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THE WOODFORDS BEACON
October 2017
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As I type this column at my Woodfords computer, my eyes keep drifting to the delightful puffin constructed entirely of balloons, which now adorns my desk. The feelings of happiness engendered by this past Homecoming Sunday’s joyful celebration of Woodfords’ children and youth and their families and of our music ministry and of our congregation’s strong ministries of care—these feelings of happiness linger, blessing both me and my work. I hope it is so for you as well.
I am very grateful to have been able to serve you as your Sabbatical Pastor these past four months. My being here has had all the joy of a family reunion for me personally. And it has been just as much fun getting to know you newer folk, those of you who have joined the Woodfords community since my earlier service here. You simply can’t beat Woodfords when it comes to finding good company!
My summer has been brimming with all the good things that are happening among you as you move forward into the future. In July we welcomed Rev. Tamara Torres McGovern as Woodfords new Director of Intergenerational Engagement and Education, and good things are already happening with programs for seniors and with the Sunday School. Also in July new Youth Group Coordinator Katie Holicky began meeting with our youth, together with the youth from three other area churches with which Woodfords has partnered for this enterprise.
Our summer worship services featured an impressive lineup of guest musicians, thanks to Paul and Rebecca Schnell, and now the chancel choir is back to offer their gifts and lead us in song.
Training for our new “Family Promise” ministry of hospitality took place in July, and we hosted our first guest families in August. We will be hosting again in October. Folks have been eagerly donating supplies to the “Clean-up Buckets” mission project that we launched just this month in response to Church World Service’s urgent call for cleanup buckets to help those affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. And our Monday Wayside lunch volunteers continue to work tirelessly week after week.
What a joy to have been part of this worshipping, nurturing, teaching, singing, caring, and serving community! Thank you. I will miss you.
Shalom,
Pastor Annette
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FONDLY REMEMBERED...
Cheryl Ann Nanos, a long time dedicated member of Woodfords, died in August. At her request, there was no service. However we do want to honor all she did for Woodfords over many years. Pam Barrows, her sister, and Jeanette Good, Woodfords’ minister during Cheryl’s active years, provided some information on Cheryl's many contributions. She was an active choir member, served as the head of the Capital Campaign for restoration of the Wicks Organ, taught Sunday School for many years in her teens and 20’s, and headed up the Search Committee for Richard Weidler and also for Assistant Pastors while Bill Irish was the Sr. Pastor. She also served on the Council before becoming Asst. Vice President of the Governing Board and, later, as the governing board redefined itself over time, she was again on the Council as Asst. Moderator. Cheryl was a very active participant in our Church Fairs over many years.
What a gift she gave our church – in so many ways over so many years. She is surely missed by her family, friends and many members of Woodfords who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. Thank you, Cheryl.
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SABBATICAL INSPIRED SOUP & STUDY:
October 1, 8 & 22
following worship in Seely Hall
Join Rev. Carolyn for insights and lessons from her sabbatical journey. From the dynamic transformation of 16th century sanctuaries in England, to stories of spiritual renewal from the Iona Community in Scotland, we will explore the theme of CHANGE in the larger Christian Church and what it might mean for our Woodfords Community.
See Rev. Carolyn's article (toward the end of this newsletter) about Iona with more details about what will be discussed at the Soup and Study session.
We are looking for folks who are willing to bring soup (in a crock pot), bread, beverages or a simple dessert for this gathering. A sign up will be available in the cloister.
PLEASE NOTE: The Oct 1 Soup & Study will start at 12 noon.
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A FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER
October 15, 2017 at 1 pm marks the send off of the 2017 Casco Bay Hunger CROP Walk. With eight churches and two high school Key Clubs participating, it should have a great showing as people walk the 3.5 miles around Back Cove. The CROP Walk was initiated by Church World Services after WW II so U.S. farmers in the Mid-west could assist fellow farmers in Europe and Asia. It has expanded ever since. This year's money will assist Project Feed, South Portland Food Cupboard, and Wayside Food Programs. Also money will go to help those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Remember about 20% of Portland 's population is at the poverty level and often food insecure.
