Woodfords Congregational Church |
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A Letter from Alyssa
Identity, Creeds, and Membership
Happy July! As we celebrate the founding of the United States of America, what does it mean to you to be an American? I am guessing that every one of us might answer that question differently, and I am confident that some common threads and themes would run across our diverse answers. This is unsurprising: For close to 250 years, Americans have wrestled with questions about identity, diversity, and unity. Ever since the earliest days of the republic, as Americans have pursued “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” debates (often heated!) have raged about how to balance individual freedoms with national/communal needs for unity, stability, and promotion of the common good.
Just as those debates have played out on political, social, and economic landscapes, they also have taken place in the realm of religion. Communities of faith like Woodfords historically have grappled with the following question: Should we seek to create a uniform, cohesive worshipping body by making church membership dependent upon the embrace of certain creeds (for example, the Nicene Creed or the Apostles’ Creed)? Or do we permit freedom of belief and conscience and refrain from making the acceptance of specific religious and spiritual tenets a litmus test for church membership?
When our denomination, the United Church of Christ, was founded in 1957, the decision was made to make it a non-creedal religious body. Because the UCC is rooted in the “covenantal” tradition, there “is no centralized authority or hierarchy that can impose any doctrine or form of worship on its members.” All in all, the UCC “seeks a balance between freedom of conscience and accountability to the apostolic faith.” While the United Church of Christ has a Statement of Faith (personally, I’m partial to the Robert Moss version) and acknowledges the historic creeds and confessions of our ancestors (for example, the Nicene Creed, the Apostles’ Creed, the Heidelberg Confession, etc.), it sees all of these documents as testimonies or expressions of faith rather than as tests of the faith. In short, the denomination doesn’t demand adherence to certain religious beliefs, and it doesn’t tell autonomous local congregations what theological doctrines their members must adhere to.
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During this year of celebrating Woodfords’ 150th anniversary, I’ve paid several visits to the Maine Historical Society. While there one day, I came across a Manual of the Woodfords Congregational Church from 1920 and was a bit surprised by what I read in it. According to that guidebook – which was written almost 40 years before the birth of our current denomination – the membership ritual for individuals who wanted to become covenant members of Woodfords consisted of the following words (bold-faced highlighting is my own):
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The Covenant by which this Church exists as a distinct body and which every member accepts, is as follows:
In the presence of God and this assembly, you do now gratefully acknowledge the Heavenly Father to be your Father and Friend; the Lord Jesus Christ to be your Redeemer, Teacher, and King; and the Holy Spirit to be your Sanctified, Comforter, and Guide.
You do acknowledge the Holy Scriptures to contain the revelation of God, and you do receive them as the guide of your life and conduct.
You do humbly confess your unworthiness and sin, and do dedicate yourselves to God, promising by His assistance to observe His ordinances and obey His commandments.
You do covenant with this Church that you will walk in its order and submit to its discipline, that you will seek its peace and welfare, and that you will treat its members with the tenderness and fidelity befitting the disciples of Christ and brethren of the same household.
Do you thus severally promise and engage?
(Here each candidate shall answer.)
I DO.
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So what do you think? In my mind, it seems as though Woodfords had a bit more of a “creedal” edge to it one hundred years ago, in that it made embracing certain theological tenets a prerequisite for membership. If making the above promises were still a requirement for joining Woodfords, would you still have become a member?
As Woodfords looks toward the future and examines how its by-laws and governance might be structured for the years ahead, it may be productive to have some conversations about what “church membership” means in this day and age. Membership organizations of all types are finding themselves on a changing landscape: Demographic trends indicate that many individuals (especially young ones) are increasingly less interested in formally joining organizations. Thus, churches, civic organizations, fraternal organizations, etc. are all asking similar questions about declining rolls and volunteer availability. Some people even have begun to ask whether affiliation categories like “member” even work anymore.
