The Son Shine News A Monthly Newsletter for the Unity United Methodist Church Our Mission Statement is: Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ Dec 2018 (Continued on page 3) 1
Additional mailing addresses (p 14) Boy Scout News (p 11) Camp Mechuwana (pp 6 7) Christmas Concert (p 9) District News (p 8) Good Steward Thrift Shop (pp 12-13) Information Page (p 19) Mission/Vision statements and strategic goals (pp 17 18) Our DS Gives Thanks (p 10) Pastor s Message (pp 1, 3 5) Pastor s Schedule (p 2) Prayer Concerns, Joys & Prayer Chain (pp 15 16) Table of Contents (p 2) Pastor Karen s Schedule Pastor Karen is generally available after worship on Sundays and in the evening during the week. She is happy to schedule meetings or visits when needed. Please feel free to reach out to her at (207) 623-4705 or by email at pastorkaren39@gmail.com. She typically responds to phone calls on the same day and emails within 24 hours. 2
(Continued from Page 1) Karen s Korner Can the holidays be here already? Weren t the kids dressing up in Halloween costumes just a few weeks ago? Now, Thanksgiving is behind us, and we re well on our way toward Christmas! Time seems to pass more quickly each year. Last year, Christmas seemed come and go before I knew it! All the details - so much to do and so little time! Instead of focusing on the endless details that surround the holidays, perhaps we should focus on the peace and contentment that the Christ child offers us. Instead of running at 100 mph for the next 25 days and stressing ourselves out, how about focusing on the important things those few things that would really make the holiday special? As my children have grown older, I ve started asking them, what s the one thing that would make your holiday (Thanksgiving or Christmas) perfect? Then I ve focused only on those things, knowing that the rest is fluff. What are the one or two most important parts of this season for you? In the spirit of the David Letterman show, I ve come up with a top 10 list of things that I love about the Christmas season, with the intention of doing only those things that are most important, and forgetting about the rest. My list starts with number one, because I want to make sure I take care of the most important things first! 10. Christmas caroling 9. Homemade gifts 8. Christmas concerts and music 7. Christmas cookies and other goodies 6. Decorating my home 5. Watching the special Christmas shows 4. Hearing from loved ones who live far away 3. Spending time with family and friends 2. Special services, especially Christmas Eve 1. Remembering that it s Jesus birthday! What does your top-10 Christrmas list look like? This year I m determined to slow down and really enjoy the wonder of this special season how about you? Pastor Karen (Continued on Page 4) 3
(Continued from Page 3) From now through Christmas we ll be collecting spare change for our Two Cents Can Change the World project. Your change will benefit the Community Food Pantry. Bring your change and put it into the collection container in the Sanctuary. Thank you! Bishop s Day on the District December 2 nd Everybody is invited to attend Bishop Devadhar s annual Day on the District next Sunday afternoon, 12/2 from 3-5 p.m. at Green Street UMC in Augusta. A potluck supper will follow. Carols, Cookies and Cocoa December 9 th Join us December 9 th at 3:00 pm to sing your favorite Christmas carols and enjoy Christmas cookies and cocoa. Wear your favorite Christmas sweater and bring a family member, friend or a neighbor for this festive time. Community members are welcome and invited. Christmas Eve Service December 24 th Plan now to join us at our Christmas Eve service of lessons and carols, December 24 th at 6:00 p.m. Wear your festive outfits and bring a hat or pair of mittens for the Mitten Tree. Bring a friend or neighbor! Winter Weather Plan Unity UMC has a winter weather plan in place. If it s storming on Sunday morning, Pastor Karen will call Christie Saunders at 8:00 a.m. and decide if worship should be canceled for the safety of all. If worship is canceled, the phone tree will be put into effect, a notice will be placed on the church s Facebook page, and WABI and WBLZ will be notified. Please don t venture out if you don t feel you can arrive safely! 1/2 cup hugs 4 tsp. kisses 4 cups love 1 cup special holiday cheer 1/2 cup peace on earth 3 tsp. Christmas Spirit 2 cups good will toward man 1 sprig of mistletoe 1 medium-size bag Christmas snowflakes (the regular kind won't do!) Recipe For Christmas Joy Mix hugs, kisses, smiles, & love until consistent. Blend in holiday cheer, peace on earth, the Christmas spirit and good will toward men. Use the mixture to fill and warm hearts, where it can be stored for a lifetime (it never goes bad!). Serve as desired under mistletoe, sprinkle liberally with special Christmas snowflakes. It is especially good when accompanied by Christmas carols and family get-togethers. Serve to one and all. (Continued on page 5) 4
