THE BEACON
Woodfords
Congregational Church
May 2020
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A NOTE FROM ALYSSA
It is the beginning of May. In any regular year, this would be an anticipatory season. We would be preparing for the end of the school year, making summer travel plans, hatching plots to get away to the waterfront or the country, or looking forward to sitting down with a good summer read. This year, though, things are different. As I write, we are waiting to see whether Governor Mills’ “Stay Healthy at Home” mandate will be lifted on April 30 or continue into May. How will our Great State of Maine thread the needle between two important goals: keeping people safe, and opening the economy back up for business? I am praying that our decision-makers consider—and let themselves be guided by—the best available advice from scientists, medical practitioners, and public health experts as they make the crucial choices that lie ahead of them. Certainly, Woodfords’ Council of Ministries will rely upon such guidance as it considers how and when to re-open the building and resume in-person worship services.
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Now more than ever it may feel as though we are in a moment of suspension: We know what has occurred in the past, we’re a bit uncertain as to what is happening in the present, and we don’t know what the future holds. It seems fitting, then, that we are deep into Easter season—which includes the eight Sundays between Easter Day (April 12) and Pentecost (May 31). The Bible tells us that the disciples were filled with fear and uncertainty in the days immediately after Jesus’ death. Like us, they did not know what the future would bring. But as time passed, they continued to experience Jesus’ presence. How comforting it must have been to realize that their leader and friend would always be with them spiritually, regardless of whether he was physically present.
Furthermore, the Bible tells us that even after Jesus was taken up into heaven, the disciples still were not left alone. The Spirit of the Divine Force of Love that undergirds the universe filled them, allowing them to continue the ministry they had shared with Jesus. Personally, when I am confronted by confusion, uncertainty, and fear during our current moment of suspension, I take great comfort in my faith that the very same Holy Spirit continues to breathe life into the world today. It equips us to serve as God’s hands and feet—at Woodfords, in our communities, and around our planet. May you be uplifted by the Spirit’s energy and inspiration, now and always.
In faith,
Alyssa
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WOODFORDS NOW ACCEPTS ONLINE PAYMENTS!
We are happy to announce that you can now make pledge, gift and other payments to Woodfords Church online.
Our website is now set up to make it very easy. You can click on the GIVE button (on the top right of every page) that directs you to an online giving form (
www.woodfordschurch.org).
You can also go to the Giving page on the website (
www.woodfordschurch.org/giving) which explains the different types of giving, both online and traditional, and provides links and/or instructions.
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NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS CAMPAIGN
COVID-19 and the economic downturn may be creating hardships, but they also are creating opportunities for us to help one another. We invite you to consider making a special gift to Woodfords’
“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” campaign.
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Woodfords will send
75% of the money collected through this special offering directly to
Preble Street. The remaining
25% of collected funds will be added to the
Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, which helps provide resources for people during difficult times. Due to rising levels of unemployment and underemployment, Pastor Alyssa anticipates that the church will receive an increased number of requests for assistance in upcoming months.
If you would like to participate in the “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” offering, please click here to
PAY ONLINE or send a check to the church office (202 Woodfords Street, Portland, ME 04103) with a note on the MEMO line. Gifts of every size will help! We’ll keep tabs on the collective generosity of the Woodfords community and report back in a few weeks. Thank you.
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WOODFORDS CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The rising cost of higher education is a significant challenge facing students and their families. The good news is that Woodfords has been gifted resources that can, in some small way, support this financial burden. Through the legacy and generosity of this congregation, Woodfords is able to offer educational scholarships to help students realize their potential. Typically, Woodfords Congregational Church Education Scholarships range between $800 and $1,200.
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To be considered for a Woodfords Congregational Church Education Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be members, children of members, or people who are regularly involved with our church,
- Be accepted to an accredited college or post-secondary institution in fall 2020,
- Complete and submit the scholarship application by May 30, 2020.
Those awarded a Woodfords Congregational Church Education Scholarship will be notified of their award no later than June 30, 2020.
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BUDGET PROCESS DELAY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Due to the global pandemic and our current stay-at-home order, our normal budgeting process has been affected. At its April meeting, the Council decided to delay our budget vote until after our May 19 Council meeting in order to have additional time to gather information.
As you might expect, the congregation is facing a significant budget shortfall in Fiscal Year 2021. At a minimum, we anticipate decreased revenue from plate collections and building rentals for as long as the building remains closed. We are also likely to see a decrease in pledging from contributors who are experiencing hardship. In a worst-case scenario, there is a chance that some of our core mission partners may be unable to continue their leases due to the disruption in their operations. Depending on the severity of the impacts, our budget gap could be anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000.
