THE BEACON
Woodfords Congregational Church
March 2019
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RE-IMAGINING A HOLY LENT
Lent is almost here again! It’s that curious, paradoxical season in between Epiphany and Easter when most Christians assume the focus should be on suffering, guilt, pain and death. For the majority of us, these are the words that immediately come to mind, underscoring the belief that Lent is intended to be a prolonged time to “shame ourselves for how terrible we are!” It’s a liturgical season that dredges up unpleasant visions of self-denial and darkness. Some have labeled it “the biggest downer of the year” and yet it seems that in our 21
st
century world, a lot of people are already facing significant challenges: depression, poverty, addiction, alienation, regret, shame, discord.
Lent doesn’t have to be a season of darkness. In fact, the word “Lent” comes from the Old English word “lencten” which means springtime. I, for one, look forward with great joy to days of increased light and sunshine and am more than willing to walk through Lent in order to get there! So, even as we remember that the season of Lent encourages us to look inward to discover how we’re measuring up to our vows to follow Jesus, let’s also re-imagine it as a season that’s
not
about the absence of joy but how we’re living out God’s dream for us. What if this year we
re-imagine Lent
as an opportunity for transformation? Transformation of our relationship with God? Transformation of our relationship with others?
Remember that Jesus said he came that we all might “have life and have it abundantly.” And we live life most abundantly when we live it in community, connected to and caring for all God has created
. That’s God’s dream for us.
So what if we re-imagine who we are? What if we imagine ourselves as the people God has created us to be? What if, rather than looking out for ourselves, we turn outward and discern how we can look out for each other? What if we find ways to share all the blessings that already exist, working to ensure that all those around us have a safe place to live, adequate healthcare, education, good jobs and enough food to eat? What if we do as Jesus did: knock down the barriers that divide us, overturn the tables and the global status quo that keep so many marginalized and penalized? What if we truly embrace all God’s people and stop seeing the world only in binary terms? What if we stop judging and condemning others and begin to embrace each other with love? Not only will our relationships with others be transformed, our relationships with God will be transformed. And it’s only that kind of transformation that can truly prepare us for Easter – because Easter, itself, is all about transformation and the celebration of new life.
Friends, God has blessed us abundantly and one of the most amazing gifts is the gift of imagination and creativity. Let’s use these 40 days to re-imagine all we can be; let’s use these 40 days to create new ways of being in community, new ways to love each other, new ways to care for each other, new ways to serve each other. That, in itself, my friends, will be a Holy Lent.
May your Lenten journey be both holy and imaginative and may you find yourself wrapped
deliciously
in God’s love!!
Rev. Carolyn
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CALL TO MEETING - March 31
Following Worship in the Sanctuary
The Woodfords Congregational Church-UCC is meeting to vote on the adoption of the annual budget for fiscal year ’20 on March 31 following Sunday’s worship. This is an important meeting and your attendance would be very helpful and appreciated.
There will also be two meetings open to anyone who would like to discuss the budget and have questions answered on Sunday, March 24 at 9 am and then again at 11:30 am in the Parlor.
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The Journey Begins!
March 23rd, 2019
Our work with The Center for Progressive Renewal will begin because our church is willing to trust that God does have a plan for us for our future. Thank you all for the hard work that has gone into this decision, for the hours the Council has spent researching, vetting, finding an organization to help us and for our members' trust and support in committing to work with The Center.
Thank you to all of you who asked good questions - keep asking. We will send out a schedule with details as soon as it is set - we want everyone’s thoughts, concerns, ideas.
Thank you for caring so deeply for Woodfords’ future.
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GRANT FUND
If you are 65 or older this year and a member of Woodfords Church, you are automatically a part of the Grant Fund! This means you are eligible to participate in the many opportunities for fun,
fellowship, growth and spiritual engagement that the Grant fund offers.
UPCOMING MARCH GRANT FUND EVENTS
Conversations on Death and Dying
At the request of our Grant Fund members, we are tackling the topic of death. Please join us for these two engaging conversations about the dying process and green burial options.
March 1st, 11:30 am -1:00 pm
Green Burial and Eco-Friendly End-of-Life-Celebrations
During this Lunch & Learn we will explore the greener burial options by talking with a few experts in this emerging field. We will be joined by Joyce Foley of Cedar Brook Burial Ground in Limington and David Florian of Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home. Bring a bag lunch (we will provide coffee/ tea and treats!)
