Lenten Wednesday Worship Schedule

Each year the United Methodist Churches in our area (Casco Bay Cluster) work together to plan worship on Wednesday evenings through the season of Lent. Worship is held at a different church each week, co-led by laity and clergy from each church. All worship except Good Friday begins at 7pm. We hope to see you there!

3/9 Cape Elizabeth UMC  (Ash Wednesday)
Rev. Jamie Arrison preaching
The church is located at 280 Ocean House Road in Cape Elizabeth.  FMI call 799-8396.

3/16  West Scarborough UMC
Rev. Ruth Morrison preaching
The church is located at Rt 1 and Church Street in West Scarborough.  FMi call 883-2814.

3/23 Thornton Heights UMC
Rev. Andrea Harvey preaching
The church is located at 100 Westbrook Street in South Portland. FMI call 774-0487.

3/30 First UMC
Rev. Priscilla Dreyman preaching

The church is located at 179 Ridgeland Avenue in South Portland. FMI call 767-2688.

4/6 Elm Street UMC

Rev. Lynne Campbell preaching

The church is located at 168 Elm Street in South Portland. FMI call 799-0407.

4/13 Peoples UMC

Rev. Johanne Dame preaching

The church is located at 310 Broadway in South Portland. FMI call 799-1413.

04/22-GOOD FRIDAY- Elm St. UMC at 12:00. The program will be done in stations with a lunch (soup, rolls, dessert) following the service.

04/24-SUN RISE SERVICES
* 5:30am at Fisherman's Point at Willard Beach followed by pancake breakfast at Peoples UMC
* Two Lights beach followed by a breakfast buffet at the Cape Nazarene Church

Fun-Filled Mission at the Root Cellar

Submitted by Carol Bruneau
Peoples served at the 'Root Cellar' last Thursday, February 24. With prayerful thoughts of Chris Bowker, we had a full crew of helping hands. Ellen Dunn brought her music and message to the children, Hank, Isaac and Nathan Dunn, Marlene and Art Tordoff, Susan Angell, Kathy Brann, Merrill Kaiser, Kit and Randy Pike and Carol Bruneau all set up, cooked, washed dishes, served and cleaned up as well as took part in the message and music and ate with the children. This is always wonderful fellowship and a joyful mission in our own back yard. Thanks to all who made sweets too!

United Methodist Communications training is coming March 2 to a computer near you!

Turning Connectional Living into Connectional Giving: This free, online course explores turning connectional living as United Methodists into connectional giving that supports the shared ministry and mission of the church.
Moodle 100: Basic Training: This instructor-led, online course prepares you to develop online courses using the Open Source learning management system, Moodle.
Welcoming Ministry 101: This free, self-directed online course helps you expand your own welcoming skills and equips you to lead others to establish and maintain a dynamic ministry of radical hospitality.
What is Web Ministry: This free, self-directed, five-part online course provides foundational information (as well as the biblical and theological basis) for creating and maintaining a Web ministry for your local church, district or conference organization.

Sign up now, by emailing training@umcom.org

Upcoming Marriage & Parenting Workshops

* Family Builders Parenting Conference, March 26, 2011 in Newburyport, Massachusetts
Features Dr. Scott Turansky and Mrs. Joanne Miller (RN, BSN) of the National Center for Biblical Parenting. They are nationally recognized speakers and the authors of Parenting is Heart Work, Home Improvement, and Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes. Details and registration online at www.familybuilders.net .

* PAIRS: Practical Applications of Intimate Relationship Skills          
This research based and highly recommended program is now available in New England, with three events coming soon to Gilford, NH.   For more information, visit www.pairs.com or call Louise Bastille, retreat registrar, at 603-556-1343
            March 4 and 5, 2011 Begins Friday at 5:30 p.m. and ends before dinner Saturday.
            April 8 and 9, 2011 Begins Friday at 5:30 p.m. and ends before dinner Saturday.
            May 7, 14, and 21, 2011 Saturday mornings 9 a.m. to noon
                                    
