Woodfords Congregational Church | |
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September greetings to you, Woodfordians and friends. As I write, it is the week of August 22, and I am buzzing with energy. Let me tell you why …
Visit from Tribal Ambassador Maulian Dana
During worship hour on August 20, Woodfords was blessed by a wonderful visit from Tribal Ambassador Maulian Dana, who represents the Penobscot Nation. During the time Ambassador Dana spent with us, she shared insightful, informative remarks and answered many questions. As my brain and heart took in her comments and reflected upon them, I realized how much more I need and want to learn—not only about Wabanaki and Penobscot history and culture, but also about how to be a helpful ally in the work of equity and justice.
If you were unable to attend Ambassador Dana’s presentation or would like to hear her speech again, the session was recorded and has been posted on the church’s YouTube page. (See link below.)
Many thanks to Woodfords’ Championing Justice Team for connecting with Ambassador Dana and arranging her special visit. If you’d like to help the Woodfords community advance justice in the world, please be in touch with Championing Justice team lead Robin Carter.
In the meantime, here are some resources and learning events for those who would like to learn more about Wabanaki and Penobscot history and culture and Tribal sovereignty:
The Parliament of World Religions
Just in case Ambassador Dana’s visit wasn’t enough to keep me energized, I’ve also recently returned from the Parliament of the World’s Religions. What an incredible experience. Over 7,500 people from all corners of the world – as far as I know, Antarctica was the only continent not represented – gathered in Chicago for five days of inter-religious learning and dialogue. Every single day, I met interesting people from diverse spiritual backgrounds (who managed to make even standing in line for registration interesting and fun)!
While at the Parliament, I sat in on all kinds of learning opportunities, including:
- a panel featuring representatives from the United Nations, who talked about conflict transformation in war-torn parts of the world.
- an interfaith dialogue between a Lutheran pastor and a pagan minister. They spoke about healing the pain, mistrust, and hurt that have divided monotheists and polytheists for centuries.
- a class about the differences between the swastika (which is an ancient sacred symbol for over a billion Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, and Zoroastrian individuals) and the Hakenkreuz (or “hooked cross” – a symbol that Hitler and the Nazis appropriated and transformed into a sign of hate).
- a lecture about how theologies that embrace an “open, relational” God might help bridge traditional gaps between religion and science.
- a hands-on workshop about dialoguing across difference.
- a design charette in which participants collaborated to imagine, formulate, and draw plans for a brand-new sacred space
Imagine … these are just a few of the mind- and spirit-stirring events I was privileged to attend. I have included photos (click here) that show additional highlights of the gathering.
I look forward to learning where, and when, the next Parliament will take place. Historically, the gatherings have occurred every 4 to 6 years. If the next one takes place something (relatively) close to home, I hope to go again. Perhaps some of you might like to accompany me.
Thank you, Church, for supporting me in attending the Parliament of the World’s Religions. The gathering was a highlight of my professional life to date, and I always will be grateful to Woodfords for encouraging my involvement.
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September 10 and 17: Special Sundays in September
Save the Dates for These Special Events
September 10 – Super Senior Sunday
Worship led by the Woodfords Senior Program
Special post-worship party honoring Woodfordians who have accumulated 90 years (or more!) of lifelong learning and wisdom
September 17 – Homecoming Sunday
As the summer winds down and people return from vacations and lake houses, we’ll celebrate Homecoming Sunday – complete with a post-worship ice cream social hosted by Woodfords’ Creating Community Team.
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Want to Learn About the Bible?
Consider Joining Rev. Alyssa’s 6-Week Autumn Bible Study
Have you ever wondered what all the fuss is about when it comes to the Bible? From classical art, to modern politics, to strange predictions about the end of the world, this ancient collection of texts and its characters are woven into the fabric of Western civilization.
Exploring the Bible is a series of three six-week courses designed to teach (not preach!) about the Bible and its contents. For people of all faiths or no faith, this educational series covers the bases. Through group study, you’ll explore some of the best-known Bible passages and discover some of the many ways that they can be interpreted. You’ll learn how the Bible itself was put together (hey, who did get to decide which parts were put in and which were left out) and where to go with your questions about the wonderful, baffling, unsettling book known as the Bible.
Exploring the Bible’s six-week courses are as follows:
1. “What is the Bible?”