March 3rd,12:00-1:30 pm
Up Close and Personal with Death
Join us for a panel discussion with experts in the field. Our guests will include Lindsay Roan, staff chaplain at Gosnell House; Elaine Armstrong, retired hospice chaplain; and Molly Nelson, INELDA certified end-of-life doula. This event will take place on Sunday AFTER worship. Soup, bread and dessert will be served. Though this event is sponsored by the Grant Fund, it will be opened up to the whole church community. Please RSVP soon to reserve your spot!
March 22nd, 11:30-12:30pm
EVENT CANCELLED
Grant Fund Lunch Club
March 29th, 11:30-12:30pm (Lounge)
NEW EVENT
Conversation and Luncheon with Center for Progressive Renewal (CPR)
This is a special opportunity for Grant Fund members to share their ideas and input about Woodfords Church with CPR consultant, Rev. Gregg Carlson. The information Rev. Carlson collects over the course of his week with our community will help him to create a strategic vision for the future of the church. This is your opportunity to share your voice and vision, so mark your calendar for this important event!
We will begin with a light luncheon at 11:30am. Please RSVP to Rev. Tamara and be sure to let her know if you have any dietary concerns (gf, vegetarian etc).
If you cannot attend but wish to contribute your reflections, please feel free to email Rev. Tamara or drop a confidential sealed envelope into her box. She will pass on anything you write to Rev. Gregg Carlson so that he might take ALL perspectives into account. We very much hope to have many of you participate!
*Please note that some events have been cancelled and others added to the calendar!
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Looking Ahead
April 5th: 9:30am-1:00pm
Beauty Walk w/ Renewal in the Wilderness
We will gather outside, go for a stroll, and listen for the refreshing rhythms of wild nature. This event will involve walking at a gentle pace along moderately rugged terrain. Our time in nature will be followed by lunch and conversation. Space limited. Please RSVP early.
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YOU ARE INVITED TO
THE WOODFORDS
“ALMOST APRIL” PARTY!
1. Who? You and a couple of your closest friends
2. What? A chance to get out and have some fun
after a long cold season.. No agenda, We plan to have some music and just have fun!
3. When? Saturday March 30th, from 7 till 11 pm……..It will be
“Almost April”!
4. Where? Memorial Hall at Woodfords Church...
5. Why? It’s a chance get to know our Woodfords friends better and meet
some new friends too!
6. How do I join the party? Bring yourself and if you can, a couple of your
fun friends. Bring your favorite beverage and snack or dessert to share…
Just let us know if you are coming and how many 1,2,3,4? will be joining you.
Any questions? Contact Tom & Pip Hennessey
thomhenn@gmail.com / 207-772-0588
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2019 WOMEN'S RETREAT
April 26 - 28
Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, Biddeford Pool
“Joy does not simply happen to us.
We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” Henri Nouwen
“Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be filled with joy.” Anonymous
In a world that’s always in the hot pursuit of happiness, we think we can find happiness that lasts forever, but instead, we find it’s always temporary – it just doesn’t last. What’s that about??
But joy? That’s a different matter altogether, even though we often use the two words synonymously. Think about it:
Storms suck. You get beat up, tossed around, you’re definitely NOT happy, and you’re left wondering what the heck just happened? But in the midst of it all, with tear-stained cheeks and even a broken heart, it’s possible to still find joy. Constant, unshakeable, unspeakable, irreplaceable joy.
Here’s the truth: Happiness is external, it’s temporary. Happiness is what HAPPENS to us. Whether it’s our favorite specialty coffee, a wonderful vacation, our child’s good report card or a fun dinner with our girlfriends. Happiness comes from the good things that are “happening” in our lives. Happiness is an emotion, a feeling that comes and goes.
But joy is different. Joy is internal – it is a deep knowing. No one makes you feel joyful – it’s a state of being. And yes! you can still experience joy when things seem to be falling apart around you. Can’t do that with happiness!
This year at our Women’s Retreat, we’ll consider where true joy comes from, where it lives and how we nourish it. We’ll contemplate the difference between Happiness (which we talked about a few years ago as the focus of our retreat) and Joy.
