Winthrop United Methodist Church M E S S E N G E R March 2019 Dear Saints, Recently, I have had several conversations with people grieving over the loss of a family member or close friend. They can be difficult conversations as we question what s next, is there life after this life, does heaven really exist, and if so what does it look like? I wish I had all the answers but I don t, we see as through a dark glass as the Apostle Paul tells us. Many people think of the Bible as a book of rules that tells them what to do and how to live. It would be nice if it was that easy. All we have to do is look at the way Jesus explained God with his use of parables, many of which lacked neat endings or immediately apparent points. God is met amid the stuff of daily life, in the tug and pull of the ordinary, at a party for a son who really deserves nothing but a stern rebuke. This is the way I prefer to read the Bible- as a love story from God not a book of rules and commands. This love story teaches us to love God and to love people. A father receives a wayward son back home and throws a grand party to welcome him. Is this a joke? I don t think so as I have my own prodigal son story. It was my seventh birthday. Two of my friends and I were in the back field trying to light on fire a wooden basket filled with paper and grass. We were using matches we had found earlier in the day. One after the other we tried to set the basket on fire unsuccessfully until finely I was successful and the basket began to burn. Oh my goodness! It was like we had poured five gallons of gas on the basket and soon the back field was on fire. We ran for the garden hose but it was too late and the fire was out of control. My mother called the fire department and when they arrived the fire was licking the back of our garage and my father was on his way home. I didn t have to be told - I went straight to my room and was not looking forward to my dad getting there. After the fire was extinguished, the fire chief and my dad were standing at my bedroom door. I received a stern lesson about the dangers of playing with matches from the fire chief but was spared the spanking I was expecting from my dad. Later that day my parents threw a big birthday party for me and I received many wonderful gifts. There were consequences for my actions that day I wasn t allowed to play with my friends for a couple of weeks but the birthday party was grace! Wonderful amazing grace, the same loving grace God offers to us. Henri Nouwen says: Maybe the reason it seems hard for me to forgive others is that I do not fully believe that I am a forgiven person. If I could fully accept the truth that I am forgiven and do not have to live in guilt or shame, I would really be free. My freedom would allow me to forgive others seventy times seven times. By not forgiving, I chain myself to a desire to get even, thereby losing my freedom. In the Parable of the Prodigal, Jesus doesn t have an ending. We are not told if the younger brother ever grew up or if the older brother ever forgave his brother and joined the party. We sometimes doubt that they lived happily ever after. Jesus doesn t end the story because this is a story we need to finish. And you are finishing it, even if you don t realize it. Our Father is waiting, begging us to come to the party. What does this party look like what s the reality of heaven? I m not sure, but I bet it s a whole lot better than my seventh birthday party. God loves you and the lost will be found. That s the grace of a loving Father. Blessings, Pastor Ned
Prayers Squares for Soldiers Amazing! We put out the word about the need for 350 prayer squares (3-4 ) for a group of soldiers being deployed to Afghanistan. The Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss, includes a young man from Manchester. Within a month - we have more than 350 squares! Thank you to all who donated time, yarn and talent. We have put each square in a Ziploc bag with a card saying: We thank you for your service each and every day. We will keep you in our hearts and for your safety we will pray. Each card was signed by someone in our church and our church s name is on it as well. The squares are on their way to Afghanistan! Ah, the sun is now rising earlier and staying faithfully in the sky longer. We want to believe the cold is going away. The costs of sand and salt, of snowplowing and shoveling has been costly to all of us, but once again so many folks have pitched in and helped. Enough all ready! Plans underway for unfinished projects: front of church needs a spruce up of paint, the chimneys at 72 Main St. need roof work at the right time as well as a coating for the rust-insulated metal roofing is planned, our Trustee manual about to grow larger and more exacting for those who spook around doing odd jobs such as checking emergency lighting, the (sigh) furnace room, the basement lights, life goes on and isn't it grand! Fun, of course, it's fun. It's love your neighbor and bless the world as we all do our parts to the best of our abilities. We look forward to Sunday soups, happy smiles, and sharing as we do best. Bless one and all...as we continue our planning and research for an appropriate outside sign to benefit both ourselves and our community. WUMC Prayer Chain Our church has an electronic prayer chain which enables instant sending of prayer requests to a large number of prayer warriors made up of members of the WUMC congregation. If you have a request, or if you would like to become a prayer warrior and be added to the prayer chain, please e-mail Christina Kennedy at ckenny@roadrunner.com. VISITATION REMINDER: Pastor Ned is available to all parishioners for hospital, nursing home and home visits. Please call the church office or his cell phone
