THE WOODFORDS BEACON
September 2018
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CALL TO MEETING
Woodfords Church
Annual Meeting
Sunday, September 16
The annual meeting of Woodfords Congregational Church will take place after worship in Memorial Hall.
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SEPTEMBER 16 - HOMECOMING SUNDAY
LUNCHEON &
SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION
FOR ALL MEMBERS
The most important part of Woodfords Church is all of us, the members. We are getting together on Sunday, September 16 for a special luncheon, to celebrate being back together after the summer. It's a time to find out what our friends have been doing over the past few months and what they are up to now that fall has kicked in. We hope you can make it!
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FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL FAMILIES
Please join us for Homecoming Sunday. After a summer of adventure, this is a great time to reconnect with your Woodfords Community. This Homecoming Sunday we will explore the concept of MAGIC! Magic, like faith, requires equal parts
engaged curiosity
and
surrendering to the mystery
. For example, when we look at the beginning of the world (Creation) we can explore the science from the Big Bang to the emergence of life. But while we can understand WHAT happened, the WHY engages us in a more theological/spiritual process. Magic, like faith, invites us to surrender to wonder and revel in what we can't fully understand. And so, to kick off the Sunday School season of faith exploration, we will start with a little bit of magic.
Literally! We have invited magician Phil Smith of Abracadabra Productions to join us. He will offer up magic, juggling, storytelling and even pull a rabbit from a hat!
After worship ALL are invited to stay for lunch and the Annual Meeting. During this time young members can eat and then KEEP HAVING FUN!! There will be magic tricks to learn and games to play. We look forward to welcoming back all of the congregation's children and starting our school year as a community.
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CALLING ALL 7th GRADERS!
In both the sacred and the secular communities, there are few meaningful “rites of passage” in today’s world, and American culture in particular. One of the few opportunities we still honor that celebrates the “evolving” self is the Confirmation journey.
This year, beginning in September, young people in 7
th
grade and above from Woodfords, HopeGateWay and Trinity Episcopal churches are invited to participate in a Confirmation journey that will lead to the rite of Confirmation on the first Sunday in June with a joint worship service and celebration.
The theme, as always, will be “Life as a Journey of Faith.” We recognize that life is, indeed, a journey: it’s a journey that rarely proceeds in a linear fashion, instead taking unique twists and turns, encountering both highs and lows, and meeting many, many people on the way. We recognize that as Christians, we stand with millions on a journey that has existed for at least 2,000 years; we also recognize that each generation must give meaning to the traditions and language that accompany the journey. As John Robinson, one of our Congregational forebears said when the Pilgrims were leaving Leyden on their way to a new world, “There is yet more truth and light to be revealed.”
The journey will be remarkable – there will be serious moments, moments of insight, new ideas generated, and more than anything – lots of fun with old and new friends!
If you did not make it to the June information sessions, that's fine. Please contact me directly with any questions you may have about confirmation at Woodfords. I can be reached at
clambert@woodfordschurch.org.
Blessings, Rev. Carolyn
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WOODFORDS CORNERFEST 2018
Friday, September 21
Volunteers are still needed - We could use more more hands!
Friday, September 21 5 to 8 pm Rain or Shine!
This is a chance for our church to be an integral part of the local community by attending, participating, and volunteering! A committee worked very hard the past several months to help organize a unique opportunity for us to be a visible part of the neighborhood. The Friends of Woodfords Corner and Woodfords Church will be teaming up for a Fall Friday evening street festival. Our place will be buzzing with artisans and crafts, music, entertainment, food vendors, and more! Many of our “Mission Partners” in our building will also be participating, and sharing what they do in our community.
Here is a list of tasks that we are managing and need help:
(1 1/2 hour shifts for volunteers)
- Managing the Woodfords Church Table - pass out balloons or popcorn, greet attendees
- Parking Attendants
- Elevator Guides
- Building Guides
- Set-Up Team (Tables- Chairs- Trash)
- Clean-Up Team (Tables- Chairs- Trash)
- Electric Team (help manage extension cords for our performing stages & help string lights in our trees)
Please let us know how you would like to help out!
