Newsletter - February 2012

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SPIRITUAL HABITS – THE REASON

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.

6 But some people have

missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions.

7 They want to be known as

teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently. – 1 Timothy 1:5-7 (NLT)

In January, we talked about the first part of our vision for ministry—to ‘love God’ … and with your whole life. That’s where we need to begin in order to be the church God is calling us to be right here in Southwest Wisconsin. So, how do we go about that? Well, what Christians have done for centuries is to concentrate on forming ‘habits’ (some call them ‘spiritual disciplines’) that help us attain our spiritual goals—the main one being that we become more and more like Christ himself. So, this year we’re going to spend some time looking at spiritual ‘habits,’ so we can be a Body of Christ that is spiritually fit … as we move into the future God has planned for us… Christianity has sometimes been referred to as ‘The Christian Discipline.’ With that in mind, listen to translator James Moffat’s explains our text (above): “…the aim of the Christian discipline is the love that springs from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith.” You hardly ever see discipline connected with spontaneity, but that’s exactly what Paul seems to be doing in this particular passage. Discipline (spiritual ‘habits’) produces a love that absolutely ‘springs’ from those who will practice! Practicing spiritual ‘habits’ produces freedom as well … and you don’t have to look any further than the life of Christ to see that. No one was freer than Jesus; yet, he lived a very disciplined life. Our world today has kind of a false idea of freedom. Many have the attitude ‘I am free to do what I like.’ However, in looking to Jesus’ example, we should be saying ‘I am free to do as I ought.’ Sometimes I hear students say the only thing they’re free to do … is their homework every day; they have to do it! But true freedom, folks, actually comes from obedience to God; no obedience to what God instructs = no freedom. That’s the way life works…

According to the Apostle Paul, love can ‘spring’—be spontaneous and totally free—only as it comes from ‘a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.’ In other words, from a life that is full of Godly habits (discipline). Any ‘freedom’ that leaves you with the opposite—an impure heart, a bad conscience, or an insincere faith—is not one headed toward a love that will ‘spring’ from your life—either for God or for people. It’s a love that is false—a love that will soon die. As author Selwyn Hughes would say, “A disciplined person has a love that springs – and a love that sings.” So, we must look at the spiritual ‘habits’ of our lives, that we might become a fountain of love in all that we do … just like Jesus was. In that way, we’ll be growing to love God, love people, and serve God by serving others, just as God has called us to… Lookin’ forward to training together in the New Year,

PastorPastorPastorPastor RomRomRomRom

THE HOLY LAND IS ON THE HORIZON! It is not too early to begin thinking about a possible trip to the Holy Land one year from now! Pegram-Hosted Tours is announcing that they will be going to the Holy Land in January of 2013. It will be a 13-day tour, leaving on the 12

th of January and returning home by the 24

th of the

month. On this tour, we will be traveling the length and breadth of the Holy Land—from the Red Sea in the south to Mount Hermon in the north, and from the Dead Sea in the east to the Mediterranean in the west. There will be new stops on this tour that we’ve not seen in the past (always a surprise!). And Malcolm Cartier, the best tour guide that Israel has to offer, will once again be guiding our tour while in the Holy Land. Please do prayerfully consider this very important opportunity—a great way to grow in your personal walk with God … by walking the land where Jesus walked! More information will be coming out soon! If you have any questions, please make sure that you ask Pastor Rom ([email protected] or 608-417-0060)…

United Methodist Women Happenings:

The first UMW meeting of the new year is scheduled for Thursday, February 2nd at 7:00PM at the church in Fellowship Hall. We will have the annual installation of officers at this meeting. The Executive Board will be serving refreshments.

Circle Meetings:

The Evening Star circle will meet Monday, February 13 at 7:00PM at the church in Fellowship Hall. Mary Berryman will serve refreshments and give devotions.

The Grace Post circle will meet on Monday, February 20th at 1:30PM. Rosemary Edwards is hosting the meeting in her home with Cathryn Tredinnick giving the devotions.

Prayer Ministry Team News

Thank you so very much for your prayer support for the “Project Shoe Box”. We are now entering the second month; we will begin collecting items. If you are making a box at home please remember to use a standard shoe box, not a boot box, nor a box with a tilted lid. This is for shipping uniformity. If you need a box let me know and I’ll be sure you get one. ([email protected] or 924-0053). Starting the second Sunday there will be a box in the fellowship hall, decorated in Christmas paper, for any donations.

During February we will concentrate on small toys such as small cars or dolls, balls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, Slinky®. Please no guns, knives, war or violent toys.

