ANNOUNCEMENTS

August 25, 2022

Prayer List

Our prayer list is here to help.



Please pray for:

Joan Strout, Debbie Hayden, Ginnie Toner, Edna Cushing, Bob Stewart, Constance (Connie) Cushman, Rebecca Allen, Cecil Jones, Carol Chadbourne, Fran S’s sister Breed and Breed’s family, Jim Fletcher, Ian Helms and those who mourn his loss, including Suzanne D’Bourget, his brother James Aaron, and all who love him.

Woodfords Mourns

We are brokenhearted to report that Ian Helms, Suzanne D’Bourget’s son, has died as a result of complications from a recent auto accident. Ian grew up at Woodfords and was a beloved child of this church. Known for his musical gifts and his caring soul, he was just shy of his 38^th birthday. He will be missed by so many. As Ian transitions into the Great Mystery, we invite you to hold Suzanne, Ian’s brother James Aaron, and all of Ian’s friends and family members close in spirit and prayer.

We will share more information about a celebration of Ian’s life as the details become available. The family is not up for receiving unsolicited visits or phone calls at this time, but if you would like to send Suzanne and her family a note containing your condolences, sympathy, or fond memories of Ian, she is happy to receive emails or mail. Her contact information is in the church directory.

Ian cared deeply for animals; donations to the Animal Rescue League or another animal shelter of your choice would be a fine way to remember and honor Ian and his compassionate spirit. May the Holy Source of Comfort and Compassion hold those whom Ian loved, and who loved him, close during these days of grief, loss, and remembrance.

Join Us at 10am on Sunday for Hybrid Worship

We’ll Worship in the Sanctuary and Online

On Sunday, Woodfords will host a 10am hybrid worship service. Please join us for this time of prayer, fellowship, and reflection.

As a reminder, hybrid worship means that you may attend the 10am in-person service in the sanctuary, or you may tune in at 10am on your computer, phone, or tablet to watch a live-stream of the service.

Because the CDC currently lists levels of COVID-19 community spread in Cumberland County as low, masks for in-person worship are optional. If you are not fully vaccinated and boostered, have health concerns, and/or are not feeling well, we encourage you to join us by livestream. Together, we can help safeguard the health of all and help keep COVID trends moving in the right direction!

Notices

Call To Congregational Meeting - September 18

The Council of Ministries is pleased to report our approval of the Personnel Committee’s recommendation regarding Rev. Alyssa's future with Woodfords Congregational Church (see below).

We have scheduled a congregational meeting in the sanctuary on Sunday, September 18 immediately following the worship service where we will hold the official vote on calling Rev. Alyssa as our next settled pastor. Virtual attendance and online voting will be offered, with specific instructions to be provided in the week prior to the meeting.

Personnel Committee Motion:

"The Woodfords Church Personnel Committee makes a unanimous recommendation that the church move forward with a settled call for Rev. Alyssa Lodewick.

Over the course of several months, the committee has gathered reflections and thoughts from the congregation regarding Rev. Lodewick’s ministry during the first 27 months with Woodfords. We have also collaborated with Rev. Lodewick on a formal review of her designated term ministry during this time. The committee makes its recommendation based upon the following:

• Rev. Lodewick has demonstrated calm leadership during multiple significant crises in the church over the last 27 months.
• Rev. Lodewick has grown into her call to parish ministry during this time: she is open to and incorporates feedback and has especially shown growth in leading worship.
• Rev. Lodewick’s administrative skills and support of lay leadership has been foundational in navigating the challenges of the last two years and will continue to benefit the church in the changes we navigate ahead.
• Rev. Lodewick has deep appreciation for Woodfords history and traditions as well as a willingness to incorporate new ideas and innovations as we move into the next 150 years of our work as a people of God.



Respectfully submitted,

Joanne Friedrick, Barbara Thomson, Cathy Keeley, Tom Campbell and Matt Rosengarten"

Help Wanted - Cornerfest

Woodfords CornerFest- 2022 

the Woodfords Corner Block Party

WHEN?     Friday, September 23        4:30 to 7:30pm   Rain or Shine!

WHERE?   Woodfords Church Site

The Friends of Woodfords Corner and Woodfords Church will be teaming up again for another Fall Friday evening street festival. Our place will be buzzing with artisans and crafts, music, entertainment, food vendors, and more! Many of our “Mission Partners” in our building will be participating, and sharing what they do in our community.

