THE BEACON
Woodfords
Congregational Church
October 2021
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'Tis the Season for Adventuring
It’s October: the month of brilliant foliage, colorful gourds and edible squashes, the honking of Canada Geese high above my head, pumpkin-flavored EVERYTHING, and – for me, at least – adventuring. As an avid reader, I love most genres of books, but October always lures me toward adventure stories. Some of my most poignant youthful memories hearken back to the autumn of my sixth-grade year. Late that September, I cracked the cover of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings for the first time ever. Over the next four weeks, my imagination was captivated as I accompanied Frodo Baggins and his friends on a journey that led them out of the safe, comfortable world they knew and into all sorts of adventures.
A few Octobers later, during my first year of college, I read Sir Thomas Malory’s La Morte D’Arthur and the fourteenth-century romance Sir Gawain and the Green Knight for a first-semester English class. The tales of King Arthur and his champions enticed me out of my homesickness, as I mentally gallivanted throughout Britain in search of quests and monsters.
This year, I once again find myself in King Arthur’s realm. I’m currently reading Charlie Lovett’s The Lost Book of the Grail, a novel that takes modern-day English professor, book collector, and curmudgeon Arthur Prescott on an intellectual expedition to discover the truth about a 6th-century monastery, its founding abbess, and a valuable Arthurian relic that the religious community shielded from Viking invaders.
Where, and how, are you adventuring this October? Will you have opportunities to physically travel, or will you adventure mostly in your mind? Books, movies, and music truly are gifts, in that they allow us to explore our own planet and universe, to visit alternative worlds, and to jump into different historical epochs.
Whatever mental, physical, and spiritual adventuring you may have on your docket this month, I invite you to take a bit of time over the course of October and time-travel back to Biblical days. Take out your Bible, and you’ll quickly see that our spiritual ancestors – including the Hebrews, Jesus, and his friends and apostles – experienced quite a few adventures of their own. Thanks to centuries of caretakers who safeguarded Biblical manuscripts and source materials, we are fortunate enough to be able to accompany our ancestors on their journeys, as God—whom I envision as the Holy Spirit of Adventure that undergirds the universe – walks alongside. Happy questing!
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October Worship Formats
In September, Woodfords sent out an email survey asking how delta-variant COVID trends are affecting worship preferences. Of the 74 people who responded to the survey, 20% said that they “strongly prefer in-person worship and likely won’t attend digital Zoom worship.” Meanwhile, 32% of respondents said that they “prefer remote gatherings on Zoom, given everything that is going on with COVID-19,” and 40% of respondents said that they are “fine with both in-person and remote worship.”
In order to provide worship opportunities for people on both ends of the “in-person versus digital worship” spectrum, Woodfords will offer some in-person worship opportunities and some digital worship opportunities in October. Currently, the worship schedule is as follows:
· October 3 – Digital worship on Zoom, led by Rev. Alyssa
· October 10 – Intergenerational worship in the sanctuary, led by Rev. Charlotte, Emory Burke, and Paul Schnell
· October 17 – New Member Sunday worship in the sanctuary, led by Rev. Alyssa
· October 24 and 31 – Plans for worship after October 17 are still under development and will be shaped by COVID trends. At least one of these services will take place via Zoom.
Worship-related updates will be included in the weekly announcements and Friday worship emails.
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Women's Retreat
We've already booked 2022!
Sep 30 - Oct 2, 2022
Marie Joseph Spiritual Center
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Blessing of the Animals: Saturday, October 9
Woodfords is collaborating with State Street Church UCC and Williston-Immanuel United Church to sponsor a Blessing of the Animals ritual on Saturday, October 9 from 10 am to 1 pm on the Woodfords front lawn. Animal lovers everywhere know that our furry (or feathered or scaly) friends are a blessing. But when do we have an opportunity to bless them? Drop in between 10 am and 1 pm to receive a blessing for your pet. We invite pets to come in-person or you to bring a picture of your pet to receive the blessing.
Non-aggressive pets of all species are welcome, as long as they pose no threat to others and are on a leash, in a baby carrier or an animal backpack, crated/caged, or otherwise contained and controllable. (We don’t want any people or pet friends being hurt, escaping, flying away, and/or running into busy streets.)
