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PASTOR’S NOTES Eric Kelley The e-mails I get from my Palestinian friend, Ali Jaber, are pretty depressing at this time. Ali is a very smart man who has consistently taken the high road in dealing with our church and with many of us who write to him, but there has been a decided shift in his spirit. Living with uncertainty at military checkpoints where the only consistent response one can expect is to be humiliated in some way is a terrible way to live. He was so humiliated in the presence of his five-year-old son this past week that he cannot even speak of it. Middle-Eastern culture places strong emphasis on the relationship of fathers and sons. When a father is humiliated in the presence of his son it is a deep assault on the integrity of the family unit. This demeans the father in a shameful way, wounds his very soul and takes away his honor. I have wondered what it would have done to me if I had seen my own father go through this when I was a little boy. I have wondered what it would have done to him to be constantly humiliated in front of his sons. I believe that it would have taught us to be afraid and then to hate. Our culture is different, but not so different that we can’t feel for this situation and know that until the occupation of the West Bank ceases we can expect a continued escalation of acts of terror. I know the feeling of fear of being herded off a bus at the checkpoint between Jerusalem and Bethlehem by very young Israeli soldiers. What I don’t know and can only imagine is what this must be like to live with day in and day out with no sense of it ever ending. Betty and I listened to King Abdullah of Jordan speak to the European Union this week and we can only say that he was indeed a refreshing voice to hear in the midst of that chaotic world. I feel that it is time for both Sharon and Arafat to go, as their hatred for each other is too deep for them to make wise decisions for their people. We can only hope that leaders of the character and integrity of King Abdullah might rise up to work for justice which alone can bring real peace in the Middle-East or, for that matter, anywhere else in the world. Grace and Peace, Eric
 YOU are the Church - We Need You! Phil Crane The people who make up Williston-West Congregational Church, U.C.C. are a very diverse crowd. When we think of all that could make us different from one another isn’t it remarkable that, in so many ways, we are able to function so well as a community. Our diversity is defined by the fact that our active members are not just Portlanders but make their homes in communities from Brunswick to Old Orchard Beach. We are diverse in national origin, sexual orientation, race, economic position, education, and religious background. It is the last of that list that has been on my mind for the last few days. This thoughtfulness is a result of the fact that Melissa decided to sit in on the Church Council Meeting on June 16th (which, by the way, anyone is welcome to do at any meeting) and that, with her Roman Catholic background, she was very interested in how the community she has embraced conducts it’s business. I became aware that not everyone in our church might realize how important he or she is. We talked about the various boards and committees – what their responsibilities are and how they all feed in to the whole. How, unlike the Catholic Church that Melissa grew up in, we at Williston-West are directed from the grass roots membership – not the ordained clergy. This is where our diversity becomes our strength. The more input we get, the more able we are to respond to the many needs of our congregation and to continue to be a beacon of understanding and support in the larger community and the world. To that end I want to point out that in the Congregational tradition of which we are a part all persons have an equal voice. The people who make up the "church leadership"- the folks on the Church Council, are always seeking the input, the ideas, the concerns of every member and supporter of our church. Questions of how we are doing with where we have been, where we are and where we are going all can, and should, be dealt with by all of the community – including you! I’m going to make it as easy as possible for that to happen by re-introducing you to your Council members. Think of these people as your representatives. Much like the representatives that you elect in your communities to represent your thoughts and concerns in Augusta – the members of your Church Council need your input to do their jobs most effectively. Without further ado – here they are – your Church Council.
… and finally Phil Crane who you can reach by e-mail, through the Church office, or just collar me after church and chat.
