Model Community

When Earle Harvey signed up Peoples to put on a dinner and worships service at the Root Cellar in Portland, it seemed like we were there to help them. Little did I know they had much more to offer to us.

The first challenge for the evening came when the director called aside a few of our number to go out and gather the kids from the neighborhood and invite them to dinner. Doreen Gay was one that reluctantly went on the adventure. Before long, it was clear that it was a fun time to meet the local kids of various nationalities that were glad to join the gang for a meal. She said that it was a very special opportunity and much more joyful than scary once they got going under the confident leadership of our hosts.

The next surprise came for me as I sat down to meet some of the group coming for the meal. It seemed everyone I met was a volunteer. I thought, I wanted to meet those from the community, not the volunteers. It took me a while to figure out, all those volunteers were the same folk from the community that the Root Cellar was there to help.

They have an excellent model for Christian ministry that invites people to both receive their hospitality as well as joining the community offering hospitality. The Root Cellar offers medical and dental services, youth and adult classes in reading, English and computers and afterschool programs, a teen center and much more.

It was a privilege to serve there. It was a safe, comfortable and pleasant place to both see and be the Body of Christ at work. Please join with us the next time we get a chance to serve there.

Tri-State District Conference

Pastor Gwyneth and Shirley Wallace attended the Tri-State District Conference on Saturday, September 23 held at St. Johns UMC in NH. In the past, this conference has mostly been business meeting style. However, this Fall conference brought some new vision from our new District Superintendants, Revs. Mike and Jan Davis. Worship included testimonies of personal faith and missional callings. And after some of the business was taken care of, workshops were offered on a variety of topics. Shirley and Gwyneth attended one workshop led by Rev. David Calhoun at the W. Scarborough UMC on growing congregations by becoming more welcoming of visitors, and one where we could ask the district superintendents any question on our minds. Both workshops were very informative, and Shirley or Gwyneth would be happy to talk to you about them.

Fun and Informative Party

Thanks to Rosemary, Earle and everyone else that helped make our first block party a success.

With food, games and a wonderful presentation by the South Portland Fire Department, it was a great place to be on a rainy day. Tom Blake's presentation covered not just fire safety, but full home safety including electrical, drowning and falling accidents. He used an interactive demonstration home that helped the kids search for hazards and hidden surprises. The rain probably kept away some of the crowd, but all who attended had a great time. Fliers went out to a large part of our neighborhood so many beyond those in attendance have a new sense of what we are up to as a church.

One neighbor from Mussey St. offered to help plan next year's celebration.

Circle of Friends

It has been some time since I've had any news from A Circle Of Friends in the newsletter. Earlier this year, upon learning of my health issues, I stepped down as Chairman of A Circle Of Friends and turned it over to Urs Schweizer in Zurich until I decided to continue this ministry, or close it down. In July, I decided to continue it.
I have been working with the people in England at the Peace One Day project. This year we have been coordinating with numerous other peace organizations at repeatedly contacting world leaders and United Nations ambassadors asking them to recognize UN Resolution A55282 - a global day of peace on September 21. This is much like the Just 1 Day effort that we led out of Peoples Church in 2004. In fact, many of the other groups working on it also helped ACOF do Just 1 Day - Bridges For Peace, Grandmothers For Peace, Global Council of Peace, Women in Black and the Star Council. What great friends we've made as the battle for peace continues.
I have also been dealing with new friends on the other side of the Atlantic about a little project we have been working on for over a year now called The Chrysalis Project. While nothing may come of it, it's still always nice to add new friends to our fellowship.
Regina in China reports that there has been an upturn in government attempts to end their bible ministry there through violent raids with much destruction and injury. They usually gather in groups of 80 to 120 to worship in places where they won't attract attention but government and local authorities will only allow so much before they crack down again and again. Keep these pioneers for God in your prayers.
Please also remember to keep in your prayers: Our brothers and sisters at All Saints Church in Beirut as a fragile cease fire takes hold. We still have not heard if they have returned to church or even if there IS a church still there.
Our brothers and sisters in Mexico which is going through a VERY uneasy and potentially dangerous time with President Fox stepping down and two different men claiming the presidency.
Jean Pierre & Chantal van Noppen In Brussels, Belgium need our continued prayers for Chantal's VERY serious illness. Pastor Dung Nguyen in Vietnam has been forced out of his church by the local government there and is searching for guidance.
Carol Partridge of Macedonia, who worked with us here during our Meals On Wheels outreach this spring just got married and is coming home to the United States in a few weeks. She may stop to join our worship service on October 29th and maybe even talk about HER Meals On Wheels at the UMC in Macedonia.
And lastly, I need help! I am putting together a booklet called "Christmas Around The World" that is, essentially complete. But I want to make and sell copies of it to raise funds for ACOF efforts and I need help printing, collating, binding and promoting it here at church, the church fair, etc. Does Peoples have a binding machine? Would anyone like to help me put a few together? I have a master copy complete if anyone would like to see it.
Till next time
Kevin Malcom

