Union Church of Belgrade Lakes United Methodist Church

Location: 67 Main Street, Belgrade Lakes, Maine

Mailing Address: P. O. Box 133, Belgrade Lakes, Maine 04918

Phone: 207-495-3599

Church Email: unionchurchmaine@gmail.com

Pastor’s Email: unionchurchumcbelgrade@gmail.com Website: unionchurchmaine.org

Union Rider

May, 2020 Newsletter

Dear Members

and Friends of

Union Church,

Happy

Easter! Grace

and peace to you

in the name of

our Risen Lord

and Savior Jesus Christ, who was, and is, and

will always be the rock of our faith and the

source of our strength! And so Easter is far

more than one day, far more, even, than a

season. As Christians, we are Easter people,

and so every day, for us, is Easter.

I have heard the jokes and seen the

cartoons, as I’m sure you have – the ones that

make light of the “fact” that Maine residents

were pretty good at “social distancing” before it

became imperative, in these days of the

COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, our expertise

is borne of necessity – we are rather routinely

required to “stay-at-home” due to winter

storms, which are often accompanied by power

outages. And then there’s “black-fly season,”

followed by “mosquito” season…

But this kind of “social distancing” and

these mandated “stay-at-home” periods have

gone beyond the acceptable standards of even

the most hard-core “Maine-ah.” We have all

learned new ways of coping with the new

reality brought on by the Coronavirus. We

have learned how to “do worship” remotely by

offering and participating in livestreamed

worship. We have learned how to “do

meetings” remotely by Zoom and other video-

conferencing tools. The learning curve has

been, at times, quite steep, and anxiety-

inducing. Oh, and then there was the Easter

Weekend Power Outage that felt more like

what Jesus’ disciples experienced in the hours

and days between Good Friday and Easter

morning than anything else nearly all of us

have ever experienced!

To say that “these are times that try our

faith” would be an apt understatement. And

yet, I have been humbly gratified to witness the

countless ways you all have risen to the

challenges of these difficult days and weeks.

We are blessed to have professional and

volunteer care-providers and care-givers

among us. We are blessed by the many who

have stepped forward and stepped up to make

sure that masks are made for the many of us

who need them, the many who have worked to

ensure our Belgrade-Rome Food Pantry is kept

open and stocked, the many who have

checked in on neighbors and friends to ensure

their needs are cared for.

Throughout this Easter season, I am

sharing Scripture passages selected, and

messages crafted, to remind us of the most

basic and the most beneficial “Faith Building

Blocks.” We began with “Becoming a

Believer,” “Recognizing Jesus,” and “Living in

Community.” And in coming weeks, we will

look at “Asking Questions,” “Sharing Our

Faith,” and “Seeking God’s Guidance

Together.” God is working among us, through

us, and yes, in spite of us in these trying times.

We are reaching more people than ever before

through our church website and Facebook

page, as we are sharing our worship

experiences far more broadly than we could

have imagined a mere six weeks ago. We will

not return to “the way things were before…” but

I am sure that God has been with us, that God

has been at work in this through us, and that

God will continue to guide us into the future.

It’s a future that remains mostly hidden from

our view just now, for certain, but it is a future

into which we walk with the blessed assurance

that our Creator God, our Redeemer Christ,

and our Sustaining Holy Spirit walk beside us,

and guide us.

To God be the glory for the great things God

has done, and is doing in the midst of it all!!

Be well and be blessed as we are…

Together in Christ’s Love and Service,

Pastor Eleanor Collinsworth

HAPPY AND BLESSED MOTHER’S DAY

While most Moms are unable to be with

their families this year, may this be a prayer

you share with them to provide them some

love and peace.

We hold all Mothers and those who are like

Moms in our thoughts and prayers during

this time of difference.

Lenten Bible

Study

Postponed Until Summer

We will inform you of the start up date when determined.

The third volume in Adam Hamilton’s Bible study trilogy on the life of Jesus.

Travel with Adam Hamilton as he retraces the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Fascinating video from his personal travels to the Holy Land give you a “first-person” experience while his biblical wisdom and historical knowledge provide thoughtful and insightful commentary. Especially fitting as part of a 40-day churchwide emphasis during Lent and Easter. The Paperback includes devotions for each chapter and photos from Adam's trip to the Holy Lands.

Pastor Eleanor will also share pictures of her

trip to The Holy Land.

