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.

Email articles to

– gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com

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

gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com. 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:

– gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com 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:

– gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com or Contact us at 207-948-3473

Email articles to:

– gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com 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