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.