FAMILY PROMISE WEEK COMING UP Oct 21-28
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
It's that time again! Woodfords will be hosting Family Promise October 21-28. If you can help as an on-site volunteer with the families, a food preparer, or for set-up and breakdown, please click this link to sign up:
http://signup.com/go/mKOQGuS.
Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard over the past year to make Family Promise hosting at Woodfords a success! If you aren't familiar, Family Promise is a program that uses faith congregations in Greater Portland to house homeless families for a week at a time. Volunteers bring meals, stay at the churches with the families, and help out in the day center. Many of the families are newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers. We host up to 15 individuals at one time. Between August 2017 and August 2018, fifty-seven Woodfords members volunteered countless hours to help families have a safe place to stay and transition to more permanent housing. Volunteers often receive as many blessings from the program as the families do. It is truly a joy to get to know these wonderful, interesting people and be a part of their journey and their community.
We would love to have some new volunteers with the program! Many of our volunteers have given their time every week that we host, sometimes staying overnight multiple nights during the week or preparing dinner and volunteering at the church within the same week. Woodfords is in this for the long haul and we're hoping to expand our volunteer base to avoid anyone feeling burned out. If you have been less involved in Family Promise over the past year than you would like to be, I would encourage you to sign up for this upcoming week. It's also a great time to explore this volunteer opportunity if you haven't had a chance to in the past year. Volunteers who prepare food or set up the space do not need any training. Before volunteering directly with families, you'll need to attend a three hour training. We will let you know about upcoming trainings.
During October, we will also be collecting information about the commitment of our Family Promise volunteers going forward. Please be on the look-out for an email from me asking you to provide your current commitment to this project, similar to the pledges we made at the annual meeting in September 2016. We're trying to get a more realistic sense of how frequently people can fill various roles. We will also be collecting feedback through a Survey Monkey survey and at a meeting after church on November 4th (save the date!!).
Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for your continuing support!
Carol Swicker, Coordinator
207-756-5875
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OTHER WAYS TO HELP OUT FAMILY PROMISE THIS MONTH...
We have an opportunity to support Greater Portland Family Promise with just a few clicks. GPFP is in the running for Benchmark Residential & Investment Real Estate's
Four A Cause Holiday Party.
You can vote for GPFP and see a newly produced video featuring former guests Alice and Allan. Just click on this link:
https://woobox.com/pb8bxc/gallery/Fdn5VWj5PJA.
You can check out all 20 video entries and vote for up to 4.
http://www.fouracause.com/vote/.
Also, please share this opportunity with friends and family. It's an easy way to care for families experiencing homelessness.
Another great way to help out is to attend the
PINTS & PILLOWCASES FUNDRAISER
!
Come enjoy a pint while you stuff a pillowcase with personal care items for families experiencing homelessness. Each homemade pillowcase full of provided supplies will be given to a child or caregiver when they enter our program. Your ticket includes one pint and snacks. Additional food and drink will be available for purchase.
DATE AND TIME
Wed, October 10, 2018
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
LOCATION
Liquid Riot Brewery and Resto-Bar
250 Commercial Street
Portland, ME 04101
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FAMILY CHOIR - Sunday, Oct 21
On Sunday, October 21, you are invited to sing in Woodford’s new Family Choir. All ages are welcome. Come with your child, your grandchild or your neighbor’s child. Bring your mom and dad, your uncle or aunt, your teacher, or your best friend’s mom or dad. A rehearsal will begin in the chancel on that Sunday, the 21
st, at 9:15 am. We will learn and sing together during the worship service. Not to fear, the music will be easy to learn even if you don’t read music. Looking forward to seeing you there on Sunday morning!
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WOODFORDS CORNERFEST 2018
THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS!!
If you were able to make it to the CornerFest this past Friday, you experienced the fun and excitement of the evening. Together with Friends of Woodfords Corner, Stages Youth Theater, Portland Conservatory of Music, and lots of other mission partners and local organizations, we welcomed over 200 visitors and it was a night to remember!
There were so many Woodfords members who helped make it such a success. Thank you to those of you who helped set up, who staffed tables, who worked on the lights, who donated generators just in case, who cleaned up after the event...we couldn't have done it without you! And a big shout out to Paul Schnell, the one who pulled this all together --- THANK YOU PAUL!!
