What happens when we die?

That's an important question to wrestle with spiritually. Those who have placed their trust in Jesus have the confidence to know that their inheritance is eternal life, and those who have been faithful disciples long to hear the words from their Lord himself:  "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21).

But what happens to our spouse or children when we die? What happens to our home, car, savings account?  Often people make assumptions about what happens to our estate upon our death, for instance that our spouse automatically receives all of the inheritance, or our children do if we have no spouse.  Sadly, families are often mistaken in these assumptions, and end up losing much of their rightful estate ... if only the deceased had created a will. It is also imperative to have clear legal documents regarding the care of any minor children in the event of our death.

Here is a self-assessment on the topic of wills and estate planning. How many of these can you answer affirmatively?  If you'd like to learn more you may follow the link below.

1. I have a will or living trust.
2. My immediate survivors know where my will or trust is located.
3. My executor is still capable and qualified to serve.
4. I have appointed qualified guardians for my minor children.
5. My executor can find the information necessary to settle my estate.
6. My attorney has recently reviewed my will or trust to ensure compliance with tax changes.
7. My survivors’ financial needs have been reviewed.
8. My minor children’s financial benefits are provided for in a trust.
9. My survivors know who to consult in decision-making situations.
10. I have made my specific charitable wishes and bequests known.
    
    You can follow this link for more detailed information on wills, trusts and estate planning from the United Methodist Foundation of New England. There are also brochures available at church.

Angel Tree for Mission

    For those who attended Sunday you witnessed an amusing skit with Mission Mary, Ellen Dunn and Betty Lane!  "What's this Christmas tree doing in the middle of our worship space?!"  The rest of the skit answered that question.
     It's not a Christmas tree, but an ANGEL tree!  And the ornaments aren't just to look at but to take.  
     Each ornament in the shape of an angel has a different need listed, such as gasoline for the trip or American express card for groceries or tolls, all in different amounts ranging between $5 to $400  - $400 is the amount needed to fully sponsor one team member.
    All are invited to take an angel off the mission angel tree at Peoples with the way they feel called to financially support our mission team going to inner-city Wilmington in June to work with under-privileged children.
     When you are ready, bring in your angel with the amount promised, place in an envelope with your name (if you would like a receipt for tax purposes) and place in the offering. You will then have the angel returned to you as a reminder to continue praying for the team. 
The mission team thanks you for your support!

Why YOU Should Try Electronic Giving

Ten good reasons to give electronically

1.      Allows us to grow spiritually through consistent giving, and increases our likelihood of trying out percentage of income giving.

2.      Improves donation consistency when worship attendance is not possible, or members are serving in nursery or Sunday School during worship. This consistency far outweighs the minimal transaction fee.

3.      Frees up volunteer time spent in counting cash and checks.

4.      For weekly givers, simplifies a 52-time a year task.

5.      Reduces resources consumed in printing, processing and transporting checks.

6.      Transactions are easily verified through personal bank statements.

7.      Provides more privacy for donors.

8.      Provides more donation security as there are no envelopes that can be misplaced, lost or stolen.

9.      Improves accuracy, eliminating the chance of recording or posting errors.

10. Allows flexibility to change donation amounts anytime and add annual donations for special occasions such as Christmas or Easter.

If YOU would like to try electronic giving, there is a short form available at church which should be given to Kathy Brann, Financial Secretary.  For more on electronic giving, you might want to read this Electronic Giving article from United Methodist Communications.

 You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.  – 2 Corinthians 9:7

Amadas in Concert and more

All are welcome to attend Amadas in concert, a contemporary Christian band, who will be performing at Elm Street UMC. There will be a free will offering for the band, and pizza and other food for sale before the concert.
When?  April 1 @ 7pm
Where:  Elm Street UMC 168 Elm Street in South Portland.

Elm Street UMC is also hosting a swap shop on April 2 from 9am-2pm and would love some extra helpers. Would be willing to help out for some or all of the day?

Let's show our support for our sister church that we might together make disciples of Jesus Christ and build up the body of Christ!