Pastors' Date Night Changing

During the summer months, the pastors have been taking their weekly date night on Wednesdays. This is the night of the sailing races out of Centerboard Yacht Club where they crew together on a J-29 racing boat (owned and scippered by Lou Profenno) from June through September. This is the best way for them to sail since they don't own a boat, and is a lot of fun (and their boat usually wins too!). The pastors then have some date time by themselves after the race. Photos: Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth with skipper, Lou Profenno, and a view from the fleet.

However, now that the sailing season is coming to a close, and Pastor Gwyneth would like to attend choir rehearsals Wednesdays, the pastors will be switching their date night to Mondays as of the second week in October. As on family days, they will not answer the cell phone during their date time but will return calls the next day, except in the case of an emergency.

Weekly Holy Communion

The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, received Holy Communion as often as possible - generally every day! But it seems we have moved away from this tradition. Most United Methodist churches today only offer Communion quarterly or monthly. During the last meeting of the General Conference in 2004, however, the recommendation was made for churches to begin offering Communion at least weekly. We have also heard some requests from parishioners, including the youth, that they would love to celebrate Communion every week. So here is your opportunity ...

Holy Communion will continue to be offered (generally) on the first Sunday of the month as part of the morning worship service. On all other weeks, Holy Communion will be offered after the normal conclusion of worship. The preaching pastor will greet people leaving, while the other pastor (after retreiving the kids from nursery!) will officiate a short Communion service up front, lasting about 10 minutes. All are welcome at the table who wish to meet Jesus there! We have been offering this time of Communion for the last few weeks and would love your feedback.

During Communion Sundays, after the conclusion of worship we will offer a time of prayer at the altar, and anointing with oil as a special healing service. If you feel led to assist in this ministry by praying with folks as they come forward, please see the pastors or lay leader (Chris Ward). This prayer and healing service will be offered monthly starting this Sunday, October 1.

Church Auction Nov 3

By Doreen Gay

As you know the annual fundraising auction of the church is on Friday, November 3rd. The viewing begins at 6:00 along with "good eats" and the live auction begins at 7:00. It is my job to coordinate all the workers needed to serve the hotdogs, chili, desserts, and drinks; as well as the runners and cashiers who assist our wonderful professional auctioneer Harold Sutherland. I also must collect and organize approximately 100 items needed in order for the auction to be a success. The church budget relies on this fundraiser and we have been very blessed with successful ones in years past.

Time is getting short and I need to step up the pace on contacting everyone to see what you might be able to do to help this year. So please prayerfully consider these areas...
1. Plan to attend and bring a friend, an auction can't be successful without bidders! Not to mention it is so much FUN, ask anyone who has gone before! Mark your calendar!
2. Donate a contemporary or antique, new or used item. Just call me if you need to know what is appropriate for our auction. Donate money to purchase hotdogs, chili, chips, and drinks! Bake a dessert or candy to be auctioned. I can customize for you a Gift Certificates for Services such as: Housecleaning, Handyman, Instrumental or Vocal Music Lessons, Lawn Maintenance and/or Snow Shoveling, Babysitting, Computer Training, Automobile Repair, A pie a week for a Month, Tailoring, as examples. A Weekend getaway at a Cottage/Timeshare/Ski Lodge, etc
3. Contact an area business for a gift certificate for merchandise or service. Please let me know who you will approach so we don't have them more than once. Here's some ideas...a restaurant, gasoline, heating oil, theater tickets, tickets to an athletic event, haircut, flowers, movie rentals, office supplies, etc.
Thank you so much for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

God Bless,
Doreen GayAuction Chairperson

Adult Sunday School Class Selects Study

Out of a list of several study books, Art Tordoff's Sunday Morning Adult class settled on a book not in the original list. We will be studying for at least the next 12 weeks , Parables from the Back Side, by J. Ellsworth Kalas. The following themes are listed as Chapters in this text: When the Good Samaritan Is Bad News, God called a party, but nobody came, The Timid Soul, The Seasons of the Soil, The Sad Story of the Embarassed Farmers, and Love Always Wins..Sometimes.
Now that we may have tweeked your interest wouldn't you like to join us for an hour on Sunday mornings in the parlor at 9 AM? Come join Earle, Keith, Marlene and I for an intriguing look at those Bible stories that we have long had an interest in and now might look at from a different angle.