The goal of the Casco Bay Hunger CROP Walk steering committee is to raise $15,000. How can you help or make a contribution? Do you know someone who is walking? Would you like to join us? Support a walker by making a donation to your friend, make a pledge to raise money for the cause (you don't have to walk). For more information, please contact Robin and /or Bill Carter in the Cloister on Sunday mornings.
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Submitting an article for the November Beacon?
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A CLEAN AND SAFE PLACE
Thank you to our Building Manager, Louise Shaw, for making our church and grounds a clean and safe place for all. Restrooms and hallways are clean and inviting. We appreciate her good service. A well kept building sends a welcome invitation to all who enter and sends a message to our community.
Recently I called attention to a large crack in the parking area in front of the church's rear elevator entrance. It was increasingly becoming an obstacle for those using walkers and canes. Louise took notice and scheduled repairs to the area. Now we have a new pavement top and a gentle sloping entrance to the handicapped area. Those of us using this entrance greatly appreciate this repair and improvement.
Many thanks,
Rev. Carl F Beyer
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HAPPY OCTOBER ANNIVERSARY TO...
Thomas & Priscilla Hennessey 10/01 (40)
Joanne & Gayton Bartlett 10/02 (41)
Jim & Stacey Dand 10/02 (13)
Mary Bonauto & Jennifer Wriggins 10/03 (30)
Leanne Walker & Dave Wasdahl 10/07 (21)
Alison Grey & Oliver Murray 10/17 (18)
Jeffrey & Adrienne-Marie Wilson 10/18 (14)
Lindsay & Brian Ross 10/25 (9)
Ben & Catherine Walter 10/26 (26)
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GRANT FUND OCTOBER ACTIVITIES
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October 1, 11:30am-12:30pm- Annual Flu Shot Clinic (Cloister)
Every year, the influenza vaccine is modified to fight new strands of the virus predicted to arise that year. This is an excellent way to both protect yourself and the people around you! Bring your Medicare card, Supplemental Plan card or other insurance. For those without insurance, the cost is $30.
October 6, 9:30am-2:00pm- Fall Foliage Trip to Wolfe’s Neck Farm
Wolfe’s Neck Farm is an organic educational farm on 626 oceanfront acres in Freeport. We will take a bus to the farm where we will enjoy an engaging History Hay Wagon Tour. Following the tour we will savor some of the flavors of the farm as we share lunch. There will also be an opportunity to tour the barns and visit the animals. The cost for this trip including transportation, tour and meal is $15 (scholarships are available for anyone with financial need). There are only 28 spaces available so RSVP to Rev. Tamara ASAP!
PLEASE NOTE you will need to climb a few stairs to get into the wagon as well as walk on some uneven ground. A picture of the wagon steps is posted below...
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October 13, 11:30am-1:00pm
–
Serenade and Sandwiches (Memorial Hall)
Come enjoy the musical offerings of
Monique Barrett
, whose style is described as haunting, spiritual, rootsy and honest. With elements of Americana, bluegrass, gospel and folk, Ms Barrett will play a nostalgic set of ballads and sing-a-longs. Lunch will be catered by
Rose Foods
, a newly opened New York Style Deli on Forest Ave, specializing in everything from Pastrami to Lox!
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NEW THIS FALL!
Grant Fund Lunch Club:
Travel and Leisure magazine ranked Portland one of
10 Best Cities for Food in the United States
. Bon Appetit calls it
America’s Foodiest Small City
. Huff Post calls it one of the
15 Most Restaurant-Crazy Cities in America
. People come from far and wide to sample the offerings at local restaurants like Eventide, Pai Men Miyake and Empire. In addition to Portland’s many nationally acclaimed eateries, the city also boasts an impressive number of restaurants owned by New Mainers: Ameera Bread, Mini Mogadishu, Luis’ Arepera, Ginza Town, Essan Thai, Red Sea and more.
