THE BEACON
Woodfords
Congregational Church
December 2019
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CHRISTMAS EVE 2019
Woodfords will hold two services on Christmas Eve: the family pageant early service and the candlelight later service.
Please note, the time for the second service is one hour earlier than in previous years...
5:00 pm FAMILY PAGEANT SERVICE
7:30 pm PRE-SERVICE CHRISTMAS MUSIC
8:00 pm CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
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"HAPPINESS VS. JOY"
A Christmas Message from Rev. Jim
Beloved friends and family of Woodfords Church,
It is a sign of our secular times that we have confused two words….happiness and joy. I know this to be true when I Googled ‘Christmas Joy.” This is only a partial listing of what the cyber world thinks will bring Christmas joy: a Pennsylvania fruitcake. I don’t know about you, but fruitcakes make better doorstops than edibles and don’t tend to bring me Christmas joy! Well, how about a pendant from Tiffany’s to celebrate ‘the true joy of the holidays.’ Christmas joy is ousted in favor of holiday joy. If that doesn’t work, maybe a Norman Rockwell type painting of a grandma presenting a perfectly cooked turkey to a perfect family. This painting oozes Christmas joy! And the fact that grandma does this without a single strand of hair out of place, having prepared this amazing feast should makes us all joyful. The list goes on including Toyotas, security alarms, Aruba vacations, and one I didn’t quite get…..a composting bin.
We use the words ‘joy’ and ‘happiness’ interchangeably. They are not the same word. One speaks of the gift of the spirit given to every human being
despite
circumstances. The other speaks of vain attempts to be glad during Christmas, perhaps, most tellingly, because we think we should. Joy is something that is not for sale, despite the barrage of media messages which say otherwise. It is based on the abundant love God has for every human creature. It comes to you for only one reason: God has picked you to receive it. It is not naïve. It is nothing like ‘keeping a stiff upper lip,’ for it can come to you in the the most painful time. I am always amazed that Jesus’ cross and cradle were only eleven miles apart. It is not based on circumstance or season. It is an unconditional gift of a loving God.
At least one concrete response to this priceless gift is to be a giver ourselves. Giving is the spiritual response to receiving joy. Paula and I have always included the church in our Christmas giving, not because the church needs it (we know it does), and not just because we feel obligated to do so (and we do), but because it is the natural response to receiving a gift so profound that it endures through all ages, all pain and sorrow, all doubt and fear. It is the same timeless feeling that caused the Magi to kneel before the child Jesus those centuries ago, and it is the same the wonderful assurance that no matter who we are or where we find ourselves this Christmas, we are not without the gift of joy. How could we not kneel before such a giver of joy and offer ourselves as true gifts.?
Rev. Jim
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JOIN IN THE ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH
MUSIC AT WOODFORDS
WOODFORDS FAMILY ORCHESTRA
We will play in Worship on December 22 at 9:45 am and on December 24
th -
Christmas Eve at 7:30 pm for pre-service music for the 8:00 pm service.
Rehearsals are after worship at 11:20 am in the Music Room
Dec 1
Dec 8
Dec 22 (for the Christmas Eve Service)
All skill levels are welcome - 6th Grade through Adult. Invite a friend and/or a neighbor to join us!
CHANCEL CHOIR FOR CHRISTMAS
Interested in singing with the Choir for Christmas, but can’t make THURSDAY NIGHT rehearsal?
There will be 3 Sunday morning rehearsals at 8:45 am –Dec 1, Dec 8 & Dec 15.
If you are interested in this possibility, contact Paul for more information!
COOKIES AND CAROLS
Sunday, December 15, 11:15 am in Memorial Hall
(
and CAROLING into the WOODFORDS NEIGHBORHOOD!)
Invite your friends and neighbors to join us for worship. Then stay for an extended Fellowship Time for a cup of coffee or cocoa, some homemade cookies and the singing together of some of your favorite Christmas carols and songs.
