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WITH GRATITUDE

AND LOVE

Winnie the Pooh said, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so difficult.” And this saying goodbye is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. I never imagined 14 years ago that this would be so painful or that I would have fallen in love with each and every one of you on this journey of serving God and God’s beloved community. It has been a life-giving and profound journey. And it has been a love story. And while stories have both a beginning and an end, love never ends.

As I look back over these past years, I remember with gratitude all that we’ve accomplished together. We’ve made a difference in far off places – Guatemala, New Orleans, the Holy Land, Florida, Boston, Cherryfield. But we’ve also served the local and global communities in countless ways right here in Portland: we’ve gathered in solidarity with our Jewish and Muslim friends; we’ve stood vigil and spoken out after tragedies that have shaken us to the core; we’ve gathered to demand that everyone is treated with justice and equality; we’ve walked to provide food for those who are hungry, shelter for those who have none and dignity for all who are treated as outsiders simply because they’re different. Together, we’ve shouted to the world, “We are the people of Woodfords Church and we choose to serve the God who has ushered in a new kingdom – a kingdom where all people are respected and valued, a kingdom where the last shall be first and the first shall be last, a kingdom where all people have what they need to thrive.”

But I also look back with gratitude at the many, many ways you’ve welcomed and trusted me as pastor, priest, prophet and teacher. As I’ve packed up in these past few weeks, I’ve discovered with great humility (and the need for a LOT of boxes!) that you’ve trusted me to lead worship thousands of times – not just Sunday worship, but special services during times of community stress, Vespers, Holy Week and Advent, Thanksgiving, Park Danforth, weddings, funerals, at other churches and even to preach at Bet Ha’am synagogue! You’ve trusted me as a teacher overseeing Sunday School, leading countless Soup and Studies, community gatherings and Bible Discussion Group opportunities. You’ve trusted me with your teenagers in Youth Group and Confirmation and you’ve trusted me to welcome people of all ages through the Sacrament of Baptism. You’ve trusted me to lead mission trips and pilgrimages. You’ve trusted me to provide pre-marital counseling and officiate at your weddings; to walk with you on journeys of the heart as your loved ones have died and you’ve called on me to help celebrate their lives; you’ve trusted me to visit you in hospital rooms and homes, surgical units and in the most vulnerable times of your lives. And you’ve also trusted me to be the voice and representative of Woodfords in the wider UCC, the Maine Council of Churches and the Portland interfaith clergy community. I am totally in awe of you for the many ways you’ve trusted me and allowed me to use my own voice to represent you.

Together, we’ve dreamed dreams, giving hands and feet to some and letting others go; we’ve celebrated remarkable accomplishments and lived through a few trials; we’ve celebrated all Woodfords has been in the past almost-150 years and proclaimed to the community and the world that Woodfords will continue to be a beacon to this community and the global community for many more! And through it all, we’ve walked together hand-in-hand, not always agreeing with each other but always holding each other with dignity, respect and love. We’ve persevered and done it all in the name of the One God sent to show us the Way.

As I continue to pack up and prepare for my last worship service on October 6 ^th – 14 years to the day when I arrived to start my journey as one of your pastors – I’m unsure of where my journey is leading me or where your journey will lead you. Facing the unknown isn’t easy. I bear incredible grief as I anticipate our separation and think it would have been much easier if I had been among you as your pastor you for only a short time. But I’m grateful that that hasn’t been the case. For in these 14 years we’ve become part of each other - our lives, our hearts and our souls are all intimately and infinitely connected and interconnected - because that’s exactly what it means to be a an “ekklesia,” a gathered community of faith. Yes, there is uncertainty about the days ahead; there are things left undone and things that will happen that we can’t even imagine right now. There will be anxiety and sadness. And yet all we’ve been to each other and all we’ve done with each other has been written in both our minds and our hearts. It’s a story – a true love story – that cannot ever be diminished or demolished.

Another minister wrote, “This is the life we get here on earth. We get to give away what we receive. We get to believe in each other. We get to forgive and be forgiven. And we never know what effect it will have for years to come. And all of it is completely worth it.”

I have received from you and given to you. I have believed in you and you have believed in me. We have forgiven each other and encouraged each other. And all of it has been completely worth it!

As I’ve said repeatedly in the past few months, I will no longer be your minister after October 6th. But I will always be your friend – I will always be a part of you and you will always be a part of me.

And quoting again that now-famous bear, Winnie the Pooh, I leave you with these words: “ If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.”

With infinite gratitude and love,

Rev. Carolyn

WE ARE WOODFORDS!

