp this summer, and will be taking the kids on a High Seas Expedition! It's sure to be a wonderful time learning and experiencing God's love in new and exciting ways. Click here to learn more about the High Seas curriculum

Although we have hosted the camp in July in past years, due to the church mission trip we are planning for August this year. The tentative date we have planned for the camp is August 2-6. If a large number of folks prefer a different date we may need to revise, but this is the plan so far, which works for most of our center leaders. We don't need registrations this early, but if you have any feedback on the date please let us know.


Click here to view photos from last year's amazing Vacation Bible Camp, Avalanche Ranch Photo Album!

Peoples on Spotlight!

Peoples UMC was in the Portland Herald Worship Spotlight.
Check it out here!

UMCOR For Haiti

Peoples served as one of the regional drop off sites for New England Conference. Peoples collected 123 kits, and went through over 800 kits received to make sure all instructions were followed (it is amazing how many kits were not correctly filled). Rev. John Blackadar arrived on March 1 with the UMCOR truck, and together with Carol and David Bruneau packed up the truck. It was full when it left! Many thanks to all who donated, helped organize and loaded the kits on the truck! The people of Haiti are the ones who truly thank you though.

Mission Trip to Baltimore

Peoples Church is hosting a mission trip July 11-17, its first ever mission trip outside the state of Maine. We have 6 folks registered which is very exciting, and will take as many as 6 more. The final deadline for sign up is April 11, the Sunday after Easter. This is to ensure significant time for team bonding and information sharing. The next team meeting is currently being scheduled.

The total cost of the trip, including meals in Baltimore, is $265 plus transportation. Looking for ways to help even if you can’t go? Here are some ideas: Sponsoring someone on the trip, financial help or donations of craft supplies, loaning necessary items such as a roof top carrier or air mattress. In addition, we will be planning some special fundraisers as well as times for prayer before and during the trip.

Please contact Betsy Morrison at 767-6063 or Pastor Gwyneth at 409-5530 if you have any questions.

New Family Member!

Teresa and Andy, Anna and Drew welcomed a new member of the family yesterday afternoon, February 23! His name is Luke Richard, 19 1/2 inches long, 7 pounds 2 oz. Mom and baby are both doing well. Welcome to the world baby Luke!

News Briefs

New Sunday School Unit Begins Today, “Go and Tell” which will help prepare the children for Easter with the stories of the Resurrection and the Great Commission. Activities include games, cooking, science, music and crafts. Our center-based curriculum and awesome team of teachers make learning about God’s love exciting and meaningful. Please encourage your children to invite a friend!

Current Lenten Sermon Series on Passionate faith through the Psalms. Many thanks to Chris Ward for preaching while the pastors were on vacation last Sunday.

Inquirer’s Classes begin Sunday, February 28 at 6:30pm. There are four classes on the basics of the faith, Methodism and the covenant of membership. All are welcome, including current members. Please RSVP to Pastor Gwyneth if you will be attending. It is not too late and we can work around other scheduling needs.

Haiti: How You Can Help: Peoples has put together 123 health kits for Haiti! The UMCOR truck is picking up all items March 1. We will continue to collect financial donations. Please make payment to Peoples UMC with a note in the memo line or envelope: UMCOR Advance # 418325 for Haiti. Or you can give securely online at http://www.umcor.org/ 100% of donations go to relief efforts in Haiti through the United Methodist Committee on Relief, not administration.

Jr. High youth group will be meeting at Peoples at 1:15pm Feb 28th. The group meets on 2^nd and 4^th Sundays in the afternoon. Please see Pastor Jamie for info.

Mechuwana Middle School Youth Rally!

Middle School Youth Ralley at Mechuwana for Grades 6-8, March 20-21.

"Come join us for the weekend to learn about the importance of being a good neighbor - in your community, your school, and in the world. The Mechuwana Youth Council has planned a great weekend of fun and fellowship for you - you won't want to miss it."

For a registration form go to our web site: www.mechuwana.org or email mechuwana@fairpoint.net or call: 207-377-2924

Valentine's Cookie Bake

The Valentine's cookie bake was wonderful fun for the young and young at heart! A whole crew baked sheets of cookies before church, and continued baking as the kids began decorating with frosting, jimmies and candy hearts. There were even a few gluten free cookies made. The two year olds preferred to eat their cookies, but even some of them added to the stockpile the older kids were packaging for delivery to folks in the community. Over 40 bags with several cookies in each bag were delivered to folks within the church as well as recent newcomers. Many thanks to Rosemary for heading up this fun and meaningful mission, to those who baked, supervised, packaged, created lists, wrote labels and delivered all the cookies! Happy Saint Valentine's Day!

Click here for the whole Valentine's Cookie Bake Photo Album.

Pastors on Vacation

The pastors will be away during school vacation, February 15-21. If you need assistance during this time, please contact Tom and Barbara as Lay Leaders (799-6321). If there is a pastoral emergency, they can put you into contact with a local clergy who will be on call for us during this time, and can also reach Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth if necessary. As usual, please contact Susan Angell (799-8340) with any prayer concerns to put on the prayer chain.

Valentine's Dance!

The Valentine's Dance was a great time with lots of fun, food and fellowship. Those who attended the recent ballroom dance class got to show off all they learned, and the kids danced some too! Many thanks to Rosemary for putting together beautiful decorations, refreshments and lots of chocolate! And to Dan and Ruth for loaning their stereo system.

