Peoples Vacation Bible Camp Registration is Open !

Now is the time for Summer Camp Registration! As you sign up your children for various summer camps, please schedule Peoples Vacation Bible Camp July 11-15, 2011.
     It's sure to be a wonderful time learning and experiencing God's love in new and exciting ways.
      For more information or to register, please call 207.619.1509 or email the Pastors.  You don't want your kids to miss this opportunity.
    Click here to view photos from last year's amazing Vacation Bible Camp, High Seas Expedition.
    Unlike most camps that charge $$$, the Peoples Church Vacation Bible Camp is offered to the church and community FREE, relying on generous donations and volunteers from Peoples.
    Vacation Bible Camp is open to children and youth ages 2 and up, including tweens and teens to serve as assistants and leaders.

Lay Speaking Classes - Don't Miss This Opportunity!

LAY SPEAKING CLASSES are being sponsored by the Casco Bay Cluster and are to be held on February 5, 12, and 19, 2010 at the Thornton Heights UMC in South Portland (formerly to be held at the Cape Elizabeth UMC).
      Cost will be $20.00, time will be 9:00-12:30. Two courses to be offered are: Basic Lay Speaking (instructor Ruth Morrison, pastor of Cape Elizabeth UMC) and Advanced Lay Speaking-
"Using Your Spiritual Gifts" (instructors Lynn Campbell, pastor of Thornton Heights UMC and Johanne Dame, pastor of 1st Church UMC, South Portland). Light refreshments will be served. Registration can be done through Gini Link at glink@maine.rr.com or by calling 207-799-3952.
     Directions to Thornton Heights UMC:
From the Maine Turnpike: Follows signs to Rt. 1 South Portland (Exit 45), turn left at the traffic light (Governor's is across the street), turn left at the next traffic light (Westbrook Street), drive about 500 yards, and Thornton Heights UMC is on your left.

Beloved and Remembered

The Peoples family has experienced a lot of loss recently, including parents and other relatives, as well as several members of Peoples Church.  The three Peoples members include Jean Swanson and Polly McMillan who were active at Peoples, as well as Dorothy Robinson who died in her 100th year.

Partners in Ministry January 2011 Edition

Submitted by Bishop Pete Weaver of the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church

Dear Partners in Ministry,

♦ A TRANSFORMED WORLD  When I awoke this morning, through mysteries of God's creation beyond my understanding, the world had been transformed ... not by millions of disciples of Jesus Christ (our UMC mission statement is to "make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world") ... but by millions of snow flakes!  So far, 16 inches of such flakes, together being the snow God meant them to be, have transformed the shape of our trees, the color of our lawn, the thickness of our sidewalks (actually they've disappeared), the texture of our roof, the nature of the sky, the delivery of the mail, the pickup of the garbage, the amount of traffic on our street, the inclination of our neighborhood dogs to go out (what happened to my "spot!"), and the schedule for my day .... almost nothing can change my schedule ...... but an accumulation of snow flakes has!  And, small flakes at that.  TRANSFORMATION!
     Maybe, in the mysteries of God's New Creation, an accumulation of small, individual, seemingly inconsequential disciples (at times we've been called "fools," "flakes" for Christ) can transform the world together by being the Christians God meant us to be.

♦ "WE MUST DO BETTER"  One of the "transformations" desperately needed in our life together as God's children was illustrated by the tragic events last Saturday in Tucson, Arizona, where six were killed and Congresswoman Giffords and others seriously injured by Jared Loughner.  Many have pointed to the need for a change in tone and greater respect for one another in our discourse about things where there are disagreements in our civic and, I might add, church life.  If we truly believe that God created and loves every one of us, then personal attack and demeaning caricature, let alone the intent to do verbal or physical violence are a sin against God and each other.  Jesus calls us to love one another ... even our enemies .... in word and deed.  Yale law professor Stephen Carter in his book, Civility, writes that we need a sense of humility about ourselves and a sense of awe concerning the other as a child of God as we enter into disagreements with each other.  All of us, "left," "right," and in between must reflect our own rhetoric and behavior.  Are we a part of the "problem" or the "solution?"
     Could we who follow Jesus be that "accumulation" of folk to help transform the tone and way we treat each other in our times of disagreement.  Could it begin in our personal relationships where some of the most hurtful things are said and done?  Could it shape our "holy conferencing" (to use Wesley's phrase) in church gatherings?  Could it help guide my decisions about whom I listen to/watch/read in the media?  (I have decided not to watch a commentator with whom I often agree, but who often personally demeans the "opposition" ... and I am writing to explain to him why.)  Could transformation begin with me ... and you ... and you ... and you?
     In my mind, the incident in Tucson connects with many other important conversations we must continue to have as Americans (and Christians): how do we relate to and help the mentally deranged;  given the 2nd amendment, what reasonable laws should we have governing the use of guns; how do we address a culture of bullying sometimes leading to violence or suicide; how does the "beloved community" connect with and welcome the "loner" or marginalized?  These, and other questions, ought to be explored in our churches ... Sunday School classes ... sermons ... council meetings ... Bible studies ... women's groups ... youth groups ... men's groups.
     Commander Scott Kelly, the brother-in-law of Gabrielle Giffords and currently orbiting in the International Space Station, looked down from space, knowing the terrible things that had happened in Tucson and yet noting the peaceful beauty of our world from afar.  He reflected, "We are better than this. We must do better."  Surely, we must.  Can we do our part personally and in our churches?

