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 June 2017 Our Mission Statement is: Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ Pastor s Message As a Licensed Local Pastor, I am required to go before the District Committee of Ordained Ministry each year. This committee is comprised of Ordained Elders, lay persons, other LLP s, a representative from the Preacher s Aide Society, and our District Superintendent. It is a time of checking in to see how I am doing spiritually, physically, and mentally. They inquire about how our ministry together is going. I am also required to write a theological essay. We have a time of discussing the essay together. Often times they ask theological questions about what I have submitted. At the end of this process, I receive feedback. This is both positive feedback and also includes things that I need to work on. I also am told whether my license has been approved for another year. (Continued on Page 3) 1

2 A Month of Sundays (p 29) Bible Study (pp 14-16) Bishop s Message (p 12) Camp Mechuwana (pp 21 25) Church History (p 11) Communion (p 27) Church Needs (p 26) Colors of Spring by Debbie Eldridge (p 19) Easter Sunrise Service (p 17) Information Page (p 32) Lay Speaking Ministries (p 13) Ministry of Prayer (p 27) Mission/Vision statements and strategic goals (pp 30 31) NOW Committee (p 28) Operation Gratitude (p 20) Pastor s Message (pp 1,3-5) Pastor s Schedule (p 6) Prayer Chain (p 28) Stanley Knox Death Notice (p 5) Summer 2017 Day Retreats (p 7) Table of Contents (p 2) Thrift Shop News (p 18) United Methodist Women (pp 8 10) Week of Prayer (p 6) 2

3 (Continued from Page 1) This year, my appointment with DCOM is on Tuesday, June 6 th. I would appreciate your prayers on that day. Below I am sharing a rough draft of the essay I am submitting this year. The question they have provided for me to answer is italicized below. I thought it might be useful for you to know about this annual event. I hope the essay is useful for you as well. Peace. Describe the nature and mission of the church. What are its primary tasks today? Please use the Wesleyan Quadrilateral in your response. As of this writing, (May 23, 2017) my first real experience of the nature and mission of the church took place on Easter Sunday, 17 years, 6 weeks, and 1 day ago. Before that time, I rarely attended church. I had never read or studied the Bible. I knew few of the familiar stories of the Old Testament and certainly had never heard of terms such as ecclesiology, soteriology, or missio Dei. However that all changed when Kevin and I along with our four year old son, Seth, decided to attend an Easter worship service at the Methodist Church just down the street from our home. I can still remember the cold knot in the pit of my stomach as we got out of the car, walked across the parking lot and up the front steps. I paused at the door and took a deep breath, expecting a bolt of lightning to flash down at any moment incinerating us before we even crossed the threshold. Most days I prided myself on being someone who was rather bold and outspoken. Yet on that particular morning, I was more than a bit nervous-dare I say intimidated? I still remember thinking that for the first time in my life I knew what it felt like to be a stranger in a strange land. With Kevin s hand squeezing my elbow, my husband guided (pushed?) Seth and I through the front door and life has never been the same. As we walked into the narthex we heard a loud squeal of delight from the front of the church. It was a familiar voice. Amazingly, one of Seth s friends from the daycare he attended during the week raced down the aisle exclaiming, You re here! You re here! Come sit with us! When I look back on that moment, even now, almost two decades later, I still get tears in my eyes. On that Easter Sunday, our family took a daring step of faith in attending church together for the very first time and it was as though Jesus himself was there to welcome us into God s family through the hospitable presence of a little girl. We were instantly welcomed into a caring, nurturing, worshipping, community. We came back the following week, and have rarely missed a Sunday service since. (This is good, considering I am now serving as an LLP.) Church is a community that we enter. It is the sense of being in community that kept my family coming back week after week after week. It was this sense of community and the relationships we established that became the seedbed in which our faith was nurtured, at times challenged, and ultimately grew. It was also in community that the means of grace-the study of Scripture, prayer, fasting, fellowship/holy conferencing and the celebration of Communion- were first introduced to us then nurtured and practiced. Within a year of that first visit, I became a faithful member of a covenant bible study group. This group was made up of me and three other women. We gathered faithfully each Wednesday afternoon in an old apartment building in Waterville s South End. We shared a simple meal together, anointed one another with oil, prayed over and for one another. These three women opened the Scriptures to me in a way that was intimate, transforming, life changing. They spoon-fed me Biblical wisdom from the Psalms. I learned what it means to be saved by grace through faith through studying the Letters of Paul. I received the Good News of God s great and unconditional love for me through the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. (Continued on Page 4) 3

