New Light

Parkside Neighborhood Block Party

2009-10-16T23:52:00.002-04:00

This Saturday, Oct. 17
12:00 noon - 2:30 pm
on Sherman Street, adjacent to Sacred Heart - St. Dominic Catholic Church

It's going to be a great event, with live music, a bounce house, three neighborhood dance groups performing, pizza, hot dogs, apple cider, homemade pie, face-painting, kids' games, a clothing give-away, and more!

Want to volunteer? Show up at 9:30 am to help with set-up, or sometime before noon to volunteer during the event.

We're collaborating with Immanuel Baptist Church, Sacred Heart - St. Dominic Catholic Church, PROP's Parkside Neighborhood Center, Parkside Community Policing, Parkside Neighborhood Center, Wayside Soup Kitchen, SPIRAL Arts, and several local businesses to make this happen. Be part of this movement that's transforming Parkside neighborhood!

Introducing a new resource: GPS

2009-09-26T23:30:00.003-04:00

Introducing a new resource: GPS
Grow through Prayer and Scripture

As we enter the fall season, we're refocusing LIFE Groups a little bit and putting together some new resources and experiences that we hope will help you grow deeper in your faith, primarily through reading and reflecting on Scripture and prayer.

Starting this Sunday, we'll be e-mailing out a brief Scripture passage each day, along with a thought-provoking Question of the Day. We hope you'll pause for a few minutes sometime during the day to read and reflect, and then to spend some time in prayer. Most weeks when we come together in LIFE Groups, we'll explore more deeply one of the passages that came up in the daily reading. We hope this continuity between the daily reading and the discussions in LIFE Groups will provide a forum for deeper reflection and sharing.

If you are not currently active in our community, but would like to receive our GPS e-mails each day please send Erica an e-mail at erica@newlightportland.org, and she will gladly add you to the list!

New LIFE Groups Starting this week!

2009-09-26T23:27:00.003-04:00

Summer is over, and here we are in the first days of fall. It's time to transition into our fall schedule for LIFE Groups. You've been waiting... you've been wondering... and here are the details!

Tuesday LIFE Group: 5:30 pm - hosting: Allen Ewing-Merrill & Dean Richardson

Wednesday LIFE Group: 6:00 pm - hosting: Michael & Maire Trombley

Thursday LIFE Group: 5:30 pm - hosting: Erica Tobey & Sara Ewing-Merrill

Please take a minute and let us know which group you're planning to join.

The Tuesday & Wednesday groups start this coming week (Sept. 29 & 30). The Thursday group will start one week later: Oct. 8.

Here's to fall, with cooler nights, beautiful colors and crunching leaves!

Apple Picking and Worship Photos!

2009-09-14T22:34:00.003-04:00

Members New Light had a great time this weekend picking lots of apples, making apple crisp, eating delicious pizza, and worshiping together. Check out this pictures!

Daily Devotional Readings

2009-09-14T11:40:00.000-04:00

Guide to Daily Devotions
September 14-21, 2009

S – Scripture: Read the assigned passage slowly and carefully.
O – Observation: Record observations on the passage… What is the lesson for you?
A – Application: How do these words apply to you in your own life?
P – Prayer: Write a prayer to God concerning this passage and your life.
Y – Yield: What do you need to surrender to God for this lesson to become alive in you?

Daily Exercise:

Read the assigned Scripture passage.
Using the SOAPY guide (above), record thoughts and reflections in your journal.
Pray the Covenant Prayer .

Daily Readings:

Monday, September 14: 1 Corinthians 1:1-19
Tuesday, September 15: 1 Corinthians 1:20-31
Wednesday, September 16: 1 Corinthians 2:1-13
Thursday, September 17: 1 Corinthians2:14-3:15
Friday, September 18:1 Corinthians3:16-23
Saturday, September 19:1 Corinthians 4:1-7
Sunday, September 20: Acts 9:1-10
Monday, September 21: 1 Corinthians 4:8-21

2009-09-13T00:25:00.001-04:00

Online Registration for 2009 Retreat - In|Out

2009-09-10T11:58:00.003-04:00

Arts Sunday

2009-09-08T14:30:00.007-04:00

Many Gifts, One Spirit: Creating in Community
Sunday, September 20 ~ 9:30-3:00
at Hope.Gate.Way.

Rev. Priscilla Dreyman of SPIRAL Arts will be leading a Sunday event offering multiple opportunities for spiritual exploration, creative expression, and deepening of relationships through art. Don't be intimidated: we're defining art broadly and coordinating accessible activities for beginners -- things like printmaking, origami, beginning drawing & watercolors, cooking, music, and more. The time will also include worship, sharing, and lunch, as well as opportunities to form and deepen relationships with Chestnut & New Light friends. We hope you'll participate in this exciting community-building event. If you have questions or suggestions, talk with Allen or Sara.

