THE BEACON
Woodfords
Congregational Church
July 2021
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A Note from Alyssa
As I write this note on June 22, our Woodfords community is mourning the loss of Fran Paris, Don Mairs, and Carl Beyers, three beloved church members – good and faithful servants, all – who recently have passed out of life on this plane of existence and moved into the Eternal Mystery. For many members of the Woodfords community, these are days to grieve and remember those loving souls, along with their lives well lived.
This past Sunday, amid our communal sadness, a female cardinal flew into the sanctuary as worship began. I have no idea how she got in; perhaps it was through an open sanctuary window or the Cloister door – but once she arrived, she did not want to leave. She stayed with us through the entire worship service, occasionally flying around high above, keeping an eye on us as she flitted from fan to fan, chandelier to chandelier. She especially seemed to like the music, because she perched up at the front of the sanctuary, near the organ pipes, for quite a while. Several members of the congregation recalled the old saying, “When a cardinal is here, a loved one (or an angel) is near.” Another mentioned that the cardinal long has been seen as a sign of the Holy Spirit.
I found both of those suggestions incredibly moving. On June 13, we held a congregational meeting, and participants voted to develop a potential purchase-and-sale agreement with Community Housing of Maine (CHOM). Later this year, if church members agree to accept whatever agreement is negotiated, CHOM will begin the work of transforming part of Parish House into affordable housing for older adults … and we will be gifted with opportunities to get to know some lovely new neighbors in upcoming years!
As our faith community considers the exciting opportunities for ministry that lie ahead of us, I take great comfort in our cardinal friend’s recent visit. Over the upcoming months, we will deliberate, and we will discern, and we will decide … and all the while, the Holy Spirit along with our kindred spirits in faith (living and departed, near and far) will be present all around us, loving us and keeping their eyes on us as they accompany us into the future.
Welcome to the cardinal days of summer, everyone! May God bless us all and hold us gently in the palms of God’s hands.
In faith --
Rev. Alyssa
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Rev Alyssa on Vacation from July 3-9
Rev. Alyssa will take some time for rest and renewal between July 3 and July 9. During this period, Woodfords member Rev. Elaine Armstrong has graciously offered to be available to those who may have pastoral care concerns. You may reach Elaine at 207-828-3988 (mobile). If you call and do not receive an answer, please leave a message, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
We thank Elaine for her kind assistance and willingness to minister to the Woodfords community in this way.
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WOODFORDS SENIOR PROGRAM
SUMMERTIME UPDATES
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Spring Gathering
The Woodfords Senior program “Celebrated” being able to re-gather by attending a Social Luncheon held in the Cloister, due to the possibility of rain. Joyful smiles were in abundance as we enjoyed seeing friends again and being together. A delicious lunch was catered by Sisters Gourmet Deli; be sure to look them up in Portland! Thank you to those who attended and had hoped to attend! Look for more programs and opportunities to participate ahead sponsored by the Woodfords Senior Program.
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Woodford Senior Program Surveys
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Woodfords Senior Survey. Pastor Charlotte and the WSP Leadership Team will seriously consider your recommendations for future programming as we implement the fall, winter, and spring offerings.
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Summer Offerings
Woodfords Chair Yoga
Tuesdays at 10 AM with Burdie Fertig via Zoom
To join the yoga class please follow this link:
Spiritual Direction
Wednesdays – via Zoom. This group, led by Mary Zachary-Lang, meets every Wednesday. Please let us know if you\'d like to join. Once the group is at capacity, we are always open to forming new groups if there is enough enthusiasm. If you would like to inquire about this group, please contact Robin Carter at robinbcarter@gmail.com.
Woodfords Senior Program Gathering at The Lake
(Roberta Barker's Lake House)
Friday, July 30, 2021
10:00 am - Carpool/Meet at Church
11:00 am - Arrive at the Lake House (420 Barker Rd., Sebago Lake, ME)
Roberta Barker has graciously invited the Woodfords Senior Program to join her at her lake side camp. A Sign-Up will be in the narthex; please indicate if you are willing to drive. We will meet at the church and carpool together. Food and beverage will be provided.
Please RSVP by Monday, July 26, to Rev. Charlotte Bell cbell@woodfordschurch.org or leave a message on her church phone 207-774-8243 ext. 107.
TO BRING: Folding camp chair, Bug Spray with Deet, and wear comfortable shoes, as there are 64 steps down to the lake! No rain date.
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Christmas in July
A WOODFORDS SUMMER CELEBRATION!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR with easy dates to remember!! July 24 and 25
Come join us for a Summer Weekend Celebration -
A Re-Birthing of our WOODFORDS COMMUNITY!