♦ APPLAUSE AS DOXOLOGY  Last Sunday at Immanuel UMC in Waltham, MA, there was a great spirit and wonderful worship.  When it came time to bring the offering forward and sing the Doxology the congregation broke out in applause ... for nothing ... other than God's many, many blessings .... which really is something!  Applause may not be your congregation’s style, but finding creative, fresh ways to express authentic praise to God in your worship is very important.  Maybe someone can write a song to be sung, or do liturgical dance, bring some special symbol of blessing forward with the offering, or give their testimony.  How do you praise God with a "new song." (Psalm 40:3)
     The congregation also gave all visitors (including me) a bag of microwave popcorn with a note that said "Thanks for poppin' in!" along with information about the church's ministries.  I noted that the brand of popcorn was "Act II"... like Acts 2 ... when at Pentecost the church explosively popped out of their "container" to take the Good News to all.

♦ OPEN DOORS??????  There are lots of ways to talk about having open doors as a church.  But visits to several different churches this fall/winter reminded me of the most basic, practical meaning of that question:  Are the wooden/glass/metal doors that you have in your church building literally unlocked and open so people can come in and go out?  I may be missing something, but when I park my car and see a door nearby, that's the one I try to go in ... and if that one's locked, I'll try the next one ... and if that one's locked, my next impulse is to figure they aren't "open for business" and go home ... until I remember that I'm the one who is supposed to preach!  So I better persevere and try yet another door.  No kidding, more than once it has taken me three tries to find the open door, in spite of other doors being closer to where I (and others) had parked.  In one parking lot a woman actually told me, "Oh, we all know you can't get in that door!"  Well, think of visitors ... pleeeeeeaaaase think of visitors ... some, including the Bishop, might even come someday ... as far as I know, only Jesus was able to come in through locked doors (John 20).
      The best is to have your doors open ... at least one half hour before the service ... with greeters (I mean really friendly greeters) there to welcome visitors inside, or even better outside in the parking area.  Greeters should also learn the name of the visitor and introduce them to someone else so they can invite the visitor to sit with them and tell the visitor something about the good things happening there. Those folks can give the visitor a little welcome gift (see above) and make a point before or after the service to introduce the visitor to the pastor.
      At the very least, if you have doors locked for some reason, there should be a sign on the door welcoming the visitor and directing them to the right door (that everyone else knows about).  I also find it strange that the "best" parking places are often reserved for the pastor and/or staff or taken by church leaders who often get there early.  Those "best" parking places ... near an open door ... ought to be reserved for the handicapped and visitors.  And by the way, once the visitor is inside the building, is there signage to help them find their way around ... and a truly friendly congregation to welcome them? It frankly surprises us how often no one initiates talking to my wife in the congregations we visit, unless they have seen us come in together.  Linda often then takes the initiative ... but many visitors won't.  Keep the doors of your building and hearts OPEN.

♦ PRAY FOR HAITI  Thank you again for all the prayers, health kits, contributions, and study groups supporting the people and United Methodist mission work in Haiti. The earthquake was a year ago and our UMCOR work continues with your faithfulness to Christ and our Haitian sisters and brothers.  It is a great honor to be a Partner in Ministry with you in this new year.

Grace and Peace,

Pete

Nursery Staff Position(s) Open!

Please pass along the word that Peoples Church is again looking to hire a nursery staff position for during Sunday morning worship, or the position could be shared by several folks. The position was temporarily filled but that person's schedule has changed so is unable to continue.
     This is a paid position every Sunday September through May. We will begin interviews immediately.
      Please click here to view the Nursery Position Description and Nursery Position Poster - please help spread the word!
This is an exciting step for the church to hire one staff position who will be in charge of the nursery and work together to oversee one church volunteer. We will be better prepared for new families with infants needing care, there will be consistency in the nursery which will be a comfort to children and parents alike, more visitors will be attracted to a professionally staffed nursery, and it will be easier to find volunteers for the nursery with a professional staff who has primary responsibility.
    Please have any potential candidates for this position contact Keith Snoddy at 799-2804 or the Pastors at 619-1509.

