THE BEACON
Woodfords Congregational Church
FEBRUARY 2019
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(we've returned to our PDF calendar format this month)
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The Journey Begins!
March 23rd, 2019
Our work with The Center for Progressive Renewal will begin because our church is willing to trust that God does have a plan for us for our future. Thank you all for the hard work that has gone into this decision, for the hours the Council has spent researching, vetting, finding an organization to help us and for our members' trust and support in committing to work with The Center.
Thank you to all of you who asked good questions - keep asking. We will send out a schedule with details as soon as it is set - we want everyone’s thoughts, concerns, ideas.
Thank you for caring so deeply for Woodfords’ future.
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GRANT FUND
If you are 65 or older this year and a member of Woodfords Church, you are automatically a part of the Grant Fund! This means you are eligible to participate in the many opportunities for fun,
fellowship, growth and spiritual engagement that the Grant fund offers.
A schedule for winter 2019 Grant Fund activities was sent out mid-January. If you have not received this mailing, please contact Rev. Tamara.
UPCOMING GRANT FUND EVENTS
February 8: 11:30 am-1:00 pm
Crooning and Comfort Food
Join us for some hot eats and vintage vocals with songwriter and teaching artist Emilia Dahlin (
http://emiliadahlin.com
). Yankee Magazine says, “Emilia’s live shows are a lesson in intimacy. Emilia charms her audience to the edge of their seats with her wry smirk and clarion voice—then drops them to the floor with foot-stomping, head-shaking grooves… Her weaving of a historian’s imagination with a troubadour’s artistry offers an American original sound that blends vintage jazz, the tang of a Tom Waitsian waltz and the somber grit of a low tide lullaby.” This is a show you won’t want to miss. Please RSVP ASAP so we can get a sense of the crowd and order enough lunch for all!
Web home of the Maine songstress, Emilia Dahlin. Listen, find tour dates, and watch video.
Conversations on Death and Dying
At the request of our Grant Fund members, we are tackling the topic of death. Please join us for these two engaging conversations about the dying process and green burial options.
March 1st, 11:30 am -1:00 pm
Green Burial and Eco-Friendly End-of-Life-Celebrations
During this Lunch & Learn we will explore the greener burial options by talking with a few experts in this emerging field. We will be joined by Joyce Foley of Cedar Brook Burial Ground in Limington and David Florian of Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home. Bring a bag lunch (we will provide coffee/ tea and treats!)
March 3rd,12:00-1:30 pm
Up Close and Personal with Death
Join us for a panel discussion with experts in the field. Our guests will include Lindsay Roan, staff chaplain at Gosnell House; Elaine Armstrong, retired hospice chaplain; and Molly Nelson, INELDA certified end-of-life doula. This event will take place on Sunday AFTER worship. Soup, bread and dessert will be served. Though this event is sponsored by the Grant Fund, it will be opened up to the whole church community. Please RSVP soon to reserve your spot!
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FAMILY PROMISE 2019 - NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Woodfords (with support from Missio Dei) will be hosting Family Promise four weeks in 2019 - February 24, June 9, August 25 and November 24. Starting in February, and ongoing through at least 2019, Woodfords will host Family Promise guests at the Clark Memorial Parish House. We are very grateful to Clark for this generous offer as we struggle to find space at Woodfords as new tenants move in. Woodfords hosted at Clark's Parish House in October and the feedback from volunteers and families was overwhelmingly positive. The parish house provides a home-like environment where each family has their own bedroom, real beds instead of air mattresses, and a full kitchen, living room and dining room.
We need more volunteers for this mission program! We recently polled our currently active volunteers to get a more accurate sense of availability and we do not have enough volunteers to cover the demands of this program. If you have considered getting involved with Family Promise, I encourage you to learn more, talk to current volunteers and attend a training. We are especially in need of folks willing to sleep overnight at Clark Memorial Parish House, and to hang out with families in the evening. The next volunteer training is Tuesday, February 26th from 5:30-8:30 pm at Allen Ave Unitarian Universalist Church. Training is required for any volunteers working on-site directly with families. Families with children are welcome to volunteer!
