Happy Birthday

The Church on the Cape, UMC, Turns 150!


 

Bishop Peter Weaver's congratulatory video

Anniversary Saturday

On April 14th, 1857, our church was dedicated as a Methodist house of worship in Cape Porpoise. Several years earlier, the 25 members of the congregation had borrowed $400 dollars to begin the construction of our present sanctuary. It ultimately cost $1,200, but the Methodist flag was firmly planted on the Cape.

On April 14th, 2007, Bishop Peter Weaver of the New England Conference joined our anniversary celebration by preaching a stirring sermon on "Living Down Stream" - using a water metaphor to point out how we have benefited from the previous parishioners' dedication to Christian living and how we will, in turn, pass down our Christian commitment to those who follow us. With a smile on his face, the bishop allowed as how we didn't quite look 150 years old. He admired the "miracle" of Methodists all dressed up and in church on a Saturday afternoon and praised the Boston Pops-like orchestra that provided music during the service.

Tom Bradbury, our Lay Leader, wrote a church history which was read by Pastor Ruth. Tom also composed a song in honor of the occasion which was lovingly arranged and performed by Chris Humphrey.

This Church by the Sea
by Tom Bradbury
1
Some came when this land was a young colony,
Others arrived more recently,
But one thing is clear both for you and for me:
Can't you see, can't you see?
We gather to worship, we gather to sing,
Each of us offers the gifts that we bring,
And we're all very sure of this one simple thing,
Both for you and for me,
We're on family in this church by the sea.		 2
Farmers and fishermen, architects too,
Doctors and lawyers, whatever we do,
Homemakers, children, it's all very true,
That for me and for you,
Each of us welcomes this time of the day,
To set cares aside and sit down to pray
And know in the end that we proudly will say
That for you and for me,
We find love and faith in this church by the sea.
3
 We bow down our heads and silently pray,
God give us the strength to get through each day,
And let us believe that you're with us always,
And we'll say, And we'll say,
With You by our side we'll all do our best
To hold to our faith when it's put to the test.
We'll spread Your good Word and we never will rest
Until all here can see,
The good that can grow from this church by the sea.		 4
We offer our friendship, our fellowship too,
We greet you as neighbors, we welcome you too.
A small Christian family that's trying to do
All that God wants us to.
We're all on a journey with hope that we'll find,
The truths and the peace that will help clear our minds.
We hope that you'll join us to bring to our people
Those things meant to be,
Spread with great love from this church by the sea.

The events of the day concluded with a pot-luck supper at Atlantic Hall. A video of our recent history was shown to a large number of members and friends.

Heritage Sunday:

On Sunday, April 15, 2007,  five former pastors joined Pastor Ruth for Heritage Sunday. Rev. Lamar Robinson, our pastor from 1970-1993,  issued the Call to Worship. Rev. Luther Jose, our pastor from 1965-1966, brought the children together for their message. Rev. Sherwood Treadwell, our pastor from 1993-1999, read the scripture: John 20: 19-31 and Rev Bill Gardei, our pastor from 2000-2002, offered the pastoral prayer.

Rev. Russell Peppe, our pastor from 1962-1964, presented the sermon: "Saint Thomas, the Upper Room and Jacob's Ladder."

The 150th Anniversary Celebration was a marvelous series of events...connecting us to the past and renewing our faith in the future through Christ's love.

The Church on the Cape
P O Box 7663
3 Langsford Road
Cape Porpoise, ME 04014-7663
207 967- 5787 or Email
Office

 Saturday Service
A grand service with a tasty pot-luck supper afterwards

Bishop Peter Weaver:
"Living Down Stream"

 Church history read by
Pastor Ruth Merriam

"This Church by the Sea" sung  by Chris Humphrey


Heritage Sunday
Sermon:
Rev. Russell Peppe


Our six
Church on the Cape
pastors