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A Monthly Newsletter for the Unity United Methodist Church

July 2017

Pastor’s Message 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s

will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t suppress the Spirit. 20 Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired

messages, 21 but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good. 22 Avoid every

kind of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22).

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Our Mission Statement is:

Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ

The “Son” Shine News

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A Month of Sundays (p 27)

Bible Study (pp 14 - 16)

Camp Mechuwana (pp 19—23)

Church History (p 11)

Communion (p 25)

Church Needs (p 24)

Drive Thru Chicken Bar Be Que (p 5)

Hymn Sing (p 11)

Information Page (p 30)

Lay Speaking Ministries (p 13)

Ministry of Prayer (p 25)

Mission/Vision statements and strategic goals (pp 28—29)

News of the General Conference (p 17)

NOW Committee (p 26)

Pastor’s Message (pp 1,3 -& 4)

Pastor’s Schedule (p 5)

Prayer Chain (p 26)

Summer Sermon Series (pp 6—8)

Summer 2017 Day Retreats (p 12)

Table of Contents (p 2)

Thrift Shop News (p 18)

United Methodist Women (pp 8—10)

Zeigler Preacher of the year (pp 9 & 10)

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Over the past several years, I have taken great joy in capturing the Presence of the Divine in everyday life

using the camera on my cellphone. I have taken pictures of trees, flowers, buildings, bodies of water, and

animals. I save the photos onto the hard drive of my computer. I then take the photos and enhance them us-

ing digital filters on my laptop. In this way I transform the original photos into new images and works of

art. These new creations communicate spiritual truths that I then share with my family, friends, and on-line

virtual communities.

I have come to love the art of photography. I use it as a spiritual discipline. My “Divined Flashes” have be-

come an instrument that feeds my soul and instantly connects me with the Holy One. I love to play with

light and color and focusing in on minute details of an image. Plus, when I am the one taking the pictures…

I do not have to worry about being IN the picture. That way I can imagine that I look just exactly as I do

when I look in the mirror-when every hair on my head is in place (thanks to my super firm hair spray), my

makeup is just right and my clothes are wrinkle- free. There is no need to worry about my face being

scrunched into a strange grimace as someone tries to take my picture while I face the sun. I do not have to

fight back tears from concentrating on not closing my eyes in reaction to the flash, or being caught in some

awkward pose or unflattering moments, or modeling my “bad hair” days for all to see.

I have come to realize one reason I like to TAKE the pictures rather than be IN them is that when I am be-

hind the camera I have complete control of the outcome. I decide what image I want to portray and how I

want to portray it to the world.

This week as I spent some “playtime” with my camera, I realized we can sometimes do the same thing

when it comes to our own spiritual practices. There are plenty of ways to “pose” so that we present our-

selves in a flattering way. We can become so good at these masquerades that we can fool ourselves into a

false sense of being.

If left unchecked, this can become unhealthy. I speak from personal experience when I say that when we

live under such false pretenses we can find ourselves living in denial of something that can ultimately hurt

us. It can also leave us with this sense of shame… a conscious or perhaps even unconscious sense of a

“stain” on our soul. This will eventually separate us from God.

This summer I invite you to join me in practicing the discipline of taking a spiritual inventory of your heart

and soul.

First, I would suggest finding a quiet space or a place/location that helps you connect to God. This might be

by a lake or at the ocean, a park, or even on your front porch.

Take time to “settle in”. Become aware of the rhythm of your breathing, inhale and exhale deep and slow.

Release any tensions you may have in your neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, and feet.

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I suggest you also have a pen and journal or notepad or tablet readily available to jot down some notes

based on your initial response to the following questions:

1. What is God doing right now in my life that I can rejoice in?

2. What thoughts or feelings do I need to talk to God about? These are your truest feelings whether they

are “presentable” or not. Put aside your “game face” for a moment and be honest. Are you angry

about something? Jealous? Depressed? Envious? Discouraged? You can share all things with God…

God knows anyway…you might as well be honest. You will feel better…trust me.

