PUMC Stages Variety Show

PUMC Variety Show: A Big Hit

On the evening of Saturday, November 14, 2015 the latest edition of Peoples infamous Variety Shows began at 7:00 PM in Ellis Hall. Two hours later the audience left with a chuckle or a tune to remember. Over 70 folks were in attendance. While there was no admission charge well over $300 was collected in either donations or in the purchase of goodies at the refreshment booth.

The MC for the evening was Dick Matthews who has served in that capacity now for several years. Introducing acts he has become a master at and his jokes, many related to his family or in his relationships with school age children regaled us with good wholesome humor.

The first act of both the first half of the show and the second half of the show featured “The Flukes” a locally based ukulele band of 13 or 14 members. The lead for the evening was our own Fred Wade. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” was the first song on their agenda. Many in the audience were familiar with this tune and either sang along or hummed along with the band. The band later would sing and play John Denver’s “Country Road” with some of the band members switching to a Banjo Ukulele while others continued with the more familiar traditional Hawaiian style of instrument.

Following the Flukes was Marnie, known to most of us oldsters as Marilyn (Darling). She did a hilarious musical rendition of “Poor Tommy Toad” who unfortunately found his way to the middle of the road and alas his life came to an end.

It was then once again time for Sally Smith to take the staging area and give us her famous two-head piece rendition of Little Liza giving instructions to Henry. Her rendition was received with extended laughter from the audience as the story unfolded.

Merrill Kaiser with accompaniment of Debbie Cole on the piano sang two songs over the course of the two halves of the program. He brought a country-western flavor to the audience in both of his pieces. In the first act he sang “The Last Farewell” and in the second half he closed his contributions in song with, I Was Born under a Wandering Star”.

Chris Ward and Dan Doughty for several years have teamed up to sing together. In the first portion of the show they sang “Whispering Hope” with the accompaniment of Debbie. The also closed the show with the song, ”Let There Be Peace On Earth” to which they invited the audience to participate. The song was a fitting closing to the show especially since there seems to be a rash of terroristic experiences taking place in this World that can only bring fear into the lives of all.

Pat Kaiser read a piece, somewhat in poetic form, about a girl (woman) who thinks in church about people in one way and yet when she meets those same people on the way out of church speaks to and with them in an entirely different way. The story perhaps is more real than we would all like to admit. This piece was called, “The Frivolous Girl In Church”.

The youngest person in the show is the son of MC Dick. Aaron Matthews sang a popular number from years past, Games People Play” that would have been familiar to many of those attending this show. You could tell who was familiar with the number as many joined in with the “La de Dah” in the chorus.

Aaron was followed by Mariah Bowker who with great voice added much to the musical extravaganza. I am sorry that I have failed to find a way of transferring the picture that I took of Mariah. If I find a way I will edit it in later.

At the end of the first half and before intermission The Ushers took the staging area. There were 6 women and five men, all of whom have taken the role of Usher in church at some time. Many also have served in the choir. With the help of Wes Splettstoesser and others they were able to merge two songs, “Stand By Me” originally recorded by Ben E. King and “I’ll Stand By You “recorded by The Pretenders some years ago. The presentation began with the reading of Psalm 139:12 which set the stage for the two songs. After seeking someone to “Stand By Me” the response indicated that those responding said, “I’ll Stand By You”. Before they were finished the Ushers sang, “What A Wonderful World.” If folks will stand together was the thought then we would truly experience a wonderful world.

Following the Ushers a short intermission allowed those present to have refreshments that were served by Beck and Janice. Nourished, everyone was invited back to their seats, The second half opened with the Flukes again playing as mentioned above.

Marilyn teamed up with Chris and Rosemary for a number which in turn was followed by Betty Smith singing acapela the Christmas song, “Little Donkey”.

 

 

 

Christina Irace then took the stage to sing her rendition of “Halleluiah “. Christina was accompanied by her Dad on the guitar. Both her Mom and Dad are members of the Flukes.

 

 

Pastor Tom showed off his musical talent by singing a Broadway number and acting it out. One certainly felt the Broadway connection that he had in the past and, we might add, still does. His rendition of “I Love A Film Cliché” was a show stopper.

