THE BEACON
Woodfords
Congregational Church
June 2021
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A Note from Alyssa
It’s June, and I soon will head off to the West Coast to spend time with my family, as we gather to celebrate my niece’s graduation from high school. In all honesty, I am a bit nervous about the trip. I have not traveled farther than 275 miles from my doorstep in 18 months, so being that far from home will feel strange, I am sure. So, too, will setting foot inside an airplane and the hotel room.
We tend to think of June as a time for high school and college graduations, but this year, we all are graduating. We are like brave fledglings, testing our wings as we exit our pandemic nests to enter and explore the great, big, beautiful world that surrounds us. How liberating it is to leave the circumscribed spheres of COVID-19 life behind! But with that liberation comes some anxiety: Will the wider world be as it was before? Should it be exactly as it was before? How can the lessons we have learned from a global pandemic help us improve the ways in which we build community and care for one another?
And even as we leave our nests, we also return to them. June marks the first month we will be in Woodfords’ sanctuary for indoor worship. (There is no way that COVID and boiler catastrophes are going to keep us down!) Many of us are looking forward to being together in our beloved sacred space … even as others feel nervous about being back indoors in large groups. I am proud to see the Woodfords community navigating difficult questions about building re-entry with consideration and sensitivity. As we head back into the church, all of you are caring for one another with great patience and compassion.
We have been through so much together in the last 15 months. Right now, we are stuck in a bit of an in-between time: We are moving away from our pandemic past, but we do not yet know exactly what the post-pandemic future holds. It can be difficult to live in times of uncertainty and ambiguity. But we are in great company. Jesus’ very first followers also lived in this sort of time. After Jesus left them, they were not quite sure what would come next. All they knew was that they had an important message that needed to be heard: God loved the world enough to overthrow death and destruction.
We, too, have a message of Divine Compassion to share – both inside the sanctuary and out in the wider world. And like our spiritual predecessors, are courageous in myriad ways – as individuals and a community. Over the upcoming weeks and months, I look forward to being courageous together, as we labor to help usher in God’s realm of justice, peace, and love. May the Holy One be with us in the work. Happy summer!
In faith --
Rev. Alyssa
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NEW SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR OUR CHURCH
Dear Members and Friends,
As you know, federal and state CDC guidelines for safe gatherings have been changing at a rapid pace. In response, the Council held emergency discussions this past week to develop our own building policies. It was a challenge to find the right balance between re-establishing our sense of community and keeping everyone safe -- it took three different meetings and a lot of emails to reach our unanimous consensus on the language below. We were gratified to receive positive feedback from the attendees at Sunday's budget vote meeting.
Please note this policy is good through the end of June. We will keep on top of new information in order to stay as current as possible with our recommendations.
If you have questions or would like to discuss this policy, please contact Amy Johnson (amyfjohn@gmail.com).
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If you HAVE NOT been fully vaccinated for COVID-19:
Per CDC guidelines, you must continue to wear a mask and maintain physical distance (6') from others at all times while on Woodfords property.
If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home.
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If you ARE FULLY
VACCINATED for
COVID-19:
You are expected to maintain physical distance from others to respect their personal space.
We request that you continue to wear a mask indoors during Sunday morning worship services.
If all attendees at a meeting (other than Sunday worship) are vaccinated, masks are optional.
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The Budget and Stewardship |
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Last week was a great service on Zoom followed by a meeting to vote on the 2021-22 budget. We are happy to report that the budget was unanimously approved. As you probably know, a significant portion of our income in the budget comes from your pledges. The stewardship campaign will wrap up in the next month (usually by the start of the new fiscal year in July). If you haven't pledged yet, you can use this link to PLEDGE ONLINE.
Thank you.
The Stewardship Team
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Woodfords Senior Program Social
June 4, 12 pm
Welcome bright Springtime what joy now is ours,
Flowers awake and burst into bloom!
Springtime is Come! And sweet summer is near,
Ah, how our heartbeats with smiles set anew!
(modified from Rubinstein, Anton, “Voices of the Woods”- Melody in F)
It has been a loooong Pandemic journey, and what seems to be a loooonger time since Woodfords Senior Program has gathered. Come Celebrate and Join in our “Regathering Social” event to be held on Friday, June 4th, 12:00 pm in Memorial Garden and the Cloister. Visit with old and new friends while enjoying light refreshments --- drinks provided.
Come join us in sharing warm smiles, reconnecting, and enjoying a bite to eat!
See you on the 4th of June!
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Please Provide a Warm Welcome
for Jessica Edelblut
Tri-Church Initiative Will Benefit from Jessica’s Ministry This Summer
Woodfords, Williston-Immanuel United Church, and State Street UCC invite you to extend a warm welcome to Jessica Edelblut, who will serve as our Tri-Church summer intern this year. Jessica’s 40-hour-per-week position started on May 23 and will last through the beginning of August. You will have a chance to meet her as we share summertime ministry, learning, leadership, and social opportunities. And now, without further ado, we’ll let Jessica introduce herself:
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A Note from Jessica
Hello Woodfords congregation! My name is Jessica and I am your pastoral intern this summer. I’m so looking forward to meeting many of you and getting plugged into all the wonderful things Woodfords is doing.