3. What am I grateful for? Paul says in everything give thanks. Life always offers something for us to give

thanks and praise to God.

4. Am I resisting or quenching the Spirit in anyway? This might include crass language, judgmental

thoughts, selfish motives, unloving behavior, spreading gossip, etc. Once these vices are before you,

ask God to help you to overcome them. Sometimes it helps to develop a breath prayer (A simple one

sentence prayer) asking God for assistance.

5. What am I neglecting to do that I know is right? Are you sensing that God might be speaking to you-

encouraging and urging you to do something but you do not respond? Who have you ignored or mis-

treated? Who have you refused to apologize to? What have you put off because you are just “too

busy”?

6. What needs to be reflected on, evaluated, questioned, and then either held on to or rejected? Remember

the Apostle Paul says to test all things, to hang on to what is good and to avoid that which is evil.

7. Have I said or done something that would be questionable to either a stranger or someone that knows

me well? Have the courage to be honest here. Do not attempt to self-rationalize the situation.

I have used spiritual exercises such as this often over the years in my journey of faith. I first encountered

them when I was part of an Emmaus Community Covenant group. We would meet regularly for a time of

prayer, witnessing to the presence of Christ in our lives, and also holding one another spiritually accounta-

ble.

Spiritual inventories such as these help us to take a “spiritual snapshot” of our soul, focusing in on the mi-

nute details that make all the difference in getting a sense of the BIG PICTURE: that being our relation-

ship with God and God’s will for Spirit-filled living for each of us. Blessings to you for the Journey ahead!

–Pastor Jen

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Pastor Jen’s Schedule

Sunday – Worship & Meetings.

Monday - Bible study and Bulletin preparation.

Tuesday – Post office, Church office, Bible study.

Thursday – Bulletin prep & Sermon prep.

Friday – Sermon writing.

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2017 Summer Sermon Series

God is Holding Your Life The Lord will protect you on your journeys—whether going or coming– from now until forever from now. - The Psalmist The Psalms are the prayers of the Hebrew people and run the gamut from praise to gut-wrenching pleas for help. Throughout this poetry runs a thread–we can trust God to hold our lives. In this summer series, we take a break from the worry, anxiety and distress that life can bring and let Holy Assurance hold us fast.

7/9/17 God is Holding Your Life The Lord will protect you on your journeys— whether going or coming— from now until forever from now.-Psalm 121 Psalm 121, the so-called “Traveler's Psalm,” speaks of transition, fear and the invitation to deep trust no matter our circumstance. The Psalmist looks to the hills–the symbol of the steadfast presence of God–for help and rescue. This is trust in the midst of the journeys of life.

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7/16/17 Living in the Shelter of the Most High

“Living in the Most High’s shelter, camping in the Almighty’s shade, 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my refuge, my stronghold! You are my God—the one I trust!”-Psalm 91

Regarding the LORD as your personal refuge is a decision to place your habitation -- your life itself -- in a

place that cannot be broken by the stresses and strains of life. God’s love is found in relationship. God’s pro-

tection is discovered in relationship. God has a commitment to people who are in relationship with God.

Prayer to God is a means for calling on God and God will provide an answer.

7/23/17 Desert Blues

God! My God! It’s you— I search for you! My whole being thirsts for you! My body desires you in a dry and tired land, no water anywhere.-Psalm 63 Psalms of Lament make up over half of this book of scripture. And the blues are one of the best forms of lament. Psalm 63 portrays a vast wasteland, a desert of life. It is a “there’s got to be more than this” lament. We can trust God to bring new life to our dry and parched souls.