An excellent bit of news is that Woodfords has received a loan from the federal government under the Payroll Protection Program in the amount of $64,000. This loan converts to a grant as we maintain our current staffing levels through June. This income benefits us in the current fiscal year, but it is as yet unclear whether these funds will provide any buffer in the next budget year.
Normally the Council of Ministries would present the congregation with a recommended budget for a vote by the end of May. Our by-laws allow 60 days from April 1 to conduct a vote on the budget. We will be adhering to the spirit of that requirement by providing members with a recommended budget as soon as possible after the May 19th council meeting. However, we have yet to develop a fair and transparent process for discussion, feedback, and voting if we are unable to meet in person. We expect that process to take more time than usual. We aim to have the process culminate in mid- to late-June so that the budget is in place before July 1.
Given these extraordinary times and circumstances, we believe taking this additional time is the most responsible course of action. We are still seeking input about a process for conducting a virtual budget vote that will allow for adequate input. If you have expertise or advice to lend, please reach out to any Officer (emails below).
On behalf of Council,
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WOODFORDS WOMEN
ON RETREAT
Woodfords’ annual women’s retreat currently tentatively is scheduled to take place June 12-14 at the Marie Joseph Spiritual Center in Biddeford Pool. As of this writing, the Center is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. We do not yet know when it will re-open, or whether it will be available to host our gathering.
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As we learn more, we will provide updates through the weekly E-Announcements and other communications channels, so please keep an eye out. In the meantime, we do hope that you will keep the Women’s Retreat on your calendar—and please pray for the Marie Joseph Spiritual Center and the sisters there. This is a tough time for nonprofit organizations, which need all the support (financial
and spiritual) that they can get!
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COUNCIL MEETING ~ APRIL 21, 2020
Our Council met via Zoom: 11 members plus our Minister were present.
- Treasurer’s report: At 75% of our fiscal year, the budget is in good order with income strong and expenses below budget. We are paying attention to the next 3 months which may be less true to budget. We have been approved for a PPP loan for staff salary, but have not yet received the deposit. This will certainly help us to end the fiscal year closer to balanced. Our bookkeeper, Marc, was instrumental in helping us get this Federal loan—thank you Marc.
- Budget FY’21: As you all know, creating a budget for the new fiscal year under these uncertain times is very difficult. Carryl Krohne, our Treasurer, and Susan Bassi-Brown, our budget member and assistant Treasurer worked many hours to provide a draft budget. The Council spent a lot of time reviewing the draft and we will meet again in May before we will be ready to present it to the Congregation for a vote. By then, we hope to have a better idea of Mission Partner income and Stewardship results. You will be hearing from the Council shortly.
- CPR Convergence work: A letter to all members will be sent shortly about the next steps for moving forward with the future for our church. Of course, we had to revamp our process now that we are not meeting face-to-face. Please stay tuned and join us in this continuing work for our exciting future as Woodfords CC-UCC.
- The Investment Team: Jane Frey and Jeff Jordan have joined the team that meets with FLPutnam quarterly about our investments. Randy Libby, Carl Beyer, and Susan Bassi-Brown are Investment Team members as well. Our minister Alyssa, Robin Carter, and Carryl Krohne also attend these meetings. Jane will chair the meetings.
- Building Issues: Good news here: new steps have been installed that go into Memorial Hall (they are lovely!) and Seeley Hall had a new floor installed, which is cement that includes a beautiful, durable, waterproof finish. A great improvement! Both of these ‘fixes’ were required—there was no option but to fix/replace them.
- Personnel: We have just received word about the PPP Forgivable Federal Loan for salaries & utilities during the pandemic and can assure our staff of full salaries and benefits for the next 8 weeks. Marc H., our bookkeeper, and Carryl K., our treasurer, did all the work to get this for us and we thank them. It is a big help.
- Stewardship: The original plan has been put aside due to the virus concerns and we have revamped our campaign. You will be hearing from us shortly. A great deal of work towards making donations/pledges available online has been done by Teri C. and Kristen Crean. We are moving into the new age thanks to them.
- Council is working very hard to keep up with the changes we are all experiencing and how to help us all—including our neighbors—during these times, as we are called to do. Please keep us in your prayers.
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BOOK DISCUSSION:
FAITH IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC
Rev. Alyssa invites you to join her for a Zoom discussion of Bruce Epperly’s
Faith in a Time of Pandemic. Feel free to invite your friends, neighbors, and anyone else in the community you think might be interested!
Indicate your Interest and Help Us
Schedule Discussion Times
CLICK THIS LINK to indicate your interest and let us know which days/times you’d be available to participate. If there is a lot of enthusiasm, and people are split between dates, Alyssa will run multiple sessions.
