THE BEACON
Woodfords
Congregational Church
March 2021
|
|
A NOTE FROM ALYSSA
Can you believe that March has arrived? Spring will soon be upon us – and so will Easter, which falls on April 4 this year. As I write this note, I still am reveling in warm memories from February 17, when Woodfords kicked off the liturgical season of Lent with the church’s second “Drive-by Ashes and Coffee” event in the church’s parking lot. (The season of Lent occurs during the six weeks leading up to Easter.)
The morning was cold but beautiful, with the sun rising behind glittering, ice-covered tree branches that looked absolutely magical. We had a wonderful turnout and imposed ashes on around 28 people, including Woodfords’ six volunteers and me. That’s around 10 more people than last year. Woodfords’ hospitality team poured Dunkin Donuts coffee for approximately 15 individuals in need of a jolt of java and handed out Munchkins as well. In addition to serving many newcomers, we offered warm greetings to several “repeat Ash-ers” who also showed up last year – including a young woman who comes in from Gorham. She is a practicing Roman Catholic and stops by en route to her job on the Portland Peninsula, since her work schedule precludes attendance at any Ash Wednesday masses. I do love serving people from across the spectrum of Christianity. Here’s to ecumenism!
One newcomer this year was a young woman who never had received ashes before. She was driving down Woodford Street toward Woodfords Corner, happened to see a friendly volunteer offer an enthusiastic wave from the church parking lot, drove past, pulled into the funeral home driveway, turned around, and came over to receive ashes and a blessing. When I asked what brought her to us, she became emotional and said that she and her family are trying to connect more with God after a difficult year. Before she drove off with some beach glass in hand, she mentioned that she felt as though God had directed her to us, because when she had woken up that morning, she had had no idea that the day would include the experience of receiving ashes. Truly, her appearance at Woodfords was unexpected and serendipitous. Sometimes, the Holy works through the simplest human-to-human connections, such as friendly waves from parking lots!
COVID-19 forced us to do Ash Wednesday differently this year. We wore latex gloves, imposed ashes with Q-tips, and tried to smile at people through our eyes, since our mouths were behind masks. But in a year filled with so much isolation, I think that the hospitality the church offered became more important than ever. We very well may never see any of the non-Woodfordian folks who received ashes again (although I do have a feeling our Roman Catholic friend will be there again next year, smiling at me as I walk out the door of Memorial Hall with freshly-made ashes at 7 am). But that’s okay, because on one cold February morning in 2021, we were there for them when they needed us. We served as God’s hands in the world, offering hot coffee and donuts and proffering blessings. You are made from stardust, and to dust you shall return. May the Holy hold you gently, this Lenten season and always.
Peace be unto you,
Pastor Alyssa
|
|
LENT AT WOODFORDS
Each of us is created a precious and holy vessel of embodied love. We have been through a harrowing time since last Lent that has shattered our sense of wholeness – body, mind, and spirit – like a glass vessel fractured into pieces. In this Lenten “season of recovery” for our physical, communal, mental, intellectual, and environmental health, we will explore the healing narratives of Jesus that tell of divine solidarity with human suffering and remind us that we can begin a journey toward making something beautiful from that which is seemingly broken. Beach glass offers us a multifaceted symbol of this transformative process.
We will be using beach glass as an anchor image throughout Lent, so if you’ve got some at home, we invite you to find it. Or perhaps you’ll find some authentic beach glass on a winter beach walk!
Please click on the image below for a short video...
|
|
Need Some Beach Glass?
As mentioned above, this year's Lenten series uses beach glass as its anchor image. Throughout the season, we'll invite you to reflect upon this special material, and all of the ways it symbolizes renewal, healing, and transformation. If you don't have beach glass and would like some, we can provide you with 3-5 pieces that you can use in your devotions and reflection time.
There is a bucket full of beach glass on the bottom step of the stairs leading from the side parking lot to the Memorial Hall door. You can swing by and choose 3-5 pieces of glass for each person you're getting the glass for at any time. We are doing our best to adhere to COVID-19 safety precautions and want to avoid having different people's hands touch all of the glass. Thus, please:
- Use the ice tongs that will be in the bucket to select pieces of glass.