7/30/17 Into Your Hands My life is consumed with sadness; my years are consumed with groaning. Strength fails me because of my suffering;[a] my bones dry up… I entrust my spirit into your hands; you, Lord, God of faithfulness— you have saved me.-Psalm 31 Jesus looked to his tradition’s liturgical poetry at his greatest moments of lament–“my God why have you forsaken me?”–and the ultimate moment of trust–“into your hands I commend my spirit.” This week, in Psalms such as Psalm 31, we affirm that our cries to a God that sometimes feels absent are also met with an unending presence to which we can say, “my life is yours.”

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8/6/17 There is a River There is a river whose streams gladden God’s city, the holiest dwelling of the Most High. God is in that city. It will never crumble. God will help it when morning dawns.-Psalm 46 Psalm 46 declares trust with utmost confidence in images of safe and glad cities fed by God’s streams of help and mercy, the end of wars, and all nations celebrating together. This psalm of praise offers us a model for proclaiming God’s reign this day!

8/13/17 God's Love Endures Forever Give thanks to the Lord because God is good. God’s faithful love lasts forever! Give thanks to the one who shaped the earth on the water—God’s faithful love lasts forever. Give thanks to the one who split the Red Sea in two— God’s faithful love lasts forever.-Psalm 136 Our journey through the psalms culminates in a litany of thanksgiving and the assurance that the love of the Holy Living Creator endures forever. God is Alpha and Omega, the All-in-All, the One who has, does, and will, lead the people out of their despair and discouragement. All generations proclaim trust in God! -Material and themes developed from Marcia McFee Worship Design Studio

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June 17, 2017

The winner of the 2017 Wilbur C. Ziegler Award for Excellence in Preaching is the Rev. Dr. Thomas Blackstone, pastor at Pleasant Street United Methodist Church in Waterville, ME. Rev. Blackstone preached at the Annual Conference session on Saturday, June 17, 2017, on Matthew 15:21-28, the story of the Canaanite woman. Speaking of her encounter with Jesus, Rev. Blackstone said: “So here she is, the very embodiment of the outsider, the rejected one, whose exclusion from mer-cy came from the very lips of Moses himself, speaking for God, and she asks for the very thing that the Bible says she can’t have: Mercy. Not because she’s unworthy, not because she’s a bad moth-er, not because she has an evil reputation, but simply because … she was born that way: born on

the wrong side of the racial, ethnic, tribal line that had stood for centuries.” He points out that Jesus’s response to her, at first, is not what we may hope. “It’s to Matthew’s credit that he doesn’t give us the inspired story we want, but the inspired story we need,” Rev. Blackstone said. “Jesus, for whatever reason, does what the body of Christ still does when confronted with the one who doesn’t quite fit our definition of acceptable. Je-sus, says … nothing. Dead silence.” But when He does respond, Jesus praises not the woman’s obedience, but her faith, Rev. Black-stone said.

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I am honored and deeply blessed to have the Rev. Dr. Blackstone as my current ministry mentor. I meet with him once a month for theological re-flection and prayer. This year at Annual Conference, in Manchester, N.H., Thom was named Zeigler Preacher of the year. Below is the article about the sermon he delivered.-Pastor Jen

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“By praising the greatness of this Canaanite woman’s faith, by raising her up from the dust, by speaking to her rather than about her, by recognizing the image of God already in her soul, Jesus has set aside scripture, ignored policy, and has shown the church how to be the Church of Jesus Christ when there’s a Canaanite, an outsider, an incompatible, a suffering brother or sister stand-ing right there in front of us, asking for mercy,” he said. “It’s not about charity, it’s about justice!”

And that lesson in how to be the Church is one we still need, Rev. Blackstone said.

“Canaanites – some of them our own children – are standing at the door of the church, longing to

come in,” he said. “They are standing there, cautiously, because (despite our faults) they sense God in us, someplace beneath all that silence, misinterpreted scripture, and prejudicial leg-islation. They can hear the authentic Jesus in our heritage and in our passion for mission, despite the racism and white privilege that gets in the way of our discipleship, and they can hear the rush

of the wind of the Spirit that we keep trying to squeeze into containers of fear so that it won’t change us.”