Later this week we'll be posting more of the photos from the party. Keep an eye out!
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GRANT FUND OCTOBER EVENTS
October 7, 11:30-12:30pm - Annual Flu Shot Clinic (Chapel)
Featuring a Quadrivalent Vaccine for broader seasonal protection! Bring your insurance card and help us boost immunity in our community!
October 12, 9:00-3:30pm - Fall Foliage Trip to the City of Bath
Gorgeous vistas, maritime history, and lunch with friends! Call Tamara to reserve your spot. Bus will leave Woodfords at 9:00 am.
October 26, 11:30-12:30pm - Grant Fund Lunch Club (Lounge)
Join us as we discover new flavors from around the world, and the neighborhood! Specific restaurant TBA. Cost $15
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THIS MONTH IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
This month we will be exploring God's presence in the world from a variety of perspectives. First we will celebrate God's love of all creatures, as we delve into the concept of earth care and stewardship. Next we will discuss God's constant presence in our lives. Later we will work together to imagine peace in a world that can sometimes feel chaotic and troubled. Finally we will illuminate our understanding of our role as light-bringers in the world. Join us!
10.7 Psalm 104
Earth Care: God’s love for ALL creatures
10.14 Psalm 121
Appreciating God’s Care and Presence in our Lives
(even during the hard times)
10.21 Isaiah 65:17-25
Dream of God’s Peace: ENVISION new possibilities
10.28 Genesis 1:1-5
Let There Be Light: Becoming a light to the world
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IONA TRIP OPPORTUNITY
JUNE 2019
In spite of thinking our Iona trip might not happen, Kathy from Worldwide Pilgrimages has sent an itinerary and an estimated cost for a trip to Iona in June 2019. It’s still based on a minimum of ten people. I had heard from 5 people from Woodfords who might be interested and am hoping you might still be interested. And now that I have real dates and costs, I’ll also open it up to folks from other churches we are already ministering with – especially HopeGateWay, Trinity and St. Luke’s – in hopes that we might get the minimum of 10. I’m including the dates and 2 potential flight itineraries below and would love to hear from anyone who might be interested. If you contact me, I can give you cost estimates for the trip, info regarding prices including airfare and accommodations. Accommodations are based on 2 people per room; single rooms can be arranged for an additional charge.
I hope to hear from you! It’s an awesome opportunity!
😊
Rev. Carolyn
Itinerary with Icelandic Air
June 8, 2019
Icelandair 630 depart Boston 9:30 PM arrive Reykjavik 6:30 AM (June 9)
June 9, 2019
Icelandair 430 depart Reykajavik 7:35 AM arrive Glasgow 10:45 AM
June 17, 2019
Icelandair 431 depart Glasgow 1:55 PM arrive Reykajavik 3:15 PM
Icelandair 631 depart Reykajavik 5:00 PM arrive Boston 6:35 PM
Second itinerary with Aer Lingus
June 8, 2019
Aer Lingus 136 depart Boston 5:45 PM arrive Dublin 4:55 AM (June 9)
June 9, 2019
Aer Lingus 3220 depart Dublin 7:00 AM arrive Glasgow 8:05 AM
June 17, 2019
Aer Lingus 3221 depart Glasgow 8:30 AM arrive Dublin 9:40 AM
Aer Lingus 137 depart Dublin 11:30 AM arrive Boston 1:35 PM
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2018 ART AUCTION FOR MISSION
October 14, 9:00 – 11:30 am
We have 35 donors getting ready to present the result of their talents at the biennial art auction on October 14
th. The donors have to sign-up ahead of time, but you, as buyers, just have to show up. Even if you don’t end up as a buyer, it is worth showing up just to see the amazing projects created by the members and friends of Woodfords.
Consider doing some Christmas shopping at the auction. There will be knitted articles, silkscreen prints, acrylic and watercolor paintings, photographs, books, jewelry, and some items that defy classification.
And if this stimulates your creative self, it’s not too late to donate. Contact Gordon
Thomson or Charlotte Cuzner.