4 (Continued from page 3) My family went on to become full members of the church, serving on several committees. Our children were both baptized and my oldest confirmed in the Methodist tradition. In these ways The United Methodist Church introduced, instructed, and provided our family the opportunity to practice the Way of Salvation. In the process, we experienced as individuals a dying of self as we found a new identity in mutual relationship with others who also understood themselves to be on a journey with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. These were my first experiences of the nature and mission of the church. Now, some 17 years later, after taking a lay speaking course (with Beverly Abbott), hearing a call to ministry, exploring that call, leaving behind my business career of 16 years, graduating with my M. Div. and serving as an LLP in a local church for the past 5 years I can speak with a greater knowledge and depth of the nature and mission of the church because the life experience I just shared with you, I believe, IS the nature and mission of the church. Our Book of Discipline outlines the tradition of the church as being the instrument of God s grace though which disciple making occurs. As I shared above in my own personal experiences, the Church is a community or fellowship of believers under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This community gathers together in worship to praise God, hear God s Word proclaimed, and celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. It is also within this community that education and instruction in the teachings of Jesus Christ takes place. In these ways each member of the faith community is nurtured and equipped in the faith and invited to take part in God s plan in reconciling the world to God. But this invitation does not stop at just the local level. One of the great attributes that I admire and treasure the most is that we are a global church. Through a strong and faithful connection, we are united with other local churches around the world. Each church is in mission and ministry on the local level, but by our shared bonds in Christ, we are also in mission and ministry around the global. We are not just a church in the local community; we are a church that is part of the global community. And this is not just within our denomination. We are also part of the catholic church with our ecumenical brothers and sisters as well. As United Methodists, we consider the Scriptures to be our primary resource to turn to in times of exhortation, teaching, explorations, and questioning. The Bible is the record of the human experience of the Triune God s creating, redeeming, and sustaining activity with God s people. Therefore, as I outlined in my own experiences above, I believe the nature of the church is realized through the Biblical witness of a people living in covenant. This understanding of covenant is based on texts found in both the Old and New Testaments. I will walk among you, and I will be your God, and you will be my people (Lev. 26:12). I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:17-21). You are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God s own people (1Pet.2:9). The distinguishing feature of this community is the fact that its members are being created anew in the Love of God. The catalyst of this transformation is God s grace. It was in my United Methodist Polity and Doctrine course in seminary that I learned the definition of God s grace as being God s unmerited favor in the life of the believer through the ever-present Holy Spirit. As someone who is a recovering Martha I was amazed to learn that there is no amount of work or laundry list of tasks that is required to receive this grace. It is truly a gift from God. It was also in this course that I learned how our founding father, John Wesley and the early Methodist societies were particularly concerned about inviting people to experience God s grace and to grow in their knowledge and love of God. Using my God-given gift of reason, I can attest to the wisdom of these practices from the benefit of my own lived experiences I shared earlier. (Continued on page 5) 4

