Cross. Talk March, Bangor First United Methodist Church 703 Essex Street, Bangor Maine. Dear Church Family,

Transcription

1 Bangor First United Methodist Church 703 Essex Street, Bangor Maine For Information... Phone: Website: (Sermon podcasts available) Facebook: First Included in this issue. Lenten activities 2 United Methodist Women 3 Community Meal/Food cupboard 3 Coffee Fellowship 4 My 5 Prayer requests 6 Meetings & Events 6 Birthdays 7 Worship Assistants 8 Calendar 8 The United Methodist Church OPEN MINDS OPEN HEARTS OPEN DOORS Cross Dear Church Family, Talk March, 2017 Bishops Devadhar and Ives recently hosted a conversation at Green Street UMC in Augusta about the work of the Commission on a Way Forward. Appointed by the Council of Bishops, the commission has been developing models for how The United Methodist Church treats LGBTQ inclusion. As you may know, our denomination has been growing increasingly more divided over exclusionary language in our Book of Discipline regarding homosexuality, and schism is not out of the question. During the last General Conference (the denomination s legislative body, which meets every 4 years), the Council of Bishops recommended that delegates table any discussion of homosexuality and allow the bishops to name a special commission to completely examine (and possibly recommend revisions of) every paragraph in the Book of Discipline related to human sexuality. The commission would represent the different regions of a denomination on four continents, as well as the varied perspectives of the church. Many months later, the 32-member commission has proposed three possible models for how the denomination can stay together in spite of its deep differences around homosexuality. None of the models (which continue to be fleshed out by the commission) has a clear majority among commission members. In no particular order, the three options are: Affirm the current Book of Discipline language and place a high value on accountability. The church policy book says the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching and lists officiating at a same-gender union or being a self-avowed practicing gay clergy member as chargeable offenses under church law. Remove the Book of Discipline's restrictive language and place a high value on contextualization. This sketch also specifically protects the rights of those whose conscience will not allow them to perform same-gender weddings or ordain LGBTQ people. Create multiple branches that have clearly defined values such as accountability, contextualization, and justice. This model would maintain shared doctrine and services and one Council of Bishops. This option is intended to provide a space within the overall church where different groups could operate according to their conscientious beliefs. A special General Conference scheduled for February 23-26, 2019 will determine how the denomination will move forward. As you can see, this is a challenging time for the United Methodist Church. Bishop Devadhar has asked all the congregations of the New England Conference to be in prayer for the work of the Commission on a Way Forward and the Council of Bishops. I hope you will join me in praying that our denomination s leadership will discern God s will for our future. Peace, Pastor Arlene A copy of the commission s full report can be found at Website_Properties/council-of-bishops/COWF_Handbook_2017_REVISED.pdf

2 PAGE 2 This N That... Lenten Worship Series: The Way Join us on a journey of pilgrimage during the season of Lent. This year s Lenten worship series is inspired by the well-known pilgrimage route known as El Camino de Santiago. During our weekly worship we ll reflect on Lenten scriptures about the journeys, roads and pathways of life. We re also offering a discussion of the book, Are We There Yet? Pilgrimage in the Season of Lent on Sunday mornings from 9:15 10:00 Join us as we make our way together through this holy season. Ash Wednesday, February 14 at 6:30 PM Buen Camino, Joel 2:1-2, Sunday, February 18 The Wandering Way, Luke 4:1-13 Sunday, February 25 The Way Around, Luke 13:31-35 Sunday, March 4 The High Way, Isaiah 55:1-9 Sunday, March 11 The Way Home, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Sunday, March 18 The Free Way, Isaiah 43:16-21 and Philippians 3:8b-14 Palm Sunday, March 25 The Other Way, Mark 11:1-11 Lenten Book Discussion Are We There Yet? Pilgrimage in the Season of Lent Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:00 Using stories of pilgrimage and pilgrims, Are We There Yet? explores some of the most beloved pilgrimage sites in the Christian tradition and introduces the idea of an interior pilgrimage a journey through the terrain of the soul. This book undergirds and strengthens established daily devotional practices, and also invites you to observe Lent in ways you may not have previously considered. Books can be purchased at (Also available on the Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble Nook, and at the itunes store.) A limited number of copies are available in the church office.

