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From The Pastor's Study Have you ever invited anybody to church? It may sound like a silly question at first, but if our church is going to grow, it is a question we must take seriously. According to John’s Gospel, Nicodemus was an important member of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish assembly for government in Jesus’ time. In his position of authority he had heard about Jesus and was aware of how he was changing the lives of those he touched. This raised many questions for Nicodemus, so he visited Jesus in the darkness of night to see for himself what this man was up to. Why a night-time visit? Some scholars believe it was symbolic of the darkness of the times, and others think that because of Nicodemus’ prestigious position, he was embarrassed to be seen calling on an itinerant preacher who was beginning to be a very controversial figure on the religious and political scene. Many of us are embarrassed to talk about Jesus for different reasons. Religious people are sometimes viewed as weak people who can’t make it on their own and need this "crutch" to hold them up. This is especially true for men, who in our wonderful New England culture, will confess to most anything except weakness. Others can’t talk about Jesus because they don’t have a clue as to who he is and haven’t taken the time to make the visit Nicodemus did. One’s religious stance is very personal, but in the Christian sense it is not private; for apart from the community, the religion of Jesus makes no sense. When Jesus enters our lives, we are changed, and like Nicodemus’ life, ours will be different, and it will be very natural for us to invite others to join us on this religious pilgrimage. Martin Marty, preeminent theologian and church historian, says that one word defines the difference between churches that grow and those that don’t: invite. When a church isn’t growing, its members are not "inviting." According to the research of the American Growth Institute, people who come to church come because they have been influenced by: Over the years I’ve seen these percentages presented in different ways, but consistently the vast majority come to church because they have been invited by a friend or family member. There are ways of inviting people to church without being overbearing, disrespectful of other traditions or appearing self-righteous, but we cannot do this if we are not clear on where we stand or have not taken the time to get right with God. Our Lenten pilgrimage is a time of self- examination to clarify the religious ground on which we stand. Regular worship is necessary if we are going to find a place in our hearts for Christ. Perhaps the first invitation we need to make is to ourselves to commit to a journey that clarifies for us the place of God’s Spirit in our lives. When that happens we will invite others to join us at church, and we will feel good about it, and our community will grow. Grace and Peace, Eric
 Trustees' Corner Carol West This is my final column for the Board of Trustees as its Chair. I have truly enjoyed chairing the Board, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members for their diligence and support during this last year. They are, indeed, a great group to work with. I’m very happy to report that Judy Reid-Parker is our new Chair and equally pleased to note that Ken Barber has agreed to fill the Vice-Chair position. Many of us on the Board will be remaining, which will bring a strong continuity and history to the Board. I would also like to report that, from a budget perspective, we are starting with a strong, viable budget. And you may be rest assured that everyone on the Board is committed to keeping our budget solvent without risking the physical needs and integrity of our beautiful church. Thank you in advance for your continued interest and generosity. We are indeed a blessed congregation!  The Challenge A generous member of Williston-West Church U.C.C. has offered to match pledges up to $5,000! The donor will match every dollar given with a dollar of his own, up to $5,000. This gift will allow our church to meet our 2005 budget goal without drawing from endowment income. The donor has given us until Easter Sunday, March 27. Please help us raise an additional $10,000 for our church. You can participate in this challenge by phoning Penney at the Church office, 774-4060. Every dollar counts, every dollar is matched!! We are very pleased to announce that the following friends have already made donations to this important challenge: Thank you for supporting your church!  Wayside Soup Kitchen an Open Letter The Wayside Evening Soup Kitchen would like to take this opportunity to thank the congregation for your support. This past holiday season, thanks to you, during our annual appeal, we raised twice as much as we had in any other year! Wayside would like to thank all of the volunteers and contributers from your congregation for your hard work and your commitment to the Soup Kitchen.We know as much as anyone how hard and long you have worked over the past years. Since 1986 congregations have provided this vital ministry to the homeless and the poor of Greater Portland, serving evening meals to those in need. It's only because there are dedicated congregations like you, willing to give your time and donations that Wayside can continue to meet the demandfor meals. Your congregation has made Wayside what it is today. The Wayside Soup Kitchen is the largest evening soup kitchen in the state with 53 churches and congregations providing over 18,000 volunteers. Last year, together with the other congregations, you served over 117,000 meals. Thanks to you no one has to go hungry. God Bless! Food for Thought Sunday Betty Kelley Williston-West is in its sixth year of supporting Reiche Elementary School students through our Food For Thought Sunday! The last Sunday of each month is designated as a time to bring in nutritious snacks for distribution by the Reiche social workers to students who are in need. Did you know that a staggering 86% of the students at Reiche qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch and that 65% come from families who are on government assistance? 