5 (Continued from page 4) It is out of a joyful and heartfelt thanksgiving that we, as Christians commit ourselves to the faithestablishing this sacred covenant between God and ourselves and also the community of believers. In this way, we are adopted into the family of God. We become sons and daughters of God and Jesus Christ is our elder brother. The vows we take as professing members of The United Methodist Church are to be lived out both within our covenantal community and also in mission to the world. We are to be ambassadors for Christ (2Cor.5:20) pledging to give of our prayers, our presence our gifts, our service, and our witness in service to the world for the glory of God. In this way, we become the hands, the feet, the voice, the heart of Christ. I praise God for calling me into this faith filled, journeying people of God, a people who are faithfully answering their call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Peace, Jen Death Notice Stanley E. Knox, 93, of Unity, passed away in Bangor on May 17, A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 5, at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave, Belfast. Visitation and time of service will be announced next week. Memories and condolences may be shared at ripostafh.com. 5

6 Mark your calendars for Praying Our Way Forward Praying Our Way Forward was created by the Council of Bishops as a part of its larger commitment to lead the church in every part of the world in times of worship, study, discernment, confession and prayer for God s guidance. The council invited The Upper Room to help engage every annual conference around the world by asking each to take one week for intentional prayer for the mission of The United Methodist Church: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, and for the work of the Commission on a Way Forward. The New England Conference s week is Sunday-Saturday, Oct. 8-14, 2017, so mark those dates on your calendar! More information about Praying Our Way Forward in New England will be coming after Annual Conference. This second phase of the effort began Jan. 1 in the North Carolina Conference and wraps up in the West Angola Episcopal area in June 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. 6

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8 SPRING FLING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 th NAUTILUS - BELFAST 8

9 The United Methodist Women of the Unity United Methodist Church met in the Fellowship Hall at approximately 1:00 P.M. on May 3 rd, Those attending: Jackie McCormick, Bette Curtis, Vera McCormick and Joan Bradstreet. Jackie, our chairperson, welcomed everyone. The UMW Purpose was read. The Breath Prayer and the UMW Pledge were recited in unison. Her mediation was from the Little Book of Prayers. Joys & concerns followed. It was noted that our Companions in Christ Prayer Chain plays an active part. The previous minutes were read and approved. Vera offered an up to date financial report. A $1,000 donation, in memory of Ginny Libby, had been received with a request that it be used for camperships. Under mediation, it was reported we had received an Annual Appeal request from the United Methodist Economic Ministry in Salem, ME. (UMEM)* Joan informed the group that thank you notes had been sent for Ginny Libby s service, as well as for the wedding of Marge Goodwin & Gene Pfeiffer. OLD BUSINESS: 9 health kits came in today. Our goal is to be able to send 25 UMCOR kits to Conference with Pastor Jen on June 15 th. Bette informed the group that Walmart might provide items, if asked in writing. Jackie thanked Christie for chairing the last meeting and thanks went to Vera & Joan for being the hostesses. NEW BUSINESS: We will have a basket of toiletries available at the Good Steward Thrift Shop for customers, as well as items for folks who have suffered a house fire. Since our numbers have been declining over time, starting in September, we voted to move our meetings from Wednesday afternoons to Wednesday mornings beginning at 9:30, hoping to attract members. It would be called the UMW Breakfast Club. Muffins and coffee would be served before each meeting. Our upcoming Bake Sale will be on May 6 th 9:30 to noon. Bette & Vera will hostess this event. Budget Discussion: We voted to send $100 to UMEM.* Our Spring Fling will be held at the Nautilus in Belfast on Wednesday, June 11 th. Vera & Bette will hostess this event. With Judy Brown s donation, it was voted to offer a one week campership for a local child. Sign up slips and the drawing will be held at the GSTS.* Wendy will chair the September meeting. Bette will be the hostess. Without further business to discuss, the benediction was recited. 9