One of the most amazing books I’ve read recently is
The Book of Joy
written by the Dalai Lama and Rev. Desmond Tutu. And while they do use the words, “Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” as the subtitle, they’re really referring to joy! On the Amazon website, we read:
In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They looked back on their long lives to answer a single burning question: How do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering? They traded intimate stories, teased each other continually, and shared their spiritual practices. By the end of a week filled with laughter and punctuated with tears, these two global heroes had stared into the abyss and despair of our time and revealed how to live a life brimming with joy. This book offers us a rare opportunity to experience their astonishing and unprecedented week together, from the first embrace to the final good-bye.
While our retreat will not be a book study or review, we’ll be talking about some of the points the authors make. Feel free to read the book yourself, or just come and join in the conversations. As always, we’ll have time for art and dance (Susan Nelson will again be joining us to bring the joy of dance into our lives!), as well as fellowship and LOTS of free time. How can we not take time to find the joy in each other and in the sheer beauty of a place like Biddeford Pool?
We begin with dinner on Friday evening and then gather to create a spiritual “altar” that will remain in place for the weekend. As a way of introducing ourselves, each of us brings in an object/photo that represents who we are and where we find/seek joy. We share three meals on Saturday and gather for a time of conversation around our theme on Saturday morning, sharing thoughts, suggestions, hopes. Rev. Tamara will be joining us and so will Susan Nelson who will be helping us find joy as we dance together!!
The rest of the afternoon will be free to explore, nap, catch up with friends, go for a walk on the beach, whatever brings you joy and renewal. We have a gathering for snacks and informal conversation before dinner on Saturday, and then complete our day with a movie before climbing into bed for another good night’s sleep. On Sunday, after breakfast, we regroup to talk about what has been meaningful during our time of retreat and then share Communion together. This year, we will not be having lunch at MJSC but after emptying our rooms, we’re invited to leave our cars in the parking lot and enjoy the nature trails and beach.
If you have questions or if there’s any way I can be helpful in your planning, please let me know!! And please don’t be shy about asking questions or joining us even if you’re new to Woodfords or have never come to a Womens’ Retreat in the past. It’s a time to nurture “old” relationships as well as welcome new relationships!
I look forward to seeing all of you here at WCC as well as at Marie Joseph’s in April!!
Many blessings,
Rev. Carolyn
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FAMILY PROMISE 2019 - NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Woodfords (with support from Missio Dei) will be hosting Family Promise four weeks in 2019 - February 24, June 9, August 25 and November 24. Starting in February, and ongoing through at least 2019, Woodfords will host Family Promise guests at the Clark Memorial Parish House. We are very grateful to Clark for this generous offer as we struggle to find space at Woodfords as new tenants move in. Woodfords hosted at Clark's Parish House in October and the feedback from volunteers and families was overwhelmingly positive. The parish house provides a home-like environment where each family has their own bedroom, real beds instead of air mattresses, and a full kitchen, living room and dining room.
We need more volunteers for this mission program! We recently polled our currently active volunteers to get a more accurate sense of availability and we do not have enough volunteers to cover the demands of this program. If you have considered getting involved with Family Promise, I encourage you to learn more, talk to current volunteers and attend a training. We are especially in need of folks willing to sleep overnight at Clark Memorial Parish House, and to hang out with families in the evening. The next volunteer training is Tuesday, February 26th from 5:30-8:30 pm at Allen Ave Unitarian Universalist Church. Training is required for any volunteers working on-site directly with families. Families with children are welcome to volunteer!
For those who have already completed training but may need a refresher, consider signing up to volunteer with a more experienced volunteer who can show you the ropes. The link to the volunteer sign-up is
http://signup.com/go/vwonpSX. Woodfords is responsible for set up and break down of the space, providing dinner and volunteers on Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and keeping the pantry stocked for the week.
Please don't hesitate to call or email me if you want to learn more or have questions!
Carol Swicker
Family Promise Coordinator
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CHRISTIAN ED
Upcoming Events
March 3:
"Fat Sunday"
Join us as we celebrate our own mini-version of Mardi Gras and discuss the history behind this delicious holiday. This is a communion Sunday, so children can start downstairs and will have the opportunity to participate in "Pancake Communion" with Rev. Tamara.
March 10:
You have stars on your face...
What are Ash Wednesday and Lent and why do they matter? Children will have the chance to receive ashes and a special blessing reminding them that we are all made up of the same stuff as the rest of the cosmos, "From stardust you have come, and to star dust you will one day return." In addition, we will begin to talk about Lent and invite kids to give up something or adopt a new practice for this sacred season.