53% are categorized as ethnic and linguistic minority students and 3% of the student body is homeless. Clearly, there are many children in need right here in our neighborhood. Suggested Food Items: Peanut Butter Crackers, Cheese Crackers, Popcorn, Pretzels, Juice Boxes, Raisins, Cereal Bars, Granola Bars, Individually Packaged Applesauce, Fruit Roll-Ups, String Cheese. Suppers Of Eight Kathy Rauchfuss Although it was dark, there was snow and it was very cold Our first Suppers of Eight group was dedicated and bold They conquered the elements on Valentine’s Day To be welcomed to Nancy Roberts’ home where they enjoyed their stay. Lasagna, salad, asparagus, pie and ice crème Were the selection brought in by the team Good friends, food and laughter did flow Kathy, Eric, Betty, Sam and Linda were sad to go! Don’t fear, there will be more of this to come I am very confident that the other groups will have as much fun! Moderator's Message Ted Malette - Feb 15, 2005 I write this on the day after Valentine’s Day, a day that our secular world has dedicated to love. I read an interesting e-mail from Ron Buford, Acting Coordinator and Team Leader of the Stillspeaking initiative. Ron told of his visit to a California church where the children’s sermon described the Bible as God’s Valentine to each of us. While I was not there to hear the sermon, the love from the Bible is there for us all as we take time to read it and as we hear its message each Sunday so beautifully interpreted by Eric. The Bible, our Valentine from God. I wish I had thought of it in that way before; I will from now on! On Ash Wednesday, a small group of us gathered in Memorial Hall to receive ashes. I was moved by the message of PEACE that was its theme. I wish more of you had been there. I left singing "every one on the Peace Train" that old anthem from the 60’s. I had thoughts of a peace movement that might spring forth from our sanctuary. Is anyone interested? Speaking of love, what a wonderful challenge we have been given. A fellow member of Williston West has said he will match increased pledges up to a total of $5,000, if they are made to the church office by Easter Sunday. This is in an effort to reduce our dependence on our endowment, which we have used each year to supplement our budget. While we do not spend extravagantly, we have an old building that needs TLC. Our annual stewardship campaign does a great job reaching out to us all, but the need is larger than the total raised. Please, look at your budget one more time, try to find an increased pledge that is one month or one week more than you have already pledged. Make it a gift of love, your Valentine to our family of faith; we will all be blessed by your generosity. Thank you. Ann Bonney from the Portland Press Herald PORTLAND - Ann Lord Bonney, 73, of Portland, died Feb. 13, 2005, after a short illness. She was born in Parsonsfield on Sept. 20, 1931, the daughter of Daniel B. and Irene S. Lord. Ann was a 1950 graduate of Gould Academy. She graduated from the University of Vermont School of Nursing in 1955. She was one of the first graduates of the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing, Family Nurse Associate Program, in 1976. While at UVM, Ann met her husband James H. Bonney, MD. In 1961, they began a practice of internal medicine on Vaughan Street and later on Chadwick Street. They worked together until they closed the practice in 1980. In the early 1980s she was an Instructor in the Family Nurse Associate Program at USM. In the mid-1980s she worked with Dr. Doris Pennoyer in her allergy practice. From 1987 to 1998, she was the Director of Student Health Services at St. Joseph's College in Windham. In addition to her devotion to nursing, Ann loved flowers and gardening and enjoyed classical music. Ann was predeceased by her husband in 1994 and by her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Leigh Bonney and son-in-law, Larry Ritzhaupt, DVM, of Old Saybrook, Conn.; a brother, David M. Lord of Phoenix, Ariz.; a sister-in-law, Germaine Bonney of Rockland; her good friend, Norm Jabar of South Portland; three nephews, Jonathan, Jay and D. Kimball Lord; and a step-granddaughter, Britton Ritzhaupt. A memorial service was held at Williston West Church, 32 Thomas St., Portland. Contributions in memory of Ann L. Bonney may be made to Gould Academy in Bethel, ME. PROP, Headstart & Childcare at Deering Place 510 Cumberland Ave The Missions Committee has selected a new organization to sponsor as a part of the giving tree: the preschool Head Start and childcare program at PROP’s Deering Place building. PROP is a community action agency committed to identifying and addressing social, economic, educational, and health needs existing in Maine. We accomplish this mission by eliminating barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential. PROP strives to be a collaborative leader, visible and recognizable, with efficient and technologically strong performance capabilities. We seek to provide service to a geographically broad area, delivered in a decentralized and customized way