Old church manuals offer a sense of what Woodfords membership entailed in the 1920s … but what might church membership look like as we move forward? How can we make our faith community as vibrant and robust as possible for a new, ever-more-diverse age, in which people can participate in church activities from afar? Personally, I love these kinds of conversations (yes, I am a nerd), and I look forward to exploring some of these questions with you. We certainly will not be alone, as similar conversations are happening in thousands of other churches across the UCC and throughout the Body of Christ. May the Holy One be with all of us as we grapple with these questions.
In faith,
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Rev. Alyssa Away July 13-16
Rev. Reba Delzell Will Provide Pastoral Care
Rev. Alyssa will be out of the office between Wednesday, July 13 and Saturday, July 16. In her absence, the Rev. Reba Delzell of Williston-Immanuel United Church in Portland will be available for those with pastoral care concerns. You may reach Rev. Reba at (207) 400 - 4395. We thank Rev. Reba for her ministry to Alyssa and the Woodfords community.
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Special Worship Events in July
Woodfords on the Road and Ukelele Sunday
July 17 - Woodfords on the Road
No Worship at the Church
As Woodfords looks ahead to its future, our community will engage in conversation about worship. What might future worship services be like (in terms of content and style), and how can Woodfords’ sanctuary space best support a variety of worship needs and designs?
In order to prepare for these conversations, we encourage all Woodfordians to take physical or digital road trips on July 17 and September 4.
Woodfords will not hold hybrid worship on either of these dates.
Instead, we invite you to visit another church of your choosing and get a sense of what sanctuaries and worship styles are like in other houses of worship. We’ll then re-gather in the autumn for some conversations about what you saw.
As you’re experiencing your “road trip” worship, please take some mental and/or physical notes:
1. Are there things you experience that improve or add to the worship experience?
2. Are there elements of the physical space and seating arrangements that you really like?
3. What elements of the worship space and service help you connect with God and others?
If you choose to do an in-person road trip, you are of course welcome to visit any church you’d like. (And if you’re doing a digital road trip, the same applies.) But here are some local churches that you might consider visiting to get a sense of different sanctuary/worship styles:
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HopeGateWay (509 Forest Avenue, Portland)
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First Lutheran Church (132 Auburn Street, Portland)
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First Parish UCC in Saco (12 Beach Street, Saco)
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Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church (524 Allen Avenue, Portland)
Come autumn, we’ll re-gather to discuss what we’ve seen and experienced.
July 24 - Ukulele Sunday
On July 24, Tom Hennessey and his band of ukulele-playing compatriots will offer their special musical gifts in worship. We can’t wait!
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Worship Visioning Team
As Woodfords looks towards its future and thinks about space use if the congregation votes to sell the Parish House, Rev. Alyssa would like to engage in conversation about our faith community’s spiritual needs. In a "post-Parish House" scenario, the sanctuary side of the building will need to be more flexible and multi-purpose so that Woodfords can make most efficient use of its space. That said, we want to ensure that Woodfords remains a spiritual sanctuary that promotes growth and connection with the Holy.
Thus, Rev. Alyssa would like to gather a “Worship Visioning Team” to help her explore (a) what future worship opportunities might be like (in terms of content and style), and (b) how Woodfords’ sanctuary and chapel might best support a variety of worship styles and spiritual needs.
If you’re interested in providing feedback and input into Woodfords’ future worship and worship spaces, please be in touch with Rev. Alyssa (alodewick@woodfordschurch.org) by August 15. You’ll be able to participate in this visioning team as much as you are able. Once Rev. Alyssa has received the names of folks who would like to help, she will schedule an initial get-together in September, and we will go from there.
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Stories from Members of Woodfords |
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Suppose you had a Magic Wand to deal with Housing and Homelessness
Last week, the Championing Justice Team was very fortunate to have WCC member Victoria Morales, Executive Director of Quality Housing Coalition, as our guest. She shared information about what this young organization is doing about homelessness. And Wow!
QHC staff works basically to support both landlords and folks who have had experience with or are at risk of experiencing homelessness. They do this by offering a one year mentoring program for a renter who is leasing with one of the landlords in their program. During this time, they support the tenant (and thus the landlord) with guidance about the renting itself, problems that come up (perhaps with utilities or needed repairs), or just what that latest form means. It will not surprise you to discover that 75% of their clients are asylum seekers. (I, for one, can certainly not imagine going through the process of renting an apartment or house when I was relatively newly arrived in a foreign country.)