Saturday, July 24: 4-6pm A Church Gathering on the Front Lawn
A late afternoon gathering with fun and fellowship
Hot dogs, snacks, and snow-cones
Special Activities and Music
A Christmas Carol Sing - sacred and secular!
Bring a gift or contribute to the “Family Promise” Programs
Bring your lawn chair
Sunday, July 25: 10 am Morning Worship
Celebrate in Worship a re-birth of the Woodfords Community
Special Music and Singing
Bring a relative or friends to church with you.
Refreshments after worship - Lemonade and Christmas cookies.
In case of rain, we will celebrate in Memorial Hall
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for CHRISTMAS IN JULY!
Looking for Volunteers to...
- Help with set-up of tables & chairs
- Help greet neighbors and guests who will join us
- Help with clean-up
- Help guests learn about Woodfords at a visitors table
- Help hang lights on the front trees
This event is sponsored by the Woodfords Church Creating Community Committee.
Joanne Friedrick, Sue Lord, Kristen Crean, Steve Gray, Pip and Tom Hennessey,
Tom Campbell, Bob Carter, Rev. Alyssa, Pastor Charlotte, Paul Schnell.
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Wednesday Nights: Summer Bible Study
What does the Book of James Have to Say about Post-Pandemic Life?
Jessica Edelblut (our tri-church intern) is facilitating a six-week Bible Study for folks from Woodfords, Williston-Immanuel United Church, and State Street Church this summer. It takes place via Zoom on Wednesday evenings from
6:00 - 7:00pm.
Here’s Jessica’s description:
We are walking through the book of James and talking about what it might look like to live out our faith in the emerging post-pandemic world. What does this text have to say to us as we return to life without social distancing? How can we actively practice our faith in our community?
Please come to each session having already read the chapter for the week. Reading assignments are as follows:
· June 23: Discuss James, chapter 1
· June 30: Discuss James, chapter 2
· July 7: Discuss James, chapter 3
· July 14: Discuss James, chapter 4
· July 21: Discuss James, chapter 5
· July 28: Recap, pull together themes, and brainstorm actions to apply text to daily life
This will be casual and a great opportunity for meaningful connection with each other this summer! If you have any questions, feel free to email Jessica at JLE39@duke.edu
ZOOM INFORMATION:
Meeting ID: 962 2591 0620
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Moving Forward into the Future with Technology
for Ministry and Worship at Woodfords
The AV and Technology Team will be sharing a vision and plan for major upgrades and improvements to our audio and visual technology systems.
The committee work began (pre-COVID) to improve the sanctuary sound system, and provide internet service for the sanctuary, cloister, chapel and undercroft.
Post-COVID circumstances conditions call for a new, hybrid church model that combines an online presence with in-person gatherings. Through technology, we can unite the on-site congregation with those who prefer or need to worship remotely. With Zoom worship we have become accustomed to the benefits technology can provide, such as inclusion of special videos or pre-recorded music that enhance our worship experiences and interactive worship no matter your location. Technology is now as important to the church’s infrastructure as any work needed to maintain our physical space.
The proposal is comprehensive. It includes a digital audio sound system (with new speakers, sound boards and microphones), ADA - assisted hearing units, a comprehensive video and audio live-streaming system, with cameras and visual monitors in the sanctuary, upgraded Chancel lighting, upgraded electrical wiring to support the new audio/visual units and internet streaming into the sanctuary.
Where will this take us?
Our worship will not be limited to those who attend in person, but will be inclusive for Woodfords worshipper everywhere - at home, on vacation and away at college - and will welcome those seeking a new church home or temporary worship experience, wherever they may be.
An investment in technology allows us to develop a new online marketing tool for the church that provides a conduit to showcase our many missions within the community along with providing a multimedia space for fellowship opportunities. We have the potential as well to become a prime performance space for Portland’s arts organizations by offering improved audio and new video capabilities.
For the future: No Limit of possibilities - known and unknown!
As we move forward:
Sunday - July 18
Special Worship Experience (Details to follow!)
Sunday - August 1
An informational meeting to present the AV/Technology Proposal to members
Sunday - August 8
Congregational meeting to approve the funding and implementation of the AV/Technology Proposal
Please feel free to talk to any member of committee. We are excited and eager to share our enthusiasm for this project.
Cathy Keeley, Joanne Friedrick, Pam Meader, Kristen Crean, Bob Carten, Tom Hennessey, Kurt Graser, Mitch Rosengarten, Glenn Dunne, Paul Schnell, Rev. Alyssa Lodewick
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Thursday Night Sojourner Gatherings (7 pm)
This summer, tri-church pastoral intern Jessica Edelblut is leading a weekly Thursday night conversation group for members of Woodfords, State Street Church, and Williston-Immanuel United Church. The group, called "Sojourners,” discusses connections between faith, justice, and daily life. We cordially invite you to participate in some of Jessica’s sessions. There is no obligation to attend in all the gatherings. You may pop in and out as your summer schedule allows. This is a great opportunity to meet other folks from State Street and Williston-Immanuel and a nice way for Jessica to share her leadership gifts with all of us!