Exploring Church Membership

If you have been attending Union Church for a

while now, and if you like what you have

experienced as part of this worshipping and

serving community of Christian faith, then you

are invited to join Pastor Eleanor in a couple of

informal gatherings to explore becoming a

member of Union Church. The first Class was

held on Sunday, March 8th after our morning

Worship Service. It was a time of informal

information-sharing and conversation. There

will be at least one more Class if not two; dates

for those will be announced soon. If you would

like to be part of these gatherings, or if you

know someone who might be interested,

please contact Pastor Eleanor, or one of our

Lay Leaders (Kathy Gerard and Carol

Johnson). This is an exciting time of new

growth at Union Church, and we welcome

those interested in having a part in it!

The next Class will be determined once we

don’t have to “Social Distance” ourselves.

Beyond the Wall From The Upper Room

Today’s Reading: Galatians 6:2-10

2 Carry each other’s burdens and so you will

fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they

are important when they aren’t, they’re fooling

themselves. 4 Each person should test their

own work and be happy with doing a good job

and not compare themselves with

others. 5 Each person will have to carry their

own load. 6 Those who are taught the word

should share all good things with their

teacher. 7 Make no mistake, God is not

mocked. A person will harvest what they

plant. 8 Those who plant only for their own

benefit will harvest devastation from their

selfishness, but those who plant for the benefit

of the Spirit will harvest eternal life from the

Spirit. 9 Let’s not get tired of doing good,

because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t

give up. 10 So then, let’s work for the good of all

whenever we have an opportunity, and

especially for those in the household of faith.

As we have opportunity, let us do good to all

people, especially to those who belong to the

family of believers. - Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

While eating lunch at an airport, I noticed a

young soldier a few tables away. I walked over

to thank him for his service to our country. I

asked where he was headed, hoping to hear

“I’m going home.” But he answered, “I’m on my

way to Baghdad, sir.”

Then I noticed several people getting ready to

board a plane, and I realized that any of those

people might be headed to “war zones” of their

own. They could be facing surgery, dreading a

visit to the doctor, caring for aging parents, or

worried about their job. What would it be like to

ask genuinely about where others are headed

and then listen to their answers?

God wants the church to be a family who cares

for one another. We can care for one another

by thanking the people around us for the

blessings they bring to our lives and by

showing concern for the trials they may be

facing. We can look beyond the walls of our

church buildings to tell those who are heading

into “war zones” that they are not alone.

TODAY'S PRAYER

Thank you, God, for sustaining us through times of trial. Make us aware of the hurts and needs of those around us, and prompt us to help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

How is God leading me to respond to the

needs of others?

PRAYER FOCUS

Frontline Workers

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOR LUNCHEON

Thursday, May 14, 2020

from 11:30 to 1pm.

While you are eating your lunch, pray for those who usually join

us for lunch on this day for fellowship

We will have a trivia quiz for you

Their regular meetings are on Saturdays from 9AM to 10:30AM

in Friendship Hall.

2020 MEETINGS

May 16th– Fellowship

(Their 2020 Program Calendar is on the Welcome Table in Friendship Hall

and in the Vestibule)

Matthew 25

Ministries

Empty Pill

Bottle

Recycling

The United Methodist Women’s Group will

be collecting empty, label free pill bottles.

There will be a box specific for this project

placed in Friendship Hall in the near future

In developing countries, medicines—when actually obtainable—are often dispensed into hands, pockets, leaves or any other available container. Matthew 25 Ministries accepts donations of basic medical supplies such as empty pill bottles to help improve health care quality in developing nations. Donations of clean, unlabeled pill bottles help the poorest of the poor in many ways: Medicine can be distributed in sterile containers. Pill bottles that are not appropriate for shipping are recycled for cash that goes towards Matthew 25:Ministries’ programs.

This plastic recycling program keeps thousands of bottles out of landfills each year. Placing a nickel, dime or quarter in each pill bottle helps with

shipping costs to send the bottles to developing countries.

Matthew 25: Ministries accepts the following types of empty pill bottles: Prescription pill bottles Large and small pill bottles Pill bottles with and without child resistant caps Over-the-counter pill bottles.

You can help improve the quality of health care in hospitals and health clinics in developing countries by saving and donating basic medical supplies such as pill bottles.

