Our History

Chapter 6

Dances were held at the church started by disc jockeys Ray Clark and Dick Herr. Parents provided the chaperones as the kids voted on which band would hold the title for the “Battle of the Bands”.

Ruth Benedetto organized a public dinner held to raise gas money for a delivery of volunteers dropping off “meals on wheels”. There was a gas shortage and higher prices were difficult for the volunteers. Two years later, when gas prices dropped, the dinners continued with money going to the church’s general fund.

Many programs were started to help out the community. Classrooms were made available to AA groups and the Antique Car Club to name a few. A Cub Scout pack was started by Shirley Stewart and David Veeder in 1985. The Boy Scout troop was formed after that, sponsored by the men’s group. The church was used as a place to sleep, meet, and have a meal. Ecumenical Worship services were held on Thanksgiving and Ash Wednesday. A prayer box was placed so that anyone could submit a prayer request for a concern, healing, or celebration.

For fun a get-together group met on Friday nights for fellowship and covered dish for couples young and old. In 1995, a talent show was organized by Lynn Jerard. Many Pine Grovers got to perform for an active audience. Lynn also started a Christian Clown troupe in 1996. Becky Barnard took over the troupe in 1997. Mystery theatre dinners began in 1999 with Becky producing 7 theaters.

Ernie Millham started to collect food for the Equinox Thanksgiving dinner in 1997. Jean McCoy stepped in to help in 2000. Free community dinners were started by David Suits and Frank Prevartil in 2000 and continue to be held seasonally. Frank Prevartil, David Suits, and Bob DeFelice started collections for the Thrift Store around the same time.

Gifts are collected for needy families and children at Christmas time. We support the United Methodist Economic Ministry in Strong, Maine by selling Christmas wreaths each holiday season.

Donations of good used clothes are sold Tuesday and Saturdays in a used clothing store. The donations of clothes go to Booth Home, and Jezreel International and money goes to support other missions. Volunteers help on Monday and Thursday nights at the Regional Food Pantry.

Sunday school education classes are held before church on Sundays from September to May. Vacation Bible School is the focus for a week in the summer. Youth Fellowship is held with outings, camping, church sleepovers, winter snow blasts, and all around good times. The kids learn about homelessness and organize a fundraiser to purchase pillows and health essentials for shelters in the area.