Wilmington Mission Trip July 2010 Photos

The Peoples mission team had an awesome time on the trip to Urban Promise Wilmington on July 10-17. To view photos you can go to the following links (click on the photo to see it enlarged):

Photo Album - Saturday Send-Off and Sunday Worship at Mt. Joy UMC in Wilmington

Photo Album - First day of mission on Monday at Urban Promise

Photo Album - Tuesday and Wednesday - kids camp and outdoor projects

Photo Album - Thursday - leading the mid-day program at the camp, and dinner in Philadelphia for cheese steaks!

Photo Album - Friday - taking kids on a Field Trip to Long Wood Gardens

Blessing of the Pets

The blessing of the pets was a real blessing! The event was co-hosted on June 27, 2010 with Peoples Church and the South Portland Dog Group, and was held on Willard Beach. You may go to this link to see the Blessing of the Pets Photo Album.

Mission Trip to Wilmington July 10-17

Peoples UMC is hosting our first mission trip outside the state of Maine, going to serve through Urban Promise in Wilmington, Delaware. The team will be working with children's ministries in the morning and doing light project work in the afternoons. Team members include: Pastor Gwyneth, Ellen, Isaac, Nathan, Fred, and Earle. Others who are part of our "home team" to assist with administration and prayer back home include Betsy, Betty L, and Janell.

All are invited to a send off on Saturday, July 10 at 7:30am to pray for the team as they depart for Wilmington. Other ways to be in prayer for the team include (please see Betty Lane if you would like to participate in any of these ways):

• Pray over the mission team concern lifted up each week in worship (transportation, meals, accommodations, spaghetti lunch benefit, donations - financial and mission supplies, safe travel, and for Urban Promise all all the children and adults we'll be ministering with)
• Sign up for a slice of the prayer wheel during the mission trip
• Volunteer to be a Prayer Buddy for one mission team member
• Attend the Send Off on Saturday, July 10 at 7:30am to pray for the team as they depart for Wilmington

In addition to prayer, here are some other ways you can be part of our team!

• Donate an item to Urban Promise: small inexpensive toys for kids camp, sports equipment, tools (leave items in the sanctuary or mural room in the boxes provided)
• Sponsor a team member – mission fee is $150/person
• Make a general donation to cover additional team costs such as meals and transportation, also about $150/person

The team has been meeting monthly since January, and will host its final planning meeting on Thursday, June 24. Each team member will present to the group their demographics research including topics such as history of Wilmington (historical figures, landmarks, events); general demographics (population, ethnic makeup, employment figures); geography (city layout); current events (current political leaders, major news); religions (churches, other religious groups), and history of Urban Promise.

The Peoples Mission Team appreciates all of your prayers and support, and we look forward to sharing about our experiences when we return!

In Summer Sunday School on 6/27 the kids added their hand prints and signed a banner that the Peoples Mission Team will bring down to Wilmington to Camp Freedom where we'll be working with inner city kids July 11-17. Many thanks to Barbara for creating the banner, and to Isaac and Nathan for the idea!

Outdoor Fellowship After Worship

We held fellowship outside after worship on the last Sunday in June, with leftover donuts and coffee from the Blessing of the Pets on the beach. We'll be hosting outdoor fellowship times after worship on the last Sundays of the month in July and August as well. Hope you can join us!

Prayer Walk Ministry

A Prayer Walk Ministry is beginning in July through the end of September, a chance to walk alone or with others through our church neighborhood, praying for homes, businesses, however God leads. You may pick up maps at the church, or contact Pastor Jamie for more information.

Pastor Jamie Commissioned as Elder

The New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church met June 16-19. Pastor Jamie was commissioned as a provisional elder, with ordination prayerfully in another 3-4 years. Congrats Jamie! He is pictured here with his Mentor, Rev. Meg Queior. At the same service, Sam as one of the youth confirmed in 2010 served bowls of water for folks to remember their baptism.

You may view the entire Annual Conference Photo Album here, and find out more about Conference

decisions and experiences at the New England Conference 2010 News.

Weekly Home Bible Study ... continuing this summer!

The Peoples Home Bible Study will continue to meet Tuesdays at 9am through the summer, and will be meeting at the home of Carol Bruneau. FMI please contact Carol at 799-5995. Newcomers welcome!

2010 Graduates Recognized

High school and college graduates were recognized on Sunday, June 13 during worship. Congratulations to all, including:

Avery, who graduated from Woodlynde School in Stratford, PA on June 11. She will be attending Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in the fall. Avery is the niece of Gwyneth Arrison.