If you have culinary curiosity but are overwhelmed trying new restaurants on your own, join the
NEW Grant Fund Lunch Club
! Each month we will savor a new flavor. The cost is $15 per person, per lunch. Anonymous scholarships are available for anyone who is interested but unable to commit to the expense. Interested? Email Rev. Tamara at
ttorresmcgovern@woodfordschurch.org
Let’s get together to taste the town!
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ONGOING OFFERINGS
Gentle Yoga:
This therapeutic class will help keep your body limber and spirit buoyant! Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor, Stephanie Abrams, has been teaching since 2001. Hundreds of classes (and three adorable children) later, she continues to experience yoga as a tool of both restoration and refinement. She brings her clear love for the practice, an infectious laugh, and a deep respect for her students to her classes. Join her
Thursdays from 10:15-11:15 in the Lounge.
Jean Koster can take payment.
Book Group:
Led by Suzanne DBourget, this group meets the
first Wednesday of every month at 12:30 pm in the Parlor
. The books chosen for the next meetings are:
October 4
Small Great Things. Jodi Picoult
November 1
The Last Painting of Sara deVoss. Dominic Smith (Mary)
December 6
Just Mercy. Brian Stevenson. (Dave)
January 3
The Moth. Catherine Burns, Ed. (Lorraine)
February 7
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy. (Charlotte)
March 7
Thunderstruck. Erik Larsen. (Martha)
April 4
Light between the Oceans. M.L.Stedman (Lana)
May 2
TBD
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MUSIC NOTES
Opportunities for Music Ministry at WOODFORDS
THE WOODFORD’S CHURCH YOUTH CHOIR
Come join us!
The Youth Choir is open to all youth in grades 3 through high school and rehearsals are on Sunday morning following worship (11:30 am -12 noon)
We learn to develop our singing voices, challenging music, part singing, note reading and fun songs. Our goals this year are to sing in worship once a month, present a musical play, sing with the Chancel Choir and entertain at the 90th Birthday Party.
Why would you want to sing in a choir?
- Spend time with others your age
- Develop poise and self-confidence
- Exercise your brain
- Just plain have fun!
We currently have a good core group of singers, but we would love to see more young people take advantage of this opportunity. For more information, contact Rebecca at
rschnell@woodfordschurch.org.
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THE WOODFORDS FAMILY CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRA
There’s an empty chair waiting for you!
Consider joining our special Christmas Ensemble this year! This group has enhanced the Advent and Christmas Season for the past two years, and we look forward to another appearance. Those with skill levels 6th Grade through Adult are invited to participate. Bring a friend, too!
Our playing schedule this year may be different since Christmas Eve day is on a Sunday. We also have had several of our players graduate from high school and head off to college. Rehearsals will be held on Sundays, 11:45 am - 12:30 pm in the Music Room. The dates for rehearsals will be available soon. We plan to play in worship on December 17, and on December 24th (at the evening worship service).
Let Paul know of your interest and the instrument you play. NEW PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
PSQ CONCERT
October 1 at 2 pm in the Sanctuary
PSQ Concerts are free to all Woodfords Members
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HAPPY OCTOBER
BIRTHDAY TO...
Carol Chadbourne 10/01
Elizabeth Sprague 10/02
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
Mary Belanger 10/16
Billie Jo Wooten 10/16
Emma Cook 10/17
Karin Kurry 10/19
Molly Johnson 10/20
Janet Peterson 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
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GET READY FOR THE
DOWN EAST HOLIDAY FAIR!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
The
Down East Holiday Fair
is the
Saturday before Thanksgiving,
November 18th, 2017.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We need team leaders for the following (we have heard from several people wanting to help):
* Snack Bar
* Balsam Wreath Sale
* Book Room
* Pantry
* Crafts
* Music
* Decorations
* Volunteer Coordinator
(COULD REALLY USE THIS)
I am hoping that we will have a few more returning team leaders? You all did such an awesome job last year. Now, don't panic, some of these are a matter of making phone calls and some coordination, others - a little more. Co-Team leaders are always welcome. Don't want to be a leader but very interested in working on the planning of one of these? Well, we can sign you up.
