Cross Talk NOVEMBER, 2016

Transcription

1 Bangor First United Methodist Church 703 Essex Street, Bangor Maine Cross Talk NOVEMBER, 2016 For Information... Phone: Website: (Sermon podcasts available) Facebook: First Included in this issue. Church Fair This n That 2-4 Community meals 4 Meetings & Prayer Requests Birthdays 6 Worship Assistants 7 5 Dear Church Family, It was the fall of 1774 six months after the Boston Tea Party and revolt was brewing in the colonies. The British Prime Minister, Lord North, had dissolved Parliament and called for early elections. The General Election had already been scheduled to take place in the spring of 1775, but Lord North and King George believed the election needed to come sooner due to increasing concern and disagreement about the growing American problem. England was a divided nation. People split into camps around increasingly radical and fear-mongering candidates for Parliament. Radicalism was a rising threat in small pockets around the country. Many citizens viewed the upcoming election as a potential turning point for their beloved country. Campaigning was fierce and tensions were running high. Two days before the election, on October 3, 1774, John Wesley recorded these words in his journal: I met those of our society [Wesley s Methodists] who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them: 1. To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy. 2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against. 3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side. Wesley s words are still wise counsel and they speak with surprising relevance to our contemporary situation. As I write this, we are in the midst of the most contentious, divisive, and downright ugly presidential race in modern American history. Political rhetoric is at an all-time high. Voters are passionate about their candidate, and equally passionate in their dislike of their candidate s opponent. That animosity is amplified by the uncivil discourse and spread of disinformation encouraged by social media. Fear, distrust, and anger (some might even say hatred) are running rampant. If ever we needed to heed our Methodist forebear s advice, it is now. Youth Group News My Memory Joggers Advent Series Calendar Friends, we ought to be better than this as Americans and most certainly as Christians. Each of us has a civic duty to cast our vote for the candidate whom we believe is (in Wesley s words) most worthy. But it s our Christian duty to exercise that choice with love, compassion, and self-discipline, trusting in God s power to work for good in our lives regardless of who gets elected. As Wesley suggested, we must ultimately make our choice based on our conscience and prayerful discernment and trust that others have done the same. Grace and Peace, Pastor Arlene

2 PAGE 2 Informal Worship Service Thursday evenings at 6: Church Fair "Ring in Christmas" November 5, :00-2:00 VOICES OF ADVENT By Jeri L. Shumate A Reader s Theater Drama To be presented at the December 18 Worship Service If you are interested in being part of the cast, please meet in the sanctuary following worship on Sunday, November 13th. The drama has 4 monologues featuring two women, 1 man, and a young shepherd. osu- For more information contact Roz Fisher at: rosalyn1960@gmail.com or at PRAISE Song Group All Saints Sunday Sundays 9:45-10:15 In the Youth Room Sunday, November 6 is All Saints Sunday, a day when we remember those who have passed away in the past year and honor them during a time of remembrance. If you have a friend or loved one who has passed away in the past year and would like their name included in the service please speak with Pastor Arlene, Linda Morris or give the church office a call. ( ) It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty. All Saint s Sunday: November 6 New Member Sunday: November 13

3 PAGE 3 This N That... Coffee Fellowship Schedule January: Trustees February: Piburn We are currently looking for volunteers for the next session. Sunday school...teachers, assistants, nursery volunteers and substitutes. We follow the FUMC Safe Sanctuary Policy that requires 2 certified adults in each classroom and the nursery. All workers in our Christian Ed groups must have Safe Sanctuaries training and training sessions are ongoing as needed. If you are interested in volunteering during the year, please speak with Co-Christian Ed Directors Nancy Isaacs or Rachel Downs. March: Worship April: SPRC May: UMW June: Choir July: Sunday School August: Mission September: Handbells October: Finance November: Evangelism December: Administrative Council Snacks should be ready by 11: 15. Groups need to make sure all dishes are washed and the dishwasher turned off when finished. Fundraising While You Shop The Scrip fundraising program enables people to raise money for their non-profit organization. Scrip is just another way to pay for everyday purchases using gift cards in place of cash, checks, and credit cards and support the church through your purchases. Scrip Center offers over 300 of the country s biggest brands, including grocery, department stores, gas stations, restaurants and the like. If you are interested in ordering a card from the Scipt Center, contact Rachel Downs via at fumcbangorscrip@gmail.com or by phone at QR code for smart phones that will take you directly to the FUMC electronic donation page. Orders go out every other Monday. Family Enrollment Code: 4F488C5A49938