Maine statewide has a homeless population of at least 5,000; at QHC they are certainly making a difference! Check out the Quality Housing Coalition website if you would like to know more or perhaps you know a landlord who might be interested in being a part of their Project Home. Pass it on!!!
Barbara Thomson
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Woodfords’ 150th Anniversary:
MEMORIAL WINDOWS
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On July 18, 1904 two memorial windows erected in the northeast corner of the old church were dedicated in memory of Edward Newman and Deacon William Scott. Both men were instrumental in the construction of the old church that was where Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home is now. – Pam Meader |
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The stained glass window titled “I am the Resurrection” was dedicated to Edward Newman (photo at right). Mary Baxter, an original founding member of Woodfords Church, was asked to speak about Newman. In her words, “… it is difficult, I say, to conceive that there was a time within the memory of some now living, when even a very plain and modest church home in this community was felt to be almost impossible. A thing to be desired but too hard to even hope for, but I know I am not putting it too strongly, and but speak the simple truth, when I say that but for the encouragement and material help of Mr. Newman the thing could not have been accomplished.”
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The stained glass window titled “Angel with Sheath” was dedicated to Deacon William Scott. Deacon Scott, like Edward Newman, was a leader in the building of the first church and led one of the first adult Sunday school classes. During the dedication ceremony, the honorable A.F. Moulton said, “In the church he took delight and felt the responsibility that rested upon him as an individual. He did his work as he believed the Almighty wished it to be done and was ever ready to sacrifice himself.”
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Today these stained glass windows adorn the entrance to Meloon Chapel. Two other stained glass windows in Meloon Chapel were dedicated in memory of Virginia Farnsworth Wilson and Hubbard Nevens. |
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William Scott and his adult Sunday School |
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Recipe With a History
“All new dishes fade, the newest oft’ the fleetest;
Of all pies ever made, the apple’s still the sweetest.”
This ditty comes from the opening page of the Pies, Pastries, Desserts section of the “Cooking With M.I.T.S.” cookbook, one of several recipe compilations produced over the years by members of Woodfords and the one used for this month’s “recipe with a history.” Unfortunately, despite the rhyme’s claim, the cookbook doesn’t include an apple pie recipe, so we’re offering up this seasonal specialty from Jeanette Hall instead.
Rhubarb-Custard Pie
1 heaping cup fresh rhubarb, cut fine
1 cup sugar
1 Tblsp. flour
½ tsp. cinnamon
2 eggs
1 cup milk
Pinch of salt
Mix together sugar, flour and cinnamon. Add the rhubarb and arrange in an unbaked 8-inch pie shell. Beat the eggs; add milk and salt and mix together and pour over the rhubarb. Bake at 350 degrees until custard is set, about 30 minutes.
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WOODFORDS AV-Tech Ministry
Summer Volunteers! We’re ready to roll!
We are looking for Sunday volunteers to assist Sarah Schnell in the balcony.
The AV-Team members can:
- Operate cameras
- Control microphone sounds
- Learn about lighting controls and live-streaming management
Arrive at 9:30am for 10 am service
No prior TECH experience needed!
Help service Woodfords Church and the greater community in this new ministry.
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Woodfords CornerFest 2022
Woodfords Corner Block Party and Open House
Over the next few months, we will be asking for volunteers to help with the many tasks that make this wonderful event possible.
So VOLUNTEER early -------- and get the best jobs!
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Friday September 23
4:30 to 7:30 pm
Woodfords Parking Lot
Rain or Shine!
The Friends of Woodfords Corner and Woodfords Church will be teaming up again for the Friday evening street festival. Our place will be buzzing with artisans and crafts, music and entertainment, food vendors, and more! Our current Mission Partners will be again participating, and sharing what they do within our community.