“It’s time to let that Spirit loose,” he said.

It’s time, Rev. Blackstone continued, to let “Jesus strip away the false narratives of the church

that we’ve told ourselves, who’s in and who’s out …”

“And if this church can find that Jesus and let him break our sinful selves open yet one more time, and put us back together with a lot less judgement and a lot more justice, mercy, and faith, then maybe some of those Canaanites will do us the honor of crossing the threshold, standing by our

side, and reminding us that God wants them here because of the greatness of their faith: And as they walk in the door (hear this now!), it’s time for folks like me, who are invested in and benefit from the status quo, it’s time for folks like me to stop talking … and listen … and change. It’s our

only hope.”

About the Award

The Wilbur C. Ziegler Award for Excellence in Preaching is given each year to a pastor who demonstrates “excellence in preaching the whole Gospel, addressing both personal and so-cial salvation.” The honoree is then invited to preach at Annual Conference. The award was creat-ed in 1981 by the Mathewson Street United Methodist Church in Providence, RI.

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For those of you who might have missed worship on Sunday, June 18th - Jackie McCormick and I led the congregation in a hymn sing. At the beginning of the worship service, I referred everyone to “the direc-tions for singing” found at the beginning of the UM Hymnal. Most people seemed genuinely surprised to learn of these instructions from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. They are listed below. I also found a bit of interesting info regarding the writing and singing of hymns that I have included beneath. Enjoy. Pastor Jen

“DIRECTIONS FOR SINGING”

I. Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please.

II. Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all; and if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn it as soon as you can.

III. Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find it a blessing.

IV. Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.

V. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear me-lodious sound.

VI. Sing in time. Whatever time is sung be sure to keep with it. Do not run before nor stay behind it; but attend close to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can; and take care not to sing too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first. VII. Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve here, and reward you when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.

-From John Wesley’s Select Hymns, 1761 These instructions can also be found on page vii of The Unit-

ed Methodist Hymnal.

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Lay Servant Ministry courses starting soon

Lay Servant Ministry courses are starting soon in districts across the New England Conference. A Lay Servant is an active, supportive member of a United Methodist congregation who is eager to be in ministry through the church. They serve in many ways: visitation, leading a study, sing-ing in the choir, serving at a lunch program, teaching Sunday School, sending out church or per-sonal prayers, volunteering to clean, go on a mission project or to lead or preach at a worship service – and these are just a few. Lay Servants are well-informed on scripture, doctrine, herit-age, and the organization and life of the church. Click the link below to find out what’s coming up in your district. Learn more and register at www.neumc.org/layservantministries

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Tuesday Bible Study of the Psalms

Recently, the Tuesday Bible Study Group selected the Psalms to explore together over the summer of 2017.

Below is the reading schedule that has been set up thus far. Come join us for one session or for the summer.

We meet Tuesdays in the fellowship hall at 9:30 am.

Each person is asked to submit a Psalm for study. The week your Psalm is featured, please come prepared to share why you chose this particular Psalm. If you feel the Spirit urging you to lead the study/discussions

the week your Psalm is featured just let Pastor Jen know and arrangements can be made.

Reading Schedule:

June 27: No Bible Study- pastor Jen on Vacation

BIBLE STUDY GROUP IS NOT MEETING DURING THE MONTH OF JULY

August 1: Psalm61 (Beverly)

August 8: Psalm 100 (Jackie)

August 15: Psalm 121 (Joan)

TYPES OF PSALMS

The prayer for Help of an Individual (LAMENT)

Thanksgiving Song of an Individual

The Corporate prayer for help (LAMENT)

The Hymn

Psalms of Instruction

Other literary types

Ascents

Procession and entrance

Ceremonies: Inaugurations, weddings, etc.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Below are some interesting facts about the Psalms that we have learned thus far:

