The latest news for you

Pleased to report: You exceeded MATE's Goal!

When I made my first trip to Mission at the Eastward as a teenager forty-four years ago, I could never have imagined that I would not only still be involved with the wonderful work of MATE, but that I would be sitting on its Board serving as Treasurer. But here I am, and what a blessing MATE has been to me. For we are blessed when we serve and give in Christ’s name.

2020 was a year that no one will ever forget. While much of what has happened during the past year has been a challenge, it has also been an opportunity for doing great things in new ways. MATE has had to regroup to do housing ministry and youth programs, and also change how it raised the funds needed to keep going.

I am pleased to report, that thanks to the generosity of our mission partners – individuals, churches, and organizations - we met all of our financial obligations during 2020. An extra big THANK YOU to all who contributed in response to our Thanksgiving Appeal. We exceeded our $35,000 goal and we are grateful.

The MATE Board extends its sincere appreciation to the Clement and Anne Sydnor Fund for its very significant gift in memory of Kim Sydnor and in honor of Jon Paul and Abby Sydnor.

MATE also received a much-appreciated donation from Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church, which contributed the money because they were not able to send a work team to MATE.

We begin 2021 with gratitude to God that so many people support MATE’s ministries in the communities of western Maine. We pledge to continue to serve “the least of these” striving to reach “the last house on the last road” in Christ’s name.

Nancy Flint, MATE Treasurer

Stories from MATE

What one loves in childhood stays in the heart forever…

Although I have many memories of MATE as a child, I think my memories of Camp at The Eastward (CATE) as a junior camp counselor are some of my most treasured. I remember going to camp for the first time as a junior counselor and thinking it was going to be a torturous week and wondering why I had let Scott Planting talk me into this. Almost immediately I realized that CATE wasn’t like anywhere else I had ever been. Camp was a place where we laughed, cried and had so much fun! From hiking, to arts and crafts, to chapel services and campfires, there was always a feeling of acceptance and love…for everyone! Kids came to camp from all over without knowing anyone and left as friends with lifelong connections. Kids were challenged, encouraged and supported. Children shared their fears, dreams and secrets. They experienced being unconditionally loved and accepted. They explored their faith and what that looks like in our everyday lives. It was more than a summer camp experience; it was CAMP AT THE EASTWARD! Even now over 30 years later, CATE remains in my heart as one of my very favorite childhood memories!

Emily Chaney, Board member

Remembering and Honoring

In 2020, people made generous gifts to MATE in loving memory or in honor of family and friends. Letters of acknowledgement and thanks were sent to family members or the recipients. We also wish to honor the gifts by noting them in MATE Matters. A special thank you to these donors!

Remembering with Thanksgiving:

In loving memory of Tom Fisher and Bill Birden gifted by Ed Jesteadt

In loving memory of Stan Olsen gifted by Paula Olsen

In loving memory of Kim Sydnor gifted by the Clement and Anne Sydnor Fund

In loving memory of Dorothy Butz gifted by Karen Hagy

In loving memory of Bert Dyer gifted by Ed Jesteadt and Bonnie Frick-Jesteadt

Celebrating and Honoring:

In honor of the Hauck’s and Rizzo’s given by the Hagy Family

In honor of Michael, Lark, Jon, and Aiden Fitzgerald given by the Fitzgeralds

In honor of Jon Paul and Abby Sydnor given by the Clement and Anne Sydnor Fund

One personal remembrance from MATE:

Bert Dyer was a big part of MATE's housing ministry and worked closely with Ed Jesteadt and Scott Planting. He had an intimate knowledge of his neighbors and always knew who needed a hand and a little help. He did so in his quiet and compassionate way. He was also close to the Flemington group and once hosted guests from South Africa for a party at his house.

Bert was a pillar of his community and passed away on the night before Thanksgiving. He will be sorely missed, and we will hold him in our hearts. His memory will always be a blessing.

This is a link to his obituary.

Bert Dyer

MATE Youth Connection

MATE Youth Connection (MYC) Private Facebook Group

MYC/New England Glow "Cold Weather Clothing Drive"

Saturday Jan. 9th, 10 am-noon

Drop off location:

Fairbanks Union Church

583 Fairbanks Rd Farmington, ME

MYC Youth are collecting new or gently used, clean winter clothing (jackets, scarves, hats, mittens, etc.) and $5 Dunkin Donuts "Dignity Cards".

We will meet our New England Glow partners in New Hampshire for the first leg of the journey to Boston. Common cathedral will distribute the donated goods to their un-homed church family and friends.

FMI: [email protected] or join the MYC FB Group

MATE's Giving Partners - 2020

The list of donors and their gifts to MATE grew throughout the year! We are blessed! Thank you, All, for your generous gifts of time, talents, treasures!

Mission Partner Grantors

Anonymous donor through the Maine Community Foundation

Clement and Anne Sydnor Fund

SeniorsPlus

Synod of the Northeast, Presbyterian Church USA

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area

Mission Partner Churches

Allentown Presbyterian Church.....Allentown, NJ

Bedford Presbyterian Church.....Bedford, NH

Camp Hill Presbyterian Church.....Camp Hill, PA

First Congregational Church of North Anson.....North Anson, Maine

First Presbyterian Church of Ramsey.....Ramsey, NJ

First Presbyterian Church of Springfield.....Springfield, NJ

Flemington Presbyterian Church.....Flemington, NJ

Grace Community Church.....Walpole, MA

Hartford Community Church.....Hartford, ME

The Korean Church of Boston.....Brookline, MA

Leeds Community Church.....Leeds, ME

The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit.....Emmaus, PA

Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church......Wilmington, DE

Stratford Street United Church.....Roxbury, MA

Sudbury Presbyterian Church.....Sudbury, MA

Silver Spring Presbyterian Church.....Mechanicsburg, PA

Mission Partner Community Members

BaileyDonovan Design Bedford, NH

Bee Line Cable, ME

Berry Family, Maine

CSM Real Estate Kingfield, ME

Farmington Farmers Union Farmington, ME

Mountain Pine Corporation Mechanicsburg, PA

Otis Federal Credit Union Jay, ME

David Mackey (Bedford, NH), Marcia Morgan (Manchester, NH), Sue Pease (Wolfeboro, NH), and Susan Reese (Bedford, NH) for their marketing and fundraising help

Rotary Club of Farmington Farmington, ME

Local teachers from Maranacook Area Schools Readfield, ME

MATE wishes all of you a happy, healthy 2021!

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