 

 

Rosemary and Marilyn followed and sang  “Try To Remember” which helped to show off their beautiful voices which also led many in the audience to remember innocent times past—or were they?

The evening of fun came to an end when Chris and Dan came forward for the closing number which was another song of complete appropriateness for this weekend when terrorist raids were taking place in Paris, in Beirut and elsewhere in the Middle East. “Let There Be Peace on Earth” while a popular song of the past was certainly a prayer that we could all share for the “Wonderful World” that God has created for us.

When the program was over many in the audience were willing to stay long enough to pick up chairs and tables and reset Ellis Hall for Sunday activities. Thanks to all of those folks that helped make this a great evening. It is amazing to see what can be done when everyone works together.

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS NEWS FROM PEOPLES

As you might expect, there is much in the works at Peoples as we celebrate the seasons of Advent and Christmas.  Our theme this year is "ANTICIPATION" and there is much to look forward to.

Throughout Advent we will be offering opportunities to reach out and benefit others.  These missions begin November 29.

PRAYER STARS

We will be increasing our involvement in assisting victims of human trafficking by collecting items to provide some basic needs.  Items being collected for the packages are:  bar of soap, wash cloth, small comb, shampoo, toothbrush & toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, socks, candy/gum, snacks, juice box or juice pouch.  We are also collecting financial donations which will be used to purchase the packing bags and any needed items.  Supporters will be offered a Prayer Star on which they can write a prayer.  The stars will be hung in the chancel.   A gathering will be held in January to put the packages together.  More information will come as the day approaches.   Of course, as always, we continue to collect Hannaford Gift Cards. 

ADVENT BOXES

Because you requested it, we bring back the Advent Boxes.  Designed to remind us of how many ways we are blessed, simply pick up a box, follow the directions, and return the box on Christmas Eve or December 27.  And, as we remember the blessings in our lives, we can share those blessings with a variety of missions throughout the world.  All donations received through the Advent Boxes will help support UMCOR first responders, UMC camp ministries, the World Service Fund (providing relief to over 100 third worls countries), and more. 

WORSHIP & EVENTS CALENDAR

 Nov. 29--First Sunday of Advent:  We gather at 10 am for our traditional Hanging of the Greens service.  Remember to bring an ornament to hang on the tree.  This is also the final day for collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Root Cellar Ministry.

Dec. 5--Victorian Christmas Fair:  Our annual fair begins at 9 am on Saturday.  Crafts, gifts, baked good, treasures, books and luncheon are featured.  

Dec. 6--Second Sunday of Advent:  Our Advent theme continues in worship at 10 am with the message "Stepping Out Of The Darkness."

Dec. 13--Third Sunday of Advent:  Peoples celebrates its new partnership with Spiral Arts with a Christmas card making workshop in the Vestry following worship.  Refreshments will be provided.  Our message in worship is "Priorities."  A Hymn Sing will begin in the Sanctuary at 9:45 am!

Dec. 20--Fourth Sunday of Advent:  Worship is at 10 am and our message will be "Great Expectations"

Dec. 21--Blue Christmas Service:  The Christmas season can be a difficult time for many.  It is hard to deal with loss and other challenges, especially during time of year.  This service acknowledges those struggles as we gather to offer support and comfort.  We gather at 7 pm on this, the longest night of the year.

Dec. 24--Christmas Eve:  Please join us at 7 PM for a candlelight service of Lessons and Carols.

Dec. 27--First Sunday After Christmas:  We continue celebrating the Christmas season in worship at 10 am with a Christmas Cantata.

Jan. 3--Epiphany Sunday:  We gather for a special service at 10 am, where we will take a musical journey through the liturgical year.

Please check our Facebook page and Sunday bulletins for more information and regular updates.  See you at PEOPLES during this most joyous season.

Fall Cleanup, Great Turnout

Fall Cleanup at Peoples

Arriving at Peoples UMC on Saturday, November 7 around 9 AM I was surprised to see an army of people of all ages working inside and outside of the church during the annual fall cleanup activity. There were many folks raking and bagging leaves on the parsonage lawn, the front lawns of the church and also on the Harriet Street side and around the back parking lot.