(Continued from page 4) New England delegation to General Conference plans listening sessions The New England delegation to the General Conference wants to take time to listen to the concerns and questions from the people of New England Conference as we prepare for the special session of General Conference Feb. 23-26, 2019 in St. Louis to decide on the future of the denomination relating to same-sex unions and the ordination of LGBTQ people. At the end of this listening period, the delegation hopes to have a clearer understanding of the diverse feelings within the Conference. Watch the calendar and e- news for information about more sessions. A session is scheduled for Oct. 26 in the Tri-State District; details TBA 2-4 p.m. Dec. 1, 2018 Trinity UMC, Springfield, MA 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 1, 2018 First UMC, Bangor ME 6:30 8 p.m. Dec. 9, 2018 at the Pleasant Street UMC, Waterville ME The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9: 2, 6 5
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December 1-2, 2018 Senior High Youth Rally at Camp Mechuwana Brought to you by the Mechuwana Youth Program, A Ministry of the United Methodist Church Dear Friends, In the spirit of giving and the start of Advent, we are proud to announce the gift of fun and fellowship at one of Mechuwana's long-standing traditions: THE DECEMBER YOUTH RALLY. Over the years the "Christmas rally" has become one of the most significant and special times for hundreds of youth. Getting away from the pressures and stresses of everyday life and taking the time to reflect on the meaning of the season is a gift you need to give yourself. The weekend is full of activities; come and meet youth from all over New England and make friendships that will last a lifetime. When: Sat. Dec. 1-2 Where: Mechuwana in Winthrop, Maine Cost: $35 Drop off is 10 a.m Saturday Pick up is 11 a.m Sunday Register at: www.mechuwana.org or mechuwana@fairpoint.net or (207) 377-2924 Youth led Worship COST IS REDUCED Please bring an unwrapped gift for an elementary or middle school-aged youth. Together we make a difference! 7
ERT teams invited to assist with Hurricane Michael relief The Alabama-West Florida (AWF) Conference has opened the response to Hurricane Michael to badged/credentialed ERT teams from outside of its Annual Conference, but the Disaster Response & Recovery Team Coordinator in AWF requests that ERTs check in with their C-DRC, Barbara Burnside in New England at baburnside@neumc.org, before deploying. New book from New England elder Anne Robertson The Rev. Anne Robertson, an elder in the New England Conference and a former Annual Conference Bible study leader, has a new book out titled New Vision for an Old Story: Why the Bible Might Not Be the Book You Think It Is. It was published in October by Eerdmans Publishing. Rev. Robertson is currently serving as the executive director of the Massachusetts Bible Society. In his foreword, Will Willimon writes: Anne s hope is that you will read yourself into the story that is Scripture, and thereby find yourself looking at the world, yourself, and God in a whole new, life-giving way. 8
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Our DS Gives Thanks This is the season when I give thanks for all the wonderful things I see happening in our MidMaine churches. I see thriving youth ministries in North Vienna and North Woolich and innovative supper ministries with neighbors in Belfast and Readfield. I see churches coming together in faith formation groups up and down the Kennebec River, and leadership groups held in covenant such as Green St UMC and The Table (Norway). I see people who walk in this Methodist way reaching out to their communities with books, clothing, food, fuel. I see Recovery ministries being planted. I see new vitality in churches that once seemed worn and new hospitality in churches that once settled for thinking of themselves as friendly. I see churches taking risks and learning from what works and what doesn t. I also give thanks for faith and strength I see God providing in churches that have encountered struggles this year, especially when I see leaders reaching out for support in prayer and resourcing. I give thanks for the deep peace of Christ as we navigate changes in our local churches and anticipate changes in our denomination. God is with us, not in a superficial cheerleading way, but in a depth-of -our-being way. Even churches that are struggling in some way are engaged in powerful outreach in their communities. God is with us in our weakness as well as in our strength. None of what we do or say matters if God as Christ is not at the center of all we do, and if we do not give praise always to God as Creator while relying on the inspiration, in-out, of God as Holy Spirit. I give thanks as I report that connectional Mission Share giving in MidMaine is keeping pace with previous years. While slightly behind last year at the same time, we are still over 50% and looking to finish strong. Nine churches were able to fulfill their participation early and are on to second mile giving in local projects and beyond. Thank you for leading the way Strong, Broad cove, Searsport, Wilton, East Monmouth, North Vienna, Bethel, Bartlett, and Sheepscott. Close on their heels are 24 churches who s monthly giving has them above 75%. Fourteen of our Sixty-Six churches are well ahead of