Memorial Day and the Big Parade

Water and Parades

It has now become a tradition that a group of people from Peoples UMC will gather cases of small bottles of water for distribution of Memorial Day prior to the parade that now passes the church. Beginning as early as 9:30 AM people start gathering at their favorite spots along the parade route from SMCC to the Veteran’s Memorial at Mill Creek Park. Many find that the corners of Broadway and Mussy or Harriet Streets provide good venues to watch the various units of the parade as they pass by. It just so happens that is where Peoples United Methodist Church and Ellis Hall is.

Balloons are sold by school groups, flags are distributed by others so Peoples chose to give away water. Before the water is handed out, carefully printed wrapped paper with the Peoples Logo was placed around the bottle. Coffee as an offering in addition to the water has recently been added to the free drinks. This writer observed Kathy, Betty, Jody, Pastor Tom, and Carol distributing the bottles with others from church at least looking on.

We thank the Lord for clearing the weather, allowing the water to be donated, and the strength of Peoples people in mission to the community for making this event possible.

Serving At The Root Cellar

PUMC Serves Supper at the Root Cellar

On average, a crew of folks from Peoples UMC have served supper meals 4 times a year for several years at Portland’s Root Cellar. The Root Cellar is a Christianity-based and supported  service agency located on Washington Avenue in Portland. Services for families and especially children have helped hundreds of folks in the immediate area become established following, sometimes hazardous and dangerous escapes from foreign countries.

Peoples often served families in the past, but more frequently the meals we have prepared feed children and their counselors. On Thursday, May 23 the crew including, Carol, Barbara, Kathy, Susan, Marlene and Art arrived around 5 PM to prepare a Spaghetti meal served with salad, meatballs, bread, drink and dessert. At 6 PM Peggy and Scott from the Root Cellar got things underway with a prayer. The kids then lined up at the serving window to get their meals minus the dessert; that would come later.

By 7 PM, all had been served, a short program had been held, and the kids had moved a lot of food donations from the kitchen area to the big hall for family distribution on the next day. It was then that they could pick up their dessert and head home. By the time they were ready to leave the crew from Peoples was ready to head for home also. Most of the kids did thank us as they were passing out the door.

The next meal we will serve will not be until this fall. We would like to encourage others from the Peoples congregation to take this short venture into mission, near our homes. Let Pastor Tom or Carol Bruneau (Chairperson for Church Life) know of you interest

PUMC Bean Suppah Season Closes

Third Saturday of the Month

From the Third Saturday of September through the Third Saturday of May a crew of people from Peoples Church is often seen in and around the kitchen of Ellis Hall preparing to serve a Bean Supper to the public. The crew working in the kitchen on May 18 included Tom and Barbara, Becky, Ted, Dave, Chuck, Rosemary, Richard, Keith and Chris. Assisting in the collection department were Susan and Carol and cutting pies was Paul. Janice and Jan perused the hall supplying water, punch, coffee or tea. Tables and chairs had been set up by those who had taken them down from the morning Plant sale. They were assisted by a Scout family from Troop 23 who’s home base is Ellis Hall.

People start coming by 4 PM in order to get the “first seats”. This month the numbers of attendees was rather small yet well worth the effort. Serving on this occasion began by 4:50 PM. Before eating Chris and Pastor Tom issued an invitation to church and announced other events in the life of the church. Pastor Tom gave a blessing before the meal. Buffet style serving is always the rule at this venue. Beans are home baked and members of the church supply a variety of casseroles as well as the pies. Coleslaw is prepared and a variety of bread choices are available as well. The rule of the day is that people can go through the line once considering that there are others to follow. Once all receive their first plate they may go back for more. By 6 PM most everyone is finished and on their way home or another engagement. A number of people usually are engaged in clean up, washing dishes, picking up tables and chairs after the meal.  Everyone is usually gone by 7 PM.

In the past two years Kathy has run a Mini-fair with craft goods, books and baked goods for people to purchase. This has added another dimension to the evening that has proved popular with attendees and is a valued ministry.

This writer thanks all who participate in this ministry. It is with the cooperation of many seen and unseen that the monthly bean supper continues successfully to provide fellowship for those that work on it and a feeling of community for those attending.

 

This Is Our Father's World---Let Us Be Glad and Share In It

This Is Our Father’s World---Let Us Be Glad and Share In It

On Saturday, May 18 the culmination of weeks of Spring growth of plants and shrubs evolved into the opportunity to share and sell plants the Lord has allowed to grow in the gardens of  Peoples United Methodist Church members. The Peoples Garden Club sponsored its annual Plant Sale in the parking lot of Ellis Hall. Most of the over 300 plants were potted over the last two weeks so that they might adjust to life temporarily in a pot.