Another group of folks were working inside Ellis Hall cleaning tables and making them sparkle. Jim MacDonald and his crew had washed and waxed the floors throughout Ellis Hall and the vestry during the week and they just glistened.

Back outside a crew of men were working on repairs to the parsonage garage that included Dan and Brad. Look up to the gutters around Ellis Hall and one would see Tom H. cleaning the gutters and John with a bucket extended receiving the leaves that Tom was finding in the gutters.

Out front the flower beds were being cleaned and put to rest for the winter. There was Walter, Tom N. Doreen and Marlene clipping, trimming and moving plants and objects that need to be changed for winter storage. Everywhere one gathered you could see Troop 23 Scouts raking, bagging and trimming the lawn areas. A number of their parents were also in the clean-up crews.

Around the back parking lot and children’s play yard one would find Janice and Art and various other visitors over time raking, blowing, vacuuming and bagging leaves that had swirled into the yard and catching in the fencing that protects the yard from traffic.

The most unusual activity visible to those watching was one that involved Chuck and Pastor Tom primarily. For some months the church bell has not been rung because of some mystery. The only means of getting in to the bell tower is from the outside panel at the back of the tower. Fearless Chuck and Pastor Tom were elevated to that level via a motorized lift. Once the panel on the tower was opened Chuck was able to discern that the rope pull needed to be refastened to the bell apparatus. With the ringing of the bell half an hour later we observers could tell that the bell, originally purchased and barged to the Ferry Village Church back in the 1880’s from a closed Portland church, would ring again each Sunday here on Broadway where it had hung and was rung since 1948.

We are grateful for all the folks who were part of this day that showed the true spirit of what we as a church family can do together. Thanks to all for their help.

NOVEMBER RAMBLINGS

    

     There is a chill in the air as winter approaches, but things continue to warm up at Peoples UMC. 
     The month of November is a time we offer a special focus on two ministries:  Throughout the month of November we will be holding a food drive for the local food bank and we will be collecting unwrapped new toys for the Root Cellar Christmas Shop ministry.  Items can be dropped off in the Sanctuary on Sunday mornings or in Ellis Hall during the week.
     The calendar is filling up as well:
     On Sunday, Nov. 1, we will gather at 10 am for an All Saints' Day service.
     On Saturday, Nov. 7, join us for an outdoor/indoor clean up day, as we spruce up the church for the upcoming winter.  We'll be underway by 9 am.
     All men are invited to the monthly United Methodist Men Breakfast at 7:30 am on Saturday, Nov. 14.
     Later that same day, at 7 pm, join us in Ellis Hall for some fun as we offer our Annual Variety Show.  Admission is free, but there will be a donation basket available for those who wish to support the ministries of the United Methodist Men.
     The following Saturday, Nov. 21, is our monthly Bean Supper beginning at 5 pm. 
     Aside from All Saints' Day, during worship this month we will be spending a little time with Ruth and Hannah, as well as celebrating Christ the King Sunday on Nov. 22.  We gather for worship every Sunday at 10 am and for Prayer/Study every Wednesday in Ellis Hall at 7 pm.
     The season of Advent begins Nov. 29 and we'll talk more about that as the day draws closer.  If you have not turned in your Advent Meditation for this year's book, the due date is Nov. 15.
     Please remember to check our Face Book page and Sunday bulletins for additions and updates.
                                                                         Peace.

When taking our vows of membership, we each promised to support the church through our prayer, presence, gifts, service and witness.   Each year we gather for our Church Conference (Oct. 21—6:30 p.m.) and take some time to ask ourselves how well we have kept our promise.

There are currently openings on each of our ministry teams.  Please speak with members serving on these groups, take time to prayerfully discern how to best use your gifts, then step up and become an active participant in the ministries of Peoples UMC.

If we do not do the work of the church, the work of the church does not get done.