by staff reflecting the community. Our primary work is to assist people toward self-sufficiency through helping them identify and achieve their personal goals. PROP Child & Family Services (CFS), one of 11 programs administered by PROP, is responsible for the Early Head Start, Head Start, and subsidized childcare and WIC programs. The combination of these programs allows CFS to provide services for families beginning at pregnancy up until the child is 12 years old. All families served by PROP CFS are low income. The Head Start and Childcare program at Deering Place serves preschool children and their parents and is one of 17 sites across Cumberland County. Head Start- eligible children must be from a family with income no higher than the poverty guideline, unless s/he is a recipient of social security income. A family of three living at the poverty line has an annual gross family income of no higher than $15,670. Children receive comprehensive health screening and case management, as well as dental screening and follow-up services. Parents are encouraged to develop Family Partnership Agreements, in which they identify short-term, immediate and long-term goals for themselves and their family. PROP staff work collaboratively with the parents to identify resources and actions that support the attainment of those goals. There are 12 different languages represented at Deering Place site. The parents of these children are refugees or immigrants from Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sudan, Serbia, Croatia, Russia, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and the Congo. Data collected by Portland Public Schools has identified that children enrolled in Head Start classrooms learning English spend the least amount of time in the kindergarten English as a Second Language (ESL) class than any other preschool program in Greater Portland. This is due to the high emphasis on family literacy by the PROP staff. This particular center participates in a collaborative with Portland Adult Education, providing ESL classes at the center four days a week. – Judy Reidt-Parker What does a logo symbolize? Tanya Anderson 
The symbol of the United Church of Christ comprises a crown, cross and orb enclosed within a double oval bearing the name of the church and the prayer of Jesus, "That they may all be one" (John 17:21). It is based on an ancient Christian symbol called the "Cross of Victory" or the "Cross Triumphant." The crown symbolizes the sovereignty of Christ. The cross recalls the suffering of Christ—his arms outstretched on the wood of the cross—for the salvation of humanity. The orb, divided into three parts, reminds us of Jesus' command to be his "witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). The verse from Scripture reflects our historic commitment to the restoration of unity among the separated churches of Jesus Christ. (As provided on www.ucc.org.) Our individual journeys are as different as we are from one another. Although there may be similarities, our paths intertwining or meeting at the crossroads of our lives, we have different experiences that shape how we internalize the world around us and, in turn, how we respond. The same can be said of our spiritual journeys – how we internalize spiritual teaching and how we respond. For example, something that is a "spiritual motivator" for me – something that speaks to me spiritually and impels me to action – is likely to be quite different than what spiritually motivates you. It really does not matter what it is for me or for you or that it is different between us, just that we know what it is and that we respond in action. How do we know what our personal spiritual motivator is? I suppose that is different for each of us as well. However, I do believe that all of us are in a spiritual cycle at any given moment:  We must go inside ourselves and do the personal work necessary to identify where we are spiritually, what our spiritual motivators are. Once we have a basic comfort level (at least for the moment) as to where we are currently, we get involved. And once we "come out" so to speak and get more involved, we feel more comfortable inviting others to join us. Sometimes we have to switch gears and get involved with something different for continued motivation. Sometimes we are more introspective, reassessing our current place in life and where our spiritual journey is taking us. Most of the time, we are probably in some part of all three places in our spiritual cycle. Take a bit of time to read what our UCC logo symbolizes (above) and think about what your current spiritual motivators are and where you are right now in your spiritual cycle. If your personal spirituality could be symbolized in a logo, what would it look like? One Great Hour of Sharing (and the "Least Coin" offering) Betty Kelley When was it we saw you…a stranger and welcomed you? (Matthew 25:38) One Great Hour of Sharing is a national U.C.C. offering that our church participates in annually. The U.C.C. joins with many other denominations through One Great Hour of Sharing to respond to needs in more than 90 countries. Of every dollar given to One Great Hour of Sharing, 95 cents is used directly for mission. Through this offering we offer hope and well-being to people around the world. Working with international ministry partners and with domestic U.C.C. disaster networks, the offering helps people make vital basic improvements in their lives. Through this offering we connect with communities suffering from poverty, illiteracy, illness, and the dangers of wars and disasters. By the time a major crisis becomes news, your offerings are already at work!
