Topsham Grange Recognition
Grange Store by Monroe Classics
By Mike at Monroe Classic
The “That’s The Grange Way” poster” has been re-stocked and awaiting your Grange Events, and we have ceramic mugs with the That’s The Grange Way message/ slogan available for immediate shipment.
Visit our website to order your Grange items including jewelry, regalia, promotional items, and more. The Grange Store by Monroe is here to accept and ship your orders.
Our main website features other promotional items, including screen printed and embroidered apparel, award, signs and more at www.monroeclassic.com.
From the Deacon’s Bench — May 2022
By Clay Collins, MSG Chaplain
207 837-0564
“After this, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. Simon Peter, Thomas (called the twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’ They went out and got into the boat, but they caught nothing.”
John 21:1-3
The weather is finally getting warmer (slowly, true, but still warmer!). How many of us are thinking about going fishing? Yes, I’m sure there are the die-hards that have been fishing all winter! That is great. I hope you had great luck!
Did you ever think about when Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples at the seashore? The scripture that I chose this month only touches upon it. Read the rest of the chapter to get the full story.
The disciples get into their boat, go fishing all night, but catch NOTHING. When they saw Jesus on the shore, they did not know who it was, but they had their suspicions of who it actually was. They did not come right out and say His name.
He told them to cast their nets on the opposite side of the boat. When they did, the nets were so heavy they could not haul them in!
We are like the disciples. Instead of fishing for fish, we are, in a way, fishing for souls. Every day we are working, socializing, and meeting new (and old) friends. We should be trying to show them the way to the Lord. Sometimes we fail, but as Jesus said to the disciples, cast our “nets” to the other side. You might just “catch” a few new believers.
Later, in the same chapter, you will read that when Simon Peter realized it was Jesus on the shore, he covered himself and jumped into the water because he was ashamed of himself. Don’t be ashamed in the sight of Jesus, feel blessed for He loves you, and if you ask forgiveness, He will take you to the Lord.
Enjoy the warm weather, go fishing, go for a walk, meet new and old friends, or just set out in the sun and take in the beautiful world around you!
DON’T FORGET TO THANK A VETERAN AND ALL FIRST RESPONDERS FOR THEIR SERVICE!!
Benediction: “Gracious Father of us all, help us to be fishers of men, and cast our ‘nets’ in the right direction. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Thought for the month:
May the sun shine, all day long,
Everything go right, and nothing wrong.
May those you love bring love back to you,
And may all the wishes you wish come true.
an Irish Blessing for Health and Prosperity
Vintage Grange Songs – Katherine Rhoda
For those who were unable to attend the (virtual) New England Folk Festival, we are pleased to offer a recording of the Vintage Grange Songs by Katherine. Our deepest appreciation to the New England Folk Festival Association and Katherine for sharing with us.
Katherine offers a great page of information about Vintage Grange Songs on her website. You’ll love some of the photos of old song and music books and how Katherine captures the historical contributions of the Patrons of Husbandry. How fortunate we are that she is preserving such an important part of our heritage! Katherine performs throughout the state of Maine, and you will want to check her show schedule.
The 2022 NEFFFA recording of Vintage Grange Songs is also available on Vimeo. Next year’s Festival is planned to be “live” in Marlboro, Massachusetts from April 21-23, 2022.
Grange Heirloom — May 2022
Use the icons below to share this Grange Heirloom on social media and help others understand what the Grange stands for! If this heirloom has a particular meaning for you, click the responses link at the top right and share your comment with us!
Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Rituals and Declaration of Purposes.
For additional information and resources regarding the Heirloom Program, visit the Heirloom Resource Page on the Maine State Grange Website.
Mill Stream Grange Visits Church on Grange Sunday
Mill Stream Grangers attended North Vienna United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 24 as part of Grange Month activities.
Ocean View Grange Springs to Life!
By Larry Balley, Master
OCEAN VIEW GRANGE is having our first meeting of the year on Monday, May 9, 2022 at 6:30 pm at the hall, 435 Port Clyde Road.
I hope we will have a good turnout as it has been so long since we got together at the Grange.
We used to have some snacks right after every meeting and it would be great to continue with that tradition. If you can, please bring something to pass around… cookies, finger sandwiches, potato chips, soda or juice…anything you want to bring We can make coffee.
Remember, Saturday, May 7, 2022 is Road Clean-up Day. We meet at the Town Office at 7 am, pick up our buckets and bags, eat a donut, and go to our road. It usually takes only about an hour.
This link shows what the VICTOR GRANGE in Fairfield has done in the way of community programs and what they intend to do. Be sure to notice that they have already held a few suppers! Do you remember when we filled our dining room with over 80 guests? Also, note the varied menus.
Victory Grange also holds “Senior Circle Lunches”. This is something to think about.
There are two very important things you can bring to our Grange at any meeting
- You and your friends
- Ideas to help the Community and our Grange
Songs of the Patrons of Husbandry
May 30, 2022, 3 pm
Note this adds an alternate location in case of rain.
Victor Grange Shares News
Not only does the spring issue of Victor Grange’s newsletter list all their meetings and events, but there’s also some exciting news in this issue! You’ll want to read it! You’ll learn how Victor received an AED (automated external defibrillator) and maybe wonder just how many Granges in Maine have one. You’ll meet seven relatively new members who have finally been officially recognized. Where did 100 new chairs come from? (And what’s special about some of the ones being replaced.)
Victor Grange describes itself as “The Grange built by the community, for the community to fill the needs of the community.”
Valley Grange of Guilford Celebrates Community!
Supper will be served from 5:30 — 7:00 or until the food runs out, so come early. Our upstairs hall will be turned into a social center and game room so you can visit with your neighbors, play a game, build a puzzle… have some good old-fashioned fun! This is a celebration of community–a gathering of friends, neighbors, and strangers., (You won’t be a stranger for long!) All are welcome! We have a Busy Box and Book Bin for kids! If you have a favorite board game, bring that along and challenge others.
If you’d like to help with the supper, call Mary at 564-0820 or Janice at 343-1842. If you’d like to help us spread the word, download and print this flyer/invitation. Give it friends, post it where you can!