We are Woodfords! is a monthly series of mini-bios featuring Woodfords friends and members. There are so many great folks doing important works in big, medium and small pieces right here at 202! And it all comes together to become the unique community that is Woodfords. Our hope is that these mini-bios will give each of us some new insight into members of our community. In time, we also hope to create a photo and bio bulletin board display, thus giving folks who visit our building a chance to get to “know us” better. Questions: check in with Barbara @ thomsonbg@aol.com

PRESENTING JOANNE FRIEDRICK

I think Joanne could easily get the Woodfords award for “Working Quietly and A LOT!” (And yes, I agree that lots of folks fit in this category!) But Joanne is definitely someone who puts in a lot of time and effort at Woodfords. As a part-time deacon, she is regularly ushering, serving communion and helping with a myriad of jobs that help to make our worship run so smoothly. In addition, she is on Council and on the Personnel Committee. She was part of the subcommittee of Council that proposed a new (and amazing!) Mission Statement for Woodfords, which will soon be voted on by the congregation.

And ever since the Center for Progressive Renewal has become part of Woodfords’ focus, Joanne has been the Chairperson of our Creating Community Task Force. This group, with the support of the CPR folks, is working to build community within Woodfords and to help expand visibility and outreach beyond our walls. They are working on creating a Welcome Center in the narthex. And word is that this will not be just the usual sign-up sheets or brochures, but will also include videos of life at Woodfords. Be watching for this! Our new Prayground is a joint experiment, the work of this task force and the CE Team. Busy folks with a busy chairperson!

In addition to her many responsibilities at Woodfords, Joanne spends her work time as a Contributing Editor. She told me that her work means. “I would be good at cocktail party chatting if I went to cocktail parties.”  In her work, she connects with a variety of different industries and does freelance writing and editing for them, thus she says, “I know a little bit about a lot of industries from seafood to furniture to gourmet food and more!”

Joanne came to Maine more than 20 years ago and Woodfords more than 15 years ago, checking it out since it was part of her neighborhood. No surprise that usher Tom Campbell showed her to her seat and as soon as she joined the New Member class, Bob Carten “ushered” her to the Membership Committee. Since then she has not only served on Council and Deacons, but also as a bell ringer and a money counter and co-treasurer and a craft maker for the Downeast Fair. Reminiscing, she also spoke of the strong community of folks who regularly attended the early worship service in the chapel in past years. 

Of her Woodfords work, Joanne says it sometimes energizes her and sometimes she worries that we are “too far behind.” I would say with folks like Joanne at Woodfords, not only are great things happening now, but will be in our future!

WOODFORDS SENIOR PROGRAM

October & November Highlights

October 11, 10 am-3 pm,Fall Foliage Trip on the Songo Queen

Followed by Lunch at the Freedom Cafe in Naples

Cost $20, RSVP ASAP! 

This trip will be led by Elder Chaplain, Rev. James Fletcher

October 25, 11:30-1:00 Grant Fund Lunch Club Takes a Walk (Parking Lot)

Join us as we relish in the flavors of Colombia with lunch at Maiz. Cost $15 

Nov. 1, All Saint’s Dessert Potluck and Altar Building: 6:00-8:00 pm (Lounge)

Join us for an evening of spirit, stories and sweets! Rev. Tamara will lead a simple altar-building ritual to honor our ancestors, people who have influenced us, and loved ones who have died. We will provide a light meal, and invite YOU to bring a favorite family dessert to share. Let us celebrate our saints together. No Cost.  

 

November 8, "A Matter of Time: Living Fully while Dying Daily" A Death Cafe  6:00-8:30 pm (Lounge)

 Join us for a facilitated conversation with Gina Colombatto, Integrative Thanatology Counselor. 

This workshop will explore:

This two and a half hour workshop takes participants on a journey of identifying fears and trusting the universe. Pairing up with a partner to share the process, new ways of looking at what might be called tragedy are introduced. Opportunities to explore where we might use a great full heart to help with anticipatory grief. $10 suggested donation.  This event is open to folks of all ages, within the Woodfords Community and beyond. 

November 17, Decision Making in Times of Injustice 10-Noon (Sanctuary and Chapel)

The Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine will join us for worship, and a post-worship workshop led by Holocaust Survivor, Charles Rotmil. Join us for this powerful opportunity to explore history and what it has to teach us today.  This event is open to folks of all ages, within the Woodfords Community and beyond. 

*Sponsored by the Iona and Raymond Grant Fund

Curiosity and Coffee Podcast Group

Help us to schedule when we will meet for our next six-week series. Please weigh in on availability and interest by completing this one-question poll: https://doodle.com/poll/zmcrqyf6harzc787 .  