For those who have already completed training but may need a refresher, consider signing up to volunteer with a more experienced volunteer who can show you the ropes. The link to the volunteer sign-up is
http://signup.com/go/vwonpSX. Woodfords is responsible for set up and break down of the space, providing dinner and volunteers on Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and keeping the pantry stocked for the week.
Please don't hesitate to call or email me if you want to learn more or have questions!
Carol Swicker
Family Promise Coordinator
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HEIFER FAIR
February 10th
following worship
Each year, when the days are short and the cold is most bitter, our Sunday School kids set to work with the intention of bringing the light of hope to people around the world. How do these little hands create such big change? By painting, stirring, glittering, baking, wrapping and planting, they create edible and visual treats. These kid-crafted offerings will go on sale on February 10th at our annual Heifer Fair and YOU (our beloved church community) will have the opportunity to amplify these efforts with your purchase power. This year there will be some exciting new offerings including spice rubs, Woodfords Snow Globes, Honey Hand Cream and interactive seasonal cards. Any and all proceeds will go toward buying livestock for families around the world. So mark your calendars for this celebration of light and hope!
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LADIES' VALENTINES TEA
Saturday, February 16, 2 pm
The Ladies' Valentines Tea will be Saturday, February 16 from 2 to 4 PM in the Cloister. All Ladies of the church and friends are welcome regardless of age. We always have a wonderful time with visiting, tea and many wonderful treats. Fancy dress is optional and the younger ladies are free to bring their dolls.
If we have a blizzard that day, there is no snow date, the tea will just be cancelled.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Pam Barrows
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MARDI GRAS
PANCAKE SUPPER
March 5, 2019, 5 pm, Memorial Hall
Join us for our annual Woodfords pre-Ash Wednesday tradition: the Mardi Gras Pancake Supper. Enjoy several varieties of pancakes, sausages, fruit and beverages. It is a wonderful evening of delicious food and fun with Woodfords members and friends. We look forward to seeing you on March 5 at 5 pm.
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CHECK OUT THE NEW WOODFORDS WEBSITE
We are happy to announce the launch of our new website. It can be found at the SAME WEB ADDRESS -
www.woodfordschurch.org. Take a look around the site. We hope you like it!
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A PARKING REMINDER
A reminder to Sunday church goers... 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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COUNCIL NOTES FOR JANUARY
The Council met January 15
th
from 6 to 8:45 p.m.
• Ministry Team Meetings: 6-7 p.m.
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Resources
went over work needed on our buildings. We will create an up-to-date list of projects from our meeting with Bill Cuddy and after checking with prior building managers & Louise. Pricing will be obtained and a priority list made.
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Spiritual Growth
and
Worship
met together and are working on the following; name tags and how to get everyone to wear them; we would like to reinstate a greeter and feel that this is important (Allen Whitmore did such a great job); building a welcome packet for visitors and new members; and a party for all.
• Finances: WCC continues to be on target financially. We also went over the draft budget for FY 2020 and Jeff Jordan will meet shortly with Staff and Ministry Teams.
• Audit: Jane Frey has told us she will begin the audit work this month.
• Electrical work will begin shortly to upgrade electrical availability for Stages in the Gym area. Stages will be paying for the internal part & WCC will pay for the outside work. We are also meeting with Stages to extend their lease by 5 years.
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GRANT FUND BOOK CLUB
The Grant Fund Book Group meets monthly to discuss a book chosen by group attendees. All are welcome to join us! This group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 12:15-1:30. Most books can be borrowed from the library so there is little to no expense. While it is primarily Grant Funders, we will welcome younger folks who happen to be available.
The February book is
The Chillbury Ladies Choir. Please join us!
Please contact Suzanne D’Bourget if you’d like to join us so I can contact you if anything changes.
Suzannedb@me.com
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SAVE THE DATE - WOMEN'S RETREAT 2019!
Women of Woodfords... Mark your calendars. Our annual retreat is coming so save the date.
Dance for Joy!
Annual Women’s Retreat
April 27,28,29
Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, Biddeford Pool.
Treat yourself! Details to follow in future notices.
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PORTLAND YOUTH GROUP
This Youth Group partnership includes HopeGateWay UMC, Woodfords UCC, Trinity Episcopal, and St. Luke’s Episcopal.
