The Son Shine News. A Monthly Newsletter for the Unity United Methodist Church. Our Mission Statement is: Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ

Transcription

1 The Son Shine News A Monthly Newsletter for the Unity United Methodist Church August 2016 Our Mission Statement is: Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ Pastor s Message 1-2 The Word was first, the Word present to God, God present to the Word. The Word was God, in readiness for God from day one. 3-5 Everything was created through him; nothing not one thing! came into being without him. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn t put it out.-john 1:1-5. (Continued on Page 3) 1

2 Pastor s Message (pp 1,3 5) Table of Contents (p 2) Pastor s Schedule (p 2) Sumer Sermon Series (pp 6 8) Bishop-Elect Easterling (pp 9 11) Summer Reading List (pp 12 14) Wisdom from Pooh (p 15) Action of Non-Conformity with the General Conference (pp 16 19) Baked Bean and Casserole Supper & Communion (p 20) Thanks for Supporting the Chicken Drive Thru BBQ (p 21) Coffee Hour & Adopt a Senior (p 22) Camp Mechuwana (pp 23 24) Bible Study (p 24) UMW (p 25) Celebrating 175 years of ministry this year (p 26) NOW Committee & Prayer Chain (p 27) Thanks from Operation Gratitude (p 28) Just Saying and Ministry of Prayer (p 29) A Month of Sundays (p 30) Mission/Vision statements and strategic goals (pp 31-32) Information Page (p 33) Pastor s messages are found in a red type on this page and the pages have a red border Pastor Jen s Schedule Sunday Worship & Meetings. Monday - Bible study and Bulletin preparation. Tuesday Post office, Church office, Bible study. Thursday Bulletin prep & Sermon prep. Friday Sermon writing. 2

3 (Continued from Page 1) This past week I found myself where I often do when I am in search of a quiet place, a place where I can unplug from the world-if only for a little while. I leave my cell phone behind in the car and find a cool quiet place along the bend in the river. There I sit quietly, feeling the cool breeze against my face, watching people come and go. But mostly I come to listen to the Holy Spirit whisper Truth to me. On this particular late afternoon, a young mother came up along- side me with two young children in tow. She was obviously very pregnant. She spread out an old sleeping bag under a nearby tree and slowly lowered herself down, resting her back against the tree trunk. The little boy and girl were talking back and forth to one another. It reminded me of the many, many times I brought my two boys to this very place, even spreading a blanket in the very spot that she had chosen. It got me to thinking back when I was pregnant. There was great expectation and excitement as The Time drew near. Thanks to modern technology, it is possible these days to know the gender of an unborn child. (I chose not to know with both of my children.) But it is still not possible to tell what the child will look like when they smile their first smile, or what their voice will sound like when they cry their first cry. Or what the personality of the child will be like as they grow and mature into adulthood. The time of welcoming new life into this world is so sacred and precious. I found myself hoping and longing that the birth of the child this young woman was carrying, would make the world a better place. Even with all the darkness in the land these days, there on the riverbank, at least in that moment, I still held onto the hope, the belief that the Light of God shines in and through every life born into the world. The God we worship is a God of Spirit and Light. Human life is to be celebrated as a gift from God. Even though the fear of war and poverty-of every kind- exists right along-side this hope. I still cling to the hope that we are in this world, but not of this world. (John 17:16). We are born into this world in flesh and blood, but we were first created in and of the Spirit. We are all children of God. Sometimes in this craziness and chaos of the world it can be easy to forget this Truth. Sometimes we forget who we are; we forget to take care of our minds, our bodies, our souls, and our spirits. We forget to get sufficient rest or to eat healthy or to balance all of our work with play, and rest. As God s children, we need rest, and good food, and down time-no matter our age. I am finding these days that an afternoon power nap or a (medicinal) piece of chocolate can soothe our spirits much like worship and prayer do. As children of God, we all need to spend quality time with our Spirit parent. It is important for us to seek out places where we can feel God embrace us and lift us up into the Light of Love and Hope. Perhaps this can happen in our homes, out in nature, in the company of loved ones. Where ever and whoever it is, the important thing is that we are fed spiritually. It is important to remember how precious and sacred we are to God. When life causes us to forget, we can remind ourselves that God loved us so much that God left the comfort and security of the heavenly realms to walk here among us, as one of us. God came and lived among us-in our neighborhood, in our human condition. Jesus knows our joys, our sorrows, our pain, our struggles, our fears. Jesus walked the lonesome valleyas one of our hymns sings-yet Jesus Light shone- and still shines- bright. (Continued on Page 4) 3

