Mother's Day at Peoples!

The dad's (and a few boys, and yes some ladies) helped the kids make Mother's Day handprint plates during Sunday School!  It was good, messy fun, and moms sure appreciated their gifts. You may view more photos in the Mother's Day Photo Album.

Plant Sale May 21 - Get Ready!

Submitted by Carol Bruneau

WE NEED OUR PEOPLES GARDNERS WHO HAVE PLANTS TO DIVIDE UP TO PLEASE DIG THEM UP AND POT THEM UP AND LABEL THEM AND BRING THEM TO THE CHURCH FOR THE CHURCH PLANT SALE. YOU MAY BRING YOUR PLANTS TO THE CHURCH AND PUT THEM ALONG THE SIDE OF ELLIS HALL, JUST AFTER THE KITCHEN DOOR, ON FRIDAY MAY 20 OR ON SATURDAY BY AROUND 8:00AM.

IF YOU HAVE ANY GARDEN TOOLS YOU DO NOT NEED WE WILL ALSO HAVE AN AREA FOR GARDEN TOOLS FOR SALE.

IF YOU NEED PLANTS FOR YOUR GARDENS , THE SALE GOES FROM 9:00AM UNTIL 12:00 PM AND WE WERE PRETTY MUCH SOLD OUT BY 11:00 LAST YEAR.

Pastors Announce Reappointment

Pastors Gwyneth and Jamie announced in worship today that they have been appointed to churches in northern Massachusetts. As of July 1, Pastor Jamie will be serving half time at First UMC in Amesbury. They have just voted to become a new site of the large and growing multi-site ministry in Plaistow and Sandown New Hampshire. Pastor Gwyneth will also be serving half time, at Merrimacport UMC, although will be taking a renewal leave through the summer so will begin her appointment September 1.

Though neither Peoples nor the pastors were looking for a change in appointment at this time, the specific needs of the Amesbury and Merrimacport churches led the Bishop and District Superintendents to make this change. They are in the process of discerning who will be the new pastor appointed to Peoples. Though this could take a few weeks, the new pastor will be ready to begin July 1. The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is already in conversation with our District Superintendent about the specific gifts Peoples is currently seeking in a pastor. Please contact Keith Snoddy as the chair if you have any input for the committee.

With the announcement, Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth preached a shared sermon on dealing with the stress of this transition with direct communication, prayer, Bible study and a complete dependence on Jesus. In all of this it is helpful to remember that the church is the people, regardless of changes in building location, pastors or ministries. This is not the time to go looking for another church! Rather, it’s the time to draw even closer together as the Peoples family, and continue reaching out to the community in vital ministry.

Please feel free to contact the pastors through the next several months with questions or just some conversation. Pastor Jamie will also be leading a Sunday School class beginning May 8 at 8:30am to address topics such as our United Methodist connection, appointment system, care and hospitality for the new pastor and family, preparing the lay leadership for this transition, etiquette in terms of contact with the outgoing pastors, and other subjects that may arise.

Here are some questions for all of us to ponder in the next few months:
• How you I help continue the ministries of Peoples through this transition and make them even stronger?
• What are some ways I can show hospitality to the new pastor and family? Some ideas might include having flowers waiting in the parsonage, arranging for meals for the first few days after arriving, providing a tour of the community, and having everyone wear nametags in worship.
• What would be most helpful in order to say goodbye to the Arrison family?

Please ponder these questions and others that arise, and please especially be in prayer for all of the pastors and churches who are in transition.

Together in Ministry for Christ,
Gwyneth and Jamie

Easter Egg Hunt, Stories and Crafts!

After the children's message, kids went downstairs to hear Easter stories, make crafts and hunt for Easter eggs in small groups. You can view many more photos on the Easter Egg Hunt Photo Album.

Easter Morning Worship

We had a wonderful celebration of the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Happy Easter everyone! You can view more photos on the Easter Morning Worship Photo Album.

Easter Sunrise Resurrection Celebration

We never did actually see the sun, but we did witness the resurrection of the Son! Jason opened worship on bagpipes with Amazing Grace, followed by a dramatized reading of the Scripture complete with Jesus, Mary and two angels and meditation by Pastor Gwyneth. A beautiful time of worship in the growing light, and a wonderful breakfast with pancakes, muffins, eggs and bacon. You can view more photos at the Easter Sunrise Photo Album.

Holy Thursday

On Holy Thursday this year we experienced the sacrificial nature of the last supper with foot washing and Holy Communion.

Palm Passion Sunday

Everyone received palm branches on Palm Sunday. After the children went downstairs for Sunday School, the adults made crosses out of their palms during the message on the crucifixion. You can view more pictures on the Palm Sunday Photo Album.