Adult Baptism and 6 New Members of Our Peoples Family!

We received six new members at Peoples on 1/9/11, including one through baptism. In addition, we received the children of these families as preparatory members. Each family received a gift bag containing personal cards from members, as well as a pocket prayer cloth, cross necklace, bean supper gift certificate and other gifts to represent the membership vows of prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.
   You can view the entire New Members Photo Album here.

Notes from one New Member

    I am personally very excited about joining the church. When I joined the Congregational Church when I was a freshman in High School it was a big deal as I did this on my own and not with my family, who continued to attend the Episcopal Church regularly. The congo church became my family and I built my foundation of faith in that church. I never joined another church because I never found one that I felt I could continue to build upon that foundation of faith and could call my church family. (I was more of a member in CT than in any of the 5 churches we tried out in MA, NH, and ME over the past 8 years). I started to think that maybe I was being too optimistic trying to find a church that would be appropriate for my family (also one that shane and I could agree on). When we stumbled upon People's we found that family from day 1. I finally felt comfortable with raising Maddie (and Cadie now) in the church and could commit to joining knowing that we weren't just going to hop to another church down the road. It's exciting to be in a church that you know that you can give and receive as a family gives and receives and works together to grow stronger. Thank you for welcoming us into People's as your friends and family.
 -Joely

Good $ense

Good $ense, Freed Up Financial Living is a Personal Finance Workshop in which you will learn to honor God in your finances by becoming a: Diligent Learner – Generous Giver – Wise Saver – Cautious Debtor – Prudent Consumer. You will develop a spending plan and learn how to implement this plan through a combination of workbook exercises, DVD clips and discussion with other participants. Here are some options for taking this workshop:

1.  Attend a Good $ense small group either in five 1½ hour sessions or 1 all-day session. Please let us know if you would need childcare provided to attend.
2. Go through the study with your family at home, and borrow the curriculum (fully-refundable deposit required).
3. You would be interested at a later date.
4.  You are confident in your faithful financial stewardship but might attend this workshop as an assistant, mentor or leader if needed.

Please contact the Pastors at 619-1509 with any questions or to register.

Christmas Giving Joy

Submitted by Carol Bruneau
During the Christmas season this year Peoples Church donated toys and other gifts to the 'Root Cellar and a group from Peoples went to the 'Root Cellar and wrapped and organized gifts for the 'Root Cellar's' Christmas Angel program. This is always good fellowship and a lot of fun.
Peoples also had some Christmas angel fun by taking Poinsettias around to our church family who don't get out as much as they used to. What can be nicer than to see a smiling face and a cheery poinsettia coming to visit at Christmas time?

Christmas Eve at Peoples

Christmas Eve was a wonderful celebration of the birth of our Savior. The bell choir and choir were super, the live nativity very meaningful, the drama and singing solo a great treat, and of course the singing of Silent Night in the candlelit sanctuary. After the ringing of bells, spontaneous shouting broke out followed by a chorus of Happy Birthday Jesus! You can view a Christmas Eve Photo Album here.

Christmas Pageant

 What a JOY it was to witness the children's Christmas Around the World pageant! They ALL did such a marvelous job - all of Heaven must have been celebrating! The kids showed us through word and song how Christians in Mexico, Korea, Ghana Africa and Sweden celebrate the birth of Jesus. You can view here the Pageant Rehearsal Photo Album and the Pageant Photo Album. If you would like a professionally recorded video of the pageant, please contact Wes Splettstoesser.

Nursing Home Caroling

We had a small group join voices together to bring joy to folks at Betsy Ross, South Portland Nursing Home and Gosnell Hospice. It was a meaningful time for all. Please consider joining us next year and making a difference in someone's life.

Horse-drawn Wagon Caroling Party

We had so many people show up to the horse-drawn caroling on 12/19 we needed to go in two different shifts. What fun it was to ride around the neighborhood singing Christmas carols in a horse-drawn wagon. The party continued back at the pastors' home for several hours while the kids made forts upstairs. Joy to the world! You may view the entire Horse-Drawn Caroling Party Photo Album here. You can also view a short video clip of the ride as well.

Hanging of the Greens During Worship!