2. “Introducing the Old Testament”
3. “Introducing the New Testament”
This autumn, Rev. Alyssa will offer the first six-week study, “What is the Bible?” This initial course will offer a broad overview of the entire Bible, including chapters on how to select a Bible suitable for your needs, how the Bible is organized, how the collection of books that comprise the Bible were chosen, different ways that people approach the text, and what archaeology has to tell us about the text and its stories.
Sessions will begin in October. The structure of the gatherings (i.e., whether we meet in person or online) will be shaped by participant preference and what time the class is scheduled to take place. For instance, if we end up meeting after church on Sunday, most gatherings will probably be in person. But if the class is scheduled for evenings, we might hold at least some sessions via Zoom – especially as it starts to get darker earlier in the day.
Interested in learning more or participating? CLICK HERE to indicate your interest and give Rev. Alyssa a sense of your potential availability. Please note:
1. Filling out the form does NOT obligate you to participate. It just means that you’re considering taking the class and would like to stay up-to-date on class developments.
2. Participants may take as many (or as few) of the three courses as they’d like. Participating in one course in no way obligates you to take the others. More information may be found at https://www.massbible.org/exploring-the-bible/faq
Further questions? Don’t hesitate to be in touch with Rev. Alyssa.
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Save the Date: October 8 Visit with Consultant Gregg Carlson
Gregg Carlson, Woodfords’ Convergence Consultant, Will Conduct a Listening Session and Share Congregational Survey Results After Worship
The Convergence Consulting Group is supporting Rev. Alyssa and the church’s leadership team as Woodfords engages in strategic visioning and planning processes. Rev. Gregg Carlson is Convergence’s director of coaching and contracted services and the lead consultant assigned to Woodfords.
Gregg will visit Woodfords over the weekend of October 6-9. While Gregg is with us, he will share the results of Woodfords’ congregational vitality and visioning survey and conduct listening sessions to gather Woodfordians’ additional ideas and insights regarding the church’s future ministries and mission. (Please see the related story for more information about the survey, which you may complete between now and September 8.)
Gregg will conduct a congregational listening session after worship on October 8. We hope that you will join us in person. (For those who cannot be there, we hope to make an additional digital listening session available.)
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Championing Justice Team Report
At our meeting of 8/10, we covered the following subjects:
• We enlighten ourselves on OCWM (Our Churches Wider Mission), which is one of the 5 for 5 ways we support the work of the national level of the UCC. We do a separate collection for the other 4 offerings during a worship service at 4 different times each year. OCWM is budgeted - a decision that is made annually and as it is part of the budget is voted on annually by the congregation. All of these programs (5 for 5) support national and international work of the UCC.
•We sent a request to Council for a tithe (10%) from the Connie Cushman family gift for missions. There are many organizations we are eager to assist in our community and beyond.
• August 20th worship - Ambassador Maulian Dana, of the Penobscot Nation joined us for worship. We invited the three other UCC churches, our Friends from Woodfords Corner and ME Council of Churches. We enjoyed learning about her work and how we can learn and help going forward.
•Nan Cummings from Portland Parks Conservancy and Portland Youth Corps shared their work with high school students and the work of the Youth Program who are recommended by their teachers to help work on our parks, develop an understanding of conservancy and to work with a wide range of students. This is the 3rd yr. of this program which has seen much success – for the students and the parks.
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News from Woodfords Senior Program
September and October - Mark Your Calendars! (details follow)
Friday, Sept 8: 10 - 11:30 am, Steering Committee Meeting, Lounge
Friday, Sept 8: Noon - 1:30 pm, Memorial Hall, Brown Bag "Lunch and Learn” on Earth Care and Recycling
Sunday, Sept 10: WSP will host the annual Senior Sunday Service and 90th Birthday Celebration
Friday, Oct 6: WSP Steering Committee Meeting will meet with Gregg Carlson from Convergence Consulting.
Sunday, Oct 8: Convergence Consulting reports to the congregation after worship
Friday, Oct 13: bus trip to Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel
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WSP Event Details
Friday, September 8, 2023: Brown Bag "Lunch and Learn” on Earth Care and Recycling, from 12N to 1:30PM in Memorial Hall.
