THE BEACON
Woodfords Congregational Church
September 2019
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CALL TO MEETING & HOMECOMING LUNCHEON
CALL TO MEETING
Woodfords Church Annual Meeting
Sunday, September 15
The annual meeting of Woodfords Congregational Church will take place after worship in Memorial Hall on Sunday, September 15. All are welcome.
HOMECOMING SUNDAY LUNCHEON
Sep 15, After Worship, Memorial Hall
The most important thing about Woodfords Church is all of us, the members! We are getting together for a special luncheon at our Annual Meeting after church service Sunday, September 15th to celebrate being back together after the summer. Please join us!
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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
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The Rosengartens
I wonder how long it will be (a long, long time, I’d guess) before most of us at Woodfords stop thinking of Matt and Mitch in terms of the stunning winter wedding/Christmas tree in our sanctuary last December. What a gift the tree was to the congregation during Advent and beyond! And what fun it has been for us to delight in knowing that the tree graced our sanctuary as Matt and Mitch celebrated their love.
Mitch was the first of the couple to discover Woodfords about 4 years ago. He describes himself as a church hunter and says he was looking for a faith leader, someone who was inspiring and challenging. No surprise: Carolyn met those criteria! In no short order, Mitch joined the choir and became a regular in the Woodfords contingent at the Pride Parade. Presently, we are most fortunate that Mitch has taken on the role of chair of the Search Committee which is hard at work on the tasks related to our search for a Designated-Term Minister.
Matt was also looking to get back to regular worship experiences when he and Mitch started dating. Mitch brought him to Woodfords; Carolyn met with him and the rest is history. Soon Matt was teaching Sunday School regularly and now finds himself on Council, “wrangling the Christian Education program” and on Personnel.
If you wonder why I didn’t ask them what they did in their free time, it’s because there isn’t much free time left after all their involvement at Woodfords. And we are grateful for all they do!
Back in the work world, Mitch is a financial advisor and Matt administers disability claims at UNUM. Like many of us, they came to those occupations in a circuitous route: Mitch got a BFA at Syracuse in fine arts with a minor in art history and Christian studies (although he says he was raised to be a financial advisor! Ask him more about this!!) Matt has a masters in mental health consulting and now has chosen to work in customer service and management.
Since our family has a cat who definitely is in charge, I suspect that may be the case at Matt and Mitch’s home as well. Recently they welcomed adorable Violet to join well-established tiger cat, Siegfried and both parents report that the transition has gone well.
Matt and Mitch speak eloquently of their hopes for Woodfords’ future: that we will have the courage to take the time and figure out who God is calling us to be at this point in the life of Woodfords and that we will honor and respect one another as we live into the joys and challenges of the changes that are ahead for us! Indeed!
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WOODFORDS PRAYGROUND MOVING FORWARD!
After a successful community meeting following worship on Sunday August 18th, Woodfords Church will be moving ahead with installing
Portland’s first Protestant PrayGround.
What is a PrayGround, you ask? It is a space within the sanctuary that is designed to invite children and families more fully into worship. The Woodfords PrayGround will be an approximate 6 ft x 16 ft space located on the back left side of the sanctuary. We will be removing two pews (which will be stored on site) to accommodate the PrayGround. In addition to lining the floor with carpet tiles (generously donated by the Portland Nursery School), the space will contain a small table, bean bag chair, baby play mat and a few other soft toys, puzzles and art supplies. It will be a place where children can play quietly, worship in community, and participate in the Sunday Service in ways that meet their developmental and learning needs. Sometimes this will simply mean that kids will be entertained while their parents worship. Other times the Worship Team might offer prompts for ways that kids can participate in the morning message or themes through art or play. No matter what, we know that kids who are present for the service will absorb the sounds and rhythms of worship (the hymns and prayers becoming part of their internal landscape). Though this will be Portland’s first Protestant PrayGround, there are many others located in sanctuaries of all kinds around the country and the world. We’ve done our research and know that with time, PrayGrounds have proven to be successful ways to welcome and engage young families and to encourage intergenerational connection.
Just as our church is committed to welcoming all people, our PrayGround will be welcoming to all. Kids of all ages and adults are welcome to sit in or near the PrayGround. We invite the congregation to embrace this space and the children of our community. Our hope is that you will share in caring for our children by sitting near the PrayGround from time to time, whether or not you have a child worshipping there. This simple invitation is a way to deepen your own experience of worship and community by observing what is engaging future generations.
The playground will have just a few simple
Hospitality Guidelines
to help encourage community, accountability and a shared sense of worship. These are not just guidelines for the PrayGround, but great guidelines for the whole church community:
Hospitality Guidelines
• Everyone is
Welcome
•
Whisper
During Worship
•
Kindness
is Key
•
Share
in All Things
•
Cleaning
is Caring
AND
• ALL kiddos must be supervised by a Parent/Guardian
Lastly, for this to be successful, we will need your help. This first year of the PrayGround will be a time of trial and experimentation. We invite you to join us in a spirit of curiosity as we work out kinks and find the best ways to use this new resource. The CE Team will provide ongoing opportunities for constructive conversation and feedback. Please also feel free to email Rev. Tamara at
ttorresmcgovern@woodfordschurch.org
with questions, comments, concerns or suggestions. Or talk to any member of the Christian Education or Worship Teams to share your insights and observations.