last year at this same time. And most others are making their best effort to live in the promises we make to support each other s ministry, and the ministry carried by United Methodists to unexpected places with amazing results. In MidMaine alone, connectional ministries of earlier generations created The United Methodist Economic Ministry, Camp Mechuwana, the Maine Conference Home (now MCH), The Maine Wesleyan Seminary (now Kents Hill School), and Empire Grove Campground. MidMaine Clergy and laity continue to lead and support more United Methodist institutions in our boundaries than any other NE District. We follow in the footsteps of powerful disciple dreamers and builders! It makes our strong Mission Share response even more of a witness to our belief and participation in God s Kindom on earth. Now we are coming in a time of re-formation and renewal, reconnecting with our communities while continuing to support what those before us created. I give thanks after each church conference, phone call, and ministry consult as I see God s gifts stirring us to responsiveness once more. The call of the present time is to tend our inward call while we extend God s grace to the God hungry around us. As I enter a week of rest and reflection, I give thanks to God for every one of you who have helped me glimpse the depths of God s grace and purpose in MidMaine this year. In God s Amazing Grace, Karen 10
We Are Getting We Have A Gazebo Eagle Scout Candidate Logan Wadick of our Boy Scout Troop has completed his work on the gazebo. The left picture shows the initial layout beginning. The picture to the right shows the finished product. The Eagle Scout project is the final requirement Logan must complete before he appears before his Board of Review. Thank you Logan for your great work. 11
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Madeline Stevenson Room #27 Woodlands Senior Living of Waterville 147 West River Road Waterville, Maine 04901 Bruce Jansen Room #39 Oak Grove Center 27 Cool Street Waterville, Maine 04901 Helen Gillette Room #14 Stillwater Health Care 335 Stillwater Ave Bangor, Maine 04401 14
The Ministry of Prayer As a church we believe in the power of prayer. Please pray for the following concerns: California shooting victims, Wildfires in California, Emma s grandmother s stroke scare, A grandfather having surgery, A grandmother with dementia, A niece Tara with cancer, Deb s recent fall and her concussion, Deb s spiritual decision, Megan, who has migraines, A mother with MS, Moriah s dad with Alzheimer's, Mary, who was injured in a car accident, Floyd, who lost his wife and soulmate, All the veterans who served, Dottie, who was in the hospital overnight, First Thanksgivings without loved ones, Lisa s son s girlfriend Holly, Sandy s boyfriend s heart, The situation in California, John Ford, who died this week, A grandson flying alone for the first time, Jackie s blood clot in her leg, Lisa s legs, which are bothering her, Deb, who is doing extra, Judy and John Ford Jr. on the loss of John Ford, Amy s children, The college students returning from break, Belinda, a stepdaughter in TN, Jackie, recovering from a blood clot, Audrey, as she closes up her house and prepares to go South, Deb s daughter, who is struggling with after effects from pregnancy Also please pray for the following joys: Stacy, who turned 40; Emma s brother, who got married; 2 friends who are pregnant; Veterans breakfasts held at Unity in years past; Christie s care for Gerry; The successful Holly Berry fair; Christie s birthday; Deb s new granddaughter; Thanksgiving gatherings, including a large one at Audrey s house; Nancy, who won a turkey; Gerry s continued recovery from surgery ; Christie s special birthday luncheon; Ruth and Gloria, who visited us in worship; The beautiful full moonrise; Dottie, and all she does for us; Joan s birthday See Pastor Karen to add your prayer concerns here or to change status of those listed. If you or a family member need pastoral care, please contact Pastor Karen, 207-948-3473. If she is not available, please contact our Lay Leader Christie Saunders at 948 1003. 15
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 Pastor Karen, at 207-948-3473 Contact our secure online site for our Christian community Companions in Christ, The Way of PRAYER (http://www.unityunitedmethodistchurch.org/more/contact us) 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. 16
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. 17
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, 2015. 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. 18
Information Page Unity United Methodist Church 13 Depot St. PO Box 146 Unity, Maine 04988 Pastor: Rev. Karen Garcia; 207-948-3473 or pastorkaren39@gmail.com Lay Leader: Christie Saunders; kayak5000@aol.com Council Chair: Gene Pfeiffer; gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com Building & Grounds Chair: Chris Aspinall ; 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 http:// www.unityunitedmethodistchurch.org/ Email articles to: gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com or Contact us at 207-948-3473 final What was the best thing before sliced bread? 19