I am in my final year at Duke Divinity School, pursuing a Master of Divinity degree. My goal this summer is to serve the congregations at State Street, Williston-Immanuel, and Woodfords while discerning my own call to parish ministry. To that end, I hope we will be able to learn from each other through bible studies, book discussion groups, and Sunday worship. I have a particular interest in eco-theology/creation care as well as disability theology and these are topics I hope we can explore together throughout the summer.
I moved to Maine back in 2017 and instantly felt like I had found my place in the world. Like everyone else, I love spending time on the coast and out on the water and I love exploring all the restaurants and coffee shops Portland has to offer. I’m really looking forward to places being more open this summer and seeing what new businesses make their way to the Old Port. Since I am interning with all three churches this summer, I won’t be around every Sunday, but please feel free to introduce yourself whenever you see me at the church! I would love to meet as many of you as I can!
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Jessica’s Thursday Night Gatherings (7 pm)
This summer, Tri-church pastoral intern Jessica Edelblut (see prior story) is leading a weekly Thursday night conversation group for members of Woodfords, State Street Church, and Williston-Immanuel United Church. The group, called "Sojourners,” will start out discussing the Maine Conference, UCC's Anti-Racism Pentecost Challenge resources and then move onto a new discussion topic in mid-June. In order to learn more about the Anti-Racism Pentecost Challenge and to sign up to receive the daily resources, CLICK HERE.
We cordially invite you to participate in some of Jessica’s sessions. There is no obligation to attend in all the gatherings. You may pop in an out as it suits your summer schedule allows. This is a great opportunity to meet other folks from State Street and Williston-Immanuel and a nice way for Jessica to share her leadership gifts with all of us!
The Tri-Church Sojourners group will meet on Thursdays at 7pm throughout June and July.
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Church Office Now Open
Tuesday 9 am - 12 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 12 pm
Thursday 12 - 3 pm
Any meeting outside of these hours can be arranged for Tuesday - Thursday by emailing or calling Teri for an appointment.
Please remember that if you are coming into the building, the doors are kept locked. Please make sure you know the back door code. Please contact either Teri or Louise to get it.
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Did You Know?
WCC'S Pastor-Parish
Relations Committee...
... has been revitalized and rededicated to supporting effective ministry at Woodfords through attending to the important relationship between our church’s pastor and people. Whether a church is large, small, or historically peaceful (not given to conflict), history has shown that the health of this relationship should not be taken for granted. Therefore, our PPRC wants to do what we can to facilitate a sharing of the congregation’s ideas—dreams, hopes, expectations, and concerns—with Pastor Alyssa. Likewise, we hope to learn from Alyssa (and share with the congregation) her experience of pastoral function and needs she may have here at WCC.
Whereas the church’s Personnel Committee deals with policy matters, job descriptions, and salary and benefits for all members of the church staff, the PPRC has a different, more deeply relational focus. The PPRC’s purpose is to support the personal and professional well-being of the pastor, as well as to provide a means of communication to the congregation, through constructive and caring two-way dialog. In this way, our PPRC can be thought of as a support group for the effective ministry of the church, rather than just “the pastor’s support group” or merely a channel for congregational complaints.
In addition to Pastor Alyssa, current PPRC members are: Mitch Rosengarten (chair), Suzanne D’Bourget, Pete Sampson, and Elaine Armstrong. Feedback for the committee is welcome by contacting any committee member. (Consult the church directory or the church office for email addresses or phone numbers in this time of COVID). The invitation is that we all take an interest in the health of our pastoral/congregational relationship by supporting in constructive ways that which is rewarding and satisfying while heading off the potential for tension as we move through our church’s future together.
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Anti-Racism Pentecost Challenge
Sponsored by the Maine Conference, UCC
Participate in this 28-Day with
Spiritual Companions Across Maine
How do we live out our calling to “Love our neighbors” and “Do justice?”
The Anti-Racism Resource Team of the Maine Conference, UCC invites all of us – and our communities – to take part in a 28-Day Anti-Racism Challenge that began on Pentecost, May 23 and ends on Juneteenth, June 19. (The season of Pentecost is when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit filling people of every nation with new hope and understanding. Juneteenth is a celebration of the emancipation from slavery in the United States.) This is a wonderful opportunity to intentionally take time to dig deep and grow as disciples as we seek to dismantle racism and embody the “Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.”
Those who sign up for the Challenge will receive a daily anti-racism resource (article, video, etc.) to explore. Most will take 10-20 minutes to review. A few will take longer. The Conference will provide a reflection guide, as well as activities for kids and families.
In order to learn more and sign up to receive the daily resources, click the button below.
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Racial Justice Conversation Group
June 17: 7 pm
Discussion: Pentecost Anti-Racism Challenge
On Monday, June 14, we will gather at 7pm to share our experiences of the Maine Conference UCC’s Pentecost Anti-Racism Challenge. (See above story for more details.)