Partners in Ministry, an old edition

A message from the Bishop (posted a few months ago and never publicized, but worth reading!)

♦ IMAGINE NO MALARIA  Last week I returned from a meeting of our United Methodist Council of Bishops, Latin American Methodist Bishops, and Bishops from the "Methodist family", but not United Methodist, from around the world.....we now number about 77 million world-wide.  Many of those Bishops serve in areas where the majority of Methodists (and others) live in extreme poverty, on less than $1 a day.  And many of those areas face severe hunger, undrinkable water, lack of education and health care, and the killer diseases of tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, and Malaria.
    Many of you have participated in giving to Nothing But Nets ($10 per net) and Imagine No Malaria (providing medicine and treatments) that we United Methodists have been leading in partnership with the National Basketball Association, “Sports Illustrated,” the United Nations, and now many other organizations.  Thank you.  Thank you......was what we heard from Bishops all over the world.
    Is it making any difference?
    YES!
    The latest report from the UN is that, for the first time, the number of deaths from malaria is declining.  Children are being saved.  And one Bishop told me that people who are receiving nets from us are asking....."Why do you do this?"...."Because we serve Christ who loves you, and calls us to love each other as ourselves."  People are coming to believe in this God of Love and want to be a part of such a community of caring.
    We had this discussion just a few miles from the Panama Canal which symbolizes both a bold project that many thought impossible, as well as the injustices that surrounded tens of thousands of workers who died of malaria in the process of building the canal.  Sometimes eradicating malaria seems like an impossible task, but the "project" to save millions of lives is succeeding because, in part, of the bold vision and generous giving of United Methodists like you.  Our collective goal as United Methodists is to raise $75 million to combat malaria .... IMAGINE NO MALARIA....will you do your part?

♦ IMAGINE NO BUILDING....or at least not the building you're in right now.  Sunday I had a great time worshipping with our congregations in Williamstown and North Adams, MA.  After praying and imagining God's future for them, they have voted to come together as a new congregation and sell both of their existing buildings in preparation for a new future.
    Radical?  Well, checking their histories, I discovered that for the first twenty-five years of their history the Williamstown congregation never had a church building!  They moved around meeting in homes, the schoolhouse, and the "hall over F.H. Sherman’s store."  The North Adams Methodists were also very "movable."  They started in one building, moved to another 19 years later, moved to another 28 years after that, and to another 56 years after that.....four different buildings in about 100 years!  And why did they move?  Most of the time it was to enhance their ability to do ministry in their area.  What about your building?  Is it the best fit and the best stewardship of resources for ministry today?
    Oh, I know how we ( I ) can get attached to our buildings.  They are full of sweet memories.  I've lived in seven different houses over the years (not counting the fraternity house which was more like a barn) and had some sadness every time we moved.....but it was the people in our family who really made the "house a home".....and we all moved together.
    In the Williamstown newsletter there was a great quote: "The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we can become."  "Behold, God is making all things new."
    This can be tough, I know.  One of the members of the North Adams church reflected on sitting in the old sanctuary many Sundays and thinking about how wonderful it was.....and how empty it was.....and all the heat that was escaping.  She wrote, "I wondered what it was that God wanted us to do.  Did He want us to keep pouring money into this building, into heat, etc. or did He want us to be using those funds to be doing His work?" They have made the decision to move into a new future, trusting God, focusing on "God's work."  And several said to me Sunday, "It feels good....even though it will be tough in some ways."
    What do you imagine God is saying to your congregation about your building?  We have many buildings that are great tools for God's work in our communities....let's keep them, care for them and use them fully as launching pads for ministry and mission in our communities.  But then we have some other buildings that......well......you know.......that have become more of a burden than a help for God's work in the 21st century.  If you would like to talk about ways to evaluate the usefulness of your building...and options that other churches have found good....at least start the conversation with your District Superintendent and with your congregation.  God might surprise you with a new future, too.