3 PAGE 3 United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. What does United Methodist Women do? Our members nurture one another in community and support U.S. and international projects and partners improving the lives of women, children and youth with their prayers, volunteer and advocacy efforts, and financial gifts. Why should I join United Methodist Women? United Methodist Women is a community of women committed to mission. As a member you can take advantage of many opportunities, including the following: Prayer, Bible studies and spiritual retreats. Hands-on mission in local communities. Mission education experiences. Leadership development and training opportunities. Supporting work with women, children and youth. Partnership with women in mission in the country and around the world. Advocate for social justice issues, including those pertaining to the environment, domestic violence, immigration and the many other concerns that impact the lives of women, children and youth. Engagement in racial justice issues. Our next meeting is: March 10, 2018 at 9:30 Come, join us in fellowship and learn about Rosscare s Live Safe program Rosscare believes in improving life by valuing aging. With more than 30 years of experience, the staff at Rosscare are experts in aging and are passionate about caring for area seniors. Seniors are a very important contributing part of our community, and Rosscare is here to ensure seniors and their families have the healthcare information and resources they need, when they need them. Rosscare operates Live Safe, a personal emergency response program with approximately 600 monthly subscribers in the Bangor and Waterville regions, and more than 500 subscribers in the Presque Isle area.

4 PAGE 4 COMMUNITY MEALS FOR MARCH MARCH MEALS March 1: Hot dogs & beans March 8: Chicken ala King March 15: Pulled Pork March 22: Breakfast for dinner March 29: Baked chicken & rice (Maundy Thursday meal) MARCH NEEDS Marcy 1: Desserts or plain chips March 8: Desserts March 15: Desserts or plain chips March 22: Muffins, sweet breads, donuts March 29: Desserts FOOD CUPBOARD NEEDS FOR MARCH COFFEE FELLOWSHIP GROUPS FOR MARCH March 4: Polly Goding, Barbara Wais, Rachel Wilson, Barbara Warner March11: Clyde & Judy Pelkey, Lorena Fenlason March18: Mary Smith, Kathie Merrill March 25: Dale & Julie Brownie, Barbara & Jeff Fister During the month of March we are asking for donations of the following items for the food cupboard: Hamburger Helper or rice mixes Mac & cheese Canned meats such as tuna, chicken or ham Toiletries such as toilet paper, bar soap and shampoo RIPPLE EFFECT 2.0 The Rock Church, Plaistow, New Hampshire MARCH 10 (9am-3pm) Featured Speaker: Rev. Doug Ruffle Bangor First has been invited to a one day conference designed for a church our size to address the challenges of growing. This training will address issues of leading, worshiping, and developing systems to keep people plugged in. Please let the office or Pastor Arlene know if you are interested in attending. We will plan to car pool. QR code for smart phones that will take you directly to the FUMC electronic donation page.

5 PAGE 5 NEWS FROM.. And MEMORY JOGGERS My and Memory Joggers My themes for March are March Madness, Oh Beans!, Bread of Life, Get on Board, Hats, Wearing of the Green, Luck of the Irish, Evergreens, Snowshoe Hares, Maple Syrup, Super Soup, and Easter Eggs. MFP Wish List: Non-perishable fruit cups If you haven t already, please Like Us and Share Us on facebook at My /Memory Joggers, Bangor, ME If you are interested in volunteering, for JUST ONE HOUR, TUES- DAY OR FRIDAY, ONCE A MONTH FROM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM, please call me We are looking to offer some one-on-one time with some of our more challenged participants. Blessings, Dottie England, Director MONDAYS AT 1:00 IN THE FIRESIDE ROOM Singing for Spring You re invited to an in-house concert with Roosevelt Credit and John Haskell. Come and enjoy a night of favorite songs, old and new. Appetizers provided, Bring your own beverage. Tickets are $25.00; 40 person limit Thursday, March 8th at 6:00pm 214 French Street Reserve a space: malleryj@aol.com or

6 PAGE 6 March Meetings / Events at Bangor First UMC Ongoing Group Meetings Meetings: March 7: FLIA Childcare committee; 6:00 March 4: Worship Com March 10: UMW March 15: Piburn March 25: Evangelism March 27: Ad Council; 7:00 March 26: Keenagers Events/Services: UMCOR Sunday: March 11 Informal Worship: Thursdays at 6:00 Sundays at 9:15: Book study Christian Education 10:45 (2nd- 4th Sundays) DCOM: March 1,2 ( 9:00-3:00) Palm Sunday: March 25 Easter Sunday: April 1 Food Addicts in Recovery meet each Monday at 6:30 Bangor Community Chorus rehearses every Tuesday at 6:30 (Sept-May) Toymakers meet each Monday evening at 6:00 Cub Scouts meet on Wednesdays at 6:00 (Sept-June) Delta Kappa Gamma meets monthly (Sept June) on the first Monday. EAAA Café: Tuesdays; Noon Rachel D. Ben I. Tammy B. Family of Dorothy W. Norm & Marguerite Wayne G The Falla family Bill P Dawn R. Bob & Jackie L. Silvia W. Jill S. Peg S. Adam S. Geneva I. Marion G. Chuck & Lonna S. Eliana B. Matthew M. Greg P. Uncle of Wayne G-H The Bangor Area Street Pastors Prayer Requests Into your hands Heavenly Father we entrust these people who are in need of your healing touch, knowledge of your presence, and your comfort. Sustain them in good days and bad. Help them to feel your loving presence with them during every difficulty, for you are always there ahead of any circumstance. Watch over all those who are in need. Help them to feel that you are always near them and know that all they need do is look to YOU for comfort and for strength. In Your loving name we pray. Amen Don t you know? Haven t you heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He doesn t grow tired or weary. His understanding is beyond human reach, giving power to the tired and reviving the exhausted. Youths will become tired and weary, young men will certainly stumble; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary. Isaiah 40: (Common English Bible)

