THE BEACON
Woodfords
Congregational Church
November 2019
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THE MORE THINGS CHANGE...
Ben Franklin reminded us that the only two certainties of life are death and taxes. I’d add a third……change. As I review my fifty years of ministry, I’d say that change is the one thing that is MOST certain!
As we remember with both joy and sadness the fourteen years of Rev. Carolyn’s ministry, I think she’d remind us that we’ve seen lots of changes and we’ll see lots more. But she’d also remind us that our faith goes before us.
As I review the Biblical stories of all the women and men of faith who encountered transitions and change, the one thread that is woven through this fabric of their faith is that they believed they were led by God. Moses, though faltering from time to time, wandered in the wilderness with a clear understanding that God was leading him. Sarah and Abraham pulled up stakes and moved to a land they’d never heard of, but believed they were led by God. Mary, the mother of Jesus, had her world turned upside down and offered herself up willingly to bear God’s special child, a child, who more than any other human, changed the world. Friends, that should be the thread that runs deeply in all the transitions and changes through which our beloved faith community must go. We are not
victims of a changing world, we are
followers of a God who goes before us.
I say all this to remind you that in the next few weeks, you will notice changes in our worship service. These changes are not meant to ‘stir things up,’ nor are they meant to be changes for change’s sake. They will be the worship leaders’ attempts to express the timeless message of the gospel which is summarized in the Advent candle names…..hope, peace, joy and love. Rev. Tamara, Paul Schnell, lay members of our congregation, and I are seeking to find new ways to express a timeless faith. I hope you’ll be open to these attempts just as I hope you will be willing to tell us what works for you and what doesn’t.
Through the weeks and months to come as our church finds new pastoral leadership and as we venture by faith into the community we are called to serve, I hope you will hold in your heart that God is the God of yesterday, today, and most certainly, tomorrow. Change certainly is inevitable. But may we seek God’s blessing as we journey into the ministry of the next thing God has for us
Grace and peace,
Rev. Jim
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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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PRESENTING THE SEGALS:
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
While it would be hard to disagree with the statement that there are many busy families at Woodfords, I would definitely propose that the Segal family is one of the busiest. Mom Amy, dad Scott, and daughters Emily and Erin all fit that category.
Amy serves on Council and is currently on the Resource Committee and the Right-Sizing Task Force. In addition, she is an important part of the CE team, teaching Sunday School, being a part of the summer painting crew, creating the layout for the Pray-ground and annually leading kids and adults in our very special Heifer Fair. Scott provides support and guidance for many projects and has led our kids in creating earrings and other jewelry to sell at the Fair. Emily, a recent confirmand, belongs to the Youth Group and often assists with child care and art projects during CE events. Erin is an important member of our Sunday School class and took on the part of the Creator in our recent Time with the Children skit about the lobster and its shell.
The Segals came to Woodfords in 2008, encouraged by Kristen and Robert Crean. (Emily and Robert met in Day Care when they were just a few months old and became fast friends!) They have enjoyed all of the Pilgrim Lodge weekends, volunteering opportunities at the Heifer and Holiday Fairs, and Family Promise.
When not at Woodfords, Scott is the Parks & Recreation Director in Poland, ME and Amy is a landscape architect and planner. Emily is a sophomore at Deering High in Portland and spends many hours each week on the soccer field, at Casco Bay Movers dance studio and with the Maine Girls Choir. Erin is in 4
th
grade at Longfellow School, also plays soccer and aspires to be a fashion designer. Scott and Amy have been leaders of the Longfellow PTO, Deering Center Neighborhood Association for many, many years. Scott is also on the Board of Portland Area Youth Soccer Association and Amy is also on the Portland Parks Commission. Finding ways to give back to the community is what they enjoy most!
The Segal family feels very blessed to be a part of the Woodfords Church Family, especially the opportunities to volunteer in the community. They are excited about the recent changes and are very hopeful about the future of Woodfords!
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WOODFORDS SENIOR PROGRAM
November Highlights
Nov. 1, All Saint’s Dessert Potluck and Altar Building: 6:00-8:00 pm (Lounge)
THIS EVENT WILL ONLY RUN IF THERE ARE AT LEAST 8 PEOPLE SIGNED UP BY THURSDAY MORNING October 31!!
(ALL ARE WELCOME regardless of age or church membership)
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. Please bring a favorite family dessert to share as well as photos or mementos from your loved ones. Let us celebrate our saints together. No Cost, but please RSVP to
ttorresmcgovern@woodfordschurch.org
so I can get an accurate headcount for food!
November 8, "A Matter of Time: Living Fully while Dying Daily" Death Cafe 6:00-8:30 pm
(ALL ARE WELCOME regardless of age or church membership)
Join us for a facilitated conversation with Gina Colombatto, Integrative Thanatology Counselor.
