final thoughts... Pastor s Message The Son Shine News Unity Union Church United Unity, Maine Methodist PO Box Depot St.

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1 Unity Union Church United Methodist 13 Depot St. PO Box 146 Unity, Maine final thoughts... What do you think about Beards? I think they kind of grow on you. articles to gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com A Monthly Newsletter for the Unity Union Church United Methodist The Son Shine News Pastor s Message June During the journey, as he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven encircled him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking him, Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me? 5 Saul asked, Who are you, Lord? I am Jesus, whom you are harassing, came the reply. 6 Now get up and enter the city. You will be told what you must do. 7 Those traveling with him stood there speechless; they heard the voice but saw no one. 8 After they picked Saul up from the ground, he opened his eyes but he couldn t see. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind and neither ate nor drank anything. Acts 9:3-9 (CEB) On Saturday, May 16 th, I spent the day at a workshop offered by the BTS Center, an institute birthed out of the Bangor Theological Seminary. The workshop led by Dr. Pam Shellberg, my New Testament professor, was called, BLINDED BY THE LIGHT : RESPONDING TO CHANGING RELIGIOUS LANDSCAPES. Content and discussion of the workshop centered on the story of Saul of Tarsus and how he became the Apostle Paul. Saul of Tarsus was a violent persecutor of the church of God. His early mission was to destroy the church. He was advanced in the Law and as he explains in his epistle to the Galatians, zealous for the traditions of my ancestors (Galatians 1:14). Paul would often speak of his pedigree-that which gave him the confidence in the flesh. He was circumcised on the 8 th day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews, as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless (Philippians 3:4-6). Yet this all changes for Saul of Tarsus while traveling along the Damascus road. Saul, later known as Paul had one of the first mystical experiences in the history of Christianity with the indwelling Christ. Over a period of days, Saul undergoes a transformative journey during which he becomes the Apostle Paul. Saul the persecutor of the church, becomes Paul the Father of Christianity. (Cont d on p2)

2 In this issue Pastor s Message (pp 1-2) Pastor s Schedule (p 2) Drive Thru Chicken Barbeque (p 3) Scouting News (p 3) Gift Certificate (p 4) Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (p 4) Prayer Chain (p 4) UMW (p 5) Holy Communion & Greeters (p 6) Church News Request (p 6) We Need A Few Good People (p 7) GSTS (p 8) Ministry of Prayer (p 9) Mission Moments (p 9) Coffee Hour (p 10) No More Malaria (p 10) Church Shopping? (p 13) Calendar (p 11) Pastor s Message (Continued from p1) It would be so easy to read this account of Paul s so called conversion experience (there are two more in Acts and a major one in Paul s letter to the Galatians) and think of it as an instantaneous shot out of the blue. But there is so much more to his story and journey than that. As 21 st century Christians, we are being challenged-perhaps more than any other generation since Paul s time to respond to the changing religious landscapes going on all around us. A recent disturbing Pew Study reveals that most mainline churches are in a steady period of decline. Some numbers even suggest that The United Methodist Church has about 15 years to turn things around or we will disappear. In 1 Corinthians, Paul says Last of all, as to one untimely born, he (Christ) appeared to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church (1 Corinthians 15:8-9). Like us, Paul lived on the edge of great change in his beloved faith tradition. He lived during the period in which the Templethe cultural center to the Jewish faith-had been destroyed. New faith communities and ways of doing and being church (in 21 st century speak) were coming into existence. Yet, Paul felt untimely born. He was unable to see with great clarity what to do-how to respond to the changes pressing in from all sides. Saul out of love of his faith tradition defended with great zeal the tradition of his ancestors. In what ways are we zealous for the traditions of our ancestors? ( We could mean Christians, our denominations, our own faith community here at Unity Union Church) However at some point-saul s journey put him on a crash course with the Holy Spirit. He was stunned, blinded by the light, then given directions as to which way to go. For 3 days he sat in a house in Damascus-much like Jesus lying in the tomb. Then on the third day he regained his sight Saul became Paul. Perhaps in order for us 21 st century Christians to see, we need only to stand still and look and to believe. Perhaps like Saul becoming Paul-we must surrender ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit, welcome transformation, feel it, and commit ourselves anew. As the people of The Way may we find hope in remembering that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not an end in and of itself; it is a journey that never really ends. May the transforming power of the Holy Spirit come to meet us and transform us for the journey ahead. Peace, Pastor Jen. Pastor Jen s Schedule Sunday Worship & Meetings. Monday - Bulletin prep, Bible study prep. Tuesday Post office, Church office, Bible study. Wednesday Sermon prep. Thursday Sermon writing.