10 The UNITED METHODIST WOMEN are on the move. Beginning in September, the UMW will be meeting the first Wednesday of the month at 9:30 A.M, replacing the later hour. New Name: The UMW Breakfast Club Coffee and muffins will be served. In order to encourage new members, we hope this new meeting time will be beneficial to all. PLEASE JOIN US! Make old cell phones a new life line The New England Annual Conference, in conjunction with Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse (a Conference Advance Special), is collecting used cell phones during Annual Conference. We know that you could drop that phone in a bin at the phone store, but how about making it do good work in the world instead work that reflects your values as a United Methodist to strengthen families, support justice, and establish peace? Newer phones are reprogrammed to allow victims of domestic violence and elder abuse to dial 911 in an emergency. Older phones are sold for parts, and the proceeds support Safe Havens work. You can donate ANY type of cell phone or battery at Annual Conference. 10

11 Some Church History This wood frame building (52 x 52 ) was set on a solid base of granite. It was painted white and had small paned windows with green blinds. The interior was quite different from that of today. There was a high gallery supported by columns that came out over two rows of pews. At the opposite end, the pulpit backed by a sounding board was flanked on each side by pews. In about 1878, the belfry was added and it housed the bell, which had been cast in England. Changes were gradual, but eventually (latter 1800 s) the pews lost their doors, large paned windows let in more light, whitewashed walls were papered and the high gallery was replaced by a lower one over the stairs to the basement. An organ (1890) aided the choir and congregation. In 1915 electricity came to town, the old kerosene lamps were discarded and the electrified chandelier shed a much brighter beam. Also about this time, stained glass windows given as memorials made a more worshipful atmosphere. According to Rev. Ken Smith, at one time the church served both Baptist and Methodist congregations. During the 1920s, ministers of the church began to conduct affairs under the guidelines of the Methodist Conference. The greatest change in the church building took place in the 1980 s with a 52 x 32 addition on the east side of the building, now known as the Fellowship Hall. The building is the most tangible evidence of the past, but it would not have happened without the grace of God, dedicated clergy and the Christian members. Researched by Madeline Stevenson & Joan Bradstreet Excerpts from: Celebrating Our 150 th Year Celebration, the Rev. Kenneth Smith presiding. 11

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13 Lay Servant Ministry courses starting soon Lay Servant Ministry courses are starting soon in districts across the New England Conference. A Lay Servant is an active, supportive member of a United Methodist congregation who is eager to be in ministry through the church. They serve in many ways: visitation, leading a study, singing in the choir, serving at a lunch program, teaching Sunday School, sending out church or personal prayers, volunteering to clean, go on a mission project or to lead or preach at a worship service and these are just a few. Lay Servants are well-informed on scripture, doctrine, heritage, and the organization and life of the church. Click the link below to find out what s coming up in your district. Learn more and register at 13

14 Tuesday Bible Study of the Psalms Recently, the Tuesday Bible Study Group selected the Psalms to explore together over the summer of Below is the reading schedule that has been set up thus far. Come join us for one session or for the summer. We meet Tuesdays in the fellowship hall at 9:30 am. Each person is asked to submit a Psalm for study. The week your Psalm is featured, please come prepared to share why you chose this particular Psalm. If you feel the Spirit urging you to lead the study/discussions the week your Psalm is featured just let Pastor Jen know and arrangements can be made. Reading Schedule: May 2: Introduction and background of Psalms and Psalm 23 May 9: Psalm 116 (Jen) May 16: NO BIBLE STUDY Pastor Jen on vacation May 23: Psalm 1 (Joyce) May 30: Psalm 27 (Wendy) June 6: No Bible Study-pastor Jen at annual DCOM review June 13: Psalm 30 (Sandy) June 20: Psalm 34 (Chia) June 27: No Bible Study- pastor Jen on Vacation BIBLE STUDY GROUP IS NOT MEETING DURING THE MONTH OF JULY August 1: Psalm61 (Beverly) August 8: Psalm 100 (Jackie) August 15: Psalm 121 (Joan) TYPES OF PSALMS The prayer for Help of an Individual (LAMENT) Thanksgiving Song of an Individual The Corporate prayer for help (LAMENT) The Hymn Psalms of Instruction Other literary types Ascents Procession and entrance Ceremonies: Inaugurations, weddings, etc. (Continued on page 15) 14