If we could get half the congregation to donate 2 hours that day, WOW! What a day that would be. No one will forget Woodfords! Amen!
DONATIONS NEEDED
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 – 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 again for the third 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.
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WOODFORDS CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Starting in October
Tuesday - Friday, 9 am - 3 pm
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VIEW FROM MY WINDOW
Reverend Carolyn writes from Iona
I sit at the desk in my room on the island of Iona and gaze at the water lapping the shore - perhaps the same vista St. Columba witnessed during his years here (573-597) as he brought Christianity to what today we call Scotland. It is a profound vision - a profound place. It has long been said that Iona is a "thin place" - where the boundary between the sacred and the ordinary disappears. You can't come simply expecting you'll have such a sacred experience, but if and when it happens, you know it. It comes creeping silently when you least expect it, and you're left breathless and wide-eyed, exhausted from the intensity of the experience knowing nothing will ever be the same.
It is experiences such as this that I long to share with you when I return on October 1. This "time away" has been both remarkable and precious, from the weeks of study in England, through extended family visits (don't even mention the word lobster!) in August and early September, and now on Iona. I am so grateful for your love and support, your recognition of the need for rest and renewal through this time of sabbatical.
But it's time to return to you and share my journey.
On three Sundays in October, I invite you to join me in Seeley Hall for a light lunch and a time of reflection. On Sunday, October 1, we won't gather until noon as I'll want to have time to greet those who won't be joining us for lunch. On October 8 and 22 (don't forget the CROP Walk on October 15!!), we'll gather closer to 11:30.
In our time together, I'll share much of what I've learned and experienced during my time away.
Our time together will also provide an opportunity for reflecting on the ways in which these experiences can help us as we create a vision for our congregational and personal futures as God's people and Christ's followers: people committed to learning and growing together, people committed to lives of justice, peace and compassion, people who aren't mired in the "what has been" at the expense of the "what is possible."
I haven't prepared an agenda specifically for each week although I have many photos and experiences to share with you of both England and Iona! I expect our time together for reflection will be more organic and spontaneous in nature. I hope you'll plan to join us.
I look forward to seeing all of you on October 1. I'll be using a beautiful, contemporary worship and communion liturgy from Iona that is both powerful and inviting, a liturgy used at one of our evening Iona Abbey worship services that draws people from around the globe. A perfect liturgy for World Communion Sunday! See you then!!
Blessings,
Rev. Carolyn
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WOODFORDS WELCOMES
FAMILY PROMISE GUESTS IN OCTOBER
It's that time again already! Woodfords will host Family Promise guests the week of Sunday October 14th through Sunday October 21st.
Volunteers are needed to be at the building with the families from 5:30 pm to 7:30 am, as well as preparing and delivering dinner, and setting up and breaking down the space. Volunteers who interact directly with guests must complete training prior to volunteering. People who want to be trained should send their email to Carol Swicker (
cswicker@gmail.com) who will forward training dates as they are scheduled.
Please let me know if you have any questions!
Carol Swicker,
207-756-5875
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AUTUMN
The leaves are falling, falling as if from far up,
as if orchards were dying high in space.
Each leaf falls as if it were motioning "no."
And tonight the heavy earth is falling
away from all other stars in the loneliness.
We're all falling. This hand here is falling.
And look at the other one. It's in them all.
And yet there is Someone, whose hands
infinitely calm, holding up all this falling.
-Rainier Maria Rilke
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