Peter, who graduated in June from Yorktown High School in Arlington, VA. He is the cousin of Hank and Ellen Dunn. Peter will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

James, who graduated from South Portland High School on June 7. His plans for the future are undecided. James in the grandson on Susan Angell.

Chelsea, who graduated from Biddeford High School on June 13. She is the niece of Angela Blanchette. Cehesea will attend UNE in the fall.

Sarah, who graduated from Mercy School of Radiology and was awarded top academic and clinical awards. She is the granddaughter-to-be of Chris Ward and will be working at Maine Medical Center.

Laura, who graduated from Pembroke High School in Pembroke, MA this June. She plans to attend Boston College this fall. Laura is the niece of Hank and Ellen Dunn.

Kate, who graduated from South Portland High School on June 7. She plans to attend UNH in the fall. Kate is the niece of Christ Ward and Rosemary Herd.

Justin, who graduated from the University of Maine on May 15 with a Masters in Structural Engineering. At the present time Justin is looking for a job. He is the son of Sharon and Paul Obie.

John, who graduated cum laude from Gorham High School on June 6. Justin will attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute in the fall. John is the grandson of Art and Marlene Tordoff.

Alisha, who graduated from Scarborough High School on June 13. She will be enrolled in the day program at Morrison Development Center this fall. Alisha is the daughter of Linda and Fred Wade.

Ryan, who received his Masters in Music Education from Boston University on May 17. Ryan is a music teacher at Haviland Middle School in NewYork. Ryan is the son of Linda and Fred Wade.

Spaghetti Lunch Mission Trip Benefit

The spaghetti lunch benefit for the Peoples Mission Team going to Wilmington in July was a great success! Great fellowship, wonderful food and all for a meaningful cause. Many thanks to everyone who attended, helped out and donated items!

Go to this link to view the entire Spaghetti Benefit Photo Album

Please continue to keep the team in prayer through the trip July 11-17!

Music Sunday on June 13

We hope you will join us for a meaningful time of worship through music on Sunday, June 13. Many thanks to Debbie Cole, Music Director, for putting together this special worship, as well as the choir, bell choir and other individuals who will share their musical gifts.

Congratulations Graduates

Congratulations to all 2010 high school and college graduates! On Sunday, June 13 during worship, we will be recognizing graduates from Peoples Church, or family members of those at Peoples. We wish you God's blessings in your future!

Small Steps Commitment Sunday

On June 6 we had the opportunity to offer our Small Steps to Stewardship pledge cards during worship. Options include promising to pray for the finances of the church, promise-giving for the first time, calculating the percentage of income our family is currently giving, increasing our current pledge, beginning to give through automatic withdrawal, or second mile giving to special mission projects such as the mission trip, Vacation Bible Camp, or supporting Conference Mission Shares.

Many thanks to Rosemary Herd and Kathy Brann for putting together our spring program which is leading into a new concept of year-round stewardship. The theme of our first year-round stewardship program is God's Covenant Rainbow. In the book of Genesis we learn of a man named Noah who took "small steps" of obedience which led to God using him to re-create from scratch the world gone awry with sin and offer the sign of the rainbow as a sign of God's covenant with Noah. In the weeks and months ahead we will be experiencing the rainbow of colors representing different ways we receive and pass along the blessings of God.

Children's Sunday on June 6

We celebrated another wonderful school year of Sunday School with a slide show by Karen Jennings, certificates and flowers to all the kids, Bibles to kids graduating 3rd grade, and a prayer of blessing over Andy and Teresa Folley and Karen Jennings. The kids then sang Pass It On, the music piece they learned during their last unit on Pentecost!

You can view the entire Children's Sunday Photo Album here.

Parade Mission Outreach!

Peoples Church gave out water bottles as a mission to the community during the Memorial Day Parade which goes right past the church! What a wonderful way to say "Jesus loves you." Many thanks to all who planned, donated and helped out!

You may view the entire Memorial Day Parade Photo Album here.

Baptism Celebration!

