THE WOODFORDS BEACON
August 2018
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WOODFORDS MOURNS
Scott Mairs, son of Don and Linda Mairs, passed away on July 25. His life will be celebrated Wednesday, August 1 in the chapel at 11:00 am. Our hearts are heavy for Don and Linda and our prayers for healing surround them.
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FROM RADICAL HOSPITALITY TO
RADICAL INCLUSIVITY
For many years, as a faithful congregation of Jesus’ followers and disciples, we’ve focused on Radical Hospitality. We work hard to welcome everyone who walks through our doors. Our doors are open to community groups of all kinds, we’re good at embracing those who join us for worship, we serve good coffee and good conversations during our fellowship gatherings, we offer compassion and tangible assistance to those in need of help and we let our voices and our resources count when we see injustice, neglect and violence.
But Jesus calls us to do more. As his beloved followers, he’s calling us to move from Radical Hospitality to Radical Inclusion. The questions we can ask ourselves are: Who isn’t at our table? Who haven’t we
sought out
and invited into our community and into our hearts? If we want to be more like Jesus, we can’t simply wait until someone chooses to walk through our doors. We need to mimic his actions and his love: like him, we need to be the “initiators” of community by going beyond our doors and our comfort zones; we need to seek out those who live on the margins and invite them to the table of compassion, kindness and justice.
We live in a world that grows smaller and smaller each day. There’s no longer any question that everything on the planet is connected and interconnected in infinite ways. Every action we take, every word we speak, matters. It’s been said that that the flutter of a butterfly’s wings in Mexico can cause a tornado in Texas two weeks later (Edward Lorenz, mathematician and meteorologist, 1979). We know that when factories in China or the U.S. Midwest spew chemicals and pollution into the air that shortly thereafter, here in Maine, we experience harmful air quality. We’re also discovering that if the cost of steel in another country rises, the cost of Maine lobsters also must rise. We
are
connected and interconnected in both visible and invisible ways! And yet when we turn on the news, we hear about increasing division and separation that creates a lack of dignity and respect, and often leads to violence and death
. “All because of a difference – orange, white, purple, brown, black, blue, red – it doesn’t matter.”
In her book,
Where the Edge Gathers: Building a Community of Radical Inclusion
, Yvette Flunder reminds us that:
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Radical Inclusivity is intentional and creates purposeful ministry on the margins.
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Radical Inclusivity recognizes diversity on the margins.
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Radical Inclusivity recognizes, values, loves and celebrates all people including those on the
margins.
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Radical inclusivity is and must be radical. In its efforts to be inclusive, churches often reach
out“carefully” to the margins, but Radical Inclusivity demands that we reach out to the farthest
margins to intentionally give a clear message of welcome to everyone.
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Radical Inclusivity requires a new way of seeing and a new way of being.
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Radical Inclusivity requires awareness, information and understanding.
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Radical Inclusivity doesn’t hide and works to undo shame and fear.
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Radical inclusivity demands hospitality and is best sustained and celebrated when everyone in the
community is both responsible and accountable.
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Radical Inclusivity recognizes harm done in the name of God. Many people rejected by the church
got their burns from Bible-quoting Christian flamethrowers, but it is neither Christ-like nor spiritual
to be oppressive.
The world has continued to change rapidly since 2005 when Flunders’ book was published and much is now outdated, yet her ideals for Inclusive Community remain true and eye-opening.
In the next year, I invite all of us to participate in conversations and actions that will move us to live Radical Inclusivity even as we continue to be a church that upholds the values of Radical Hospitality.
Let’s re-imagine ourselves as a congregation that publicly declares, as Flunders wrote:
“Here is our great statement to the world about the great feast of God: all people, those in town, those from the highways, those from the hedges, those who are African, Native American, Asian, Latin, Irish, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Polynesian, Arab, Jew, Roma, Russian, Polish, English, Swedish, Norse, Turkish, Slavic, Danish, straight, gay, trans, bi, queer, cis, rich, poor, Republican, Democrat, Independent, Green, tall, short, thin, fat, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Yoruba, young, old, able, disabled – are invited and welcome!”
What a feast it would be!