4 (Continued from Page 3) As your pastor, I challenge each of us (myself included) to tend to the Spiritual Light that was placed within us at our birth. Create a world with No fear. Together we ll cry Happy tears See the nations turn I believe God is calling on each of us at this time in our history, we were each born for this very moment. This is OUR TIME to let God s LIGHT shine through us. We are called to gather together, bound together in the Spirit, nurtured and fed in the Truth of God s Word, to witness to the power of God to overcome all the challenges of life. We are to be the non-anxious presence in anxious times. We are to celebrate and preach the Good News of the Light and Love of Jesus Christ. Strangely, as I was remembering this experience down by the river, a phrase from a song floated into my mind, Make this world a better place for you and for me. I couldn t place where it came from. I Googled it. Surprisingly, it is from an old Michael Jackson song released way back in 1991, Heal the World. I guess back then, pop songs were my gospel. But I found these words powerful and wanted to share them with you. And the Dream We Were Conceived in Will reveal a joyful face And the world we Once believed in Will shine again in Grace. Then why do we keep Strangling life, Wound this earth, Crucify its soul? Though it is plain to see, This world is Heavenly. Be God s Glow. We could fly so high. Let our spirits never die. In my heart I feel you are all My brothers [and sisters]. (Continued on Page 5) 4

5 (Continued from Page 4) Create a world with No fear. Together we ll cry Happy tears See the nations turn Their swords Into plowshares. We could really get there If all of us together cared enough For the living. Make a little space To make a better place For you and for me. For the whole human race Be God s Glow. Shine on Unity United Methodist Church-may God s grace fuel us and enable us to be that beacon of hope we are striving to be for the world. May Our God provide us peace for the journey ahead. Pastor Jen 5

6 SUMMER SERMON SERIES All My Days Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. -- Philippians 4:6 The tradition of using a string of beads or rope knots is an ancient tradition as well as being a ritual action shared by many faith traditions around the globe. The common connection is the ability to give structure to personal prayer devotion. It offers a way to remind and revisit various areas of focus and concern. Repeated rituals can be powerful as they help shape our habits. This summer, we are invited to pray All My Days and to make a habit of prayer wherever you are. Each Sunday in worship we will focus on one of the steps of the prayer beads but you are encouraged to pray these categories all summer long. (Continued on Page 7) 6

7 (Continued from page 6) 7/31/2016 Concern Luke 12:22-34 do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father s good pleasure to give you the kingdom What keeps you up at night? What concern is pressing in on you personally? As we pray with the aid of the strand of beads, we move from our struggles to our fears. What does the Good News say about the grip of fear on our lives? In naming our fear, we also open to the assurance of Jesus do not be afraid, I am with you. 8/7/2016 Love Luke 6:27-36 love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who hurt you and you will be children of the Most High... The next bead is about neighbors, friends and enemies. We are invited to pray for those we love (usually pretty easy) AND to pray for those we have trouble loving! What does it mean to love your enemies? We are called to practice the language of the mercy and grace of God in our praying (and to ask forgiveness for our own unlovable moments!). 8/14/2016 Intercession Luke 18:1-8 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart Intercessory prayer is prayer on behalf of others. The prayer strand has three beads here, inviting us to name three (at least) people or places that are need of the healing presence of God. As we extend our thoughts and prayers to the pain of others, we extend our ability for empathy and strengthen our commitment to discipleship through prayers of action in the world. 8/21/2016 World "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." -- Matthew 5:16 Few things are as powerful when you are feeling vulnerable or in need than the knowledge that someone is praying for you. So many people have such remarkable stories of their experiences of being prayed for or their experiences for intercessing on behalf of someone, something, or some situation. (Continued on Page 8) 7

8 (Continued from page 7) 8/28/2016 Holy Spirit John 17:17-26 as you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one We are part of a global community on this earth. Prayers on behalf of the world (and the planet itself) keeps us from a navel-gazing take-care-of-our-own mentality. This Sunday we will sing songs of Christians around the world in solidarity with our sisters and brothers near and far away. 9/4/2016 Jesus Romans 8:22-28 that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words As we near the end of the prayer bead strand, it is the firey Holy Spirit to whom we appeal Come, Holy Spirit! Move in us, move through us, enliven the gifts you have given us so that we can give freely in our everyday lives. This Sunday we celebrate the Spirit s movements in our lives together as community. Ideas and resources for this series provided by Marcia McFee and The Design Studio@ 8

