The Beacon
Newsletter of the United Methodist Church
November 2014
PASTOR’S FORUM
UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH
439 PARK AVENUE
AUBURN, MAINE 04210
Telephone: (207) 782-3972
www.auburnmethodist.org
Church Secretary, Joan Spitzform
Email: [email protected]
Sunday Worship 8:30 and 10 a.m.
Sunday School
Children and Youth 10:00 a.m.
Staff
Rev. Jackie Brannen, Pastor
[email protected]
Norma Rice-Gould, Organist
Caroline Coffin, Choir Director
William Buzza, Bell Choir Director
Children’s Choir, Claire Cote
Peter Poliquin, Custodian
Edith Ellis, Beacon Editor
Cherie Downing, SS Superintendent
Mitch Thomas, Music Director, early
service
Email articles to
[email protected]
BEACON deadline for submission
is the 10th of the month prior to
publication date.
Next due date is November 10th
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were
called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you
richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts
to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the
name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15–17
Dear Friends,
On this magnificent fall day, I am giving thanks to God for so many
things. I have been blessed with a healthy family, a wonderful home,
good friends and YOU! It is such a joy to be united with you in ministry
to our community, knowing that as we dwell in Christ Jesus, we are
indeed a thankful people.
Last night, I had the privilege of joining so many of you and our
community members in a service of Thanksgiving at the Basilica of
Saints Paul and Peter. What a marvelous way to worship God; united
with our brothers and sisters in Christ! The music was as inspiring as the
beauty of the cathedral, but what was most inspiring was the fellowship
of so many Christian folks of all denominations and persuasions
gathered together. It is at times like this that I have hope for peace in our
troubled world.
As you read this November newsletter, we will be deep into the giving
season. We will be giving thanks to God through our efforts to reach out
to folks who may not be as fortunate as we are. Our Thanksgiving
baskets and Giving Tree offerings will be in full force. I am so grateful
to be among such generous people! This is surely one way that we honor
our God and share the gospel with our community members.
This Thanksgiving, my joy is already complete. When I sit down to
dinner with my family, I will share how grateful I am to be a part of
AUMC. God has been good and I thank Him and each and everyone of
you for this opportunity to serve together. We are indeed the body of
Christ. I pray that you will all have a joyous Thanksgiving; filled with
good food, good friends, good fun and mostly our Good God.
Thanksgiving Blessings,
Pastor Jackie
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Pastor’s Office Hours
Pastor Jackie has Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
from 9 to noon for office hours unless a district
meeting is scheduled on one of those particular days.
Most visitations occur in the afternoons. If you would
like to schedule an appointment please feel free to
call her cell 242-2770. The door is open!
Don’t forget to smile when you shop at Amazon.
www.smile.amazon.com `
High Street Food Pantry
The following items are needed on a weekly basis:
peanut butter, toilet paper, and pasta sauce. Please
place items in the grocery cart outside the sanctuary.
If you have questions about the pantry or wish to
volunteer, please speak with Leroy Brown or Eric
Howes. Thank you for supporting this mission and
helping local people meet their most basic needs. `
secretary at the Washburn Elementary School,
coordinates this endeavor. Please continue to save
them- this is a worthy community service! `
Take the Paper Challenge!
One of our biggest office expenses is that of paper.
Each year, there are 10 issues of the Beacon
newsletter to be printed. It is estimated that we use
approximately 45 reams of paper (packages of 500)
just to print the Beacon. So, we are challenging each
church family to donate as many reams of paper as
you can to help defray the cost of paper, especially if
you prefer a printed copy to the eBeacon. Typically,
reams of 8 ½ x 11 paper cost about $6.00 each. When
you are out shopping look for a paper bargain and
take the “Paper Challenge” and help us save!
Donations may be left in the narthex on the table.