Our guests will be Allen Ewing-Merrill, Executive Director of the BTS Center, who will introduce us to creation care as a faith practice, and Bea Johnson, from EcoMaine, who will describe recycling in our area.
***Please bring your brown bag lunch, reusable utensils and plates as needed, water bottle, and cloth napkin. Dessert, water choices, tea and coffee will be offered.***
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Sunday, September 10: WSP will host the annual Senior Sunday Service and 90th Birthday Celebration.
Our worship service that day will be organized and led by WSP members. Please invite your friends from inside and outside of Woodfords to attend, especially if you are participating.
Following the service, we will proceed to Memorial Hall for a very special birthday celebration of all WSP members 90 years+ young! A light luncheon of finger sandwiches, birthday cake and tea will be served, thanks to a generous crew of “junior” WSP members who have joined to produce this special event.
**Any of our 90th Birthday celebrants who need a ride to church that day can leave a message with your call-back information for Karin Wetmore at 207.774.8243, x. 105.**
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On Friday, October 6, the WSP Steering Committee Meeting will meet with Gregg Carlson from Convergence, the consulting group Woodfords Church is working with to envision the future of the church. Prior to that, church members will be invited to complete the online survey Convergence has developed. Mr. Carlson will be here that weekend to meet various groups within the church and to report to the congregation after Sunday worship on October 8th. | |
On Friday, October 13, WSP will sponsor a bus trip to Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel, where you can not only see the largest piece of Mars on earth, but add to your fund of knowledge about Maine's geology -- and to your jewelry collection.
Because WSP’s “Fall Foliage Outing” is always popular, but registration is limited by the seating capacity of the bus, we encourage early sign-ups. Beginning Sunday, September 10, there will be a poster for this purpose available in the Cloister before and after worship each of the following Sundays in September, plus Sunday, October 1st. (Someone from WSP will also be on hand to answer questions about the trip.) After October 1st, (or as soon as we reach a maximum of 33 people), registration will be closed.
If you are unable to be in church to sign up, you may do so within the same time frame by calling the church office (207.772.8243) and leaving a message with Alexandra. Phone sign-ups will be added to the poster once a week, as they come in. (Note: The most secure way of reserving your spot for this trip is to sign your name on one of the numbered lines on the poster at church.)
WSP will cover the cost of the bus transportation and museum admission. The cost of the lunch is yet to be determined. A modest cost to participants to offset the meal charge may be considered.
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Survey from Convergence
Reminder to fill out your survey! Make your voice heard!!
Deadline: September 8
The survey is designed to help us learn more about congregational vitality and Woodfords community members’ hopes for the future.
As we build Woodfords’ future, it is important to glean insight from as many people as possible. We hope that you will participate in this important opportunity to share your experiences, ideas, and hopes.
If you would like to fill out a paper version of the survey: Copies are available on the table outside the chapel or in the narthex (entryway) that leads into the sanctuary.
If you would like to fill out a digital version of the survey on your phone, tablet, or computer:
1. Click the following link for survey instructions: 2023 VITALITY AND VISIONING SURVEY
o Each person in your household should take the survey independently. The instructions document shows how to do that.
2. Click the following button to take the survey.
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Come join us with Music!
The Woodfords choir is looking for additional voices - a premier singing voice is NOT required and short-term commitments are welcome!
SEPTEMBER 7 THURSDAY
Choir rehearsals begin for the Fall Season
6:00pm Handbell
7:00pm Chancel Choir
DID YOU KNOW?
That many scientific and academic studies have shown that:
Singing is an effective stress reliever, and makes you feel energized and uplifted.
Singing benefits the heart, lungs and immune systems.
Singing releases pain-relieving endorphins and improves your mood, as it releases feel-good brain chemicals same as in chocolate!
Singing strengthens concentration and brain memory.
Singing enhances spiritual, emotional, and social connections.
So —-
Sing yourself happy and fit at Woodfords!
COME JOIN US!
Our musical groups are inviting, caring and spiritual communities.
For more information, contact Paul at music@Woodfordschurch.org
In addition……
We are looking for new beginning and substitute handbell ringers, too!
Prior experience not required, but an enthusiastic spirit to learn something new!
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Caregivers Circle
It is such a blessing that the Woodfords Senior Program supports a monthly Caregiver’s Circle available to members of Woodfords Congregational Church. If you are providing caregiving to a family member, an adult child, in your home, living away or long distance, being a caregiver brings many emotional, physical, and financial tolls on the most loving person.