As we celebrate our 150th Anniversary, this is the time for our church to be an integral visual part of the local community by attending, participating, and volunteering! The new planning group is gearing up to organize this very unique opportunity for us to be in the neighborhood center.
We’re looking forward to another exciting adventure in our Woodfords neighborhood.
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Summer Theology Book Club
July 21 and August 10 at 7pm via Zoom
Tuesday, July 21: The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr
Wednesday, August 10: Do I Stay Christian? – A Guide For the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned by Brian D. McLaren
This summer, Rev. Alyssa will host two book discussions that focus on recent explorations of Jesus and Christianity. These events will be held in the evening via Zoom, so that everyone who wishes can participate, regardless of where they are located. See a topic that interests you? Please join us for the discussion – even if you don’t have time to read the entire book beforehand.
If you would like to participate, but purchasing the book is cost-prohibitive, Woodfords has scholarship funds available. Please be in touch with Rev. Alyssa to inquire. Woodfords seeks to make its programming accessible to all.
Zoom information for both “Summer Theology” sessions:
Join via computer, phone, or tablet:
Meeting ID: 864 8996 8411
Dial in by phone:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 864 8996 8411
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About the Books
The Universal Christ
by Richard Rohr
Jesus. Most know who he was – but who was Christ? Is the word simply Jesus’s last name? Too often, Rohr writes, our understandings have been limited by culture, religious debate, and the human tendency to put ourselves at the center.
Drawing on scripture, history, and spiritual practice, Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God’s constant, unfolding work in the world. “God loves things by becoming them,” he writes, and Jesus’s life was meant to declare that humanity has never been separate from God—except by its own negative choice. When we recover this fundamental truth, faith becomes less about proving Jesus was God, and more about learning to recognize the Creator’s presence all around us, and in everyone we meet.
Thought-provoking, practical, and full of deep hope and vision, The Universal Christ is a landmark book from one of our most beloved spiritual writers, and an invitation to contemplate how God liberates and loves all that is.
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Do I Stay Christian? – A Guide For the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned
by Brian D. McLaren
Do I Stay Christian? Addresses in public the powerful question that surprising numbers of people—including pastors, priests, and other religious leaders—are asking in private.
Picking up where Faith After Doubt leaves off, Do I Stay Christian? Is not McLaren’s attempt to persuade Christians to dig in their heels or run for the exit. Instead, he combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity.
There is a way to say both yes and no to the question of staying Christian, McLaren says, by shifting the focus from whether we stay Christian to how we stay human. If Do I Stay Christian? Is the question you’re asking—or if it’s a question that someone you love is asking—this is the book you’ve been waiting for.
Link to more information:
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Conversation: Talking with Children About Gun Violence
July 25 at 8pm via Zoom
Join Rev. Alyssa and the Rev. Nicole Diroff, a member of Williston-Immanuel United Church, for a peer-to-peer support conversation
In recent months, the United States has witnessed a spate of mass shootings in public places like grocery stores, churches, and schools. Ever since May 24, images and stories related to the tragic murder of 19 children and two beloved teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas have saturated news headlines, television and computer screens, and social media feeds.
As parents, grandparents, caregivers, and people concerned about children, how can we talk with kids about scary events in ways that are developmentally appropriate and supportive? How can we help children process what they see and hear? How do we aid children in building resiliency?
Join Rev. Alyssa and the Rev. Nicole Diroff, a member of Williston-Immanuel United Church, for a peer-to-peer support conversation about these challenging questions. We will review some resources (see below), explore questions (bring yours), and share our own experiences of talking to children about difficult current events, offering each other tips about what has worked well (or not).
This event is for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and everyone who cares about children and young people. We’re starting at 8pm to make it accessible for folks who need to put kiddos to bed. Jump onto the Zoom whenever you’re free and participate in as much of the conversation as you are able.
Resources to Review Before the Gathering (If Possible)
Please try to review some of the following resources before the July 25 gathering. But if you don’t have time to read or listen, don’t worry. Feel free to attend the gathering anyway. The most important thing is for you to join in the conversation. We look forward to hearing your questions, thoughts, and experiences.