9 Bishop-Elect Easterling: 'I always, always, always stand on the side of justice...' July 14, 2016 With 119 votes, 18 more than she needed, LaTrelle Miller Easterling was elected as bishop by the Northeastern Jurisdiction on July 14, Bishop-Elect Easterling, an elder in the New England Conference, most recently served as superintendent of the Metro Boston Hope District, and was named Dean of the Cabinet in June. In introducing his newest colleague on the Council of Bishops, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar called Bishop-Elect Easterling a prophetess, a pastor who leads the church from her spiritual center, and above all, a beloved sister in Christ who always, always has a passion for the marginalized. (Continued on page 10) 9

10 (Continued from page 9) Bishop-Elect Easterling told the conferences of the NEJ that no matter where it is, If God sends me there, I will never look back. I always, always, always stand on the side of justice, she said, but I draw the circle wide enough for all of us to be there and when I say all, I mean all. See a gallery of photos from Bishop-Elect Easterling's election from our Facebook page She became district superintendent in 2012, succeeding the late Martin D. McLee, who was elected bishop that year. She has followed Bishop McLee s path to the episcopacy having served as pastor of Union United Methodist Church in Boston and then as DS of the same district he had served. Originally from Indianapolis, Bishop-Elect Easterling, 51, told the NEJ about a Friday night when she was 16 and sitting in the back of her hometown church. All of a sudden something started tingling in me, she said, and her peers asked what she was doing as she moved toward the front. There was a hand that guided me down that aisle and I gave my life to Jesus Christ and I have never looked back. Bishop-Elect Easterling admitted that she tried to run from the call to ministry, but God was faithful, and for five days woke her at 3:33 a.m. to say: Preach My Word. She said the Scripture that has carried her through the election process is Jeremiah 12:5, and displaying her gifts as a preacher, said: Beloved, we got some horses we got to run with, because we have work to do. We have to come out of the safe places and get into the thickets that means where gonna get bruised, that means we re going to get pricked, that means we re going to bleed, but in the name of Jesus Bishop-Elect Easterling was ordained a deacon in 1995 and an elder two years later. She graduated from the Boston University School of Theology Summa Cum Laude in (Continued on page 11) 10

11 (Continued from page 10) She was a delegate to General Conference in 2012 and 2016, and served on the NEJ s Multi- Ethnic Center Board. She also served on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Bishop-Elect Easterling earned her bachelor s degree at Indiana University, and her law degree from the university s School of Law. Before entering full-time ministry worked as a mediator and as a Human Resources Manager and Director. She is married to the Rev. Marion Easterling, Jr., the pastor of Parkway United Methodist Church in Milton, MA. They are the parents of two sons, Garrett Walter and Miles Teronza. The NEJ elected two African-American women as bishop at this conference: Bishop-Elect Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop-Elect Easterling. When asked during the interviews about inclusivity, Bishop-Elect Easterling said, I know what it feels like to be excluded. I know what it feels like to be present but ignored. But getting to know one another can change that, she said. Once we get to know each other, it s almost impossible to hate, it s almost impossible to continue excluding, it s almost impossible to remain where you were. We are changed when we hear one another s story. 11

12 A Booklist for Summer Reading in partnership with our SUMMER SERMON SERIES ON PRAYER: ALL OUR DAYS This summer we are participating in a summer s-long sermon series on prayer. We are exploring a variety of categories of prayer using Protestant prayer beads. I have compiled below a list of books that I have in my library on prayer that you might find interesting or useful in your personal journey in intentional faith development. I believe the church office might even have a copy or two of the Companions in Christ Way of Prayer book. If interested please check it out and just let me know via a post it note etc. that you are borrowing it. I hope you find this list of resources useful. Peace, Pastor Jen (Continued on page 13) 12