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LINETTE GEORGE'S ORDINATION
On Sunday, July 15th, I had the privilege of representing Woodfords at the Ordination of Linette George at Hammond Street Church, U.C.C., in Bangor. Many of you will remember that Rev. Linette was a member of Woodfords for many years, including the years when I first arrived to serve as one of your pastors. Linette served Woodfords faithfully and in many positions, including as Moderator. If you were serving on Council at that time you’ll remember fondly that Linette believed strongly that no one should sit through a Council meeting hungry! There was always soup or pizza or sweet treats – and plenty of it - when she was leading a meeting! Linette also served on Fellowship, worked on the church Fair, sang in the choir and helped orchestrate our Pilgrim Lodge weekends in September. I’ll never forget the year she had us dressing in wigs and costumes and role-playing specific characters throughout the weekend as part of a “who-done-it” reenactment. And I’ll also never forget the way she transformed Memorial Hall into a gorgeous spring garden for my installation. Linette is both brilliant and multitalented and we were fortunate that she was a faithful and hard-working WCC member for so many years. We are also privileged that it was while she was at WCC that she recognized her call to ordained ministry.
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From Woodfords, she returned home to Bangor, where she had grown up, and completed her M-Div. at Bangor Theological School. While at BTS, she returned to her home church on Hammond Street, where her family still belongs today.
Linette is currently serving two churches – The Holden Congregational Church, U.C.C., in the Katahdin Association, and the Dedham Congregational Church, U.C.C., in the Sunrise Association.
We invite members and friends to send notes and cards and/or make a donation as a gift to celebrate this remarkable milestone in her life. Donations as well as notes and cards can be sent to the church office, put in the collection plate or in a basket at the back of the church. We’ll be sending your contributions to Linette at the beginning of August.
Blessings, Rev. Carolyn
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CALLING ALL 7th GRADERS!
In both the sacred and the secular communities, there are few meaningful “rites of passage” in today’s world, and American culture in particular. One of the few opportunities we still honor that celebrates the “evolving” self is the Confirmation journey.
This year, beginning in September, young people in 7
th
grade and above from Woodfords, HopeGateWay and Trinity Episcopal churches are invited to participate in a Confirmation journey that will lead to the rite of Confirmation on the first Sunday in June with a joint worship service and celebration.
The theme, as always, will be “Life as a Journey of Faith.” We recognize that life is, indeed, a journey: it’s a journey that rarely proceeds in a linear fashion, instead taking unique twists and turns, encountering both highs and lows, and meeting many, many people on the way. We recognize that as Christians, we stand with millions on a journey that has existed for at least 2,000 years; we also recognize that each generation must give meaning to the traditions and language that accompany the journey. As John Robinson, one of our Congregational forebears said when the Pilgrims were leaving Leyden on their way to a new world, “There is yet more truth and light to be revealed.”
The journey will be remarkable – there will be serious moments, moments of insight, new ideas generated, and more than anything – lots of fun with old and new friends!
If you did not make it to the June information sessions, that's fine. Please contact me directly with any questions you may have about confirmation at Woodfords. I can be reached at
clambert@woodfordschurch.org.
Blessings, Rev. Carolyn
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ANYONE FOR IONA IN 2019?
Iona is a tiny island in the western Hebrides of Scotland and it’s the spiritual birthplace of Celtic Christianity. During the early Middle Ages, it was one of the most important and influential centers in Christianity. Remote and windswept, it is a “thin place” where the veil between heaven and earth is most permeable.
It's a place I hope to return to many times. And I’m hoping some of you might want to join me on a pilgrimage to Iona in June of 2019.
The plans for such a pilgrimage are in the initial planning stage. No specific dates have been set – all depends of the number of people who might want to join us. Some of you have already expressed interest in going – and I’m hoping others might, as well. I’m working with Kathy Bryant, of Worldwide Pilgrimages, who organized the trip in 2017. She’s gathering information but can’t do much more until she knows how many people might join us.
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For me, the journey to Iona - the time spent there, the people I encountered - was both breath-taking and transformative. The experiences – from helping to lead worship in the Abbey to climbing Dun I (the highest point on the tiny island) - are etched not only in my mind but in my spirit.
For anyone seeking a deeper spiritual connection and presence, Iona is a gift. I look forward to hearing that you might be interested in joining me.
Blessings, Rev. Carolyn
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR AN IMPORTANT FALL DATE!
The Down East Holiday Fair is the
Saturday before Thanksgiving: Nov 17th, 2018
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
As the overall chair, I am returning for my final year so we could use an apprentice to possibly take over this great project! It's in all in the team that is put together and I have been lucky to have a great team.
If you are waiting to be asked, well - consider yourself asked!
CHAIRPERSONS NEEDED
Chairpersons for the following are needed:
* Snack Bar
* Balsam Wreath Sale
* Book Room
* Pantry
* Crafts
* Music
* Decorations
* Volunteer Coordinator (COULD REALLY USE THIS)
* Set up and Break Down Coordinator
DONATIONS NEEDED
(Please do not drop anything off yet, just keep us in mind as you are summer/fall cleaning.)