Acceptable collection items include:

▪ Prescription and over-the-counter pill

bottles

▪ Large and small pill bottles

▪ Pill Bottles with and without secure caps

(child-resistant): Caps are a must!

Pill bottles that are not appropriate to include with

shipments of medical supplies are recycled and

may generate revenue that supports Matthew 25:

Ministries’ programs. If you wish to prepare bottles

for shipment rather than recycling, please adhere to

the following guidelines:

▪ Bottles included in shipments of medical

supplies must have an all plastic lid.

▪ Sort bottles by color and type.

▪ Remove labels, leaving no glue or

residue.

▪ Wash bottles in very hot water and dish

soap.

▪ Rinse and dry thoroughly.

▪ Replace lids on clean, dried bottles.

▪ Place clean, recapped bottles in large

ziplock bags marked “Clean Bottles.”

These will be blended with medical

supplies.

THANK YOU!!!

The United

Methodist Women’s

Group is also

collecting glasses

you are no long able

to use; either

readers or prescription. We have a basket

for them to be placed in on the stairs in the

Sanctuary. They will be delivered to the

local Lion’s Club.

Thank You!

Our 2020 Global Mission Initiative will be donated to the Good Shepherd

Food Bank (donations will be sent to them quarterly)

Joys & Celebrations Total

As of 4/19/2020: $600

Our yearly goal is

$2,500; Our first quarter goal is $625; Weekly

Goal $50

Meetings at a

Glance: April 2020

Worship Committee: 5/5 @ 7 p.m. online

with Zoom

Prayer Shawl: 5/11 and 5/25 @ 1 p.m.

At your own homes; keeping everyone in

prayer while you knit

SPRC Meeting: 5/12 @ 5 p.m. online via

Zoom

Trustees: TBD

CHURCH COUNCIL

THURSDAY, MAY 7TH

VIA ZOOM

We are hopeful you will all join us so we

can connect with each other and also keep everyone well informed of what we are

about during this social distancing time of difference

Our Mission

Ministries

Through the year in this

Newsletter we highlight

our mission projects

and programs where we serve God through

Christlike compassion, mercy and

transformation; reaching out, lifting up, building

up. We will list some of the ways during

2020 contributions from Missions and

Outreach through your support received in our

weekly worship offerings, pledges and special

giving.

The Good Shepherd Food Bank

We will support this work that provides food to

local food banks throughout Maine. “Feeding

families living with food insecurity makes an

impact that goes beyond a nutritious meal.” (At

our February 23rd Church Council Meeting it

was approved our Joys and Celebrations

monies will be sent to this organization)

The Belgrade Rome Food Pantry with special

monthly “Wish List” donations; January through

December we will be fillin’ our shopping cart. -

Many thanks. “March Madness”: Chili, Hash

and Stew

Kenneth Workman Youth Sports Program -

Ever notice the sign at the Belgrade Ball

Park? Our donation each year supports this

local youth program and shares our active

presence in the community in Christ’s service.

Maine Justice Foundation, Augusta,

Maine. We supported this work that serves the

LGBT, gay community those of whom are

among the poor and vulnerable among us,

facing issues of employment and housing

discrimination, domestic violence,

homelessness. In this manner we extend our

church Welcoming Statement into the

community beyond our own worship doors.

Our $500 donation was sent on March 3rd.

Messalonskee High School – In December

we sent $500 to support the High School’s

Food Pantry. Each year their empty Bowls

project supports our local Food cupboards and

the Food Cupboard at the High School we will

continue to contribute and will share

information of this year’s project in March as it

becomes available . In June we look to provide

leadership and participation in their

Baccalaureate program for new graduates.

We have Pints of Maple Syrup still available

- again this year for your Summer enjoyment

and purchasing. With Fair Trade pricing 100%

of the purchase price goes to assist their

ministry programs that transform lives in here

in Maine; $600.

Bread of Life Ministries. Through the year,

each month we provide a Tuesday evening

meal for the residents of the temporary Shelter

Program. It’s been a blessing to meet folks

there and see how this ministry gives them

both shelter and a boost to what is next as they

move forwards in life by God’s grace. We will

again contribute to this program in 2020. Our

Christmas Eve Offering of $487 was mailed

to them December 30th

Maine Adaptive Sports – We again support

this program in 2020 as an affirmation of their

annual Ski-A-Thon that supports programs that

empower adaptive athletes towards a healthy,

active and rewarding life. A $100 donation was

sent in February.