This workshop will explore:
The anxiety of not-knowing of when you'll die
Sharing a Medical Diagnosis, yours/your loved one?
Finding Grace at The End of Life
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)
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 (recommended for Grade 6 and older) within the Woodfords Community and beyond. A light lunch will be provided between for those who are staying for the workshop.
*Sponsored by the Iona and Raymond Grant Fund
November 23, Downeast Fair
Good food, old friends, holiday shopping--enjoy this festive Woodfords Tradition. Woodfords Seniors can enjoy a complimentary lunch, sponsored by the Iona and Raymond Grant Fund.
Curiosity and Coffee Podcast Group - POSTPONED
Due to a wonderfully robust fall Woodfords Senior Program schedule and limited staff hours, this group will be postponed until after the arrival of our new Designated Minister. Rev. Tamara is eager to restart this vital conversation group in the new year.
*Sponsored by the Iona and Raymond Grant Fund
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WOODFORDS DOWNEAST
HOLIDAY FAIR
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Books & Music ** Silent Auction
Crafts ** Decorations ** Jewelry
Attice Treasures ** Wreaths ** Cookie Walk
Fudge, Jams & Jellies ** Knit & Sewn Items
Woodfords Cafe with lots of yummy lunch items & desserts!
We still need Volunteers and Donations!
* If you want to volunteer to help with planning or working at the Fair and you have not already been contacted, please reach out to Amy Johnson, Joanne Friedrick, or Pip Hennessey. We will also have a sign up sheet in the cloister and are working on an online signup sheet -- stay tuned for future announcements.
* We have started accepting donations of various types! Because we have adopted a team approach to Fair coordination this year, we are restricting donations to certain drop-off times. We do not have one large "catch all" storage room, so items need to be sorted and moved to an appropriate storage space as they are received. Please bring your items in only during one of the following times, or contact Amy Johnson (
amyfjohn@gmail.com
or (207) 632-4768) to arrange another time.
Drop-off Times: Sundays before or after church (9-10 am or 11-noon)
Dates: Nov 10 and Nov 17th (NOT Nov 3 as there will be a Stages performance)
Location: Memorial Hall stage area
Categories and Types of Donations requested:
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, bring them on in, or if needed, contact us to pick them up!
Woodfords’ Attic Treasures
– As in the past, this is intended to be an “upscale” yard sale. We especially welcome items that you may no longer have a place for, but which could become another’s cherished possession. Pass along your treasure for another life in a new home, and benefit Woodfords at the same time!
Silent Auction
– This is our biggest fundraiser! Contributions of any value are welcome. Some of our most popular items are vacation cottages, camp, cabins, or timeshare stays… please consider sharing your home away from home for a week or a long weekend. Services, tickets, gift certificates, food preparation, and gift baskets are also highly sought.
Christmas Treasures
– Returning again, this has been such a huge success and what a great way to "dispose" of those old decorations, cards, lights, etc, that are in like-new condition. Come and see what a beautiful Christmas Boutique gets created with everyone's donations.
Books
-- Time to update your library!
In addition, as the Fair gets closer we will be looking for donations of
pantry items
(homemade preserves, pickles, potpourri, breads, vinegars and and other items from the garden) and
baked goods
for the Deacon's cookie walk. These should be delivered in the week prior to the fair. Stay tuned!
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As with all Woodfords folks these days, the Search Committee is thinking about the changes we are living into. This poem felt appropriate for opening one of our recent meetings. We hope it speaks to you as well...
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CHANGING
A ball of yarn becomes a scarf.
A pup becomes a dog.
A bowl of cherries turns to pie.
A tree becomes a log.
A log becomes a rocking chair.
Mud turns into stone.
An acorn grows into a tree.
A body fades to bone.
Summer bows to winter.
An egg becomes a snake.
A stranger once is now a friend.
Ice becomes a lake.
A giggle grows into a laugh.
Weak turns into strong.
A house becomes a cozy home.
An old dream turns to song.
A pile of twigs becomes a nest.
A thought becomes a book.
Our world is changing every day.
Everywhere you look.
-Amy Ludwig VanDerwater
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KNITTING FOR THE FAIR?
For those wonderful knitters who knit at home, planning to contribute items for the Downeast Fair on November 23rd, please contact me at
jgjbel@gmail.com.
Thank you, Jane Johnson
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MUSIC: LOOKING AHEAD TO ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
"Those who sing once, pray twice”
-translated from St. Augustine,
Bishop of Hippo Regius (modern
day, Algeria)
Come SING, RING, PLAY and PRAY your way through Advent and Christmas with Woodfords Music!