Thank you all so much for your help!!`
E-beacon Invitation
To receive your Beacon, send an email to
[email protected]. If you would
like to receive an electronic version of the Beacon
and still receive a paper copy please be sure to
specify this otherwise you will be removed from the
mailing list for the Beacon. Many thanks to those
that are already receiving their eBeacon! The group is
growing.
P.S. You can also find the most recent and the last
issues of the Beacon on our web sitewww.auburnmethodist.org so please check it out. `
Soup Labels Box Tops
Thank you to all those who have
been so faithful in saving Campbell
Soup labels and Box Tops for
Education. Gail Theberge,
ABC Thanksgiving
ABCDEFG
Thank you God for all I see.
HIJKLMNOP
Thank you God for my family.
QRS and TUV
Thank you God for loving me.
WX and Y and Z
On Thanksgiving I Thank Thee.
Sunday School offerings will be given to Hope
School this year. This is a place that Pastor Jackie
knows about and shared information with the
children during a Moment with the Children.
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November Pre-School collection will be baby wipes
and pump hand soap.
Thanksgiving Baskets
Sunday School students will be collecting stuffing
mix, cranberry sauce, canned vegetables, and pie
crust and fillings.
Thank you in advance for helping those in our
community have a dinner that would not be available
without our assistance and generosity.
UMYF
(United Methodist Youth Fellowship)
Until a convenient time to meet is decided, the youth are
being asked to meet with the youth Sunday School. Please
be thinking about a good time to meet and program ideas
or activities for a UMYF group. Any comments or
suggestions (from any age--youth/parents/former UMYF
members) would be welcomed. Thank you! Nancy
Blanchard, Roy Cossey and Marissa Deku. `
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the gift of food
You've placed upon the table--And help us all to do Your work
In any way we're able.
PARENTS AND ADULTS HELP US......
We are trying to increase involvement in Sunday
School with many exciting activities and programs
for our youth but seem to be at a dead end. PLEASE
encourage the children in your life to join us for
Sunday School and special events. We have an
enthusiastic team of teachers and volunteers who are
eager to share.
SAVE THE DATE
December 21 ...The Christmas Pageant is just around
the corner. Be watching for details.
An inter-generational Christmas program for ALL
ages entitled:
A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Sunday, December 21st....during the church service
Non Speaking roles for Nativity scene, animals,
angels and shepherds are needed.
•Mark your Calendar: November 16 ...after church to
work on scenery.
•December 7 and December 14...rehearsal after
church. `
Naomi Circle Naomi Circle will meet Tuesday,
November 18 at 1:30 when we will wrap our Giving Tree
gifts. `
Christmas Wreaths
Marjorie Smith and Bob Sprague will be taking orders for
wreaths at church through the month of November. The
wreaths will be ready for pickup on December 6. Contact
Robert Sprague at 207.576.5955 or Marjorie Smith at
207.713.8807. A plain wreath is $9.00, decorated they
are $16.00.
Bible Saints of Christmas a 4-week study.
Would you like to meet some of the faithful who prepared
the way for the birth of Christ? Did you ever wonder
what life was like for Mary, or how Ruth figured in
prophecy? We will be studying the relevant portions of
the book Christ in His Saints by Rev Patrick Henry
Reardon; he is an orthodox priest who always brings
humor and insight. We start Nov. 30 following worship
[1st Sunday in Advent] and go the next 3 weeks. We'll
probably do BYO for lunch. Book display and signup
available in foyer starting in November. Facilitator is
Rev. Joe Beardsley 441-5939 [email protected]. _
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Hanging of the Greens
Sunday afternoon – November 23
November 22nd is our big day!! Many preparations
are under way and plans for an outstanding fair are
making great progress. Your help is needed!!
Whether you make/bake for the fair, come to work in
a booth, help set up, help clean up, or just shop with
us ... it's all appreciated and part of an invaluable
community building event. Please check the narthex
area for notices outlining what you can bring to help.
There is an yellow poster with ideas, as well as the
Country Kitchen needs which will be posted on the
poles as always by Gladys.