♦ STICKER SHOCK: THE FOOTBALL TEAM AND THE LIQUOR STORES  While at the Williamstown/North Adams worship Sunday, I met the High School football coach and his wife who are helping in a great effort to address underage drinking in their area.  Operation "Sticker Shock" is a project of the Northern Berkshires Communities Coalition "mobilizing for change on alcohol."  The coach and members of the football team go into the area liquor stores and ask to put stickers on the bottles and cans that say "HEY YOU! IT'S ILLEGAL TO GIVE MINORS ALCOHOL."  It's working.  And interestingly, many of the owners of these stores are very cooperative.  You may want to try it in your community.  Get more information at www.nbccoalition.org/CMCA.
    Because of the devastating effects the use of alcohol can have for so many people in so many areas of life, the United Methodist Church continues to "affirm our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol as a faithful witness to God's liberating and redeeming love for persons." (2008 Discipline)  For the sake of our youth and those millions who are subject to addiction, I invite you to consider an alcohol and drug-free life style as a part of your witness.

Mechuwana Youth Leader Training

Posted by Mechuwana Methodist Camp
Last Reminder for Youth Leader Training
Grades 8-12
We still have a few openings in this Saturdays Youth Leaders Training. If you are in grades 8-12 and want to become a Youth Leader at camp Mechuwana we are having our final training session this Saturday.
TIME - 10AM -4PM
LOCATION- CAMP MECHUWANA
COST- $85.00 (Includes training and summer placement)
DATE- This Saturday March 26

If you would like to go but have not sent in your registration please contact the camp by email: mechuwana@fairpoint.net or phone 207-377-2924

Youth Group Building Project!

The new Peoples Youth Group has been meeting for just a few weeks and having plenty of fun. This week youth had to work together as a team to build a house out of graham crackers ... each using only one arm!
If you know of a youth interested in meeting with us, please invite them! Contact Pastor Jamie to find out more at 799-6814.

Surprise Baby Shower!

Peoples held a surprise baby shower for Joely and Shane who are expecting their second child shortly! Everyone had a wonderful time, and thank you to all who helped to organize, especially Betty Splettstoesser for heading up this event! You can click here to view the Baby Shower Photo Album.

Saint Patrick's Cookie Bake

The Sunday School held its annual cookie bake on March 13, this time for Saint Patrick's Day. Kids of all ages had fun decorating cookies, keeping one bag for themselves and taking one to give away. You can click here to view the Cookie Bake photo album, and check back as more photos are added!

Environmental Summit April 9

Submitted by Interfaith Power and Light

On April 9th at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell (just outside of Augusta), please join us for a day to develop a unified response and to clarify the unique role that Maine’s faith communities and others can play in this effort to protect our natural world.

We would like to personally invite you to this special gathering which we are calling “Awaken to Action.” Maine Interfaith Power and Light and Maine Audubon are hosting clergy, lay people, community leaders and others to plan what lies next for responding to a global climate crisis in the making. Following a keynote address by Malcolm Burson, Climate Adaptation Program Manager of the Maine.Department of Environmental Protection, participants will take part in a dynamic group process that will allow participants to identify critical issues and form a consensus around next steps. Among possible topics to be explored:

• the growing ethical challenges posed by climate change & how we respond;
• how faith traditions can act to inform and inspire environmental stewardship; and
• charting a collaborative course towards local and global sustainability.

For more information, please visit our website where you can view the agenda for the day or download a flyer describing the event. You may also email info@meipl.org or call 207-721-0444.

Please note that we have scholarships available and encourage you to inquire about them (call or email us). To register please click here. We hope to see you there on the 9th!

UMCOR Assesses Response to Pacific Emergency

Submitted by UMCOR. See full article at this link.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is connecting with partners to assess damages and needs resulting from the powerful 8.9-magnitude earthquake and 33-foot-high tsunami that rocked Japan today.

As the tidal wave rolls across the Pacific, tsunami warnings have been issued throughout the region, from Japan to Chile. Small islands are in danger of being completely covered by the tidal wave, and developing countries are especially vulnerable, a Red Cross spokesperson told Reuters news agency.