Church Operating Budget A huge thank you to all who have contributed to our Undie Sunday Event and donated new socks and underwear for all genders and ages. The donation box is overflowing!! The official end for collecting these items was to be Sunday, February 10 however, because so many have mentioned that they would like to donate, the box will remain in the sanctuary until the end of the month. It goes without saying how needed these items are and also, they are so appreciated. Thanks, also, to those of you who have donated cash... Even though spring seems like a distance away, we will be having a Surplus Saturday on March 16 th. We do this twice a year, (March and September). This extra Saturday allows for more items to be distributed and helps clear the shelves and poles of winter clothing making room for spring and summer. We will do it again in September making room once again for warmer winter wear. Speaking of that, the Salvation Army has been so kind and generous, thus far we have received 186 brand new coats that have been displayed and are almost all gone from our inventory. They also have provided us with many new toys for our Christmas program, a great start for the toy give away next December. We have a new hanger hanging system in the kitchen at Tabitha's Closet, with 5 long poles over the brick work, making it much easier to keep the hangers separated and organized and allowing for more space on the floor (hopefully!) The following is an email message received in the office from a happy shopper: I want to foremost say a huge thank you to the ladies of this wonderful shop... today I was in around 11 with my son and granddaughter. Bev was so wonderful helping me to pick out clothes and helped J with an outfit for her father -daughter dance dress. I also promised Bev a picture when J has her dance. Thank you again for this wonderful clothing house. M.C. The Church Council has adopted a budget for 2019 of $163,900. Income is projected from the sources as identified below. This budget does not include special projects such as Tabitha s Closet and Mission Trips (globe collections). Those designated funds are kept separate from the operating budget and any balances carry forward from the previous year. Also the 72 Main St property income and expenses are not included in the operating budget. There is a separate checking account and accounting for that property. Next month I will provide details on budgeted expenses for 2019. Please contact me with any questions. Jeff Toothaker Winthrop UMC Church Treasurer Income Pledge and plate offerings 146,500 Special Sunday offerings 2,600 investment income 6,400 72 Main St 2,400 Fundraising 2,000 Rental Income 2,000 Wonder A While Nursery School 1,700 Adult Studies material 300 Total Operating Budget Income 163,900
Support The Winthrop Food Pantry! When delivering our last donations, it was learned that 71 children are provided with food packs EVERY week. These packs include cereal, fruit cups, nutfree granola bars, and fruit drinks. Also, there are several items that are purchased each month. These items include: VO-5 shampoo, Aim toothpaste, soaps and cans of fruit. These brand names are inexpensive and are not regularly donated, therefore, they need to purchase them. Kidney beans, baked beans, canned tomato products, soup, ravioli, tuna and pasta are staple items from donations. With the harvest month of November coming along with cold weather, our church family will need to continue their giving nature of support for the food pantry. Thank you, Kay Webster Ash Wednesday -March 6 Ash Wednesday service will be held in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. which will include imposition of ashes. You may also receive imposition of ashes during the day from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the church. Miracle of Christmas Sight and Sound Theater Yes! The plans are being made for another trip to Pennsylvania! We will be travelling via motorcoach on November 4-7, 2019. The price will remain under $500 and will be wellworth the money! The play at that time is Miracle of Christmas. A $100 deposit is required to reserve a seat! Come one! Come all! Our Mission and Purpose The mission of the Winthrop United Methodist Church is to be a Christian community that invites all people to participate in God s love. Our purpose is to live out the mission through nurture, outreach and witness. Medical Devices Ministry Do you or someone you know have a temporary need for a medical device? Our church has a lending program that might help. We have a supply of donated crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, etc. that people can use when they are recovering at home from an injury, surgery, or other medical issue. Please see Chris O Connell or make your request at the church office. If we have it, we d love to have you sign it out to borrow it. Elevator Reminder We are fortunate to have an elevator to ease access to our second floor sanctuary, but please keep in mind that the elevator will not operate unless both the gates and doors are completely closed. When you exit the elevator, please be sure to close the gate and the door behind you. Only then will the elevator be available to the next person who needs it. And if you see a visitor trying to use the elevator, please stop and assist them to make sure they close the gates! Thank you.