AND AFTER the Cookies and Carols……. At about 12 noon……we will take a half-hour stroll around the Woodfords Church streets, and sing for some of our neighbors. Stayed tuned for more details!
WANTED: Cookies and Sweets for the Cookies and Carols Sing on December 15th
Organizations who are Mission Partners at Woodfords and Woodford neighbors will be invited to join us for a rousing Carol sing to celebrate the Christmas season.
We need some members (and friends) of Woodfords to provide cookies to share. Bake early and bake often!
You can bake cookies now and freeze them for the party.
Join us to share a time of song, celebration and sweet treats together. Contact Paul at
music@woodfordschurch.org
) if you are able to provide some cookies or other baked finger food. THANK YOU!
PRE-SERVICE CAROL SING
Sunday, December 22, 9:45 am
Carol singing will be accompanied by the Woodfords Family Christmas Orchestra
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24
5:00 pm Pageant Service
7:30 pm Pre-Service Music with the Woodfords Ringers, Woodfords Family Orchestra, Chancel Choir, Organ, and Congregation in the Sanctuary
8:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
(NOTE the new time – 1 hour earlier!)
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Dearest Woodfords Community:
So often in our "what's next" society we fail to celebrate our everyday successes. And so as we enter this Advent season, a time rich with curiosity, hope and expectation, I wanted to slow down and write you a note of gratitude and praise.
In the last two months we have begun a journey of experimentation and self-observation. Who is Woodfords in the midst of pastoral change? Who is Woodfords as we explore new possibilities for how we will express our faith in the future? Well, if this time has been any indication of what is in store, I can't help but feel hopeful about the future. (Please note: I write to you from my vantage point as the Director of Intergenerational Engagement, I am sure there are many more stories than the ones I am reflecting here!)
I have been watching you: sharing stories (and hot sauce) over arepas at a neighborhood restaurant, talking about your kids and grandkids at coffee hour, working (baking, knitting and logistic-ing) together to have a banner year at the DownEast Fair. I gathered with 25 of you on a Friday night in November to speak vulnerably about death, life and those we hold dear. I delighted in the play-doh creations you made for the altar at our first Intergenerational Sunday, and the silliness of our pop-up produce parade this past month. But I was even more surprised, in fact, deeply moved by the sacred thank you letters you wrote to people who you struggle to appreciate. Sure, I offered it as a possibility from the pulpit, but a huge number of you walked fearlessly towards more love and forgiveness! Again and again you impress me with your courage: amidst your busy lives 53 of you stayed after worship to listen to the stories of a Holocaust survivor, words that were not easy to hear. And nearly that many people mobilized just last week to cook food, play games and spend the night with our neighbors in need through Family Promise. And of course, it is not just the adults who are boldly confronting big questions and leaning into love. Our kids (and the gifted CE volunteers) have grappled with change all semester tackling issues like immigration and what it means to be a "good Samaritan", loss of friends or beloved family (human and animal alike), and ways that we can be more compassionate forces in the world. From the search committee to the council, I see people who spend almost as much time in this building as I do-- all because they believe so fiercely in the ways that Woodfords can and has changed lives.
And so, I write to say THANK YOU. Your generosity and determination are what I carry with me into this Advent season of waiting... knowing that whatever Woodfords is becoming, my family and I are grateful to be on this journey with you.
Blessings,
Tamara
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CHRISTMAS FLOWERS
It’s time to place your orders for Christmas Memorial Flowers. Remember your loved ones and help decorate the Sanctuary with a beautiful floral display. Please send your check to the church office by Friday, December 6, along with
THIS ORDER FORM.
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CHRISTIAN ED:
ADVENT AND PAGEANT
This year we will be Embodying Advent each week by finding ways to connect the stories leading up to Christmas with actions we can take in our everyday lives. Kids will engage in hands-on activities in the classroom and leave with suggestions for family activities The first week we will explore Peace, followed by Hope, Love and finally Joy. That fourth Sunday (December 22nd) will be an
Intergenerational Sunday
led by Rev. Jim, featuring music by the Family Band.