Buttonhole one of these people – tell them what is on your mind regarding our church – tell them how you feel and what you think. Tell them what direction you think we should and how we should deal with our past, our present and our future. Shalom – Phil Crane, Moderator The Annual Jonesport Gathering The Annual Summer Church Gathering will be held in Jonesport on July 27 and 28. The "admission fee" will be an item from the following list to be given to the migrant workers in Washington County:
Please bring a dish to share with others. Information and directions are in the office. Sign up sheet is in Fellowship Hall. If you prefer to make a donation, please make checks out to aine Migrant Health Program. This is a 501C3 organization. Christian Parenting Linda Riddell It was the bubblewrap that did it for me. Seeing that child wrapped in one-foot thick packaging trying to play soccer, it suddenly became clear to me that I was not like other parents. The poor swaddled child was the central image in an advertisement. The caption was "Wouldn’t it be nice if you could protect your child from everything?" It struck me that almost all of the ads in this parenting magazine had the same message: you, the all –powerful parent, need to be afraid for your child and take every precaution against the world’s hazards. Every glossy page had a new danger – head lice to head games, chicken pox to chicken salmonella, antibiotics to anti-terrorism. My own perhaps quirky philosophy is to say, "No, I don’t want to protect my children from much of anything." I often joke with people that I don’t "get" parenting because I don’t worry about my children. They don’t loom in my mind as burdensome danger magnets. They don’t strike me as Weighty Responsibility. (My husband is certain I would feel differently if I were the one who did the children’s laundry.) The reason I don’t feel overwhelmed with my children is that I don’t take care of them. Not really. They are cared for by someone who loves them even more than I possibly can, someone who watches over them even when they are alone, someone who is available to them instantly. This someone will always bring them to the best in themselves, in ways that I will never begin to understand. Of course, this someone is God. I am not in charge of my children. He is. I don’t need to worry myself sick over their welfare – He already knows everything they need. I have heard a saying: If you worry, don’t pray; if you pray, don’t worry. And I never worry about my children – I pray. Aside from normal everyday logistics, I rely upon Him to take care of Ian and Paige. Oh sure, I pack their lunches, give them clothes, and buckle their seat belts. But I don’t concern myself with trying to control the world that Ian and Paige live in. Yes, there are germs lurking on my countertops and people who are not loving and errant soccer balls aimed right for your stomach. I could busy myself with "solving" all of these problems. I could spend my waking hours trying to rearrange things to fit safety standards. I could impose my idea of perfect on His world. Or I can rest assured that all is well. Indeed, how could it be otherwise when He is in charge? Besides, it beats bubblewrap hands down. June was Seeds of Peace Month Betty Kelley The international outreach portion of the Williston-West Missions program is committed to supporting the Seeds of Peace International Camp in whatever ways we can. The Missions Committee views the Seeds of Peace Camp in Otisfield, Maine, as an extraordinary organization which promotes peace in our world through our youth (our future world leaders). We feel blessed that the camp is located so close to us, geographically enabling us to do hands-on projects at the camp, as well as contributing in financial ways. We’ve Sponsored a Seeds of Peace Camper! Thanks to everyone who attended the June 1st Williston-West Cabaret, an annual fundraiser for the Missions Committee! Our Fellowship Hall was converted that evening into an elegant nightclub that provided a fabulous night of dining and entertainment. The Music Committee booked all the wonderful entertainment and the Missions Committee took care of sign ups, decorating and set up, and cleanup. We collected $913.00 thanks to the generosity of everyone attending the Cabaret, and combined with fundraising from last year, we met our goal of sponsoring half the tuition for a camper at Seeds of Peace Camp this summer ($1250.00)! John Wallach, founder of the Seeds of Peace Camp, sent us this eloquent thank you letter: " On behalf of our Seeds of Peace graduates, our Board of Directors and staff, thank you for your generous contribution. As you can imagine, it is a challenging time for all those striving to secure