Neighbors Driving Neighbors, this local

ministry program serving to help folks who

would be otherwise home bound was

supported with our $500 gift in February 2020

and through the engagement of those offering

to serve as drivers, and part of the programs

leadership

Winthrop, Maine: United Methodist Camp

Mechuwana. Scholarship support of campers

will be forwarded in May of 2020. The year-

round camp and youth programs happening

there transforms lives of children and youth.

Pastor’s Discretionary Fund – With generous

donations we are able to assist families with

urgent housing needs; and will continue

helping through 2020 Each specific in their

own way where we were able to be a means of

God’s Grace in troubling times.

Prayer Shawl Ministry. This group meets

twice a month and distributes prayers shawls

to both women and men who are dealing with

health issues and or hospital stays.

Belgrade Central School – The Mission and

Outreach Committee at their August meeting

found that the school could use donations of

snacks and school supplies and will be working

closely with the School Administrators as to

their needs in 2020

The Committee will develop a schedule of

monthly mission giving in 2020. We will update

the above listing monthly as these occur.

Our next meeting is scheduled for

April 8th @11:15 a.m.

Our Next Bread of Life Homeless Shelter Dinner has once again been

rescheduled for June 16th

There is a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall for those wanting to designate their participation in this ministry. Signing up is important so that we are aware of what you will bring so that we can complete planning for whatever else needs to be prepared and donated. Thank you! We would like to encourage as many volunteers as possible to help donate items for this dinner. They now house as many as 50 folks. This means we need to step up our game and provide them with more items to share for a hot meal on this date and every 3rd Tuesday of each month.

In addition to providing the Bread of Life

Homeless Shelter with a hot meal every month;

we have learned that they are in need of the

following items. If you are interested in

donating, please drop off and we

will deliver at our next meal

delivery.

Pillows

Bath towels

Face Cloths

Twin size bed in bags

Bedding is so important to us because the shelter

clients take this with them when they move into

their own apartments.

Thank you!

Maple Syrup

$12 per pint We only have pints

left We support the ministry at the United Methodist

Economic Ministry in Salem Township, as we extend the grace of God outward regionally. 100%, all of the funds raised from sales go directly to the Economic Ministries that help folks, that equip them for work readiness and life; Home Repairs, Thrift Shop, Food Cupboard, Christmas Gifts, Winter Clothing (New Coats and Boots), Backpacks (school supplies, essential clothing) Program, Life Skills, work.

Pick Some up for Gifts of any occasion!

Devotion Offered by Rev. Karen Munson,

Mid-Maine District

Superintendent

Nesting has been one of my generation’s defining trends. Post WW II generations have been raised to think of home ownership as an essential value. Home ownership has been a goal and an economic foundation for individual and family financial planning. More than 38% of all homeowners in the USA are now single, a trend that began in the 1970s.

Most of us have been pushed into our nests by stay at home orders necessitated by the COVID 19 virus. It won’t last forever. But right now, it may feel as though it will. Our public and private spaces have converged. Work has followed many of us home and lodged there, requiring rearrangement of furniture, and daily rhythms. Our homes require extension of forgiveness among cohabitating and co-working roommates, spouses, and children as we work with and around each other. Circumstances are forcing us to create a new sense of coherence and, as Peter W. Marty writes, “To live coherent and undivided lives is hard work.” -(Christian Century August 2, 2017). Parts of our lives that seemed neatly segmented (school, commutes, work, sports, recreation, meals out, down time at home….) have converged. We are teasing out tangled strands, knitting new patterns. When we venture out for necessities or a breath of fresh air, we must pay attention to the 12- foot diameter of space around us, 6 feet from each other on all sides becomes a private air space. In some stores there are “air controllers” monitoring entrance and exit flow and guiding traffic down one-way aisles and through check-out lines. In scripture we read about two friends on a 7 mile walk out of the city, back to their home town, Emmaus. They may or may not have been a couple, the text doesn’t specify. But home was the place that drew them in the difficult days after Jesus’ death. They hadn’t even been able to have a proper funeral. The two filled the time by talking about recent events and wondering what life would look like now. Were they heading home to pick up the pieces of their lives or just to visit? Was their leader and friend alive or not? If he was alive, what would that mean for them? If he wasn’t alive, was it time to just pick up where they’d left off? Consumed by what had been and by what might become, they didn’t recognize the person who fell into step beside them. It was in the comfort of their own home-space that they finally recognized him, Jesus. And it was from the comfort of their own home-space that they