On Sunday, April 16, 2010 we baptized five children: Luke, Alexandra, Eliza, Ian and Charlotte. We had 154 attending and was certainly a wonderful celebration! Pastor Gwyneth met with the families of each of these children to discuss the meaning of baptism (for a detailed article on baptism in the Methodist tradition, read By Water and the Spirit or for a shorter description read Your Baptism Liturgy) and the seriousness and joy with which the baptismal vows are spoken - both by parents and sponsors, and by the congregation. Both Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth, as well as Rev. John Folley led the baptism service. Here's all the info if you were unable to attend worship:

Luke
Parents: Andy and Teresa
Siblings: Anna and Drew
Godparents: Tim and MaryAnn

Alexandra
Parents: Jeff and Jill

Eliza

Parents: Jason and Mary

Sibling: Ian

Ian

Parents: Jason and Mary

Sibling: Eliza

Charlotte

Parents: Martin and Catherine

Sibling: Margaret

We welcome each of these children as Preparatory members at Peoples United Methodist Church, and now have the joy and awesome responsibility to prepare these children to make their own personal commitment to becoming disciples of Jesus Christ!

You may view the Baptism Photo Album here.

Peoples First Plant Sale

Peoples Church hosted our first ever Plant Sale with all proceeds going to world missions through our Conference Mission Shares. The event was a huge success, with great fellowship, community outreach as well as fundraising. Thank you to all who planned, donated plants and helped out at the sale!

Fun Newcomer Gathering

The pastors invited visitors, newcomers and those who have recently joined Peoples to a gathering at their home to get to know one another. It was great to have so many children running around! Many thanks to all who attended! You may click here to view the entire Newcomer Gathering Photo Album.

Elegant Bridal Show!

Peoples Church held an elegant high tea and bridal show, a fun event for all who attended and participated! You can view the entire Bridal Show Photo Album here.

Coffee Fellowship

Thank you Brad and Betsy for hosting another wonderful year of coffee and snacks, and most of all a place for us to connect with one another. Weekly coffee fellowship will resume in September and will take place AFTER worship due to the change in worship time!

During the summer we hope to host a few times of fellowship with lemonade and snacks outside after worship. If you would like to host one of these, please contact the pastors. Stay tuned for dates.

Spring Cleaning Day - WOW WOW WOW WOW!

Submitted by Susan Angell Pictures by Art Tordoff

What a day this was. Raining and chilly! Nonetheless, our people gathered at Peoples UMC for Spring Cleaning. According to Rosemary, 26 people, and there were almost as many men as women! For those who rose early, at 7:30 there was a blue berry pancake, bacon and sausage breakfast cooked by our chef, Brad and his cohorts. Delicious. We then broke into groups to do many tasks. The biggest two were to clean windows and wash down thoroughly the many, many, white tables we use for bean dinners, Sunday School and just about everything. The totally icky janitor’s closet, the kitchen, ceiling tiles, problem door, leaking bathroom toilet and the children’s nursery were some of the others that various people felt called to care for. When we were done, every window possible sparkled. They were so clean when done it was amazing and the church was filled with light. The tables were cleaned and sanitized from top to bottom with detailed scrubbing and any that were wobbly, repaired. Every chair now has a foot cap. The nursery, walls, windows and toys were squeaky cleaned. The kitchen gleamed. The janitor’s closet is no longer a scary place to enter. The stockade fence units at the parsonage were taken down. Ceiling panels were replaced, etc. The 26 of us went home tired and achy but satisfied that our labor was well worth the effort for the church we love. Best of all, it was elbow to elbow fellowship and we had FUN. In addition, the lawn had been mowed by Chuck on Saturday and the garden really looks lovely in bloom this spring from the efforts of the garden group's diligent care.

Parsonage Inspection

Barbara Nelson and Chuck Kamilewicz, representatives from Staff Parish Relations and Trustees committees, did a thorough walk-through the of the church-owned pastors' home next door to the church. Thank you Barbara and Chuck, and to all of the Trustees and others who will called in to assist with deck plank replacement, indoor trim painting and other light repair work.

Spaghetti Lunch Mission Trip Benefit

The Peoples Church Mission Trip Team is hosting a spaghetti lunch after worship on June 13 at approximately 11:45am. Food items will include spaghetti with plain and meat sauce made by Fred Wade, garlic bread, assorted veggies, beverages and desserts.

Suggested donation is $5/person and additional donations will be graciously accepted! 100% of profits from the lunch after reimbursement of expenses will go toward mission trip expenses for the team. We hope you can attend! If you are unable to attend, another opportunity for you to be involved in this meaningful mission is to donate food items for the meal -a list is posted in the back of the church sanctuary . Please contact Betty Lane, or any member of the mission team for more info.