For more information about the group and discussion topics, please contact Jessica at JLE39@duke.edu
The Tri-Church Sojourners group will meet on Thursdays at 7pm throughout July.
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July Staff Vacations
Now that summer is here, Woodfords Church staff members will be taking vacation time. The following are dates staff will be away...
June 28 - July 5 Teri Coviello
July 2 - 10 Rev. Alyssa
July 5 - 12 Louise Shaw
July 11 - 24 Paul Schnell
More details will be provided in the weekly announcements.
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Did You Know?
WCC'S Pastor-Parish
Relations Committee...
... has been revitalized and rededicated to supporting effective ministry at Woodfords through attending to the important relationship between our church’s pastor and people. Whether a church is large, small, or historically peaceful (not given to conflict), history has shown that the health of this relationship should not be taken for granted. Therefore, our PPRC wants to do what we can to facilitate a sharing of the congregation’s ideas—dreams, hopes, expectations, and concerns—with Pastor Alyssa. Likewise, we hope to learn from Alyssa (and share with the congregation) her experience of pastoral function and needs she may have here at WCC.
Whereas the church’s Personnel Committee deals with policy matters, job descriptions, and salary and benefits for all members of the church staff, the PPRC has a different, more deeply relational focus. The PPRC’s purpose is to support the personal and professional well-being of the pastor, as well as to provide a means of communication to the congregation, through constructive and caring two-way dialog. In this way, our PPRC can be thought of as a support group for the effective ministry of the church, rather than just “the pastor’s support group” or merely a channel for congregational complaints.
In addition to Pastor Alyssa, current PPRC members are: Mitch Rosengarten (chair), Suzanne D’Bourget, Pete Sampson, and Elaine Armstrong. Feedback for the committee is welcome by contacting any committee member. (Consult the church directory or the church office for email addresses or phone numbers in this time of COVID). The invitation is that we all take an interest in the health of our pastoral/congregational relationship by supporting in constructive ways that which is rewarding and satisfying while heading off the potential for tension as we move through our church’s future together.
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July 11 - 18: UCC'S Digital General Synod
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about how the United Church of Christ functions, makes decisions, and carries out its business, we’ve got an opportunity for you! The UCC’s biennial General Synod will take place entirely online between July 11 and July 18. General Synod is the representative assembly that brings delegates from churches across the nation together to make decisions on behalf of the UCC. This year, delegates will vote on a wide variety of fascinating resolutions.
General Synod and the days leading up to it will be chock full of notable keynote speakers, inspiring worship, exciting workshops, and events designed especially for youth and young adults. If you know of any youth/young adult members of Woodfords who would be interested in participating in this event, please let Rev. Alyssa know.
Registration is $100 as a non-voting visitor, which is a great deal. You will have the ability to watch the national church in action without having to fly anywhere or book expensive hotel rooms. Most of the sessions will take place in the evening, after work on the East Coast. Just think: you can wind down the day with the UCC. (Just what you’ve always dreamed of, right?)
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Thanks to Hannah Smith-Erb
for her Ministry
Back in December, we had the pleasure of announcing that Woodfords’ own Hannah Smith-Erb had been hired to serve as the coordinator of Portland’s ecumenical youth group, which is a collaborative initiative sponsored by HopeGateWay, St. Luke’s Episcopal Cathedral, State Street UCC, Williston-Immanuel United Church, and Woodfords UCC.
After helping to steer the group through six COVID-transformed months while simultaneously completing her final year at Colby, Hannah is stepping down to focus on her summer job at a residential camp and her upcoming academic plans. She will begin a Master of Divinity program at Boston University’s School of Theology this autumn.
We thank Hannah for her ministry and leadership, and we send her off on her upcoming adventures with prayers and best wishes.
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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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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 set up a 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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Submitting an article for the August Beacon?
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HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY
Bill St. Lawrence 07/01
Constance Smith 07/05
Harold Sprague 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 07/14 65 years
Robert & Carol Carpenter 07/07 48 years
Kristin & Jason Hurley 07/05 24 years
Laura & Brad Fries 07/09 10 years
Barb Klegin & Tricia Gilbert 07/12 7 years
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COMING SOON! SAVE THE DATE
CORNERFEST 2021
A Woodfords Corner Weekend Celebration
October 2, Saturday, 3 to 6 pm
Interested in helping with this inspiring community and neighborhood event?
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