Youth Group Habitat Mission Project

Great fun for a great cause. Our youth assembled 6 work stools for Habitat for Humanity. They were on the job helping to build houses the very next day! Go Karts next week!  View more pictures on the Youth Group Habitat Photo Album.

SPRING CLEAN UP SATURDAY, MAY 7

Submitted by Susan Angell
Spring clean up will be held on Saturday, May 7 beginning at 8 AM TO WHENEVER! THIS IS A FUN DAY FOR RAKING, GARDEN WORK, BUSH TRIMMING, GUTTER CLEANING. etc.
    One year a group of people decided that they wanted to work indoors and brought pails and cloths and cleaned every window in the church and the Rosses cleaned everything in the nursery and a batch of people cleaned every one of those white tables used for just about everything!
Last Fall David Bruneau was VERY popular because he brought a leaf blower that he strapped on his back and the Spring before a Cub Scout dad, Scott Frank, brought his. David blew leaves and Scott blew all the sand out of the parking lot. What fun it was to watch.
HINT#1: don't park your car in the lots but on the street unless you want it sand blasted There is a tree in the parsonage yard that we are thinking needs taking down.
HINT #2: bring cameras to record the silly things we might possibly attempt

SO COME ONE, COME ALL AND SPRUCE UP YOUR CHURCH and have fun. Some of the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts are coming too. Last Fall most everyone was aged 60 and older and we need some younger people to come and keep us on our toes. Bring the children to train them for your own yard work that needs to be done. Coffee and drinks usually are available for us to keep up our strength!!!

Palm Sunday Worship 10am

Please join us for worship on Palm Sunday, April 17.  Everyone will receive palms to wave and the Sunday School children will be singing a special piece.  As the story goes, the crowds shouting "Hosanna!" within a few days would be shouting "Crucify!"  We will experience this shift during worship as we explore the forgiveness and acceptance we can receive through the cross in our current sermon series "Easter Experience."  Please join us for this meaningful time, and bring a friend.

Holy Thursday Gathering

Please join us on Holy Thursday, April 21 at 7pm as we gather to share Communion and Foot Washing. This is a meditative time of worship as we experience the last few hours before Christ's crucifixion. All are welcome.

Good Friday Gathering at Noon

The United Methodist Churches are gathering together on Good Friday, noon on April 22 at Elm Street UMC for worship. The worship will be a series of creative, self-directed prayer stations, and is sure to be a powerful experience of the crucifixion to prepare our hearts for our Easter celebrations on Sunday.  Please join us.  Please click here for directions to Elm Street UMC at 168 Elm Street South Portland, ME  04106.

Easter Sunrise Resurrection Celebration April 24

Join us on April 24 at 5:30am on Willard Beach at Fisherman's Point on Easter morning to worship together, celebrating the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, as the sun rises over the islands.  Please park in the public lot on Willow Street, and be sure to show courtesy to our sleeping neighbors.
   For directions click here.  The address for the public lot is 20 Willow Street  South Portland, ME 04106

Easter Pancake Breakfast

Please join us after the Easter sunrise resurrection celebration for a wonderful pancake breakfast, beginning at about 6:15am.  Pancakes, sausage, muffins and more. All are welcome.  Freewill donations will be accepted.

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Sunday

April 24^th

For children Age 11 and under.  There will be games and crafts as well as Easter egg hunts by age groups.

FMI contact Andy Folley at 749-5702.

Easter Worship Celebration 10am

Join us at Peoples UMC on Easter morning at 10am to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. After the children's message the kids will have a fun Easter Egg Hunt as well.  Nursery care is provided.  FMI contact the pastors at 619-1509.

Mechuwana Spring Vacation Camp

Submitted by Camp Mechuwana
JOIN US AT CAMP MECHUWANA WHILE WE EXPLORE THE WORLD OF NATURE AT SPRING OVERNIGHT CAMP GRADES 3-5.

APRIL 18-19 DROP OFF IS AT 4PM MONDAY, PICK-UP 4PM TUESDAY
COST- $30.00

YOU CAN FIND A FULL REGISTRATION FORM AT www.mechuwana.org or email us at mechuwana@fairpoint.net phone 207-377-2924

Youth Group Croquet

The youth group had great fun playing croquet on Sunday ... with a twist.  They were divided into teams of two and both members of each team had to be touching the mallet!  If you know of a youth who would like to join us the group meets Sundays at 5:30pm and we love to have newcomers!  You can view more photos at the Youth Group Photo Album.

Sunday School Food Mission

The Sunday School has met their goal of 100 non-perishable items for the South Portland Food Pantry. Great job kids making a difference in the world!  Yes, families may still bring in canned goods anytime as this is an ongoing mission at Peoples as well.