a lasting, just peace in the Middle East. As the violence rages on, with Israeli and Arab leadership lacking the prescription needed to bring peace and security to the region and their peoples, Seeds of Peace continues to provide a remedy. While political realities change daily, the ability of Seeds of Peace to foster the next generation of leaders, imbued with the compassion and vision so desperately needed in their region, does not. I started Seeds of Peace following the February 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. I asked myself then, what are terrorists trying to achieve? My response was that, above all, they want to instill fear, to make us all afraid to act. Why hasn’t the civilized world come up with an answer, something that would inspire hope? The answer, it seemed to me then and it is still true now, is to mobilize the next generation of teenagers from regions of conflict who have not yet been poisoned by the prejudices and hatreds of their ancestors. The urgent need for our program was underscored once again by the terrorism acts of September 11, 2001. We have been remarkably successful in our ten-year history. Our mission is to equip these teenagers with the tools—the listening and negotiating skills, in what UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan calls, ‘the art of making peace.’ In the last decade, almost 2,000 youngsters representing 22 nations have attended our summer camp in Maine and gone on to work with our Center for Coexistence in Jerusalem, and in other regions of conflict, renewing bonds and extending their friendships. Despite the escalating violence in the Middle East, Seeds of Peace will bring together several hundred Israeli and Arab teenagers from Israel, Jordan, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, Morocco, Tunisia, and Qatar this summer. We will also host a delegation from Afghanistan. Indeed, Seeds of Peace is one of the last remaining bridges between Israel and the Arab world. In meetings held with President George W. Bush and Secretary Colin Powell, our Seeds were recognized for the vital role they are playing in sustaining open dialogue and for demonstrating that peace is possible. Your donation will go toward funding our programs and providing scholarships so that our courageous teenagers may continue the work toward peaceful coexistence. Thank you again for your generous support. Sincerely, Seeds Of Peace Planting Day – Damp Weather Didn’t Dampen Spirits! The Missions Committee held its second Seeds of Peace Planting Day on Saturday, June 15. More than a dozen hardy souls turned out on a very rainy morning to beautify the camp prior to the arrival of the counselors and campers. Camp Director, Tim Wilson, took us on a tour after our work was done and filled us in on the history of the camp and the philosophies it is based on. This is the 10th anniversary of Seeds of Peace, and to commemorate the anniversary we were all given great hats as a thank you for our efforts. Tim told us how much the flowers are appreciated by everyone all summer long and said one camper exclaimed, "This place is heaven on earth!" after seeing all the bright colors of our flowers. Just imagine arriving from a war-ravaged country at the Seeds of Peace Camp, on beautiful, peaceful Pleasant Lake in Otisfield, Maine, with endless towering pines, the comforting sounds of nature, and welcoming flowers in all the gathering areas—I would think I had arrived at "heaven on earth" too! The following gardeners deserve recognition for their participation: Erik Hanna, Janet Cole, Beth Campbell, Peg Davis, Nancy Mawhinney, Barbara and Dick Loughlin and their daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren, Phil and Melissa Crane, and Eric and Betty Kelley. Thanks also to everyone who donated flowers and plants or funds to purchase supplies! The planting day is an annual event, so if you missed it this year, be sure to join us next June! The Seeds of Peace Camp is doing important work and we’re so fortunate to have it right in our back yard! Last Sunday of Every Month: Food for Thought Sunday. Bring in nutritious snacks for the students of Reiche School. Good nutrition is so important to a productive learning environment and our donations of snacks are an important addition to the diets of the Reiche students. Simply add an item or two to your weekly shopping list and bring the snacks in on the last Sunday of each month. Ongoing Apple Tree Project: Pick an apple from our Apple Tree, located in our fellowship hall. The three organizations sponsored by the Apple Tree this year are The Center for Grieving Children, Portland West Neighborhood Center’s Learning Center, and Reiche School. Each apple on the tree has a