Now’s the time to join the
Woodfords Chancel Choir for the Advent and Christmas season. The rehearsals for music to be sung in December has begun. Come join us on Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 pm, and make singing in the choir part of your preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth this year.
The
Woodfords Ringers are looking for new ringers to help out with our Christmas “Ringing” schedule. Take a chance - live on the wild side - come ring bells with our TALENTED balcony ringers. BEGINNERS WELCOME! Contact Paul for details.
THE WOODFORDS FAMILY CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRA
Our Woodfords ensemble –“ EXTRAORDINAIRE!”
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 select Sundays, 11:30 am - 12:15 pm in the Music Room in November and December. Music can be picked up from Paul any Sunday after worship in November. He’ll be in the front of the sanctuary around the piano!
The ensemble will provide pre-service music on Sunday December 15, and before and during the 9 pm Christmas Eve Service.
If you have a family member, 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, too.
NEW PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!
For more information, or to
let
Paul
know of your interest and the instrument you play, contact Paul at
music@woodfordschurch.org.
COOKIES AND CAROLS
S
unday, December 15th,
following worship in
Memorial Hall 11:30
am.
Members, friends and neighbors are all invited to gather with
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 in November, and save them in your freezer for the December 15th party!
Join us and share in a time of
fellowship, song,
and sweet treats!
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THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF WOODFORDS
Welcome to the newest addition to the Beacon, a segment about the young people of Woodfords.
My name is Silvio Morales, and I've been coming to Woodfords for about 8 years. I was confirmed this year and for my confirmation project I decided to focus on bringing up the youth voices of Woodfords. My hope is that for each publication of the Beacon
,
this youth voice segment will be written by a different young person of our congregation. In this edition of the segment, I will be talking about my personal history at Woodfords, what it means to me, and at the end I will pose a question to set up the next youth writer.
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My history at Woodfords began when I was 6. It was at this time that my family found Woodfords and
started going to church, just after my brother's birth. To be honest, my recollection of church before about 2 years ago is a bit fuzzy, but I will recount it as best I can. The earliest memory I have is going to Sunday school with Barbara. Barbara is an amazing teacher, so kind and compassionate, and fun! We did lots of art projects, including preparing for Heifer Fair. I love Heifer Fair, not only is it a great cause, but it is so fun to create products and help run the stands at the fair.
In the last few years, I was proud to participate in many services by reading on the altar and playing my
trumpet in the church orchestra. I really loved having a part in the pageant to speak and convey the message of Christmas, which is always fun and so powerful for the audience. The church orchestra was also so fun for me because music has always held a special place in my heart. Playing in the orchestra just felt right, particularly because there were many people I knew, including my sister Willa.
Pilgrim Lodge is top of the list of best experiences at Woodfords; there is no other way I can say
it. We cooked, prayed, cleaned, ate, and played games together, sometimes late into the night. It was so so fun!
In the fall of 2018, I started my confirmation journey, a long winding road full of obstacles and good memories. My confirmation was most probably the biggest part of my journey, as I learned the most on it. I met lots of awesome kids, learned all about the bible, god, Jesus and many more things, all the while still being fun for all of us. What stood out to me and made a big impact was the overnight trip that
we took. It was on that trip that helped me take another step toward the great
unknown.
I’ve realized that sometimes we believe we are at the end of our journey and we forget about the path that took us there, sometimes it's good to reflect on your journey, how did you get here? For me when I reflect on my journey, I don't see it ending I see it stretching out before me. My experiences have all contributed to my greater understanding of the universe and of god. Each one serving as a small step
toward some unknown discovery. For example, my Pilgrim Lodge experience and especially my confirmation journey helped me realize that god is truly everywhere. Before, I had subconsciously realized this, but it wasn't until Pilgrim Lodge and confirmation that I truly came to this realization.
As my part of the writing ends I will implore a question upon the next writer: What has your
religious experience been like? Did you start early, or did you come into it recently, what were your main experiences like? How did they change your understanding of god and the universe? You don't have to answer this question in your writing, It just has to be church related. When you are done writing,
you can pose a question to the next person.
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SEEKING
WOODFORDS WOMEN!!!
A Company of Girls (ACOG)
* works with girls to cultivate their self-confidence, build resiliency, and create a community of tolerance and acceptance where uniqueness is celebrated and creativity thrives.
This year they have invited Woodfords Women to partner with them for a legacy story telling project they are calling the...
"ACOG
Story Project: Honoring Women by Listening and Sharing their Stories"
Together with Rev. Tamara, the group will pair teenage girls with older women for a series of activities and conversations. Over the course of their time together the women will talk about their lives and the girls will capture those stories in writing. The project will culminate with the girls creating a performance for Elder Sunday, to share with the church. If you are interested in learning more, please email Rev. Tamara
ttorresmcgovern@woodfordschurch.org
for more specifics on the topics and questions that will be used.