* Nonviolent Communication Workshops in Maine
For more information about any of these events, except where noted otherwise, visit www.mainenvcnetwork.org/trainings.htm or contact Peggy Smith at 207-789-5299 or peggy@maineNVCnetwork.org, or peggy@opencommunication.org
     Level I or Introductory Events  (No prior NVC experience required)
March 11-13, 2011, Norway, ME
March 26-27, 2011, Bangor, ME
May 14-15, 2011, Belfast, ME
    Level II Intermediate Events  (Prior NVC experience required)
April 11-13, 2011, Falmouth
          
* Marriage Savers PREPARE-ENRICH training webinar,
March 5, 2011, at your church, through GoToMeeting.com, PowerPoint projected on your screen, plus phone connections for interactive conversation. Professionals can earn 7 CEUs.   Call 301 469-5873 for details and to register for one of the limited number of group slots. Excellent opportunity to train mentor couples and a Trainer to teach others. Email Mike@MarriageSavers.org for a free sample inventory experience.

* Family Builders Events
   207-361-1030, info@familybuilders.net , www.familybuilders.net
Parenting Seminar, March 26, 2011, Newburyport, MA
Married Couples Weekend, April 15-17, 2011, Jaffrey, NH
Married Couples Weekend, September 23-24, 2011, New Durham, NH
                       =
* Retrouvaille Weekends: Rediscover a Loving Marriage … (Boston Area)800-470-2230, www.HelpOurMarriage.com     April 1-3, 2011 or September 16-18, 2011

* Getting the Love You Want Couples’ Weekend
April 9-10, 2011, Westborough, Massachusetts   Bruce and Betsey Bergquist, www.betsyandbruce.com , 908-735-7650

FMI on any of these events, contact Jane P. Ives, United Methodist Marriage and Family Ministries Consultant, 10 Quaker Lane, Portland, ME 04103 207-797-8930, JaneIves@aol.com

Peoples Plant Sale May 21

Peoples Church is holding its second plant sale on Saturday , May 21, 2011. 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 (including color if known) and bring them to the playground in back of the church on Friday the 20th. We can use extra pots, and 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.

Friendly Reminder

For those who schedule church events which use building space, please contact the building coordinator, Rosemary Herd at 799-2392 to verify that space is available. Peoples is very active in ministry as well as providing space for other groups so scheduling can sometimes be complex!  Thank you for your cooperation.

Partners in Ministry February 2011 Edition

Dear Partners in Ministry,

♦ TAKE JESUS WITH YOU. The East Longmeadow (MA) UMC gave all their members a homemade Jesus finger puppet last summer to take with them wherever they went. As one of the organizers of the project noted, this was "to ensure that we were aware that Jesus was with us as we vacationed and to take pictures to send back" to the church. A wonderful variety of pictures were received and displayed. There were folks with Jesus...at the beach....at the Grand Canyon...on a hike....fishing....gardening....at Disney...having fun at VacationBibleSchool...at the family reunion...in the car after a long, hot day driving....etc. It also created opportunities to share that Jesus is with us with strangers who noticed the Jesus finger puppets....and the pictures being taken. Kids and adults had a great time celebrating their faith that Jesus was with them. The theme carried over into Advent when the whole nativity story came alive in finger puppets. They even gave one to me....(Bishops really need to remember that Jesus is with them too!)
This is a creative, 21st century version of the old hymn (#536): "Take the name of Jesus with you, child of sorrow and of woe; it will joy and comfort give you, take it then where’re you go!" There are lots of great (and fun) ways to celebrate that Jesus is with us.....may He be with you always....everywhere.

♦ FLIPPING FOR MISSIONS. Just as the service was beginning last Sunday at the Hampton (NH) UMC, a man started down the center isle. I thought he was looking for a seat. Then he pulled out a frying pan and began to flip a huge pancake. He had everyone’s attention...flipping along....ooops he missed it....laughter....another try....he made it....applause. When he got to the front he announced it was ALL FOR MISSIONS! Shrove Tuesday they would have a pancake breakfast to raise funds to support the United Methodist Maine (Down East) Economic Ministry.
With such enthusiasm and creative presentation of the mission challenge, I realized why this church continues to be deeply engaged in mission...mission teams...working with the homeless....100% mission shares....Advance specials....Haiti.....peace with Justice.....mission studies....youth mission projects.....etc.
Is your church flipping for missions.....lifting up the great mission opportunities we United Methodists have here in our community, in New England, and around the world? Learn about all these opportunities on our neumc.org web site....and share the stories in ways that get people's attention....and involvement.