small need of one of the three organizations. Pick an apple from the tree and make a difference in the life of a local child! Contact any member of the Missions Committee with questions: Audrey Tanner, Madeline Bates, Becky Gratwick, Bob Campbell, Carol Hutchins and Betty Kelley. *Showing of the Seeds of Peace documentary has been postponed until fall. Membership News Sidney Hodgdon The second annual New Members dinner was held on June 6 at the Tewhey’s home in Gorham. People from the last three classes gathered with members of the Membership Committee to celebrate and get to know one another over food and drink. There was plenty of good conversation ranging over a wide range of topics – jobs, family, and the world situation – to name a few. One new member was overheard to say that she would be glad to see folks at coffee fellowship because she felt she knew them. That was the whole purpose of the dinner, so we can call it a success! We know how important the bulletin is to our participation in the Sunday service. Some of our members are having a difficult time reading it because of the small print…(I’ve noticed over the six years I’ve been attending Williston that the print keeps getting smaller and smaller...I've gone from no glasses, to glasses, to bifocals). To solve this problem we now have LARGE PRINT BULLETINS available for those who prefer them. Thanks to Deb Alpern for originating the idea, to Chris for enlarging them every week and to the ushers who offer them to members of the congregation. Check the bulletin board at coffee fellowship to find out who is scheduled to greet and on what date. The new system is to find greeters two or three months in advance and post the names on the board. If you remember agreeing to serve but have forgotten the date, check the bulletin board. It’s as simple as that. Our final and continuing effort for the year has been to attend explorers’ classes to get to know prospective members. Two classes have met since September and the third is now in session. We plan to continue this participation because it benefits both our members and, we hope the explorers. Happy summer, and when you attend Williston this summer… REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR NAMETAGS! Treasurer's Report Denise Johnson Based on the profit & loss statement through 5/31/02, we had operated pretty much in line with the bottom line of the budget. There was some unexpected income offset by some unexpected expenses. Our bookkeeper, Kim Greenwood, will no longer be able to provide services to us beyond the end of this month. Kim has done a great job for us over the past several years and we will miss her. We have an opening for an experienced Bookkeeper with knowledge of Quickbooks software for 7 to 10 hours per month. This is a paying position and we would prefer someone from outside of the Congregation. If you know of anyone who is interested, have him or her contact the Treasurer, Denise Johnson at the Church office. We have been experiencing computer problems since early April and therefore have not been able to provide first quarter Pledge Statements. Hopefully, we will be able to provide them as of the end of the second quarter. As we head into the summer months, church attendance is historically down and therefore our income from Pledges and Offerings is down also. We welcome anyone who cannot attend regularly to mail in their Pledges and Offerings and we want to thank those of you who have already been doing so. With income anticipated to be down for the summer months, and with an unbudgeted boiler overhaul expense, I expect to be relying heavily on funds from the Endowment to carry us through the summer. We need to pay our major quarterly expenses of Insurance (for the building) and Eric’s Pension Fund this month also. On Tapes...and Weaving Webs Bill Whelan The heading refers to two separate reminders: Copies of the worship service are available Every Sunday we record the worship service, capturing Eric’s sermons and all the beautiful music. We make two copies (barring mishaps!) and these tapes are available for borrowing. Know someone who couldn’t make a service? Have friends who can no longer get out…even on Sunday mornings? This is a great way for them to keep in touch. A big part of the process is returning the tapes. There is a signout sheet in the box with the tapes (tapes are labeled with date and sermon title, or preacher’s name if a guest minister does the service) You are always welcome to borrow the tapes you need, but please return them as soon as you are done Willistonwest.org Williston-West has a web site? Yes it is true, and many of you know that already. But have you seen it? Do you know how much information is out there?