15 DID YOU KNOW? (Continued from page 14) Below are some interesting facts about the Psalms that we have learned thus far: The name Psalm or Psalter come from the Septuagint (Greek translation of the OT) Means to pluck such as a stringed instrument harp, lyre, lute The Psalms and the OT The book of Psalms is a compilation of themes and topics found in the rest of the OT Works of God in Creation Judgement Salvation Israel s story The law of life The Holy City and God s Presence there The once and future Davidic Messiah Warning against wickedness and the tragedy of the human condition The everlasting and present coming kingdom of God The Psalms and the NT Psalms and Isaiah are 2 most quoted OT books in the NT. Psalms are especially crucial in Christology-primary scripture of context for the titles by which Jesus is identified. Psalms and Corporate Worship Psalms has always been the scriptural book of prayer and praise for church. Recited and sung-invocations, calls to worship, chants, adorations, confessions The Psalms and Spiritual Disciplines Used to nurture and guide personal meditations and devotions Christians use them as their own prayers and ways of connecting with God Psalms and Theology Because of their character and content Psalms have always played a special role in reflection and thought on the Christian faith. Book of Psalms is composed of Poetry of praise; prayer, and instruction in piety; the fundamental elements of faith in religion. THE BOOKS OF THE PSALMS Book 1: Psalms 1-41 Book 2: Psalms Book 3:Psalms Book 4: Psalms Book 5: Psalms Some scholars believe since Moses gave 5 books of the Law, so David gave 5 books to the Psalms DATE: final compilation around 3 rd century BC, being used as the prayer book for Zerubbabel s and Herod s temple. By 1 st century AD known as the book of Psalms. Read page772 of study bible All Psalms are poetry. (Continued on page 16) 15

16 Psalm23-and-a-half (Continued from page 15) The LORD is my shepherd Whether I like it or not. I shall not want. Except for a bigger house, a nicer car, a slimmer waistline; A newer device, a little more power. And to always, always, every day, be right about everything. He makes me lie down in green pastures As the world grays with concrete And browns with toxic fumes And bleeds with violence and rage. He leads me beside the still waters Even though I pull away, and make a run for the choppy sea Of my own thoughts, complaints, and addictions. He restores my soul, From its own self-inflicted wounds. He leads me in right paths for his name s sake For his name s sake, Even as I celebrate with my own signature. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; Even as log on, tune in, and worship at The altar of fearful story That we call news. For you are with me; Even as the world spins into chaos, crippled by the hatred of other Your rod and your staff- they comfort me. They tell me a better story, And call me back to your side. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies And ask only that I sit and dine with them. You anoint my head with oil; And call me to live a life worthy of this benediction. My cup overflows With sorrow, and remorse, With gratitude. Because for all my selfish, wandering, fearful, and faithfulness ways, I know that Goodness and mercy shall follow me, the worst week, the worst moment Of the created human world. And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long, Singing a new song, And telling the Shepherd s story Into the darkness. -Erin Wathen -Taken from: Scifres and B.J. Beau, Ed. The Abingdon Worship Annual: Nashville: Abingdon Press. 16

17 April 16, 2017 Easter Sunrise Service: A CELEBRATION OF RESURRECTION On Easter Sunday morning, 17 hardy souls rose before the sun to attend a sunrise worship service on the banks of Unity Pond, with one thing in common to worship our resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those attending: Pastor Jen Reed, Chris & Julie Aspinall, Dick & Joyce Chase, Bette Curtis, Debbie Eldredge, Sandi Fernald, Pete Guiggey, Beverly Murdock, Bill Russell, Christie Saunders, Ted & Ruth Swanson, Kate Patstone, and Arlo & Joan Bradstreet. The gospel writers tell us that Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James), and Salome were first to the grave that early morn. When they arrived, they found the tomb empty and the stone rolled away. This was their story. Songs were sung, refreshments were served before and after, and gifts of spring were given to each guest. Wherever the faithful come together, we gather in the presence of God, to celebrate and give thanks for the gift of our resurrected Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN, INDEED! 17