7 PAGE 7 Birthdays MARCH, 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Judi Collier Vicki Kolenik Mary Ann Harlan Chris Cronan Debbie Towle William Christensen Peter Haskins 17 Mark Boulier Sue Croce Silvia Wright Bob LaFlamme Sue White Shirley Ginn Bob Commeau Elexis Swett 31. Happy Birthday To you To Jesus be true God Bless you and keep you the whole year through!

8 PAGE 8 Worship Assistants for March, 2018 ***If you are unable to cover the date for which you are scheduled please arrange for a substitute or call the person who contacted you or give the office a call. Readers Trustees Media & Media Sound Techs 4 Stephen Ritz-Perkins 11 Glenn Mower 18 Lesley Whittington 25 John Haskell 4 Gregg Stewart 11 David Pelkey 18 Jim Chick 25 Steve Earl Geoff Dapice Wayne Griffith-Hurst Sound Jim Burkhart Greeters for the 10:30 am Traditional Worship Sanctuary Door Essex Essex Street Street Door Back Door 4 Dan & Louise Hatch 11 Jim & Jane Sinclair 18 Clyde & Judy Pelkey 25 Andrew & Becky Croce 4 Roz Fisher 11 Rolfe Flood 18 Polly Goding 25 Lorena Fenlason 4 Donna Frost 11 Sue Croce 18 Gary & Jane Shaffer 25 Charlotte Witham Newsletter Deadline Worship Schedule No good luck shamrocks needed where God is concerned. He s with you always.in good. times and in bad! Deadline for information for the April newsletter is March 19th. Information may be submitted in written form, via or by phone. Pathways to God 8:30 Traditional Worship Service: 10:30 Christian Ed for children at 10:45 (2nd-4th Sundays) Informal Worship: Thursdays at 6:00

9 PAGE 9 Bangor First United Methodist Church Calendar for. March, 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 DCOM 9-3 (Fireside) Yoga (Family) 4:00 Community Meal Worship 6: :00 DCOM 10:00 My 3 4 8:30 Pathways 10:30 Worship 11:45: Worship Committee 5 1:00 Bible Study 4:00 DKG 6:00: Toymakers 6:00: FAIR 6 Yoga 0:00: My 12:00 EAAA Café 6:00 BCC 7 10:00 Memory Joggers 6:00 Cub Scouts 6:00 FLIA Childcare 8 Yoga 4:00 Community Meal 6:00: Worship 6:45 Bells 9 10:00 My 10 UMW 9:30 (Family Room) Tastefully Simple (Fireside Room, 9-1) 6:00 FLIA Yoga Yoga :30 Pathways 10:30 Worship Sunday School begins UMCOR Sunday 1:00 Bible Study 6:00: Toymakers 6:00: FAIR 10:00: My 12:00 EAAA Café 6:00 BCC 5:00 MFP Board 10:00 Memory Joggers 6:00 Cub Scouts 1:00 Piburn 4:00 Community Meal 6:00: Worship Bells 6:45 10:00 My Wedding shower (Fireside Room, 1-5) Yoga Yoga :30 Pathways 10:30 Worship 10:45 Sunday School 1:00 Bible Study 6:00 Toymakers 6:00 FAIR 10:00: My 12:00 EAAA Café 6:00 BCC 10:00 Memory Joggers 6:00 Cub Scouts 4:00 Community Meal 6:00: Worship Bells 6:45 10:00 My 5-6:00 Bean Supper Yoga 28 8:30 Pathways 10:30 Worship 11:45 Evangelism Committee 12:00 Keenagers 1:00 Bible Study 6:00 Toymakers 6:00 FAIR 10:00: My 12:00 EAAA Café 6:00 BCC 7:00 Ad Council 10:00 Memory Joggers 6:00 Cub Scouts