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About the Book
About the Book’s Content
How can we respond spiritually when a pandemic hits our nation? How can our faith help us to face our fears, going beyond panic and denial, to hopeful and courageous action?
The Coronavirus is changing everything in our society. It can provoke isolation and self-interested individualism. It can also inspire kindness, generosity, patience, and compassion. Facing the pandemic with God as our companion will deepen our sense of agency as well as peace and move us from self-interest and nation-first to planetary loyalty.
This text provides a theological, pastoral, and spiritual pathway to help you, your family, and congregation find your way through the wilderness of the Coronavirus pandemic.
About the Author
Bruce Epperly is a UCC minister on Cape Cod. He is also a professor and the author of over fifty books including “Finding God in Suffering: A Journey with Job,” “Become Fire: Guideposts for Interspiritual Pilgrims,” and “Angels, Mysteries, and Miracles: A Progressive Vision.”
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WOODFORDS SENIORS (AND MORE!) PROGRAM
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WOODFORDS WEEKLY
CHAIR-YOGA AND MEDITATION
Tuesdays at 10:00 am via Zoom
All are welcome!
Topic: Woodfords Weekly Chair-Yoga and Meditation led by Rev. Tamara
Time:
10:00 am EST & every Tuesday (until announced otherwise)
Join us for a gentle and contemplative hour of centering, chair-based yoga, and community check ins. All you need is a stable chair and some comfortable clothes. Everyone is welcome!
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Once there you will be asked if you want to allow this page to open zoom.us? Please click "Allow." You will then be asked if you would like to enable computer audio. Also allow that if you would like to be able to speak/greet others. Once you do these things you will appear in the meeting and everyone will be able to see you, and you them!
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WOODFORDS WEEKLY PODCAST AND CONVERSATION LUNCH DROP-IN CONTINUES!
Fridays at Noon via Zoom
All are welcome!
Topic: Woodfords Podcast & Conversation Lunch Group led by Rev. Tamara
Time:
12:00 pm EST & every Friday (until announced otherwise)
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Join us for an enriching lunch-hour conversation! We will be listening to various
On Being episodes (Tamara will send a link out in the weekly email). Simply follow the link and listen from your computer or phone. On Fridays, make yourself a sandwich and sign in for conversation and community connection at noon. See you there!
Once there you will be asked if you want to allow this page to open zoom.us? Please click "Allow." You will then be asked if you would like to enable computer audio. Also allow that if you would like to be able to speak/greet others. Once you do these things you will appear in the meeting and everyone will be able to see you, and you them!
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NEWS FROM GPFP
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear GPFP Friends,
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Back in January of 2016, I began instigating among the community to bring a Family Promise affiliate to Maine. Along with Courtney as my partner and many others who came along to make this a full community effort, we worked for a year and a half before opening in July of 2017.
Since opening, GPFP has served 44 families, comprised of 183 individuals. Thirty-six of these families have moved into sustainable independent housing, for an overall housing success rate of 86%. We have adapted our program significantly over the past month and are continuing to shelter two families as they shelter in place, as well as providing case management support to our many graduate families as we all move through this uncharted time.
Courtney and Lisa have been amazing staff who have learned and grown along with the program. They are now experts in their fields. I am so grateful for the work team we have built together.
As you may or may not know I suffered a concussion six months ago, and have been recovering from my brain injury ever since. I have been on partial medical leave for most of that time. I also have another job as lead pastor at HopeGateWay Church. Even though I am continually progressing in my recovery, my capacity for various tasks ebbs and flows each week.
Therefore, I have decided to resign as Executive Director of Greater Portland Family Promise.
Even though I come to this decision with a heavy heart, I believe that leaving this position is best both for myself and for the organization. As our guests say, “Family Promise is my heart and always will be.” I look forward to continuing to be an ambassador for GPFP and lending my support in whatever ways I can.
We have built this amazing community of care and connection together, and even the Coronavirus cannot take that away from us. I am confident in our board, and our staff, and Family Promise National to help GPFP move through this transition and hire an excellent replacement for me.
I urge you to join me in continuing to support GPFP with your volunteer hours, your financial gifts, your community connections, your warmest thoughts, and your prayers as we move through this time of transition.
Be well and stay safe. We’ll see you on the other side of this Coronavirus Crisis.
Peace, Salaam, Shalom,
Sara Ewing-Merrill, Executive Director
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YOUTH GROUP ZOOM MEETINGS
Wednesdays 4-5pm
For now, we will check in and hang out weekly!