The name Psalm or Psalter come from the Septuagint (Greek translation of the OT)

Means to pluck such as a stringed instrument harp, lyre, lute

The Psalms and the OT

The book of Psalms is a compilation of themes and topics found in the rest of the OT

Works of God in Creation

Judgement

Salvation

Israel’s story

The law of life

The Holy City and God’s Presence there

The once and future Davidic Messiah

Warning against wickedness and the tragedy of the human condition

The everlasting and present coming kingdom of God

The Psalms and the NT

Psalms and Isaiah are 2 most quoted OT books in the NT.

Psalms are especially crucial in Christology-primary scripture of context for the titles by which

Jesus is identified.

Psalms and Corporate Worship

Psalms has always been the scriptural book of prayer and praise for church.

Recited and sung-invocations, calls to worship, chants, adorations, confessions

The Psalms and Spiritual Disciplines

Used to nurture and guide personal meditations and devotions

Christians use them as their own prayers and ways of connecting with God

Psalms and Theology

Because of their character and content Psalms have always played a special role in reflection

and thought on the Christian faith.

Book of Psalms is composed of Poetry of praise; prayer, and instruction in piety; the fundamen-

tal elements of faith in religion.

THE BOOKS OF THE PSALMS

Book 1: Psalms 1-41

Book 2: Psalms 42-72

Book 3:Psalms 73-89

Book 4: Psalms 90-106

Book 5: Psalms 107-150

Some scholars believe since Moses gave 5 books of the Law, so David gave 5 books to the Psalms

DATE: final compilation around 3rd century BC, being used as the prayer book for Zerubbabel’s and

Herod’s temple.

By 1st century AD known as the book of Psalms. Read page772 of study bible

All Psalms are poetry.

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Psalm23-and-a-half

The LORD is my shepherd Whether I like it or not. I shall not want. Except for a bigger house, a nicer car, a slimmer waistline; A newer device, a little more power. And to always, always, every day, be right about everything. He makes me lie down in green pastures As the world grays with concrete And browns with toxic fumes And bleeds with violence and rage. He leads me beside the still waters Even though I pull away, and make a run for the choppy sea Of my own thoughts, complaints, and addictions. He restores my soul, From its own self-inflicted wounds. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake…

For his name’s sake, Even as I celebrate with my own signature. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; Even as log on, tune in, and worship at The altar of fearful story That we call news.

For you are with me; Even as the world spins into chaos, crippled by the hatred of other Your rod and your staff- they comfort me.

They tell me a better story, And call me back to your side.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies And ask only that I sit and dine with them. You anoint my head with oil; And call me to live a life worthy of this benediction. My cup overflows With sorrow, and remorse, With gratitude.

Because for all my selfish, wandering, fearful, and faithfulness ways, I know that

Goodness and mercy shall follow me, the worst week, the worst moment Of the created human world. And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long, Singing a new song, And telling the Shepherd’s story Into the darkness. -Erin Wathen -Taken from: Scifres and B.J. Beau, Ed. “The Abingdon Worship Annual: 2017.” 2016. Nashville: Abing-don Press.

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Five constitutional amendments head to vote at the General Conference

May-June 2017

General Conference delegates had their say last year. Now, it's up to the members of annual conferences around the world to determine whether five amendments will become part of The United Methodist Church's constitution. The voting began in Liberia in February.

To be ratified, a constitutional amendment first requires at least a two-thirds vote at General Conference, which happened in May 2016. Then, it must win at least a two-thirds majority of the total voters at annual conferences around the world.

Here is an overview of the amendments:

Gender equality This amendment declares, "men and women are of equal value in the eyes of God." It goes on to say maleness and female-ness are characteristics of human bodies, not the divine, and asserts The United Methodist Church will "seek to eliminate dis-crimination against women and girls, whether in organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society at large." If ratified, it will become a new Paragraph 6 in The Book of Discipline.