There is a listing of chairpersons of the various
booths ~ please contact one if you'd like to help them
or have something to donate. The White Elephant
rooms take on a life of their own~ wait and see! The
jewelry items that are donated are amazing. Some of
us will be at the church on Wed., Thurs. and Fri.
before the Fair. You may drop off your items at that
time. PLEASE mark which booth the items go to.
This will make it easier to get items to their proper
spot. If you are baking for us, please try to get the
items to the church on Friday afternoon, or after the
fair opens on Saturday. The Bake Tables will now be
located in front of the curtains. Don't miss our
Country Store with scrumptious items ... the candy
booth ... the Lobster Luncheon ... the Book Room ...
the Children's Room ... The Wreath Tables ... The
Home and Hearth area and The Christmas area. Lots
of new items and delicious food that goes quickly!
Again ~ your help is very much appreciated! Thank
you. _
Gail Theberge, 2014 Fair Chairperson
It will soon be time to begin decorating for Advent
and Christmas and we need your participation to
“dress up” the church for the holiday. Since the first
Sunday of Advent is in November this year, we need
to start the process by Sunday, November 23, after
church. Folks will meet to put up the Angel Tree and
hang the angels, put up wreaths, bows and greenery.
This is a fun time to work together with others in the
congregation to get things ready. There will be a sign
up sheet on the table in the Narthex on starting on
November 2 where you may sign up to volunteer to
help in the annual preparation for Christmas. Hope
to see YOU there! _
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT
Please join us for coffee and conversation at the
Auburn Library Café, 49 Spring St, Auburn, Maine
from 10:00-11:30a.m the last Tuesday of every
month. People with MS and their family/friends are
invited to spend time socializing and meeting people
in the area who are living with MS.
Coffee, snacks, breakfast and lunch foods are
available for purchase or you can just join us for
conversation. We meet the LAST Tuesday of every
month. No need to register, just drop on by.
Any questions: please contact Marcia Akers at
207-998-4944.
Bean Supper
Saturday, November 29th , 2014
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $7.00
Menu: Baked Beans, Casseroles, Potato Salad, Hot
Dogs, Coleslaw, Breads, Beverage, and Pie. Hope to
see you and your friends here for the supper. The
money we raise goes to the church to help with
expenses. _
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6:00
6:00
7:00
7:30
Potluck Luncheon
Sunday, November 30th, 2014
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Stay for lunch following worship and enjoy leftovers
from the Bean Supper! Bring a dish to add to it!
This is a great time to see old friends and meet new
ones!_
Paint Party!
The church will be hosting a paint party on Saturday
December 13th at 2:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Our instructor will provide step by step instructions
to create a beautiful winter evening scene of trees and
the moon. All supplies are included and you will
bring home your masterpiece on a 16”x20” canvas.
Seating is limited so please register with Marissa
([email protected] or 207-754-4865) to
reserve your seat. The cost is $30.00 for a fun-filled
afternoon. _
Church Calender
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
Girl Scout Troop 178
Bell Choir
Serenity Group
AA/Alanon
Tuesday, November 4th
2:00 p.m.
UMW Executive Committee
6:00 p.m.
Girl Scout Troop 1606
Wednesday, November 5th
7:15 a.m.
Rotary Breakfast
9:30 a.m.
Music Together
5:15 p.m.
River Valley Girl Scouts
6:00 p.m.
Private Men’s Group
6:00 p.m.
Wesleyan Singers
Thursday, November 6th
10:00 a.m.
Faith Journey
6:00 p.m.
Boy Scout Troop 121
6:00 p.m.
Cub Scout Den 2
6:00 p.m.
Cub Scout Wolf
6:30 p.m.
Cub Scout Bears
6:30 p.m.
Cub Scout Den 1
7:00 p.m.
