Union Church of Belgrade Lakes United Methodist Church. Union Rider November, 2017 Newsletter. NOVEMBER 7 p.m. FALL BACK 1 HOUR NOVEMBER 5TH

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1 Union Church of Belgrade Lakes United Methodist Church Location: 67 Main Street, Belgrade Lakes, Maine Mailing Address: P. O. Box 133, Belgrade Lakes, Maine Phone: Church Pastor s unionpastor@myfairpoint.net Website: unionchurchmaine.org Union Rider November, 2017 Newsletter Don t Forget to Set your Clocks Back Saturday Night Before You Go To Bed; If you show up early, please start the coffee we will along in a while! FALL BACK 1 HOUR NOVEMBER 5TH NOVEMBER 7 p.m. At the Pleasant Street Methodist Church Pleasant Street, Waterville, ME Our Choir will be participating in this wonderful event; please mark your calendars so you don t miss out on it! Pastor Joe says let s see if we get at least 30 to attend this Festival! The challenge is ON! The Perfect Prayer Partner Read: Romans 8:31 34 Bible in a Year: Isaiah 14 16; Ephesians 5:1 16 [Jesus] is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34 Few sounds are as beautiful as hearing someone who loves you praying for you. When you hear a friend pray for you with compassion and Godgiven insight, it s a little like heaven touching earth.

2 How good it is to know that because of God s kindness to us our prayers can also touch heaven. Sometimes when we pray we may struggle with words and feelings of inadequacy, but Jesus taught His followers that we should always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). God s Word shows us that one of the reasons we can do this is that Jesus Himself is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (Rom. 8:34). Thank You, Lord Jesus, for interceding for me with love. Help me to love and serve You with my prayers today. We never pray alone, because Jesus is praying for us. He hears us as we pray, and speaks to the Father on our behalf. We don t have to worry about the eloquence of our words, because no one understands us like Jesus. He helps us in every way, presenting our needs before God. He also knows when the answers we ask for would not be good for us, handling every request or concern with perfect wisdom and love. Jesus is the perfect prayer partner the friend who intercedes for us with immeasurable kindness. His prayers for us are beautiful beyond words, and should encourage us to always pray with thankfulness. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for interceding for me with love. Help me to love and serve You with my prayers today. There s no greater privilege than praying with Jesus. By James Banks INSIGHT: From its opening affirmation to its closing declaration, Romans 8 is a powerhouse of encouragement for the follower of Christ. Today s devotional highlights the reminder that Jesus Himself intercedes for us as we pray (vs. 34). But, there is even more help for us. Verse 26 tells us, We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Imagine the Son and the Spirit help us as we pray. What great reassurance that gives! Do you struggle with your prayers? Knowing that divine help is available encourages us to keep praying even when we aren t sure how. Bill Crowder FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOR LUNCHEON Soups, sandwiches, desserts and more! Thursday, November 9, 2017 from 11:30 to 1pm. Come Join in the fellowship with our friends throughout the community. Don and Linda Petersen will be showing movies during our Winter Month Luncheon, starting with this luncheon Thank you Tim Pike and Kathy Gerard for hosting this luncheon in September. Cheryl and Joy for providing your delicious soups. Please consider donating a soup or dessert. Please let Joy Intriago joyintriago@yahoo.com know if you are willing provide either of these items. Our Weekly Worship Joys & Celebration Contributions Supports our Global Mission Initiative W.a.S.H. The gift you brought Jesus; whatever you have done to the least of these; you have done unto me. (Matthew 25)