4 PAGE 4 COMMUNITY MEALS FOR NOVEMBER NOVEMBER MEALS November 3: Stuffed baked potatoes November 10: Tacos November 17: Boiled dinner November 24: Closed NOVEMBER NEEDS November 3: Desserts November 10: Desserts November 17: Desserts November 24: Desserts Check the Sunday bulletin inserts for need changes. HANGING OF THE GREENS Sunday, November 20 Pot luck luncheon Followed by workshops to get the church decorated for Advent. Everyone is welcome! November 6: All Saints Sunday November 13: New Member Sunday November 20: Laity Sunday & Advent Event November 27: United Methodist Student Day KEENAGERS November 28th at Noon Lunch will be served at a cost of $5.00 FOOD CUPBOARD FOCUS FOR NOVEMBER During the month of November we are asking for donations of the following items for the food cupboard: Tuna fish Coffee and Conversation Begins November 2 Wednesdays from 2:00-3:00 PM Tim Horton's on Broadway This month's selection is "Falling Upward" by Richard Rohr. If you would like the office to order a copy for you, please call and allow at least 2 business days for delivery. Peanut butter Macaroni & cheese Canned veggies Also 100 Thanksgiving baskets will be made up and stuffing mix, canned pineapple and canned yams/sweet potatoes are needed for those. Please place items in our food cart in the narthex.

5 PAGE 5 September Meetings / Events at Bangor First UMC Meetings: November 6: Worship Committee November 12: UMW November 17: Piburn; 1:00 November 17: DCOM; 9-3:00 DMT; 6--8:00 November 2: SPRC November 22: Ad Council Events: Informal Worship Thursdays at 6:00 Sundays at 8:30: Pathways to God Sundays at 9:15: Bible Study Sunday School/ Christian Education 10:45 (2nd-4th Sundays) Church Conference: November 4; 6:30 Church Fair: November 5; 9:00-2:00 Ongoing Group Meetings 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 Page C. Dawn R. Nancy C. & daughter Eliana Bob L. Lonna, Chuck & Family Bill & Tammy Family of Marsha C. Sister of Rachel Parker W. Marie & Sherwood Tracy Y. Stephen T. Bob C. Benjamin C. Peg S. Dennis & Pat S. Fred S. Our church leaders 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 Jesus told them, I assure you, it wasn t Moses who gave the bread from heaven to you, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. The bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6: 32-33; 35 Be ever thankful that our God provides!

6 CRO SS T ALK PAGE 6 Birthdays November, 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed 2 1 George Case Clyde Pelkey Thu 3 Fri Sat Rick Sayles Judy Pelkey Eva Benson Jane Burkhart Debby Chretien Amy Nye Page Chaloult Andy Moody Patti Wright Karen RitzPerkins Marybeth Allen Morgan Downs 30 Galen Cole Happy Birthday to you, to Jesus be true. God Bless you and keep you the whole year through!