In future months we will be collecting school supplies, hygiene items, and candy. Be on the alert for the bulletin insert. Remember to continue to pray.

Blessings to ALL. Mary Ellen

2012 ALL4One Middle School Events

Even in the midst of everyday challenges, treasures hidden in plain sight. Be refreshed and

renewed at a one-of-a-kind weekend

Each year, women of all ages gather by the Each year, women of all ages gather by the Each year, women of all ages gather by the Each year, women of all ages gather by the thousands to take part in a Women of Faith thousands to take part in a Women of Faith thousands to take part in a Women of Faith thousands to take part in a Women of Faith

weekend. weekend. weekend. weekend. This yeThis yeThis yeThis year we would like you to join us ar we would like you to join us ar we would like you to join us ar we would like you to join us October 5October 5October 5October 5----6 at the Bradley Center.6 at the Bradley Center.6 at the Bradley Center.6 at the Bradley Center.

Wednesday, February 15Wednesday, February 15Wednesday, February 15Wednesday, February 15thththth, and Tuesday, March 20, and Tuesday, March 20, and Tuesday, March 20, and Tuesday, March 20at 6:30pm we will be having an informational at 6:30pm we will be having an informational at 6:30pm we will be having an informational at 6:30pm we will be having an informational

meeting about the 2012 WOF weekend in Milwaukee. meeting about the 2012 WOF weekend in Milwaukee. meeting about the 2012 WOF weekend in Milwaukee. meeting about the 2012 WOF weekend in Milwaukee. Hear from women who have gone, watchHear from women who have gone, watchHear from women who have gone, watchHear from women who have gone, watch

from last year’s speakfrom last year’s speakfrom last year’s speakfrom last year’s speakers and enjoy some goodies. ers and enjoy some goodies. ers and enjoy some goodies. ers and enjoy some goodies. We hope that you can join us. This weekend is an We hope that you can join us. This weekend is an We hope that you can join us. This weekend is an We hope that you can join us. This weekend is an incredible experience for any womincredible experience for any womincredible experience for any womincredible experience for any womaaaan to worshipn to worshipn to worshipn to worship

with other womenwith other womenwith other womenwith other women and meet with God.and meet with God.and meet with God.and meet with God.If you have any questions please contact:If you have any questions please contact:If you have any questions please contact:If you have any questions please contact:Tammy Leiser 235Tammy Leiser 235Tammy Leiser 235Tammy Leiser 235----3975 3975 3975 3975 (935(935(935(935----3537)3537)3537)3537) tammy tammy tammy tammy

@[email protected]@[email protected] OrOrOrOr

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hallenges, there are treasures hidden in plain sight. Be refreshed and

kind weekend.

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ar we would like you to join us ar we would like you to join us ar we would like you to join us ar we would like you to join us 6 at the Bradley Center.6 at the Bradley Center.6 at the Bradley Center.6 at the Bradley Center.

, and Tuesday, March 20, and Tuesday, March 20, and Tuesday, March 20, and Tuesday, March 20thththth, , , , at 6:30pm we will be having an informational at 6:30pm we will be having an informational at 6:30pm we will be having an informational at 6:30pm we will be having an informational

meeting about the 2012 WOF weekend in Milwaukee. meeting about the 2012 WOF weekend in Milwaukee. meeting about the 2012 WOF weekend in Milwaukee. meeting about the 2012 WOF weekend in Milwaukee. some video some video some video some video

ers and enjoy some goodies. ers and enjoy some goodies. ers and enjoy some goodies. ers and enjoy some goodies. We hope that you can join us. This weekend is an We hope that you can join us. This weekend is an We hope that you can join us. This weekend is an We hope that you can join us. This weekend is an

n to worshipn to worshipn to worshipn to worship and meet with God.and meet with God.and meet with God.and meet with God.

If you have any questions please contact:If you have any questions please contact:If you have any questions please contact:If you have any questions please contact: tammy tammy tammy tammy

[email protected]@[email protected]@dodgevilleumc.org

Membership Sunday

Sunday, February 19 is our annual Membership Sunday Celebration. We will be receiving new members and confirmands at both worship times. We will be having a potluck at noon in fellowship hall. All members, regular attenders and friends of Dodgeville UMC are encouraged to attend. Please join us in welcoming and congratulating our new members and confirmands!