Wonder Awhile Nursery School wants to THANK Karen Toothaker for stepping up to be the Interim Director while Jane recovered. Her experience and guidance is greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank Church Council for supporting us by blessing our program with her skills. Thanks to all who provided names for our school friends to mail Valentine s Day cards. We made and mailed 30 cards! We will be celebrating Valentine s Day by sharing cards with all three groups of children. A few special treats will be brought in by families. On March 13 th we are saying THANKS to our parents who work from their home selling direct sale products or provide a service. This evening will take place from 6:00 7:30. At this time we have representation from Pure Haven, Usborne Books, LuLa Roe clothing, 31 Bags and Massage. Please stop by to support our families that support Wonder Awhile. Our annual Open House will be held on March 21 st from 4:00 until 6:30. The purpose of this evening is for families and children to come look at our program to plan attending next school year. Any child who is three (3), four (4) or five (5) years old is welcome to come see the classroom and meet the teachers. Please share this date with friends and families. Please save the date!!! Our class performances will be April 9 (Yellow Group), April 10 (Blue Group) and April 11 (Red Group). Each performance will be based on a different Good Night Book. We will also have a Basket Auction each evening as a fundraiser to be used to sponsor Scholarships for students next year. After a year of researching and waiting to hear the results of a Conference Grant a dream has come true. In late January the Toothakers and Brennans finally hung Acoustical Panels in each classroom. These panels absorb sound vibrations to aid in minimizing classroom noise. It is amazing to hear the difference each day as children explore and use classroom materials. These panels are a great addition to our classrooms for all children including our children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Please stop by to hear for yourselves. A special THANKS to Pastor Ned for his assistance in the Grant Writing process! Wonders never cease as long as you never cease to wonder Where to Park at WUMC? Parking in the Winthrop House of Pizza lot is available on Sunday mornings only and only in the spaces on the opposite side of the lot from the pizza shop building. Additional parking is available along the west side of the building on our side of the concrete barriers, and in the church lots on the east side of the building and at 72 Main Street. Parking is also available on the street and in the Kennebec Savings Bank lot. Thank you for your cooperation.
Prayer Shawls ATTENTION: DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO COULD USE SOME COMFORT FROM YOU AND GOD? Here at WUMC we have an abundance of prayer shawls for you to give to those who do. We have shawls for the ladies, lap robes for the gents, and blankets for small children and babies. These are all ready to go and kept in the large, brown TV cabinet in the chapel. All items are in gift bags and clearly marked. Please help yourself and be sure to use the notebook marked "OUT". This records the name of the recipient, some way we could pray for the recipient, a description of the item, the date and your name. Need more information about our prayer shawl ministry? Please feel free to contact Shelly Gearheart (377.7815) or Jan Leighton (323.4489) Thank you! Time to Spring Forward Daylight Savings Time is almost upon us! Before going to bed Saturday night, March 9 th, remember to turn your clocks ahead one hour. If you don t, you will think it is 9:00 when it is actually 10:00, and you will miss church and the final Souper Sunday lunch of the year! Scent Alert! A number of our congregation have severe allergies to scents such as perfume or aftershave. Please help make worship a healthy environment for all by minimizing your use of these products! Hannaford Cards The Hannaford cards are available for purchase every Sunday in Fellowship Hall following worship. There are denominations of $25, $50, and $100. Five percent of the proceeds from the sale of the cards go to the church, which amounts to approximately $1,200 per year. First Sunday Ministries Returnable Cans and Bottles: For a number of years, WUMC has given a monetary gift to the graduating seniors associated with our church. We would like to continue the tradition which is totally supported by your donations of returnable cans and bottles. So please bring your donations to the church and put in the box outside the kitchen, or take them directly to the Redemption Center on Royal Street. Just ask the attendant to credit the Methodist Church account. Food Pantry Donations: On the first Sunday of each month, the congregation is invited to bring non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items to donate to the Winthrop Food Pantry. If the pantry has specific needs, we will pass that information on, however, all donations of nutritious foods are welcome. Souper Sunday Luncheon! The Souper Sundays, hosted by the WUMC Fellowship Team, is once again a very popular evemt. Following worship, a lunch of homemade soup, salad, desserts, and fellowship is offered to any and all who wish to join in. Everyone who attends WUMC is invited for great food and fellowship! If you wish to help with prep work or set up on Saturday mornings or clean up after the lunch on Sunday, contact Linda Allen (620-6906) March 3: March 10: Hamburger Soup Our Favorite soups
Lent is a time for deepening your spiritual journey. You are invited to join the Adult Sunday School class (a friendly bunch!) for the six Sundays in Lent. We will be studying Embracing the Uncertain by Magrey devega. This study will begin on Sunday, March 10. We meet in the Upper Room from 8:45 9:45 and it is OK to leave early for choir or greeting or other responsibilities. For more information please contact Anne Carter at etw2419@aol.com. Books are $9 each, but scholarships are available. We are wired to want to control our destiny. But those who embrace uncertainty and make the risky decision to follow Jesus despite the many unknowns will reap the greatest rewards. This Lenten study invites readers to engage and wrestle with life s uncertainties, not ignore them. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1) Surely, the Lord knows your name, but it is just as certain that visitors and new members to our church community do not. It is very helpful to new members of the congregation if those of us who have nametags wear them. The nametags have been organized in a way that should make it easier to locate yours when you arrive at church. If you do not have a nametag, or have misplaced yours, please let Barbara in the office know, and we will see that you are provided one. Benefit Concert The Pineland Fiddlers, led by Maine master fiddler Ellen Gawler, will perform at the Winthrop United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 10th, at 3pm. This show, and the pie social afterwards in Fellowship Hall, are fundraisers for a July 2019 trip to Shetland. After the show, think about heading to Margarita s in Augusta for dinner, where part of the proceeds from any diner who mentions the trip & has a poster (available at the show) will benefit the trip as well. These fourteen young fiddlers, including WUMC s own fiddler, Owen Kennedy, are traveling to Scotland for two weeks of intensive, experiential immersion in Shetland musical traditions. They will attend the Shetland Folk Frenzy, a festival week of workshops, sessions, concerts, and master classes. These talented young fiddlers, ages 8-18, are also booked for several concerts to share tunes from Maine & the Maritimes with music fans across the ocean. It is the musical adventure of a lifetime! More information about the trip at www.pinelandsuzuki.org/ pinelandfiddlers. Questions? Contact Christina at ckennedy774@gmail.com. Donations gratefully accepted at the door. 10% will return to WUMC for a ministry/outreach to be chosen by our youth group.