13 (Continued from page 12) Foster, Richard J Prayer: Finding the Heart s True Home. New York: Harper One Publishing. -Best-selling author Richard J. Foster offers a warm, compelling, and sensitive primer on prayer, helping us to understand, experience, and practice it in its many forms-from the simple prayer of beginning again to unceasing prayer. He clarifies the prayer process, answers common misconceptions, and shows the way into prayers of contemplation, healing, blessing, forgiveness, and rest. Coming to prayer is like coming home, Foster says. "Nothing feels more right, more like what we are created to be and to do. Yet at the same time we are confronted with great mysteries. Who hasn't struggled with the puzzle of unanswered prayer? Who hasn't wondered how a finite person can commune with the infinite Creator of the universe? Who hasn't questioned whether prayer isn't merely psychological manipulation after all? We do our best, of course, to answer these knotty questions but when all is said and done, there is a sense in which these mysteries remain unanswered and unanswerable... At such times we must learn to become comfortable with the mystery." Foster shows how prayer can move us inward into personal transformation, upward toward intimacy with God, and outward to minister to others. He leads us beyond questions to a deeper understanding and practice of prayer, bringing us closer to God, to ourselves, and to our community Laird, Martin Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation. Oxford: Oxford University Press. -Sitting in stillness, the practice of meditation, and the cultivation of awareness are commonly thought to be the preserves of Hindus and Buddhists. Martin Laird shows that the Christian tradition of contemplation has its own refined teachings on using a prayer word to focus the mind, working with the breath to cultivate stillness, and the practice of inner vigilance or awareness. But this book is not a mere historical survey of these teachings. In Into the Silent Land, we see the ancient wisdom of both the Christian East and West brought sharply to bear on the modern-day longing for radical openness to God in the depths of the heart. Laird's book is not like the many presentations for beginners. While useful for those just starting out, this book serves especially as a guide for those who desire to journey yet deeper into the silence of God. The heart of the book focuses on negotiating key moments of struggle on the contemplative path, when the whirlwind of distractions or the brick wall of boredom makes it difficult to continue. Laird shows that these inner struggles, even wounds, that any person of prayer must face, are like riddles, trying to draw out of us our own inner silence. Ultimately Laird shows how the wounds we loathe become vehicles of the healing silence we seek, beyond technique and achievement. Throughout the language is fresh, direct, and focused on real-life examples of people whose lives are incomparably enriched by the practice of contemplation. (Continued on page 14) 13

14 (Continued from page 13) Muller, Wayne Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in our Busy Lives.New York: Bantam Books. -In today's world, with its relentless emphasis on success and productivity, we have lost the necessary rhythm of life, the balance between work and rest. Constantly striving, we feel exhausted and deprived in the midst of great abundance. We long for time with friends and family, we long for a moment to ourselves. Millennia ago, the tradition of Sabbath created an oasis of sacred time within a life of unceasing labor. Now, in a book that can heal our harried lives, Wayne Muller, author of the spiritual classic How, Then, Shall We Live?, shows us how to create a special time of rest, delight, and renewal--a refuge for our souls. We need not even schedule an entire day each week. Sabbath time can be a Sabbath afternoon, a Sabbath hour, a Sabbath walk. With wonderful stories, poems, and suggestions for practice, Muller teaches us how we can use this time of sacred rest to refresh our bodies and minds, restore our creativity, and regain our birthright of inner happiness. Nouwen, Henri J.M Finding My Way Home: Pathways to Life and the Spirit. New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company. -Henri Nouwen became one of the most inspiring spiritual guides of the 20th century. Culled from a life of intense seeking, these profound meditations on living, waiting, power, peace, and dying offer important insights that will inspire all who dare to travel a spiritual path. Vennard, Jane E Companions in Christ: Way of Prayer. Nashville: Upper Room Publishing. -"It's said that prayer is so primal an urge for humankind that we're born into the world praying. Yet, something so natural and seemingly so easy comes hard sometimes. The Way of Prayer is a 10-week small group study about the nature, practice and results of prayer. Some forms of prayer arise in our lives spontaneously, some are learned by rote and others are stumbled upon as we move through life. ""All prayer, formal or informal, is about our relationship with God,"" writes Vennard and Bryant. ""...Somewhere deep inside us resides the experience of being so deeply connected to God that we long to express the wonder of that relationship. We pray because we can...and must."" Honor the ways you were taught to pray while expanding your understanding to include new ways to pray in this seventh title in the Companions in Christ series. Topics covered include: * How do you pray? * Images of God * Praying by heart * Praying with music * Praying by gazing * Praying with our bodies * Scriptural prayer * Contemplative prayer * Praying with and for others * Prayer and social transformation A Leader's Guide is also available." Whitmire, Catherine Practicing Peace: A Devotional Walk Through the Quaker Tradition. Notre Dame, Indiana: Sorin Books. -This book describes successful nonviolent movements in history and includes quotations taken from 350 years of Quaker writings on the discipline of practicing peace. 14