We decorated the Sanctuary for Christmas during worship this year for the first time so more folks could experience the beauty! The kids had a great time hearing the Christmas story, placing the figures in the manger scene, decorating the tree and bringing gifts to put under the tree for the Root Cellar gift drive. Adults heard the Scriptures and symbolic meanings behind the evergreens, tree, wreathes, and holly, and sang lots of Adventy hymns! What did you think of holding this as part of morning worship rather than a separate afternoon or evening worship? Would love to hear your thoughts.  You may view the Hanging of the Green Photo Album here.

Overhauling Bells

Debbie Cole arranged for some work to be done on the bells in December. The bells have been such a wonderful addition to worship. The bell choir will next be playing on January 23, and we hope you can join us.

Ballroom Dance & Relationship Enrichment Class Series

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and we wish you many blessings in the New Year! A wonderful New Years Resolution might be to start a habit of taking a regular date night with your spouse, fiance or significant other. Would you consider joining us for a 6-week ballroom dance and relationship enrichment class? Classes begin next Monday, January 10 at 7pm.
         The evening will begin with an hour-long ballroom dance class led by Ann Rita Smith of Maine Ballroom Dancing and who has taught dance classes at the South Portland Community Center as well as at Peoples last winter.  The dance portion will cover a mix of Swing and either Tango or Rumba according to interest. Beginner and intermediate levels would enjoy this class.  The dance class will be followed by an hour relationship enrichment class called “Couple Checkup”  led by the Co-Pastors at Peoples, Revs. Gwyneth and Jamie Arrison. There will be an opportunity to take a couple checkup inventory as part of the class, as well as receive a copy of the Couples Checkup text. For more information on this portion see www.couplecheckup.com.

     Registration will be limited to 8 couples. The cost per couple is $70 due by the first class on January 10.  Limited scholarship funds are available upon request.
     The church is located at 310 Broadway in South Portland. Couples may register by phone or email at 207-619-1509 or thearrisons@peoplesumc.com   FMI go to www.PeoplesUMC.com.  

If you are unable to attend the class, but would like to help sponsor a couple (partial or full scholarship), please contact the pastors as well.

    You can also view here the Dance Class article written in the national United Methodist magazine, Interpreter.

Christmas Letter 2010

At the heart of Christmas is the "good news of a great joy" spoken of by the angel in Luke 2: "For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord." We sing carols about bringing tidings of joy, but for many, Christmas can be a time of stress, emptiness and depression. Some are searching for the ideal Christmas we see in advertisements, but our own experience comes up short. Others are reminded of the Christmas we used to spend with a loved one no longer with us. Add onto these job loss, health issues or family tension and we’re much more ready to host a pity party than a joyful caroling outing!

            The good news that we celebrate at Christmas rises above happy times or difficult times.  God speaks the “good news of great joy” into our hearts through our Savior, Jesus Christ. The joy that came into the world in the Holy Child would continue as that Child would grow up and sacrifice his life to save us, “who for the joy set before him endured the cross.” (Hebrews 12:2). Not even a cross could take away the joy of our Savior.

            Once we begin focusing on the inner joy Christ makes possible, that joy comes bubbling out in love for others that they might also know the joy of Christ. We want to spend money on gifts that honor Christ; how many loved ones would be more blessed by a gift to their favorite charity in their name rather than one more sweater? We remember the needs of neighbors and offer our time and help. We see homeless folks with new eyes, remembering the words of Jesus from Matthew 25: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for Me.” And as we serve our Savior we find even more joy returned to us.

            And so this Christmas season, whether you are experiencing happy or sad times, our prayer is that you would know and experience the true love and joy that our Savior brings, and spread that love and joy to everyone you meet!

            We hope you will join us for some of our Christmas and New Year celebrations found here on the blog. If you will be spending time away from the South Portland area, we wish you safe travels. God be with you all for a joyous celebration and a Merry Christmas!

Together in ministry for Christ,

Pastors Gwyneth and Jamie Arrison  

Summary of Upcoming Events

Children’s Christmas Pageant, Sunday, Dec. 19, 10:30am
Celebrate the birth of Jesus as the kids bring the Good News!

Horse Drawn Wagon Caroling Party, Sunday, Dec 19 (REVISED DATE), 4pm
Join us for caroling around the neighborhood. Suggested donation $5/person and all proceeds will go to local missions. Reservations recommended.

Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship, Friday, Dec. 24, 7pm
Celebrate the birth of our Savior in this beautiful candlelight worship. Bring a bell!

Lessons and Carols, Sunday, Dec 26, 10am
Hear and sing the Christmas story together.

Serving at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen, Dec. 29, 5pm
Make a difference in the community as we join together to serve others in need.

Ballroom Dance & Relationship Classes, Mondays 7pm
January 10 through February 14. Beginner / intermediate ballroom dance lesson with Maine Ballroom Dancing, followed by relationship enrichment class led by the pastors using "Couple Checkup".

