THE BEACON
Woodfords
Congregational Church

August 2021
A Little Polity Lesson From Alyssa - In Honor of Synod

Last month, the United Church of Christ held its 33rd biennial synod, 64 years after the UCC was founded in 1957. So this month, my note to all of you is going to be a mini-lesson in UCC polity. (Polity is a fancy word for how a nation, state, church, or organization is structured and governed.) Let’s start with a bit of information about how the UCC is structured. Basically, the UCC is made up of several settings: The national setting, regional settings, and local churches. 

Here is how Woodfords is situated within those settings:
WOODFORDS Congregational Church (a local church) is part of the Cumberland Association (a regional setting that includes churches from around Cumberland County). The Cumberland Association à is part of the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ (a regional setting that encompasses seven different Associations that geographically cover all of Maine). The Maine Conference is one of 36 conferences of the United Church of Christ (the national denomination, based in Cleveland, Ohio). 

General Synod is the representative assembly that brings delegates from churches across the nation together to make decisions on behalf of the national setting of the UCC. In short, Synod is kind of like a session of Congress, but for the church. Each Conference chooses delegates to attend Synod and vote on a variety of resolutions that originate in local churches and/or regional bodies of the UCC. Thankfully, while debates at Synod can get quite heated, the gathering generally tends to be less acrimonious and more productive than Congress!

One of the most interesting things about UCC polity is that no setting can impose uniformity or its own policy-related decisions upon any other setting. Unlike some other branches of Christianity, we do not have a hierarchy that imposes decisions upon everyone in the church. Ultimately, local churches in the UCC have the power to follow their own consciences and decide for themselves whether they will adopt and follow policies adopted by other settings of the church.

Among other measures, this year’s Synod voted to do the following (click the links for more information about decisions):


If you would like to learn more about getting more involved in UCC life at the association, conference, and/or national levels, please let me know. I am a polity nerd who loves talking about the UCC. And who knows … perhaps serving as a delegate to Synod might be in your future! Take good care, and may you experience a sense of God’s nearness throughout the rest of your summer.

In faith --
Rev. Alyssa


Hello Woodfords,
 
My time as your summer intern has come to a close, but I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for hosting me this summer. My time at Woodfords was full of meaningful conversations and opportunities for discernment. I have so appreciated the way you have engaged with me during this summer - whether through joining our Bible study on Zoom, participating in weekly anti-racism conversations, or sharing encouragement and advice with me on Sunday mornings. Over the past two and a half months, I have learned so much and I have really enjoyed getting to know so many of you.
 
As I head back to Duke Divinity School this week, I look forward to processing my experiences this summer and discerning what lies ahead. This is my final year of seminary and I intend to complete a year-long residency internship as a hospital chaplain once I finish at Duke. Hopefully in that time, God will lead me where I am meant to go and the call will become more clear. Thank you for accompanying me on part of this journey of discernment. The Woodfords community has been such an encouraging, uplifting, and safe place for me to explore my pastoral voice.
 
I hope you all have a great rest of your summer and enjoy all that summer in Maine has to offer! I know I am going to miss the beaches and the weather almost as much as I’ll miss this community!
 
Peace to you all,
Jessica Edelblut
WOODFORDS 2021 ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

We congratulate all those who received education scholarships from Woodfords Church for the 2021-22 academic year. The recipients this year range from young college students to adults returning to school for career development or to pursue a new career direction. We are pleased to contribute to their efforts and we wish them a fruitful academic experience!

Please click on the link below to see photos of the recipients and read about their academic pursuits, links to Woodfords Church, and some of their own words about their spirituality.
WOODFORDS SENIOR PROGRAM UPDATES

A Note From Charlotte

Ah…… “The Lazy Hazy Days of Summer.” I hope that you are enjoying this more relaxed, not so scheduled time, and warm breezes. With the occasional cool or rainy day to remind us that mother nature needs to have some down time too, and so will Woodfords Senior Program.
 
I will be away on vacation enjoying family and grandchildren from August 2 – August 11. I have been actively pursuing programs and listening to what interests the Woodford seniors have. One of the newer offerings that will meet every month is the Caregivers Circle. For anyone caring for a relative or friend nearby, or long distance. The group will be held in the lounge, the second Wednesday of the month, 10:30 – 11:30 am.
 
I would like to thank everyone that took the time to respond to the WSP survey. Of the 113 outgoing inquiries, 34 were received, and the information and recommendations are extremely helpful in planning a diverse program --- particularly as I plan this fall for the spring.
 
Breathe in God and Breathe out calm and then repeat!! 

Blessings and peace,

Pastor Charlotte
WSP Summer Offerings
 
Woodfords Chair Yoga
Tuesdays at 10 AM with Burdie Fertig via Zoom. To join the yoga class please follow this link:


Spiritual Direction
Wednesdays – via Zoom. This group, led by Mary Zachary-Lang, meets every Wednesday. Please let us know if you\'d like to join. Once the group is at capacity, we are always open to forming new groups if there is enough enthusiasm. If you would like to inquire about this group, please contact Robin Carter at robinbcarter@gmail.com.
Championing Justice: Woodfords at Work

Championing Justice – also known as Missions – is now being led by Robin Carter, Barbara Thomson and Joanne Bartlett. While Championing Justice is one of the three “legs” of the WCC Statement, we also see Championing Justice in several more frameworks:

Our work looks to THREE ARENAS: 
  • Education of ourselves
  • Advocacy for Change
  • Support for Immediate Needs

Our work looks to THREE LOCALES:
  • Local
  • National
  • International

THREE WAYS each of us can do this work:
  • Time
  • Talent
  • Treasure

AND here is where the three parts take a breather: We see this work as something we ALL are called to be doing as Christians. This truly is the work from Micah: doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God.