Jewelry
– Been a while since you cleaned out the jewelry box? IT’S TIME! We need lots of jewelry so ask your teenagers, your family and your friends. We all have a pair of earrings(or two or three) that we just never wear, call us – we’ll come pick it up!
Woodfords’ Treasures
– Another HUGE Success last year. As you continue your spring cleaning into summer and then in my case, into the fall, if you find anything appropriate, give us a jingle. We were able to secure an area to start storing donations, so it isn’t too early. This is intended to be an “upscale” yard sale so donate accordingly.
Silent Auction
– Back last year for its best year ever! Think about what you might donate, an item, a service, tickets, gift certificates, it doesn’t have to be anything expensive or fancy. All items are welcome! Item that are always popular are vacation cottages, camp, cabins, timeshares…… Please consider sharing your home away from home for a week or long weekend.
Christmas Treasures
– Returning for the fourth year, this has been such a huge success and what a great way to "dispose" of those old decorations, cards, lights, etc, Come and see what a beautiful Christmas Boutique gets created with everyone's donations.
Interested in getting involved? You are invited to a meeting on Wednesday, September 12, at 6 pm in the Parlor at Woodfords. Come learn more about the fair, how it all works and how you can be a part of it!
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ON A CURIOUS NOTE:
A Little History Connecting
Portland and Kennebunk
I’m a firm believer that we’re all connected in a myriad of ways. It often only takes a couple of good questions to discover the ways that our lives have intersected and overlapped.
Recently a friend gave me a signed copy of the just-published book, Apostle of the East: The Life and Journeys of Daniel Little, written by Russel M. Lawson. Reading through the book, I quickly discovered that Rev. Little served as the pastor of the Second Congregational Church of Wells (later called the First Parish Church of Kennebunk) from his ordination in 1750 to his death in 1801, at which time the care of his parish was passed on to the Associate Minister, Rev. Fletcher. The original meeting house was built at Kennebunk Landing but was moved to the center of town a few years later and is now First Parish Unitarian Church of Kennebunk. But what is of greater interest to me is that his house, built in 1750, still exists and it sits diagonally across from my house on Summer Street in the part of Kennebunk called Kennebunk Landing. And, of even
greater
interest to me, is that his son, David Little, sold a parcel of Rev. Little’s land to “John Jones, the blacksmith of Kennebunk Landing” in 1805. That same year, Jones built his house - and it’s the house that I currently own and live in. How curious, I thought, that the land I own today once belonged to the Congregational minister of Kennebunk, the Rev. Daniel Little!
But here’s where the connection really gets curious: In 1798, the Rev. Caleb Bradley of Portland “travelled through Kennebunk, stopping at Rev. Little’s house at Kennebunk Landing. In his diary, Bradley said that Little was a ‘man of a thousand’ and that ‘Kennebunk is a beautiful place, and Mr. Little has one of the most beautiful ministerial situations he ever saw: a convenient house with a fine garden through which a small brook meanders and in the mornings in the summer season a person may divest himself by catching salmon trout.’ “
I’m sure all the historians in the congregation remember that Rev. Caleb Bradley was the pastor of the Congregational Church on Capisic Street after the Revolutionary War – and this is the congregation that gave birth to our own Woodfords Congregational Church. From Avon Oakes’ celebrated history of WCC:
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Woodfords Church was dedicated in 1872 but the roots of this congregation go back much earlier than this. In 1765, the first church was a small chapel on Capisic Street. People came by horse and carriage from neighboring towns. This church was closed during the American Revolution when the English burned Portland … but after the conflict was over, many people returned. They reopened the church and chose a strong leader, Caleb Bradley, for its pastor. It was an active place for many years. Caleb and Bradley Streets were named in his honor.
(Photo on the left is of The Eunice Frye Home, the Frances Warde Convent, which currently stands at 37 Capisic Street, site of the former Bradley Meeting house
.)
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After the disastrous Portland Fire, hundreds of people had lost their homes. They left the inner city to rebuild. Many chose the Woodfords area where a tavern keeper, Chauncy Woodford, had established his business. The community grew and more businesses developed. The neighborhood women, tired of the long walk to the chapel on Capisic Street, began holding their church school and women’s groups meetings in available space near their homes. Families gathered together and decided they needed a church of their own. They raised $800 and purchased the plot of land where Jones & Rich now stands, and the work on Woodfords Church began in 1871.”
Rev. Carolyn
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COUNCIL NOTES
Woodfords Church Council met July 17.
