thoughts a monthly newsletter for the unity union church united … · 2020-03-17 · tarsus and...
TRANSCRIPT
Issue
Two
Pastor’s Message
The “Son” Shine News
“Having the Faith of an Easter People” (Romans 8:35, 37-39,
Phillips)
Pastor’s Message
final thoughts...
A Monthly Newsletter for the Unity Union Church United Methodist
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March 2013 June 2015
What do you think about Beards? I think they kind of grow on you.
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3 During the journey, as he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from
heaven encircled him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice asking
him, “Saul, Saul, why are you harassing me?” 5 Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?”
“I am Jesus, whom you are harassing,” came the reply. 6 “Now get up and
enter the city. You will be told what you must do.” 7 Those traveling with him stood there speechless; they heard the voice but
saw no one. 8 After they picked Saul up from the ground, he opened his
eyes but he couldn’t see. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For
three days he was blind and neither ate nor drank anything. Acts 9:3-9
(CEB)
On Saturday, May 16th, I spent the day at a workshop offered by the
BTS Center, an institute birthed out of the Bangor Theological
Seminary. The workshop led by Dr. Pam Shellberg, my New
Testament professor, was called, “BLINDED BY THE
LIGHT”: RESPONDING TO CHANGING RELIGIOUS
LANDSCAPES.
Content and discussion of the workshop centered on the story of Saul of
Tarsus and how he became the Apostle Paul.
Saul of Tarsus was a violent persecutor of the church of God. His early
mission was to destroy the church. He was advanced in the Law and as he
explains in his epistle to the Galatians, “zealous for the traditions of my
ancestors” (Galatians 1:14).
Paul would often speak of his pedigree-that which gave him the
confidence in the flesh. He was “circumcised on the 8th day, a member of
the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews,
as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to
righteousness under the law, blameless” (Philippians 3:4-6).
Yet this all changes for Saul of Tarsus while traveling along the Damascus
road. Saul, later known as Paul had one of the first mystical experiences in
the history of Christianity with the indwelling Christ. Over a period of
days, Saul undergoes a transformative journey during which he becomes
the Apostle Paul. Saul the persecutor of the church, becomes Paul the
Father of Christianity.
(Cont’d on p2)
In this issue Pastor’s Message (pp 1- 2)
Pastor’s Schedule (p 2)
Drive Thru Chicken Barbeque (p 3)
Scouting News (p 3)
Gift Certificate (p 4)
Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (p 4)
Prayer Chain (p 4)
UMW (p 5)
Holy Communion & Greeters (p 6)
Church News Request (p 6)
We Need A Few Good People (p 7)
GSTS (p 8)
Ministry of Prayer (p 9)
Mission Moments (p 9)
Coffee Hour (p 10)
No More Malaria (p 10)
Church Shopping? (p 13)
Calendar (p 11)
Samaritan Fund envelopes are in the
basket at the back of the church.
Pastor Jen’s Schedule
Sunday evening – Bulletin Preparation
Monday – Bible Study Preparation
Tuesday – Bible Study at 9:30 at the church,
Visitations, post office, church office.
Wednesday – Classes at Bangor Theological
Seminary 6 – 9 PM.
Thursday – Sermon writing.
United Methodist Women
The Unity Union Church United Methodist
Women meet the first Wednesday of the
month at 1:00 P.M. Please join us.
Our scheduled guest speaker for March 6th
will be Ellie Hutchinson from New Hope for
Women – working to end domestic violence,
dating violence and stalking. New Hope for
Women serves Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and
Waldo counties. All are welcome to hear this
important message.
United Methodist Women
The Unity Union Church United Methodist
Women meet the first Wednesday of the
month at 1:00 P.M. Please join us.
Our scheduled guest speaker for March 6th
will be Ellie Hutchinson from New Hope for
Women – working to end domestic violence,
dating violence and stalking. New Hope for
Women serves Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and
Waldo counties. All are welcome to hear this
important message.