Paul Schnell, Joanne Friedrick, Tom and Pip Hennessey, Teri Coviello.
Woodfords CornerFest 2018 Planning Team
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A LOOK AHEAD AT GRANT FUND FALL 2018
As the warm, lazy summer days give way to the cooler, more structured rhythms of fall, the Grant Fund is at work creating a calendar of fresh offerings. We will
kick off the program year on September 28th
with an opportunity for spiritual connection (and delicious food). From there we will dive into a wide array of fall offerings. Whether you are a long-time Grant Fund member, or have just turned 65; whether you are working, volunteering, or fully-retired; whether you love yoga, music, or getting out to explore the beauty of Maine, the Grant Fund is eager to connect you with Woodfords and the greater Portland community. Please join us!
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Save These Dates:
A Tentative Fall Calendar
9/28 GF Kick Off LUNCHEON
11:30 am-1 pm (Memorial Hall)
10/7 GF Annual Flu Shot Clinic
11:30 am-12:30 pm, (Cloister)
10/12 GF Fall Foliage Trip to Bath
9 am-3 pm
10/26 GF Lunch Club 11:30 am
11/2 GF Lunch & Learn: Portland Area
Villages 11:30 am-1:30 pm
Speaker starts at noon
11/17 Downeast Fair- Lunch on us!
11/30 GF Lunch Club 11:30 am
12/10 Cookies and Carols
12/14 Magic Of Christmas
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Lay Ministers Meeting Schedule for 2018-2019
The following is a schedule for Lay Ministers meetings for the new church year. Reminders will be sent one week prior to each meeting.
Rev. Jim
Monday Group -
This group meets the 1st Monday of each month at
12:30 p.m.
in the Parlor.
September 10, 2018 – Note change of date to avoid the Labor Day holiday.
October 1, 2018
November 5, 2018
December 3, 2018
January 8, 2019 – Note change of date to avoid New Year's Day
February 4, 2019
March 4, 2019
April 1, 2019
May 6, 2019
June 3, 2019 - Note this is the last meeting until September
Sunday Group
- This group meets the 4
th
Sunday of each month at
8:45 a.m
. in the Reading Room.
September 23, 2018
October 28, 2018
November 25, 2018
December 16, 2018 – Note change of date to avoid Christmas holiday activity
January 27, 2019
February 24, 2019
March 24, 2019
April 26, 2019
May 19, 2019 – Note change of date to avoid Memorial Day holiday
June 23, 2019 – Note this is the last meeting until September
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Save the Date!!
The Next Family Promise Week is October 21 - 28
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR AN IMPORTANT FALL DATE!
The Down East Holiday Fair is the
Saturday before Thanksgiving: Nov 17th, 2018
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
As the overall chair, I am returning for my final year so we could use an apprentice to possibly take over this great project! It's in all in the team that is put together and I have been lucky to have a great team.
If you are waiting to be asked, well - consider yourself asked!
CHAIRPERSONS NEEDED
Chairpersons for the following are needed:
* Snack Bar
* Balsam Wreath Sale
* Book Room
* Pantry
* Crafts
* Music
* Decorations
* Volunteer Coordinator (COULD REALLY USE THIS)
* Set up and Break Down Coordinator
DONATIONS NEEDED
(Please do not drop anything off yet, just keep us in mind as you are summer/fall cleaning.)
Jewelry
– Been a while since you cleaned out the jewelry box? IT’S TIME! We need lots of jewelry so ask your teenagers, your family and your friends. We all have a pair of earrings(or two or three) that we just never wear, call us – we’ll come pick it up!