(Shawl by M Winward)
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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?
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A PARKING REMINDER
A reminder to Sunday church goers now that our new elevator is up and running... We have a number of elderly and less abled members who need to park in the back parking lot and use the elevator for Sunday worship. If possible, please park your car in the side lot and leave the back lot spaces along the tree line for those who need them. Thank you for your consideration.
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ACTIVITIES STARTING UP THIS FALL...
Bible Discussion Group with Rev. Carolyn
2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 1:30 pm in the Lounge starting September 26
Grant Fund Yoga with Melora Gergory
Wednesdays at 10 am in the Lounge starting October 3
Dinah's Project
1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 1-3 pm in Seely Hall
Grant Fund Book Club
2nd Wednesdays at 12:15 pm in the Parlor (Date change in October to OCT 17!)
Tai Chi
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am for beginners, 10:30 for intermediates in Seely Hall starting Sept 18
To join the class, contact Anna Guest at Southern Maine Agency on Aging:
aguest@smaaa.org.
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COUNCIL NOTES
The Council met September 18th in the Parlor at 6:00 p.m.
• Ministry Team Meetings: Ministry teams met for the 1
st
hour to review individual areas of responsibility and create plans & to-do lists.
• Finances: The process of an audit was discussed and Jane Frey was invited to bring a proposal she created as a very competent CPA & financial manager to help WCC with the best way to do an audit at a reasonable cost. Her proposal was unanimously accepted and if you have any questions, please see Jeff Jordan, Robin Carter or Jane who will be glad to answer questions.
• New elevator: As I believe you all know, the elevator is up and running – at last.
• Personnel: Amy Johnson reported that she is in the process of meeting with each of our 7 employees (Pastoral and Staff).
• The Friends of Woodfords Corner: By the time you get this, we will all have had a great time with our neighbors.
• New Mission Partners for our 2
nd
floor: Besides
A Company of Girls
as new mission partners as of Oct. 1
st
, we are in final conversations with 2 additional potential partners. And you should see the ‘clean up’ that has taken place upstairs to accommodate our new partners!
• We voted & now welcome Susan Bassi-Brown as an addition to our Counting teams and to the Investment Committee. We are always glad to have new faces join all our areas of work.
Thank you for your support of the Council and do come join us anytime on the 3
rd
Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.
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Submitting an article for the November Beacon?
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HAPPY OCTOBER BIRTHDAY TO...
Carol Chadbourne 10/01
Elizabeth Sprague 10/02
Olin Johnson 10/02
Judy Shields 10/03
Susan Wooten 10/05
Meghan Graser 10/09
Bradley Ronco 10/10
Russell Kenney 10/12
Colleen McKee 10/13
Gloriose Ndayishimiye 10/15
Mary Belanger 10/16
Billie Jo Wooten 10/16
Emma Cook 10/17
Karin Kurry 10/19
Molly Johnson 10/20
Dominic Salvaggio 10/21
Leanne Walker 10/22
Tyra Pranger 10/25
Douglas Philbrook 10/25
Avon Oakes 10/28
Madison Bailey 10/29
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HAPPY OCTOBER ANNIVERSARY TO...
Joanne & Gayton Bartlett 10/02 42 years
Thomas & Priscilla Hennessey 10/01 41 years
Mary Bonauto & Jennifer Wriggins 10/03 31 years
Ben & Catherine Walter 10/26 27 years
Leanne Walker & Dave Wasdahl 10/07 22 years
Alison Grey & Oliver Murray 10/17 19 years
Jeffrey & Adrienne-Marie Wilson 10/18 15 years
Jim & Stacey Dand 10/02 14 years
Lindsay & Brian Ross 10/25 10 years
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SWEET TREATS FOR ALL!!
Portland Nursery School Bake Sale
October 14th, after Worship
Please stop by and shop our bake sale on Sunday October 14th (in the Cloister) to support our co-operative non-profit nursery school. All proceeds go directly to our school needs such as classroom supplies, activities, and field trips. Thank you!
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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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Welcome to our new office volunteers:
Nancy Meiners (Wed 1-3 pm) and
Linda Lawrence (Thur 1-3 pm)
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