November Peoples Senior Luncheon

November Community Luncheon

Dick a the keyboard

On November eighth Peoples UMC held its monthly Senior Community Luncheon. By 9:30 AM a crew of men and women began setting up the tables, covering them with appropriately fall colored table cloths then set silverware and napkins in place. Pam D had acquired some cute stand up turkeys for centerpieces.

Pastor Tom, Rosemary and others

Early arriving guests began arriving around 10:30 AM for an early cup of coffee and a chance to talk with friends. While guests were arriving Brad M, Rosemary and Len with help from Dick S and others were beginning to prepare the meal that would be served to the guests after the entertainment that was scheduled for 11:30 AM.

Kitchen crew

Resting after setting Ellis Hall up

By the time for entertainment most of the guests had passed through the table where greeters Joanne and Susan willingly collected money for the meal. The amount of money collected from each individual would help to defray the expenses of decorations and the food prepared for the meal. This day’s meal would be Turkey and gravy, mashed potato and sliced acorn squash. Rolls, cranberry sauce and water jugs were also place on each of 11 tables.

Patty Medina and Marlene

Patty and her skinny friend

Friends from Spurwink

Orange table

Before the meal was to be served by any of several servers that had been assigned by Marlene T, she had introduced Patty Medina, a fitness expert and trainer, who does run a program on Monday, Wednesday and Friday around 10:00 AM  here in Ellis Hall. She spoke first about connections we have in not exercising properly or enough and some of the ailments and pains that are bodies sustain through arthritis, bursitis, and other painful conditions. She used a skeleton and several charts to show bone issues as well as nerve and muscle issues. To close out the program she had those who could stand do some of the exercises that she uses in her classes.   Patty was well received and one could hear that some of those attending would like to join her regular program.

Table decorations

Servers prepared to do their job

Check in with Susan and Joanne

Marlene thanked Patty for her program and then introduced Pastor Tom to give the blessing for the meal. While a few guests were straggling in the kitchen crew and the servers teamed to deliver the meals to the 65 guests who had come. Once the meals were served those who were working in the kitchen and the servers could sit down and enjoy the meal scattered throughout the guests. Rosemary had prepared pumpkin bars with whipped cream which were then delivered guests.

People listening to Patty

Friends with coffee

There were at least 18 folks from the church who helped in the setup of Ellis Hall, worked in the kitchen, or helped serve the guests. We do believe a good time was had by all.

 December 13 is the date of the next Senior Community Luncheon. The entertainment for that event will be The Flukes, a local Ukulele band that has become quite popular.

A little exercise with Patty

     As 2018 nears its end, it is time to consider how we may best share our time and talents with the church.  In January, the Church Council hopes to establish the make up of each church committee and team.
     So, now is the time to consider how you can step up and help.  Now is the time to talk to other committee members to see what is involved.  To keep providing ministry and services, we need to come together to vision, plan and execute the daily functioning of Peoples.
     Here is a list of some of the opportunities to serve.  There are openings on all committees and teams.  Many hands make light work, so we ask to you to prayerfully consider your place in the ministry of Peoples and we thank you for your discernment and help.

CHURCH COUNCIL:  This is the overseeing body of the work of the church.  A representative from each of the other committees is asked to serve as we keep each other informed as to what each group is undertaking.  There are also ad-hoc members of this committee who serve not as representatives of other groups, but to supply other ideas and considerations.   This team is also where visioning is taking place.  Where will we be in five years?  What are the gifts and graces of our community?  Where should we be focusing our energy and resources?  The committee meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.   If you’d like to be part of this looking toward tomorrow, please see Pastor Tom about joining this committee.

STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS (SPRC):  This is a group that works with the pastor to better serve the community.  They do an annual review of the pastor’s work, as well as all paid employees of the church.  They work with the conference in matters of pastoral change and other related issues.  To belong to this committee you must be a full member of Peoples.  There is a limit of nine that can serve.  The committee meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 2:15 pm.  (The day/time is flexible if it does not meet your availability.) If you would like more information, please speak with Pastor Tom or Keith Snoddy.

FINANCE:  While this group reviews budget numbers, it is not just about accounting.  Most of the focus of this group is visioning how to best teach and/or demonstrate stewardship as a foundation of our faith.  Meetings are the Thursday before the Church Council meeting at 6 pm.  If you’d like to know more, please see Pastor Tom, Kathy Brann or Sue Angell.

CHURCH LIFE:  This committee is really a large umbrella that covers many areas of interest.  Church Social Events, Christian Education,  Outreach Ministries, all fall under the heading of Church Life.  You need not be involved in each of these areas.  If your passion is for a specific area or event, you are welcome to join and participate in the creation, planning and development of your area of interest.  If curious, please see Pastor Tom, Carol Bruneau or Rosemary Herd for more information.