Susan, Kathy, Carol and Marlene sorted plants on Friday evening with the help of Dave, Brad, Walter and Art. Plants were arranged by type and set on the appropriate tables. A price for the plants was agreed upon by the Garden club members and an appropriate color marker was placed on each pot or bag. Most of the plants were from the gardens of Janice, Joanne, Doreen, Ruth, Susan, Carol and Marlene. Carol’s daughter, Beth, helped with potting plants and delivery.

On Saturday morning workers, in addition to the above mentioned Club members, now included Rosemary, Jim and son and Chuck. We all arrived by 8:00 AM and began to move the tables and plants to the parking lot where a gorgeous Spring day promised a wonderful day to work out doors. Many other Plant Sales were being held elsewhere and many people were out looking for a single plant or many to take home for their own gardens. This event is a wonderful way to share the blessings of our landscapes with others.

Before 9:00 AM people began to arrive, to peruse the plants, to make selections, to pay for their purchases and to take their new finds home. Many people were long time gardeners themselves but many were novices. Marlene and Carol were able to explain the growth habits and where a plant might best grow to anyone who asked. Likewise Walter, David and Art assisted in talking about the plants.

Some landscaping tools and an old anchor were also available for purchase. These items had been supplied by Walter who had collected them from his business of landscaping.

By noon many of the plants had been sold as well as the above mentioned tools. With the sale of the anchor and more plants sold at the evening’s bean supper and after church on Sunday, the plant sale was a big success.

The Lord does supply us with our needs and it is a pleasure to be able to share what he nurtures around our homes with others as well as to make Peoples a more inviting place for people to come and share.

Peoples Spring Clean-up and Men's Breakfast

Spring Clean-up and Breakfast at Peoples United Methodist Church

On Saturday, May 11, 2013 the day began early with Breakfast in the vestry. Sixteen men and women enjoyed the French Toast, Sausage and Bacon that was prepared by Chef Brad. Several conversations could be heard and a few rousing guffaws were issued by one or another of the attendees. Breakfast was to be followed by a workday outside to clean up the grounds. Alas, Mother Nature decided to supply her grounds with a bit of natural water making it more than difficult to mow and trim.

Knowing that there was plenty to do within the building a number of projects were undertaken by those in attendance. Betty and Barbara went to the sanctuary and polished the pews, Susan and Becky G. cleaned many of the windows in the lower part of the church while Dave and Art worked on the windows in Ellis Hall and the Breezeway. A group of the men present moved some of the pews that had been stored in the vestry to the storage garage on the property of the parsonage. Walter and Chuck did some work at the parsonage.

Doreen and Jim MacDonald worked in a number of nooks and crannies as did Jim MacKinnon and Brad.

At 9 AM the Garden committee held a meeting in the vestry to determine what they would be doing with the Memorial Garden and expanding gardens in front of Ellis Hall. Doreen, Carol, Marlene, Tom N. and Walter attended the meeting. In addition to the garden discussion proceeds of the Plant Sale scheduled for May 18 was also discussed. If you are reading this before Saturday, the 18^th, come on down to the parking lot at Ellis Hall. You are bound to find something to plant in your own gardens. Proceeds will be used to continue to beautify the church property and also make a donation  to the church as well.

In time the rain stopped and the sun came out periodically. The 18 people who came for the clean-up moved to the garden, the front shrubs, and the outside of windows. By noon all of the windows had been cleaned and the Memorial garden was well on its way to its intended beauty thanks to the dedication of Carol, Marlene, Doreen and Tom Nelson. Oh, and there was Barbara cleaning out the refuse under the shrubs at the front of the church.

Much was accomplished yet it was not the day to mow the lawns, trim the shrubs and rake the leaves. If you have some time and a mower you may wish to volunteer your services on occasion to take care of this part of “Spring cleanup” or for that matter at other times during the summer and fall.

It certainly is more fun and less labor when we share the work and do as the Lord would have us do with “His World.”

Peoples UMC Annual Plant Sale

Peoples Garden Group To Hold Annual Plant Sale

If you are looking to find new plantings for your gardens you just might want to stop by the Peoples Methodist Church parking lot between the hours of 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Saturday, May 18, 2013. You may be surprised to find something that you have been wanting for a long time or you may come across a strikingly new plant to accent your  garden.

All of the plants that will be available have been raised in the gardens of parishioners. Many of those folks will be manning the tables and will be able to tell you what to expect from what you may be buying.