Chili Chowder Challenge Great Success

The Peoples UMC Chili-Chowder Challenge on Sunday, April 10 served as a wonderful fund-raiser for the June 2011 mission trip to inner city Wilmington, Delaware, and also a fun time with great food. .  There were three chili and three chowder entries, and all were excellent! There were also bread bowls donated so that folks could eat more of their favorite or take home for later. Channel 8 even came in for a short interview with Fred Wade who headed up the event. The fundraiser generated $233, but most importantly was lots of fun for all ages.  Prizes were awarded to first, second and third for each category. Thank you to all who participated and attended!  You can view the full Chili Chowder Challenge Photo Album.

Easter Letter

To view the full color version of the Easter letter you may click here-Link to Easter Letter

Easter 2011 

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. -- Luke 24:1-7  

Dear Peoples Family,

        The first day of the week that the passage refers to is the first Easter Sunday. When we come to church Easter Sunday, we often come all prepared too. We come to what can feel like a full tomb and we know exactly what to expect – what hymns will be played, who will be there and what will be said. Easter does not offer us many surprises any more. So where can we go to find the angels ready to give us the Good News that Jesus is alive and that we can have new lives as well?

        If you come prepared on Easter morning, you may find the experience at church or out on Fisherman’s Point. The women who found the empty tomb were at an all time low having witnessed Jesus - friend,  son, savior - die a terrible death on the cross just a few days before. Are you at that very low point where you are ready to hear that Jesus is alive and loves you?

        Yet, for most people that special time of coming to a new relationship with Jesus and with the family of the church comes through regular prayer, study and connecting with others in the family. Some people fall in love with Jesus at first sight and others through a deepening sense of relationship that began with just a regular acquaintance. Through our various worship, prayer, social and small group activities, you can begin to foster a relationship with Jesus that will blossom into the type of life-changing surprise the woman had that morning.

         We hope you have a new life-giving experience for you and your whole family this Easter morning as you choose to join with the family at Peoples to draw closer to Jesus together. He gave his life for us not to take ours away, but that we would be drawn into the family of God – a family of abundant life. A glorious surprise awaits.

Together in Ministry for Christ,

Pastors Gwyneth & Jamie Arrison

Holy Week and Easter Events

Palm Sunday, April 17, worship at 10:00am

Palms to wave and Sunday School for kids ages 3-11. Nursery provided as well.

Holy Thursday, April 21 at 7pm

A meditative service with Holy Communion and foot washing as a remembrance of the Last Supper Jesus spent with his disciples.

Good Friday, April 22 at Noon, Elm Street UMC

Experience the Stations of the Cross with other United Methodist churches in the area to experience the crucifixion of Christ and why this is “good.”

Easter Sunrise, Sunday, April 24, Fisherman’s Point at 5:30am

Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus as the sun comes up across Casco Bay.  Please park at the public lot on Willow Street at Willow Beach, observe all parking signs and respect sleeping neighbors. Thank you!  Easter breakfast immediately following.

Easter Breakfast, Sunday, April 24 at about 6:15am

Easter Breakfast at church immediately following the sunrise service, approximately 6:15 am  Lots of pancakes and other great food and fellowship. Free will offering.

Easter Morning Worship, Sunday, April 24 at 10:00am

We will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus during morning worship. Nursery care is provided as well as Sunday School for children.

Easter Candy Hunt, Sunday, April 24 at 10:00am

Children will leave from worship for a fun Easter candy hunt, crafts and activities. Children will be divided into small groups with similar ages to increase the fun!

Summer Mission Trip - Are you called to GO?

Peoples Church is gearing up for our second summer 2011 mission trip! The trip date is set for June 25-July 2, 2011. The destination is back to Urban Promise in Wilmington,DE ministering to underprivileged inner city youth.

You can view a short 2010 Mission Trip Slideshow here. It's worth a peak!

We hope to inspire some more folks to go on the trip this year, from Peoples, from other United Methodist Churches, or folks from the community who would like to experience missions. Why go on a mission trip? Missions renews your faith, 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. Church mission trips also help Christians understand and reclaim their role as being sent into the world to love and serve others in the name of Jesus Christ.

If you are interested, here is some information you need to know!

• Mission Application deadline is May 1, 2011.  No applications will be accepted after this date. You may download the online application here, fill it out on your computer, print and sign.  Or you may download the paper application here to fill out by hand.
• Registration fee is $50 due with the application.  The remaining $200 is due June 1. Additional costs include approximately $100 for food and travel expenses, although some may be covered by church fundraisers.
• Team meeting attendance is mandatory for all team members. The next meeting is scheduled for 7pm on Sunday, May 1.

Do you need more information?  Please contact Pastor Gwyneth at 619-1509.

Best of Broadway

Peoples provides rehearsal space for Best of Broadway which is scheduled for May 7 at 7:30pm. Their performance is always the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend (a great mother's day gift by the way!) at Merrill Auditorium, and raises money for the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. We hope you can attend and show your support. You can view a few more photos at the Best of Broadway Photo Album.