Parenting Ministry Training Opportunity

Parents within the congregation, as well as from the community, can gain confidence and skills for raising responsible, productive children through the Active Parenting Program. On Wednesday, October 11, 2006, an Active Parenting Leader Training Workshop, to be held in the Boston Area at the Sheraton Newton Hotel, will equip persons to teach six- or three-session Active Parenting courses, including variations for single-parents, parenting after divorce, step-parenting, character education, Christian, Jewish, Spanish-speaking, and more.

Persons who participate in this event plus the three following days (Oct. 12-14) will be trained to train others to lead these programs. What a wonderful resource this would provide for our conference and our local congregations. This would be an empowering ministry for parents in your congregation and an enticing program to offer in the community.

The cost for Wednesday's training is only $99 with the option of three additional days (training of trainers) for an additional fee depending on how many sign up. This does not include housing, which is $119. per room per night at the Sheraton Newton, and meals, on your own except for Thursday lunch, which is provided.

Some funding is available for scholarships, and costs can be reduced if four or more United Methodists participate and if participants live close enough to Boston that they do not need hotel rooms.

Please contact the pastors with any questions. To register, call 800-825-0060 ext. 120, send an e-mail to training@activeparenting.com, or visit the website ActiveParenting.com. Or you may contact the event coordinator Jane P. Ives (JaneIves@aol.com, or 207-797-8930).

The Gathering

"The Gathering" is our new Sunday night worship service beginning on September 24th. The service will include worship music videos, prayer, scripture and creative ways to present and respond to God's word. Children are welcome to participate or play or draw in the back with toys and/or crafts related to the theme of the day. The service will be in Ellis Hall at 6pm following a free light supper beginning at 5:30pm. If you would like to add some creative flair or musical talent to this new service, please contact the pastors who are putting together a worship team to keep the service fresh and relevant.

Just For Men

The fall season brings us football and a chance to talk about it. The men's breakfast will be starting up again each second Saturday morning at 7:30. Assistant chefs are welcome to arrive early to help or armchair-quarterback. This is a great time to just sit and enjoy a heavy meal over light conversation. Please join us on September 9th.

Church Auction November 3rd

It is never too early to get started collecting items for the church auction on November 3rd. It is a night of great fun and fund raising that can me made all the better with your contribution. In addition to precious items you may have in your own home, it is very appropriate to ask stores and restaurants you frequent to donate gift certificates that could be auctioned off. Please forward any donations or questions to Doreen Gay. Thank you for your help.

New Categories for Bible Studies and Groups

In order to assist folks in selecting the right study or group, we have begun to label these with levels indicated by a number. Level 100 classes are intended for everyone. These classes will include basics of a topic, which may be applicable to new as well as life-long Christians. Topics may include such things as the Bible, the United Methodist Church, Christian doctrine and beliefs, spiritual disciplines such as prayer, the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion, or mission trip training.

Level 200 classes are intended for folks with moderate knowledge or background in the topic or as a Christian more generally. Additional degrees of Christian maturity may be necessary for someone to gain anything helpful from Level 300 and 400 classes. Some 400 level classes may be by invitation only.

Since people in the church are naturally at different levels of faith in various areas, we are offering multiple classes and groups this Fall. A full discipleship brochure is being published, but for now you can review the three classes being offered Sunday mornings on the Adult Sunday School post.

Adult Sunday School

The adult Sunday School will be expanding this Fall to include multiple options. These options include different levels and types to fit a greater variety of needs, and we hope to fill up all of these classes!

Beginning Date: Sunday, September 10
Time: 9am-10am
Place: Peoples UMC

Class 201: Art Tordoff will continue to lead a book-based study, to be selected by the group during the first meeting. Some current thoughts are:

• In the Grip of Grace, by Max Lacado
• What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey
• Confronting the Controversies, by Adam Hamilton
• Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis
• If You Want to Walk on Water You'll Have to Get Out of the Boat, by John Ortberg

Class 101: Pastor Jamie will be leading "Introduction to the Bible." This class will discuss the basics of what the Bible is, the different types of literature, an outline of the narrative and examples of studying from various portions. This class is open to both beginners and seasoned veterans of scripture who may add their insight or perhaps get a fresh view on God's Word.