As we enter the fall, it is time to examine where we may be called us to serve in God’s church.  Here is a listing of the different groups that oversee and maintain the ministries of Peoples UMC and a brief description about where their focus lies.  At our Annual Church Conference on Oct. 21 we as a community welcome those who step forward to serve.    It is often said that many hands make light work and we know that we best serve when all are involved and participating as best they can.   Please take some time over the coming days and prayerfully consider where your gifts lie.

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 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.  See Rosemary Herd (Sunday School) or Betsy Morrison (Nursery)

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, to name a few.  We can always use extra hands and hearts.

 

United Methodist Men/ Men's Breakfast

United Methodist Men/ Men’s Breakfast

Taken from and updated notes from Breakfast, September 12, 2015

The first breakfast for this year was held on the above date at 7:30 AM in the vestry of Peoples UMC. Those in attendance included Pastor Tom Frey, Keith Snoddy, Jim MacKinnon, Earle Harvey, Merrill Kaiser and Art Tordoff.  Brad Morrison, who was not able to attend, had prepared the meal and Keith was gracious to volunteer to do the final preparations. Thanks Keith.

Discussion which usually is the other major inclusion beside food and fellowship centered on wars of the past. To give a little more focus and direction we eventually got to discussing merging then using the term, resurrection, to describe bringing the two mentioned activities back together as it had been years ago. All present were in agreement that it would be a good and needed exercise.

What has been done since our last meeting in preparation for our next scheduled breakfast on Saturday, October 10 in the vestry at 7:30 AM is as follows:

1.      Art put together call lists and formed a team of callers which could include the following: Tom Frey, Earle Harvey, Keith Snoddy, Merrill Kaiser, Brad Morrison and Art Tordoff. Others that might like to join the callers as captains let me know. Connections will still be made through e-mail but now will include personal calls on the phone or contacts in church. The first use of these phone trees will take place during the week before the next scheduled meeting in October. There are over 40 men’s name on the list to be contacted. If anyone on the list knows of tother men that would like to join us let us know.

2.      Art has also been responsible for preparing this article for the Peoples blog

3.      Art and Earle will share some time in the pulpit or lectern on Sunday, October 4 with an informational presentation during the announcements on how this change is coming about and where we would like it to go. Merrill will make a visual for us to use during the service.

4.      We are reminded of the purposes of United Methodist Men:

a.      To declare the centrality of Christ in every man’s life

b.      To promote the spiritual growth of men through effective discipleship

c.       To model the servant leadership of Christ in our daily lives.                                                             

 

5.      Some possible work projects that men might undertake soon:

a.      A meal celebration for our Scout organizations with special emphasis on the Scouts achieving Eagle.

b.      A booth with goods at the Christmas Fair

c.       Variety Show  and more     

d.       Clean up participation around and outside the church

e.      Adopt a section of the Green belt walkway to keep clean and tidy.

 

FALL CONTINUES AT PEOPLES
As we enter into October, we continue moving forward at Peoples.  Here are a few of the things in the works in the coming days:

Through the month of October we will continue our Message Series "Be The Body," exploring what it means to be part of the church community today.  Sunday worship is at 10 am  Every Wednesday we gather for Prayer and Study at 7 pm.

Every Thursday our Bell Choir rehearses at 6 pm and our Vocal Choir rehearses at 7 pm.  You don't need to know how to read music for either group.  Make a joyful noise!

Sat.--Oct 10--7:30 am--Join the men in our congregation for their monthly breakfast meeting in the Vestry

Sun--Oct 11--9:45 am--Monthly Hymn Sing
                                   
Sat. Oct. 17--5 pm--Bean Supper

Wed. Oct 21--6:30 pm--Annual Church Conference--Come reflect on the past year in ministry and celebrate with us as we vision the coming months.

Thurs. Oct. 22--5 pm--Join us as we serve dinner at the Root Cellar in Portland

Sun. Nov. 1--10 am--All Saints' Day Worship Celebration

Sat. Nov. 7--Church Clean Up Day

For updates and additional events, please check our Facebook page and check the bulletins in Sunday worship.
Peace.

FALL BEGINS AT PEOPLES

The summer has flown by and Peoples is entering autumn with much activity.
We thank all those who offered their gift of music throughout the summer, as well as those who shared their thoughts through our examination of God's Word though the movies.