Who knows, maybe Jesus was onto something…maybe through the gift of children we will all gain a deeper love and connection with the Kingdom of Heaven. And perhaps through our expansive commitment to welcome, kids and their families will also feel blessed by the church.
Blessings,
Rev Tamara Torres McGovern
The CE Team: Matt Rosengarten, Barbara Thomson, Jess Gellar-Cote, Amy Segal
The Council Worship Team: Joanne Friedrick, Adrienne Wilson and Jeff Jordan
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Christian Education
As the church dives into a season of change, the CE Team realized this presented a great opportunity to examine the theme of CHANGE from a wide array of angles. This fall we will explore: the ways we can change the world, change as opportunity, changing friendships, changing homes, change through loss... even death, and changes in the natural world. This will be a great opportunity to dig into some life's most uncomfortable moments and see if we can encounter God... even in those places!
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Sept. 15th- Homecoming Sunday
The CE Season is upon us and we have been preparing the space... no literally... we have been painting, moving and decorating a new trial space on the first floor. See the photo on the left for a peek at the new Sunday School room!
Join us to make your mark and become part of the ever-changing Woodfords story. Reminder, this is also our Annual Meeting Sunday following worship. We have planned a full morning of activities and will provide a delicious kid-friendly lunch. Hope to see you there!
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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.
A member of the Search Committee will stay after church each week, so please come speak with us if you have any questions, concerns, or thoughts about the skill set we should be looking for. We really do want your input.
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
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Call for Artists and Vendors for CornerFEST 2019!
Friday, September 27, 4:30–7:30 pm
Woodfords Congregational Church Parking Lot
We are looking for artists/craftspeople, food vendors, and non-profits/organizations to showcase or sell their goods at the 2nd Annual Woodfords CornerFEST!
DETAILS
We’re offering you FREE space. This is a big neighborhood block party and open house to show off the various organizations around Woodfords Corner. This fun event includes food, music, games and other activities.
• Event runs from 4:30–7:30 pm
• Set up time is 3:30–4 pm
• Bring your own table and chair
• You will have a 6x4 ft space– follow the same guidelines for all city parks art sales
• After drop off, you can park across the street in Woodfords Club lot
• No electricity provided so you might want to bring some portable lighting for your table specifically
• Bathrooms are available in the Parish Hall
• Food is available for purchase
• Breakdown is 7:30 PM
We are excited to have you participate in CornerFEST. We believe that Woodfords Corner is a vibrant neighborhood and want to show off all that we have to offer.
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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!
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IONA GRANT SENIOR PROGRAM (IGSP)
If you are 65 or older this year and a member of Woodfords Church, you are automatically a part of the Iona Grant Senior Program! This means you are eligible to participate in the many opportunities for fun, fellowship, growth and spiritual engagement that the program offers.
For more information, please reach out to Rev. Tamara Torres McGovern, our Director of Intergenerational Engagement and Education:
ttorresmcgovern@woodfordschurch.org
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UPCOMING ACTIVITIES
September 27- IGSP Luncheon
Join us for our Fall 2019 kick off event! We will gather for lunch from the Other Side Deli and a concert by the Odds N Ends barbershop quartet.
October 11- IGSP Fall Foliage Trip
Enjoy peak leaf peeping while aboard the Songo River Queen II. We will gather at Woodfords at 10 am to carpool to Naples. After an hourlong river ride we will head to the Freedom Cafe for lunch. RSVP to Rev. Tamara (ttorresmcgovern@woodfordschurch.org). $20 suggested donation can be turned in on the day of the trip.
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SAVE THE DATES FOR
FALL ECUMENICAL
YOUTH GROUP FUN!
Fall Dates:
September 15th
October 6th, 20th
November 3rd, 17th
December 1st, 15th
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WOODFORDS INFORMATION/WELCOME CENTER
IN THE NARTHEX
During an after-church meeting Sunday Aug. 17, the Creating Community Task Force presented its plans for an Information/Welcome Center to be located just outside the sanctuary doors on the right. The goal is to have this in place by the end of September, if not earlier.
This area will be where visitors will be directed to share their contact information, pick up a name tag, get information about services and programs at Woodfords from some newly created rack cards and, most importantly, be warmly welcomed by volunteer members of Woodfords who will staff the space. Members and potential new members will also be encouraged to visit the area, which will feature a 40-inch wall-mounted TV monitor playing photos from recent Woodfords events and an information table with news about up-coming programming, volunteer opportunity sign-up sheets, membership info and the like.
To accommodate the Info/Welcome Center, we will be relocating some of the items currently housed in that space. The task force is working on a plan to find an appropriate place on the first floor where many of Woodfords’ documents, photos and mementos can be displayed together to honor our church’s rich history.
Joanne Friedrick
Creating Community Task Force Chairperson
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COUNCIL NOTES FOR AUGUST
- The Council met August 20
th
from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
6 to 6:30 p.m.