3 As of 10/29/17 we have reached $1, We will now work towards our year end goal for 2017 of $2,500. Our November Goal is: $2, WaSH, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, our Global Mission Initiative is reaching out to those in need of the very water we have in such abundance here in Maine. In local community settings the WaSH program through our United Methodist Commission on Relief (UMCOR) partners with other global and local agencies to help communities both here in the US and globally have clean, accessible water. Our two year Mission Initiative Goal of $5,000 is being met with your generous contributions like those received at the start of each worship service with our Celebrations Prayers and Gifts. May we reach out so others may sip fresh water. With your generous gifts to this ministry, Jesus compassion and love are revealed, like an overflowing spring. Together we are accomplishing more than any one church, or community could do on their own. Together we provide a mighty lift, an equipping hope and a Gospel fulfillment of Matthew 25 Whatever you do unto the lest of these you have done unto me [Jesus]. Water is Hope Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth... these are one and the same fight. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security, and women's empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all Water is essential to life, and access to it greatly affects the quality of life for millions. Access to safe drinking water makes the difference between which child stays in school and which child is unable to attend because of waterborne illnesses. Girls are more likely to attend school when they do not have to walk long distances to get water for their families. Contaminated water can transmit diseases such diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio. Contaminated drinking water is estimated to cause 502,000 diarrheal deaths each year. A child who has had repeated bouts of diarrhea is more likely to develop malnutrition, which in turn makes the child more prone to other diseases. Although handwashing has been shown to reduce the rates of diarrhea by as much as 40 percent, in places where diarrhea is most rampant, access to water for hand washing is often limited. It is surprising that as important as water is to survival, more than 700 million people do not have access to clean, safe water that's the equivalent of one in nine people globally. About 66 percent of Africa is arid or semi-arid, and more than 300 million of the 800 million people in sub-saharan Africa live in a water-scarce environment. Disasters, climate change, water pollution, and rapid population growth are additional factors contributing to water crisis in many countries. Without water, you cannot grow food or build housing, you can t stay healthy, you can t stay in school, or hold a job. In recognition of the significant role water plays in improving health, empowering women, alleviating suffering, and lifting communities out of poverty, the General Board of Global Ministries Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Program supports faithbased partners around the world to increase access to safe water. The WASH program is a cooperation between the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the Global Health Unit of Global Ministries, and is a vital component of the Abundant Health Initiative to decrease child morbidity and mortality in lowresource settings. In , the WASH program reached 55,297 people in 13 countries with water and sanitation interventions. This includes 12 new wells built, 30 hand pumps

4 installed/rehabilitated, 163 households provided with point of use filtration systems, 269 grey water filtration systems supplied, 2,245 households provided with safe water storage facilities and 46 irrigation systems installed. The United Methodist Women-UMW-have outlined their activities for Cleaning Supplies, soaps, detergents, dish soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, paper towels, etc. They will be at Church from 9 to 2 p.m. on Saturday the 18 th for you to drop off your donations. If you don t find the time to shop; money donations are always welcome too. Thank you and God Bless you! Our regular meetings are the third Saturday of the month from 9AM to 10:30AM in Friendship Hall. November 18 th December 3rd Thanksgiving Program and Community Food Drive Christmas Trip to the Botanical Gardens Meetings: A Month At A Glance November 2017 Come to our next Event All Welcome! UNITED METHODIST S WOMEN S FOOD DRIVE FOR THE ROME/BELGRADE FOOD PANTRY NOVEMBER 18 th 9 a.m to 2 p.m. The United Methodist Women s group is holding this food drive in hopes that folks will drop by much needed items as listed below: Canned Foods; Holiday foods (Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Stuffing Mix. Etc.) Trustees: 6:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl: 11/13 and 1:00 p.m. NOTE: Change in Time Church Council: Worship Committee: 7 p.m. Finance Committee: 6:30 p.m. 5 Things To Do Each and Every Day 1. Keep Trying 2. Keep Praying 3. Stay Positive 4. Be Awesome 5. Become Better (Not Better Than Anyone Else, But Better Than The Day Before)