Meeting ID: 858 087 771
Password: 800289
To join by phone:
Dial: +1 301 715 8592 US or
+1 253 215 8782 US
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IMPORTANT NEWS FROM REV. KATIE HOLICKY
Beloved Community,
I hope it goes without saying…and just in case…I LOVE this silly, thoughtful, beautiful, sweet, justice filled ecumenical youth group community! This is a community filled with young people who truly stay open to the ways in which God is calling them into the world. It is a group of folks who know how to laugh and play and hold fast to the ways God calls us to be God’s hands and heart in the world. I am so blessed to be steeped in community with such outstanding people.
It is with so many emotions that I share with you all that I have accepted my first full time call as an Assistant Priest at St. Paul’s Episcopal, Brunswick. I am so excited to be able to step more fully into my call as a priest, and it is also bittersweet to share that due to my new full time duties I will be stepping down from my role as Portland Ecumenical Youth Group Coordinator. It has been such a privilege to serve this amazing group of young people. You have taught me so much about myself, the world and more about what it means to walk in community. I will forever cherish this time we journeyed through life with one another. I am so very thankful and I love you!
While I will begin my transition into my new role at the end of April, I will remain with the ecumenical youth group for the next few months. And we will certainly come together for a big see you later celebration whenever that is possible. In the meantime, please keep joining us for our Wednesday gatherings via Zoom! (Note: I am on vacation next week and will be back online with you at the end of April.) Youth group will gather in person as soon as it is safe to do so, and the Portland ecumenical community remains committed to finding faithful ways to connect with one another in the future!
With love and peace,
The Rev. Katie Holicky
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VISIT OUR MISSION PARTNERS (ONLINE!)
WCC Mission Partners are
still active (similar to Woodfords Church!) even though they are not physically in the building. Visit them online and see what they have going on virtually!
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Submitting an article for the June Beacon?
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HAPPY MAY BIRTHDAY TO...
Susan Clark 05/01
Michael Wolfe 05/01
Taylor Py 05/02
Joyce Reynolds 05/02
Darcy Ross 05/02
Isabel Walter 05/02
Benjamin Fries 05/03
Gordon Thomson 05/03
Gregg Ritter 05/05
Donald Hamilton 05/07
Brian Watson 05/09
Anne Dodson 05/11
Sara Wasdahl 05/11
Lula Dockendorf 05/14
Nancy Goodspeed 05/14
Julie Williams 05/14
Barbara Thomson 05/15
Katharine Jordan 05/16
Bob Carten 05/17
Michael Ross 05/17
Lauren Paradise 05/18
Laura Philbrook 05/19
Charlotte Wilbur 05/19
Audrey Cote 05/21
Emilia Cote 05/21
Josslyn Philbrook 05/21
Evelyn Dodson 05/22
Erin Segal 05/22
Jae Brown 05/23
Martin Farrington 05/23
Chloe Shields 05/24
Judy Blanchard 05/26
Phyllis Campbell 05/26
Cynthia Harwood 05/26
Joan Dinsmore 05/27
Anna Tierney-Fife 05/27
Elinor Tierney-Fife 05/27
Cedric Porter 05/28
Kurt Graser 05/29
Catherine Walter 05/29
Ella Dand 05/30
Elaine Haskell 05/30
Nan McLaughlin 05/31
Robbie Nye 05/31
HAPPY MAY ANNIVERSARY TO...
William & Robin Carter 05/04 ~ 57 years
Clyda & Ronald Gagnon 05/04 ~ 35 years
David & Lana Johnson 05/27 ~ 53 years
Zachary & Camille Nelson 05/29 ~ 16 years
Stephen & Ellen Smith-Erb 05/18 ~ 24 years
Harold & Emily Sprague 05/20 ~ 59 years
Bill & June St. Lawrence 05/06 ~ 59 years
Rita Zanichkowsky & Christine Torraca 05/27 ~ 20 years
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A NOTE ABOUT ZOOM
Woodfords Church is continuing to hold its gatherings and meetings via
Zoom. If you have not yet participated in a Zoom meeting, this is an online platform for video- and audio-conferencing. If you are new to Zoom, here are some helpful notes:
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- A Zoom account is not required to attend a meeting. If you plan to host a meeting, you will need an account. However, to simply join a Woodfords meeting, no account is necessary
- Join a meeting by computer, your computer needs to have a webcam and microphone. If you prefer to join the meeting by telephone, you will need the teleconferencing number provided in the invite.
- If you don't wish to have an account, all you need to do to participate is click on the link for the meeting and you will be prompted to launch Zoom. Watch for scheduled Zoom meetings in the weekly Announcements!
- If you do wish to create an account, it's a good idea to do so before a meeting. Take a few minutes of your day to familiarize yourself with Zoom before the meeting begins.
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