Church Council
November 2014
Sunday:
8:30 am
9:00 am
9:15 am
9:45 am
10:00 am
11:15 am
Early Worship Service
Wesleyan Singers
Pastor’s Prayer Circle
Youth Choir Rehearsal
Worship and Sunday School
Coffee and Conversation
Saturday, November 1st
7:30 a.m.
Men’s Breakfast
Sunday, November 2nd
11:30 a.m.
Nurture Committee
12:00 p.m.
OT Bible Study
6:00 p.m.
Private Men’s Group
Monday, November 3rd
1:30 p.m.
Auburn Art Club
5:30 p.m.
Solutions Group
Friday, November 7th
10:15 a.m.
Music Together
5:45 p.m.
Boy Scout Troop 111
Saturday, November 8th
9:00 a.m.
Planning Retreat , Turner Maine
Sunday, November 9th
8:30 a.m.
Worship
11:00 a.m.
Finance Committee
11:00 a.m.
Fair Workshop
6:00 p.m.
Private Men’s Group
Monday, November 10th – BEACON DEADLINE
5:30 p.m.
Solutions Group
6:00 p.m.
Bell Choir
7:00 p.m.
Serenity Group
7:30 p.m.
AA/Alanon
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Tuesday, November 11th
11:00 a.m.
Golden Age Club Luncheon
6:00 p.m.
Girl Scout Troop 1606
Wednesday, November 12th
7:15 a.m.
Rotary Breakfast
9:30 a.m.
Music Together
6:00 p.m.
Private Men’s Group
6:00 p.m.
Wesleyan Singers
Thursday, November 13th
10:00 a.m.
Faith Journey
6:00 p.m.
Boy Scout Troop 121
6:00 p.m.
Cub Scout Den 2
6:00 p.m.
Cub Scout Wolf
6:30 p.m.
Cub Scout Bears
6:30 p.m.
Cub Scout Den 1
Friday, November 14th
10:15 a.m.
Music Together Workshop
5:45 p.m.
Boy Scout Troop 111
Wednesday, November 19th
7:15 a.m.
Rotary Breakfast
9:30 a.m.
Music Together
5:30 p.m.
Girl Scout River Valley
6:00 p.m.
Boy Scout Troop 121 Committee
6:00 p.m.
Private Men’s Group
6:00 p.m.
Wesleyan Singers
Thursday, November 20th
SET-UP FOR FAIR
5:00 p.m.
SPRC
7:00 p.m.
Trustee Committee
Friday, November 21st
SET-UP FOR FAIR – NO ACTIVITIES
Saturday, November 22nd
CHURCH FAIR
Saturday, November 15th
Pageant Workday - TBA
Sunday, November 23rd
8:30 a.m.
Worship
12:00 p.m.
Education Committee
12:00 p.m.
Hanging of the Greens
6:00 p.m.
Private Men’s Group
Sunday, November 16th
8:30 a.m.
Worship
11:30 a.m.
Mission Committee
2:00 p.m.
Eagle Court of Honor
6:00 p.m.
Private Men’s Group
Monday, November 24th
5:30 p.m.
Solutions Group
6:00 p.m.
Bell Choir
7:00 p.m.
Serenity Group
7:30 p.m.
AA/Alanon
Monday, November 17th
1:30 p.m.
Auburn Art Clue
5:30 p.m.
Solutions Group
6:00 p.m.
Girl Scout Troop 178
6:00 p.m.
Bell Choir
7:00 p.m.
Serenity Group
7:30 p.m.
AA/Alanon
Tuesday, November 25th
6:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop 1606
Tuesday, November 18th
1:30 p.m.
Naomi Circle
6:00 p.m.
Girl Scout Troop 1606
6:30 p.m.
Ruth Circle
7:00 p.m.
Boy Scout Troop 111 Committee
Wednesday, November 26th
6:00 p.m.
Wesleyan Singers
6:00 p.m.
Private Men’s Group
Thursday, November 27th
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Friday, November 28th
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED – NO ACTIVITIES
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Saturday, November 29th
5:00 p.m.