18 The GOOD STEWARD THRIFT SHOP is now open on FRIDAY as well as SATURDAY from 10:00 2:00!!! Our shop, a former parsonage, began an extension ministry as an outreach to the community of Unity and the surrounding areas. The Good Steward Thrift Shop is filled from ceiling to floor, upstairs and down, with donated men s, women s and youth clothing and shoes, a wellstocked kitchen, two rooms full of home goods, CDs, books, and recently.. a new holiday room has been added. Everything we sell is in good condition and extremely affordable! Donations are appreciated. Individuals who want to volunteer at the thrift store, please sign up in the shop. The church is here to help people and the community. 18

19 Colors of Spring I look out my window. I see colors galore. I see purple, orange and pink. Plus a great many more. Jonquils are yellow. Tulips are red. I look for blue skies. Today, I see rain instead. Old gray puddles are here right now. Grass is getting green. Look at the trees. Leaves grow somehow. So good-bye winter. Gone is white snow. Soon it will get warmer. This I know. Nature shows colors. Our flag flies above. Red, white and blue Are the colors I love. Debbie Eldridge 19

20 Dear Friends, On Saturday, May 20th, which was Armed Forces Day, our Volunteers in Los Angeles assembled 6,369 Operation Gratitude Care Packages for our Deployed Troops and Veterans. We can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning. We received this note yesterday from a Sailor who just received one of our Care Packages: "I would personally like to thank you and all the volunteers that help to assemble the care packages you so diligently take time to assemble. It allows us to remember that we are not forgotten... Your care package was a huge boost for my morale and I would again like to thank all who were involved." Thank you for boosting the morale of our Military members. Your generous support creates smiles and changes lives. Fondly, Carolyn Blashek Founder, Operation Gratitude 20

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22 Music Theatre at Camp Mechuwana Starting with young elementary campers right through seniors in high school, Mechuwana has been offering this unique camping experience for more than 30 years. Many changes have taken place over those years, with extensive renovations to our theater including new lighting, sound system, and a technical "crow's nest." Campers can take part in all aspects of the production, both on stage and backstage. A performance is held at the end of each week for parents and the community. If you are interested in one of our music theater camps, sign up fast as space is limited. For a full brochure and to sign up go to: or us at: mechuwana@fairpoint.net call: Elementary Music Theatre For campers finishing Grades 3-6 Every year a show is written just for you, and this year is no exception! This year's show will be a treasure hunt of sorts, searching for one of the powerful things in the world! This new show, entitled "The Power of Yet," tells a story of someone searching for an amazing treasure, the power of possibility. Through lots of twists and turns, we learn that there is much that we can't know or do or be...yet! YET! A veteran staff of counselors and experienced theater adults who love working with young campers await you. Come be part of this exciting week filled with music, swimming, boating, arts and crafts, and much more! Elementary/Middle School Music Theatre For campers finishing Grades 4-9 so you like to act, sing, and have loads of fun? Well this camp is for you! Come take part in a musical written for you and your friends. Everyone has a part as you work with a dedicated staff that have been together for more than 20 years-and who all love music theater. Those of you who would like a chance to work on the technical aspects of theater are welcome, too. Besides the theater experience, you will have plenty of time to take part in all the other camp activities Mechuwana has to offer. 22