May Day Gifts!

Do you remember making May baskets or dancing around a Maypole to celebrate spring on May 1? The Prayer Shawl and Craft Ministry made May baskets and delivered them around to folks in the church on May 1, knocking on the door and stealthily running away before anyone could see them! What a fun congregation we have at Peoples!

Bathing our Mission Trip in Prayer

You may not be GOING on the mission trip, but those who stay behind are just as important! You are the folks who have made it possible for us to go, so far through your financial support, and you can continue to be a vital part of our team through PRAYER.

Peoples UMC is sending out its first mission team outside of the state of Maine July 11-17. We are going to Wilmington, Delaware through Urban Promise, and our work will include ministering with children through an urban Christian camp, and doing light work projects around the city.

Here are some of the ways you can be in prayer, and participate in the work God is doing:

1. Pray each week over our mission team concerns as we prepare to embark on our first mission trip at Peoples UMC. We will be lifting up a prayer concern each week about specific needs of the team. If you would like to be added to the email prayer chain please contact Sue Angell and you can receive these by email along with the others lifted up Sunday morning during worship.

2. Sign up for an hour "slice" on our mission week prayer wheel. Times available include 7/11-7/17 8am-4pm each day. The itinerary of the group will be noted on each slice, so for instance if you select 7/11 at 10am we will be "on the road" and if you select 7/12 at 10am we will be working with children at the kids camp. Pray where you happen to be, and lift up the group several times during the hour if you are not able to spend the entire hour in prayer. See Betty Lane to sign up for a slot!

3. Volunteer to be a Prayer Buddy for one member of our mission team. We will have photos available of each member, and you will covenant to be in prayer for this person during the entire week of the mission trip. Those going include: Earle Harvey, Ellen Dunn, Isaac Dunn, Nathan Dunn, Fred Wade and Pastor Gwyneth.

4. Attend the Commissioning Service during which we will pray over and anoint each mission team member to be "sent forth" into the mission field. Most likely this will take place early on the morning the team leaves. Stay tuned for more details.

More Ways to Donate To the Peoples Mission Trip

The team thanks all those who have made donations to the mission team going to Wilmington this July, and would like to extend the opportunity to others who would like the opportunity to be part of this exciting mission. Here are a few ways:

1. Donate an item to Urban Promise (leave items in the Mural Room off Ellis Hall) –needs include:
* Small, inexpensive toys that can be used as prizes for ASP/Camp, the Urban Promise School, or our summer carnival
* Sports equipment (balls, mitts, jump ropes, hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, etc)
* Tools that you would use during the week and/or could donate to UP

2. Sponsor or provide financial assistance to one of the team members. The mission fee is $150 per person.

3. Make a general donation to the team to help cover costs not included in the mission fee such as meals and transportation, estimated at about $150 per person as well.

The Mission Trip Team thanks you in advance for your generosity and especially for your prayers!

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Have you ever considered leaving a lasting legacy? Would you like an opportunity to give to your church family that doesn't affect your current income? Have you made out a will to ensure that your resources will go to the individuals and institutions you desire?

The United Methodist Foundation of New England is pleased to be able assist you with your planned gifts. These gifts usually come from sources other than regular monthly income and can be made in the form of bequests, trusts, gift annuities, life insurance or outright gifts. You may visit the following link to help you understand how the New England Methodist Foundation can guide you through making a planned gift.

If you have any questions please contact the pastors or any member of the Finance Committee. Thank you!

Choir Fest

All choir members are invited to attend the United Methodist Choir Festival held on Peaks Island on Sunday, June 6 at 3:30pm. Please contact Debbie Cole for the ferry schedule!

Small Steps to Stewardship

Small Steps to Stewardship pledge cards will be collected on Sunday, June 6 during worship. This is a wonderful opportunity to take a step of faith and make a real difference. Will you consider making a new commitment to your church family for the remainder of 2010? Here is a summary of the pledge card options. Please contact Kathy Brann if you would like a card mailed to you, or you may print off the Small Steps Pledge Card here, which also includes a helpful chart to calculate a percentage of your giving.

