At this point, we are looking for donations and volunteers to help us bring this event together. Organizations or individuals that might be willing to purchase needed food items, help with food preparation, or otherwise volunteer their time or talents are asked to email the church office at info@oobumchurch.org. Someone at the church will contact you with more information once we get a handle on how much help is being offered. Monetary donations can be made directly to the Old Orchard Beach United Methodist Church at P.O. Box K, Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064.

The free Thanksgiving Day meal will be happen on Thanksgiving (November 27) at the Old Orchard Beach United Methodist Church with delivery service starting at 11:00 and the meal being served from 12:00 – 2:00. If you are need of a ride or would like to have meals delivered to you on that day, please leave a message on the church phone at (207) 934-5553. Or you can email the church office at info@oobumchurch.org.

Austin was three years old when he lost his life in a fire two years ago in a Biddeford apartment. He was a boy that would light up a room when he entered. He loved his family and friends and simply tries
to make everyone happy. He did this every place he went. Austin loved all types of music and made sure everybody had equal time with the radio dial. He loved walking on the beach with Grammy collecting shells and rocks, fishing with Grandpa, and going to the Portland Pirates games with Mom and Dad. Austin is sadly missed by all who knew him.

Any donations can be made by sending a check directly to the Old Orchard Beach United Methodist Church, P. O. Box K, Old Orchard Beach, Maine 04064. Please put “Blake Fund” in the memo line.

Sunday, March 16 at 10 AM – Palm/Passion Sunday – We will be holding a special service during our regular worship time to bring participants through the Passion Week narrative up through Holy Saturday. Sunday School for ages 5-12 is held during the worship service.

Thursday, March 20 at 6 PM – Maundy Thursday – We will be commemorating the Last Supper by taking part in a Christian interpretation of the Seder. This well-received celebration is in its third year at the church and is held in the fellowship hall. It is a great introduction to the Jewish traditions that were a part of Jesus’ life.

Friday, March 21 – Good Friday – The church sanctuary will be open for much of the day for people to take part in a self-directed meditation on the Stations of the Cross.

Friday, March 21 at 7 PM – Good Friday – We will be holding a special service including a recitation of the Reproaches. This service in meant to be a time of reflection and meditation. Participants are invited to come early or stay late and take part in the Stations of the Cross.

Sunday, March 23 at 6:30 AM – Easter Sunday – Come and welcome the sun (and the Son) at our Easter Sunrise Service. Held right on Old Orchard Beach at the end of Atlantic Avenue, this service gives all of us a moment to breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy the beauty that is God’s Creation.

Sunday, March 23 at 10 AM – Easter Sunday – Our traditional Easter Sunday Service. Sunday School for ages 5-12 is held during the worship service.

We look forward to seeing you.

Unfortunately, those numbers are increasing. Over the last two years or so, we have seen a steady increase in the amount of people needing assistance. We are now serving over 250 people a month through the Food Pantry. All of these people are residents of Old Orchard Beach and are on some sort of government assistance. (We are the distribution site for the federal government’s food assistance program, so our clients have to meet these particular eligibility requirements.) On top of that, we have seen an increase in the amount of people taking advantage of the clothing that we give out free of charge on a first-come-first-serve basis. (We also have been known to give out household items and furniture when we can.)

And we are not alone. The people of St. Margaret’s Church and the Faith Lighthouse Church have been generous in their support of our efforts and have done a good deal of work on their own. Many civic groups and private companies have stepped up and given time, talent, and treasure to those that are in need. And we all know how wonderful the Salvation Army is in their efforts to help those that need it most. But I can’t tell you how many people I have had to personally turn away from the doors of the parsonage with nothing more than a prayer because we simply don’t have any way of helping them.

It saddens me that we live in a town with so many people struggling.

But I am also deeply moved by the generosity of the people of this town. More than that, I am moved by the awesome sense of community in this town. I had lived in Cumberland County all of my life when I was called into the ministry here in OOB in July 2005. The first thing I was told was that I was no longer in Cumberland County. This is YORK County (and don’t forget it)! The second thing that I was told is that I OOB is NOT a suburb of Saco (thank you very much)!! I have loved this town since the first day that I came here, and it is because of the people. (That would be all of you and many more people like you.)

Thank you SO much for supporting our efforts over the years. We couldn’t do what we do without you!!

Sunday, December 2 at 10 AM—“Loving Unexpectedly”
Sunday, December 9 at 10 AM—“The Joy of Repentance”
Sunday, December 16 at 10 AM—“Hopeful Signs”
Sunday, December 23 at 10 AM—“Peaceful Example”
Monday, December 24 at 7 PM—Christmas Eve Service of Light
Sunday, December 30 at 10 AM—Regular worship
Sunday, January 6 at 10 AM—Epiphany Feast

We look forward to seeing you!!

The whole day was such a blessing to me as a pastor, but even more to me as a human being. Thank you for helping us make it possible. We look forward to serving the community again next year.

The free Thanksgiving Day meal will be served on Thanksgiving (November 22) at the Old Orchard Beach United Methodist Church from 12:00 – 2:00. If you are need of a ride or would like to have meals delivered to you on that day, please leave a message on the church phone at (207) 934-5553. Or you can email the church office at info@oobumchurch.org.

We will be holding monthly suppers going forward on the second Friday evening of every month. We will be holding our last supper of 2007 on December 14. It will also be held from 4:30 to 6:00.

So now, the family is safely back and well rested.  Good thing, too!  There is a lot of work to be done at the Church in getting ready for the upcoming Community Yard Sale.