If you would like to participate in the conversation, please sign up for the Maine Conference, UCC’s 28-day Anti-Racism Pentecost Challenge by CLICKING HERE.
Those who sign up will receive a daily anti-racism resource (article, video, etc.) via email.
On Monday, June 14, we will gather in community to discuss our Anti-Racism Pentecost Challenge experiences and learnings.
We are still discerning whether this meeting will take place in person or online, so please keep your eye out for an announcement. If we do meet on Zoom, here is the login information to use:
Join Zoom Meeting
Dial by your location
- +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
- Meeting ID: 940 8897 4554
- Passcode: 999413
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A Note from Our New
Family Promise Coordinator, Joanne Bartlett
As the new Woodfords Family Promise Coordinator, I want to remind everyone of our church's involvement with this important organization and mission.
Before Covid, we hosted families at Woodfords one week every three months. Many Woodfords members were trained and spent time with the families for meals and overnights. Since June 2020, we have been supporting one family, who is in an apartment, with donations of groceries, diapers, and bus passes along with other supplies. The husband and wife have both gotten jobs and are doing well so they need less help now. Hopefully we will soon be connected with a new family to support.
We have a sign up sheet for those who would like to assist in supporting a family. You do not need to have gone through the Family Promise training to provide any of the items listed on the sign up sheet.
Woodfords also supports the Greater Portland Family Promise with an annual contribution from our Mission Fund.
Thanks to a grant from Good Shepherd, Family Promise is now able to pack and deliver culturally appropriate foods to families in need. Volunteers are needed to help pack and deliver the food boxes once a month. May 27 is the next time if you would like to volunteer.
Generous donations to Family Promise Giving Day raised $15,818 to help support housing stabilization efforts with families in greater Portland.
If you haven't been involved in our Family Promise program and would like to, please send me an email (jwbartlett246@gmail.com) so we can get you on the list to be notified when there are opportunities to help or donate. Or contact me if you would like more information about volunteering.
Thank you,
Joanne Bartlett
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Interested in Joining Woodfords?
If you would like to learn more about joining Woodfords and becoming an official member of our church community, Rev. Alyssa would love to hear from you ( alodewick@woodfordschurch.org). Through low-key, no-pressure conversation, she can tell you more about what “membership” means and answer any questions you might have. New to religion? Just getting to know Christianity? Never been a member of a church before? Have no worries! You may be a cradle-born member of the UCC, or you may be discerning how you feel about organized religion. Either way, we value you and understand that our community would be at a loss without you. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, Woodfords welcomes you! |
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Have Something on Your Mind?
Want to Talk about a Joy or Concern?
Have a Prayer Request?
If you would like to schedule time for a pastoral care conversation with Rev. Alyssa, do not hesitate to be in touch ( alodewick@woodfordschurch.org). She would be happy to talk via Zoom or the phone, or to have a physically distanced in-person visit.
Also, Alyssa is always open to receiving prayer requests. Drop her a line with a description of what you’d like her to pray for – and don’t forget to indicate if you would also like your prayer request to be added to the Woodfords prayer list. (Alyssa’s default is to consider all prayer requests she receives confidential, unless the requestor explicitly says otherwise.)
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HAPPY JUNE BIRTHDAY TO...
Cecilia Ritter 06/04
Kathleen Helming 06/05
Jane Hunt 06/07
Matthew Smith-Erb 06/07
Patricia Wilbur 06/08
Michael LaPlante 06/08
Mary Bonauto 06/08
Elizabeth England 06/08
Alden Sawyer Jr 06/09
Madison Ross 06/09
Kristen Crean 06/10
Carolyn Bird 06/10
Betsy Gervais 06/10
Robert Newman 06/10
Beth Lunt 06/12
Fred McKeeman 06/12
James Helming 06/13
Gregory Goodspeed 06/13
John England 06/15
Abigail Kate Gervais 06/16
William Carter 06/16
Norma Salway 06/17
Rochelle Hale 06/18
Emily Segal 06/18
Lorraine Canterbury 06/18
Leslie Ouellette 06/20
Betty Lou Jones 06/21
Elizabeth Humphrey 06/22
Elizabeth Gray 06/22
Sadie Rhinehardt 06/23
Phil Haskell 06/23
Iris Walter 06/23
Lindsay Ross 06/24
Peter Sampson 06/24
Victor Cote 06/24
Carol Carpenter 06/25
June St. Lawrence 06/25
Constance Kent 06/25
Bradley Belanger 06/26
Jude Swicker 06/28
Robin Carter 06/29
Bradley Belanger 06/30
Benjamin Spiller 06/30
HAPPY JUNE ANNIVERSARY TO...
Janet & Robert Stewart 06/27 57 years
Peter & Marjorie Sampson 06/15 53 years
Nicholas & Elaine Nadzo 06/21 52 years
Gregory & Nancy Goodspeed 06/18 51 years
David & Susan Clark 06/10 49 years
Bradley & Deborah Belanger 06/16 48 years
Meghan & Kurt Graser 06/24 15 years
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