Pastor Jen’s Schedule
Sunday – Worship & Meetings.
Monday - Bulletin prep, Bible study prep.
Tuesday – Post office, Church office, Bible study.
Wednesday – Sermon prep.
Thursday – Sermon writing.
Samaritan Fund envelopes are in the
basket at the back of the church.
Pastor’s Message (Continued from p1) It would be so easy to read this account of Paul’s so called “conversion experience”
(there are two more in Acts and a major one in Paul’s letter to the Galatians) and think
of it as an instantaneous shot out of the blue. But there is so much more to his story
and journey than that.
As 21st century Christians, we are being challenged-perhaps more than any other
generation since Paul’s time to respond to the changing religious landscapes going on
all around us. A recent disturbing Pew Study reveals that most mainline churches are
in a steady period of decline. Some numbers even suggest that The United Methodist
Church has about 15 years to turn things around or we will disappear.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul says “Last of all, as to one untimely born, he (Christ) appeared
to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I
persecuted the church” (1 Corinthians 15:8-9). Like us, Paul lived on the edge of great
change in his beloved faith tradition. He lived during the period in which the Temple-
the cultural center to the Jewish faith-had been destroyed. New faith communities and
ways of “doing and being church” (in 21st century speak) were coming into existence.
Yet, Paul felt “untimely born.” He was unable to see with great clarity what to do-how
to respond to the changes pressing in from all sides.
Saul out of love of his faith tradition defended with great zeal the tradition of his
ancestors.
In what ways are we zealous for the traditions of our ancestors? (“We” could mean
Christians, our denominations, our own faith community here at Unity Union Church)
However at some point-Saul’s journey put him on a crash course with the Holy Spirit.
He was stunned, blinded by the light, then given directions as to which way to go. For
3 days he sat in a house in Damascus-much like Jesus lying in the tomb. Then on the
third day he regained his sight…Saul became Paul.
Perhaps in order for us 21st century Christians to see, we need only to stand still and
look and to believe. Perhaps like Saul becoming Paul-we must surrender ourselves to
the power of the Holy Spirit, welcome transformation, feel it, and commit ourselves
anew.
As the people of “The Way” may we find hope in remembering that the Gospel of
Jesus Christ is not an end in and of itself; it is a journey that never really ends. May the
transforming power of the Holy Spirit come to meet us and transform us for the
journey ahead. Peace, Pastor Jen.
DRIVE THRU CHICKEN BARBEQUE
JULY 11, 2015 TICKETS GO ON SALE SOON!
DONATION SIGN UP SHEET AVAILABLE
MENU
½ Chicken
Potato Salad
Coleslaw
Dinner Roll
Baked Beans
Drink
Dessert
Scouting News
More than 400 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and their adult leaders attended a
camporee at Fort Knox May 15 – 17. They started arriving on Friday for the
events. Chris Aspinall of Thorndike, master of our Troop 233, Unity, was
captured in a proto in the Republican Journal of May 21 with Chuck Major, the
district director of the Katahdin Council. Our troop has 8 Boy Scouts and Pack
233 has 35 Cub Scouts. The Cub Scout pack is led by Julie Aspinall. Both of
the Aspinall sons are in scouting with their eldest senior patrol leader of Troop
233 and working on his Eagle Project. Their younger son is Bear Scout in Pack
233. Chris is an Eagle Scout himself and is involved with both Cub Scouts and
Boy Scouts.
Looking for the perfect gift? Gift Certificate
The Good Steward Thrift Shop – 17 Depot St – Unity, ME
A ministry of the Unity Union Church, United Methodist
To: Value:
From: __________________________ Date of Issue: ______________
Authorized By:__________________________________________________
Certificates are available at The Good Steward Thrift Shop.
Our choir needs voices!
You do not need to have a trained voice just like to sing!
Maybe you know someone that would come and try it!