Bean Supper
Join Jackie and Our Prayer Wheel
in prayerful support of our church leaders:
Sunday, November 30th
11:30 a.m.
Potluck Luncheon
6:00 p.m.
Private Men’s Group
Claire Cote, Church Council
Bruce Hall, recording secretary and Boy scout liaison
Barb Jamrog and Pam MacDonald, Nurture
Committee
November Celebrations!
November Birthdays:
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3
4
6
8
9
11
14
15
16
18
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
29
30
Becky Stevens
Emily Scholer
Nicole Willey
Matthew Scholer
Clarice Fortier
Emily Trafton
Elizabeth Randall
Gary Atwood
David Little
James Brann
Michelle Kary
Heidi Dock
Steven Jamrog
Natasha Malinski
Frank Thomas
Nancy Holler
Janet Irish
Erin Richmond
Jennifer Willey
Barbara Jamrog
Gerry Tinkham
Ruth Baxter
Viola Gervais
Barbara Powers
Jeff Beaule
Diana MacMahon
Danielle Willey
Eric Howes
Evan Cossey
Jessica Veilleux
Gary Adams
November Anniversaries:
Bill Buzza, Bell Choir
Cherie Downing, SS Superintendent
Dana Coffin and George Matthews, Music
Committee
David MacMahon, Finance Committee
Donna Manson, Outreach Committee
Del and Chris Conant
Jeff and Dawn Humason Beaule
Edith Ellis, Treasurer
Gladys Chapman, Mission Committee
Janet Irish, Worship Committee
Joel Ellis, Trustee Committee
Kary Coffin, Choir
Kay Little, Education Committee
Richard and Muriel Murphy
Lucille Weber, SPRC and UMW
Maynard Chapman, Finance Secretary
Norma Rice-Gould, Organist
Pastor Jackie; Nominations
Ruth Southworth, Lay leader
Elise and John Wiley
and our future nursery worker.
Also, please keep Pete, our custodian, and Joan, our
secretary, in your prayers as well.
Marc and Susan Lajoie
William Talpey and Carla Burkley
Debbie Keene
Thank you so much and please excuse me if I have
forgotten anyone and bring it to all of our attention so
we can add that person. I am convinced that the more
we pray, the more blessed we will all be! Thank you
again for this important work. I would love to have
another get together soon just so we can see each
other's faces and encourage each other.....
Pastor Jackie
Many Happy Returns of the Day!
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·
Please join us on Saturday November 8th for a
Fun filled Day of Discovery
“Aligning our Sense of God’s Purpose for Auburn UMC”
Time: 9am to 3:00pm
Location: Turner Highlands Country Club
10B Highland Avenue, Turner
Facilitator: Bonnie Marden
Consultant to New England Conference UMC
Buffet lunch provided at a cost of $15
Deli Buffet: choice of two salads, Sliced roast beef, roasted turkey breast and danish ham, Lettuce, tomato, red onions
and pickles, Assorted breads and rolls, Potato chips, Chocolate chip cookies or brownies
Childcare and Car-pooling available
Please register by Friday, October 31st, using the sign-up sheet
outside the Sanctuary
Goals for the day:
•
Team building and skills for trust, effective communication and clear decision-making
•
Reviewing who we are serving and how to ensure “the parts are connected to the whole”
•
Setting priorities for the next 1-3 years that serve as a plumb line for programs and ministry with a
clearer focus
•
Explore how to align activities and commitments with our congregational call
•
Expand leadership knowledge of systems and how congregations respond to change
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UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
439 PARK AVENUE
AUBURN, MAINE 04210
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
US POSTAGE PAID
AUBURN, MAINE 04210
PERMIT NO. 9
The United Methodist Church of Auburn is an
inter generational Christian Community whose
mission is to embody Christ's love through a
commitment to serve God by fulfilling the
spiritual, emotional and physical needs of our
congregation and of our local and global communities.
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