TRUSTEES:  This group maintains the church and parsonage buildings and properties.  They meet the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.  There is a limit of nine members on this board. If interested, please see Walter Greer, Brad Morrison or Pastor Tom.

SUNDAY SCHOOL/NURSERY: Spend some time with our children.  You’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn. Circumstances have made our need great in this area, as we need a Sunday School Superintendent to oversee the children’s faith growth and a nursery coordinator to schedule volunteers for this vital ministry.. Please see Pastor Tom if called to this ministry!

BUT I CAN’T MAKE IT TO MEETINGS VOLUNTEERS:  There are ways to serve that do not require monthly meetings and can even be done at home. If you’d like to learn how to help, please see Pastor Tom or any of the listed names in your area of interest.

AND LET’S NOT FORGET:  We have so many other groups that provide vital ministries to the community—The Worship Team, Choir, Bell Choir, The Prayer Shawl/Craft Ministry, The Men’s Group, United Methodist Women, The Garden Club, Church Archives, serving at the Bean Suppers to name a few.  We can always use extra hands and hearts.

October Senior Luncheon

October Senior Community Luncheon

October 11, 2018

Centerpieces for the season

Early arrivals: Wealthy and Linda

Over 65 folks including guests from the community and our own workers gathered in Ellis Hall for fellowship, entertainment and a meal. A crew of callers had all worked to get the word out a week in advance and colorful posters had been hung in various senior housing as well as the church more than a week before the event. Brad was again our chef in preparing a beef stew, a tossed salad and biscuits while Rosemary baked apple brownies. The meal would be served around 12 noon after a spectacular bit of entertainment was concluded.

Eric on piano

Eric and Morgan Peppe

The entertainment for this month was Eric Peppe on the piano and his 16 year-old daughter, Morgan, who is a virtuoso on the violin. All who were present were in awe of her playing. She played a number of classical pieces as well as a soulful version of the Irish classic, “Danny Boy”. Eric had actually come in the day before and tuned the piano, which had not been done for quite some time.  As Debbie commented at Choir practice later that evening she said how remarkably better the piano sounded and played.

Eric and Morgan

Morgan and her violin

Shortly after noon Pastor Tom gave a blessing for the day, program, the meal and all present.

Soon those of the church who had come to serve the food were busily bringing the stew, salad and biscuits to the tables. Everything moved so swiftly that even the staff was sitting within 5 minutes to eat their meal as well. I’m sure the Lord must have been with Brad when he planned the menu months before this luncheon. It was a rainy, dreary and relatively cold day beyond the walls of Ellis Hall, but the stew was still steaming when served to the guests.

Before 2 o’clock most everything was packed up and everyone was on their way home.

Pastor Tom prays for all

We certainly thank all those that came both to enjoy themselves and to serve the community.

Serving crew

In writing this piece for the blog I do wish to especially thank Brad and Marlene for their organization and gifts.

Marlene the Emcee

A view of the guests

Another view of the guests

Senior Luncheons Resume

Dick and his piano

Brad prepares the meal

A little cribbage before the program

On September 13, 2018 the Peoples UMC sponsored Senior Community Luncheon schedule resumed for the 2018-2019 seasons. The crew of 21 workers set up tables, chairs, silverware and napkins before 10:30 AM. Pam D was responsible for decorating the tables with bouquets of Cone shaped Hydrangeas. While the set up in Ellis Hall was going on Brad was busy at work preparing the meal in the kitchen.

Dick Miller set up his electric piano and regaled us with his music until it was time for the program of the day. A few folks came early to play games, notably cribbage which we were prepared to set up and provide. Carol B was accommodating to the two ladies and sat and played cards with them.

Dan and Lin

Judy and Janice

Hydrangeas for the tables

Pastor Tom and Rosemary

Marlene and Raychell

Marlene Susan and Joanne

Raychell making presentation from Broadway Gardens

Succulents for indoor gardening

Listening to program

Handouts

By 11:30 AM a number of the guests had arrived, in time totaling 34. It was also time for Marlene to introduce the guest speaker/presenter for this day. Raychell Libby from Broadway Gardens presented a very interesting program on Succulent Plants and gardens. She developed a terrarium of such plants and brought enough plants that if anyone wanted them they could take a few plants for themselves along with a plan on how to care for them. She also provided a discount card for anyone to use at Broadway Gardens. Her program kept most people very interested in what she had to say both during her presentation and during the question period that followed.

Intently listening audience

Before the program had begun Pastor Tom gave a blessing on the program and the meal that would follow.

Earle Wealthy and Mary with others

At noon several members of the serving crew then delivered individual meals to all of the guests and then sat for the meal themselves. Brad had prepared a meal of chicken, green beans, and noodles with plenty of bread for all. Servers the passed out blueberry cake for those that wanted it---and I didn’t see many that refused it!