Woodfords’ Treasures
– Another HUGE Success last year. As you continue your spring cleaning into summer and then in my case, into the fall, if you find anything appropriate, give us a jingle. We were able to secure an area to start storing donations, so it isn’t too early. This is intended to be an “upscale” yard sale so donate accordingly.
Silent Auction
– Back last year for its best year ever! Think about what you might donate, an item, a service, tickets, gift certificates, it doesn’t have to be anything expensive or fancy. All items are welcome! Item that are always popular are vacation cottages, camp, cabins, timeshares…… Please consider sharing your home away from home for a week or long weekend.
Christmas Treasures
– Returning for the fourth year, this has been such a huge success and what a great way to "dispose" of those old decorations, cards, lights, etc, Come and see what a beautiful Christmas Boutique gets created with everyone's donations.
Interested in getting involved? You are invited to a meeting on Wednesday, September 12, at 6 pm in the Parlor at Woodfords. Come learn more about the fair, how it all works and how you can be a part of it!
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COME RAISE YOUR VOICE (OR YOUR BELL) IN WORSHIP!
As we enjoy the last days of summer, the music staff is busily preparing for Fall and the church year ahead. Woodfords offers many opportunities to be involved in music ministry and worship.
Thursday, September 6
6:00 pm - First Fall rehearsal for the Woodford Ringers Handbell Choir in the balcony
7:00 pm - First Fall rehearsal for the Chancel Choir in the Choir Room
Sunday, September 16
The Chancel Choir returns to the chancel in Worship
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A PARKING REMINDER
Soon we will be enjoying our new elevator. (The tentative date for the elevator to be ready for use is September 7.)
A reminder to Sunday church goers once the elevator is running again... 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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STARTING UP
AGAIN
THIS FALL...
Bible Discussion Group with Rev. Carolyn
2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 1:30 pm in the Lounge starting September 26
Grant Fund Yoga with Melora Gergory
Wednesdays at 10 am in the Lounge starting October 3
Dinah's Project
1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 1-3 pm in Seely Hall starting September 5
Grant Fund Book Club
2nd Wednesdays at 12:15 pm in the Parlor starting September 19
September 19 (meeting 3rd Wednesday this month)
“The Woman in the Window” AJ Finn
October 10
"A Place Called Maine" McNair
November 14
"The Wind is Not a River" Payton
December 12
"One Shot" Lee Child
Tai Chi
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am for beginners, 10:30 for intermediates in Seely Hall starting Sept 18
To join the class, contact Anna Guest at Southern Maine Agency on Aging:
aguest@smaaa.org.
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COUNCIL NOTES
The Council met August 21
st
in the Parlor at 6:00 p.m.
• Ministry Team Meetings: Ministry teams met for the 1
st
hour to review individual areas of responsibility, create plans & to-do lists, and discuss what to present to the Annual Meeting.
•Finances: Our treasurer, Jeff Jordon, met with Marc Hildreth, WCC accountant, to clarify some budget information that was very helpful. Having an audit done was discussed by the Council and will be decided upon in September.
• New elevator: We’re on schedule.
• Security: Hope you have noticed the 2 volunteer security members during regular worship times.
• Stewardship: We have met the FY’19 pledge goal thanks to the generosity of so many of you.
• Friends of Woodfords Corner: The Friday September 21
st
Event at WCC is coming up this month.
We will need about 20 volunteers
. We can expect many from the Woodfords neighborhood to attend the events. Please mark your calendars now! It will be a fun time.
• New Mission Partners for our 2
nd
floor. We are excited to let you know that we are close to having a signed contract for one of our new Partners and, hopefully, will be finalizing the other 2 Partners very soon. We are very pleased this is coming along so nicely. You will be hearing more very soon.
Thank you for your support of the Council and do come join us anytime on the 3
rd
Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.
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Submitting an article for the October Beacon?
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HAPPY SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY TO...