7 PAGE 7 Worship Assistants for November, 2016 ***If you are unable to cover the date for which you are scheduled please arrange for a substitute or call Sue White. Readers Trustees Media & Media Sound Techs 6 Nick Prins 13 Cindy Sayles 20 Gary Shaffer 27 Lesley Whittington 6 Gregg Stewart 13 Andy Moody 20 Pat Woodbury 27 Gregg Stewart 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 6 Skippy Valentine 13 Dan & Louise Hatch 20 The Croce Family 27 The Haskins Family 6 Linda Folsom 13 Sylvia Moore 20 Deb Sorokin 27 Barbara Wais 6 Linda Thrush 13 Gary & Jane Shaffer 20 Sue Croce 27 Gary & Jane Shaffer Nursery Volunteers Newsletter Deadline Worship Schedule To be announced at a later date. Deadline for information for the November newsletter is November 21. 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

8 PAGE 8 UPCOMING EVENTS November 5th Church Fair - We will be making popcorn to sell at the Church Fair! Youth Group Leaders: Coralie Cross, Nick & Cheryl Guay, Pastor Arlene Tully November 18th At this meeting we will be Baking Cookies and preparing a snack for Sunday, November 20th. Cookies/brownies are favorites. Would need someone kitchen trained to help. December 2nd Peer lead Bible Study - Morgan Downs has volunteered to prepare a Bible study for us to read and then talk about. December 16th Christmas Party - We will be doing such things as making crafts, and wrapping presents for Angel Tree. In the New Year,.. January 13th or 14th The Youth Group hopes to host a game night for the church, friends and families. Donations for refreshments will be accepted. January 28th Winter fun - sledding, tubing, ice skating, building a snow fort in front of the church... Dress warmly! February (around Valentines Day) Youth Group Babysits - Parents can drop their kids off and for a donation the youth group plans a night to entertain them. Age limits and time limits TBD. Parents can then have a date night to celebrate Valentines Day. Other ideas for the 2017 Make a meal for the homeless Volunteer at Thursday Night Meals Rake Leaves or Basic Lawn/Yard work for Donations Faith Linking in Action - Public transportation month in November Trampoline Park Extreme Adventures/ Playland Adventure Bowling Hiking Crafts COME JOIN US!

9 PAGE 9 News From My and Memory Joggers My and Memory Joggers continues to be at full capacity with an active waiting list. We have experienced a great summer with daily themes such as sports, patriotic events, pets, poetry, gardening, music, food and pigs...yes...pigs! Tai Chi is being introduced at Memory Joggers and overall exercise has been increased at My Friend s Place to target fall prevention and arthritis. These exercises are critical for older adults who may not get the exercise they need at home. These exercises are under the supervision of trained and certified staff along with recommendations from the Arthritis Foundation. The FUMC Safe Sanctuary policy has been adopted at MFP/MJ. It has been challenging to implement but our volunteers are taking it in stride, stepping up to the plate as needed. We have great volunteers!! Our Tuesday group at My is making bells decorations for our Fall Fair. These bells will be strung along with baskets leading to the youth room where our gifts baskets will be sold. A new flat screen TV and Laptop will be a welcome addition to both of our programs. It will allow us to add a variety of enhancements and animation to our programming. MFP/MJ wish List: scrapbooking materials and the tops from milk bottles. My and Memory Joggers will be closed on the following dates: Friday, November 11 th, Wednesday, November 23 rd, Friday, November 25 th, and both programs will be closed Monday, December 19th Friday, December 30 th. Blessings, Dottie England, Director Thank You From our District Superintendent Mission Trip Donations Dear Friends, I am writing to thank you for your generous and faithful giving through your mission shares. While in Korea, I have seen first hand what our combined giving has accomplished. These sweet souls are so grateful to the United Methodist Church for bringing them the light and hope of the gospel. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Rev. Jackie Brannen The Missions Committee is asking for donations to send a representative to the Dominican Republic in January. You offering can go in the offering plate, be mailed, or dropped off at the office. We need to pay first installment by end of October. The total cost would be $2000 per representative. Thanks for your support!