- Wear gloves. In the bucket, there will be a box of latex gloves in a plastic bag. If you need to touch the glass, please put on some gloves.
- Wash the glass and your hands well when you get home.
|
|
WOODFORDS CHURCH BUILDING USE POLICY FOR WINTER & SPRING 2021
We are very happy to report that the furnace has been repaired and is up and running. The temporary heater that sat outside the back entrance has been removed. Once we have had our final inspection and are given approval, we will be able to return to the building.
And though we are thrilled to have come out on the other side, we acknowledge that we are still in the middle of a pandemic and need to be as mindful as we were before about how all of us use the building and stay safe.
STAFF USE
Staff will be in the building on a limited basis. There is a space that has been set up to meet with members or mission partners (former Shambhala Room) to address questions. If you have a matter to discuss in person, please notify the staff member and we can arrange a day and time to meet. Please know that staff check email numerous times a day and even if they are not in the building, they are checking phone messages at least once a day.
COUNCIL USE
The council of Woodfords Church moved their meetings to Zoom early in the pandemic and will continue to do so this spring. Committees are still meeting regularly and they also meet via Zoom.
MISSION PARTNER USE
During the time the building has been closed, our full-time mission partners either moved online or they rented other spaces in town. Once we reopen, they will be holding very small group programs in the building. We have allowed them to use alternative spaces (Memorial Hall/Undercroft) in order for them to socially distance as much as possible. These groups are limited to 6-10 people.
Other mission partners (AA groups, Sudanese Congregation, etc.) have not met in the building since March 2020 and they will not be returning this spring.
MEMBER USE – SMALL GROUP
Though we recommend meeting online as much as possible, small groups (4 to11 people) can book space to meet. Please contact Teri ( tcoviello@woodfordschurch.org) to book a day and time. The church will assign a meeting room to your group based on the number of participants. We will be using larger spaces (Memorial Hall, the sanctuary, Seely Hall) to meet this late winter/early spring in light of the lack of ventilation and our inability to open windows. We cannot accommodate meetings of groups of 12 people or larger. As you may expect, we encourage groups, even small ones, to meet virtually if possible.
SUNDAY SERVICES
We have decided to continue online Sunday services in the coming months. This decision remains the most appropriate course of action as justified by:
- The science regarding best practices for avoiding the spread of the virus includes not meeting in unventilated indoor spaces for more than a few minutes at a time.
- The understanding that individuals over age 65, who comprise most of our membership, have the highest risk.
- Given the above, we would need to reduce or eliminate speaking and interacting if we were in person, and this would degrade the quality of the worship experience (no group prayers, singing, coffee hour, etc.)
- Vaccines will not be widely available for several more months. Until everyone who wants a vaccine has had an opportunity, it would be unfair to exclude any member from worship who feels uncomfortable with the above risks.
As soon as the weather allows, we will reconvene outdoor in-person worship services (with appropriate protocols) on the front lawn or parking lot. Maine has been doing a good job of getting the vaccine out quickly and we are hopeful that we will all have access to a vaccination, if we choose, by the end of the summer. We will then reconsider whether and how to return to the sanctuary based on the current conditions.
HOLIDAY SERVICES
Easter comes early this year. Lent started on Feb. 17 and Easter is April 4. We can be sure that we will be holding online services early in the season. We may have some nicer weather as we move toward Easter and this will allow us opportunities to meet in person. Please see more details about Lent and Easter in this newsletter and in communications to come at a later date.
|
|
FEBRUARY COUNCIL MEETING NOTES
Rightsizing the Building Task Force: At the end of January there was a productive meeting with Convergence and church members who have volunteered to help facilitate the discussions with the congregation about the Rightsizing the Building Task Force recommendations regarding the Parish House. It was identified that the work of the Rightsizing Task Force as well as their formal recommendation should have both written and video presentations as these discussions will be taking place primarily via Zoom. Given that we have just entered the Lenten season and the logistics of preparing those presentations, the tentative plan is to have information regarding the recommendations available for the congregation after Easter with the opportunity for structured conversation and feedback to follow in early spring.