CURRENT MONTH DECEMBER, 2011 Monthly Income $ 23,434 Monthly Expenses Paid $ 84,829 Net Income for month $<61,395> Apportionments Paid 0 Unpaid Apportionments $ 2,103 YEAR TOTALS THROUGH CURRENT MONTH Years Income $ 191,063 Years Expenses Paid $ 235,642 Net Income for Year $ <44,579> Apportionments Paid $ 9,006 Unpaid Apportionments $ 16,230 TOTAL APPORTIONMENTS DUE FOR YEAR $25,236 APPORTIONMENTS DUE PER MONTH $ 2,103

$69,135.00 was spent on roof project in 2011 from BMF savings

February 2012 A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR YOUR CHURCH

Giving is an act of Love. Protect yourself against the least little bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” Luke 12:15 The Message

Valentine’s Day is around the corner. When I was in college, living in an all-women’s dorm, Valentine’s Day was “the” holiday of the year! There was more activity at the front desk on February 14th as retailers and beaus brought in a steady flow of flowers, candy, cards and other goodies to be delivered to various residents. Flowers were definitely the gift of choice, the gift of “true love!” And every woman who thought she would (or should!)receive flowers, stayed close to the phone waiting and hoping that at least a single rose or a few carnations would arrive in her name.

What a different view I have of Valentine’s Day now. That’s not to say I won’t accept flowers from my husband, but I certainly don’t wait for them with baited breath! This year Valentine’s Day is still in the season of Epiphany, when the love of God is made real and known to us in concrete and “ah-ha” kinds of moments. How do we as God’s people make this love known to the world?

For some, it’s done in gifts for present need. Others feel called to make gifts to Endowment funds, which Webster defines as a “permanent fund or source of income.” What a wonderful way to make the love of God in Christ known to the world through the church forever! The principal is invested and the income may be used for further investments and supplementary expenses. Endowment income is often used to match ordinary income and giving from parishioners, to meet unexpected and extraordinary expenses, or to provide for new and creative ministries.

Endowments are often used to provide matching funds to help a congregation meet unexpected building expenses or begin a new ministry. For more information on how you or your church can establish an Endowment fund, contact us at: Wisconsin United

Methodist Foundation 750 Windsor Street Ste 305, P.O. Box 620

Sun Prairie, WI 53590-0620 1-888-903-9863 or [email protected]

Growing in Generosity

The Challenge of Ten Apples

Once upon a time there was a couple who had

nothing, and God gave them ten apples. God gave them

the first three apples to eat. They shared each apple

and ate all three.

God gave them the second three apples to trade

for a shelter from the sun and rain. They traded the

second three for a shelter from the sun and rain. God

gave them the third three apples to trade for clothing to

wear.

God gave them the last apple so that they might

have something to give back to God to show their

gratitude for the other nine. But the man and woman

looked at the tenth apple, and it seemed bigger and

juicier than the rest. They reasoned that God had all

the other apples in the world. So they ate the tenth

apple and gave back to God the core.

God has given you enough apples to supply your

needs – plus one with which you may show your gratitude

to God. The choice is yours. Will you return to God the

largest and juiciest of your apples – or only the core?

Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation 750 Windsor Street Ste 305, P.O. Box 620

Sun Prairie, WI 53590-0620 1-888-903-9863 or [email protected]

Mission & Outreach News

HOT CHOCOLATE & COOKIES Unfortunately the Winter Holiday Parade was cancelled due to bad weather this year, so we were not able to have the Hot Chocolate and cookies at our church. Hope to see this event next year. THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY DINNERS The Iowa County Community Thanksgiving Dinner was held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and Christmas Dinner at Culver's this year. It was again, a huge success. Thank you to all who helped with these events, through you time and talents. Next year Thanksgiving will be at our church. GIVING TREE With the generosity of our extended church family, the Giving Tree was filled with gifts. We adopted three families from Iowa County Adopt-a-Family project through social services and the Uplands Nursing Home Residents. Their was a total of 34 items to Uplands Nursing Home Residents and 47 gifts to the three Adopt-a-Families. LOOSE CHANGE October, November & December Loose Change total was $390.66 and was given to the grief books/card ministry. A Big Thank You from the card ministry team for your support with this outreach. January, February & March, 2012 Loose Change will go to 'Imagine No Malaria'. This is a continuing global outreach which started with the Christmas eve service, in which $1,267.44 was raised. January giving is currently $264.39.

WHY ARE FEELINGS SO IMPORTANT IN OUR COMMUNICATION?