10 PAGE 10 ADVENT.2016 Advent 2016: Awed & Odd We Christians believe in folly that there is peace, love, joy and hope in the midst of both the good and the difficult times. We believe that The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. This makes us odd according to those who proclaim the victory of decline and death all around. It is especially in this season of expectant hope that we can instead proclaim the awe-inspiring presence of God s reign that continually makes all things new. This is a season of odd juxtapositions swords into plowshares, wolves and lambs resting peacefully together, and those without a voice singing for joy! First Sunday of Advent November 27 Peace in the Midst of Conflict Isaiah 2:1-5 and Psalm 122 To keep awake is to open our eyes in awe at the works of the Holy in our midst and to the promises of God to continually make all things new. We introduce the theme of Awed & Odd for this season of anticipation and expectation. This first Sunday of Advent we focus on the practices of peace to which we are called, making us odd in the eyes of a world that lets fear drive our actions toward one another. Second Sunday of Advent December 4 Love in the Midst of Hate Isaiah 11:1-10 and Matthew 3:1-12 The Hebrew word translated in the First Testament as fear is probably closer to our word awe. Those who are open to the awe of God will be delighted at the love they witness blooming where once was fear and hatred. Isaiah s prophecy of unlikely combinations (wolves and lambs, calves and lions, cows and bears) can point us toward the awesome power of God to create more love and understanding in the world. Third Sunday of Advent December 11 Joy in the Midst of Despair Isaiah 35:1-10 and Luke 1:46b-55 We wonder what one person, or one church, can do, and we despair at the injustices of the world. When helplessness makes us feel weak in the hands or feeble in the knees, we are reminded of the power of the lowly servants as Mary s prophetic voice rings out in the Magnificat (the song of one awe-struck young woman!). Things in the reign of God are topsy-turvy. As the Body of Christ, we must be born again this Advent into the awe of God that leads to the joy of liberating service. Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18 Hope in the Midst of Hopelessness Sacred Drama: Voices of Advent Isaiah 7:10-16 and Matthew 1:18-25 Nothing about this pregnancy was usual. Add to that signs and wonders and angel visits and the birth of Jesus can be called odd at best. But the message is clear things can be born when you least expect it. So it is

11 Bangor First United Methodist Church Calendar for... CROSS TALK PAGE 9 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 6 8:30 Pathways 10:30 Worship 11:45 Worship committee 13 8:30 Pathways 10:30 Worship 10:45 Christian Ed New Member Sunday 7 Bible Study 1:00 4:00 DKG 6:00: Toymakers 6:00: FAIR 14 Office closed Bible Study 1:00 6:00: Toymakers 6:00: FAIR 1 10:00: My 12:00 EAAA Cafe 6:00: Bangor Chorus 8 Office closed 10:00: My 12:00 EAAA Cafe 15 10:00: My 12:00 EAAA Café 6:00: BCC 2 9:00 Memory Joggers 5:30 SPRC 6:00 Scouts 7:00 Choir 9 9:00 Memory Joggers 6:00 Scouts 7:00 Choir 16 9:00 Memory Joggers 6:00 Scouts 7:00: Choir 3 4:00 Community Meal 6:00: Worship 6:45 Bells 10 4:00 Community Meal 6:00: Worship 6:30: DMT 6:45 Bells DCOM 1:00 Piburn 4:00 Community Meal 6:00: Worship 4 10:00 My Church Conference 6:30 11 Church closed Veterans Day 18 My Friend s Place Closed 10:00 My 5 Church Fair 9:00-2:00 12 UMW 9: :30 Pathways 10:30 Worship 10:45 Christian Ed 11:45 Missions committee 21 Bible Study; 1:00 6:00 Toymakers 6:00 FAIR 22 10:00: My 12:00 EAAA Café 6:00 BCC Ad Council 7: :00 Memory Joggers 5:30 SPRC 6:00 Scouts 7:00 Choir 24 Church closed for Thanksgiving 25 Church closed for Thanksgiving :30 Pathways :30 Worship 10:45: Christian Ed 11:45 Evangelism Committee Keenagers Bible Study; 1:00 6:00 Toymakers 6:00 FAIR 10:00: My 12:00 EAAA Café 9:00 Memory Joggers 6:00 Scouts 7:00 Choir