If you are a member of Peoples and have thought about getting a garden started or you have plants to contribute to the sale feel free to be a part of the extravaganza.

HOLY WEEK AT PEOPLES

Here is our Holy Week Schedule at Peoples UMC:
Sunday March 24 10 am--Palm Sunday Service
Thursday March 28 7 pm--Maundy Thursday Service
Friday March 29 7 pm--Good Friday Tenebrae Service
Sunday March 31 6:15 am--Easter Sunrise Service @ Fisherman's Point
                                              Breakfast at Ellis Hall following Sunrise Service
                              10 am--Easter Service @ Peoples

Casco Bay Cluster Develops Interesting Lenten Series

 

 Casco Bay Cluster Develops Interesting Lenten Services

This year’s Cluster services have taken a different tact and for those that have attended they have found meaningful messages while enjoying the fellowship of sharing a meal each week.

Ash Wednesday at the Cape Elizabeth United Methodist Church ushered in the Lenten Season with a nourishing and filling Pot Luck Supper. We had the opportunity to sit with people from other churches in the Cluster and perhaps became more familiar with each other and less distant. Once the meal was over we all stayed in our places around the White Cross created by putting the tables in that kind of configuration. While the service progressed with Bach’s music played on the piano, several attendees were invited to read from the scriptures that had been prepared by Pastor Ruth Morrison. Following the music and readings we then were given a small square piece of purple crepe paper upon which we wrote a prayer. We then were asked to crumple it up, then open it again and role it as a tube. This was placed on a saucer, with the paper standing up. We lit a Myrrh stick, touched it to the paper which burned down to ash, but was lifted heaven ward carrying our prayers in the direction of heaven. Some went quite high toward the cathedral ceiling before falling once again in spent ash. Some of the folks used that to mark the sign of the cross on the forehead of others. In all it was a very meaningful service and one I personally was glad to attend.

On the second Wednesday in Lent we journeyed to Thornton Heights United Methodist Church where we were greeted by Pastor Lynn Campbell where she asked us to enter the sanctuary to listen to Taize music which helped us enter a spiritual state. When it was time to move to another room for supper two women were at the back of the sanctuary with two large bowls of warm water.  Our hands were cleansed and wiped before going to the fellowship room for the meal.  The blessing was given and then we headed for the outside hall where we experienced yet another succulent repast while sharing conversation across the table with folks who in most instances were from other churches in the Cluster. Following the meal, readings were presented and some music was experienced. For the second week an offering was collected, designed to support a medical practice being established in Guatemala. The hope is to raise at least $2000 to match a $2000 gift that is already in place to go with additional funds being collected throughout the Tri-State District during Lent.

The third Lenten Service was cancelled due to the poor weather on that Wednesday night. The service was to be held at West Scarborough UMC. Pastor Priscilla Dreyman indicated that they will plan to do something to make up for the missed night sometime after Easter.

Lenten Service and Meal Four was held last Wednesday evening at Peoples UMC and held in Ellis Hall. Nearly 50 folks arrived to a table arrangement similar to what it was at the Cape Elizabeth Church. Pastor Tom Frey offered a blessing of the food which again was pot luck and served as a buffet. Following the meal, scriptural readings were read by volunteers scattered around the table which in turn were separated by hymns appropriate to the season. Peoples Choir sang a number also. Pastor Tom led us in the Ionian form of communion closing the program for the evening.

There are still two more Lenten services to come with that scheduled for Wednesday, March 13 occurring at Elm Street UMC in Pleasantdale and the last scheduled for March 27 to be held at First UMC located on Brown’s Hill. Both of those services will also include a pot luck supper as well as a spiritual service. Time for the meal and program begins at 6:00 PM.

If you have not been to those services included above I’m sure your presence will be welcome at the last two services and meals. Please bring something to share with others. It seems that each week that these services have been held the host church has seen the highest attendance, but one significant part of these joint events is that we have a chance to share and to talk with other brothers and sisters in Methodism and in Jesus Christ.

Ministry Challenge

          COME JOIN THE LENTEN MINISTRY CHALLENGE

       The ministry challenge is designed, as part of our Lenten discipline to provide second tier giving to a designated fund.

       Three baskets in the rear of the Sanctuary are each designated for a different ministry.  Over the season of Lent, we will accept contributions and keep track as to which fund receives the most support.

       All are worthwhile causes, worthy of your prayerful consideration.  

       When the season of Lent concludes, the ministry with the most support will receive a $100 bonus offering.  The second will receive a $50 bonus offering and the third a $25 bonus offering.