Heart Pillows Delivery

Submitted by Marlene Tordoff

I had a telephone call from Mercy Oncology early this morning. They needed 10-12 more pillows. I surprised them and delivered 12 pillows this afternoon. Lenore said she will be contacting us in a couple of weeks.

Therefore, our next meeting in January we will need to sew and stuff more pillows. What a joy to see the excitement and appreciation in Lenore's face when the pillows are delivered. If you are unable to work on this project, hats for children are needed at MMC.

Thanks to all of you who contribute to these projects whether in purchasing materials, knitting, sewing or stuffing.

Blessings and have a wonderful Christmas,
Marlene

CAMP MECHUWANA NEW YEARS

WHO: YOUTH GRADES 6-12
WHEN: DECEMBER 31- DROP OFF TIME 3PM
            JANUARY 1ST PICK UP IS NOON
COST: $25.00

REGISTRATION FORMS CAN BE FOUND AT: www.mechuwana.org or email mechuwana@fairpoint.net 

THERE'S A MAX OF 100 YOUTH AT THIS EVENT.  EVERY YEAR IT FILLS UP FAST - SO SIGN UP TODAY. ALL INFORMATION NEEDS TO BE EMAILED BY THE 21ST.

Horse-drawn Wagon Caroling Party RESCHEDULED

Please join us for a Horse-drawn Wagon Caroling Party on Sunday, Dec 19 (rescheduled) at 4pm as we go caroling around the neighborhood. This will be a fun family event, and an opportunity for those who have trouble walking as well.  Suggested donation $5/person, proceeds to local mission. 
    Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Caroling books will be provided!
Reservations are recommended, which can be made by phone or email through the Pastors at 619-1509.

Christmas Caroling in Nursing Homes Rescheduled

All are invited to join us to go Christmas Caroling in Nursing Homes Sunday, Dec. 12, 1pm. We will join voices together as we bring joyful carols to area nursing homes and shut-ins. Caroling books will be provided. Please RSVP to the pastors at 619-1509 if you are attending so we are sure to wait for you!

Youth Group Friday December 10!

Youth Group is meeting this Friday December 10 5-8:30pm!  All youth, grades 6-12 are invited! We’ll meet up at Hope.Gate.Way with friends from some other churches, have dinner, walk to Monument Square, go on a horse drawn carriage ride, take in the Christmas lights and decorations, and maybe stop off for a visit at the Art Museum or head back to HGW for some games … guaranteed fun! Please email Pastor Gwyneth or Jamie to RSVP or 619-1509. Bring a friend!  Hope.Gate.Way is located at 185 High Street in Portland, ME  04101.
    In general, the Youth Group meets on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month, at alternating locations for mission activities, learning and fun together.

Christmas Fair 2010

Submitted by Art Tordoff:  A great time was had by all at the 2010 Coastal Christmas Fair, a lot of fun was in the bargain and many folks from the community had a chance to experience the PUMC Spirit!
     For those that may not recognize the event the pictures portray the Annual Church Fair which with the exception of once has been held on the first Saturday in December in the time that I have been an attendeeor member and that dates back to 1948. My guess is that its origins are somewhere in the early partof the 20th century.
   You may view the Christmas Fair Photo Album here.

Coastal Christmas Fair 12/4

Coastal Christmas Fair will take place this Saturday, December 4, 9am-2pm. Get your Christmas shopping done! Children’s craft area while you shop.

     Items can still be donated until Friday so clear out your garage or attic or closet! Other donations would also be appreciated such as luncheon food, baked goods, etc. - please contact Chris Ward for information.
We would also love assistance in setting up the fair on Friday evening, and cleanup on Saturday afternoon. Many hands make for light work!

Hope to see you at the fair!

Advent Studies to Prepare Our Hearts for Christmas

Would you like to go deeper in your faith this Christmas? There are several excellent options for Advent Studies, and we hope you will take advantage of one of these opportunities.

"The Purpose of Christmas" small group DVD curriculum by Rick Warren is 3-week study on Mondays December 6, 13 and 20. This is a spiritually uplifting text and good for all levels, whether a new believer or mature Christian. Two groups will be meeting on Monday evenings:  5:30pm at Joely and Shane's home, and parents are welcome to bring children to this one; and 7pm at Kathy Brann's home. If you are interested in joining one of these groups please contact the hosts or pastors for more information.

“Advent Conspiracy” is a 4-week study Wednesdays 7pm 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22 led by Pastor Gwyneth.   The reading is easy but the topic very challenging, a study for mature Christians and church leaders. The goal of this group will be to assess the text as a church-wide program next year. FMI or to purchase the text, please go to www.adventconspiracy.org   You can view the Advent Conspiracy Video here as well.