15 WISDOM FROM POOH "Say, Pooh, why aren't you busy?" I said. "Because it's a nice day," said Pooh. "Yes, but ---" "Why ruin it?" he said. "But you could be doing something Important," I said. "I am, " said Pooh. "Oh? Doing what?" "Listening," he said. "Listening to what?" "To the birds. And that squirrel over there." "What are they saying?" I asked. "That it's a nice day," said Pooh. "But you know that already," I said. "Yes, but it's always good to hear that somebody else thinks so, too," he replied. Stop and take time to listen today! It's a beautiful day! -Ernie Haase and Signature Sound 15

16 Conference adopts 'Action of Non-Conformity' resolution Will Green and John Blackadar bring the resolution to the Annual Conference June 17, June 17, 2016 The New England Annual Conference said it would not wait any longer for The United Methodist Church to change its position on homosexuality. Members voted 445/179 Friday afternoon to support the resolution titled Action of Non- Conformity with the General Conference of The United Methodist Church. There were 17 abstentions and two blank ballots. (The Resolution is included at the end of this document) It states, in part, The NEAC will not conform or comply with provisions of the Discipline which discriminate against LGBTQIA persons and The NEAC and its members will not participate in or conduct judicial procedures related to the Discipline s prohibitions against LGBTQIA persons. (Continued on page 17) 16

17 (Continued from page 16) During the morning session, a motion was made to refer the resolution to the Council of Bishops for consideration by the commission being formed in response to General Conference s request for guidance from the bishops on the church s stand. The Rev. John Marshall, pastor of South UMC in Manchester, CT, made the motion to refer. I followed the stream of General Conference relatively closely the denomination was on the brink of schism, and the body asked the Council of Bishops for leadership, he said, and the council proposed the commission to study human sexuality. I think there are many people from a variety of places that really struggled with that, Rev. Marshall said. And they re asking us to give them a lot of trust. What I hear in that is that as a church, as a denomination that was on brink of schism, we decided to give the church one more chance at a creative solution, a compromise. We were asked to live with the current situation for a little while longer. My sense is that we could offer this resolution that was overwhelmingly approved by the Committee on the Whole to this commission for them to understand the depth of hurt, the depth of woundedness, the depth of feeling disconnected that real people are feeling in real ways throughout New England. There s something sacred about trust; there s something powerful about consensus. He concluded by saying that Jesus called on us to love, and the most difficult kind of love requires us to trust each other even though we might get hurt one more time. The Rev. Allen Ewing-Merrill, said the conversation made him think of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. s Letter from a Birmingham Jail, and said the time for waiting is over. Wait has almost always meant never, said Rev. Ewing-Merrill, pastor at Hope.Gate.Way UMC in Portland, ME. What this Conference said last night is we re not going to wait any longer for the general church to make up its mind and maybe someday have justice; we re going to act. The resolution was initially considered in by a Committee on the Whole, a mechanism in Robert s Rules of Order that in effect allows a voting body to consider matters as if it is a committee. The Rev. John Blackadar, newly elected conference secretary, was chosen to preside over the Committee on the Whole, and he presented the resolution this morning. Questions were asked Friday as to whether the resolution had any legal implications; Conference Chancellor Bill Hewig said there was nothing the Annual Conference could do that would jeopardize its 501C3 status. He also said the only possible legal consequence would be a challenge that sends the matter to the Judicial Council. (Continued on page 18) 17