Small Steps to Stewardship, Spring 2010
Peoples United Methodist Church
“For we walk by faith, not by sight” – 2 Corinthians 5:7

I will joyfully take the next step in my faith commitment! Please circle all that apply

 Take a key step to pray daily / weekly for the financial and spiritual life of our church
 Take a first step to begin pledging to the church in the amount of $_________per week
 Take the next step to calculate the percentage of income I am giving (chart on reverse)
 Take a big step to pledge to give an additional $5/week $10/week $20/week Other $______________ for the remainder of the year, working toward tithing at 10% and beyond
 Take a technological step to help the church and “go green” by giving through Direct Deposit
 Go a second mile and contribute to the July Mission Trip $__________ or Conference Mission Shares $__________ or Vacation Bible Camp $__________
 March to a different drummer and make a financial commitment not listed here!
___________________________________________________________

Name(s)____________________________________________ Date_____________________
Address _______________________________________________

This is an amazing opportunity to take a step closer to God and make a real difference.

Commitment Sunday will take place June 6. Please place this card in the offering, or mail to:

Kathy Brann, Financial Secretary, Peoples UMC 310 Broadway South Portland, ME 04106.

Men's Breakfast June 12

All men are welcome to attend the Men's Breakfast on June 12 at 7:30am. This is a fun time for fellowship. Please contact Art Tordoff for location.

Choir Schedule and Summer Special Music

The choir will be singing for Music Sunday on June 13 and will be taking a break over the summer until September. However, the Bell Choir will continue to rehearse throughout the summer and we look forward to hearing the bells ringing!

In addition to the bells, we are looking for people to provide summer music. It can be solos, duets, groups, and musical instruments. Please contact Debbie Cole or sign up on the sheet in the back of the sanctuary.

Thank you!

Moms Group Schedule

The Peoples Moms Group will meet Thursday, June 10 at 10am. This will be the last regularly scheduled moms group, but will schedule special events throughout the summer. Please contact Pastor Gwyneth FMI.

Graduates Will be Recognized

If you have a family member graduating from high school or college, we will be celebrating graduates next Sunday, June 13 during worship and will list graduate’s names and information in the bulletin. Please contact Chris Ward FMI at 767-2516.

New Adult Summer Sunday School Class

Next Sunday is the first Summer Sunday School Series on the Puritanism. Martin Whittemore who is pursuing his Ph.D. in History will be facilitating a series, “the Puritan Experience in the U.S.A” which will consist of short readings, a brief presentation and extended round-table discussion. Session 1 of the series will be hosted on Sundays June 13, 20 and 27 before worship at 8:45am. FMI contact Martin at 899-0065.

New Worship Time, 10am, Beginning June 20

Beginning June 20 (Father's Day), morning worship at Peoples will be held at 10am YEAR-ROUND. For many years worship has been held at different times for summer and school-year. The recent congregation survey compiled by the Worship Committee revealed that the majority would prefer to worship at 10am year round. Church Council voted unanimously at their May meeting to make this change beginning June 20.

There are many advantages to this change. A consistent worship time will be easier to publicize and communicate. In addition, during the school-year, coffee fellowship will be able to be hosted after worship rather than before, allowing choir members to attend and providing an opportunity for all of us to connect with our guests who have attended worship. And parents will be able to pick up their children from Sunday School and continue fellowship together with the congregation. This also allows the flexibility to add adult Sunday School classes not only before but also after worship.

If 10am is too late for your summer preference, feel free to worship with us on the beach at 8am. Every Sunday through August, beginning June 27 with Blessing of the Pets, we will hold an informal time of worship at Willard Beach, near the snack shack and playground area.

Any change will take some getting used to, and there are bound to be some things no one has foreseen. But together, and with the grace of Christ, we can work out any issues as they arise. If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to contact Debbie Cole or any member of the Worship Committee.

Fall Sunday School Planning Meeting

All parents, teachers and other Sunday School volunteers are invited and encouraged to attend the Fall Sunday School planning session after worship on June 27, at approximately 11:15am. We hope to plan out the curriculum and calendar for the year! Please contact Andy Folley FMI.

Sunday Summer Program for Kids!

We have a fun children’s summer program in the works Sundays during worship beginning June 20 when we will make special Father’s Day crafts! Children 7 and over will remain in worship next week for Music Sunday and those younger may go to nursery.

We are looking for volunteers to help out over the summer with this program. Please contact the pastors if you would be interested in signing up for a week or two!

Annual Conference 2010

Pastor Jamie will be commissioned at Annual Conference during the Commissioning and Ordination service at Gordon College on June 19 and all are welcome to attend. In addition, Sam will be recognized as a 2010 Confirmand during this service! Please contact the pastors for more info.