3 Scouting News DRIVE THRU CHICKEN BARBEQUE JULY 11, 2015 TICKETS GO ON SALE SOON! DONATION SIGN UP SHEET AVAILABLE More than 400 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and their adult leaders attended a camporee at Fort Knox May They started arriving on Friday for the events. Chris Aspinall of Thorndike, master of our Troop 233, Unity, was captured in a proto in the Republican Journal of May 21 with Chuck Major, the district director of the Katahdin Council. Our troop has 8 Boy Scouts and Pack 233 has 35 Cub Scouts. The Cub Scout pack is led by Julie Aspinall. Both of the Aspinall sons are in scouting with their eldest senior patrol leader of Troop 233 and working on his Eagle Project. Their younger son is Bear Scout in Pack 233. Chris is an Eagle Scout himself and is involved with both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. ½ Chicken Potato Salad Coleslaw Dinner Roll Baked Beans Drink Dessert MENU

4 To: Looking for the perfect gift? Gift Certificate The Good Steward Thrift Shop 17 Depot St Unity, ME A ministry of the Unity Union Church, United Methodist Value: From: Date of Issue: Authorized By: Certificates are available at The Good Steward Thrift Shop. Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations By: Robert Schnase The Practice of Radical Hospitality The Practice of Passionate Worship The Practice of International Faith Development The Practice of Risk-Taking Mission & Service The Practice of Extravagant Generosity Our church has just completed a study of the five practices of fruitful congregations. Now our leadership team begins the next phase of the visioning process, working toward action plans and our updated mission statement. Sometimes it s not easy to stand up and speak out our personal prayer needs. If you have a prayer request, we will keep your needs in our prayers each day for the week following your request. Also, if you need has been answered, we would love to hear and rejoice with you in prayers of thankfulness. OPTIONS: Turning in a prayer card (found in the back of the sanctuary) during our Worship Service Contact Helen Gillette, our Prayer Chain Leader, at Contact our secure online site for our Christian community Companions in Christ, The Way of PRAYER ( Our church believes in the power and importance of prayer: Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Our choir needs voices! You do not need to have a trained voice just like to sing! Maybe you know someone that would come and try it!

5 The United Methodist Women, of the Unity Union Church, met on May 6, 2015 at 1:00 PM. Attending: Olive Braley, Madeline Stevenson, Jackie McCormick, Helen Gillette, Gloria Mc Elroy, Ruth Gervais, Wendy Magnan & Joan Bradstreet Olive Braley, this month s chairperson, called the meeting to order by reading the Purpose of the United Methodist Women, followed by our Breath Prayer. Jackie invited us to recite our UMW pledge as well. Olive offered the mediation, reading from 40 Gospel Hymn Stories and a selection of Wild Flowers to Know. Prayer followed. The previous minutes were read and accepted. Vera was unable to attend, but sent the checking account balance via . Helen gave us the prayer chain report: the Reynolds family - Gabriel Manson -Phyllis Longtoe & her friend, Harold - the Shaw family - Jackie s daughter, Sharon and Carl Braley & son, David. Olive thanked Debbie Eldredge, last month s chairperson, who filled in for Helen Gillette and for the delicious refreshments provided by Phyllis Longtoe. Our ongoing mission projects are the health kits going to UMCOR, the Good Steward Thrift Store and to the Open Door ministries for the homeless. Under New Business: 1. Joan asked if we could purchase more note cards with the church cover. Olive made the motion and Gloria was the seconder. Vote passed. 2. The August Bake Sale hostesses: Christie & Wendy. 3. The Bake Sale Solicitor List was updated. 4. May Birthdays: Gloria Gervais & Kay Tozier Without further business, the benediction was read. Olive and Gloria were pleased to introduce our guest speaker and their friend, Dot Quimby. Dot, now retired, was one of the original staff members of Unity College, and gave us a history of the school. She also informed us of their 50 th year celebration to be held on July 25 th. Dot is a fascinating person and we were in for a treat hearing her recollections. Gloria served the delicious refreshments. Respectfully submitted Joan Bradstreet, Recording Secretary