18 (Continued from page 17) A friendly amendment to add the phrase anti-oppression to the language of the resolution was approved. A recommendation was made to the Committee of the Whole to add anti-sexism, and a motion this morning, which passed, was made to add ageism to the language. The antioppression language was intended to cover all of the isms. The last paragraph of the resolution was amended Friday afternoon to remove the prohibition against using Conference reserve funds to pay general church apportionments. Language was also added to charge the Connectional Table and the Conference Council on Finance and Administration with the task of developing those programs. In making the final speech as the maker of the motion Pastor Will Green said: Do not let fear stop you from doing the right thing, and added that taking this action was against the rules, but not against justice. The Rev. Edward Bove, serving People's UMC and Searsmont UMC in Maine, Friday morning described his feelings challenging rules: Talking of his days at the Boston University School of Theology, and the statue to Dr. King with the plaque that reads: When fight against unjust laws, it is not a disrespect for the law, but the highest regard for the law. We are not disregarding the law, he said, but rather: We are making a statement of love. After the paper ballots were counted, the Rev. Michael Pike of Portsmouth UMC in Rhode Island, requested that Bishop Devadhar make a decision of law on the legality of the resolution. I believe this action is clearly and intentionality in opposition to and in conflict with the Book of Discipline, Pike said. Devadhar noted that he had 30 days under church law to answer Pike s request and promised to do so. Sam Hodges, a United Methodist News Service writer, contributed to this report. Following on page 20 is the Action of Non-Conformity: (Continued on page 19) 18

19 (Continued from page 18) ACTION OF NON-CONFORMITY WITH THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The New England Annual Conference as a body affirms our commitment to a fully inclusive church. Therefore: The NEAC will not conform or comply with provisions of the Discipline which discriminate against LGBTQIA persons, including marriage (161.B), the incompatibility clause (161.F), ordination and appointments (304.3), homosexual unions (341.6), AC funding ban (613.19), GCFA funding ban (806.9), chargeable offenses pertaining to being "a self avowed practicing homosexual" or to officiating at weddings for couples regardless of the sex of the partners (2702.1b,d). The NEAC and its members will not participate in or conduct judicial procedures related to the Discipline's prohibitions against LGBTQIA persons. The NEAC insists that any benefits available to clergy and employees and their families are available to all clergy and employees and their families, regardless of the sexes or genders of the partners, and requires the District Superintendents to inform all clergy under their supervision of this right. The NEAC will realign its funding to reflect these commitments, using no reserve funds to pay for judicial procedures related to the Discipline's prohibitions against LGBTQIA persons, and instead requests the Connectional table and CCFA develop and fund programs of cultural competency, anti-racism, antiageism, anti-sexism, anti-oppression and anti-homophobia training at the conference and district levels, as well as for advocacy and implementation efforts related to the same. Thank you to Rev. Dr. Thom Blackstone, Pastor of Pleasant Street UMC, Waterville, Maine, who offers these observations: 1. This action is not schismatic. The conference was very deliberate in supporting our financial and spiritual ties to the wider United Methodist Church. 2. We are not alone in this. At least two other Annual Conferences have taken similar actions, and more clearly will in the future. 3. The Bishops will continue to work on a process by which we can live together as one church while holding differing views of human sexuality. New England UM's support that process and have said that in a separate resolution. 4. We've been here before with New England churches taking stances that differed from General Conference policy on pastors and bishops holding slaves, and on the licensing of women to preach. Those differences were resolved; these will be as well. 5. We will continue to be a UM church doing what UM churches do: feeding the hungry, comforting the grieving, studying God's word, supporting important ministries here in Maine and around the world. 19

20 Holy Communion 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. 20

21 Thank you for your support!! 21

22 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. 22

23 Continued on page 17 23

24 Continued from page 16 Tuesday at 9:30 AM 24

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26 Christian Ministry in the same location for 175 years Our church is celebrating 175 years of ministry this year. Expect to see banners, of various sizes, highlighting this celebration throughout the year. Other activities are in the works and will be announced regularly. Please suggest your ideas to an NOW committee member. 26

27 NOW Nuture Outreach Witness Common Responsibilities of Nurture, Outreach and Witness Ministry Teams and Project Groups Understand the overall goals of the congregation and relate the goals to specific projects and programs so that the goals are extended into and beyond the congregation. To accomplish the goals of the congregation, short-term teams may form and disband throughout the year to implement specific ministries. Explore and build networks with existing organizations, people, and resources in the congregation and community to fulfill the mission of the church. 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. 27

28 This thank you to the church was received this week from Operation Gratitude for the three boxes of food and personal items we gathered. 28