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 Helen Gillette, our Prayer Chain Leader, at 948-2274
Contact our secure online site for our Christian community –
Companions in Christ, The Way of PRAYER (www.unityunion.org)
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.
Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations
By: Robert Schnase
The Practice of Radical Hospitality
The Practice of Passionate Worship
The Practice of International Faith Development
The Practice of Risk-Taking Mission & Service
The Practice of Extravagant Generosity
Our church has just completed a study of the five practices of
fruitful congregations. Now our leadership team begins the next
phase of the visioning process, working toward action plans and
our updated mission statement.
Under New Business:
1. Joan asked if we could purchase more note cards with
the church cover. Olive made the motion and Gloria
was the seconder. Vote passed.
2. The August Bake Sale hostesses: Christie & Wendy.
3. The Bake Sale Solicitor List was updated.
4. May Birthdays: Gloria Gervais & Kay Tozier
Without further business, the benediction was read.
Olive and Gloria were pleased to introduce our guest
speaker and their friend, Dot Quimby. Dot, now
retired, was one of the original staff members of Unity
College, and gave us a history of the school. She also
informed us of their 50th year celebration to be held on
July 25th. Dot is a fascinating person and we were in
for a treat hearing her recollections.
Gloria served the delicious refreshments.
Respectfully submitted
Joan Bradstreet, Recording Secretary
The United Methodist Women, of the Unity Union Church,
met on May 6, 2015 at 1:00 PM.
Attending: Olive Braley, Madeline Stevenson, Jackie
McCormick, Helen Gillette, Gloria Mc Elroy, Ruth Gervais,
Wendy Magnan & Joan Bradstreet
Olive Braley, this month’s chairperson, called the
meeting to order by reading the Purpose of the United
Methodist Women, followed by our Breath Prayer.
Jackie invited us to recite our UMW pledge as well.
Olive offered the mediation, reading from 40 Gospel
Hymn Stories and a selection of Wild Flowers to
Know. Prayer followed.
The previous minutes were read and accepted.
Vera was unable to attend, but sent the checking
account balance via e-mail.
Helen gave us the prayer chain report: the Reynolds
family - Gabriel Manson -Phyllis Longtoe & her
friend, Harold - the Shaw family - Jackie’s daughter,
Sharon and Carl Braley & son, David.
Olive thanked Debbie Eldredge, last month’s
chairperson, who filled in for Helen Gillette and for
the delicious refreshments provided by Phyllis
Longtoe.
Our ongoing mission projects are the health kits going
to UMCOR, the Good Steward Thrift Store and to the
Open Door ministries for the homeless.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is celebrated the first
Sunday of each month.
United Methodists practice an “open table”.
We do not exclude people based on age or religious tradition.
We receive Holy Communion by “intinction”, the method
whereby the bread is given and then the cup is offered. The bread
is then dipped in the juice and both elements are received at the
same time.
Join the Greeters!
Isn’t it great to be met at the door by a smiling person saying, “Good
Morning?”
Many people have agreed to be welcoming greeters for our Sunday
worship services.
However, more are needed.
If you can help out three or four times a year, please contact the
Worship Committee. Thank you.
Madeline Stevenson and Joan Bradstreet are
working on the church history, trying to get it
updated. If you have any information to offer, please
inform Madeline or Joan. Thank you.
HELP US REPORT CHURCH NEWS
Do you know about an upcoming event, program or
other items of interest that should be included in the
newsletter? If so, please fill out the information
below and send it to Gene at
[email protected]. The deadline for news
articles is the 15th of each month. News received
after that date will be published in the following
issue, if it is still of interest. Thank you.
Name________________________
Phone_____________
Name or
event/activity/news________________________
Information_________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
____________________
Email articles to:
– [email protected] or Contact us at 207-948-3473
Check out our Church WEBSITE @ www.unityunion.org
We Need A Few Good People
Since 2003 the Good Steward Thrift Shop has been a resource for
those in our community who are in need of assistance and to be
good stewards of material possessions through reuse and
recycling, to extend God’s love. At the Good Steward Thrift
Shop, we rely on our staff of dedicated volunteers and we are
always looking for more happy faces to assist in our mission.