•Council Officers: The officers for FY’18 are: Moderator – Robin Carter; Ass’t. Moderator – Amy Johnson; Treasurer – Jeff Jordan; Clerk – Brent Wooten. Allan Whitmore has finished his term with us and we are awaiting the vote to add Suzanne D’Bourget.
• Ministry Team Meetings: Ministry teams met for 30 minutes to review their individual areas of responsibility by revisiting the areas of the Strategic Plan specific to each team, review by-laws, start a to-do list and establish communication plans within their teams and to the congregation. We will continue these meetings from 6 to 6:30 before our regular meeting each month.
•Finances: End of year financials look good overall. A few errors were noted and Jeff Jordan will follow up on these.
• Security: A schedule is being developed for added security during regular worship times and special events. Beginning in August there will be 1 primary and 1 backup safety team member at worship/events.
• Stewardship: Pledges for FY’19 are just about at the goal of $213k thanks to all of you for your generosity.
• The Friends of Woodfords Corner: Plans are underway for the Friday September 21
st
Event at WCC. We will need about 20 volunteers to help that day. We can expect many from the Woodfords neighborhood to attend the events that will take place. It will be a wonderful time for all – mark your calendars now!
• Office Move and new Mission Partners for our 2
nd
floor. For now, the WCC staff will remain on the 2
nd
floor AND we will be adding up to 3 new tenants. More on this by fall.
• Music Program: Paul Schnell shared with us a new group of WCC members working with him and Rebecca on the music program with some great new ideas. We’ll be hearing more on this too.
• Beyond Resistance by Dr. John Dorhauer, President of the UCC, is the book we have been circulating all winter on the future of church. The Council is still working on this with Joanne Friedrick leading the conversation since our work with Rev. Deborah Blood, Conference Minister. If you have not read this book, let Robin Carter know and she will get you a copy. If you have finished your copy, please return it to Robin, along with your thoughts on it.
Thank you for your support of the Council and do come join us anytime on the 3
rd
Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
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Submitting an article for the September Beacon?
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SUMMER IS HERE! LET'S HAVE SOME FUN!
August Youth Group Offerings
All youth grades 7th -12th are welcome!
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Sunday 8/5 Marvel Movie Night
- 4-7pm @ HopeGateWay UMC, 509 Forest Ave
- Join us while we hang out, eat snacks, and watch a Marvel film.
- Please bring: a snack, drink or dessert to share.
- Pizza provided.
Friday 8/17- Saturday 8/18 Camping Trip
- @ Camden Hills State Park
- Friday night camp out & Saturday morning hike.
- Drop off Friday @4pm, Woodfords
- Pick up Saturday TBA
- Cost: $15
- Please Bring: signed waiver form, $ for dinner on Friday night (we will stop in Augusta on the way to Camden Hills), sleeping bag, hiking shoes, extra clothes, a bag lunch for Saturday's hike, anything else you might need for camping and hiking.
- RSVP by 7/31
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HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAY TO...
Calvin Hale 08/03
Chloe Murray 08/05
Robert Crean 08/06
Rebecca Barrows 08/08
Rachel Beyer 08/10
Anne Jordan 08/10
Lori Campbell 08/11
Esther Coyle 08/11
Brad McCurtain 08/12
Paula Fletcher 08/12
Maret Freeman 08/14
Charlotte Murray 08/14
Emma England 08/14
Judith Flaker 08/15
Martha Baldwin 08/15
Barbara Sawyer 08/16
Gerard Moore 08/16
Nicholas Nadzo 08/17
Deborah Nelson 08/17
Camille Nelson 08/17
Robert Meader 08/17
Norma Salway 08/17
Silvio Morales 08/17
Mary Jeton 08/18
Vahan Tufankjian 08/19
Simon Hale 08/19
Milo McCambridge 08/20
Robert Burt 08/21
Nathaniel Johnson 08/22
Johanna Koster 08/23
Abigail Belanger 08/24
Hannah Dionne 08/25
Alison Troxell 08/26
Owen Carten 08/27
Catriona Shepherd 08/27
Iain Kurry 08/27
Emily Py 08/28
Flynn Ross 08/28
Erin Mahoney 08/29
Laura Fries 08/31
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HAPPY AUGUST ANNIVERSARY TO...
Carl & Rachel Beyer 08/15 65
Leon & Joan Strout 08/15 65
Edgar & Betty Lou Jones 08/11 62
Gordon & Barbara Thomson 08/17 55
William & Susan Doughty III 08/14 47
Barry & Susan Nelson 08/21 47
Robert & Pamela Meader 08/11 45
Alan & Linda Nye 08/05 40
Robert & Jane Frey 08/21 36
John & Lynne England 08/03 33
Thomas & Lori Campbell 08/31 33
Charles Melcher & Margo Halverson 08/26 23
Amy & Scott Segal 08/01 20
David & Elizabeth Humphrey 08/20 19
Jessica Gellar-Cote & Victor Cote 08/03 16
Thomas & Margaret Vire 08/20 13
Fred & Beth McKeeman 08/27 13
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PILGRIM LODGE WEEKEND IS SEPTEMBER 7-9
The registration form is due by August 25th,
but we appreciate it as early as possible!