29 JUST SAYING This is a series with some questions we can ask ourselves about our interaction with our Vision Statements. No reply is needed, just think about your answers. This month s topic is from EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY, Intentionally seeking opportunities for making a positive difference in the lives of people beyond our walls through congregational support and outreach. How we interact with people can have much to do with whether we make a positive difference. Are we kind in our transactions with cashiers? Do we thank people for their time taken to help us? Just saying. The Ministry of Prayer As a church we believe in the power of prayer. Please pray for: Marilyn Joyce Chase s sister, Joan Bradstreet, Olive Tinker and Bette s cousin Valerie, Madeline Stevenson, Kip & Kathy Bagley, Liz Sullivan and family, Helen and Max Gillette, Nancy Henry, Sharon Shaw, Tammy Shaw, Tonya Hubbard, Olive and Carl Braley, Charlene & Paul LaBrie, Charlene s nephew - David, Wendy and Monte Magnan and Emily, and Carter, her sisters Nancy, Bonnie, Cindy, Sarah, Evelyn Wilbur & family, Connie Reynolds, Jane Glen, Lisa Smith; Pastor Bill Simpson, Roger & Marie Barber, Dottie and Bruce Jansen, Seth Reed, the children & parents-of our Sunday school program, Strategic Planning for Mission & Ministry 2016 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 NOW Committee Chair Joan Bradstreet at or Lay Leader Christie Saunders at

30 Month of Sundays August 7, 2016 (Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Sermon Pastor Jen Reed Communion Steward Bette Curtis Fellowship Host OPEN August 14, 2016 (Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Sermon Pastor Jen Reed Fellowship Host OPEN August 21, 2016 (Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Sermon Pastor Jen Reed Fellowship Host OPEN August 28, 2016 (Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Sermon Pastor Jen Reed Fellowship Host OPEN (call Christie Saunders at and let her know when you would like to help on Fellowship.) 30

31 1. RADICAL HOSPITALITY FINAL STRATEGIC GOALS (SG) SG #1: Being intentional about inviting the unchurched into our faith community SG #2: Being intentional in church the GSTS in offering sincere greeting to welcome people to worship as they are, where they are. God loves you as you are. SG #3: Being intentional about offering a safe, friendly, pleasant facility/grounds in which people can gather, learn and worship. 2. PASSIONATE WORSHIP SG #1: Being intentional about connecting people to God through a meaningful worship experience SG #2: Being intentional about exploring various ways of inviting church members/outside groups to share their gifts in worship. 3. INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT SG #1: To be diligent in offering opportunities for each individual of our faith community to grow in the grace of Jesus Christ and in the knowledge and love of God. 4a. RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE **THE CHURCH SG #1: Discerning God s call to step out beyond our comfort zones to meet the needs of our community. 4b. RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE **GOOD STEWARD THRIFT SHOP SG #1: Discern intentional ways in which to offer God s love and grace to our local community through the ministry of the Good Steward Thrift Shop. SG #2: Intentionally providing more opportunities for volunteers to share in God s love and grace by serving at the Good Steward Thrift Shop. 5. EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY SG #1: Intentionally seeking opportunities for making a positive difference in the lives of people beyond our walls through congregational support and outreach. SG #2: Intentionally cultivating a spirit of generous giving within the congregation throughout the year. SG#3: Intentionally teach, preach, and practice that generous giving is a spiritual discipline. 31

32 The Leadership Team has completed their work in discerning the church s new mission and vision statements. This has come after months of prayerful meetings in which the congregational responses to survey questions were considered. Below are the mission and vision statements along with the strategic goals formulated out of the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations material. All were approved by the Administrative Committee on Sunday, July 19, Thanks to all who participated. MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS: Unity Union Church Mission Statement: Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ Unity Union United Methodist Church Vision Statement: As followers of Jesus Christ, we strive to be a beacon of hope, reflecting God s light and love. In order to live out our vision we covenant to practice: RADICAL HOSPITALITY Welcoming one another as we are with the love of God PASSIONATE WORSHIP Connecting to God through authentic and engaging worship INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT Growing together in the grace and love of Jesus Christ RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE Reaching out to meet needs within our community and beyond EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY Cultivating a spirit of generous giving of our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness for the Glory of God. 32

33 Information Page Unity United Methodist Church 13 Depot St. PO Box 146 Unity, Maine Pastor: Rev. Jennifer Reed; or Lay Leader: Christie Saunders; Council Chair: Gene Pfeiffer; Trustee Chair: Barry McCormick; Worship Service 10 AM Sunday Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday Please Like the Unity United Methodist Church in Facebook Check out our Church WEBSITE at articles to: or Contact us at final I wonder if clouds ever look down on us and say, Hey look! That one is shaped like a Methodist! 33