Yoga - Wednesdays at 10 am

After a summer hiatus, the yoga program will resume on Wednesday, October 2 at 10 am in the Lounge. Questions? Please contact Jean Koster at jeanlkoster@gmail.com.

DROPPING THE NETS OF FAMILIARITY

“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow me, and I will make you a fisher of men.' At once they left their nets and followed him.

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called to them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.” (Scripture Mark Chapter 1 Verses 16-20)

The reason I chose this scripture passage is that as we search for a designated-term minister for Woodfords, we are dropping the nets of familiarity and the safety of what we know to jump out of the boat and follow God in a new way. To paraphrase someone else’s descriptor: we are the trapeze artist who has let go of the bar, can see the far one in sight, but is still flying through the air praying that we catch that bar coming toward us, because there isn’t a net below. Having met the people I’ve met in the 4 years I’ve been at Woodfords, I know we will catch that bar!

That being said, the search committee doesn’t have some great insight into the destiny of Woodford’s. We know, thanks to the CPR assessment, what you know, but that’s why we’re looking for a designated -term minister. Someone who is specifically tasked with the job of helping us define who God is calling us to be. Then to help us start to walk that path. Helping us through the challenges of change.

I also, based on something I’ve heard multiple times now, want to remind everyone (including myself) that while the person we hire as our designated-term minister will have the opportunity, upon mutual agreement, to apply to be our Settled Pastor, that is not the job the search committee has been tasked with! First, we need an agent of change to help us throw down our nets and walk the new path we are searching for. And while it would certainly be convenient for that person to stay beyond the initial three-year commitment, it may not be the best choice for the longevity of Woodfords Church.

I know this is going to be a daunting couple of years, but I believe we can do this. I also believe this will be an exciting time, because I believe in this amazing family known as Woodfords Church and all that we can be.

Mitch Rosengarten,

Search Committee Chairperson 

ALTRUSA EMPTY BOWL SUPPER

October 25, 5-7 pm

Benefit for Project Feed

Please save the date - October 25, from 5 - 7 at St. Pius Church, Parish Hall on Ocean Avenue for the Altrusa Empty Bowl supper. It is only $10 per person, all of which goes to the Project Feed food pantry, and for many years was held in Memorial Hall at Woodfords. They serve unlimited soup (wider selection in the earlier hours), bread, dessert and beverage. This annual event has been put on by the very kind members of Altrusa for many years. Please come and bring family and friends --- and your appetite!

MUSIC MINISTRY AT

WOODFORDS CHURCH

With people around the world each Sunday, we celebrate and express our faith through the singing of hymns and responses, choir anthems, and listen to the piano and voluntaries. The music is selected from a wide variety of classic, gospel, spiritual and contemporary resources.

 

Participation in the Music Ministry at Woodfords includes a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles, including the Chancel Choir, the Woodfords Ringers and a special instrumental ensemble for Christmas.

 

We are blessed with many talented musicians within our community, and we always have openings in our handbell ringing team, and plenty of seats in the Chancel choir loft.

 

The Handbell choir meets on Thursdays at 6:00 pm in the balcony area.

 

The Chancel Choir practices at 7:00 pm in the Music room, underneath the chancel area.

Come join in the fun and fellowship at Woodfords Church on Thursday evenings with MUSIC! 

 

For more information, contact Paul at music@woodfordschurch.org.

COUNCIL NOTES FOR SEPTEMBER

The Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.

•  As this was Rev. Carolyn’s last meeting, the Council members each shared a fun story. We had some fun gifts and lots of laughs. She had to leave the meeting due to a pastoral call.

• Treasurer’s Report : We are at 17% (2 months) of the fiscal year and our total income is at 13% and total expenses are at 14%. Everything looks fine –pledge income is at 22% due to some prepaid pledges, a big help. A couple of expenses that were high had understandable explanations.

• Audit: Jane Frey CPA and a member of WCC and, her assistant, Deborah Giacomantonio CPA presented the audit. “Summarizing the auditor’s opinion, with few exceptions noted, the financial process and controls look strong. They have made some recommendations and would strongly suggest that these be implemented.” Woodfords CC thanks Jane and Deborah for all the work they have done for us so that we can continue to be a strong, well-managed financial organization. The audit was the primary focus of the Council meeting.

• Finances : In the Treasurer’s (Jeff J) absence, the adjustments needed to finalize the FY’20 Budget are to be made at a meeting with the new Treasurers (Susan B-B & Carryl K) and the moderator on Wednesday evening.   