were joyfully compelled to turn around and rejoin the other Jesus followers as they lived into the Kindom whose door had been opened to them. As they rejoined the others, their stories intertwined and began to take the shape of the gospel that compels us now. (The Gospel According to Luke 24: 13-35). When we are able to be out and about with less restraint, we will be called upon to readjust our rhythms once more, perhaps more than once in the next year or two, as we respond to resurgences of COVID 19. Many experts foresee this pattern of in and out becoming an ongoing part of human life that will define a new generation disrupted by pandemic or by results of increasingly severe weather. What would that mean for our nesting patterns? Perhaps we will find that our true home really is with Christ, the one who meets us on the road, who is recognized in our homes, who we celebrate and serve in community. The bird a nest, the spider a web, man friendship, wrote the poet William Blake. In God’s Grace, Karen Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God. -1 Peter 1: 21-23

Finance Committee

Update

No matter where we are or where we live, we are under siege and we’ve been required to make certain

alterations in our daily routines and accustomed practices, including ‘attendance’ at ‘virtual’ worship services and Zoom Webinars. Such changes are challenging, but necessary given the circumstances and the consequences of not implementing them. You may recall that last month’s newsletter drew attention to the fact that March’s contributions were considerably lower than either of the two prior months while expenses continued on par with the prior months’ totals, creating a ‘divide’. While the Church’s activities and schedule continue in an altered format, fixed, monthly expenses continue to accrue, unaltered. Each of us was invited to continue to support the Church out of our abundance and our gratitude. Thankfully, you responded with enthusiasm, generosity, and with a commitment to the life and ministries of this Church. In addition to requests for prayers, the Church has received regular contributions via bank drafts and checks. We are all encouraged to continue to support the Church on a regular basis, especially during these extraordinary times. Recognizing our financial vulnerability, the Church took advantage of the opportunity afforded to small businesses, including non-profit entities such as churches, through a provision in the CARES (Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, & Economic Security) Act. The Church was recently approved for a ‘loan’ of $14,700 through the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP). The program is intended to pay for salary and wages of its staff for a period of two months.

Under the conditions of the contract, that portion of the ‘loan’ used for salaries and other compensation during the two month period of time will be forgiven. Essentially Union Church received a grant in the amount of $14,700 to support the Pastor and our staff. These funds will provide a respite of sorts in helping to ease our financial exigencies. While we are happy to have been awarded these funds, we need to continue to be faithful stewards in supporting Union Church. Let us share our blessings with each other and with the world at large! Respectfully Submitted, Tony Mastromarino

“Pathway to Tomorrow” – Union Church

Capital Campaign

Last Summer I announced that the church was

embarking on a year-long Capital Campaign to

raise $45,000. The funds are to be used to

make several improvements to our church

facility including the brick walkway, new

signage and new lighting in front of the church;

new decking on the ramps and stair landings

and an enlarged and paved parking lot in the

rear of the church. I am pleased to announce

that to date we have received gifts and pledges

totaling $37,650

That means we need to raise $7,350 to reach

our goal. I want to extend a heartfelt THANK

YOU to those who have already contributed

and invite everyone else to make

If you would like to contribute, please make out

a check to Union Church and write “Capital

Campaign” on the memo line. Put it in the

offering on Sunday morning or send it to the

church office. Union Church of Belgrade

Lakes, UMC, P. O. Box 133, Belgrade Lakes,

ME 04918.

Thank you,

Lynn Matson,

Chair, Staff Parish Relations Committee

RETURNABLE BOX

@BELGRADE

TRANSFER

STATION

Wow and Wow!

Such a beautiful

returnable box!

Thank you Mark for

constructing this for

us and thank you Lynn for the beautiful

sign you painted for it!

I am thinking everyone will want to put all

their returnables in this box because it is

such a beauty!

If you need a place to take your returnables

and want to support the Missions &

Outreach Committee; please take them to

the Belgrade Transfer Station.

All proceeds will go towards needs in the

community, such as the Belgrade/Rome

food pantry, Belgrade Central School, etc.

THANK YOU!

NOTE: During this Covid-19 Crisis our

Returnable Bin (all returnable bins) are not

available; we are in hopes it/they will return

soon.