5 2017 CALENDAR OF EVENTS December 2 rd Christmas Stroll Bobbi Mahler, Chair The Sign Up Sheet is now posted in Friendship Hall waiting for all of you let us know you will be helping Bobbi out with this event. These events financially support our local/regional and global missions activities.. Take the title of a popular book and movie, Eat, Pray, Love, to heart and may it motivate YOU to claim a coordinating role in one of the following fundraisers for 2017: November 5th 11 12:30 November 19 th 11 12:30 Are you a member of our congregation and would like to know more about the United Methodist Church? Or are you perhaps interested in joining the church membership? Here is your chance to participate in this shared learning opportunity. For those attending that may later choose to become a member of the church our Service of Membership will be held on, Sunday, December 10 th Maple Syrup $12 per Pint or 1 More Pint Left Thank you for your support this season with the purchase of 36 pints and 10 Quarts. We support the ministry at the United Methodist Economic Ministry in Salem Township, as we extend the grace of God outward regionally. 100%, all of the funds raised from sales go directly to the Economic Ministry Programs that equip folks for Life Skills, work readiness, Home Repairs, Thrift Shop, Food Cupboard, Christmas Gifts, Winter Clothing (New Coats and Boots), Backpacks (school supplies, essential clothing) Program. Union Church, where Faith, Family, Friendship and Service come together. Stewardship Campaign for our 2018 Ministry October 29 th, 2017 Update Thank you for your participation and prayers!

6 Current Results: 42 Pledges, with 4 new pledges, and 12 with increases over last year; these total $93,364. With your support, we are well on our way towards our ministry Goals: pledges, 2. Including 5 new pledges, 3. Totaling $115,500 Do you need a pledge card? Please prayerful consider your response today. STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN UPDATE While we are approaching the end of the year, we are simultaneously looking ahead to funding the ministries of Union Church for We are facing a hard reality. Reviewing how your generous contributions have been appropriated this past year, the Finance Committee developed a draft budget proposal for A summary comparison by expense categories, illustrated below, shows a modest 2.45% overall increase in the budget. This includes a modest 2% increase in the Staff salaries as recommended by the SPRC. To continue to fulfill the mission and ministries of Union Church the Finance Committee estimates that additional income of $3,926 compared to the current year will be needed. be available to spend the following year. In 2017 there were 54 pledges received totaling $114,860. To date, the results of the stewardship campaign for 2018 have been as follows: 42 pledges received totaling $93,364 of which 4 were new pledges and 38 were renewals, 12 at higher levels. That is 81.4% of the total pledged in Union Church is a unique church and its success in the community depends on the generous stewardship of both its local/full-time members and its part-time residents. Our giving is personal and it is spiritual. While that decision is individual, it is about us as a whole congregation, together joyfully participating in the revelation of the kingdom of God, transforming lives to be a growing spiritual faith community in the manner of Christ as our Vision Statement states. Giving and the determination of how much to give are spiritual and theological tasks involving self reflection, self examination, and trust in God. Individually our goal ought to be proportional giving, working towards the goal of tithing as our individual response to the extravagance of God s blessings in our lives. This attitude reflects our gratitude to God, establishes our spiritual priority in life, strengthens our trust in God, and affects our entire outlook on life. Let us each ask ourselves how we are doing in this regard. How am I participating in the body of Christ, the Church, in and for the world today? Do I have my priorities right? To all those who have generously responded to the stewardship campaign, THANK you. To those who have not yet done so, the Finance Committee urges you to consider either renewing your pledge or joining the ranks by making a pledge The annual stewardship campaign is an essential planning tool in determining what will