"The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly" is the Advent Study taking place at the weekly home Bible Study group at Rosemary Herd's home on Tuesdays at 9am. The study has already begun but newcomers are always welcome.

Advent Meditation Books are available!

Advent Meditation Books are available! These include a daily devotion written by folks at Peoples, in addition to some Christmas hymns and other readings. Printed copies are available for a suggested donation of $3. If you cannot pay that’s ok. If you can pay for an extra for someone else that’s great too.  Many thanks to Art Tordoff for putting these together! Next year, Christmas 2011 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Peoples Advent Meditation.

Hanging of the Greens 12/5

Hanging of the Greens will take place Sunday, Dec. 5, DURING WORSHIP (no separate worship service this year) Kids hear the Christmas story and we decorate the church for Christmas together. All are invited to bring in one unwrapped gift for a child to donate to the Root Cellar gift drive. Last year the Root Cellar requested some packages of socks. We received no special requests this year but socks are good. Many of the people at the Root Cellar come from warmer climates and have no idea HOW COLD it gets here in Maine and things like gloves and hats and the like would probably be welcome gifts too.  We hope you can attend this laity-led worship!

Root Cellar Angel Drive

Please come out and help at the Root Cellar Angel Gift Mission on Monday, Dec. 13, 9am-Noon, or for any portion of this time.  We will help organize and wrap gifts for needy children in the Portland area. It's a great time of fellowship too. Please contact Carol Bruneau if you have any questions, or if you need to carpool.

Youth Group Thanksgiving Mission

The youth group met together on 11/21 and made pumpkin pies for the Root Cellar as their mission project this Fall. Although the crowd was small this time everyone had a great time.
      The youth group will next be meeting with friends from some other churches on Friday, December 10th 5:30pm-8:30pm at New Light UMC in Portland. We'll walk to Monument Square, have dinner, go on a horse and carriage ride, take in the Christmas lights and decorations, walk around the art museum and head back to Hope.Gate.Way for some games.  Overall it's guarenteed to be a great time.  Bring a friend!
    The regional Jr. / Sr. High Youth Group generally meets every 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoon at different locations.

An Uplifting Church Conference!

Our annual Church Conference took place on Sunday, November 21 after worship, with a beautiful luncheon prepared for us as well. This is the annual all-church meeting, with Rev. Mike Davis, District Superintendent presiding. The meeting began with a slide show reminding us of how Peoples has been active in ministry this year, followed by voting on issues such as approving lay speakers and pastoral compensation, receiving bequests, etc., as well as a video presentation by Bishop Weaver followed by table discussion on ideas for continuing to make disciples of Jesus Christ through outreach in our community and how we could partner with sister churches in this outreach.
    Mike also commended our work as a church in paying off a significant portion of our mission shares this year and appreciates the many ways we are working as a church to be more faithful stewards of our resources as well as more joyful givers.
    We were honored to have Mike serve as our guest preacher that morning as well. He gave us a challenging message on what it means in today's world to "make disciples of all nations."
    The minutes of the meeting are available from Betsy Morrison who served as our Financial Secretary, or you can view the Draft Church Conference Minutes at this link, which will be reviewed during the December Church Council meeting. Thank you all who attended!

Christmas Pageant Dress Rehearsal

All children in the Christmas Pageant should plan to attend the Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, Dec 18, 9am - Noon. All children in the pageant should attend this important and fun rehearsal for the big day!  Please contact Andy Folley with any questions or to volunteer your assistance in props, costumes or other pageant preparation at 749-5702.

Children’s Christmas Pageant

Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 10am for our Children’s Christmas Pageant!  The pageant this year is called Christmas Around the World, and will be completely different this year so very exciting. The kids will show us how Christians in Mexico, Korea, Ghana Africa and Sweden celebrate the birth of Jesus. There's rumor there will also be a visit from the Magi.  Celebrate the birth of Jesus as the kids bring the Good News!

Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship

Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship, Friday, Dec. 24, 7pm  Celebrate the birth of our Savior in this beautiful candlelight worship. And bring a bell to ring!

Preble Street December 29 - Come Help Serve

Peoples Church will be helping to serve at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen on Wednesday, December 29. 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!

What Will You Give?

If you consider Peoples your church family and have not yet pledged your 2011 financial commitment, please turn in your pledge card as soon as you can, or contact Kathy and she can fill one out for you. THANK YOU!  FMI contact Financial Secretary, Kathy Brann at 799-1981.