Supper Bowl Sunday Photos

2009-08-30T12:44:00.002-04:00

Our first Supper Bowl Sunday event was a HUGE sucess. Check out the photos below and be sure to stay tunes as we plan another, similar event for mid-October!

First Friday Art Walk

2009-08-30T11:47:00.004-04:00

Pattern & Path
A Printmaking Investigation by
Rachel E. Church

Friday, September 4th
5:00-8:00pm (during the First Friday Art Walk)

At Hope.Gate.Way.
185 High Street

Stop by to see Rachel's work, enjoy some snacks and help welcome guests who will be visiting Hope.Gate.Way.

The First Friday Art Walk is a free self-guided tour of local art galleries, art studios, museums, and alternative art venues of the first Friday of every month from 5-8pm. We will be hosting a different exhibit each month during the art walk! Come check it out!!

Picnic and Baptism at Pine Point

2009-08-30T09:48:00.000-04:00

Despite the weather we had tons of fun at our beach worship on August 2. Fun on the beach, good food, worship, and Daren and Katrina's baptisms in the ocean!!

Fall Retreat

2009-08-27T21:48:00.007-04:00

Hey! We'll be heading out on the second annual New Light community retreat over Columbus Day weekend at the beautiful Rockcraft retreat center on Sebago Lake.

The weekend will include good food, engaging conversation, uplifting music, meaningful worship, fun games, plenty of laughter, quiet space for reflection, and free time to relax and enjoy one another in the beauty of God’s Creation.

The details...

Fri-Sun, October 9-11, 2009
- begins with dinner on Friday (6 pm)
- ends following lunch on Sunday

Rockcraft Retreat Center - Sebago Lake

Retreat Leaders: Ben & Melissa Yosua-Davis
Ben and Melissa are co-pastors in Haverhill, MA at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, and also starting a new faith community called The Vine, which is similar in some ways to New Light. Check out what they are doing at their website.

$100 per person suggested contribution
- includes two nights’ accommodations and six meals
- Do not let financial concerns be a factor in whether to attend — assistance is available (seriously!)
- Reduced rates for children. Childcare provided.

If you want to see some highlights from last year's retreat check it out here!

Questions? Contact Allen or Sara.

Community Worship-September 13th

2009-08-27T19:09:00.005-04:00

Sunday, September 13-Apple Picking and Worship

We will meet in the afternoon and go on an apple picking adventure. After apple picking we will return to Allen and Sara's to make apple crisp and have some delicious pizza's.

Following dinner we will share in worship together.

Stay tuned for more information about times and carpooling to the apple orchard, but plan on joining us and as always bring a friend!!

Linnea Good

2009-08-27T18:53:00.002-04:00

Linnea Good in Concert

Wednesday, September 23 7:00 pm

at Hope.Gate.Way. - 185 High Street, Portland

Canadian singer, songwriter, and “musical animator” Linnea Good will present a concert of Christian music on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 7:00 pm, at Hope.Gate.Way., 185 High Street in Portland. Acclaimed as a prophetic and contemporary voice of faith, Linnea is a multi-award nominated artist for adults and children alike, known for her unique combination of song, humor and story. Says contemporary hymn-writer Brian Wren, “I appreciate the freshness and care of her lyrics, her theology, her musicality, and her voice. She has a remarkable constellation of gifts."

Check out her website here.

Vacation Bible Camp Photos

2009-08-06T13:15:00.000-04:00

Our first attempt at Vacation Bible Camp was a great success with 18 kids coming from Parkside Neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods. Everyone had a great time, and many kids are already asking about next summer!!

Vacation Bible Camp Next Week!

2009-07-30T17:58:00.003-04:00

Vacation Bible Camp starts on Monday at Hope.Gate.Way (185 High St. Portland)

Join us Monday, August 3-Friday August 7
9:00-11:45am

We'll have lots of fun with crafts, snacks, games, music, new friends and more!

Vacation Bible Camp is FREE and all kids are welcome. The program is geared towards children age 4-5th grade.

Invite your neighbors and friends for this week of fun!!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2009-07-30T17:52:00.002-04:00

New Light will be headed to the Portland Sea Dogs game on August 4th at 7:00pm at Hadlock Field.

We have 10 tickets that were exchanged from the last game (that got rained out).

but it might be a sellout based on all the canceled games this season. Let Sara know:

1. if you are planning to come

2. if you have your own ticket

3. if you are bringing friends we should get tickets for

It is going to be a great time. So if you can join us, please do. And bring a friend. This is a great event to bring some of your circles together...New Light and whatever other circles you move in day to day.