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We will also be changing up our annual Christmas Pageant, to use a new script created by local Children's Book author (and Woodfords member!!) Sarah Thomson. There will still be a few speaking roles (kids and teens should let Tamara know if they are interested in such a role), but also many more pop-up possibilities for those who don't know their holiday plans until late in the game. Look for more information in the weekly CE emails (and if you are not receiving those, please email Rev. Tamara
ttorresmcgovern@woodfordschurch.org
to get on the list!!
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WOODFORDS SENIOR PROGRAM
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 6:
The Wisdom of the Enneagram: Nine Paths to Opening the Heart of Compassion
9:30 am- Noon (Lounge)
What is the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is a system that combines traditional wisdom with modern psychology to help us better understand ourselves and the people in our lives. The nine archetypal types ALL live within us, but by discovering our dominant type we can gain insights that allow us to more accurately see ourselves. This powerful tool can be used to increase personal and professional effectiveness, improve self awareness and emotional intelligence, understand patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving, build more successful relationships at home and at work, support one's strengths, identify blind spots and manage personal reactivity, and develop one's inner life.
This workshop will be led by Michael Naylor, who is faculty for the
Enneagram Institute
(please link to
https://www.enneagraminstitute.com
) and an expert Enneagram guide. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from a talented teacher and guide! $10 suggested (Covers the 2 hr. Workshop and Lunch)
Be the first to find out about The Enneagram Institute® news, updates, and events!
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December 12, 12-4:30 (THURSDAY!)
The Magic of Christmas:
Join your church community and friends for this classic holiday tradition. We will gather for lunch before boarding a bus to the Portland Symphony Orchestra to enjoy some holiday favorites to get us in the mood for this festive season. Tickets are going fast so please let Rev. Tamara know to reserve your spot!
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CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR LONG CREEK YOUTH
Long Creek Youth Development Center is a correctional center in South Portland that provides care, custody and security for kids who have made some major mistake. They range in age from 13-18.
Many will not see their families at all this Christmas due to financial or logistical challenges, but each program participant has the opportunity to have a Christmas 'wish' list. They are not expecting an X-box, snow board, new cell phone, or computer. Their wish list consists of items like pajamas, socks, slippers, a board game, deodorant, and shampoo. Things we frequently take for granted.
Woodfords Church has the wish lists of 8 young men and women this year. Please consider taking a gift tag (or two) from the tree in the Cloister.
Please note:
1. Include the gift tag with your gift when you return it, if possible.
2. Bring only items on the gift tag - and they must be unwrapped. (Gift bags are OK.)
3.
Return all unwrapped items by Sunday 12/15.
Feel free to include a card of encouragement to your gift recipient, but do not seal the envelope. Thanks for considering this and please keep these young people and the staff that support them in your prayers now and throughout the year.
"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40
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COUNCIL NOTES FOR NOVEMBER
The Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
• Treasurer’s Report: We are at 33% (4 months) of the fiscal year. Our total income is at 25% and total expenses are at 29%. The pledge and plate offerings are at 40% - Yea! We are in good shape and thank you all for your on-going support.
• Audit – Jeff provided a list of items that we will follow-up on and will help us complete these needed adjustments.
• The 3 CPR Teams: The teams are working very hard and moving forward on many projects. Come join a team and get more involved in this vital work for the future of Woodfords.
• Check Signing: A vote was taken to approve the following 4 people to be eligible to sign checks for WCC: Robin Carter, Teri Coviello, Carryl Krohne, Susan Bassi-Brown. Having these four people provides WCC coverage at all times.
• DownEast Fair: We are looking forward to a great time for all – come and enjoy this day.
• Kone Elevator: A more comprehensive repair policy is in the process of being reviewed.
• Council Process: Most of our time was spent working on the overall organization of the Council, incorporating our new mission statement into the Council structure and working on ways to be sure all essential responsibilities of Council are identified and covered on an on-going basis. We will go over the By-laws to bring everything into alignment.