Serving in the mission of the Good Steward Thrift Shop is a great
way to:
connect with others
grow in your relationship with Christ
serve your community
position yourself to pray with and for others
give your time and talents.
Men and women are both needed in his service.
Volunteer and have the opportunity to “pre-shop” the store.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
OPEN HEARTS:
Our hearts are full of love to our community and to the
world.
OPEN MINDS:
We’re all different and think in different ways, but we work
together as HIS disciples.
OPEN DOORS:
Not only are our new red doors meant to let others in, but to
let us out in service to God.
Worship Leaders and Communion Servers The Worship team is asking everyone to prayerfully consider taking part
in helping to lead worship as either a liturgist or communion server.
There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall.
Volunteers are needed for Coffee Hours. Please sign up.
Church Supplies
You can help the church save money on commonly used
items that we always need. On your next shopping trip,
please consider picking up something from the list below
for our church…..
paper towels,
toilet paper,
garbage bags (all sizes),
coffee creamer.
Donations always acceptable!
See Bette.
Our Good Steward Thrift Shop is here to serve and support the
community. As always, in case of emergency we are readily
available to meet the needs of families in any tragic event. Vera
McCormick is the coordinator of the GSTS and works with several
other volunteers to meet the needs of our community. You can
reach Vera by calling 948-2294. We work hard to have attractive
and unique displays and to make sure the merchandise is clean and
in good repair. We appreciate your support and we will do our best
to find a new home for your donation.
Items we CAN accept… Items we CANNOT accept:
clothing (women, men, children) food
jewelry large appliances
clocks large furniture
kitchen/dining items televisions
linens (sheets, towels, bedding) computer equipment
home décor
vacuum cleaners
children’s toys
luggage, bags, backpacks
radios
books & school supplies
small appliances (irons, coffee makers, mixers, griddles, blenders,
etc.)
Email articles to:
– [email protected] or Contact us at 207-948-3473
Email articles to:
– [email protected] or Contact us at 207-948-3473 Samaritan Fund envelopes are in the basket at the back of
the church.
Ministry Opportunities
Transportation – Providing rides for those
needing assistance to and from church, to
doctors’ appointments, etc..
Visitation – Being Christ’s representative by
visiting in the hospital, homes, and nursing
homes.
Sunday School – Be present at meetings, be a
mentor, and by assisting in the spiritual learning
of our children.
Usher/Greeters – Serve as a greeter for Sunday
morning worship and/or special worship times.
Liturgist – Working together with the pastor, the
liturgist leads the congregation in worship.
The Ministry of Prayer As a church we believe in the power of prayer. Please pray
for: Helen and Max Gillette, Rita Andrews, Sharon Shaw,
Tammy Shaw, Tonya Hubbard, Olive and Carl Braley and
son David, Nancy Henry, Charlene & Paul LaBrie,
Charlene’s nephew - David, Wendy’s grandchildren Emily
and Carter, her sister Nancy, Bonnie, Lauren, Michelle and
Sean; Evelyn Wilbur & family, Laura Blake, Connie
Reynolds, Jane Glen, Christie – Paul & Phaedera, Lisa
Smith; Pastor Bill Simpson, Roger & Marie Barber, Bev’s
granddaughter – Jenna; the children & parents-of our
Sunday school program, Strategic Planning for Mission &
Ministry 2014 and The Unity community.
See Pastor Jen to add your prayer concerns here or to
change status of those listed. If you or a family member
goes to a hospital and you need pastoral care, please contact
Pastor Jen. In the event of a pastoral emergency and Pastor
Jen is not available, please contact our Lay Leader, Joan
Bradstreet at 948 – 3714.
We are now saving returnables to help our Sunday School with their
‘IMAGINE NO MALARIA’ mission.
