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THE WOODFORDS BEACON
November 2017
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NOTES FROM THE COUNCIL...
•Stewardship pledges are now at $203,568. – just short of our original goal by $2,442. Thank you to all who continue to give so much of your time, talent and resources to WCC.
•Our new signage will be up and helping guide folks by about the middle of November. There are about 100 signs so it has taken a bit of time and we have Amy Segal to thank for all the hard work to improve ease of traveling through Woodfords.
•Security – Brent Wooten along with our staff – Teri C. and Louise, are in the final stages of providing everyone who uses Woodfords with appropriate security. There will be some changes that will affect all of us and we will be sure to get this information to you before there are any systems changes. Stay tuned.
•Nursery Manager – we now have a wonderful new person to take care of our children during services. Her name is Cyndi O’Leary. Be sure to say hi to her when you see her.
•Family Promise for October came off with a few problems but all was resolved so that we could feed everyone, keep them warm and help them enjoy their time at WCC. The group grew to 15, we had a bit of illness, it was colder than expected and our heat was not fully on yet but you all rose to the occasion and all went well. It would not have been possible without so many of you helping, cooking, getting blankets, getting air conditioners out of the windows and being there for our guests. Thank you once again. Our next FP is in February. Thanks is due to Carol Swicker for doing such a great job corralling us all to make FP work.
•The Council is working on a number of other projects and also talking about the future of our church. As this work moves along, we will keep you up to date.
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CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE CHANGES THIS YEAR!
Sunday, December 24 -
CHRISTMAS EVE
10:00 am Christmas Pageant
7:30 pm Christmas Eve Service
(7:00 pm Pre-service Carol Sing and Special Music)
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NEW SECURITY IN PLACE AT WOODFORDS
As of October 1, Woodfords has employed a local security agency to patrol the building. They will be making random checks throughout the day and night. Most people won't even know this is happening, but if you see a uniformed guard (from First Protection Services) outside or inside the building, be assured they are there for your safety and security. Please let the office know if you have any questions.
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A SUNDAY SCHOOL
LESSON ON HUNGER
In preparation for the Crop Walk, the Sunday School did a lesson on hunger and food insecurity. As part of this lesson some of the kids were given a single cup of Lucky Charms, while others were given EIGHT cups (more than they needed or even wanted!) As a group we tried to come up with reasons that the eight-cup kids were more deserving. Is there a justifiable reason that some of us live in excess while others scarcely have enough?
We also talked about the fact that we live in one of the most food insecure states in this country. Maine ranks third in the country for the rate of hunger, with nearly 16 percent of its households (more than 200,000 people) experiencing food insecurity. This means that, whether we are aware of it or not, all of us have classmates, neighbors and even friends at church who are struggling to feed themselves. The young people acknowledged that there is no way to look at someone and know if they are hungry. When asked how hunger might affect their lives, they talked about hunger making it hard to concentrate in school, or even sleep at night. One student said that if he was always hungry he would probably be angry all the time.
Early on in the lesson, when the Lucky Charms were being eaten, one student asked for a drink to wash the dry cereal down. Sarah Thomson eagerly volunteered to go fetch the water. Almost twenty minutes later someone else, with a parched throat, inquired what had happened to that water. Moments later Sarah returned, explaining how far she had to journey to get water... or at least that this was the case for many people globally who do not have ready access to water.
Later this fall the Morales family will be leading a lesson about their time living abroad in Nicaragua and how their school addressed the problem of hungry students. We look forward to delving more deeply into this conversation then!
Rev. Tamara
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Submitting an article for the December Beacon?
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CROP WALK AT ABOUT $12,000!
While we are awaiting a full tally from Church World Service, it looks as though this year’s CROP Walk will total will be about $12,000.00 Congratulations for all the efforts by the many walkers, the set-up crew, the contributions of food and materials, and, especially, to whoever ordered such good weather for Sunday’s walk. Once again I am proud to announce that our Woodfords Church family came through with the top contribution of $3880. First Lutheran wasn’t far behind at $3182. What is really amazing is that the third best contributor was our collective youth group which raised almost $1400. Congratulations, kids! Robin Carter and Beth Rovnak were the top individual fund-raisers. Congratulations! We’ll have a more exact accounting when all the funds come in and when we sort through on-line contributions and pre-recorded cash contributions. This is an initial report, but it looks as though we’ll exceed our last CROP Walk by about $2000. A special thank you to Beth Rovnak and the Steering Committee. Great job, folks.
Rev. Jim,
CROP Walk Treasurer
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HAPPY NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARY TO...