       We feature three circles of mission!

      

1} CIRCLE ONE:  PEOPLES CHURCH

       Several months ago the Trustees agreed to enter into a process that would make our worship space safer, more open and inviting.

         Because of safety concerns, the project began with the hope that people would support the work after it was done.

         While some responded to the appeal to help pay for the new carpeting and flooring, not enough was raised to cover the entire project.

         At the time we entered the project, we lost our sound system and sanctuary computer technology.  A borrowed computer and the efforts of Fred Wade have helped us get by, but we know a new sound system is needed and a laptop is needed for worship.

         Our organ is also in need of considerable maintenance work.

         As our worship service is the introduction many have to our community, and we want the opportunity to enhance how we worship together, we are asking for support to move ahead and complete the sanctuary project.

2} CIRCLE TWO:  LOCAL OUTREACH

         As we strive to reach those in our local community, our focus for children and families has been both the Community Carnival and Vacation Bible School. 

         At the carnival we provide food, activities and games at no cost to the participants and all are welcome to attend.

         VBS is a fun way to introduce young people to Christ through music, crafts, games and fun, also at no cost to participants.

         These are expensive undertakings that our current level of pledges will not cover.  Generous gifts allowed the events to take place last year.

         We would like to be able to ensure this outreach continues and grows.  Funds given to this circle will help that to happen.

3} CIRCLE THREE:  GLOBAL OUTREACH

         The United Methodist Church is heavily involved in national and international mission projects.  As a denomination we have built schools and hospitals, provided malaria nets and clean food and water to those in need.

         UMCOR is a first responder to areas affected by natural disasters, helping provide necessities to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, etc.

         This circle is designated to our Mission Shares that fund these ministries and guarantee that 100 percent of all contributions go to relief efforts.

Celebration of Advent 2012

For the 25th year in a row the people of Peoples United Methodist Church have produced an Advent Meditation booklet. Many members have contributed to the meditations that provide the reader with a daily devotion from Sunday, December 2 until Tuesday, January 1. The booklet also features the words of several appropriate hymns and carols. A history of the celebration of Christmas is also included. We encourage you to pick up your copy and perhaps you know of others who also might be spiritually uplifted by the stories, Bible verses and prayers that the booklet provides. We do ask if possible that a donation of money might be made to defray the cost of publication.

 

 

Celebration of Advent 2012

Peoples United Methodist Church

 

 

 

 Advent Meditations

Donations to help defray the cost of publication will be accepted.

Available At The Back Of The Sanctuary

PEOPLES UMC ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

Dec. 1—Saturday—Christmas Fair—9 am

Dec. 2—First Sunday of Advent:                                                                            Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.                                                                        Hanging of the Greens Service & Toy Drive—10 am.                                                  After Worship Advent Wreath Making.        See Rosemary to sign up.

Dec. 8—Saturday—Men’s Breakfast—7:30 am

Dec. 9—Second Sunday of Advent:                                                                             As Shepherds Watched Their Flock By Night—10 am

Dec. 15—Saturday—Bean Supper—5 pm

Dec. 16—Third Sunday of Advent:                                                                              The Friendly Beasts—Children’s Pageant—10 am

Dec. 16--Blue Christmas Service @ Thornton Heights UMC--7 pm

Dec. 22—Annual Frey Cookie Party @ parsonage

Dec. 23—Fourth Sunday of Advent:                                                                          Hark The Herald Angels Sing—10 am

Dec. 24—Monday—Christmas Eve Service—7 pm

“LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF”:

CANNED/NON-PERISHABLE FOOD DRIVE

FOR SO. PORTLAND FOOD PANTRY

            This month, we can share God’s love with our neighbors by collecting canned/non-perishable food items to the So. Portland Food Pantry, located at St. John the Evangelist Church on Main St. The Food Pantry serves people with a family income below 150% of the poverty level, including nearly 1,700 children and 300 seniors. In these hard times, need has increased but donations have not. The Food Pantry is not-for-profit, pays no rent or utilities to St. John’s, and its staff are volunteers; all donations go to our neighbors in need.

            When Jesus was asked what was most important in life, he said, “Love the Lord your God, and love your neighbor as yourself.” “Food insecurity” affects the health and well-being of our neighbors and our community. Each donation, however small, will help someone physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Please bring canned/non-perishable food items to worship on Sunday, place them on the communion rail, and watch God’s love and provision multiply during November! A list of Shopping Suggestions is attached.

            Any questions, or if you need assistance getting your donation to church, contact Ellen Dunn at 767-8049 or yadoo@aol.com . Thank you!