♦ SMALL GROUPS, SMALL GROUPS, SMALL GROUPS. The Leominster (MA) UMC is finding joy and growth (spiritually and numerically) in small groups. They now have nine small groups meeting weekly (mostly in homes) studying the "Essential 100" passages of the Bible: five each week, fifty from the Old Testament, fifty from the New Testament. It is enriching the participants, the congregation and drawing new people (who are more likely to come to your home....it's easier to get to know each other in a small group....and don't forget the Methodist cookies....or celery). The pastor may lead one or two groups, but he or she should really equip the laity to lead most of them.....a great way to use lay speakers. Think creatively about where and when to have small groups. Here's a list of places small groups were started by churches I served: in the mill, at an automobile dealer, in the jail, after-school "club" at the high school, at the Y, in senior citizen apartment building, a senior center, a youth gym, in restaurants over breakfast or lunch, at the university, in a homeless shelter, in a downtown office building, in "the projects," at a city park (for teens hanging out in the summer), in neighborhood homes all over the community. You can add to the list of possibilities.....wherever there are people.
Small groups were the secret of John Wesley's method for Methodists. A recent study of our most vital United Methodist Churches says small groups are a key to their vitality. Lent would be a great time to start new groups...during the week....or as new Sunday School classes for adults or young adults. Or, as I suggested around Christmas, plan new small groups to meet after Easter to meet the needs of the "seekers" or inactive members who will show up at Easter....invite them to keep coming....at least for a new small group. There are resources available through our Conference resource/media center....often with DVDs to help "lead" the small group.
Try it....and let me know how it goes....what good resources you discovered....where and when you had it??? THINK SMALL.....GROUP.

♦ PPP. During worship at the North Charlestown (NH) UMC, people and the pastor lifted up names of shut-ins or folks in the community who were in need. Then the pastor called the congregation to the three P's: Prayer, Phone, Postcard. In other words, what will we do to connect, build relationship with these people? I would add a fourth P: "Pop in and visit." Clearly this church (founded in 1811) is still practicing and growing through building relationships with their neighbors.
I remember visiting another United Methodist church where the pastor asked people in the congregation to raise their hands if they would be willing to call or visit that week the person whose name was being lifted up for prayer. The list was long. There were about 1,000 in attendance. It was inspiring to see the number of people who committed themselves to "follow up" with a caring PPP or P with at least one person on the list. It could happen in your church too.

♦ SIT TOGETHER MORE. On Jan. 23, the Sunday before President Obama's State of the Union Address, I was preaching in Springfield, VT. The service was at 9:30 a.m., it was 5 degrees below zero, and there was the usual snow and ice to contend with (after all "it's winter in New England"....I know, I've shoveled snow off my roof, too). I arrived at the church about a half an hour early and was followed into the building by an older gentleman who was all bundled up. (I later found out that he is 93 years old....I am so inspired by the "senior saints" in our churches.) "You must be the Bishop," he said. (He could probably tell by my "frozen" expression that I was "from away.") Without skipping a beat he went on, "Do you think they'll sit together?" He could tell that I didn't know what he was talking about...and I didn't. "Sit together....you know the Congress!" "Oh, yes." I blurted, finally waking up and warming up enough to respond. Then with a quiet wisdom, he added, "I think we need to sit together more." How true.
People started arriving for worship...and sitting together. Young and old, the more affluent and the less, singles and couples, the robust and the frail, those who sang and those who just listened, all of our differences gathered together in one place...for the one purpose to worship the one God. We talked about the two teenagers, Leah, 16, and Connor, 15, who had committed suicide earlier that week in the area....we asked questions together...sought a Word from the Lord together....prayed for them...and us. During joys and concerns there was mention of cancer and unemployment and birthdays and hospitalizations and world peace and silent thoughts too deep or private for words. But there we sat together. A young doctor from Virginia had "come home" to check on his mother and her house. He stood, and with a voice full of emotion thanked the congregation for all of their caring and support.....for being the church.....sitting and praying and serving and hoping and believing together.
I give great thanks to God for all of our congregations that gather, as Springfield does, as the Body of Christ, in all of our diversity, One. Through Christ, God has made us partners in this ministry. May we all learn "to sit together more" and discover in each other the gifts of this partnership....even when it’s five below zero.