• A request was made by the Bible Study group that has been led by Rev. Carolyn for a new leader. More work will be done on this request ASAP. 

• CornerFest: This is well underway with many volunteers and Paul Schnell’s organizational skills. Don’t forget to come and help and enjoy this fun event. 

• Center for Progressive Renewal Teams:  All the teams are continuing regular meetings and much progress continues with their work. We will have more detail to share shortly for each team.

HAPPY OCTOBER BIRTHDAY TO...

Carol Chadbourne 10/01

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

Billie Jo Wooten 10/16

Mary Belanger 10/16

Emma Cook 10/17

Karin Kurry 10/19

Molly Johnson 10/20

Dominic Salvaggio 10/21

Leanne Walker 10/22

Douglas Philbrook 10/25

Tyra Pranger 10/25

Avon Oakes 10/28

Madison Bailey 10/29

HAPPY OCTOBER ANNIVERSARY TO...

Robert & Mary Anne MacMath 10/11 50 years

Joanne & Gayton Bartlett 10/02 43 years

Thomas & Priscilla Hennessey 10/01 42 years

Mary Bonauto & Jennifer Wriggins 10/03 32 years

Ben & Catherine Walter 10/26 28 years

Leanne Walker & Dave Wasdahl 10/07 23 years

Alison Grey & Oliver Murray 10/17 20 years

Jeffrey & Adrienne-Marie Wilson 10/18 16 years

Jim & Stacey Dand 10/02 15 years

Lindsay & Brian Ross 10/25 11 years

POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN

March And Mass Meeting - October 10

Dear United Church of Christ Movement Family,

This week we launched the We Must Do MORE: Mobilize, Organize, Register and Educate National Tour in El Paso, TX to kick off a 25-state tour. Your denomination endorsed the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival in 2018. We invite you to join us in Portland, Maine on October 10th, 2019 for a march and mass meeting as faith leaders of an endorsing denomination. 

Your denomination, along with 7 others, has joined this national call for moral revival to stand with the least of these, those who are poor and have been cast to the margins, and do God’s work in the public square. We ask that you join us and plan to attend the MORE tour in your state and bring leaders from your congregation with you. 

Who : Maine Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival & Campaign Co-Chairs: Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis

 

What : We Must Do MORE National Tour | Portland, ME march and mass meeting

 

When : Thursday, October 10th, 2019 from 5:45 - 8:30pm

 

Where : 

5:45: March Meet-Up

Lincoln Park (350 Congress Street) 

 

7:00: Mass Meeting (immediately following the march)

First Parish UU Church (425 Congress Street)

 

Why : 

Join poor and directly impacted people, and faith leaders with the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival as we challenge the nation to do MORE! We are committed to mobilizing, organization, registration, and education to address systemic racism, poverty and inequality, the war economy and militarism, ecological devastation, and our nation's distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism.

 

RSVP for the event here: bit.ly/MaineMORE  

About the Must Do MORE Tour:

The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival is organizing a 25-state “We Must Do MORE National Tour!" from September 2019 to May 2020. This tour will lead into the Mass Poor People’s Assembly & Moral March on Washington, where thousands of poor people, advocates, and faith leaders will gather at the nation’s capitol on June 20, 2020 to demonstrate their power.

We will demand the implementation of our Moral Agenda and call all people of conscience to engage in deeply moral civic engagement and voting that cares about poor and low-wealth people, the sick, immigrants, workers, the environment, people with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, and peace over war.

The We Must Do MORE Tour will shine a light on the conditions of those most impacted by systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism.

 

In the abiding Spirit of Love and Justice,

Rev. Dr. William Barber, II, President, Repairers of the Breach and Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival

Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, Director, Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice and Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival

PCM PIANO IN NEED OF A HOME FOR 1+ YEAR

Last year we placed some PCM pianos with PCM families to make room for new Steinway pianos in our studios as a part of the Steinway Studio Partner Program. One of the PCM pianos needs a new temporary home for at least a year because the current family is moving. We are offering this piano, on a temporary basis, to a Woodfords member or friend. The piano is a 5'6” Steinway M, 1936, valued most recently at $4,000. The piano is currently located in Saco. If you are interested in having this piano in your home for the next year at least, please let us know as soon as possible. If you are interested, please email Jean Murachanian at director@portlandconservatoryofmusic.org. We are trying to move this piano as soon as possible. You would need to pay moving costs from Saco and, of course, take care of the piano with a minimum of two tunings per year. 

Thank you,

Jean Murachanian

Executive Director, Portland Conservatory of Music