Building Repair Update: Big news! The furnace is up and running! Hurrah! We are still waiting on the city to complete its final inspections for the occupancy permits. Given the age of the furnace, there were some additional steps that needed to be taken during the repair, however we remain confident that the job was done correctly. Since one of the original bids did not have the repair completed until the spring, we are grateful to be in the final stretch now!
|
|
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.
|
|
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DEVOTIONS/BOOK GROUP IN LENT
This Lent, Rev. Alyssa will lead a series of Wednesday-night devotions based upon John Meacham’s 2020 best-seller The Hope of Glory: Reflections on the Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. These very casual sessions will run 30-45 minutes and offer an opportunity to gently transition from the workday into the evening. Hopefully, they also will provide space for a midweek check-in with your spirit. We realize that 6pm is dinner hour for some, so feel free to bring a meal, drink, and/or snacks to these Zoom sessions. As always, friends, family members, and others are welcome.
Please join us for whichever sessions your schedule allows; there is no requirement to attend all of the gatherings.
Gathering times:
- 6 pm
- Wednesday nights in Lent
Reading assignments:
- March 3 - The First Word
- March 10 – The Second Word and the Third Word
- March 17 – The Fourth Word (10 pages) and the Fifth Word
- March 24 – The Sixth Word
- March 31 – The Seventh Word and the Epilogue
ZOOM INSTRUCTIONS
Join Zoom meeting:
- https://zoom.us/j/93370140600?pwd=c0hzdDVEY3FGMUtqd3pqcFFldHI5UT09
- Meeting ID: 933 7014 0600
- Passcode: 168292
Dial by your location:
- +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
- Meeting ID: 933 7014 0600
- Passcode: 168292
Book description:
Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jon Meacham explores the seven last sayings of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels, combining rich historical and theological insights to reflect on the true heart of the Christian story.
For Jon Meacham, as for believers worldwide, the events of Good Friday and Easter reveal essential truths about Christianity. A former vestryman of Trinity Church Wall Street and St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, Meacham delves into that intersection of faith and history in this meditation on the seven phrases Jesus spoke from the cross.
Beginning with “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” and ending with “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit,” Meacham captures for the reader how these words epitomize Jesus’s message of love, not hate; grace, not rage; and, rather than vengeance, extraordinary mercy. For each saying, Meacham composes an essay on the origins of Christianity and how Jesus’s final words created a foundation for oral and written traditions that upended the very order of the world.
Writing in a tone more intimate than any of his previous works, Jon Meacham returns us to the moment that transformed Jesus from a historical figure into the proclaimed Son of God, worshiped by billions.
Links to purchase the book:
This book may also be available through your local library or an e-book services like Kindle, Kobo, Scribd, etc.
If you would like to participate in this group but find the cost of the book prohibitive, please be in touch with Teri ( tcoviello@woodfordschurch.org). We do not want cost to prohibit anyone from taking part. |
|
GIVING STATEMENTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2020
Calendar Year-end Giving Statements were released at the end of January. If your email address is on file with the church you should have received them via email. Others were mailed the first week of February. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at mhildreth@woodfordschurch.org.
Marc Hildreth,
Bookkeeper
|
|
RACIAL JUSTICE CONVERSATION GROUP
March 8: Being Brave Together
Woodfords’ racial justice group is always interested in hearing new perspectives. If you would like to take part in these conversations, please join us. Prior participation is not necessary, and you do not need to make any sort of long-term commitment. We simply are interested in hearing as many viewpoints as possible. This group will not be the same without you.
We just finished discussing – and highly recommend -- My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies, by Resmaa Menakem.
For March, we will discuss a video from The Next Question. Details are below.