Grace and Peace,
Pete

See Bishop Weaver's new Partners in Ministry blog: http://bishopweaver.blogspot.com/

PandaMania Camp July 11-15

     As you are signing kids up for summer camps, you don't want to miss this one!  Bible stories will be presented through fun learning centers in the jungle with games, crafts, stories, singing and snacks, and an end-of-week slide show for the whole family. This year’s Vacation Bible Camp is especially designed for jungle tourists ages 2-11. We are also inviting tweens and teens to be jungle tour guides with freedom to be kids as well as help keep everyone on the trail. We hope your children will join us for this exciting week! Learn more at PandaMania.group.com

PandaMania Vacation Bible Camp is being held at Peoples United Methodist Church 310 Broadway South Portland, ME 04106 the week of July 11-15, 2011 9am-Noon.
    You may click here to Register for Vacation Bible Camp.

You may also want to check out Last Year's High Seas Expedition Camp Photos!

New Nursery Staff at Peoples!

Peoples has hired two workers to share the nursery staff position. We praise God for this answer to prayer!

    Please welcome Adrienne Bowden as the lead nursery staff working three Sundays/month, and Margaret Robinson as the assistant nursery staff working one Sunday month. Adrienne will also be scheduling Peoples volunteers each week beginning soon for March through May. If you would be willing to join the volunteer list to serve once every three months, please contact Adrienne. 

    Adrienne lives within walking distance to Peoples with her partner Jim and four children ranging in ages 2-12. She works full time at the Building Blocks Daycare at Thornton Heights United Methodist Church.

    Margaret Robinson who has attended Peoples for several years now, is the daughter of Catherine Whittemore and is a Senior in High School. Margaret hopes to attend USM next year, majoring in sign language. 

    Welcome, Adrienne and Margaret!

Sunday School Family Pizza Gathering March 3

On March 3 at 5:30pm, parents, children, Sunday School teachers and other members are invited to gather for pizza followed by a Bible discussion led by Pastor Jamie on the upcoming Sunday School Unit, "Out of Egypt." This unit will be covering the story of Exodus and how God freed his people from slavery in Egypt. After pizza the kids will watch a movie while the adults have some meaningful discussion around the topic we'll be teaching. Andy will then describe the centers for the unit and answer any questions about the logistics of teaching.  You can view a few pictures of our last Sunday School family lunch and gathering in the Sunday School Gathering Photo Album.

No More Print Newsletter

The pastors decided together with Church Council on February 8 to discontinue the print version of the Peoples Newsletter. All event info will continue to be posted here on the blog and in the worship bulletin, and the most important events highlighted on facebook along with other articles and photos. If we receive enough feedback to bring back the print version we will be looking for lay volunteers to take on this task. See you online!

New Peoples Youth Group, with a Purpose!

The bad news is the Regional Jr & Sr. High Youth Group has been discontinued, but the good news is that Peoples Church alone has enough youth to begin our own youth group. All youth are invited to join us for dinner on February 13 at 5:30pm at Peoples. And bring a friend!
    The Peoples Youth Group will be focusing on missions such as world hunger and habitat for humanity with fun and meaningful activities for youth to engage these issues. We hope you will encourage your tweens and teens to join up!
    FMI please contact Pastor Jamie at 799.6814.

Out of Egypt Kickoff February 20

On Sunday, February 20 we will have the Kickoff for “Out of Egypt,” the next PowerXpress center-based unit, and February 27 there will be a fun group activity for all the kids.   FMI or to register your child in Sunday School, contact Andy Folley at 749-5702. 

Summer Mission Trip: Going Back to Wilmington!