Worship on the Beach-August 2

2009-07-30T17:18:00.000-04:00

Picnic and Fun starting at 4pm
Worship at 6pm

Join us on August 2nd for some awesome beach fun at Pine Point in Scarborough. Bring some picnic food to share (bring your own drink) and we'll have a wonderful feast.

Beginning at about 6pm we will transition into a very special worship celebration, on the beach, including the baptism of New Light's own Daren and Katrina!! Come to enjoy worship, and support them on their special day.

Stay tuned for more information about the day, including carpooling to Scarborough!

Supper Bowl Sunday

2009-07-17T21:37:00.005-04:00

Our first Supper Bowl Sunday potluck block party next weekend-Sunday, July 26th from 5:00-7:30pm. This supper will take place on Sherman Street between State Street and Mellen Street.

Some fun we have planned-

Not one but 2 LIVE BANDS (the Lomax, and The Common Senses)
Tons of food (including some excellent pizza from Leonardo's)
Face Painting!
Lemonade
A community art project sponsored by Spiral Arts
Meeting new neighbors
Dancing in the street!

We still need lots of help to make this event a success. We are hoping that most people from NewLight will be able to volunteer the day of the event, and also, bring a dish to share with our neighbors. If you have not yet signed up please do so by contacting Erica or calling 899-2435. Many different jobs are available, from photography, set up, greeters, trash, lemonade making and more!

Hope to see you all there!

Free Andrew Peterson Concert- THIS Saturday

2009-07-17T21:27:00.004-04:00

Andrew Peterson is a great Christian musician (many New Lighters agree), who is playing many FREE shows in New England this summer to promote his newest album-Resurrection Letters Volume 2. Lucky for us, he has planned several shows in Portland, one scheduled for THIS SATURDAY. We'll plan to meet at First Baptist Church (360 Canco Road) at 6:15 to get seats to this awesome show!

Check out his Myspace page to hear several songs from this album, and plan to join us on Saturday.

New LIFE Groups Starting!

2009-06-22T12:30:00.002-04:00

New LIFE groups are starting this week and next. Below is information about when and where each group is meeting. If you are not sure what group you are in, or would like to join us for one of these groups contact us at 899-2435 or by e-mail at erica@newlightportland.org

Sunday LIFE Group

5:30 pm at Hope.Gate.Way. (185 High Street)
starts Sunday, June 21
Focus: "Questions of Faith" - We will explore some of the big questions of faith, including the questions you're think about!
led by Allen & Sara and Dean Richardson
Childcare will be provided.

Tuesday LIFE Group

5:30 pm at Allen & Sara's house
starts Tuesday, June 30 (note: this group starts a week later than the others)
Focus: "Questions of Faith" - We will explore some of the big questions of faith, including the questions you're thinking about!
led by Allen & Sara

Wednesday LIFE Group

6pm at Jaegil & Eunkyong's house
starts Wednesday, June 24
focus: spiritual practices, like contemplative prayer, lectio divina, and meditation, including some exploration of spiritual practices that originate with other religiouis traditions
led by Jaegil Lee

Thursday LIFE Group

5:30pm at Erica Tobey's house
starts Thursday, June 25
focus: service - reflecting on what it means to be a servant, and especially practicing service in various ways throughout the city
led by Erica Tobey

Neighbors Helping Neighbors-July

2009-06-22T12:08:00.003-04:00

In the month of July New Light will be collecting blankets and bars of soap for our neighbors at Down East Maine Missions.

Recently, Chestnut UMC has agreed to be a mission partner to this wonderful organization, and this will be our first official act of support in this partnership. Down East Maine Missions serves many people each year in one of the poorest counties in all of New England. During the summer months they take particular care of the immigrant blueberry pickers who come to harvest the berries.

Blankets are distributed to keep the pickers warm at their camps at night, and bar soap is needed to help get pesticides off their skin at the end of the day.

Betty spoke at Chestnut UMC yesterday, and it was clear that she considered all people neighbors, and a part of her family. Let's join this global neighborhood, and help our family stay clean and warm during their stay in Maine.

Peace Through Music: Playing for Change

2009-06-22T11:52:00.002-04:00

I hope by now you have all caught some of these videos, that are all over the internet. This project, playing for change started about 4 years ago, with the idea that we all need to inspire each other to come together as a human race, and that music is the best way to do it. The creator states "we can do more for this world together than we ever can apart." This video, and many others, were created by street performers from literally all over the world, who have never even met each other, but have created this beautiful music together. Watch this video "One Love" and some of the others posted on the website or YouTube.

New Light on Twitter

2009-06-22T11:42:00.003-04:00

Are you on twitter? New Light is!! Just another way for you to get important updates, and reminders about events, LIFE groups, worship and more!!

Sign on and follow New Light our username is "newlightnews"

Cinco de Mayo Fun

2009-06-04T23:16:00.002-04:00

Cinco de Mayo 2009