Due to the Council’s work with our CPR Task forces and the on-going work of the 3 Ministry Teams, we discussed the roles of each team/task force and how they overlap and need to work cooperatively so communications remain strong. The CPR Task forces will meet for this coming year during the 6-6:30 time or at a time that works best for each team.
The Council Meeting was than called to order:
• Pastor’s Report:
Carolyn sent her report, which was shared by Amy J. We missed having her with us (she was on a pastoral call).
•
Finances
: At one month into the new fiscal year, we are doing fine. We discussed some possible shortfalls in income that may occur and Jeff J (Treasurer) will review the budget for FY’20 and meet with our 2 new Financial members and the Moderator to determine any changes that may need to be made before our Annual Meeting.
•
Audit
: Jane Frey expects to have the audit done by next week and than will have a second financial person (non-member of WCC) review the entire report. She has said there are areas that need attention, which will be worked on in the months ahead.
•
Building
: The new awning over the outdoor entrance to Seeley Hall will be installed in September. Cement work by the steps will be done as well. This is to accommodate Project Feed’s move to servicing guests in Seely and to provide better access for all the support groups that use Seely. On-going work is being done on security doors – locations and types needed are being worked on. The building committee has a long list of projects they are reviewing and getting estimates for. More info is coming on this work.
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Stewardship
As of 8/15 we have not made our budget of $215k for FY’20 – we have received commitments of $202k. A few other areas of income look a bit stronger than originally projected and we will be looking for some necessary reductions before we bring the final report to the church.
• Moving CE to the 1
st
Floor
: The Reading Room and Library are underway, painting is almost done, the floor has new little rugs and it is very sweet and child friendly. The old Brides room, most recently used as the Serv Shop, is being readied for an upstairs Nursery and will be painted out shortly and will have a new rug. We want these rooms to be welcoming to our young ones and all our guests’ young ones. Come by and take a look – you’ll love what has been done.
•
Information & Welcome Center:
Work will begin on the new Center that was presented to folks on 8/20 after church. It will be housed in the Narthex. Check in w/Joanne Frederick & Creating Community group if you want to see the plan or have it explained to you. This is a big step in helping visitors feel ‘at home’ and welcomed at Woodfords.
•
Mission Statement
: Our new Mission Statement has been shared with the Council who gave it a standing ‘O’. It will be presented to everyone very soon & we hope you like it as much as we did.
• The CPR Teams:
Each team leader gave a brief update on their work – The Search Committee on the Profile they will be presenting on 8/25; The Creating Community group on CornerFest coming up on September 27
th
, Friday afternoon; The Right-Sizing our Church on the 4 areas we are starting to study for our wonderful building(s). Funding for beginning work for Creating Community and Right-Sizing for small projects needed was found so they can move forward.
• DownEast Fair:
As we do not have a leader yet, we brain-stormed what needs to be done and how to move forward. We will definitely have the fair – if you can volunteer, please contact Pip, Robin or Marge Sampson to let us know. The more volunteers – the more fun for all.
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Submitting an article for the October Beacon?
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HAPPY SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY TO...
Charlotte Cuzner 09/01
Molly Johnson 09/03
Nancy Meiners 09/05
Ellen Snyder 09/05
Stacey Dand 09/05
Deb Smith 09/08
Elizabeth Johnson 09/09
James F Brown MD 09/11
Samuel Fries 09/11
Constance Cushman 09/11
Thomas Campbell 09/12
Grace Wolfe 09/12
Asher Kane 09/13
Mary Anne MacMath 09/14
Linda Nye 09/14
Andrea Schmearer 09/16
Margo Halverson 09/16
Jessica Wolfe 09/16
Lillian Porter 09/19
Willa Morales 09/20
Lucas Morales 09/22
Gail Pentheny 09/24
Philip Lucas 09/27
Thomas Smith 09/27
Howard Skillings 09/28
HAPPY SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARY TO...
Edward & Phyllis Campbell 09/04 65 years
Thomas & Constance Smith 09/14 51 years
Thomas & Renee Newman 09/13 50 years
James & Kathleen Helming 09/15 35 years
Betsy & Dennis Gervais 09/13 33 years
Gregg Ritter & Carolyn Bird 09/05 26 years
Maret Freeman & Edmund Ashley 09/21 23 years
Michael & Rochelle Hale 09/28 22 years
Catriona Shepherd & Jim Haller 09/13 11 years
Kevin & Colleen McKee 09/12 10 years
Sue Ann & Peter Lord 09/28 6 years
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A FREY WEDDING!
The Frey family recently celebrated on the beach, on a glorious day, the marriage of Jackson to his beautiful bride, Hollie Adelmund. They currently live in Chicago with their beloved dog, Papi (named after the famous Big Papi if you have to ask). Of course Jane anxiously awaits their relocation to New England; one can only hope and wish and pray! Thank you to all for the good wishes !
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Woodfords Church Office Hours
Tuesday - Friday, 9 am - 1 pm
207.774.8243
info@woodfordschurch.org
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