The Peoples Mission Team has sensed God’s call to return to Urban Promise in Wilmington, DE this summer, and will be traveling June 25-July 2.  Ages 11+ are invited to join the team, and we will be taking registrations with $50 deposit through May 31. The next team meeting will take place March 6 after worship. FMI contact Pastor Gwyneth at 409-5530.

Chili-Chowder Cookoff April 10

We will have our first Chili-Chowder Cookoff Mission Team Fundraiser, April 10 after worship, 11:30am-1:30pm  So get your chili and chowder recipes out! More info will be provided soon, and please contact Fred Wade to help out.

What is Lent?

Lent begins on March 9, Ash Wednesday.  "Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a time to prepare for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism (which would take place on Easter). By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. Because Sunday is the day of the Resurrection, we skip over Sundays when we calculate the length of Lent. Therefore, in the Western Church, Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, the seventh Wednesday before Easter." (quoted from http://www.kencollins.com/texts/Lent.pdf where you can read in more detail)

Jesus spent forty days in the desert preparing for his ministry. He was "tested" during this time, approached by demons offering him the opportunity to be the wrong kind of messiah. He rejected each possibility, and simply did the will of the Father, which also foreshadowed his final testing and defeat of evil through the cross and resurrection.

Jesus fasted during these forty days, and one of his temptations was to use his power to assuage his hunger rather than to depend on God. During Lent, we likewise can experience a deeper dependence on God through fasting. Some fast from food once a week during Lent. Others give up something during the entire forty days of Lent, such as chocolate or meat, TV or Internet or unnecessary purchases.

In depriving ourselves of some pleasure for a period, we discover what of the world enslaves us and we learn to trust and depend on God as we battle each temptation. As we experience the pangs of hunger or desire, we are reminded to pray. Fasting even seems to sharpen our senses and open our eyes to those in need around us. And fasting frees up time we would have spent eating, watching TV, on the internet, or shopping to use in service of others, and frees up financial resources that can be given to the needy. 

It may be most helpful then to consider not just what to "give up for Lent," but what to "take on during Lent." How is God calling us to love the Lord with more of our heart, mind, soul and strength? How is God calling us to love and serve others more faithfully? And likewise, what might God be calling us to give up to enable us to do so? May we together respond to God's call to deeper our discipleship this holy Lenten season.

Heads up for Lent!

During the 40 Days of Lent leading up to Easter, Peoples will be hosting several opportunities to grow in our faith. These include:

• Wednesday Worship at 7pm, hosted by different United Methodist Churches in our area each week. The series begins on Ash Wednesday, March 9 at Cape Elizabeth UMC with Pastor Jamie preaching. 
• Taize Prayer and Meditation services, Sundays 7pm during Lent, beginning March 13 through April 17.
• Easter Experience Small Group study, which was used during Lent last year by the Tuesday morning Bible Study and highly recommended. We will be looking for homes and leaders shortly!
• Bake Sales During Lent:  Sundays after worship there will be different types of food and baked goods for sale to benefit different ministries of the church.

We hope you will join together as we grow closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Come Serve at the Root Cellar February 24 5pm

Peoples is scheduled to host the Root Cellar weekly community dinner, music and message on Thursday, February 24 at 5pm, which provides food, spiritual and physical, for many needy families and children. If you can help serve or provide food, please contact Carol Bruneau at 799-5995. Thank you!

Swap Shop at Our Sister Church

The Swap Shop will next be meeting March 5, 9am-3pm.  This is a new ministry from our sister church, Elm Street UMC. They are looking for donations especially boys wear, men’s wear and small women’s sizes. This would also be a great opportunity for volunteers from Peoples to volunteer. The Swap Shop is open the first Saturday of each month. Please contact Betty Lane at 632-6143 to donate or volunteer.

Pastors on Vacation Feb 21-27

The pastors will be away during school vacation week, February 21-27. Please contact Tom and Barbara Nelson for any church business or pastoral care needs at 799-6321. Thank you.

How Can I Be a More Faithful Steward?

Do you consider Peoples your Church Family? One of the ways we commit to caring for our family is through stewardship of our resources. Here are some ideas, some which you may not have known about!