Click here to see the whole Valentine's Dance Photo Album

Let Your Light Shine!

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." -- Matthew 5:14-16 14

During the February Church Council meeting we discussed what an amazing online presence that Peoples Church has between the webpage, online newsletter/blog, and facebook. The photographs and photo albums displayed on these pages have been the reason several families have visited Peoples for morning worship or signed up for kids Sunday School or Vacation Bible Camp. As the saying goes, a picture says 1,000 words.

Having your photo on one of these pages is also a perfect opportunity to share Jesus with a friend or co-worker in a non-confrontational way, just by showing them your picture at church having fun or involved in meaningful mission. For others who are shy about having their picture taken this also provides an opportunity to sacrifice for the sake of Christ and his Church. For Christians in the USA, sacrifice rarely means martyrdom; rather we sacrifice in little ways every day whether it's giving our time, talent, or treasure, welcoming a newcomer, moving to a different pew for the sake of a visitor, or posing for a newsletter picture!

At Church Council we also discussed importance of online safety for children. Most churches with an online presence have no photo policy, but a few have a short list of practices to ensure safety without placing an undo burden on those who take and post pictures for church publicity. Some of these practices include using only first names in articles except for church contacts and not using children's names. Council hopes to draft a simple policy to review in March and hopefully put into place this Spring. If you have any suggestions, please contact Betsy Morrison.

Worship on Wednesdays

We are continuing to worship together with other United Methodist Churches in our area ("cluster") during the Lent in March. We hope you can join us for some or all of these meaningful times of worship on Wednesdays at 7pm. Peoples will be hosting the weekly Lenten worship on March 10, which will include leading worship with our choir. We will also be putting together refreshments for after worship, and if you can help with these please contact Chris Ward. Thank you!

3/3 Thornton Heights UMC
The church is located at 100 Westbrook Street in South Portland. FMI call 774-0487.

3/10 Peoples UMC
The church is located at 310 Broadway in South Portland. FMI call 799-1413.

3/17 First UMC
The church is located at 179 Ridgeland Avenue in South Portland. FMI call 767-2688.

3/24 Buxton UMC
The church is located at 276 Chicopee Rd in Buxton. FMI call 642-3996.

4/2 (Good Friday - worship at noon) Elm Street UMC
The church is located at 168 Elm Street in South Portland. FMI call 799-0407.

Prayer Shawl Ministry Does More Than Knit!

Submitted by Sue Angell

The Prayer Shawl Ministry gathered tonight at the church and checked and assembled 60 health kits. Yea! We are still in need of 28 finger nail clippers/or metal nail files, 16 toothbrushes and 16 combs to complete the additional kits. Can you help?

It is interesting that the Shawl Ministry first was a group of people that gathered together to just knit shawls. Now we knit in our homes and since that original year we have reached out to the Community as well with sewing and stuffing heart shaped cancer pillows for Mercy, knit preemie and cancer patient hats for MM, knit hats to deliver to the Preble St Center or Teen Center, May Baskets for shut ins and now assembling health kits. We do have fellowship and fun at these gatherings. We will be making May Baskets this year again at our Thursday meeting in April and we want to invite everyone to come and enjoy the fun making or stuffing them with goodies. Since May 1 falls on a Saturday this year, you might want to come to the April meeting and make one not only for shut ins but make one for your own Mom too and take on the task of delivering some on May 1. At home I make up 3 family baskets and deliver them to my grandchildren and a few for my neighbors. It's addictive.

Come join us on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7pm.

Mom's Group Taking the Challenge

The Peoples moms group is for moms at home with babies and toddlers. It's a fun time for kids to play, and moms to connect and support one another. We also generally spend some time praying for our children at the end. If you're interested in joining us, we meet Thursday mornings in various homee. Contact Pastor Gwyneth to verify the schedule.

Beginning in March, the mom's group is going to take the E100 challenge together! Any moms with babies, toddlers or even school aged children are welcome to join us!

See here for the mom's group photo album.

Join us on the E100 Journey

We are excited that so many have begun or are planning to begin the E100 Challenge to read through 100 key passages of the whole Bible!

A few have requested Guide Books which provide some information about the Bible reading each day. The book cost is $10 which is the suggested donation - if you can't pay that's ok! Or if you can donate some extra to help pay for someone else's that's great too! If you'd like one please contact the pastors at thearrisons@peoplesumc.com

Please also let the pastors know if you need a Bible - we have placed another order for a case of New Living Translation Bibles, which is an accurate and easy-to-read Bible. The suggested donation for a Bible is $5.

You also can print off some additional free resources yourself such as discussion guide (with 2 discussion questions for each reading), 7 habits for effective Bible readers, the Bible reading plan, sermon outlines and MP3 downloads, all at http://www.ministryplanet.net/sites/e100/Downloads

E100 is especially effective to get people excited about reading the Bible because it is so flexible. You can read at your own pace, with your own schedule and use a Bible translation of your choice. We do recommend that you meet on some frequency with a family member, co-worker, friend or small group, both to discuss insights and questions, and to hold one another accountable to sticking it out to the end. If you need assistance finding a group or partner, please contact the pastors.

Blessings as you encounter God in this journey through the Bible together!
Pastor Gwyneth

Baby Shower!

The church hosted a fun baby shower for Andy and Teresa on Jan 31, headed up by Doreen. Many thanks to all who attended!

See here for the baby shower photo album.