Ann Babbitt & Deb Smith 11/23 (21)
Martha & Gary Baldwin 11/24 (44)
Roy & Jean Koster 11/28 (36)
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UPCOMING EVENTS THIS MONTH
November 3rd: Essential Oils for Health & Vitality
(11:30 in the 2nd Floor Conference Room)
Bring a bag lunch and join us for this Lunch & Learn. Wellness coach Anna Maria Tocci will offer a workshop about the healing properties of essential oils (and send you home with some too!) Please RSVP to Rev. Tamara at
ttorresmcgovern@woodfordschurch.org
or 207.774.8243, ext 107.
November 18th: Downeast Fair
Grant Fund members enjoy lunch on us! The fair is known for its delicious chowder, lobster rolls, sweet treats and more. So let us take you out to lunch while you connect with friends and enjoy all the fair has to offer!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: EVENTS IN DECEMBER
December 1st: Lunch and Learn with Maine Senior Companions and Foster Grant Parents
(11:30 in the 2nd Floor Conference Room)
Bring a bag lunch for this Lunch & Learn. Do you have a little extra LOVE to share this holiday season? Fran Seeley and MSC staff will share opportunities for outreach (both volunteer and paid) as well as heartwarming stories of transformation.
December 8: Magic Of Christmas
: There are still seats available to enjoy this annual holiday spectacular. Please RSVP to Rev. Tamara at
ttorresmcgovern@woodfordschurch.org or 207.774.8243, ext 107.
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A LOOK BACK AT SEPT & OCT GRANT FUND EVENTS
It was a busy month for the Grant Fund! We closed out September with our first meeting of the Grant Fund Lunch Club, where we enjoyed Venezuelan cuisine and learned about the food and culture of the country. The group decided to continue meeting at the church and bringing in food (and speakers) from immigrant-owned businesses in Portland. This is a great way to support some wonderful local businesses and expand our own understanding of the diverse gifts that new Mainers bring to our community.
In early-October we enjoyed a trip to Wolfe's Neck Farm. The morning was drizzly enough to cancel the Hay Wagon, but the guides hopped onto our tour bus and we took the tour in our cozy seats. It was a fascinating look at the history of the land and the earliest European settlers who called it home. Later we enjoyed delicious pizza made in a brick oven at the farm, while learning a bit about what the farm is doing today.
Later in the month, a group of 30 people gathered for an event called "Serenade and Sandwiches" where we enjoyed a classic New York Deli lunch while listening to some old time ballads with sultry-voiced singer Monique Barret. It was a delicious afternoon for both taste buds and ears! If you want more information about Monique, including where you can buy her music or see upcoming shows , visit:
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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 12:15 pm in the Parlor
. The books chosen for the next meetings are:
November 1
The Last Painting of Sara deVoss. Dominic Smith (Mary)
December 6
Just Mercy. Brian Stevenson. (Dave)
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MUSIC NOTES
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HYMN?
This summer we began compiling a list of hymns that members of the Woodfords community would like to have included in our worship together. Many of these hymns and songs were used in our worship this summer.
So far, we have collected over 40 hymns and we would like to add to the list. What are your favorite hymns? You can suggest hymns for this list by:
· Filling out a 3x5 card in the pew rack and putting it in the offering plate
If the hymn is in
Hymns of Truth and Light
, please include the title and hymn number.
If the hymn is from another source, please include the title and tune name.
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THE WOODFORDS FAMILY CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRA
There’s still time to join the December Instrumental Ensemble!
We have parts for brass players, strings, and woodwinds. Players of all skill levels are welcome—6th Grade through Adult. Invite a friend and/or a neighbor to join us in this Christmas
at Woodfords.
Rehearsals will be held on Sundays, 11:50 am - 12:30 pm in the Music Room. Rehearsal dates: November 12, November 26 and December 3. Music can be picked up from Paul any Sunday after worship. He’ll be in the front of the sanctuary around the piano!
The ensemble will provide pre-service music on Sunday December 17, and before and during the 7:30 pm Christmas Eve Service.
If you are a college student or know a college student that will be home for Christmas on Dec. 17 or 24, we’d love to have them join us.
NEW PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
For more information, or to let
Paul
know of your interest and the instrument you play, contact Paul at
prschnell@securespeed.us
LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
Cookies and Carols,
Sunday, December 10th, following worship in
Memorial Hall 11:30 am.
Members, friends and neighbors are all invited to gather
a rousing Carol sing to celebrate the Christmas season. Volunteers are needed
to provide cookies to share. Bake early and bake often! You can bake cookies now and freeze them for the party. Not a baker? You can purchase homemade cookies at the Church Fair on November 18, and save them in your freezer for the December 10th party! Join us to share a time of fellowship, song,
and sweet treats!
Christmas Worship Schedule Change this Year!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24
th CHRISTMAS EVE
10:00
am Christmas Pageant
7:30
pm Christmas Eve Service ( NOTE: one evening service only - new time!)