Did you ever notice how you react when your spouse walks in the door with a wrinkled brow and a sad or angry look? You might think, “What did I do now?” Or, “What is bothering him or her?” The point is we see the behavior and we react to it; not understanding what caused the behavior. The Marriage Encounter Weekend helps you to understand why.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter-United Methodist Weekends in Wisconsin: February 17 -19, 2012 Comfort Suites, Oshkosh, WI

October 5-7, 2012 Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader Retreat Center, Westfield, WI

More information: www.encounter.org toll free # 866.633.3862

Mission Trip to Mexico Have you ever wanted to be a missionary or acturally be in the mission field in another country?? There is an outstanding opportunity for you to fulfil that dream this coming summer. From August 3 - 12 you could be in Tlancualpican, Pueblo, Mexico and take part in a working mission trip at a United Methodist mission. The trip is being planned by Divine Savior UMC in Madison and will be their fifth mission trip to Mexico. To find out more about the mission activity you can visit the mission's website http://www.gytte.org - pay particular attention to information about the A.W.A.R.E. program. Gayl and Roger Stewart have participated in two of the trips and can share their life changing experiences with you.

Mentors needed for Homeless Shelter The Iowa County Homeless Prevention Coalition is looking for volunteers to mentor families/individuals who are living in the homeless shelter and/or transitional housing. If you would like to assist a family in their efforts to find consistent and safe place to call home, this may be an opportunity for you to serve. Mentors would plan to meet at least weekly with their mentee over a period of 2 - 6 weeks. One could expect to work with 2 to 3 families over a course of a year. The primary responsibility would be to provide moral support and assistance in moving beyond the issues that cause homelessness. Training and resource will be provided. If you would like more information contact: Roger Stewart 345-5895.

*First name listed is 9:00 service, 2nd name is 10:45

*Worship Assistants FEBRUARY

5 Merlin Gorsline, Beth Schlueter 12 Julie Athey, Mary Ellen Schultze 19 Sandy Alexander, Sarah Godfrey 26 Jeff Athey, Cathy Bandyk

MARCH

4 Jan Aschliman, Peggy Forrest 11 Jeff Athey, Terry Edwards 18 Sandy Alexander, Sarah Godfrey 25 Kevin Kirschbaum, Julie Piper

*Multi-Media

FEBRUARY 05 Lois-Gail/Rays 12 Tom/Julie 19 Lois-Gail/Rays 26 Lois/Matt

MARCH 4 Lois/Julie 11Tom/Matt 18 Gail/Jessica-Rays 25 Tom/Rays

Greeters

FEBRUARY 9:00 AM Chip & Peggy Forrest Steve & Julie Colden 10:45 AM 5 Judy Halverson & Gail Ray 12 TBA 19 Judy Halverson & Gail Ray 26 TBA

MARCH 9:00 AM Klint & Wanda McCutchin Steve & Sandy Alexander 10:45 AM 4 Judy Halverson, Lee & Mary Lou Oxnem, Gail Ray 11 TBA 18 Judy Halverson, Lee & Mary Lou Oxnem, Gail Ray 25 TBA

PLEASE PRAY:

Dan Williams Beth Schlueter Laverne Leffler

Marie Wenger-Rowe Tammy

Bob Wilson Gerald Fingerson

Brittany Nick Houck

Lois McComish Ronald Scott Eliza Godfrey Mary Lou Fry Julia Harman

Mary Ellen Schultze Brenda Pattinson

John Beattie Ann Deaton

Café FEBRUARY 5 **Dee Dochnahl 12 **Rom & Jane Pegram 19 **Jan Aschliman **Charlene Mingst 26 Sarah Godfrey **Julie James

MARCH 5 **Dee Dochnahl 4 Shirley Lewis Lois Weier 11 **Juanita Starr 18 **Julie Colden 25 Penny Edwards Sandy Alexander

**treat suppliers only

No February ANNIVERSARies

Please contact the church office if your special day isn’t listed.

Acolytes: Greeters will be lighting the

candles

1 - Jacob Athey 1 - Gerald Fingerson 1 - Ron Symons 1 - Carissa Tolzman 2 - Bonnie Oxnem 6 - Dorothy Leffler 9 - Spencer Godfrey 9 - Tom Harman 10 - Jeff Starr 12 - Terry Olson 13 - Mary Jean Thomas 13 - Elliott Hathaway 14 - Hannah Colden 14 - Isaac Colden 14 - Brenda Crowe 17 – Charity Oxnem 19 - Dee Dochnahl 22 - Lindsey Hazlett 23 - Bill Boyer 26 - Eliza Godfrey 26 - Karen Miller 26 - JoAnn Myers 27 - Don Smith 28 - Robyn Huxtable 28 - Carol Thomas

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