The quake hit in the middle of the afternoon, at 2:46 Tokyo time, just off of Honshu, Japan’s most populous island. It is the strongest earthquake to hit Japan in the 140 years that records have been kept. It takes the place of last year’s earthquake in Chile as the fifth strongest ever anywhere in the world.

“UMCOR is closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Pacific,” said Melissa Crutchfield, UMCOR executive for International Disaster Response.

“We’re in contact with our partners in the region, mindful of the still developing emergency in Japan as well as of the risk to other countries, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, and to Hawaii, which are expected to be impacted by the tsunami,” she said.

UMCOR head, the Rev. Cynthia Fierro Harvey, urged prayers for those affected by the disaster. She said that as needs become clarified, UMCOR will respond.

“Once again, in the wake of disaster and in the face of widespread need, we rely on the ever expansive generosity of United Methodists and all people of goodwill to help us respond to those whose lives have suddenly been turned upside down,” she said.

So far, 300 deaths have been reported in Japan, but as relief and recovery efforts get underway, the number of deaths and injured is expected to rise much higher.

The 33-foot tsunami barged into the port of Sendai in northeastern Japan, pushing buildings, cars, ships—everything in its path, far inland. In Tokyo, the quake disrupted electricity and ground and air transportation— and sent people fleeing from office buildings and homes for the safety of parks and other open areas.

Your support for Pacific Emergency, UMCOR Advance #3021317, is urgently needed. Please give now.

Experience Easter ... Easter Experience

Last year one of our small groups used "Easter Experience" during Lent, and it meant so much to them that they are repeating the study again this Lent. So we have decided to invite the whole congregation to "Experience Easter" through this powerful 6-week study this year. In addition, the pastors will be starting a sermon series on March 20 in conjunction with the study sessions.

     "The Easter Experience is a video-driven study with the power to change lives with the message of God’s loving plan for us. Using dramatic story-telling and challenging teaching by Kyle Idleman, the six-episode series brings the passion and resurrection to life."

    Groups at Peoples will meet for 6 weeks, beginning week of March 20.  Here's the schedule:

• Sundays 11:30am - Group co-led by Martin Whittemore and Betty Lane. Lunch will be provided on March 20, and will discuss food options for future dates. Childcare will be provided.
• (NOW FULL)  Mondays 7:00pm - Group meeting at the home of Kathy Brann, led by Tom Nelson.
• Tuesdays 9:00am - Group meeting at the home of Carol Bruneau, led by Rosemary Herd (study began March 8 but newcomers welcome)

    Please contact the group leader for the study you plan to attend, or to the pastors at 619-1509.  Guide books are available at church or from the group leader, and will be distributing these to the first to request them.  This is an amazing experience. Don't miss out on this opportunity to deepen your relationship with God.

Lent Sermon Series: Easter Experience!

Lent Sermon Series Begins Next Sunday, March 20 based on the all-church small group study, “Easter Experience”. Come and be part of this exciting Lenten journey together. Learn more here about Easter Experience.

3/20  My Life Has a Purpose (with guest preacher Rev. Curtis Brown)

3/27  My Life Can Change

4/3  My Pain is Understood

4/10  My Life Has a Plan

4/17 I Have a Promise of Eternal Life (Palm/Passion Sunday)

4/24  My Hope is Secure (Easter Sunday)

Mechuwana Summer Camp - Register Today!

The Mechuwana Summer Camp Brochure is now available and registration open at www.mechuwana.org. Brochures are also available at church.  If you would like a brochure mailed to you, please email Mechuwana or call 207.377.2924
     There are mother/child camps, grandfriend/child camps, and overnight camps beginning in grade 2 through high school ranging from theater camps, sports camps, crafts camps and adventure camps.
     All camps have a strong emphasis on Christian principles and values, and lots of time for traditional camp activities such as swimming, boating and singing by the campfire!
    REMEMBER MANY CAMPS FILL VERY FAST SO REGISTER TODAY!

