Mid Maine District E-News

March 7, 2019

Beloved Friends in Christ,

Yesterday we entered the season of Lent. It comes at the end of winter, when most of our ancestor’s resources ran low and when we long toward the warmth and light of a new growing season. We are called to remember our vulnerability. We are invited to see our utter reliance on God more clearly, not as something to fear but as a reality to celebrate.

I have loved Romans 12:2 since I was 17 years old. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. It inspires me to constantly and humbly seek understanding of scripture that is not static. Paul’s words call me to aspire to the perfection God desires, which I cannot see in its entirety because I am not God. Read more…..

Clergy and Laity... Mark Your Calendars for upcoming MidMaine Events

March 19, 2019 Webinar for Finance Committees

NEAC Treasurer Bill Burnside will join us for a finance leaders webinar, Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30PM.

We’ll cover basic training for Finance Committees and try to answers specific questions that you may have.

Please send Lori your questions by March 15th and follow the WEBINAR instructions below

Finance Webinar with Bill Burnside, Conference Treasurer

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

6:30 pm  |  Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00)  |  1 hr 30 mins

Meeting number (access code): 925 613 475

Meeting password: hfMdtpYJ

Add to Calendar

When it's time, join the meeting.



Join by phone

1-415-655-0002 US Toll

1-855-797-9485 US Toll free

March 21, 2019 MidMaine Clergy Consult Breakfast
with DS Rev. Karen Munson.
All clergy are required to attend one of two sessions:

   9:30 am- 12:00 PM Location: Governors Restaurant, Lewiston
       OR
   7:00 – 8:30 PM Web-ex. RSVP to mmedist@neumc.org  to receive link

Please note that these conversations are for clergy.

March 24, 2019, Courageous Conversations 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

Special General Conference 2019 Debrief with NEAC and MidMaine Discussion Leaders. Required for all clergy and encouraged for all laity.
Location: Brunswick UMC 320 Church Road, Brunswick ME

April 7, 2019 Transition Workshop in the MME District

2:00-4:00 location TBD

The Transition Workshops are designed to give pastors and churches changing appointments important information that can make the transition go more smoothly and easily. Pastors and transition teams from churches with changes in pastoral leadership this year are expected to attend.

May 18, 2019, Resource Day with the United Methodist Foundation of New England 9:00-2:00.

No matter how you figure it...
[JESUS] is our center
[GIVING JESUS] is our mission
[JESUS GENEROSITY] is our lifestyle

The goal of this resource day is to empower laity to become leaders in the practice of individual and
communal generosity as a spiritual discipline. Bring a team from your congregation to learn the biblical,
personal, and practical perspectives of stewardship and generosity and how to apply it to the life of your
faith community. Share together in this learning and interactive process AND bring your pastor as well!

This Resource Day is especially designed for laity, though clergy are welcome to attend.

Location: Brunswick UMC 320 Church Road, Brunswick ME

REGISTER HERE

May 18, 2019 New England Annual Conference

Pre-Conference Briefing 2:30-4:00

Members of Annual Conference have asked for more time to review and discuss the legislation that will come before them during the session.
To facilitate that, each of the nine districts will host a Pre-Conference Briefing, led by the District Superintendent, so that members can review legislation and ask questions.

All Annual Conference members are strongly encouraged to attend a briefing. All who would like to learn more about Annual Conference are welcome.

More information to follow.

Location: Brunswick UMC 320 Church Road, Brunswick ME

"This and That"

Tax note for Pastors
Please note that, with the new tax code, ministers may no longer deduct un-reimbursed expenses. Moving expenses are also no longer tax deductible and must be claimed as part of your income. If you are living in a parsonage, make sure that you are using the current fair market rental value of the property plus utilities for your SECA. For more information: https://www.guidestone.org/TaxGuide

Looking for a guest speaker? Mechuwana has speakers available to share their mission story with your church. Contact 207-377-2924

Clergy, is any one wondering how to afford a restful get away? Check out The Preachers Aid Society’s generous offer of gorgeous free retreat space in Wells. info@preachersaid.org. (Do you know a retired clergy with a dream? Encourage them to apply for a Taylor Award).

Serious Conversations on apportionment reduction are happening at every level of the church from NEUMC to General Boards and Agencies.

Classifieds

FREE: Cokesbury Bible Study and SundaySchool Sample Curriculum

Twice a year, Cokesbury sends the district office sample curriculum and bible study material. We have just received a box- please let me know if you are interested in a particular sample and I will send it to you. First come first serve- email Lori

Spring 2019 Adult Bible Studies (DVD, Teacher Book and Student Book): Discipleship and Mission

Spring 2019 Deep Blue, At Home With God: Preschool through Older Elementary Leader's Guides and Bible Story Sheets

Spring 2019 Bible Lessons for Youth Leader's Guide and Student Guide: Call

FREE: Offering Envelopes

Damariscotta UMC has given the district 7 boxes with 8 individual boxes of Cokesbury offering envelopes. They are free. Please let me know if you could use all or some. Thank you, Lori

Organist Wanted

Green Street United Methodist Church, Augusta, Maine Part time salaried position (approximately 10 hours per week) accompanying rehearsals for the Chancel Choir, and playing the organ and piano for two worship services each Sunday morning and at other traditional holy day services throughout the year. Playing for weddings and funerals will also be requested of this individual from time to time and will be compensated separately. The organ is an Allen hybrid (with both pump and electronic capabilities). We are looking for a person who can work well with others and who has the desire and ability to bring a wide range of Christian music to the congregation. If interested please send a letter of interest and resume to GSUMC, 13 Green Street, Augusta, ME or e-mail greenst@myfairpoint.net (207-622-0843)

Please pray for the following...

Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar

Rev. Dr. Karen Munson, DS

March 10, 2019: Aldersgate UMC, Bartlett Memorial UMC, Bath UMC, Belfast UMC, Bethel UMC, Bolsters Mills UMC

March 17, 2019: Bradley Memorial UMC, Bridgton UMC, Brown Memorial UMC, Brunswick UMC, Calvary UMC

March 24, 2019: Centenary UMC, Church of Good Fellowship UMC, Community UMC, Cox Memorial UMC, Cushing Broad Cove Church

District Office Hours

AA (Lori's) Winter office hours
M-TH 7:30-2:00
F 7:30-10:30

NEW information, events, and ministry opportunities below .
Please check the MME Facebook page or the MME website for current updates

To have a notice included in an Update, email mmedist@neumc.org.

Previous District Updates are available on the website.