Inclusion in membership This amendment would add gender, ability, age and marital status to the list of characteristics in Paragraph IV, Article 4 that do not bar people from membership in the church. Learn more about the amendment supported by the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, Discipleship Ministries, the DisAbility Ministries Committee and United Methodist Women.

Delegate elections This amendment to Paragraph 34 specifies elections of delegates to General Conference, as well as jurisdictional and central conference meetings, will include open nominations from the floor at annual conference sessions. The measure also calls for the election of delegates "by a minimum of a simple majority of the ballots cast."

Bishop elections This amendment to Paragraph 46 states central conferences are to elect bishops at a regular, not an extra, session of the cen-tral conference "except where an unexpected vacancy must be filled."

Bishop accountability If passed, this amendment to Paragraph 50 says General Conference can adopt provisions for the Council of Bishops to hold individual bishops accountable. It keeps primary responsibility for a bishop's accountability where he or she is elected, while also creating a mechanism for the Council of Bishops to step in for global accountability if needed.

Adapted from an article by Heather Hahn, United Methodist News Service writer.

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The GOOD STEWARD THRIFT SHOP is now open on FRIDAY

as well as SATURDAY from 10:00 – 2:00!!!

Our shop, a former parsonage, began an extension ministry as an outreach

to the community of Unity and the surrounding areas.

The Good Steward Thrift Shop is filled from ceiling to floor, upstairs and

down, with donated men’s, women’s and youth clothing and shoes, a well-

stocked kitchen, two rooms full of home goods, CDs, books, and recently….. a

new holiday room has been added.

Everything we sell is in good condition and extremely affordable!

Donations are appreciated.

Individuals who want to volunteer at the thrift store, please sign up in the shop.

The church is here to help people and the community.

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Music Theatre at Camp Mechuwana

Starting with young elementary campers right through seniors in high school, Mechuwana has been offering this unique camping experience for more than 30 years. Many changes have taken place over those years, with extensive renovations to our theater including new lighting, sound system, and a technical "crow's nest." Campers can take part in all aspects of the production, both on stage and backstage. A performance is held at the end of each week for parents and the community. If you are interested in one of our music theater camps, sign up fast as space is lim-ited. For a full brochure and to sign up go to:

www.mechuwana.org or email us at: mechuwana@fairpoint.net call: 207-377-2924

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Elementary Music Theatre

For campers finishing Grades 3-6

Every year a show is written just for you, and this year is no exception! This year's show will be a treasure hunt of sorts, searching for one of the powerful things in the world! This new show, entitled "The Power of Yet," tells a story of someone searching for an amazing treasure, the power of possibility. Through lots of twists and turns, we learn that there is much that we can't know or do or be.....yet! YET! A veteran staff of counselors and experienced theater adults who love working with young campers await you. Come be part of this exciting week filled with music, swimming, boating, arts and crafts, and much more!

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Elementary/Middle School Music Theatre

For campers finishing Grades 4-9

so you like to act, sing, and have loads of fun? Well this camp is for you! Come take part in a musical written for you and your friends. Everyone has a part as you work with a dedicated staff that have been together for more than 20 years-and who all love music theater. Those of you who would like a chance to work on the technical aspects of theater are welcome, too. Be-sides the theater experience, you will have plenty of time to take part in all the other camp activities Mechuwana has to offer.

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Middle School/Senior High Music Theatre

For campers finishing Grades 6-12

Campers will have the opportunity to participate in acting, singing, dancing, directing, writing, and technical assistance. Led by professional performing artists and a team of seasoned theater volunteers, this camp fo-cuses on a full-scale musical theater performance. Come for a week filled with challenging and rewarding experiences that will allow you to make friends who will last a lifetime. Performances will be held on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Mechuwana campers in the production of "The Cape"

Godspell by Jr/Sr High Music Theatre campers

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A summer camp experience for everyone

Grand Camp

Spend special time together with your grandchildren at camp. Experience campfires, crafts, swimming, boating, mu-sic, and much more as you create wonderful memories with your grandchildren during this special time togeth-er. This camp is a half-week.