The theme of this year’s One Great Hour of Sharing offering is, When was it we saw you…a stranger and welcomed you? (Matthew 25:38) Matthew draws our attention to the importance of welcoming others, to the importance of the act of hospitality. The core Jewish practice of hospitality to a stranger in Matthew’s time was much more than politeness. The custom began in the harsh period when travelers could carry limited supplies and were easily robbed or attacked. Hospitality called for receiving strangers and providing food, shelter, security, and relationship. Hospitality could transform the welcoming ones, and, indeed, could even change enemies into friends! To be honest, participating in the One Great Hour of Sharing offering is not quite a full-bodied biblical welcome. Optimally, hospitality brings people into immediate relationship with one another so that both parties can be fully and inescapably present with one another. However, contributing to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering is a significant symbol that says, "I hereby enter into commitment with the strangers of our world." In the process, we may discover that participating in the offering is a means whereby God’s presence becomes more real. By welcoming strangers, One Great Hour of Sharing not only relieves suffering, but helps create a community that mediates security and abundance for all and, thereby, embodies essential aspects of the realm of God. The Missions Committee hopes that you will give generously to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering on Sunday, March 13. It’s remarkable what your gift will do! ******* "Least Coin Offering" for One Great Hour of Sharing Betty Kelley The Williston-West Sunday school children are sponsoring a "least coin" drive as an additional offering to this year’s One Great Hour of Sharing. So, what’s a "least coin", you ask? The penny! The children will man a table in the dining room during coffee fellowship time the first two Sundays of March (both March 6 and March 13) to collect all those pennies that are sitting around your house—I know Eric and I have them on dressers, in change jars, some rolled up and tucked away in drawers, and the Sunday School children are hoping that you do as well! Why was the theme of the "least coin" chosen? It was chosen to represent the parable from Matthew, "Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:40) Matthew told us that people would be judged by whether they had been hospitable to all people. Jesus wants us to welcome all strangers and to be as hospitable and caring toward them as we would be toward Him. Welcoming a stranger and offering that stranger help and support is a means of grace. The act of entering into hospitable relationship with another can deepen one’s experience of the presence of Jesus. Please bring in your pennies- rolled or unrolled- and support the Sunday school in their important mission endeavor, which ultimately will further support One Great Hour of Sharing and the helping hand it extends to so many in need. Offering all of our "least coins" is the least we can do! Two Old Friends Bill Whelan  What? Yes it is true. We had some Old Friends in for a concert last April and not many people showed up. But here are the REAL details: The Two Old Friends played in the Fellowship Hall and while the enthusiastic audience was small, every one of them will tell you how much they enjoyed the music of Mac McHale and Emery Hutchins. These two musicians - aka "Two Old Friends" - sing songs from Ireland, the mountains and the sea. Mac & Hutch, as they are affectionately known, were the original founders of Northeast Winds and traveled and recorded with The Winds for nearly 15 years. For the last 15 years Mac has headed up a very successful group, Mac McHale & the Old-Time Radio Gang. Hutch has been a very important part of the Angel Band, a world famous Irish music group. Now, the exciting part of this note is telling you that they are returning for an encore performance! Mac & Hutch will be playing on Saturday, April 9th at 7:30 PM in our Fellowship Hall. And what a night it will be. Mac plays the guitar, mandolins and banjo, while Hutch plays banjo, guitar, concertina and bodhran. Both men sing vocals. Several of us were fortunate enough to spend time with these two story-tellers before and after the last concert and I can assure you, they are worth spending time with even if it was just over a cup of coffee. They are lively, interesting...and talkative! They bring a lifetime of music with them, from their own compositions to some very old-time traditional country music. Tickets for this event are $10.00. Along with the opportunity to have a night of great music, you will also be supporting Williston-West, since all profits will go to the church (after paying the band, of course!) Imagine: we are not just saying, "Please donate some more money!"...No, we are saying, "Come join us for a great evening of fun and music...and support our church in the process!" Not bad, eh? Mac and Hutch are excited to return to Williston-West and I hope you will join us to give them a grand reception this time. Hope to see you there! To reserve your tickets, contact the Church office. |