Chili-Chowder Challenge April 10

The Peoples UMC Chili-Chowder Challenge will be held Sunday, April 10, 11:30am, with awards and presentation at 12:45pm. We hope everyone will be able to attend this fun event, which will also serve as a fund-raiser for the June 2011 mission trip to inner city Wilmington, Delaware.
    Suggested donation $5/person or $15/family, although any amount will be accepted and those submitting chili-chowder entries attend without charge. Additional donations for our mission trip will also be welcomed.
    In addition to the challenge, there will also be drinks and baked goods for sale.
   If you would like to submit a chili or chowder entry in the challenge, or if you have any other questions about this event, please contact Fred Wade at 671-1712.

Easter Flowers

If you would like to purchase flowers to help decorate the church for Easter, and/or list your donation in memory of a loved one, please contact Chris Ward at 767.2516. Flowers may be dropped off Saturday, April 23 from 9am-5pm. Thank you.

Sunday School Mission

The Sunday School children want to make a difference in the world. Their current mission is to collect food for the South Portland Food Cupboard.  Their goal is 100 items by April 3.  As of March 27 we were half way there. To help the kids meet their goal, we are extending the collection until April 10.  So bring in those cans!

Help Rebuild Japan

Submitted by UMCOR
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is working through relief and church partners in Japan to respond to and provide immediate assistance and long-term rehabilitation. With these partners, UMCOR is meeting the most basic humanitarian needs in northern Japan such as providing clean drinking water, food, cooking and eating supplies, clothing, and fuel for heating.
   Do you want to be part of this mission?  Go to this link to Donate Now.  Or you can mail your donation to Peoples UMC c/o Kathy Brann, Financial Secretary  310 Broadway  South Portland, ME 04106 and mark it   "UMCOR Japan."
   Please contact the pastors if you are interested in joining a short-term mission team to Japan. 

District Workshops May 7 - All Welcome

. . . on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at Eliot UMC, Eliot, ME.   BECAUSE GOD FIRST LOVED US… workshops to help us reach out with the Love we have experienced   Tri-State District offers six dynamic workshops. After lunch, the afternoon session begins with a brief worship at 1:15 p.m, followed by two sets of workshops. Session A: 1:45-2:30 and Session B: 2:45-3:30. Lunch ($7.00) and childcare are provided.  If attending, please notify tri-state@neumc.org along with following information:  Name/s,  lunch count/ and childcare if needed.   Descriptions of  workshops follow:   Cancer Prayer and Support Group Ministry: cancer ministries at the local level Den Morton, a Christian cancer survivor, presents A Cancer Ministry at our District Ministry Team workshop in May. Hear what Cressey Road United Methodist Church in Gorham, Maine is doing in a ministry for those touched by cancer. Den’s presentation includes the “whys and hows” of bringing this ministry home to your church, including cancer support group dynamics, support group start-up kits, The Natural Church Development connection, resources and training, and more.   Non-violent Peacebuilding: conflict resolution is a work of faith Bethany Queior presents. This workshop explores the role of facilitator in peacebuilding conversations, some dynamics for managing group discussion, resources for training for peacebuilding, identification of our own biases, the usefulness of reactivity and/or mindfulness, and more.   Mission Opportunities in Guatemala: explore the beauty of the people, the land, and the culture Linda Brewster shares the experience of an immersion team that traveled to Guatemala in January 2011. Come to know the beauty of the land and the people and culture of Guatemala. Hear how cross cultural experiences can transform hearts. Learn about mission opportunities to Guatemala in January 2012.   Reaching out in Love: Stories of Success. Learn how Tri-State churches are reaching new people in new ways! In this session we will hear from several church communities in our district about what has worked well for them to connect with people and communities outside their doors. Prepare to be inspired and go home with new ideas about how to move from "rethink church" to action!    Rethink - Resource - Revitalize Your Church!  Alexx Wood presents a workshop to show how to involve everyone in your congregation in serving and supporting the mission of Christ in your community and the world. An overview of the denomination-wide Rethink Church campaign and mission focus is presented in this session, including information and materials to help you connect with agencies, resources, and ideas for “rethinking church” in your context.   Want to do local mission but don’t know where to start? Learn how to assess your community needs and recognize the assets in your community. Then, put them together to extend your gifts in mission and outreach. Cat Jansen, from the District Mission Team, will  lead this workshop. She has tremendous experience in local mission through Joyful Harvest in Biddeford, ME.

Welcome to a Newcomer!

We have a newcomer to Peoples UMC, born last night, March 25, 2011 to happy parents Joely and Shane.  8 pounds, 9 ounces, 20 inches.  Congrats to everyone!

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.