Mom/Child Camp

Moms bring their child(ren) for a half-week of sharing quality time without the pressure of school, jobs, or home routine. Share time with other moms and families as you take part in all the fun camp activities. Scheduled time just for mom is also part of this unique experiences. Half-week camp.

Golden Oldies Camp

This camp is designed for adults who are 55+ and want to have a great camp experience with others. En-joy Mechuwana's beautiful setting while participating in a program including swimming, boating, and other fun activities. You will have plenty of free time to explore and relax. This is half-week camp.

You and Me Camp

Dads, moms, aunts, uncles, and step-parents, this is your chance to come to camp with a special child in your life. Enjoy experiencing camp activities together like boating, swimming, crafts, and more. Make mem-ories that will last a lifetime. This is a h alf-week camp.

CO-ED ELEMENTARY BASKETBALL CAMP (For campers finishing grades 3-6)

This camp focuses on developing skills needed to become a successful team basketball player. Players will have the opportunity to develop and use their skills through drills and games. This a great camp for young players to work on the basic skills that will allow them to thrive. It is also a great camp for individuals who want to try basketball for the first time. We always make time for traditional camp activities such as campfires, swimming, boating, and much more.

CO-ED MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL CAMP (For campers finishing grades 6-9)

Want to learn more about being a team player? How about learning skills by doing drills and scrimmages? This camp is for you. You will have the opportunity to improve what you already know about the game and learn more as an individual and team player. Special time will be spent on individual skill improvement along with more advanced team concepts. If you love basket-ball and still want to be able to take part in traditional camp activities, then this camp is for you.

CO-ED ELEMENTARY SOCCER CAMP (For campers finishing grades 3-6)

Have you been part of the Mechuwana Moose? Don't worry if you have not, just come and enjoy playing soccer! We'll help you maximize your team and individual skills. With an emphasis on sportsmanship and team-building, campers will learn and prac-tice basic soccer skills through drills and scrimmages. Other daily activities include traditional camp activities such as campfires, swimming, boating, and more. Come ready to work hard and have a lot of fun!!

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CHURCH SUPPLIES

Always Needed: Paper Products

Facial Tissue – Paper Towels – Toilet Tissue

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The Ministry of Prayer

As a church we believe in the power of prayer. Please pray for: Marilyn-Joyce Chase’s sister; Joyce Chase; Bette’s cousin - Valerie; Madeline Stevenson; Helen and Max Gillette; Sharon Shaw; Tammy Shaw; Olive and Carl Braley; Charlene & Paul LaBrie; Charlene’s nephew - David; Wendy and Monte Magnan and Emi-ly, and Carter, her sisters Nancy, Bonnie, Cindy & Sarah; Evelyn Wilbur & family; Jane Glen; Lisa Smith; Pastor Bill Simpson; Roger & Marie Barber; Dottie and Bruce Jansen; the children & parents-of our Sun-day school program; Strategic Planning for Mission & Ministry 2017 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 pasto-ral emergency and Pastor Jen is not available, please contact NOW Committee Chair Joan Bradstreet at 948 – 3714. or Lay Leader Christie Saunders at 948—1003.

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.

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Common Responsibilities of Nurture, Outreach and Witness Ministry Teams and Project Groups

• Understand the overall goals of the congregation and relate the goals to specific pro-jects and programs so that the goals are extended into and beyond the congregation.

• To accomplish the goals of the congregation, short-term teams may form and disband throughout the year to implement specific ministries.

• Explore and build networks with existing organizations, people, and resources in the congregation and community to fulfill the mission of the church.

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 (http://www.unityunitedmethodistchurch.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.”