During the Blessing of the Animals, we will be collecting donations for the Midcoast Humane Society. Needed donations include: unscented bleach, litter, wet and dry pet food, leashes, and collars.
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Christian Ed and Senior Program Autumn Schedules Available on Our Website!
Looking for the next Sunday School date? Want to know what events are coming up for the Senior Program? Take a look online at the Woodfords Church website. Please click on the links below...
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Caregivers Circle to Start Up This Month
This October, Woodfords Congregational Church will start up a mutual support group for caregivers called “Caregivers Circle.” The first meeting with be October 13. For this group, caregivers are defined as people who provide support, assistance, or physical care for a family member, friend, or neighbor who resides with the caregiver, in their own home, in a care facility, or in another state. The person receiving care might be an older adult, a young adult with a disability, a spouse, sibling, or a parent. The needs may vary … but whatever the exact need, caregiving brings its own set of concerns and responsibilities.
The Rev. Charlotte Bell will be facilitating this free monthly meeting at Woodfords Church. Rev. Bell is an ordained UCC minister and medical social worker. Her work experience has spanned a variety of medical settings including long-term care facilities, independent/assisted living facilities, and a community hospital. Through the years, Charlotte has facilitated many support groups and received Train the Trainer certification with the Alzheimer’s Association.
There is no cost affiliated with attending this support group.
The group will be held in the Lounge on the second Wednesday of the month from 10:30 – 11:30 am. Light refreshments will be provided.
Caregivers Circle
Meeting the second Wednesday of every Month
For more information contact Rev. Bell at:
or phone 774-8243 x107
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A note from Charlotte...
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the Woodfords Seniors and Church Community for the many cards, kindnesses, and prayers. The outpouring of love and support has provided me immense comfort during my hospitalization and continued healing period. Thank-you for sharing the light that shines in the darkness!
In Christ,
Charlotte Bell
Woodfords Senior Program
A new season is moving in. The days will darken sooner, and the autumn coolness circles us. It is a time to gather, with new friends and old! I hope that you will highlight the events to be held this fall by the Woodfords Senior Program. Fall Program Schedules are available in the Narthex and at each program. Please be mindful to the RSVP dates for ALL luncheons and programs. A Strict No Walk-in Policy Will Be Followed. Thank-you for your consideration with our planning for these events.
Highlights for October!!
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October 8, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, A Home Grown Fall Apple Fest (Memorial Hall) Join us in celebrating Fall!! Bring your home made or store-bought Apple Pie, Apple Crisp, Apple Coffee Cake, Cookies, and Muffins to share with others. Pumpkin and other favorites are welcome too!! There will be apples to pick, hot cider and entertainment provided by our own Susanna Adams and Friends. RSVP by October 4
October 22, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Soup, Sandwiches & Serenade (Room TBD) Let’s share in some Halloween merriment! Wear a head band, witches’ hat or dress in Halloween colors! Don Pride will be serenading us on his guitar, and he may even play the Monster Mash!!! RSVP by October 18
Ongoing Offerings
· Chair Yoga with Elizabeth Fertig-Burd, ZOOM, Tuesdays, 10:00 – 11:00 am, contact Em Amatangelo at 207-239-2051 or emham73@gmail.com
· Spiritual Direction led by Rev. Mary Zachary-Lang, This closed group meets twice a month on Wednesdays, 10:00– 11:00 am. Contact Robin Carter if you’re interested in joining, email is robinbcarter@gmail.com
· NEW Caregiver Circle led by Rev. Charlotte Bell MDIV, MSW. Second Wednesday of the month, 10:30 – 11:30 am, (Lounge) Mutual support group for caregivers. Limited to 10, please email Rev. Bell, cbell@woodfordschurch.org to sign-up or with questions.
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· Book Group: Read, Discuss, Socialize. ZOOM,
2nd Wednesdays, 3:00 pm
Contact the church office 207-774-8243 x 106 for more info.
The October book is...The Words That Went Unspoken
by Ellie Mercer.
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Save the Dates: Upcoming Special Sundays
Please mark your calendars for the following special Sundays at Woodfords:
· October 11: Intergenerational Worship Service (2nd Sunday of Each Month)
· October 17: Homecoming/New Member Sunday
· November 14: Monthly Intergenerational Worship Service (2nd Sunday of Each Month)
· December 5: Tri-Church St. Nicholas Service with State Street Church and Williston-Immanuel United Church. Location TBA. This intergenerational service will take place in the early evening. It will be in addition to the regular Communion worship service at Woodfords. More information forthcoming.