When asked why they love Pilgrim Lodge Weekend, WCC members had this to say . . .
"As a grandmother, being with all our wonderful youngsters and their parents was a great joy - and to top it off, at beautiful PL. A great chance to get to know all these fun families better.”
“Our family loves PL because of the camaraderie of all the Woodfords folks, the beauty of the setting and the opportunity to be away from the demands of our busy daily schedules.”
“PIlgrim Lodge is my very favorite weekend of the entire year. I get to spend uninterrupted time playing and praying with my beloved Woodfords Church family.”
“Pilgrim Lodge gave my family the opportunity to really connect with other Woodfords families. A favorite memory is an osprey flying down to a tree near us during an outdoor worship service as if it wanted to join us.”
Woodfords weekend at Pilgrim Lodge will be September 7
th
-9
th
this year. I look forward to this weekend every year as a chance to get away from the busyness of life, to be able to breathe more deeply and sit more calmly, and to spend time with my Woodfords family. But most of all, to be in this amazing spiritual place that renews me.
I want to especially welcome new folks to join us! Pilgrim Lodge is the Maine UCC’s lakeside camp and retreat facility on Lake Cobbosseecontee in Gardiner. Woodfords annual Pilgrim Lodge Weekend is a 35+ year tradition of coming together in this beautiful, peaceful setting. We get to know each other, and grow closer and stronger, through informal conversations, activities and shared meals. There are crafts throughout the day on Saturday, waterfront activities Saturday afternoon, and evening entertainment and raucous game playing Saturday night. We take moments of quiet by walking the labyrinth, hiking the trails or sitting by the lake. The children run free (relatively speaking), through the lodge, the boardwalk and the wooded site, supervised by the village of adults but able to explore in a way they often can’t at home. And we sit in rocking chairs, and chat, and feel even more a part of the Woodfords community.
I hope you’ll consider attending. If you’d like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact me, find me after church, or ask another Woodfords member who has attended.
We are looking forward to seeing you there this fall!
Carol Swicker
cswicker@gmail.com
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WE'RE HAVING COMPANY FOR THE EVENING …. and we need your help!
WHAT?
Woodfords CornerFest 2018 - a Woodfords Corner Block Party
WHEN?
Friday, September 21, 5 to 8 pm, Rain or Shine!
WHERE?
Woodfords Church -
in the Parking Lot, on the Front Lawn, and in Memorial Hall
The Friends of Woodfords Corner and Woodfords Church will be teaming up for a fall Friday evening street festival. Our place will be buzzing with artisans and crafts, music, entertainment, food vendors and more! Many of the “Mission Partners” in our building will also be participating and sharing what they do.
This is a chance for our church to be an integral part of the local community by attending, participating, and volunteering! A committee has begun work to help organize this very unique opportunity for us to be a visible part of the neighborhood corner.
Over the next few months, we will be asking for volunteers to help with some tasks to make this wonderful event possible -----
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO DO THE FOLLOWING:
-Managing the Woodfords Table (passing out balloons or popcorn, greeting attendees, giving information about Woodfords as asked)
-Parking Attendants (guiding cars to appropriate parking spaces)
-Elevator Guides
-Building Guides (making sure people stay within the open areas of the church, guiding people to the restrooms)
-Working on the Set Up Team (bringing out and setting up tables and chairs, setting up trash receptacles)
-Working on the Clean Up Team (breaking down and bringing in tables and chairs, throwing away trash and clearing all items from the parking lot)
-Working on the Electical Team (managing extension cords for our 3 performing stages, helping string lights in our trees)
-Coordinating the Order of Woodfords T-Shirts
-Volunteer Coordinator (to assist Paul Schnell)
If you are interested, please email Paul Schnell at
music@woodfordschurch.org
. We look forward to working with you on this fun and important event!
Thank you,
Paul Schnell, Joanne Friedrick, Tom and Pip Hennessey
Woodfords CornerFest 2018 Planning Team
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Save the Date!!
The Next Family Promise Week is August 19 - 26
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Woodfords Church Office - Summer Hours
Tuesday - Friday, 9 am - 1 pm
207.774.8243 info@woodfordschurch.org
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