Video Discussion: “The Next Question: Brave Together”
7pm, March 8
On Monday, March 8, we will gather online at 7 pm to discuss episode 4 of The Next Question (TNQ). This is a video web series that engages visionaries, leaders, and artists in the substantive questions of racial justice. In episode 6, “Brave Together,” the show’s hosts – Chi Chi Okwu, Austin Channing Brown, and Jenny Booth Potter – join guest Brene Brown to bring “perspective to the racial realities of this moment in history. What they discover is that Brene's trademark vision of living with vulnerability and courage can bring us forward together. Through an ethic of collective care, wholeheartedness ceases to be a commodity to hoard but a life to be shared.” While we hope that everyone will have a chance to watch the video before this conversation, feel free to join us even if you do not have a chance to do so.
We are sharing news of this discussion with the Friends of Woodfords Corner organization, and we look forward to warmly welcoming any neighbors who would like to participate in this justice conversation. To promote an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, we ask discussion participants to respect and honor values of confidentiality and privacy. What we say in the group stays in the group, unless the group collectively decides otherwise.
Join Meeting by Computer or Tablet
Meeting ID: 928 9348 8713
Passcode: 644270
Join Meeting by Phone
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 928 9348 8713
Passcode: 644270
|
|
Watch the video by clicking on the image.
|
|
WCC BOOK GROUP
Second Wednesday of each month
at 3 pm on Zoom
Are you a reader? Do you often think it would be great to have people with whom you can share your thoughts on a current book? You may want to consider joining the Woodfords Book Club! We read all sorts of things depending on interests of the group. So, if you like to read and have time in the afternoon, one day a month, we welcome you to join us!
March: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
If you would like to be added to emails regarding book group activities, or if you have any questions, contact Suzanne D’Bourget at suzannedb@me.com or 329-1444.
Looking ahead...
April: Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield (Connie)
May: Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and The Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmer (Lorraine)
Zoom Info...
Topic: Book Club
Time: February 10 at 3 pm EST
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 974 2458 6900
Passcode: 741840
Join by Phone: 1-301-715-8592 or 1-312-626-6799
|
|
BE CAREFUL ABOUT TEXT AND EMAIL SCAMS
Recently, several Woodfords members have received text messages that appeared to be from Rev. Alyssa but really were from scammers. The messages said some variation of the following:
"Hi [Recipient's Name], I need a favor from you, text me back as soon as you get this message. Rev. Alyssa Lodewick."
These texts were not legitimate and didn't come from Rev. Alyssa or the church. Any texts you receive from the church should come from one of the following telephone numbers.
Legitimate Text and Phone Numbers for Woodfords Church
- 207-774-8243 - The church's telephone number.
- 207-200-1640 - The Google Voice mobile number Alyssa uses for pastoral care and Woodfords business.
- 207-424-0091 - Woodfords' text alert system. You'll only get text alerts if you have asked Teri to add your mobile number to the church's text alert mailing list.
Things to Keep in Mind
Rev Alyssa and/or the church:
- will never send you a message via email or text asking for a vague, undefined "favor."
- will never send you a message via email or text asking you to send money or gift cards.
- will never contact you to say that she (or other staff members) are some far-off location and need assistance in order to get home.
If anyone at church needs something from you on an emergency basis, someone will call you via the phone. If you are unsure about whether we sent you a message, never hesitate to be in touch with Teri ( tcoviello@woodfordschurch.org or Rev. Alyssa ( alodewick@woodfordschurch.org) to verify whether a piece of correspondence is legitimate. Don't be embarrassed to ask; it's always better to be safe than sorry! |
|
WOODFORDS SENIOR PROGRAM
Ongoing, Weekly Offerings:
Woodfords Chair Yoga
Tuesdays at 10 am with Burdie Fertig via Zoom
Elizabeth “Burdie” Fertig-Burd is the founder of Celebration Tree Wellness Center for yoga, Reiki, balance and strength training, and personalized retreats. Burdie is a Kripalu Yoga certified teacher with 12 years of experience teaching chair yoga. She has a special passion for working with clients dealing with Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders. She is a Reiki practitioner and Master Teacher. Burdie’s work centers around helping clients heal, restore balance and grow in their own wellness practice.