6 Holy Communion Madeline Stevenson and Joan Bradstreet are working on the church history, trying to get it updated. If you have any information to offer, please inform Madeline or Joan. Thank you. HELP US REPORT CHURCH NEWS Do you know about an upcoming event, program or other items of interest that should be included in the newsletter? If so, please fill out the information below and send it to Gene at The deadline for news articles is the 15 th of each month. News received after that date will be published in the following issue, if it is still of interest. Thank you. Name Phone Name or event/activity/news Information Holy Communion, or the Lord s Supper, is celebrated the first Sunday of each month. United Methodists practice an open table. We do not exclude people based on age or religious tradition. We receive Holy Communion by intinction, the method whereby the bread is given and then the cup is offered. The bread is then dipped in the juice and both elements are received at the same time. Join the Greeters! Isn t it great to be met at the door by a smiling person saying, Good Morning? Many people have agreed to be welcoming greeters for our Sunday worship services. However, more are needed. If you can help out three or four times a year, please contact the Worship Committee. Thank you. articles to: gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com or Contact us at

7 OPEN HEARTS: Our hearts are full of love to our community and to the world. OPEN MINDS: We re all different and think in different ways, but we work together as HIS disciples. OPEN DOORS: Not only are our new red doors meant to let others in, but to let us out in service to God. We Need A Few Good People Since 2003 the Good Steward Thrift Shop has been a resource for those in our community who are in need of assistance and to be good stewards of material possessions through reuse and recycling, to extend God s love. At the Good Steward Thrift Shop, we rely on our staff of dedicated volunteers and we are always looking for more happy faces to assist in our mission. Serving in the mission of the Good Steward Thrift Shop is a great way to: connect with others grow in your relationship with Christ serve your community position yourself to pray with and for others give your time and talents. Men and women are both needed in his service. Volunteer and have the opportunity to pre-shop the store. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Check out our Church Worship Leaders and Communion Servers The Worship team is asking everyone to prayerfully consider taking part in helping to lead worship as either a liturgist or communion server. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall.

8 Church Supplies You can help the church save money on commonly used items that we always need. On your next shopping trip, please consider picking up something from the list below for our church.. paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags (all sizes), coffee creamer. Donations always acceptable! See Bette. Volunteers are needed for Coffee Hours. Please sign up. Our Good Steward Thrift Shop is here to serve and support the community. As always, in case of emergency we are readily available to meet the needs of families in any tragic event. Vera McCormick is the coordinator of the GSTS and works with several other volunteers to meet the needs of our community. You can reach Vera by calling We work hard to have attractive and unique displays and to make sure the merchandise is clean and in good repair. We appreciate your support and we will do our best to find a new home for your donation. Items we CAN accept Items we CANNOT accept: clothing (women, men, children) food jewelry large appliances clocks large furniture kitchen/dining items televisions linens (sheets, towels, bedding) computer equipment home décor vacuum cleaners children s toys luggage, bags, backpacks radios books & school supplies small appliances (irons, coffee makers, mixers, griddles, blenders, etc.) articles to: gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com or Contact us at