This is a chance for our church to be an integral part of the local community!

The Neighborhood Planning committee and Creating Community are hard at work making this another unique opportunity for us to be a visible part of the neighborhood corner.

SO - WHAT DO WE NEED?     VOLUNTEERS  -- with “ MANY HANDS” on DECK and now is the time to VOLUNTEER!

Here is a list of tasks that we are managing –  1 1/2 hour shifts for the volunteers

4:30pm to 6pm

6pm to 7:30pm

Opportunities to Meet our Neighbors

         Greet Attendees

         Parking Attendants

         Building Hosts

         Information Table

TEAM SET-UP                 (Tables- Chairs- Trash).    3pm

TEAM CLEAN-UP            (Tables- Chairs- Trash)      7pm

TEAM “ELECTRIC”

 Help manage extension cords for our performing stages

     -- Help string lights in our trees

         --Set up lights for Vendors area

We hope you will help out!

CONTACT Paul at Music@woodsfordschurch.org to VOLUNTEER!

Women's Retreat Sign-Up

RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW

Details: Friday, Sept 30 (check-in begins at 3 pm) through Sunday, Oct 2 (check out by noon). It is also possible to attend for Saturday only.

Cost:

• Covered in full for members age 65+, thanks to funding from the Iona Grant Fund
• For those under age 65, fees are
• $285 for full weekend (includes 5 meals)
• $150 Saturday only (includes meals)
• Scholarships: We want to make this event accessible to all, so scholarships are available for those who need them. Please speak with Alexandra in the church office. Inquiries will be kept confidential.

Want to help other women attend? If you would like to donate to the fund that provides scholarships for the Women's Retreat, please make a check out to Woodfords Congregational Church and write "Women's Retreat Scholarship Fund" on the memo line.

Payment (if applicable) is due by September 15. To reserve your space, you may call or email Alexandra in the church office (info@woodfordschurch.org, 774-8243 x 102) or click the button below to go to the sign up form.

Last Chance 150th Anniversary Survey

Time is running out to share your memories.

Please fill out the survey before September 2.

Wordcloud reveal will be at the Homecoming Celebration on September 11- make

sure your memories are included!

Preble Street Volunteer Opportunities

Woodfords Church has made a commitment to provide 2-4 volunteers to work at the Preble Street Food Program one Saturday per month, on the 3rd Saturday of each month. This involves preparing meals and bag lunches for people experiencing homelessness and hunger, immigrants and others needing assistance.

Available shifts:10:30 - 1:00 and 1:30 - 4:00

Location: Preble Street facility at 75 Darling Street in South Portland

We need volunteers for the following dates.

• September 17
• October 15
• November 19
• December 17

If you can help on any of the above dates and/or would like to commit to a monthly shift please call Linda Mairs or Carol Gillis.

You are welcome to volunteer as frequently or infrequently as you would like.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to help our fellow community members who are struggling during difficult times.

September 11 - Homecoming Sunday

Woodfords will celebrate Homecoming Sunday on September 11. The morning will feature special music in worship, surprises in honor of the church’s 150^th anniversary, and a party celebrating Woodfords’ elders. We hope to see you there!

First Lutheran Children’s Program Seeking Teachers

Do you enjoy working with young children?

First Lutheran Children’s Program, a nationally accredited program, is currently seeking full-time and part-time teachers for its toddler and preschool classrooms. The appropriate candidates will be responsible for creating a loving, caring, safe and nurturing environment for children ages 1-4 years.  Effective communication is a must.

The ideal candidates should possess experience in the childcare industry with a minimum of a high school diploma. Educational credentials and degrees are preferred.

Wage Range: $17-$20 per hour

Full-time benefits include:

·        13 paid holidays

·        2 weeks of paid school closure

·        Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) based on relevant experience

·        Life insurance and short term disability insurance (100% employer paid)

·        Medical and dental insurance (50% employer paid)

·        Vision insurance (employee paid)

·        Tuition reimbursement for training

If you are dedicated and passionate about teaching in the Early Childhood field and interested in joining our team of professional teachers, please send a letter of interest and resume to sherryl.eastman@firstlutheranportland.org or call 207 797-2260