Annual Conference will be held June 16-19. You may "attend" conference through the internet with live streaming at www.neumc.org/acstream

You may also access the schedule, 2011 budget and other information about Conference at http://www.neumc.org/pages/detail/19

Preble Street Soup Kitchen - Help Serve on 6/30!

Peoples Church will be helping to serve at the Wayside Soup Kitchen on Wednesday, June 30. 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.

Don't forget to wear your Peoples Church apron!

Blessing of the Pets JUNE 27 @ 7:30am

Peoples UMC is hosting a special Blessing of the Pets at Willard Beach on June 27 at 7:30am in partnership with the South Portland Dog Owners Group. The event will be held near the snack shack on the beach, and there is ample parking in the public lot on Willow Street. Bring your dogs and pass the word to all your friends! Please contact Pastor Jamie for more info.

Peoples will continue to worship every Sunday on Willard beach July 4 - August 29 at 8am.

Click here for directions to Willard Beach

Strawberry Fest and Yard Sale July 31

Please mark your calendars for this summer's Strawberry Fest and Yard Sale on July 31 9am-2pm. Please set aside items for the sale to make this year's sale a wonderful success!

Kept by the Holy Spirit

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. -- Acts 16:6-10

Similar to this Bible story, our mission team from Peoples was setting out for a trip to Baltimore. However, the organization through which we were arranging the trip has prayerfully decided to cancel all trips to Baltimore this year. Rather than our group being discouraged, I sensed a determination to seek God's will and move forward. After hearing about the dilemma and asking if folks were still interested in going on some kind of mission trip that week, all of the group, including our two youth members Isaac and Nathan Dunn, enthusiastically said, "Of course!" All were excited to pursue other options. "Where is our Macedonia?" we asked. The group will be meeting to continue our discernment process.

Most of us at some time will feel "kept by the Holy Spirit" in our call and mission field, wherever that may be. Let us follow the example of Paul and his companions to persist in seeking God and his loving will for our lives, and to be encouraged in the joy of the Lord.

Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Gwyneth

Baptism on May 16

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. We will be baptizing any who are interested during worship on Sunday, May 16.

Before baptism there is a short class required for all parents (or others who will be taking vows during the baptism). There are three options. However, if none of these work please let the pastors know and we will schedule an individual session.

*Sunday, May 2 8:45am-9:15am (in the church nursery) or

*Wednesday, May 5 7:00pm-8:30pm (at the Whittemore's home in Portland) or

*Thursday, May 13 10:00am-11:30am (at the pastors' home next to the church)

For any children to be baptized who are 3 years or older we will also be meeting with them during Sunday School on May 9 (yes, they will have plenty of time to complete their Mother's Day crafts too!). If your older child will not be in Sunday School on Mother's Day please contact the pastors to set up a separate appointment.

The Perfect Mother's Day Gift!

What better Mother's Day present than giving her an hour of quiet to just connect with God?

The May meditation will be held Sunday, May 9 at 7pm. This month’s theme: "Empowerd by the Holy Spirit!” 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.

This will be the last monthly meditation until Fall. Come relax and connect with God.

Mother's Day at Peoples May 9

We hope all kids will attend for a fun Mother's Day celebration in Sunday School on May 9 led by the men and fathers! We hope this will be a meaningful time for all.

Plant Sale May 22

Peoples Church is holding its first plant sale on Saturday , May 22, 2010. Hours are 9:00 am until 12:00 noon, rain or shine.

Sponsored by Peoples Garden Club , this is a way to do something for Stewardship and to benefit world missions through Peoples mission shares.

We would like anyone who has perennials to share to pot them up, label them and bring them to the playground in back of the church on Friday the 21st. We can use shallow cardboard boxes to put plants in for the sale. It will be held in the driveway at the corner of Broadway and Mussey Street.

FMI please contact Carol Bruneau at 799-5995.

Audio/Visual Operator Opening

Submitted by Doug Greer:

Looking for people that have thought of wanting to be of the team to run the audio visual on Sunday Morning. You can watch one Sunday and I can spend a Sunday or two with you to guide you though the process and there is a "cheat" sheet.

There are two parts:
1) Audio

a) controlling the inputs levels of the microphones
b) volume control on the speaker
c) recording the service
2) Visual - running the PowerPoint Presentation on the computer
a) pressing mouse button or arrow key to forward slide
(The pastors put the Presentation together.)