Witness

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Month of Sundays

July 2, 2017 (Fourth Sunday after Pentecost)

Greeters & Ushers OPEN

Sermon Pastor Jen Reed

Communion Steward Bette Curtis

July 9, 2017 (Fifth Sunday after Pentecost)

Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer

Sermon Pastor Jen Reed

July 16, 2017 (Sixth Sunday after Pentecost)

Greeters & Ushers OPEN

Sermon Pastor Jen Reed

July 23, 2017 (Seventh Sunday after Pentecost)

Greeters & Ushers OPEN

Sermon Pastor Jen Reed

July 30, 2017 (Eighth Sunday after Pentecost)

Greeters & Ushers Gene Pfeiffer

Sermon Pastor Jen Reed

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FINAL STRATEGIC GOALS (SG)

1. RADICAL HOSPITALITY

SG #1: Being intentional about inviting the unchurched into our faith community

SG #2: Being intentional in church & @ the GSTS in offering sincere greeting to welcome people to wor-ship as they are, where they are. “God loves you as you are.”

SG #3: Being intentional about offering a safe, friendly, pleasant facility/grounds in which people can gather, learn and worship.

2. PASSIONATE WORSHIP

SG #1: Being intentional about connecting people to God through a meaningful worship experience

SG #2: Being intentional about exploring various ways of inviting church members/outside groups to share their gifts in worship.

3. INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT

SG #1: To be diligent in offering opportunities for each individual of our faith community to grow in the grace of Jesus Christ and in the knowledge and love of God.

4a. RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE **THE CHURCH

SG #1: Discerning God’s call to step out beyond our comfort zones to meet the needs of our communi-ty.

4b. RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE **GOOD STEWARD THRIFT SHOP

SG #1: Discern intentional ways in which to offer God’s love and grace to our local community through the ministry of the Good Steward Thrift Shop.

SG #2: Intentionally providing more opportunities for volunteers to share in God’s love and grace by serving at the Good Steward Thrift Shop.

5. EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY

SG #1: Intentionally seeking opportunities for making a positive difference in the lives of people be-yond our walls through congregational support and outreach.

SG #2: Intentionally cultivating a spirit of generous giving within the congregation throughout the year.

SG#3: Intentionally teach, preach, and practice that generous giving is a spiritual discipline.

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The Leadership Team has completed their work in discerning the church’s new mission and vision state-ments. This has come after months of prayerful meetings in which the congregational responses to sur-vey questions were considered. Below are the mission and vision statements along with the strategic goals formulated out of the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations material. All were approved by the Administrative Committee on Sunday, July 19, 2015.

Thanks to all who participated.

MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS:

Unity United Methodist Church Mission Statement:

Living, Learning, and Loving through Christ

Unity United Methodist Church Vision Statement:

As followers of Jesus Christ, we strive to be a beacon of hope, reflecting God’s light and love.

In order to live out our vision we covenant to practice:

• RADICAL HOSPITALITY

Welcoming one another as we are with the love of God

• PASSIONATE WORSHIP

Connecting to God through authentic and engaging worship

• INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Growing together in the grace and love of Jesus Christ

• RISK TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE

Reaching out to meet needs within our community and beyond

• EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY

Cultivating a spirit of generous giving of our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness for the Glory of God.

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final

Unity United Methodist Church

13 Depot St.

PO Box 146

Unity, Maine 04988

Pastor: Rev. Jennifer Reed; 207-948-3473 or jwreed@roadrunner.com

Lay Leader: Christie Saunders; kayak5000@aol.com

Council Chair: Gene Pfeiffer; gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com

Trustee Chair: Barry McCormick; Depot1953@gmail.com

Check out our Church WEBSITE at

http://www.unityunitedmethodistchurch.org/

Email articles to: – gpfeiffe@ix.netcom.com or Contact us at 207-948-3473

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Worship Service 10 AM Sunday

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

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