…And more. We are in the process of doing some site renovating and will have some great new features by fall, but please come and look – get to know more about your church. Your input, ideas and photos are always welcomed. Meet the Editor Chris Curtis I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Christine Curtis (please call me Chris) and I am the new church secretary at Williston-West. My wonderful husband (Curt) and I moved here from the Massachusetts North Shore area three years ago and reside in Cumberland. Curt is a retired firefighter and paramedic. We are the parents of four great (and grown) children – three sons and a daughter - and are blessed with five beautiful grandchildren who, unfortunately, all live out of state. But we get to see them often enough to spoil them rotten! I am here in the office from 9-2 Tuesday through Friday. If I can be of assistance to you in any way, please do not hesitate to call. And, if you are here at the church during those hours, please pop in and say hello. I love to match a face to a name! Name that Newsletter Chris Curtis It occurred to me when I was putting last month’s newsletter together that it is just called "newsletter." How boring and uninspiring! When I mentioned this to Bill Whelan he came up with the idea for a contest to name our newsletter. So, put your creative juices to work and come up with a great name. This publication, after all, is your connection to the happenings at Williston-West. Please use the tear-off slip on the back of the cover page to submit your choice of name, and either return it to the office or leave it in the red guest book located at the end of the pew. I look forward to a great response from you all. While I am on this subject, please bear in mind that you are all encouraged to write for the newsletter. Inspirational stories, anecdotes, (tasteful) religious jokes, and bits of information that you would like to share will all be considered for publication. Bear in mind, however, that timely information and church business will take priority. Finally, I would like to hear from you about what you would like to see added to the newsletter. Do you want the newsletter expanded to include more personal information about the members of your church (birthdays, anniversaries, vacations taken, family stories, etc.). How about a Children’s Page – written for, about and even by your child? There is so much to share with each other and the newsletter is the perfect vehicle in which to do this. Let me know. Chris Christian Education Linda Riddell Our summer session has kicked off, and once again we will be doing the "One Room Sunday School House" format. Children of all ages gather in the large Sunday school room for a Bible story, a craft, and a snack. This has worked very well for everyone. If you want to help out Christian Ed, the summer session is a great time to do it. Volunteers take just one Sunday, rather than a four- or six-week session to teach. We provide the story, a pre-packaged craft kit, and the snack. You provide the faith and a bit of enthusiasm, and the combination is a great Sunday experience for everyone. If you would like to volunteer, please see Donna Kane or Tom Riddell to pick a Sunday. Thanks and have a great summer! In God we trust...United We Stand Bill Whelan It is the end of April. I am sitting at home right now with bronchitis, a crummy feeling that includes all the usual symptoms you don't want to hear about. I usually don't know where something like this comes from but I believe weather played a part this time. You see, last Saturday I flew to San Diego to meet my daughter, Lea, and drive back to Maine with her. After several years on the West Coast, she had decided it was time to return home to Maine to raise a family. Since she had to get her car, a dog and a trailer full of furniture back with her, I had volunteered to join her on the trip. I guess my body was not as prepared as I thought for such a marathon of driving: about 60 hours in the car, covering over 3,250 miles in five days. This is there the weather comes in. The first two days were through the southwest: southern California, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. It was mostly desert, very hot and dry (towing a trailer meant no air conditioner for fear of over-heating!). The next few days took us into the southeast through Arkansas,Tennessee and Virginia. Here it was still hot, but it was very humid, with the stark, moon-like desert changing to grassy fields, hills and trees. Finally, on the last day we made our way north. Around the New Hampshire tollbooth we saw our first rain of the trip and by the Maine border we were in a cold fog...welcome home! I am happy to be back, in spite of the illness - that will go away (I hope!) So where is all this leading? And what does it have to do with the title of this little piece? Well, one of the most fascinating things I observed on this trip was a mood we have become familiar with here in Maine. From the deep southwest, on a highway where you can see the Mexican border, all the way to Maine there are billboards with two statements: "In God We Trust", and "United We Stand". Was it always like that? Or had Sept. 11th made a difference through the country? I found my answer in a small town in New Mexico, which had another billboard containing a photo of a New York Fireman with the saying, "He rushed in when others were rushing out...that's courage." I have never been blindly patriotic and clearly do not cry for war now. But I was pleased to see throughout the country the honoring of those who struggled and gave their lives in difficult times. I was also happy to see "In God We Trust" in so many prominent places, because I do. I trusted God to lead Lea and me home safely (the Serenity Prayer is a favorite of mine). And I trust God to take care of us all in difficult times. I am a Christian, that's just the way it is. But I don't necessarily pray to a Christian God. I pray to the God of us all. What you call him doesn't matter, it's only a name. What matters is that you have faith in that power 'greater than you.’ Whatever you call your God, have faith, have trust. To me, "In God we trust" says I believe in a God who will ultimately take care of us, but "United We Stand" tells me I must do my part. We all reap the benefits when we all do our share. Who do you trust? |