March 17th, 24th and 31st:
Getting Closer to God
We will use Lent as a journey toward Easter AND toward a deeper understanding of our relationships with one another and God.
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MARDI GRAS
PANCAKE SUPPER
March 5, 2019, 5 pm, Memorial Hall
Join us for our annual Woodfords pre-Ash Wednesday tradition: the Mardi Gras Pancake Supper. Enjoy several varieties of pancakes, sausages, fruit and beverages. It is a wonderful evening of delicious food and fun with Woodfords members and friends. We look forward to seeing you on March 5 at 5 pm.
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CHRISTIAN ED SPECIAL INVITATION
Save the Date: March 24th, 4-6pm
The Center for Progressive Renewal (CPR) is coming to Woodfords Church and they want to hear from YOU!
On Sunday, March 24th from 4-6pm, CPR will hold a special meeting to talk to parents and families of Sunday School, Confirmation and Youth Group kids both past and present. Even if you haven't attended church or youth programming for a while (whether because your kids are in college, you have drifted away, or are attending worship elsewhere) your ideas and input are important to us and will help to guide our future.
We will begin with an informal pizza meal at 4:00pm (when you RSVP please let Rev.Tamara know if you have dietary limitations so that she can accommodate for GF, vegetarian, dairy free or other concerns). At 4:30 we will provide a time for older youth to talk with Rev. Gregg Carlson (our CPR Consultant) on their own. At 5:00 we will start a movie and provide childcare for younger kids so that parents/families can engage in an hour of HONEST conversation, reflection and dreaming about future possibilities. Please mark your calendars for this important conversation!
If you cannot attend but wish to contribute your reflections, please feel free to email Rev. Tamara or drop a confidential sealed envelope into her box for her to send along. She will pass on anything you write to the CPR consultant, Rev. Gregg Carlson, so that he might take ALL perspectives into account as he begins to help the church plot a course for the future.
We very much hope to have many of you participate!
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A VALENTINE'S THANK YOU
First, thanks to Louise for setting up the tables and chairs in the Cloister. Thank you to Dorie and Flynn Ross for setting up the decorations in the room and on the tables. Dorie did the lions share of that job.
Thank you to Jody Bingham, Robin Carter, Becky Barrows, and Laura Carten who added to our delicious treats.
And special thanks to those who helped clean up: Becky Barrows, Madison Bailey, Robin Carter, Dorie and Flynn Ross and Martha Baldwin, my excellent dish wiper.
Also a special thank you to Becky Barrows who provided the craft packets for the kids to make there or take home and make.
We had 28 ladies of all ages present and we all had a grand time.
Pam Barrows
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JEN ROWE
& A Company of Girls
Featured in
Maine Women Magazine
Congratulations to Jen and A Company of Girls for this recognition!
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COUNCIL NOTES FOR FEBRUARY
The Council met February 19
th
from 6 to 8:50 p.m.
Ministry Team Meetings: 6-6:45 p.m.
-
Resources
discussed Bing’s extensive list of projects needed for WCC from our meeting a week ago. The group is aware of how extensive the work is that needs to be done, is getting pricing on critical projects and also knows the subject of the building will be discussed further during The Center of Progressive Renewal work.
-
Worship
:
The Worship Team focused on preparing for Lent, exploring the themes for the upcoming church services based on the scriptures and ways in which to present them, and the of addition of taizé music for the choir and congregation.
Council Meeting: 6:45 to 8:50 p.m.
• Finances: WCC continues to be on target financially. We reviewed the draft budget for FY 2020 and set 3/31 as the vote on the budget. Jeff Jordan met with Staff and Ministry Teams to finalize their numbers.
• Audit: Jane Frey provided her schedule for the audit and expects to have the report to us by April 7.
• Electrical work has been completed for Stages in the Gym area. We have extended their lease for 5 more years and worked out a payment plan for their share of the electrical work.
• The schedule for meetings with Gregg Carlson of The Center for Progressive Renewal while he is at Woodfords is almost complete. As soon as it is, it will be published and copies will be placed in the Lounge. Gregg will arrive March 23
rd
for a week.
• An updated WiFi system will be installed by end of March to accommodate more security for Woodfords use and better access for our Mission Partners and everyone who uses it.