·        Promise-Giving:  It’s one thing to give each week during the offering, but takes a next-level commitment to the Lord to Promise-Give an amount each week, whether we are in worship or not. Promise Cards and envelopes are provided on the back table and can be placed in the offering anytime.

·        E-Giving:  This is a safe and private method in which you can set up your giving with auto-withdraw. The many advantages for givers and the church are listed on the E-giving cards provided in the pews.

·        Return Bottles:  Just ask Sue Angell for a set of CLYNK bags, fill them up with your return bottles, and return to any Hannaford. All money from CLYNK goes to Mission Shares, which helps to support such ministries as Methodist camps like Mechuwana, retired clergy, UMCOR administration and conference salaries.

·        Use GoodShop.com and GoodSearch.com powered by Yahoo, and you can raise money for Peoples at no cost to you just by using the Internet!

·        Take the Good $ense workshop, a video-based series on personal finances from a Christian perspective. The workbook and video can be used in a small group or checked out of the church library to use at home with your family.

·        Will:  Consider adding Peoples UMC to your will in order to leave a lasting legacy.

If you have any questions on giving, please contact Financial Secretary, Kathy Brann at 799-1981 or any member of the Finance Committee.

Summer 2011 Mission Trip ... Are YOU Called to Go?

You can view a short 2010 Mission Trip Slideshow here!

Peoples Church is gearing up for our summer 2011 mission trip, and a small team has been meeting for several months now. The trip date is set for June 25-July 2, 2011. The destination will be either back to Urban Promise in Wilmington, or if enough others are interested in going to Appalachia the team is open to this.
     We hope to inspire some more folks to go on the trip this year. Why go on a mission trip? Missions renews the church, away mission inspires increased local mission, and you will experience God in ways simply not possible without moving out of our comfort zone in away mission trips.
      Rather than try to explain, a picture says a thousand words!  The 2010 mission team presented a slideshow of the first trip from Peoples outside the state of Maine, going to Wilmington Delaware through Urban Promise.
     You can view a short 2010 Mission Trip Slideshow here. It's worth a peak!  And be sure to attend our next mission team meeting, after worship on February 6.  Please contact Pastor Gwyneth at 619-1509 with your interest if you are unable to attend the meeting.

Youth Winter Carnival Feb 11-13

   Youth in grades 6-12 come join us for another Mechuwana Rally full of fun, fellowship, and the first "MECHUWANA WINTER CARNIVAL" February 11-13 - From sledding, and snow sculptures to tug-of-war and relay races, we will be celebrating winter Mechuwana style. Of course we will still find time for rally favorites including games, theme time, and another epic rally dance. So bring some friends and don't forget your warm clothes, we will supply the fun and plenty of hot cocoa.
   Cost is $35/youth but scholarships are always available through Mechuwana. To register call 207-377-2924 or email mechuwana@fairpoint.net

RALLIES ROCK! Here's why:
1. Camp is where everyone knows your name. (Kendra J.)
2. Camp is where you can be yourself, act like a fool, have a blast, and watch Jarod lose to another dance competition!!! (Courtney C.)
3. Camp is where you gain the courage to be nothing but yourself, 24/7. (Bailey W.)
4. Because dragging your mattress up and down the stairs is great exercise. If it's a senior high rally you get to do it twice! (JoJo K.)
5. So you can hear Stairway to Heaven just one more time! (Rian L.)
6. Rallies rock because rallies are where you can be anything you want to be at anytime and no one thinks any different of you. Also, rallies are like a regrouping of old and new places, it's home. (Ben D.)
7. "F is for friends who have fun together. U is for you and me. N is for aNything aNytime you want at Mechuwana Youth Rallies!" (Alecia B.)
8. Dancing to Total Eclipse of the Heart with Beth and not knowing the words, but not really caring about not knowing the words - and just singing out (LOUDLY) whatever we think the words might be. (Abby J.).
9. Camp Mechuwana is a place to be yourself and to shake your energy out! (Daphne E.)
10. Rallies are amazing because it gives us people who live in the middle of no
where a chanceto see some of our closest friends. Also gets us away from the stress of the real world for a weekend! (Orre A.)

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.