We are moving to online/phone-only worship starting March 22nd. 

Please join us this Sunday worship at 10 am via online or phone.

With your coffee, with your children and whole family, in your Pjs,

you are invited to gather around your computer or phone to worship God.
Click the link or call at the number below:
https://zoom.us/j/9759400763
Dial +1 646 558 8656
One tap mobile +16465588656,,9759400763#
Meeting ID: 975 940 0763

Dear Church Family,
 
It has been a tough week for everyone. We experienced drastic changes in many ways at home, work, and in other communities that we belong to. In the midst of all of them, I hope you were able to take time for caring for yourself, caring for others, and connecting with God.
 
One of the strategies to calm your anxiety is to come into your present. When anxiety invades your life, please pause, breathe and imagine that our shepherd God is leading you in this present moment.  Everything is changing rapidly, but the love of God remains abundant and ever-present.
 
Stop, breathe and speak to your heart:
 
God leads me into green pastures.
God makes me lie down.
God restores my soul.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil.
God is with me right here, right now.

 
Worship Together Apart - Invite Others
 
This Sunday we are going to meet via Zoom again for worship.
 
I chose Zoom for our worship platform for two major reasons. First, people can worship together by seeing each other’s faces. It can help worshippers interact and engage in worship better. Second, those who don’t have access to a computer at home can participate in our worship via their regular phone. Last Sunday after worship, I heard several people say that Zoom was much easier to use than they thought.
 
So, I encourage all of you who are receiving this letter to try Zoom for worship. Please consider inviting others - your friends, family members and neighbors - to worship. This is the time when people need God more than ever. Inviting them to worship will be one of the greatest gifts that you can give to others.

On Saturday, I will send worship and faith formation materials for this Sunday. Please stay tuned!
 
Our Virtual Church

Below you can find the link for our virtual church. The same link is being used for our worship, Bible Studies, Caring Circle, Silent Seeking and other small groups. You can access our virtual church via your regular phone, smart phone, iPad, or computer.
 

Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/9759400763
Dial +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID: 975 940 0763

If you run into technical challenges as you enter Zoom meeting, Rocko Graziano and RJ Jenkins are willing to help. Please call Myung (685-4413) for their phone numbers.
  
I am going to offer one more test run this Saturday at 7pm for anyone who wants to give it a try. If you've never used Zoom before, it is a good chance to see if everything works fine at your computer, tablet, or phone.
 
Hospitality
 
So, what would the hospitality look like in our virtual church?
 
     1. Use video, if possible. It really is helpful to see people’s faces.
     2. Use headphones, if possible. This cuts down on background noise.
          Mute yourself if someone is chainsawing outside your window.
    3. Change your user name so that it reflects your first and last name.
         Hover in the upper right corner of your picture,
        click on the three dots to find “rename.”  
 
Stay Connected 
 
We are offering programs via Zoom this coming week.
 
3/29 (Sun): Adult Sunday School “Priorities” at 8:30-9:30am

3/30 (Mon)- 4/3 (Fri) : Caring Circle at 10am: Scripture, Prayer, and Checking-in

3/30 (Mon) and 4/2 (Thur): Caring Circle at 7:00pm

3/31 (Tue): Disciple Bible Study at 6:30-8:00pm

4/1 (Wed): Silent Seeking (Meditation & Prayer) at 7:00-8:00pm 
 
Reminders and updates will be posted on our church’s Facebook group also.
 
Changes in Office Hours
 
Our church building is currently closed for all activities, and it seems it will be closed a few more week. Our church office hours will be sporadic during that period. Church Administrator, Gail, will be available by phone at 207-685-9131 or by email, office@readfieldchurch.net. She will check her emails from home every day. I am also working from home. If you need to talk to me please call at 685-4413 or email me at pme208@gmail.com.
 
On Giving
 
Even in this season of pandemic, one thing we can do is to be grateful. Each day, find what you are grateful for and give thanks to God. Our church is grateful for your continuous support and participation in our mission.

Several of our church members are giving their time to care for the vulnerable by calling, sending cards, and running errands. Our small groups and studies continue to meet via Zoom. We invite you to keep exploring ideas of what we can do for our local community. Your offering is the sign of your gratitude to God. As a sign of your faith and the openness and gratitude, please consider sending your offering by mail or signing up for online giving HERE.

If you mailing your offerings, use this address:

 Readfield United Methodist Church

P.O. Box 286
Kents Hill, ME, 04349
 

Thank you for your faithfulness.
I am looking forward to seeing you in worship (via online or phone) this Sunday! 
 
Deep Blessings,
Myung

Torsey Church at Night

Jesse Lee Meeting House

The Methodist Church in Readfield,
the oldest Methodist church in Maine,
is showing its years.
(excerpt from George Smith's article in the Kennebec Journal 2/19/2020)
Historic church has seen better days

The Meeting House needs new siding and we are hoping you can donate to this very important project, which will cost $38,000. The Readfield Methodist Church is responsible for the Meeting House, which was built between 1793 and 1795. And its dedication on June 21, 1795, drew as many as 2,000 people.

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The church was originally up on the hill and was moved 500 feet to its present location by 50 teams of oxen. Regular worship services were held here until 1961 when five local congregations combined into one church currently known as the Readfield United Methodist Church in Kents Hill.But the Jesse Lee Meeting House is still the host of Easter sunrise and Christmas Eve services, plus Sunday evening services in the summer and weddings, funerals, and other special events. Many of the services here involve lots of singing, which is very special. The church, partly because it is so historic, is so peaceful and holy, I could sit there for hours.

Our church members are pleased and proud to care for and maintain this very special church. But the sun, wind, rain and snow has caused the paint to chip and peel, and the weathered wood beneath will rot if left unattended.

In 2015 we installed a metal roof thanks to the generous donations of several church members. But we don’t have the money to fix the siding, even though we know it is urgent that we get this done. We do not want to see this beautiful and historic church continue to deteriorate.

Any and all donations will be very much appreciated, and we will invite you to a special celebration when the siding is done.
Checks should be payable to the Readfield

Methodist Church and mailed to: Readfield United Methodist Church, PO Box 286, Kents Hill, Me.  04349. If you have any questions about the project, please call us at 685-4211. Thank you!

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