23 Middle School/Senior High Music Theatre For campers finishing Grades 6-12 Campers will have the opportunity to participate in acting, singing, dancing, directing, writing, and technical assistance. Led by professional performing artists and a team of seasoned theater volunteers, this camp focuses on a full-scale musical theater performance. Come for a week filled with challenging and rewarding experiences that will allow you to make friends who will last a lifetime. Performances will be held on Friday evening and Saturday morning. Mechuwana campers in the production of "The Cape" Godspell by Jr/Sr High Music Theatre campers 23

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25 A summer camp experience for everyone Grand Camp Spend special time together with your grandchildren at camp. Experience campfires, crafts, swimming, boating, music, and much more as you create wonderful memories with your grandchildren during this special time together. This camp is a half-week. Mom/Child Camp Moms bring their child(ren) for a half-week of sharing quality time without the pressure of school, jobs, or home routine. Share time with other moms and families as you take part in all the fun camp activities. Scheduled time just for mom is also part of this unique experiences. Half-week camp. Golden Oldies Camp This camp is designed for adults who are 55+ and want to have a great camp experience with others. Enjoy Mechuwana's beautiful setting while participating in a program including swimming, boating, and other fun activities. You will have plenty of free time to explore and relax. This is half-week camp. You and Me Camp Dads, moms, aunts, uncles, and step-parents, this is your chance to come to camp with a special child in your life. Enjoy experiencing camp activities together like boating, swimming, crafts, and more. Make memories that will last a lifetime. This is a h alf-week camp. CO-ED ELEMENTARY BASKETBALL CAMP (For campers finishing grades 3-6) This camp focuses on developing skills needed to become a successful team basketball player. Players will have the opportunity to develop and use their skills through drills and games. This a great camp for young players to work on the basic skills that will allow them to thrive. It is also a great camp for individuals who want to try basketball for the first time. We always make time for traditional camp activities such as campfires, swimming, boating, and much more. CO-ED MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL CAMP (For campers finishing grades 6-9) Want to learn more about being a team player? How about learning skills by doing drills and scrimmages? This camp is for you. You will have the opportunity to improve what you already know about the game and learn more as an individual and team player. Special time will be spent on individual skill improvement along with more advanced team concepts. If you love basketball and still want to be able to take part in traditional camp activities, then this camp is for you. CO-ED ELEMENTARY SOCCER CAMP (For campers finishing grades 3-6) Have you been part of the Mechuwana Moose? Don't worry if you have not, just come and enjoy playing soccer! We'll help you maximize your team and individual skills. With an emphasis on sportsmanship and team-building, campers will learn and practice basic soccer skills through drills and scrimmages. Other daily activities include traditional camp activities such as campfires, swimming, boating, and more. Come ready to work hard and have a lot of fun!! 25

26 CHURCH SUPPLIES Always Needed: Paper Products Facial Tissue Paper Towels Toilet Tissue 26

27 The Ministry of Prayer As a church we believe in the power of prayer. Please pray for: Marilyn-Joyce Chase s sister; Joyce Chase; Bette s cousin - Valerie; Madeline Stevenson; Helen and Max Gillette; Sharon Shaw; Tammy Shaw; 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; Jane Glen; Lisa Smith; Pastor Bill Simpson; Roger & Marie Barber; Dottie and Bruce Jansen; the children & parents-of our Sunday school program; Strategic Planning for Mission & Ministry 2017 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 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. 27

28 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. 28

29 Month of Sundays June 4, 2017 (Pentecost Sunday) Greeters & Ushers Sermon Communion Steward Gene Pfeiffer Pastor Jen Reed Bette Curtis June 11, 2017 (First Sunday after Pentecost) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Sermon Pastor Jen Reed June 18, 2017 (Second Sunday after Pentecost) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Sermon Pastor Jen Reed June 25, 2017 ( Third Sunday after Pentecost) Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer Sermon Pastor Jen Reed 29

30 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. 30

31 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 United Methodist Church Mission Statement: Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ Unity 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. 31

32 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 Embargo means a restriction of freight transportation. Spelled backwards EMBARGO is O GRAB ME. Ironic? 32