Fellowship and service gatherings for grades 7-12. Gathering twice a month, typically, on the first and third Sundays, we spend our time in formation, fellowship, and service to both the local and global community. Youth meet monthly with adult leaders to contribute to planning making this a Youth Group that is deeply influenced by the kids participating.
February - June 2019 Schedule
***Please note.... Locations and activities may be subject to change***
2/3 Service Project: Souper Bowl of Caring
Location: HopeGateWay UMC
Planning with Youth and Leaders 1:30-2pm
Gathering 2-4pm
2/17 Gathering with Games and More
Location: Trinity Episcopal
Planning with Youth and Leaders 1:30-2pm
Gathering 2-4pm
3/3 Outside Activity like Tubing/Ice Skating/ Sledding
Location & Time: TBA
3/17 Service Project
Location: Woodfords UCC
Planning with Youth and Leaders 1:30-2pm
Gathering 2-4pm
*Friday 4/5 Lock In (aka sleep over)
Location: St. Luke’s Episcopal
Friday drop off/ Saturday pick up times TBA
4/28 Service Project
Location: HopeGateWay UMC
Planning with Youth and Leaders 1:30-2pm
Gathering 2-4pm
5/5 Gathering with Games and More
Location: Trinity Episcopal
Planning with Youth and Leaders 1:30-2pm
Gathering 2-4pm
5/19 Gathering with Games and More
Location: St. Luke’s Episcopal
Planning with Youth and Leaders 1:30-2pm
Gathering 2-4pm
6/2 Service Project: Celebrating Confirmation
Location: Woodfords UCC
Confirmation Service and Celebration 10am
Helping to host reception
6/16 Ice Cream Sunday
Location: HopeGateWay UMC
Planning with Youth and Leaders 1:30-2pm
Gathering 2-4pm
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JUST IN CASE...
WOODFORDS SNOW POLICY
It's that time of year! Looking ahead to stormy winter days with snow and ice, we would like to remind you of Woodfords' policy regarding closing the building and cancelling events. Weekdays and weeknights: if Portland Schools are closed, then Woodfords Church is usually closed and Woodfords meetings/events are cancelled. Please note that the Church may decide to close EVEN IF Portland Schools are not closed. Please check to make sure we are open before coming to an event on a snow day.
Saturdays: a decision will be made by 7:00 am regarding closing the building and cancelling Woodfords events or meetings. Sundays: a decision will be made by 7:00 am regarding the worship service, closing the building and cancelling Woodfords events or meetings.
In all cases, cancellation announcements will be posted on Facebook, our website (
www.woodfordschurch.org
), the phone message, and on Channels 6, 8 and 13.
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Submitting an article for the March Beacon?
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HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY TO...
Virginia Debree 02/01
Lynne England 02/02
Judy Swicker 02/03
Linda Mairs 02/03
Robert Jordan 02/05
Margaret Metcalf 02/05
Patrick Nduwimana 02/06
Janie Young 02/06
Priscilla Hennessey 02/07
Carol Juliano 02/08
Marilyn Winward 02/09
Sue Ann Lord 02/10
Beth McKeeman 02/10
Lana Johnson 02/10
Alex Nduwimana 02/11
Eva England 02/12
Joan Strout 02/14
Zachary Nelson 02/14
Stephen Smith-Erb 02/15
Jessica Gellar-Cote 02/15
Joan Moore 02/16
Laura Carten 02/18
Kathryn Harrison 02/19
Ann Babbitt 02/19
Sara Winward 02/19
Helen Cleaves 02/19
Matthew Buzzell-Climo 02/22
Pamela Libby 02/23
Elaine Armstrong 02/24
Madison Hurley 02/25
Adrienne-Marie Wilson 02/25
Roger Bowker 02/26
Martha Hamilton 02/26
HAPPY FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARY TO...
Bob & Charlotte Cuzner, Feb 20, 48 years
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2018 PLEDGE/DONATION STATEMENTS
Statements for donations made during the YEAR 2018 are being sent out this week. This statement shows a listing of all contributions received to support Woodfords. It also summarizes by Pledge for each of the Fiscal Years, and by each ministry donated to in 2018. If you have not received an email or paper statement or have ANY questions about your statement, please contact Marc Hildreth at 774-8243, ext 110 or
mhildreth@woodfordschurch.org.
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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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