To be placed on the weekly email reminder (Tuesday mornings) or for those with inquiries, please contact Em Amatangelo at: 207.239.2051 or emham73@gmail.com.
To join the yoga class please follow this link:
Spiritual Direction
3-4x/month, led by Rev. Mary Zachary-Lang
|
|
WOODFORDS WOMEN'S ZOOM GATHERING:
MARCH 24 @ 7 PM
Dear Woodfords Women: Miss just hanging out? Craving the company of women friends? This is a reminder to jump on Zoom for our monthly women's get-together. Connect, catch up, and forget about the pandemic for awhile. All are welcome to join in. We meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 pm.
Put these upcoming dates on your calendar - March 24, April 28, and May 26. This Zoom link will be posted in the weekly announcements.
Zoom details are...
Topic: A Gathering of Woodfords Women
Join Zoom Meeting by computer or tablet
Meeting ID: 978 1582 1019
Passcode: 841199
Join by Phone:1-301-715-8592 or 1-312-626-6799
|
|
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! |
|
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.)
|
|
Submitting an article for the April Beacon?
|
|
HAPPY MARCH BIRTHDAY TO...
Richard Dudley 03/01
Thomas Newman 03/02
Ellen Smith-Erb 03/04
Marion Amatangelo 03/05
Nathaniel Rhinehardt 03/06
Glenn Dunne 03/08
William Doughty III 03/10
Mollie Heron 03/13
Suzanne D'Bourget 03/13
Brent Wooten 03/14
Allen Bingham 03/15
David Humphrey 03/16
Mitchell Rosengarten 03/16
Roberta Barker 03/17
Hannah Frey 03/18
Benjamin Vire 03/19
Adelyn Desrochers 03/20
Carl Beyer 03/21
Ben Walter 03/22
Emily Sprague 03/24
Tricia Gilbert 03/25
Roy Koster 03/28
Susan Bassi-Brown 03/28
Elaine Nadzo 03/30
Alan Nye 03/31
Devashree Thomson 03/31
HAPPY MARCH ANNIVERSARY TO...
Cheryl Honer-Hickey & Terrance Hickey 03/21 51 years
Lorraine & Bruce Canterbury 03/28 23 years
Bob & Laura Carten 03/30 36 years
|
|
WOODFORDS CHURCH SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR:
Announcements, The Beacon, FB Events
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-
Articles must be submitted to Teri (info@woodfordschurch.org) by 5 pm on TUESDAY. Anything submitted after Tuesday, 5 pm will go in the next week’s mailing. Please do not expect timely publication if your submission is not timely.
- Announcements go out THURSDAY MORNING
- Articles must have:
- a title
- proofed, ready-to-publish text
- picture(s) or illustration(s) are optional
BEACON:
- The Beacon goes out the LAST DAY OF THE MONTH
-
Articles must be submitted to Teri (info@woodfordschurch.org) by the 20th OF THE MONTH. Anything submitted after the 20th of the month will go in the next month’s Beacon. Please do not expect timely publication if your submission is not timely.
- Articles must have:
- a title
- proofed, ready-to-publish text
- picture(s) or illustration(s)
FACEBOOK EVENT:
- Teri can create a FB event for your upcoming event. Please submit the event request 3-5 DAYS PRIOR to when you want the event to appear on FB.
-
Please fill out the FB event form in full and submit to Teri (info@woodfordschurch.org).
|
|
|
|
A NOTE ABOUT ZOOM
Woodfords Church is continuing to hold its gatherings and meetings via Zoom. If you have not yet participated in a Zoom meeting, this is an online platform for video- and audio-conferencing. If you are new to Zoom, here are some helpful notes: |
|
- A Zoom account is not required to attend a meeting.
- Join a meeting by computer, your computer needs to have a webcam and microphone. If you prefer to join the meeting by telephone, you will need the telephone number provided in the invite.
- If you don't wish to have an account, all you need to do to participate is click on the link for the meeting and you will be prompted to launch Zoom. Watch for scheduled Zoom meetings in the weekly Announcements or take a look at the online calendar!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