Just to Praise Him A Good Lesson! One of my friends told me about a powerful lesson in her daughter's high school class this winter. They're learning about the Salem Witch Trials, and their teacher told them they were going to play a game. "I'm going to come around and whisper to each of you whether you're a witch or a normal person. Your goal is to build the largest group possible that does NOT have a witch in it. At the end, any group found to include a witch gets a failing grade." The teens dove into grilling each other. One fairly large group formed, but most of the students broke into small, exclusive groups, turning away anyone they thought gave off even a hint of guilt. "Okay," the teacher said. "You've got your groups. Time to find out if any group failed. All witches, please raise your hands." No one raised a hand. The kids were confused and told the teacher he'd messed up the game. "Did I? Was anyone in Salem an actual witch? Or did everyone just believe what they'd been told?" And that is how you teach kids how easy it is to divide a community. Keep being welcoming, beautiful people. Shunning, scapegoating and dividing destroy far more than they protect. We're all in this together. Worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot change. Prayer is a conversation you have with God about things He can change. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want Anything But to praise Him. He restores my soul. He gives me strength To follow His lead And to praise Him. He'll give all that I need Until there'll be Not a thing left But to praise Him. I don't live in fear. The Lord he is here, Every step of the way So I praise Him. He's anointed my head. My cup overflows With words and with song To praise Him. His goodness and mercy Will follow me long. I will dwell in His house. And I'll praise Him. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want Anything But to praise Him. Author Lucinda Berry Hill of "Coffee with Jesus" and "A Second Cup with Jesus" The Allen family would like to extend thanks to their church family for all the love and support shown to them in the past few weeks. Caroline, Marty, Linda, Chelsea and family Thank you for the cards, phone calls, flowers (from the choir) and all the support we have been given. It has been a difficult few weeks but it makes me realize how much I appreciate my church family. Linda and Phil Hargesheimer
Our church has been saddened in the few weeks by the death of many fine people - some long time members of our church family, others more recent attendees or relatives of congregation members. We extend our deepest sympathies to those grieving and pray that the wonderful memories you have will help you through the difficult times. Laura Bailey (1936-2019) Services will be held at Winthrop UMC on Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. following visiting hours there from 1230-2 p.m. Donations may be given in Laura s memory to American Diabetes Assoc., New England Office, 260 Cochituate Road #200, Framingham, MA 01701 or the church of your choice. Joan Willey (1931-2019) Services will be held at Tuttle Road UMC Donations may be given to the Tuttle Road UMC, 52 Tuttle Road, Cumberland Center, ME 04021 Richard Allen (1938-2019) A Celebration of Life was held at Winthrop UMC on Saturday, February 23rd. Donations in his memory may be sent to Winthrop UMC, P.O. Box 136, Winthrop, ME 04364 Johanne Macomber (1923-2019) Services were held on Saturday, February 16th. Donations may be made to the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pet Haven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330 Derek Hargesheimer (1970-2019) A service will be held in the spring at Winthrop United Methodist Church. Memorial donations may be sent to the Crisis and Counseling Center, 10 Caldwell Road, Augusta, ME 04330
Winthrop United Methodist Church P.O. Box 136 Winthrop, ME 04364 2019 Church Office Hours: Tuesday Friday 9 a.m 1 p.m (207) 377-8620 P.O. Box 136 58 Main Street Winthrop, ME 04364 Ned S. Crockett - Pastor Lynda Pratt - Lay Leader Barbara Hamblin - Administrative Assistant Email: office@winthropumc.org Pastor Ned: pastor@winthropumc.org Sunday Worship service 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 8:45 a.m. www.winthropumc.org www.wonderawhile.org The mission of the Winthrop United Methodist Church is to be a Christian community that invites all people to participate in God s love. Our purpose is to live out the mission through nurture, outreach and witness.