And combination of each when depending on the complexity of the "wow factor" you want. Charlie and I with the pastors have been tweaking the iWorship video technical bumps. Simple? Yes, for the most part. Are there issues? Yes, at times. The real task is paying attention to the service. Scratch that, Be part of making the service flow. I like to review the presentation prior to the service and discuss with the pastor any timing of slide/photo - that is where the "oh wow-nice" integrates the visual with meaning in the service.

Let me know if you are interested.
Doug

Newcomer Gathering May 23

The pastors are hosting a gathering for newcomers. If you are relatively new to Peoples Church, or have recently joined as a member, the pastors would love the chance to get to know you better, and to help you meet some of the other newcomers. We expect to have lots of children attending since this is the last day of Sunday School ! We will have a deli meat platter and peanut butter & jelly available to make your own sandwiches, or feel free to bring your own if you have different food preferences. Weather-permitting, please dress for outdoor play.

Date: Sunday, May 23
Time: Noon (after worship)
Place: Pastors home (154 Mussey Street, next to the church)

RSVP to Gwyneth and Jamie
or 619-1509

High Tea and Bridal Show May 23

High Tea and Bridal Show May 23 at 3pm sponsored by the United Methodist Women. Admission $5.00 Children under 10 free.

There will be people you may recognize modeling wedding gowns, accompanied by some flower girls. All proceeds will go to UMC world missions through our Conference mission shares.

We will be putting a list out soon for things we need. FMI call Carol 799-5995 or Rosemary 799-2392.

Memorial Day Mission on May 31

Betty Splettstoesser is leading a mission to give out water and other items to people at the Memorial Day Parade on May 31. This was a wonderful mission last year as the parade route goes right by Peoples, and hope more Peoples people will participate this year! For ways to donate or help out, please contact Betty Splettstoesser at 799-5475.

Root Cellar Successful Mission!

On April 22, Peoples people fed over 80 children and adults at the Root Cellar , a big crowd, and the food did not run out! We had wonderful people serving and Ellen's music and message were awesome . Thanks to all who served , and those who made deserts .
Yours in Christian Service,
Carol

Note from Susan Angell: I completely agree. Ellen's was wonderful and she got children and adults participating in this joyful message and music like I have not seen before.

Pinwheels for Earth Day

Sunday School celebrated earth day on April 18! Many thanks to Jason and Mary House who brought some fun crafts and activities to help the kids learn about renewable enregy and the wind of the Spirit! Kids made pinwheels and Jason had a solar cell, windmill and some other experiments to model.

Bishop’s Day on the District

The Bishop’s Day on the District was held Saturday, April 17 at the Rochester UMC in NH. Bishop Peter Weaver led what is called a "missions walk!"

What is a mission walk? It is a chance to go out and walk 10 minutes in any direction from the church and 10 minutes back. In first 10 minutes take inventory of what is in neighborhood. What do you see? In 10 minutes walking back think about those places and how do we connect with the people who are in those places? How do we learn from them what they are experiencing, build friendship, build solidarity with folks who are different from us? After doing this, the group returns for conversation to connect the gifts we have with the needs we see represented. Those who prefer not to walk or drive can stay in prayer for those who are going out.

Unfortunately on our Bishop's Day it was raining! So we took a "virtual walk," trying to remember things we saw as we drove to the church from different directions. Here are some of the things we saw: Walgreens, another church, Friendly’s, pizza place, funeral parlor, fire department, park, salvation army, dunkin donuts, saw repair place, hospital, gas station, auto repair, apartments, library, homes, traffic, all-you-can-eat restaurant, graffiti, river, fair grounds.

We then discussed together the gifts in our church that could meet spiritual and physical needs in these areas. We came up with ideas such as hosting small group studies in the low income housing area, leading worship or Vacation Bible Camp in the local park, visiting people in the hospital, hosting worship in a retirement home, starting a tutoring group in the library, providing children's activities at a fair (or Art in the Park!), or helping a local business clean up graffiti.

Bishop Weaver challenged EVERY church to participate in the 2010 Mission Leap Forward. The challenge is for every United Methodist Church to engage every member of the congregation in some new hands on ministry and mission. What will you do?!

Upcoming Wedding

Pastor Gwyneth will be performing a wedding cermony for a couple in the community, Danielle and Devlan, on June 11. The pastors require 6 sessions of premarital counseling and use a curriculm called Prepare-Enrich. In addition to planning the actual wedding details, counseling includes an inventory taken by the couple which is then used to help lead the discussion on topics such as conflict resolution, personality and family profiles, finances, intimacy, parenting, marriage expectations and spirituality based on the couples strengths and growing edges from the inventory.