Kids Craft Room at the Church Fair

We are going to have the Children's Craft Room again this year at the fair. The kids really look forward to doing the crafts and it's a great opportunity to get their parents out shopping at the fair!

A lot of the crafts this year will be made from the foam sheets and foam stickers. We would love any donations of the large sheets of foam and foam stickers. The sheets can be any colors, hoping to have a lot of red, green and white but would love other colors as well. Stickers with Christmas and winter themes would be great but would happily appreciate any as the kids will certainly use them!

We also need

~ribbon in a variety of colors and widths
~glitter pens
~any odd and ends craft things your'e looking to clean out!

As always~thank you for your support for the kids of Peoples and our community~

Karen Jennings

Generate Income for Peoples Just by Searching the Internet!

GoodSearch!  Here's a new easy way to raise money for Peoples United Methodist Church, with no cost to you.  Just start using Yahoo! powered GoodSearch.com as your internet search engine and they'll donate about a penny to Peoples UMC every time you do a search!

Every time you search, Peoples earns a penny!
http://www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=925482

   How do you do this?  Go to GoodSearch.com, select Peoples UMC in South Portland, Maine and plug in what you want to search for right there (or enter Peoples directly using the above link with the church ID#).
    You can also set up GoodSearch as your Default browser, and there are instructions on the site for doing that, or you can add a toolbar in Internet Explorer or Firefox search engines.
    There are a few exceptions (doesn't count toward image searches, etc.) which you can read about here as well as other helpful answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
    In addition, you can generate money for Peoples while you do your Christmas shoppingonline.  If you shop through the online shopping mall, GoodShop.com, you can find more than 900 top online retailers (including Amazon) who will give a percentage (1-3%) of your purchases to Peoples UMC. You pay the same price as you normally would, but a donation goes to your church family! You can access GoodShop directly from GoodSearch.
    You can read more about GoodSearch in the NY Times, Oprah Magazine, CNN, ABC News and the Wall Street Journal.

Peoples Variety Show 2010

The Peoples Variety Show was held November 13, ranging from classical music to comedy acts, harmonica to bagpipes, and poetry to fencing!  You can view the entire 2010 Variety Show Photo Album here.

     Those who participated included Paul and Justin on Harmonica and Jazz Piano, Pastor Jamie and Faith demonstrating fencing, Dena on piano, Mariah singing, Merrill and Marilyn singing with guitar, Aaron reciting poetry and singing, Pastor Gwyneth leading the congregation in a silly song called Toody Ta, Betty Smith singing, Faith on piano, Ushers and children singing in their jammies!, Fred playing piano, Jason on bagpipes, Sally with a comedy skit, Chris and Dan singing accompanied by Ruth on piano and ending the night with a hilarious song by Marilyn.  Also, many thanks to all who participated and attended, and to our two guest bands who played such amazing music: Angus and the Rock Dogs and Apollo 13 whom the children loved dancing to!  And of course a huge thank you to Dickey for leading the evening as our MC.  Also, a special thanks to Merrill Kaiser for organizing this event and all those who helped to plan, set up and take down.  Another fabulous time was had by all.
  

Senior High Youth Rally

Senior High Youth Rally at Camp Mechuwana
Come join us for the Senior High rally as we gather for fellowship, worship and all around awesome weekend.

WHEN: DECEMBER 10-12 (Drop off 6pm on Friday) (Pickup noon on Sunday)
WHERE: CAMP MECHUWANA
COST: $35.00

PLEASE GO TO OUR WEB SITE AND DOWN LOAD A FORM www.mechuwana.org or email us the information mechuwana@fairpoint.net.

If you can only come to part of the weekend because of other commitments, that is fine just let us know when you will be arriving.

Calling All Kids for the Pageant!

The kids Sunday School have begun assigning parts for the Christmas Pageant. Be sure to attend worship this Sunday if you'd like your kids involved, or contact Andy Folley. The pageant this year is called Christmas Around the World, and will be completely different this year so very exciting. The kids will show us how Christians in Mexico, Korea, Ghana Africa and Sweden celebrate the birth of Jesus. There's rumor there will also be a visit from the Magi!

Variety Show, Saturday, Nov 13 at 7pm

Peoples United Methodist Church cordially invites all of you to our ANNUAL VARIETY SHOW being held this Saturday, November 13th @7:00 pm.  This is a fun event that show cases Peoples people performing on stage, show casing some very interesting talents.  Some are very talented, some are very amusing and some are very strange!!! Our ushers sing, our pastors perform, children perform, various comedy skits, music by the bell choir, a band and MORE. Always bring tissues for tears of laughter.  Variety is the key word here and talent is optional. There are snacks and drinks available for purchase.  For a $3.00 donation (children under 12 free) you can enjoy a pleasant and hilarious evening of good fun. COME ON DOWN to Peoples this Saturday.  Come and join the fun and silliness, ranging from comedy to classical musicians. If you have an act you’d like to add, please contact Merrill Kaiser at 799-8750. You can view the 2009 Variety Show Photo Album here.