Confidentiality and respect for one another is key in supporting our journeys as caregivers. We discuss coping, resources, advocacy, and all aspects of being a caregiver.
Caregiver’s Circle is led by Rev. Charlotte Bell MDIV, MSW. Charlotte is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and has spent 25 years as a medical social worker, specializing in end-of-life support, bereavement, grief, Geriatrics, Oncology and Perinatal Loss. Charlotte worked as a Clinical Social Worker with a focus on gerontology, having worked in a variety of senior residential settings. She has been trained and certified to support Alzheimer’s patients, families, and caregivers.
We meet monthly on the second Wednesday of each month in the Woodfords Lounge on the 1st floor from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Light refreshments are provided. If you would like to learn more, please contact Rev. Charlotte Bell by email revcbell20@gmail.com or phone 603-582-0117. Caregiver’s Circle will meet next on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.
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November 11-12: Valo Retreat for Teens
Recommended by the Maine Conference, UCC
Valo Maine is planning a weekend retreat for teens across Southern Maine’s faith communities on November 11th - 12th. The focus of the retreat will be on bolstering emotional well-being, and the program is open to young people in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The retreats are secular in nature, with an emphasis on bringing people together across faith and belief systems to engage in rich and meaningful conversations and connections.
The cost of this one-night retreat would be $300 per young person and would include lodging, meals, and the guidance of two trained Valo guides. The program requires a minimum of 10 teens across faith communities to participate.
If you know of a teen who would like to participate but finds the cost prohibitive, please let Rev. Alyssa know. Woodfords has scholarship funds available.
Email meg@valomaine.org to sign up.
To learn more information about Valo click HERE.
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Charlotte Cuzner 09/01
Sara Anderson 09/02
Molly Johnson 09/03
Nancy Meiners 09/05
Ellen Snyder 09/05
Deb Smith 09/08
Elizabeth Johnson 09/09
James F Brown MD 09/11
Samuel Fries 09/11
Thomas Campbell 09/12
Grace Wolfe 09/12
Mary Anne MacMath 09/14
Linda Nye 09/14
Margo Halverson 09/16
Andrea Schmearer 09/16
Jessica Wolfe 09/16
Lillian Porter 09/19
Willa Morales 09/20
Lucas Morales 09/22
Philip Lucas 09/27
Thomas Smith 09/27
Jean Bingham 09/28
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HAPPY SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARY
Edward & Phyllis Campbell 09/04 69 years
Thomas & Constance Smith 09/14 55 years
Gregg Ritter & Carolyn Bird 09/05 30 years
Maret Freeman & Edmund Ashley 09/21 27 years
Michael & Rochelle Hale 09/28 26 years
Kevin & Colleen McKee 09/12 14 years
Sue Ann & Peter Lord 09/28 10 years
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Seeking a Spiritual Home?
Contact Rev. Alyssa to Learn More About Joining Woodfords This Autumn
If you would like to learn more about becoming a member of our spiritual community, Rev. Alyssa would love to hear from you (alodewick@woodfordschurch.org). Through low-key, no-pressure conversation, she can tell you more about Woodfords and answer any questions you might have.
Just getting to know Christianity? Never been a member of a church before? Have no worries! You may be a cradle-born member of the UCC, or you may be discerning how you feel about organized religion. Either way, we value you and understand that our community would not be the same without you. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, Woodfords welcomes you!
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Have Something on Your Mind?
Want to Talk about a Joy or Concern?
Have a Prayer Request?
If you would like to schedule time for a pastoral care conversation with Rev. Alyssa, do not hesitate to be in touch (alodewick@woodfordschurch.org). She would be happy to talk via Zoom or the phone, or to have an in-person visit.
Also, Alyssa is always open to receiving prayer requests. Drop her a line with a description of what you’d like her to pray for – and don’t forget to indicate if you would also like your prayer request to be added to the Woodfords prayer list. (Alyssa’s default is to consider all prayer requests she receives confidential, unless the requestor explicitly says otherwise.)
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Submitting an article for the October 2023 Beacon?
The deadline is September 20. Please send proofed text with title and photos (if available) to info@woodfordschurch.org.
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