Our next Council Meeting is December 17
th
. You are always welcome to attend.
Robin Carter
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Submitting an article for the January Beacon?
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HAPPY DECEMBER BIRTHDAY TO...
Gladys Stokinger 12/04
Alison Grey 12/04
Samantha Wilson 12/05
Helen Ashley 12/08
Hannah Smith-Erb 12/08
Lucille Twaddel 12/09
Nelson Toner 12/11
Kevin McKee 12/12
Caleb Shields 12/12
Carl Anderson 12/15
Bonnie Paris 12/16
Karen Philbrook 12/16
Beth Rovnak 12/17
Mary Rokosz 12/18
Bruce McAfee 12/19
Priscilla Greene 12/19
Virginia Toner 12/19
Jean Wriggins 12/20
Sarah Wriggins 12/20
Lyndsey Sumner 12/20
Meredith Louise McKeeman 12/23
Dorianne Ross 12/24
Fiona Kay Johnson 12/24
Antoni Bazia 12/25
Tipton Heminway 12/26
Dorothy Ingalls 12/27
Fran Paris 12/30
Sable Strout 12/30
HAPPY DECEMBER ANNIVERSARY TO...
Jae & James F Brown 12/18 52 years
Waldo & Cynthia Harwood 12/16 13 years
Mitchell & Matthew Rosengarten 12/01 1 year
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A HEARTFELT THANK YOU FROM REV. CAROLYN
Dear friends,
Greetings on a blustery November day! Over a month has gone by since I last saw you and not a minute has passed when I haven’t thought about each one of you and the journey we walked for 14 years! How grateful I am for all that we accomplished and the many ways we ministered to each other and to the greater community on that profound journey.
And so today I write to share my gratitude for all the ways you honored our relationships throughout my entire ministry at Woodfords, and especially to thank you for the many ways in which you honored me as I was preparing to take my leave. Whether it was at the Women’s Retreat or a Bible Discussion Class, a Council meeting or the final exquisite gathering in Memorial Hall – I couldn’t have been more surprised or more humbled by your love and care. The words “thank you” aren’t close to being adequate for the many, many thoughtful and creative ways you let me know that my ministry with you mattered. Each gift, no matter how large or small, is precious to me. I am especially humbled by the hundreds of cards, emails and letters you’ve written. It has taken me this long to read and savor each one, finding a special place in my heart to hold not just your words but all that we’ve meant to each other.
And more than anything, as we prepare once again - wherever we find ourselves - for that remarkable celebration of the gift of Love Incarnate, I thank you for the unconditional love with which you embraced me on our journey together.
May each day bring you countless blessings, just as you have blessed me in countless ways.
With love,
Rev. Carolyn
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WOODFORDS BOOK CLUB
Although this group began as part of the Senior Program [AKA Grant Fund], it is now open to anyone in the church who would like to read and discuss various books. We read all sorts of things depending on interests of the group. So, if you like to read and have time during the day to come to a book discussion, we would welcome you to join us! The group meets the second Wed. of each month at 12:15.
If you would like to be added to the emails regarding the book groups activities, or you have any questions, you can contact Suzanne D’Bourget at
suzannedb@me.com
or 329-1444.
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ChoralArt
DECEMBER CONCERTS & EVENTS AT WOODFORDS
A CHORALART CHRISTMAS, Woodfords Sanctuary
Saturday, December 7 Noon (Preview) and 7:30
Sunday, December 8, 2019 2:30 and 7:30 pm
Woodfords Church is happy to have the opportunity to be the host for this decades-old tradition. The concert is usually held at the Cathedral.
MESSIAH SING-ALONG, Woodfords Sanctuary
Monday, December 9, 2019, 7:30 pm
For more information and to buy tickets, please check out their website:
ChoralArt
.
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Woodfords Church Office Hours
Tuesday - Thursday - Friday, 9 am - 1 pm
Wednesday, 9 am - 3 pm
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