What about money? Here's some important info for you:
1.  The church will be paying the $50 registration fee for EVERY child from Peoples. You may register your camper now without payment, but be sure to put down Peoples UMC for your church. Peoples will pay the registration fees in one lump sum.
2.  If you do not need assistance with the registration fee, feel free to make a donation of $50 or more to Peoples indicating it is for the Mechuwana Camp Fund, and placing in the offering during worship or mailing to Peoples UMC 310 Broadway South Portland, ME  04106 to the attention of Kathy Brann, Financial Secretary.
3.  Families should pay as much as they can of the remaining camp fee. Mechuwana now takes all major credit cards.  However, Mechuwana does not turn anyone away for lack of money. Peoples will pay as much as possible of the unpaid fees out of donations to the Mechuwana Fund. And Mechuwana also has scholarship funds to supply what families and churches are unable to provide.
4.  If you would like donate toward the Mechuwana Fund, or fully or partially sponsor someone from Peoples to attend camp this summer, please contact Kathy Brann at 799.1981.

Guest Preacher on March 20

Please honor the Rev. Curtis Brown as our guest preacher on Sunday, March 20. Rev. Brown has served as the New England Conference Director of Congregational Development in the United Methodist Church for several years, and will be going back to pastor in the local church beginning July 1. We look forward to hearing God's Word together!

Youth Group Sunday 5:30pm

Peoples Youth Group is now meeting weekly. Please join us next on Sunday, March 13 at 5:30pm at Peoples. We will be sharing dinner, playing games and making our own building but you'll have to come and find out what that's about.  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. 
    FMI please contact Pastor Jamie at 799.6814.

Set Those Clocks Ahead This Saturday!

Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour this Saturday night, March 12!

Bake Sale Sunday March 13

Join us during coffee fellowship after worship on Sunday, March 13 for a bake sale! This first bake sale is hosted by the Tuesday Bible Study Group. There are more scheduled during the season of Lent. There will be baked goods ranging from cookies to "to go" meals for lunch. All proceeds go to the mission of the church.

Bake Sale Schedule:          
March 13  Tuesday Bible Study Group
March 27   Trustees
April 3        Choir
April 10     Mission Team (proceeds go to support the 2011 mission trip)

Dates open during Lent for other groups:  March 20 and April 17

Fast During Lent ... from Carbon

As we enter the Season of Lent, we pause to reflect on our stewardship of God's great gift of Creation.

Prayerfully consider this ecumenical invitation to
Join A Lenten Fast ....from Carbon.
Over 2500 people have already signed up!

Beginning Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent, participants will receive a daily email with a suggested carbon-reducing activity.  When possible, this will include a quantitative measure of the carbon reduction resulting from the activity.  Each daily email will also have a section suggesting a weekly focus for congregations.

We invite you to join others fasting from carbon during Lent.

Click Here for more information.

You can register immediately by using this Link.

Submitted by United Methodist Foundation of New England
Your Stewardship Resource Center

Sunday School, Out of Egypt!

The kids are learning all about Moses and how God rescued the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt, bringing them safely across the Red Sea on dry ground. Or some of you may know this as the Book of Exodus in the Bible. But rather than just listening to these stories, the kids are experiencing them through cooking, games, music and other centers. Don't let your kids miss out!  You can view some photos from the first week, a photo album of the games and cooking centers (click on a photo to enlarge).

Saint Patrick's Day Cookie Bake March 13

The Sunday School will be hosting a Saint Patrick’s Day Cookie Bake on March 13 during worship. Kids will have a chance to decorate cookies, keeping one bag for themselves and having one bag to give to someone of their choice – a grandparent, friend, neighbor, shut-in or even a stranger who looks like they need a reminder of God’s love!

Daily Devotion during Lent - Try It!

Lent is a time to go deeper in our faith journey as we prepare our hearts to greet our Risen Savior on Easter. One way we can do this is through daily Scripture reading and prayer. There are many options, but one recommended by the pastors is called Journey to the Cross Daily Devotion during Lent
   You can have this devotion emailed to you each day, or you can subscribe other ways such as twitter and facebook. Check out the link above and make your choice.
    The devotion begins March 14 and ends on Easter. All are welcome to try it out, and invite a friend too.

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.)