Zoom information
Join via computer, phone, or tablet:
Meeting ID: 817 2412 9608
Dial in by phone:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 817 2412 9608
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Webcast Discussion – “Building Bridges of Faith Across Political Divides”
Noon on Thursday, July 28
In a time when our nation is becoming increasingly more socially, politically, and spiritually divided, what does our faith require of us?
In this webcast, the Rev. Traci Blackmon, associate general minister of justice and local church ministries for the United Church of Christ, hosts a conversation with The Rev. Dr. Jon Dorhauer, general minister and president of the UCC and The Rev. Robert L. Schenck, evangelical pastor, activist, and author of Costly Grace: An Evangelical Minister’s Rediscovery of Faith, Hope, and Love.
Zoom Information (Same Each Session)
Join by computer:
Meeting ID: 873 4056 4029
Dial in by phone:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 873 4056 4029
About the Podcast Conversations
Woodfords’ podcast discussions are casual and guided by the participants. Bring your questions, and feel free to eat lunch as we talk. Members of Woodfords community, as well as the wider community, are welcome to participate. Feel free to invite a friend. We hope that people will have a chance to listen to the podcast before the session and bring questions/comments/responses to contribute to the conversation – but everyone is welcome to attend and participate, even if they don’t have a chance to listen to the podcast ahead of time.
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Caregivers' Circle
When one tugs on a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.” John Muir
It is such a blessing that the Woodfords Senior Program supports a monthly Caregiver’s Circle available to members of Woodfords Congregational Church. If you are providing caregiving to a family member, an adult child, in your home, living away or long distance, being a caregiver brings many emotional, physical, and financial tolls on the most loving person. Confidentiality and respect for one another is key in supporting our journeys as caregivers. We discuss coping, resources, advocacy, and all aspects of being a caregiver.
Caregiver’s Circle is led by Rev. Charlotte Bell MDIV, MSW. Charlotte is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and has spent 25 years as a medical social worker, specializing in end-of-life support, bereavement, grief, Geriatrics, Oncology and Perinatal Loss. Charlotte worked as a Clinical Social Worker with a focus on gerontology, having worked in a variety of senior residential settings. She has been trained and certified to support Alzheimer’s patients, families, and caregivers.
We meet monthly on the second Wednesday of each month in the Woodfords Lounge on the 1st floor from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. For this summer we may also meet in the Memorial Garden. Light refreshments are provided.
If you would like to learn more or are interested in attending, please contact Rev. Charlotte Bell by email revcbell20@gmail.com or phone 603-582-0117.
Caregiver’s Circle will meet on July 13, and August 10.
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Youth Together Updates
Woodfords collaborates with other Portland-area churches – including HopeGateWay, St. Luke’s, State Street Church UCC, and Williston-Immanuel United Church – to offer an ecumenical youth group for teens in middle and high school.
Upcoming Events
Summer Picnics in the Park
We will be hosting Sunday afternoon picnics throughout the summer at Deering Oaks Park. Parents and Youth are welcome to join us 12:30-3PM on July 17, and August 14 to eat, talk, hangout, and play a game a two. Meet us near the playground, where we will have blankets and tables set up. Please bring a blanket, lunch for you, and possibly snacks to share! Weather permitting of course! In the event of potential inclement weather, we will move the gathering indoors to one of the churches TBD based on space availability (which we will share via email and possibly via text).
Summer Youth Hangouts
Every Thursday, 2-5PM, through August 25, youth group coordinator Daniel Katyl will be on the grass of the Eastern Promenade, near the intersection of the Eastern Promenade road and Quebec St. Come by anytime to hang out, play some games in the field, have good conversation, and enjoy the amazing view. Can only come by for 30 minutes at the beginning? Come on by! Can’t come by till 4PM? No worries! Come by whenever it works for you and we will be there! Open for parents to drop off youth or stay and hang out. Weather permitting of course! In the event of potential inclement weather, we will move the gathering indoors to one of the churches TBD based on space availability (which we will share via email and possibly via text).