So, our team of three is looking to YOU to help us know how you would like to see Woodfords move forward with this work. You know of our work with Family Promise and Project Feed, two groups doing great work in Supporting Immediate Needs. 

OR do you have a passion or an area you think church members would be interested in knowing more about or financially supporting or volunteering for? Believe me, Robin, Barbara and Joanne have some ideas. But that is really NOT the point. 

We want your ideas. Would you love to know how to be a Habitat volunteer or to become a guardian ad litem or a volunteer in Portland Adult Ed? Do you really want to study cash bail reform, Wabanaki land issues in Maine or immigrant issues in Portland? Do you work with children that have needs, have a passion for environmental issues or know of someone who has a difficulty you would like to help? Should WCC be giving some of its Championing Justice funds to _______? The hardest part of this article is that I really need to stop with the possibilities and WAIT to hear from YOU!

Please contact us with questions and ideas – we are eagerly awaiting your ideas – big and small:
       Joanne Bartlett – jwbartlett246@gmail.com – 807-7813
       Robin Carter – robinbcarter@gmail.com – 899-1963
       Barbara Thomson – thomsonbg@aol.com – 797-3193

Contact information for more information on the following:
•Family Promise: Joanne Bartlett – email/phone above
•Project Feed & Wayside Lunch: Steve Gray – steve.gray@cornell.edu
       205-9631

Also, we thank Steve for his work on Missions and know he will continue to advocate for these 2 wonderful programs and more in the years ahead.  
Women's Retreat is Just Around the Corner!

The retreat is coming, the retreat is coming!
 
We’ve gathered for women’s retreat for over 30 years and after missing last year due to COVID, retreat is back. Mark your calendars, get out your dancing shoes, get ready for rest, relaxation, fun and fellowship!
 
We will gather together September 17,18, and 19 at Marie Joseph Spiritual Center on the beach in Biddeford Pool.
 
Personally, I CAN’T WAIT!
 
Sign up with Teri at the church office (info@woodfordschurch.org)! Details to follow soon.

Scholarship funds are available. Please contact Suzanne to apply...suzannedb@me.com
 
For the planning committee,
Suzanne D’Bourget
New Member Sunday Tentatively Scheduled
for October 17

If you’re not already a member of Woodfords, have you ever thought about becoming one? If you or someone you know might like to learn more about officially joining 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!
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.
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 set up a 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.)
Submitting an article for the September Beacon?
The deadline is August 20. Please send proofed text with title and photos (if available) to Teri at info@woodfordschurch.org.
happy_birthday_candles.jpg
HAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAY

Calvin Hale 08/03
Chloe Murray 08/05
Robert Crean 08/06
Jayden Flaker 08/07
Rebecca Barrows 08/08
Rachel Beyer 08/10
Anne Jordan 08/10
Michael Quinn 08/11
Lori Campbell 08/11
Esther Coyle 08/11
Brad McCurtain 08/12
Madeline Crane 08/13
Charlotte Murray 08/14
Maret Freeman 08/14
Emma England 08/14
Judith Flaker 08/15
Martha Baldwin 08/15
Christopher Philbrook 08/15
Gerard Moore 08/16
Barbara Sawyer 08/16
Silvio Morales 08/17
Nicholas Nadzo 08/17
Deborah Nelson 08/17
Camille Nelson 08/17
Robert Meader 08/17
Mary Jeton 08/18
Vahan Tufankjian 08/19
Simon Hale 08/19
Milo McCambridge 08/20
Barb Klegin 08/20
Rebecca Ouellette 08/20
Elizabeth Stover 08/21
Robert Burt 08/21
Nathaniel Johnson 08/22
John Baldwin 08/23
Johanna Koster 08/23
Ryan Hazelton 08/23
Abigail Belanger 08/24
Hannah Dionne 08/25
Alison Troxell 08/26
Iain Kurry 08/27
Owen Carten 08/27
Catriona Shepherd 08/27
Brian Muir 08/28
Emily Py 08/28
Flynn Ross 08/28
Celine Hazelton 08/29
Erin Mahoney 08/29
Kate Brown 08/29
Laura Fries 08/31


HAPPY AUGUST ANNIVERSARY

Leon & Joan Strout 08/15 68 years
Rev Edgar & Betty Lou Jones 08/11 65 years
Gordon & Barbara Thomson 08/17 58 years
Barry & Susan Nelson 08/21 50 years
Robert & Pamela Meader 08/11 48 years
Alan & Linda Nye 08/05 43 years
Robert & Jane Frey 08/21 39 years
John & Lynne England 08/03 36 years
Thomas & Lori Campbell 08/31 36 years
Charles Melcher & Margo Halverson 08/26 26 years
Amy & Scott Segal 08/01 23 years
David & Elizabeth Humphrey 08/20 22 years
Jessica Gellar-Cote & Victor Cote 08/03 19 years
Thomas & Margaret Vire 08/20 16 years
Fred & Beth McKeeman 08/27 16 years
COMING SOON! SAVE THE DATE

CORNERFEST 2021
A Woodfords Corner Weekend Celebration

October 2, Saturday, 3 to 6 pm

Interested in helping with this inspiring community and neighborhood event?
Contact Paul at music@woodfordschurch.org