9 Ministry Opportunities Transportation Providing rides for those needing assistance to and from church, to doctors appointments, etc.. Visitation Being Christ s representative by visiting in the hospital, homes, and nursing homes. Sunday School Be present at meetings, be a mentor, and by assisting in the spiritual learning of our children. Usher/Greeters Serve as a greeter for Sunday morning worship and/or special worship times. Liturgist Working together with the pastor, the liturgist leads the congregation in worship. The Ministry of Prayer As a church we believe in the power of prayer. Please pray for: Helen and Max Gillette, Rita Andrews, Sharon Shaw, Tammy Shaw, Tonya Hubbard, Olive and Carl Braley and son David, Nancy Henry, Charlene & Paul LaBrie, Charlene s nephew - David, Wendy s grandchildren Emily and Carter, her sister Nancy, Bonnie, Lauren, Michelle and Sean; Evelyn Wilbur & family, Laura Blake, Connie Reynolds, Jane Glen, Christie Paul & Phaedera, Lisa Smith; Pastor Bill Simpson, Roger & Marie Barber, Bev s granddaughter Jenna; the children & parents-of our Sunday school program, Strategic Planning for Mission & Ministry 2014 and The Unity community. See Pastor Jen to add your prayer concerns here or to change status of those listed. If you or a family member goes to a hospital and you need pastoral care, please contact Pastor Jen. In the event of a pastoral emergency and Pastor Jen is not available, please contact our Lay Leader, Joan Bradstreet at Samaritan Fund envelopes are in the basket at the back of the church. articles to: gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com or Contact us at

10 CHURCH SHOPPING? We understand that a first time or a long overdue visit to a church can be awkward. We invite you to come as you are to the Unity Union Church, United Methodist. There is no dress code. You will find folks wearing suits and ties, dresses and skirts or jeans and a T-shirt. All are WELCOME. Parking is available in the lot next to the church or across the street. Enter the building through the big, red, double doors. We are fully wheelchair accessible. A greeter will welcome you at the door with a smile and a handshake and will direct you to the worship center or to the restrooms. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month and everyone is welcome to participate. We serve grape juice in place of wine and a gluten free alternate to the bread is available. Following worship time, we welcome you to join us for refreshments and conversation in our Fellowship Hall. FMI: Our Sunday Morning Worship is followed by a coffee hour in the Fellowship Hall, where many gather for friendly conversation over a cup of coffee. Adults and children of all ages catch up with each other and to welcome visitors. Fellowship is an integral part of our Christian Life and the weekly coffee hour is a wonderful opportunity to deepen relationships with fellow parishioners. Special thanks to all who are volunteering to contribute to our Fellowship Time after worship. Samaritan Fund envelopes are in the basket at the back of the church. We are now saving returnables to help our Sunday School with their IMAGINE NO MALARIA mission. A container for these items will be at the church for your convenience. If you would like pickup, just call Joan at Option #1: You will find a container for returnables in the Narthex. Option #2: The Depot Country Store is keeping a running tab for us.

11 June 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat PM TOPS PM Girl Scouts AM Bible Study Committee 3 1 PM UMW PM AA Boy Scouts Good Steward Shop 930 Choir Rehearsal 7 Second Sunday after Pentecost Communion & Food pantry collection (Care & Share) 10 AM Church PM TOPS Pastor Jen s Vacation, June AM Bible Study PM AA Boy Scouts Good Steward Shop 930 Choir Rehearsal 14 Third Sunday after Pentecost Pastor Jen s Vacation 10 AM Church Retired Pastor Margo Carmines 11 AM Trustees Flag Day PM TOPS Newsletter article deadline AM Bible Study PM AA Boy Scouts NEUMC Annual Conference, Pastor Jen and Christie Saunders attending Good Steward Shop 930 Choir Rehearsal 21 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 10 AM Church Father s Day PM TOPS AM Bible Study PM AA Boy Scouts Good Steward Shop 930 Choir Rehearsal 28 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost 10 AM Church PM TOPS AM Bible Study PM AA Boy Scouts Good Steward Shop 930 Choir Rehearsal