• Barbara Thomson’s Good Idea was approved. She proposed taking pictures of various Woodfords folks, recording what they love about WCC and why they come, putting these stories in the Beacon and than making larger posters of each and placing them around the Narthex and Cloister so all the lovely folks that come to Woodfords can see what we hold so special about our church.
• Joanne Friedrick is the new Lead for reaching out to new visitors and members to help them ‘get connected’ to WCC and us. Thank you Joanne.
• Stewardship begins March 5
th
with our initial planning meeting. You will be hearing more from us soon.
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GRANT FUND BOOK CLUB - March 13
The Grant Fund Book Group meets monthly to discuss a book chosen by group attendees. All are welcome to join us! This group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 12:15-1:30. Most books can be borrowed from the library so there is little to no expense. While it is primarily Grant Funders, we will welcome younger folks who happen to be available.
The March book is
The Chillbury Ladies Choir
. Please join us!
Please contact Suzanne D’Bourget if you’d like to join us so I can contact you if anything changes.
Suzannedb@me.com
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PSQ SUNDAY
March 31, 10 am
Let us gather together on Sunday, March 31 for a service of Music, Scripture and Readings.
We are thrilled to have the Portland String Quartet join us once again for the worship service, along with the Woodfords Chancel Choir.
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PORTLAND YOUTH GROUP
This Youth Group partnership includes HopeGateWay UMC, Woodfords UCC, Trinity Episcopal, and St. Luke’s Episcopal.
Fellowship and service gatherings for grades 7-12. Gathering twice a month, typically, on the first and third Sundays, we spend our time in formation, fellowship, and service to both the local and global community. Youth meet monthly with adult leaders to contribute to planning making this a Youth Group that is deeply influenced by the kids participating.
March - June 2019 Schedule
***Please note.... Locations and activities may be subject to change***
3/3 Outside Activity - Snow Tubing at Sea Coast Adventures in Windham
Location: Woodfords Church parking lot
Time: 1:45 pm
3/17 Service Project
Location: Woodfords UCC
Planning with Youth and Leaders 1:30-2pm
Gathering 2-4pm
*Friday 4/5 Lock In (aka sleep over)
Location: St. Luke’s Episcopal
Friday drop off/ Saturday pick up times TBA
4/28 Service Project
Location: HopeGateWay UMC
Planning with Youth and Leaders 1:30-2pm
Gathering 2-4pm
5/5 Gathering with Games and More
Location: Trinity Episcopal
Planning with Youth and Leaders 1:30-2pm
Gathering 2-4pm
5/19 Gathering with Games and More
Location: St. Luke’s Episcopal
Planning with Youth and Leaders 1:30-2pm
Gathering 2-4pm
6/2 Service Project: Celebrating Confirmation
Location: Woodfords UCC
Confirmation Service and Celebration 10am
Helping to host reception
6/16 Ice Cream Sunday
Location: HopeGateWay UMC
Planning with Youth and Leaders 1:30-2pm
Gathering 2-4pm
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Submitting an article for the April Beacon?
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HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAY TO...
Richard Dudley 03/01
Marilyn Spencer 03/01
Thomas Newman 03/02
Ellen Smith-Erb 03/04
Marion Amatangelo 03/05
Nathaniel Rhinehardt 03/06
Glenn Dunne 03/08
William Doughty III 03/10
Mollie Heron 03/13
Carolyn Lambert 03/13
Suzanne D'Bourget 03/13
Brent Wooten 03/14
Allen Bingham 03/15
David Humphrey 03/16
Mitchell Rosengarten 03/16
Roberta Barker 03/17
Hannah Frey 03/18
Benjamin Vire 03/19
Adelyn Desrochers 03/20
Robert Bencks 03/20
Carl Beyer 03/21
Ben Walter 03/22
Emily Sprague 03/24
Susan Bassi-Brown 03/28
Roy Koster 03/28
Elaine Nadzo 03/30
Alan Nye 03/31
Devashree Thomson 03/31
HAPPY MARCH ANNIVERSARY TO...
Cheryl Honer-Hickey & Terrance Hickey 03/21 49
Bob & Laura Carten 03/30 34
Lorraine & Bruce Canterbury 03/28 21
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Woodfords Church Office Hours
Tuesday - Thursday, 9 am - 3 pm
Friday, 9 am - 1 pm, afternoon by appointment
207.774.8243
info@woodfordschurch.org
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