A container for these items will be at the church for your convenience.
If you would like pickup, just call Joan at 948-3714.
Option #1: You will find a container for returnables in the Narthex.
Option #2: The Depot Country Store is keeping a running tab for us.
CHURCH SHOPPING?
We understand that a first time or a long overdue visit to a
church can be awkward. We invite you to come as you are to the
Unity Union Church, United Methodist. There is no dress code. You
will find folks wearing suits and ties, dresses and skirts or jeans and a
T-shirt.
All are WELCOME.
Parking is available in the lot next to the church or across the
street. Enter the building through the big, red, double doors. We are
fully wheelchair accessible. A greeter will welcome you at the door
with a smile and a handshake and will direct you to the worship
center or to the restrooms.
Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month
and everyone is welcome to participate. We serve grape juice in
place of wine and a gluten free alternate to the bread is available.
Following worship time, we welcome you to join us for
refreshments and conversation in our Fellowship Hall.
FMI: www.unityunion.org
Our Sunday Morning Worship is followed by a coffee hour in
the Fellowship Hall, where many gather for friendly
conversation over a cup of coffee. Adults and children of all
ages catch up with each other and to welcome visitors.
Fellowship is an integral part of our Christian Life and the
weekly coffee hour is a wonderful opportunity to deepen
relationships with fellow parishioners.
Special thanks to all who are volunteering to contribute to our
Fellowship Time after worship.
Samaritan Fund envelopes are in the basket at the back of the church.
June 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
530 - 730 PM TOPS
530 - 730 PM Girl
Scouts
2
930 AM Bible Study
530 – 700 PM Cub Scouts
530 – 700 PM Cub Scouts
Committee
3
1 PM UMW
4
630 – 900 PM AA
700 – 830 Boy Scouts
5
6 9 – Good Steward Shop
930 Choir Rehearsal
7 Second Sunday after
Pentecost
Communion & Food
pantry collection (Care
& Share)
10 AM Church
8
530 - 730 PM TOPS
9
930 AM Bible Study
530 – 700 PM Cub Scouts
10
11
630 – 900 PM AA
700 – 830 Boy Scouts
12
13
9 – Good Steward Shop
930 Choir Rehearsal
14 Third Sunday after
Pentecost
Pastor Jen’s Vacation 10 AM Church Retired
Pastor Margo Carmines
11 AM Trustees
Flag Day
15
530 - 730 PM TOPS
Newsletter article
deadline
16
930 AM Bible Study
530 – 700 PM Cub Scouts
17
18
630 – 900 PM AA
700 – 830 Boy Scouts
19
20
9 – Good Steward Shop
930 Choir Rehearsal
21 Fourth Sunday after
Pentecost
10 AM Church
Father’s Day
22
530 - 730 PM TOPS
23
930 AM Bible Study
530 – 700 PM Cub Scouts
24 25
630 – 900 PM AA
700 – 830 Boy Scouts
26 27
9 – Good Steward Shop
930 Choir Rehearsal
28 Fifth Sunday after
Pentecost
10 AM Church
29
530 - 730 PM TOPS
30
930 AM Bible Study
530 – 700 PM Cub Scouts
27 28
630 – 900 PM AA
700 – 830 Boy Scouts
29 30
9 – Good Steward Shop
930 Choir Rehearsal
Worship Leaders And Communion
The Cub Scouts are holding a penny
challenge to help raise funds for a trip to
Washington, DC this summer. A blue water
jug is located in the Fellowship Hall. Let us
help them reach their goal by donating our
extra pennies and filling up the jug.
Pastoral Help
If you or a member of your family go to the
hospital and need pastoral care please
contact Pastor Jen. In the event of a
pastoral emergency and Pastor Jen is not
available contact our Lay Leader, Joan
Bradstreet at 948 - 3714
Pastor Jen’s Vacation, June 8 - 15
NEUMC Annual Conference, Pastor Jen and Christie Saunders
attending