Here are just some of what is happening over the next couple of weeks:
SATURDAY 9/13--10 AM--All are invited as we enter into our Sunday School year with a visit from Sparks Ark.  Come see and learn about wildlife from our area.
SUNDAY 9/14--10 AM--We return to the Sanctuary for a special worship service where we will examine what the Apostles' Creed says to us through scripture and hymns.  This is also the official first meeting of Sunday School (Adult meets at 8:45/Children meets during worship)  We finish with an Ice Cream Social.
THURSDAY 9/17--Our Bell Choir and Choir begin gearing up for the coming year with the return to rehearsals.  Bell Choir meets at 6 pm (one does not have to know how to read music or have ever played an instrument to participate)  Vocal Choir meets at 7 pm.  All are welcome!  Come and make a joyful noise!
SATURDAY 9/19--5 PM--First Bean Supper of the Season!!!  Help is always welcome or just come and enjoy the food and company.
SUNDAY 9/20--10 AM--We begin a new message series "Be The Body" where we explore what it means to be a follower of Christ and a member of the church.

More events and activities are being added.  Please continue to check in with this blog or our Facebook page or check out our weekly calendar at worship for updates.
Peace.

       

BEGINNING JULY 5

IN ELLIS HALL

OUR MESSAGE SERIES

“AT THE MOVIES”

JULY

5:  The Princess Bride

12:  It’s A Wonderful Life

19:  High Noon

26:  TBA

AUGUST

2:  The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

9:  Ben Hur

16:  Robin Hood

23:  Les Miserables

30:  True Grit

SEPTEMBER

5:  The Wizard Of Oz

WORSHIP STARTS AT 10 A.M.

Coffee Fellowship

Coffee Fellowship

Every Sunday, September through June, coffee and eats are available for folks to consume after church. Many people, I am sure, are anxious to get home once the service is over, however, there is a group of attendees that like to sit or stand around and commiserate with others. Coffee, regular and decaf, is available along with water for tea and punch for whoever would prefer that. Some form of sweets or mini-quiche and fruit morsels can also be found on the counter.

For many years this time and the food has been made available by Brad Morrison with help from Betsy and or Christy with a little help from Isabelle, the resident greeter. When the Morrisons have not been available then Janice or Jody or Betty have willingly filled in.

Sometimes the coffee fellowship might be used by groups within the church for planning meetings. This has been the case for the Sunday school staff, Celebration 175 committee, and for the Memorial Day water bottle preparers.

Some folks may only come for a short time but others may be seen there for a longer period of time. The Coffee Fellowship is held in Ellis Hall. Why not stop by and chat for a bit, sip and a bite.

 

Adult Sunday school class

Adult Sunday school class

The Sunday morning adult Sunday school class has met from September through the first week in June since 1968. Over the years the members of the class have changed as have the numbers. The class began as a male and female class that met originally in the pastor’s study. That was still four years before Ellis Hall was open for meeting. For several years after that beginning membership moved to an all male class that met on the breezeway. Again the class in more recent times returned to a mixed class. For one of our series of classes that was based on the stories depicted in the stained class windows we met in the sanctuary. In another series of classes we met in the parsonage to use the DVD that went with a Philip Yancy program, “The Jesus I Never Knew”. The class today does meet in the Ellis Hall Parlor and after studying other series prepared by Philip Yancy, Harold S. Kushner, Lee Strobel and J. Ellsworth Kalas we have for two years been using N. T. Wright’s “Luke for Everyone”.

Presently the class is attended regularly by Carol, Pat, Janice, Randi, Marlene, Pam, Earle and Art who has facilitated the class since its inception, 47 years ago. Periodically others have joined the class and we do encourage folks to be a part of this ongoing class.

We try to get started about 8:45 to 9:00 AM each Sunday beginning with concerns and a prayer followed by the reading of the Biblical passage for that week. All regular attendees have a text that helps to explain the passage as well as a set of questions prepared and distributed before the class meets. If you are interested in becoming part of the class you need not have the text as the questions provided and the Bible will serve you well. Discussion is encouraged.