7 Together, with your continued commitment and support, we can and will foster change in our own lives and in the community at large, locally and beyond. We look to continue to be the hands and feet of Christ in our troubled world. Respectfully Submitted, Tony Mastromarino 2017 Harvest Festival That is just what we have done is give thanks to Our Lord for a wonderful day for our Harvest Festival Event. Without Him it would not have been such a superb day! For the perfect weather; for ALL the folks for months who made crafts, baked, cooked and provided so many fabulous items for this day! Set up couldn't have gone any smoother with our core group spending the day in fellowship placing everything just where it needed to be and with everything going just as smoothly on the day of our Event. We give thanks for ALL of you angels of God! It is not the Chairs who gets it done; just work alongside organizing, it is ALL who participated who made this Event the Blessing that is was. Total Profits of this Event was $3, Saturday and an additional amount of $697 on Sunday equaling a grand total of $4, God Bless You ALL. Kathy, Chair and Carol, Chair of the Silent Auction. ADVENT BIBLE STUDY AND DISCUSSION Please join us for this six week program on Wednesday mornings from 11 to noon starting on November 15 th ; going through December 20 th. We will share conversation and our learning experience over coffee or tea. Each session will have a video component and we will have discussion time. Study books available. If you would like; you may make a donation of $18; to cover the cost of the study books. BEHOLD! Be not afraid; for BEHOLD, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10 RSV) Women s Advent Retreat December 2, 2017 Winthrop United Methodist Church (58 Main Street) 9:30 AM 2:30 PM Retreat Leader: Rev. Heidi Chamberland When you hear the word BEHOLD what does it mean to you? For me it is a word that brings me to prayer; to an awareness of God s holy Presence. It is a word that calls me to pay attention, to stand in awe of, to be aware that I m about to see, feel, touch, experience something of tremendous spiritual strength that can only draw me deeper in the mystery of Emmanuel God with us.

8 I invite all women to consider giving yourself this one day apart as we begun the busy Advent Season, which if we allow it can become just one crazy day after another getting ready for Christmas. BEHOLD! What is the good news of great joy the angels are proclaiming to you? Let s cultivate attentiveness together so we don t miss one holy invitation to BEHOLD on our own journey to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. TO REGISTER, or call Rev. Heidi Chamberland heidichamberland@gmail.com Cost: $20 (Due upon arrival at retreat) Our goal is to have all clergy trained by May and all laity (where applicable) by 2018 church conferences. Camp Mechuwana Director Norman Thombs will conduct a training for Maine Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect following today's Mid-Maine Ministry Day. The purpose of this training is to promote child safety by increasing the knowledge of mandated reporters regarding the identification of the signs of abuse and neglect and explaining the process for reporting abuse. The objectives of the training are to: define the role of mandated reporters. identify behavioral and physical indicators of child abuse or neglect. understand steps necessary to make a Child Protective Services report. All are welcome to attend. Training for Maine Mandated Reporters (as it relates to our Safe Sanctuary Policy) WHEN: January 18, :30 to 2 WHERE: Camp Mechuwana, Commons, Winthrop, ME WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Staff Parish Relations Committee Members, Those Serving as Sunday School Teachers & Assistants, Nursery Coordinators and Attendants as well as any of our congregation who would like to attend. United Methodist Women s Trip To Botanical Gardens in Boothbay Gardens Aglow December 3 1 p.m. The Women s Group will be taking this trip in December. Please meet in the church parking lot at 12:45 for a PROMPT 1. The tours start at 4, so it would an afternoon trip. Maine State Law now requires that all mandated reporters complete the Maine state training in person or on line.

9 NOVEMBER 5 th All Saints Sunday is a day of remembrance for the saints, with the New Testament meaning of all Christian people of every time and place. We celebrate the communion of saints as we remember those gone on before us, both of the Church universal and of our local congregations and our families [United Methodist Book of Worship, 1992]. For this reason, the names of persons who have touched our lives in a particular way will be remembered during worship on November 5, Submitted names will be listed in our worship program, read during a solemn time of worship. Yet this is a time of celebration as we remember with gratitude and thanksgiving, these lives that are in Christ are with us always, as part of our every day. THANKSGIVING SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19 th This day is a time to gather together in worship of gratitude and thanksgiving for our countless blessings. Please bring your family and friends to join us in a time of prayer and praise. Advent begins December 3 rd. We will journey with Joseph and the holy family as we experience this time of preparation for the incarnation of God and Jesus Christ. Veteran s Sunday November 12 th On this Sunday we will honor and acknowledge those who have provided military service. Is there another that you would invite to join you on this special Sunday of the year? You are invited to bring a cap, hat or other small item that we would include on display. Beginning in 2018 The Maine Department of Transportation will begin Road Construction through Belgrade Lakes, Main Street. The widening of the road and the scope of the related construction as this relates to our Front Yard, Walkways, Planting, Signage, Lighting will be highlighted at the Church Council meeting to be held on November 12 th, 10:45 a.m. (or so :). This is expected to be an agenda item for the meeting.