Charlotte Cuzner 9/01
Molly Johnson 9/03
Coury McGlinn 9/04
Nancy Meiners 9/05
Ellen Snyder 9/05
Stacey Dand 9/05
Deb Smith 9/08
Elizabeth Johnson 9/09
James F Brown MD 9/11
Samuel Fries 9/11
Constance Cushman 9/11
Thomas Campbell 9/12
Grace Wolfe 9/12
Asher Kane 9/13
Linda Nye 9/14
Andrea Schmearer 9/16
Margo Halverson 9/16
Jessica Wolfe 9/16
Lillian Porter 9/19
Willa Morales 9/20
Gail Pentheny 9/24
Philip Lucas 9/27
Thomas Smith 9/27
Howard Skillings 9/28
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HAPPY SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARY TO...
Edward & Phyllis Campbell 9/04 64 years
Thomas & Constance Smith 9/14 50 years
Thomas & Renee Newman 9/13 49 years
James & Kathleen Helming 9/15 34 years
Betsy & Dennis Gervais 9/13 32 years
Gregg Ritter & Carolyn Bird 9/05 25 years
Maret Freeman & Edmund Ashley 9/21 22 years
Michael & Rochelle Hale 9/28 21 years
Flynn & Michael Ross 9/25 19 years
Coury & Elizabeth McGlinn 9/03 13 years
Catriona Shepherd & Jim Haller 9/13 10 years
Kevin & Mikayla McKee 9/12 9 years
Sue Ann & Peter Lord 9/28 5 years
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PILGRIM LODGE WEEKEND IS SEPTEMBER 7-9
LAST CALL!!
When asked why they love Pilgrim Lodge Weekend, WCC members had this to say . . .
"As a grandmother, being with all our wonderful youngsters and their parents was a great joy - and to top it off, at beautiful PL. A great chance to get to know all these fun families better.”
“Our family loves PL because of the camaraderie of all the Woodfords folks, the beauty of the setting and the opportunity to be away from the demands of our busy daily schedules.”
“PIlgrim Lodge is my very favorite weekend of the entire year. I get to spend uninterrupted time playing and praying with my beloved Woodfords Church family.”
“Pilgrim Lodge gave my family the opportunity to really connect with other Woodfords families. A favorite memory is an osprey flying down to a tree near us during an outdoor worship service as if it wanted to join us.”
Woodfords weekend at Pilgrim Lodge will be September 7
th
-9
th
this year. I look forward to this weekend every year as a chance to get away from the busyness of life, to be able to breathe more deeply and sit more calmly, and to spend time with my Woodfords family. But most of all, to be in this amazing spiritual place that renews me.
I want to especially welcome new folks to join us! Pilgrim Lodge is the Maine UCC’s lakeside camp and retreat facility on Lake Cobbosseecontee in Gardiner. Woodfords annual Pilgrim Lodge Weekend is a 35+ year tradition of coming together in this beautiful, peaceful setting. We get to know each other, and grow closer and stronger, through informal conversations, activities and shared meals. There are crafts throughout the day on Saturday, waterfront activities Saturday afternoon, and evening entertainment and raucous game playing Saturday night. We take moments of quiet by walking the labyrinth, hiking the trails or sitting by the lake. The children run free (relatively speaking), through the lodge, the boardwalk and the wooded site, supervised by the village of adults but able to explore in a way they often can’t at home. And we sit in rocking chairs, and chat, and feel even more a part of the Woodfords community.
If you want to attend, please contact Carol Swicker as soon as possible at:
cswicker@gmail.com.
Carol Swicker
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CALLING WOODFORDS CHURCH ARTISANS!
Would you like to have a table at the
Woodfords Cornerfest 2018? TABLES ARE FREE!
Join other artists and crafters sharing your skill in the neighborhood.
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Woodfords Church Office Hours from September
Tuesday - Thursday, 9 am - 3 pm
Friday, 9 am - 1 pm, afternoon by appointment
207.774.8243
info@woodfordschurch.org
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