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Bibles for Young People
Woodfords has a historic tradition of giving Bibles to the church’s young people. If you know of a young person (second grade through college) associated with Woodfords who would like an age-appropriate Bible and has never received this gift from the church, the church would be happy to provide them with one.
Please send the young person’s name and age/reading level to our tri-church Christian Education and Spiritual Formation Director, Emory Burke (emory@williston-immanuel.org).
Additional details about “Bible Sunday” – which will take place later this autumn – and Bible distribution will be forthcoming. (Please note that this offer extends to grandchildren and other friends/relatives who periodically attend church with Woodfords community members.)
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Help Shape Woodfords’ Future Worship
Woodfords recently voted to upgrade its audio-visual systems in ways that will enable the church to offer hybrid, live-streamed worship services. Once the new equipment is installed, worship will be accessible to people in the sanctuary, as well as people who wish to participate remotely.
With live-streaming opportunities on the horizon, Rev. Alyssa would like to bring together community members who are interested in helping shape Woodfords’ future worship services (live-streamed and non-live-streamed alike). If you’d like to learn more about worship design and help make Woodfords’ worship services as rich as possible, please be in touch with Alyssa (alodewick@woodfordschurch.org). Once she has gathered the names of interested parties, she will schedule an initial conversation. Thank you!
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Family Promise
Thanks for everyone who has signed up to help our current family, Angelica and her children. The three girls are in school and enjoying it. Here is the link for those who want to sign up to provide gift cards, or groceries. https://signup.com/go/cHKQLyv
A graduate family (Neolinda, Andre, Andreia, Gabriel, and baby Anderson) that we were very involved with as the pandemic started, needs to move to a better, safer apartment. One has been located and they will move Oct. 1. There are some expenses related to moving that we would like to help them with. If you would like to assist with this, please send checks to church with FP in the memo.
Thanks for your concern,
Joanne Bartlett
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Little Jubba Farm
Little Jubba Farm in the Lewiston area of Maine is one of the organizations Woodfords gave a gift of $10,000 to last year. Here is a wonderful article from DownEast Magazine on this tremendous effort by new immigrants and their work and hope for their farm - to feed themselves and to sell fresh produce across Maine. We look forward to becoming more involved in this project and we would love your feedback on The Little Jubba Farm.
The Creating Justice Team
(Joanne Bartlett, Barbara Thomson and Robin Carter)
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New Member Sunday Scheduled for October 17
If you’re not already a member of Woodfords, have you ever thought about becoming one? If you or someone you know might like to learn more about officially joining 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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Did You Know? WCC'S Pastor-Parish
Relations Committee...
... is dedicated 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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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 November Beacon?
The deadline is October 20. Please send proofed text with title and photos (if available) to Teri at info@woodfordschurch.org.
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HAPPY OCTOBER BIRTHDAY
Carol Chadbourne 10/01
Olin Johnson 10/02
Judy Shields 10/03
Susan Wooten 10/05
Bradley Ronco 10/06
Meghan Graser 10/09
Russell Kenney 10/12
Colleen McKee 10/13
Gloriose Ndayishimiye 10/15
Mary Belanger 10/16
Billie Jo Wooten 10/16
Emma Cook 10/17
Molly Johnson 10/20
Dominic Salvaggio 10/21
Leanne Walker 10/22
Douglas Philbrook 10/25
Avon Oakes 10/28
Madison Bailey 10/29
HAPPY OCTOBER ANNIVERSARY
Robert & Mary Anne MacMath 10/11 52 years
Joanne & Gayton Bartlett 10/02 45 years
Thomas & Priscilla Hennessey 10/01 44 years
Mary Bonauto & Jennifer Wriggins 10/03 34 years
Ben & Catherine Walter 10/26 30 years
Leanne Walker & Dave Wasdahl 10/07 25 years
Alison Grey & Oliver Murray 10/17 22 years
Jeffrey & Adrienne-Marie Wilson 10/18 18 years
Jim & Stacey Dand 10/02 17 years
Lindsay & Brian Ross 10/25 13 years
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