Please keep Danielle and Devlan in your prayers as they prepare for their wedding and marriage together!

Best of Broadway

Best of Broadway has continued rehearsing this Spring for their performance on Saturday, May 8 at the Merrill Auditorium. Peoples has provided space for this group for several years now as a ministry to Best of Broadway which raises funds for the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center.

Finance Meeting with Mike Davis

The Finance Committee and a few others met together with our District Superintendent, Rev. Mike Davis to discuss our financial situation at Peoples on April 7. Also attending was Pete Lanoue from Thornton Heights and member of CF&A (Conference Council on Finance and Administration). Pete volunteered his assistance since Thornton was in a similar position to Peoples a few years ago and has overcome!

Is there a doctor in the house?!

Overall this was a very positive meeting, emphasizing the Conference's desire to see Peoples succeed and grow, and help us in any way they can. Mike described initiating this conversation over our church's financial situation as similar to a doctor finding a patient with a fever. In the last two years, the church has dropped from paying 60-70% of mission shares to the Conference, to paying 6-8% of mission shares. Naturally the Conference is asking, "Is Peoples ok?" Mission shares helps support camps like Mechuwana, pay pensions for retired pastors, support overhead costs for the UMC mission organization UMCOR, and many other missional areas. Go to this link to find out more info about mission shares.

Our Culture is Not Churched!

We are not alone in our financial struggles. In generally, all mainline churches (Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Catholic, Baptist, etc.) are struggling, shrinking and closing in every part of our country. Mike emphasized the church's need to adjust to the changing culture which no longer views the church with respect but rather suspicion and even contempt. We need to view our communities as a mission field where we need to reach out into the community to connect with people, rather than expecting folks to knock on our door. Most of church growth is coming from transfers from other congregations - we need to begin making disciples of Jesus Christ again!

Our NEED to Give

We also reviewed together the pledges and giving by category, which revealed that our budget is mostly being supported by about 9 families (those giving more than $50/week). This means that many families may be missing out on the joy of giving, and the joy of tithing (giving a percentage of income to the church). More important than meeting a budget is our spiritual need to give. Giving is about our relationship with God and reveals how much we trust God's provision for our needs.

Where to from here?

We have a few new folks who have volunteered to help out the Finance Committee in the area of stewardship and applying for mission share relief for 2011-2016 that includes a plan for paying 100% of the remainder owed to the conference each year. You may have noticed some stewardship information on the bulletin board at the entrance to the sanctuary put together by Rosemary Herd. We hope to have people witness in worship about the joy they have experienced in giving, to provide more education around mission shares as a wonderful opportunity to be in mission all around the world, and to stretch all of us in our concept of joyful and extravagant giving so that we might reap the wonderful joy that God has in store for us.

Please continue to be in prayer for Peoples as we seek God and trust in his provision!

Mission Trip to ???

The originally planned mission trip to Baltimore is in revision as Experience Mission is no longer leading trips to Baltimore. The mission team from Peoples is still excited to go on a mission trip July 11-17 and there are several good options, including Urban Promise in Wilmington, Delaware, Experience Mission in Appalachia, West Virginia, and some others as well. Both Urban Promise and Experience Mission provide opportunities for "program" mission working with children as well as light "project" mission such as painting, gardening and helping in a soup kitchen.

Mission Meetings: The mission team is meeting Sunday, May 2 after worship to prayerfully decide our itinerary for the July trip. We will be meeting several more times together to pray, discuss our detailed itinerary, learn more about the mission location, plan transportation and fundraising, etc.

Registration: Since the trip itinerary has been changed, we are extending the registration deadline to May 30. Please contact Pastor Gwyneth or Betsy Morrison if you have questions or for more information. We currently have 6 registered and may be able to take a few more.

Ways You Can Help!

Attend our Spaghetti Lunch Mission Trip Fundraiser. Lunch will be hosted by the Morrions after worship on June 13. All proceeds will go toward mission supplies and providing financial assistance for those going on the mission trip.

Pray for the Team. Pray on your own or join one of the prayer vigils we will be scheduling before and during the mission trip.

Sponsor someone to go on the mission trip. The cost is approximately $300 per person plus travel and food for the group.

Sign up to purchase or lend needed mission supplies. List will be published shortly!