Timeline: (All events will take place on Wednesdays from 3:00 - 5:00 pm)
Wednesday, November 20- Project Kick Off (Introductions, Baking or Games)
Wednesday, Jan 15 - Interview Day 1 - Theme will be "Family History/Traditions"
Wednesday, January 29 - Interview Day 2 - Theme will be "Schooling/Passions/Adult Life"
Wednesday, February 12 - Interview Day 3 - Theme will be "Love/Family/Friendships"
Wednesday, March 4 - Interview Day 4 - Theme will be "Wisdom/Reflection"
Snow Dates: March 25th, April 8th, April 15th
Sunday, April 26th: Performance during worship and joint celebration!
* Note: ACOG is a Woodfords Mission Partner, located on the 2nd floor of the Parish House
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COUNCIL NOTES FOR OCTOBER
The Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
•
We are pleased to have Rev. Jim Fletcher join us as Pastor.
• Treasurer’s Report
: We are at 25% (3 months) of the fiscal year. Our total income is at 19% and total expenses are at 23%. The few expenses that were ‘high’ were discussed and resolved. We are in good shape for this period.
•
Audit:
Jeff will review the Audit and come up with a list of ‘jobs’ that need follow-up and we will discuss further at November Council to be sure these are assigned and followed-up on. Carryl has also gone over the audit for follow-up needs.
•
FY’20 Budget
: Jeff brought in the amended ’20 budget, explained the adjustments – both to income and expenses. The Council voted to accept the amended budget and it will be brought to the church body on Oct. 27 for a vote of the congregation.
•
Bible Study Group
: The group met and has taken on their own leadership using a book by Dr. Marcus Borg for the next 5 weeks. They will be back to the Council later in the year if they need further help. They are doing a great job for themselves as we will all do more ‘self’ leadership in our future.
•
Bulletin boards:
Please note the updated boards by the Parlor on the main floor. The more information we can provide, the more welcoming we are to everyone. Good job, Amy S and thanks.
•
DownEast Fair:
The team who is leading this year (Amy J, Pip H., Joanne F.), with help from Amy S. for signage, Jane Frey for the Café, and Teri for marketing, are well underway. You will be hearing from them soon. The Fair is for our joy and fun and for all those who come, a welcoming event.
•
Council Process:
We will be undertaking a review of our Bylaws, our structure, turnover of members and more as we move into a new time for WCC. We want to be prepared to work efficiently with the new Designated Interim Minister and of course, get his/her input as well.
•
Bequest:
WCC has received a gift from George Crocket designated for ‘building maintenance.’ Brent W. and the Building group will be reviewing the ‘best use’ for these funds.
• Center for Progressive Renewal Teams:
A brief update was given by each team and they are preparing to provide updates at the October 27 after worship meeting. Please be sure to come.
Our next Council Meeting is November 19
th
. You are always welcome to attend.
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Submitting an article for the December Beacon?
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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
Robert MacMath 11/10
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
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
Sheryl Plummer 11/26
Holly Vire 11/27
Natalie Hague 11/27
Sandra Whitmore 11/28
Jane Gould Johnson 11/30
HAPPY NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARY TO...
Martha & Gary Baldwin 11/24 46 years
Roy & Jean Koster 11/28 38 years
Ann Babbitt & Deb Smith 11/23 23 years
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WOODFORDS BOOK CLUB
Although this group began as part of the Senior Program [AKA Grant Fund], it is now open to anyone in the church who would like to read and discuss various books. We read all sorts of things depending on interests of the group. So, if you like to read and have time during the day to come to a book discussion, we would welcome you to join us! The group meets the second Wed. of each month at 12:15.
While we normally meet at the church, in November we will meet at the home of Charlotte and Bob Cuzner. Charlotte fell and broke her hip and is now in rehab, but will be home by Nov. 13 and would love to host us. She lives at 120 Dennett St, Portland, phone 775-1389. November’s book is
Still Me by JoJo Moyes. Several copies are available at The Portland Public Library.
Looking ahead, the January book is
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. This is a longer book, so get started early! We may or may not meet in December-the group will decide in November.
If you would like to be added to the emails regarding the book groups activities, or you have any questions, you can contact Suzanne D’Bourget at
suzannedb@me.com
or 329-1444
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Don't forget to turn your clocks back on Sunday, November 3 (at 2 a.m.)!
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Woodfords Church Office Hours
Tuesday - Thursday - Friday, 9 am - 1 pm
Wednesday, 9 am - 3 pm
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