10 The Imitation of Christ Thomas à Kempis (14 th and 15 th century), The Bruce Publishing Company, Translated into English, November 5, Free Book, downloadable PDF Format is available. Also available as an ebook 160 pages ISBN Quoted excerpts are included below (as reference during the worship message of October 22, Bracketed [ ] scripture quotes are included as a study help. New Revised Standard Version) THOUGHTS HELPFUL IN THE LIFE OF THE SOUL The First Chapter Imitating Christ and Despising All Vanities on Earth HE WHO follows Me, walks not in darkness, says the Lord (John 8:12). By these words of Christ we are advised to imitate His life and habits, if we wish to be truly enlightened and free from all blindness of heart. Let our chief effort, therefore, be to study the life of Jesus Christ. It is vanity to wish for long life and to care little about a well-spent life. It is vanity to be concerned with the present only and not to make provision for things to come. It is vanity to love what passes quickly and not to look ahead where eternal joy abides. The Second Chapter Having a Humble Opinion of Self EVERY man naturally desires knowledge 2 ; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars. 3 If I knew all things in the world and had not charity, what would it profit me before God Who will judge me by my deeds? Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God. 2 Aristotle, Metaphysics, i Augustine, Confessions V. 4. [ If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. -Philippians 2:1-3] The Third Chapter The Doctrine of Truth HAPPY is he to whom truth manifests itself, not in signs and words that fade, but as it actually is. Our opinions, our senses often deceive us and we discern very little. Every perfection in this life has some imperfection mixed with it and no learning of ours is without some darkness. Humble knowledge of self is a surer path to God than the ardent pursuit of learning. Not that learning is to be considered evil, or knowledge, which is good in itself and so ordained by God; but a clean conscience and virtuous life ought always to be preferred. Many often err and accomplish little or nothing because they try to become learned rather than to live well. How many there are who perish because of vain worldly knowledge and too little care for serving God. He is truly great who has great charity. [ But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33; Jesus said; I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6] The Fourth Chapter Prudence in Action DO NOT yield to every impulse and suggestion but consider things carefully and patiently in the light of God s will. For very often, sad to say, we are so weak that we believe and speak evil of others rather than good. Perfect men, however, do not readily believe every

11 talebearer, because they know that human frailty is prone to evil and is likely to appear in speech. Not to act rashly or to cling obstinately to one s opinion, not to believe everything people say or to spread abroad the gossip one has heard, is great wisdom. Take counsel with a wise and conscientious man. Seek the advice of your betters in preference to following your own inclinations. A good life makes a man wise according to God and gives him experience in many things, for the more humble he is and the more subject to God, the wiser and the more at peace he will be in all things. [ While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light. John 12:36] The Fifth Chapter Reading the Holy Scripture TRUTH, not eloquence, is to be sought in reading the Holy Scriptures; and every part must be read in the spirit in which it was written. For in the Scriptures we ought to seek profit rather than polished diction. If you would profit from it, therefore, read with humility, simplicity, and faith, and never seek a reputation for being learned. Seek willingly and listen attentively to the words of the saints; do not be displeased with the sayings of the ancients, for they were not made without purpose. [Jesus stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor. Luke 4:17-19] CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE SUNDAY DECEMBER 24 TH 5 P.M. Plan now to share this Worship Experience with family and friends. Be sure to bring a hand bell to ring as we proclaim JOY TO THE WORLD

12 Union Church of Belgrade Lakes United Methodist Church 67 Main Street P.O. Box 133 Belgrade Lakes, Maine Our Mission is to live our experience of God s love in all that we say and do Our Vision is to be a growing spiritual faith community in the manner of Christ, where all are welcome and cared for