Game Night on Saturday Nov 6

Everyone who attended had fun playing pegs'n jokers and 3-15 Rummy at the Peoples Fall game night. We hope more can join us next time!

Outdoor Cleanup Day - Wow!

Many faithful Peoples folks attended the Outdoor Cleanup Party on Saturday, November 6! Workers raked leaves, cleaned out gutters, trimmed hedges and even installed the new banner on the outside of Ellis Hall. We also saw the finished product of the overhauled bean supper sign.
    All of the work is amazing so be sure to check it out and say thank you to those who cared enough about their church family to work so hard on a Saturday morning!
You can view the outdoor cleanup photo album here.

Note from Chuck Kamilewicz:  A special 'thank you' to all those who were there, and to David and Carol who refurbished the bean supper sign with Lexon and vinyl lettering.  It looks so good.

Note from Sue Angell:  Fall clean up was a great success.  Two troop leaders and 4-5 scouts were amazing in that they cleaned a huge area of leaves in 3 hours!!!  Marlene spent 3-4 hours on her knees working on our garden and what a fine job she did. Art Tordoff, our bush wacker, trimmed all our parsonage bushes while Keith Snoddy trimmed raked.  David Bruneau was THE man with his motor on his back and leaf blower with which he blew leaves and cleaned the parking lot as well as then mowing the parsonage lawn. David also gifted us with a NEW and wonderful Bean Dinner outdoor sign!  Carol was here there and everywhere working on and hanging a church banner and washing windows. Becky Gottlieb showed up after working most of the morning at her job and cleaned windows in the breezeway and worked until she ran out of steam. Chuck scaled the parsonage and replaced all down spouts and then replaced boards on the parsonage deck.  Joanne took good care of us by sending sausages and biscuits. Rosemary Herd greeted us all with a great smile and kept fresh coffee coming and assisted in the stage set up for the variety show and digging up of Christmas Fair decorations from last year.  Kathy was there. Brad was everywhere.  He brought coffee first thing, helped Marlene, raked, lifted barrels of leaves, assisted Art, assisted everyone, etc.  Susan and Kathy raked and hauled  barrels of leaves and bushes.  Walter brought his truck, tools and tarps.  His truck trailer was filled to the brim with leaves!  He brought cold pack tar and mended various areas of the parking lot and sidewalks with the assistance of Brad and Chuck tamping it down.  Men love that stuff. We all left tired, dirty and satisfied!  Hard work, fresh air and good companions are the best health tonic there is!

Celebrating Thanksgiving with Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2010

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in Thanksgiving.      -- Colossians 2:6-7   

Dear Peoples Family,

      What do you think of when you hear the word, Thanksgiving?  Often we think of the holiday in our nation’s history. Or perhaps we think of the many blessings for which we are thankful. However, as Christians, Thanksgiving is most importantly a faithful attitude that shapes the way we live, the choices we make, and our outlook on tomorrow. This attitude has little to do with outward circumstances and all to do with our thankfulness for what Christ has done for us. Therefore, for the Christian, Thanksgiving happens in the midst of poverty and in the face of scarcity. For the Christian, Thanksgiving can be celebrated in war zones, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, as well as in our warm and comfortable homes.

      Thanksgiving is not about being the luckiest, the richest, or the healthiest. It is about knowing in the depth of our being that we belong to God through our Savior Jesus Christ.  And from that depth of belonging emerges a thankful joy leading us to celebration and generosity. These are the thanksgiving blessings we pray for you: A joyful heart “abounding with thanksgiving” in Christ, and the gift of responding to the joy we experience by giving ourselves for others.

We pray God’s richest blessings on you this Thanksgiving! 

Together in Ministry for Christ

Revs. Gwyneth  & Jamie Arrison

Sunday School Supports UNICEF

The Sunday School learned about the ministries of UNICEF and then came up after worship for a wonderful time collecting loose change. The kids took their UNICEF boxes so they could go trick or treating with them in the evening!
   You can view the whole UNICEF Collection Photo Album here.

Coffee Fellowship

Brad and Betsy Morrison joyfully provide coffee and goodies for fellowship after worship every week, and have done this for a number of years. Every now and then when they are away, they call on some folks to fill in. This past Sunday Jody Fyles, Janice Huelin and Carol Bruneau worked together to provide this wonderful time of hospitality.