Class 202: Pastor Gwyneth will be leading "Survey of the Gospel of Mark" which is a study for folks with some basic experience and knowledge about the Bible who are intereted in going a bit deeper into the narrative of one book of the Bible.

Pastors Attend Assembly

Pastors Jamie and Gwyneth attended their second year of Pastor's Assembly on August 28-30 at Geneva Point Center in NH. This year's theme was "Living Locally, Connecting Globally." Speakers included several young adults from the Beehive Collective (a social justice organization using art to communicate), Rev. Mike Clark and Rev. Aida Fernendez preaching, and Rev. Clorinda Hernandez (pastor from Nicaragua). In addition, Rev. Priscilla Dreyman offered an open art studio in the chapel (see photo) with tables set up for watercolor, ceramic tile mosaic, clay, pencil, and acryclic on fabric. In addition, the Eucharist was celebrated each morning as well as evening worship (not to mention ice cream and games after this!). It was a wonderful time of worship, connecting with other clergy, and engaging in some challenging topics.

Youth Sunday School

By Rosemary Herd

Happy September! I hope everyone has had a great summer.Sunday School will be starting up and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Hopefully, we will have enough kids to have several groups.Wouldn’t that be wonderful! I just found a new DVD for us to use called: RESCUE 911. We’re going to learn about people in The Bible who were rescued by God:Shadrach,Meshach and Abednego,Daniel,Paul and Silas,just to name a few. This going to be so exciting!

When: Sunday, September 10th
Time: 9 am-10 am
Where: Ellis Hall

For questions,please contact Rosemary Herd.

September Birthdays and Anniversaries

The following is a list of folks celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. Please take a moment to say a prayer of blessing for them:

Birthdays 2 Lynn Loranger 6 Gwyneth Arrison 7 Jennifer Nelson 11 Maxwell Brown 13 Sandra James 14 Elizabeth (Beth) Flaherty 15 Bonnie Brown Brandon Obie 20 Carolyn Teeter 21 Joanne Kamilewicz Kathleen Robinson 23 Philip Whitmore

25 Linnell Noyes Fred Yosua 26 Braden Wellington 27 Frank Seidl 30 Ruth Doughty Christy Morrison Anniversaries 15 Amy (Tordoff) & Jeremy France 17 Albert (Bert) & Melinda Marston 27 Paul & Sharon Obie 29 Frank & Sally Seidl

September Schedule: Ushers, Greeters, Nursery, etc.

The following is a list of folks responsible for various worship activities. Please contact the area coordinator if you feel led to serve in any of these areas!

Coffee Fellowship
Coordinator: Brad and Betsy Morrison
September Fellowship Team: Brad and Betsy Morrison

Ushers
Usher Coordinator: Charlie Lyons
September Usher Team: Art Tordoff, Charlie Lyons, Hank Dunn, Kevin Malcom

Worship Leader
Worship Leader Coordinator: Chris Ward
September Worship Leader: Rosemary Herd

Choirs - Raising Joyful Voices to the Lord!

The Senior Choir rehearsals will start again Wednesday, September 6 at 7pm. Junior Choir rehearsals will start again on Thursday, September 7 at 3:30pm. (These dates were just revised as of Sunday, August 27 when it was realized these were wrong in the church planning calendar).

New members are welcome! To find out more, please contact Hillie Cass or Chris Ward for Senior Choir, and Ellen Dunn for Junior Choir.

Ellis Hall Work – Great Job, Great Time!

On Saturday, August 26, twenty people worked together to remove the BIG HEAVY partitions in Ellis Hall in preparation for a new ceiling. Each door on each partition had to be disassembled, taken off the tracks, lowered to the ground, stripped of their parts, and then the paper pulled off. Then the door panels had to be broken to remove the insulation so that it could be recycled cheaply, and all of the debris cleaned up. The work was completed in just five hours, which is a miracle in itself and God was clearly present in both the work and fellowship. A big thank you to Trustees for coordinating this effort, and for ALL of you who sacrificed your time for this work.

Here are some photos of Doreen removing insulation and Becky and Kathy taking a photo break!