(7:00
pm Pre-service Carol Sing and Special Music)
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HAPPY NOVEMBER
BIRTHDAY TO...
Laurie Davis 11/01
Paul Gillis 11/02
Alberta Cook 11/03
Olivia Brewer 11/04
Peter Rovnak 11/05
Margo Crouch 11/07
Wes Johnson 11/07
Wyatt Johnson 11/09
Amy Segal 11/11
Erin Ritter 11/11
Jeffrey Jordan 11/12
Wallace Camp 11/13
Jean Johnson 11/15
Carol Gillis 11/16
Craig Belanger 11/17
Marjorie Sampson 11/18
Lori Resnisky 11/19
Judy Wolfe 11/19
Robert Carpenter 11/21
Rollanda Graumann 11/22
Peter Ashley 11/22
Pamela Meader 11/23
Michael Hale 11/23
Margaret Vire 11/24
Renee Newman 11/24
Kay Kenney 11/25
John Carter 11/26
Sheryl Plummer 11/26
Natalie Hague 11/27
Holly Vire 11/27
Sandra Whitmore 11/28
Jane Johnson 11/30
Gloria Stover 11/30
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A Celebration of Gratitude
with the Congregations of Greater Portland
Thanksgiving Eve November 22, 2017
Join us for a simple interfaith gathering to give God thanks for all the blessings we enjoy.
The service will begin at 7 PM. Place TBD
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DOWNEAST HOLIDAY FAIR NEWS
We have been busy preparing for the fair! We are going to need many, many hands to make this year another huge success. Signups will be in the cloister every Sunday or you can call
Jane Frey 939-5776 to find out what you can do to help.
Dropping off Donations – Every Sunday -
We have secured storage on the second floor for donations. We will post signs as to where you can find us. Please try to limit dropping off donations as much as you can to before and after service. See below for the many areas in need! If you need to make special arrangements or need items picked up, call
Jane Frey at 939-5776
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Woodford Treasures
- This was a huge success last year. It is meant for items higher than a white elephant but not necessarily gold elephant. I liken it to going to a really awesome yard sale. You can call
Janet Stewart, 829-3067
, if you have questions as to what will be appropriate. We would like to see lots of donations.
Jewelry –
We need lots of jewelry so go through that jewelry box and donate those pieces that you don’t wear anymore or never liked to begin with! We would love to see some donations from the younger members of the congregation, including the teenagers! Questions? Call
Judy Wolfe, 838-7457.
Silent Auction –
This popular event is back this year, so it’s time to start thinking about what you could offer. Vacation getaways are always popular, but donations come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and price ranges. Services, gift certificates, that NEW vase that Aunt Suzy gave you that you aren’t particularly fond of… For more info, please contact
Marge Sampson at 773-2711 or Kristen Crean at 797-4393
. Look for a complete listing on the WCC website by November 7 and come bid high and bid often!
Pantry
– Everyone get cooking! We need jams, jellies, relish, breads, candy and FUDGE! Someone requested pickles! Save the cookies for the COOKIE Walk.
Ambassadors
– Our traffic pattern is going to be even different this year so ambassadors will circulate throughout the crowd, greeting, directing, answering questions, etc.
Balsam Wreaths –
Back by popular demand! We will be selling Maine-Made BALSAM Wreaths, plain and decorated. Led by
Thomas Campbell and Cathy Keeley
but we will need volunteers!
Christmas Crafts
- The Woodfords Holiday Crafters have been busy at work to make sure this favorite table is a huge success. Have an idea and want to make something at home with your friends and or/family?
Jane Frey
is working on this and there will be lots of new items this year!
Cookie Walk
- The Deacons (of course!) are responsible for this favorite! Cookie donations are a must to make this another big success.
The Knitting Table
- Wouldn’t be a fair without The Woodford Knitters.
Christmas Deco Room
– Another returning rookie, very successful last year! Meant to be for gently used Christmas decorations, unused wraps, cards, etc. Time to clean those holiday storage tubs! Questions, please call
Norma Salway, 899-3595.
Book Room -
We need donations of books, CD’s and DVD’s. Please no encyclopedias or text books.
Holiday Pies –
Order your holiday pie!
Jean Koster
will be available to take your order. This will benefit Project Feed.
Music
- There will be lots of MUSIC. More to come!
Advertising/Signage, Decorations –
We could use some time and talent for decorations. Amy Segal will once again be helping us with signage.
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NOVEMBER CALENDAR
Due to technical difficulties, the calendar has been
inserted into the newsletter this month.
Please zoom to read.
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WOODFORDS CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday - Friday, 9 am - 3 pm
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