United Methodist Economic Ministry

Is in need of items to stock their food

pantry. Any and all non-perishable items

are appreciated

We have identified two drop off sites for non-

perishable food and paper products:

Union Church of Belgrade Lakes, UMC,

Contact the church office to arrange a time

207-495-2677 or

unionchurchmaine@gmail.com

Bath UMC, Contact the church office to

arrange a time 207-443-4707 or

bathumc@me.com

Union

Coffeehouse

Schedule Update

It will probably come

as no surprise that the

coronavirus pandemic

has dictated that we

postpone the Union

Coffeehouse concert

originally scheduled

for May to Saturday, September 12.

Fortunately, Bill Berlinghoff has adjusted his

schedule to allow him to be the headliner for

our final 2020 Coffeehouse. With this change,

the new Union Coffeehouse 2020 summer

schedule (barring any further pandemic issues)

looks like this:

Saturday,

June 13 - - The

Union

Coffeehouse is

happy to

welcome back

The Racket

Factory

bringing their

lively, feel-good music to Belgrade Lakes. The

Racket Factory is five musicians who blend

their instruments and their voices to create a

fun evening of folk songs, country tunes, and

old-timey instrumentals. Stop in and let The

Racket Factory put a smile on your face and a

spring in your step!

Saturday, July 11 – For our mid-summer concert, the Union Coffeehouse welcomes

Gilead Road, an acoustic duo from New London, CT. Lizzy Hess and Glenn Stevens sing original songs sprinkled with favorite gems of contemporary and traditional songwriting. Their songs tell stories of personal history, reflections on life, and a search for humor in today’s wild world. You can hear echoes of John Prine, Nancy Griffith, Kate Wolfe, and David Crosby in their music. Lizzy sings and Glenn brings his guitar, voice, and songwriting. Together they spark a chemistry that is more than the sum of its parts. You won’t want to miss their engaging and heartfelt music.

Saturday,

August 8 – For the

final concert of our

2020 summer

season, Union

Coffeehouse will

feature the

delightful music of

Simons and

Goodwin. The tight-knit harmonies of Renee

Goodwin and Bob Simons have made them a

perennial favorite here at the Coffeehouse.

Central Maine’s favorite folk-singing duo

performs both original and traditional folk and

popular songs complemented by Bob’s

intricate guitar accompaniment. There is a

warmth that comes through their songs and it

makes you feel like you're listening to old

friends.

Saturday,

September 12 – Our

summer season will

end with Bill

Berlinghoff, central

Maine’s consummate

folk singer and a

favorite at the Union

Coffeehouse since

2006. His guitar and

banjo playing are a fine

complement to the

traditional folk songs that he sings so well.

Combine that music with the entertaining

stories he tells and you have all the ingredients

for a wonderful evening!

Please continue to show your support for this

wonderful Union Church community outreach

program by coming to the Union Coffeehouse

concerts and bringing your friends. The

concerts always start at 7 PM in Friendship

Hall and the featured performers start the

show. As always, there will be wonderful

baked goods, and fresh coffee, tea, and

lemonade for you to enjoy while you listen to

the music. And don’t forget the serendipitous

group of performers who show up for the Open

Mic time following the featured performers.

We are hoping that the rest of our summer

schedule will be able to continue as scheduled.

If, however, coronavirus health concerns

require additional changes, you will be notified

as soon as possible.

Respectfully Submitted,

Don Petersen

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR ALL

THOSE WHO SERVED AND THOSE

WHO ARE SERVING NOW!

Operations Giving Tree

This giving tree is

located in

Friendship Hall

on top of the

Hope Chest. It

has been there for some time now.

However; this seems to have become a

not so known opportunity for us to give

in another way. Ever wonder how you

might help keep our church operating

like a well- oiled machine?… We place

envelopes that list areas of our everyday

operating expenses with a suggested

amount (you may

donate any amount

you wish), such as

Office Supplies,

Electricity, Fuel Oil,

etc. As we all know

these expenses

seem to increase

each and every day.

Your donations are a

gift to help with our

budget in a way that pledges may not.

Thank You!

Union Church of Belgrade Lakes

United Methodist Church

67 Main Street

P.O. Box 133

Belgrade Lakes, Maine 04918

Our Mission is to live our experience of God’s love

in all that we say and do…

Our Vision is to be a growing spiritual faith community in the

manner of Christ, where all are welcome and cared for…