Again the crew came through and we thank all who worked on it and came for the entertainment and the meal.

And a few others waiting for lunch

Next month the meal and entertainment will take place on October 11. Hope to see you there!

19 Members of Peoples see the movie, “Moses”

On the evening of September13 19 folks representing Peoples UMC joined other folks at Cinimagic Theaters in Westbrook for a night at the movies. We had all come to see the Sight and Sound theaters presentation of “Moses”. The film had been developed from the on-stage performance of the Christian musical of the same name. The film followed the life of Moses from childhood to his final days. As authentic to the Biblical story as possible we watched the relationships of mother, brother and sister and Moses with the world of their times through acting and song. It showed Moses relationship to God and where and how God spoke to him sometimes God convincing Moses to do things that he was very uncomfortable with. Sight and Sound theaters are located in Strasbourg, Pa and Branson, Mo. The theaters in both locations usually have one musical a year and then often switch what was produced in either one to the other theater. They usually break before Christmas for a Christmas show but this year will be continuing “Jesus” through January. It often is very difficult to get tickets this year because of the offering.

AUTUMN HAPPENINGS

Where did the summer go?  Wanted to give a heads up as we get back into the fall pattern of the life and ministries of Peoples UMC.

Some dates to keep in mind:

SEPT. 9--Move back to Sanctuary.  New sermon series begins

SEPT. 13--Monthly Community Luncheons resume                     

SEPT. 15--First Bean Supper of the year!

SEPT. 17--Church Conference

SEPT. 29--Christmas Fair Craft Day

ALSO ON THE HORIZON

Sept. 16-30:  School Food Locker Collection

It’s never too early to submit your Advent Meditations!

Nov. 4-25:  Food Pantry Food Drive

Nov. 11-Dec. 2:  Root Cellar Toy Drive

Dec. 1:  Christmas Fair

SUMMER SERIES

     Summer has once again come to Peoples UMC and, as has been our tradition, we will offer a special message series throughout the season.
     Beginning July 1, we will be moving worship to Ellis Hall.  Worship still starts at 10 am.  This year our series will be "God's Menagerie," where each week we will look at different animals featured in scripture.
     We'll begin with a mini series within the series and examine three appearances by a snake.
On July 1, the snake from Genesis; July 8--an Exodus appearance of the snake; and on July 15 Paul encounters a snake.
     Other animals we will look at includes:  July 22--Eagle; July 29--Ants; Aug. 5--Sheep & Goats; Aug. 12--Pigs; Aug. 19--Camels; Aug. 26--Donkeys; Sept. 1--Animals on the Ark.
     Our designated outreach ministry this summer will be the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.
     Hope to see you often this summer!

P.S.--Our annual summer yard sale will happen Saturday July 14 from 8 am to noon.
PPS- The UMM is hosting our trip to Hadlock Field on July 15 (Game starts at 1 pm).

Senior Luncheon in June 2018

Peoples UMC Senior Luncheon

June 14, 2018

In honor of Flag Day

Since September of 2017 Peoples has been sponsoring and holding a Luncheon for Senior Citizens from throughout the city of South Portland. Originally the Southern Maine Agency on Aging sponsored both the Meals on Wheels Program and a once a month luncheon at the Peoples Ellis Hall site. Since that came to a close Brad Morrison and Marlene Tordoff have worked together to provide at least one element of the older program, that being the once a month meal for seniors. Brad has been the chef of record and Marlene has put together a team of church members to make calls, provide wait service for the meals, and  develop programs for each occasion. Attendance each month has increased and the number of guests are well into the 60s while the folks from the church who have worked of this event has been as many as 21.

This month’s luncheon and program held on June 14 featured homemade Lasagna, Salad, and breads with a light but colorful dessert.

Rosemary and Brad in the kitchen

Shari and Pam the collectors

Rita and Mary arrive

Table Number 3

Table Number 2

More of the kitchen crew

Table Number 1

Table Number 4

Folding the American Flag

Marlene introduces Wes

Luke , Liam and Kristina

Kristina

Meaning to 13 folds of the American Flag

Luke and Liam perform the ceremony

According to the American Legion website and their flag etiquette the following is their 13 Fold meanings that the Sea Scouts presented to the audience:

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

1. The second fold signifies our belief in eternal life.
2. The third fold is made in honor and tribute of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace.
3. The fourth fold exemplifies our weaker nature as citizens trusting in God; it is to Him we turn for His divine guidance.
4. The fifth fold is an acknowledgment to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong.”
5. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
6. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies.
7. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.
8. The ninth fold is an honor to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty, and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
9. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first-born.
10. The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
11. The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
12. The last fold, when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “In God We Trust.”

Already for lunch

This luncheon for seniors is the last until we begin again on September 13. We look forward to meeting with and for all the seniors in providing the service we have been able to provide for the community.