Layette Kit Collection

For the month of June, we are going to be collecting items for newborns who don't have the basics.  These kits will be distributed through the United Methodist Committee on Relief.   What could be more fun than shopping for a newborn?!

Here are the things we need for one kit:

Layette Kit Items  Value: 

• 6 cloth diapers
• 2 shirts or 2 one-piece body suits
• 2 baby washcloths
• 2 gowns or sleepers
• 2 diaper pins
• 1 sweater open in the front
• 2 receiving blankets

Important Kit Assembly Information

• All items included in kits must be NEW items. 
• All emergency kits are carefully planned to make them usable in the greatest number of situations.

We are hoping to put together 5 or 6 kits.  We'll also have cards with individual items to pick up at LIFE Groups this week and next.

When you are out shopping pick up something for a child in need around the world.  We need to recieve all items before June 17th so that we can take then to The New England Annual Conference.  They will make their way from their to the distribution center to be ready for travel around the world or wherever they might be needed.

Kick Off to Summer-Visioning Party!

Tuesday, May 26 at 6pm
at Hope.Gate.Way

All LIFE groups will meet on Tuesday this week for an evening of summer fun and visioning. We will meet at 6pm at Hope.Gate.Way. for a potluck dinner-bring your favorite summer food, lemonade and watermelon will be provided.

Following dinner we will play some fun summer games and spend some time visioning as a community. This is an important time in the life of New Light, as we think together about what our hopes and dreams for our community are. Every one's voice will be heard, and we hope to leave with some goals for the next 12 months. Do you have some cool idea's for New Light? Bring them along...if not, we'll have some prompts to help you think about what you want your community to look like!

Everyone is encouraged to attend, rather you're a new comer or an old timer or you haven't come in months.

Preschooler Play Group

Preschooler Play Group(1 - 5 years old)
Wednesdays 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Starting May 27
at Hope.Gate.Way. (185 High Street-Portland)

Large space for play with a large variety of toys geared to the needs, interests and safety of small children. Enjoy a room where your children can roam free. You and your child will have a relaxing morning socializing with other parents and children. Enjoy a cup of coffee while your child snacks and has juice. Younger siblings are welcome.

Parking is available in the Gateway Parking Garage (181 High Street), for $2/hour. Metered and Hourly street parking is available on High Street, Cumberland Avenue, or Forest Avenue.

Middle School Youth Event

May 31st-1:00-2:30pm
at Hope.Gate.Way (185 High Street-Portland)

This event is for all youth finishing 5th-8th grade, and is a collaboration with other area churches.

Make your own pizza
Play crazy games
Make new friends from other churches
Have loads of fun!!

Middle School youth are encouraged to bring friends along for this afternoon of fun!

Walking In Their Shoes Exhibit

Opening Reception
Friday, May 15 3:00 - 7:00 pm
at Hope.Gate.Way.
185 High Street Portland, ME

An art exhibit to honor May as Domestic Violence Awareness Month-Local High School students created art from shoes to raise awareness of domestic violence.

This project is collaboration among JMG, Family Crisis Services, and SPIRAL Arts

The exhibit will be at Hope.Gate.Way for a few weeks, and will be open during the first Friday Art Walk on June 5th. Swing by when you have a chance and check it out!

Neighbors Helping Neighbors- May

For the month of May we are collecting toilet paper for our neighbors at the Sacred Heart Food Pantry. Pick up a roll or two while you're out shopping, and we'll be sure it gets to the people who need it!!

Last Month the communities of Chestnut UMC and New Light collected 54 sticks of deodorant for our neighbors at the Preble Street Resource Center. Thank you to all who helped out, for making our first official "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" project a sucess.

Rethink Church

Open House at Hope.Gate.Way.

Thursday, May 7th from 3:00-7:00pm

Now that we have a great home base for ministry at 185 High Street, it's time to welcome our neighbors in to build relationships and think about ways to be in partnership with others in the neighborhood.

We are hosting a Neighborhood Open House at Hope.Gate.Way. and specifically inviting our neighbors in Parkside, and leaders of organizations in the neighborhood, but everyone is welcome!

We need your help! We are asking members of Chestnut and New Light to bring tasty treats to share with our guests, and to be present the day of the open house to welcome our neighbors!