Monthly Parents’ Zoom Gatherings
As Daniel continues to grow Youth Together, we want to create a space for parents to get to know Daniel, Daniel to get to know the parents, and for parents across the churches to get to know each other as well. Daniel will lead a zoom 7-8PM one Wednesday a month. Remaining spring/summer youth parent zooms are scheduled for July 20 and August 17. Daniel will send out zoom meeting invites the week before the gathering.
Request for Youth Together volunteers!
We are looking for adult volunteers interested in attending/helping out during youth events throughout the summer and beyond! Please let your Pastor and Daniel (daniel@hopegateway.com) know if you are interested in volunteering! (Note that background checks will be required for anyone interested in volunteering.)
Youth Together Event Text Message Alerts
Along with email, we will begin sending text message alerts for future youth events. This will be used primarily for youth event reminders and last-minute event changes (change to indoor venue due to weather for instance). Text alerts will be infrequent and as needed (we will not spam text you!) Please email Daniel at daniel@hopegateway.com and provide your cell phone # if you would like to receive Youth Together text message alerts. Thank you!
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Interested in Joining Woodfords?
If you would like to learn more about joining Woodfords and becoming an official member of our church community, Rev. Alyssa would love to hear from you (alodewick@woodfordschurch.org). Through low-key, no-pressure conversation, she can tell you more about what “membership” means and answer any questions you might have. New to religion? Just getting to know Christianity? Never been a member of a church before? Have no worries! You may be a cradle-born member of the UCC, or you may be discerning how you feel about organized religion. Either way, we value you and understand that our community would be at a loss without you.
No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, Woodfords welcomes you!
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Woodfords’ Current COVID Policies
At the time of this writing, data collected by the CDC is indicating low levels of COVID-19 community spread in Cumberland County. Masks are therefore optional. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust mask policies accordingly. In the meantime, we strongly urge everyone to mask up, for their own safety as well as for the protection of the wider community.
When making decisions about masking (and vaccination), we encourage individuals to consider federal, state, and local health authorities’ guidance and to follow the advice of their own medical practitioners. If you are not fully vaccinated and boostered, have health concerns, and/or are not feeling well, we encourage you to participate remotely in Woodfords events and take good care of yourself. Together, we can help safeguard the health of all and help keep COVID trends moving in the right direction!
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Have Something on Your Mind?
Want to Talk about a Joy or Concern?
Have a Prayer Request?
If you would like to schedule time for a pastoral care conversation with Rev. Alyssa, do not hesitate to be in touch (alodewick@woodfordschurch.org). She would be happy to talk via Zoom or the phone, or to have an in-person visit.
Also, Alyssa is always open to receiving prayer requests. Drop her a line with a description of what you’d like her to pray for – and don’t forget to indicate if you would also like your prayer request to be added to the Woodfords prayer list. (Alyssa’s default is to consider all prayer requests she receives confidential, unless the requestor explicitly says otherwise.)
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HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY
Bill St. Lawrence 07/01
Constance Smith 07/05
Asher McCambridge 07/05
Grace Belanger 07/06
Bethany Campbell 07/10
Alec Troxell 07/10
Megan Campbell 07/10
Stephen Gray 07/11
Sally Serunian 07/13
Joanne Bartlett 07/16
Nathan Fletcher 07/18
Janet Stewart 07/19
Joanne Bingham 07/20
Mary Emerson 07/22
Bruce Canterbury 07/23
Elizabeth Allen 07/23
Charles Melcher 07/24
Lily August-Brown 07/30
Robert Frey 07/30
Linda Anderson 07/31
HAPPY JULY ANNIVERSARY
Allen & Joanne Bingham 7/14 66 years
Robert & Carol Carpenter 7/07 49 years
Karin & Jorma Kurry 7/01 27 years
Kirk & Julie Armstrong 7/22 22 years
Laura & Brad Fries 7/09 11 years
Barb Klegin & Tricia Gilbert 7/12 8 years
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Submitting an article for the August 2022 Beacon?
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