Paid The Update Newsletters3.amazonaws.com/mychurchwebsite/c3949/update_newsletter_march_2018.pdf• Daylight-Saving Time begins, March 11, 2018 • Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 18,

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Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

Paid

Ephrata, WA

Permit No. 5

The United Methodist Church of Ephrata 117 C. Street NW, Ephrata, WA 98823 - (509)754-4664

E-mail: [email protected]

Thank you for supporting the work of the church through your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness as we pursue our mission:

“We Serve God by Serving Others”

March 21st

Office Hours Monday through Wednesday

9:00am to 1:00pm

Thursday 9:00am-12:00pm

Phone: (509)754-4664

Email: [email protected]

Pastor Don Dunn…[email protected]

Administrative Assistant: Sheryl Downey……[email protected]

Custodian: Jamie Downing

Nursery Attendant: Hannah Heflin

Pianist: Betsy Pecka

www.umcephrata.org

The United Methodist Church of Ephrata

“We Serve God by Serving Others.”

The Update Newsletter

March 2018

Holy Week Info page 3

A few months ago I began watching the TV program “Call the Midwife”. It was a PBS program that origi-nates from the BBC. It is a setting in the mid-1950’s, and midwife nurses live in the same convent with care-giving nuns.

Even just a few programs into the series reveals the close collaboration between the two groups who share meals and co-assist each other in the delivery of children, as well as attending to other medical concerns and emotional distresses amidst oppressive financial circumstances.

The matter of a “calling” is given a place of importance. It is a resolve to serve. This challenges the assumption of someone standing away from or above the suffering. Love becomes much more than a good feeling or positive optimism and moves a person toward a deeper sense of hope and engagement with human pain and distress.

As I watched this program, I felt that this is the way Christians should aspire to emulate. I ask: How do we care? How do we react or respond to the bitter and dire circumstances of life in a changing United States? Many long for the “good ol’ days”, but the U.S. cannot go back to the 1950’s, the 1830’s, or 1880’s or whatever. Each generation faces its own challenges in light of what preceded it. The question is: How do we care? Do we ignore it all and just go merrily on our way? Or do we instead try to understand and listen to the pain and disappointment that people are experiencing?

How will we as Christians respond in this age of revolu-tion? We could choose to become belligerent, hostile, and militaristic, a posture many seem to have adopted out of great fearfulness. (continued on page 2)

Don’t be late for church on March 11th. Set your clocks one hour ahead

Saturday night before you go to bed.

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Grief Support: For those going through the shadows, pain, tears and fear of the grief sea-son. Grief Support meets every first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6:00pm.

Every second Wednesday of the month from 10 am until 11 am – Pastor Don leads a Caregiver Support Group. Come and find support and understanding. Come and tell your story. Come and have time to rest in the caring arms of Christ’s love. if that time does not work for you, please call and set up an appointment.

Bible Study: Pastor Don leads a Bible Study group every Wednesday at 2pm in the Fireside Room. All are welcome and encouraged to join.

Memory Café:

MEN’S BREAKFAST

Men’s Group is meeting on Saturday, March 3rd, at 8:30am.

All men are welcome to come and have breakfast with us!

Please join us for Community

Dinner on Thursday, March

29th, at 5:30pm. Invite friends,

family, and neighbors. All are

welcome!

(continued from front page) Or we can adopt a mindset of “trust in God over national security”. The two are in conflict and people (Christian and all others) choose one or the other. It is an either/or in this case! Can we choose the Golden Rule or not? If fear overtakes us, we obviously abandon the Golden Rule, protecting our kind, and our own, and ourselves against others.

Matthew 25:37-40 shows an alternative. As Christ’s followers, I hope we can become revolutionary in love. Before immigrants are rounded up and hauled off, we should call it out for what it is – fear of the “other”. Before we add more weapons to our military, we should question whether the country should spend one-half of its taxation on the military. Before costs are cut to protect the environment or eliminate funding sites of national protection and preservation, we should question who then benefits -- some rich people of the 1% or the public?

These are some of the questions of care. We try each Sunday to express the compassion of Christ and the way of God’s Kingdom that attempt to show hospitality, generosity, and forgiveness in a multitude of settings. We pray for a different future than what is currently driving the negative, dark, and alienating messages of our day. Will we trust God or some other ideology that lacks care and compassion?

The midwives chose care and compassion and trust in God for the common good. Will we? The choice is ours, and it may be one in which we choose whether to serve Caesar or God.

-- Pastor Don

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“I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” Psalm 141: 1-2

One of the most wonderful gifts we are given is the gift of prayer. We can pray for one another in times of need as well as times of celebration.

To join the email prayer chain, email Sheryl at [email protected]

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please let us know if someone should be added or taken off our prayer list by contacting the church office: Also contact the church office if you know of someone in need of a visit by our Congregational Care Team or Pastor Don.

Prayers for Health, Healing,

and well-being

Rosetta Barnes

Cammy Hatch

David Prince

Maxine Lyerly

Lloyd Hales

Lois Gibbens

Abbie Thorndike

Rayce & Tiffany

Barnes

Randy Senn

Vera Senn

Paul Floyd

Kim Goll

Melissa Franklin

Dennis Ackerman

Connie Chadwick

Elenora Roloff

Linda Bryant-Smith

Dave Harbert

Kylie Schutzmann

Glen Smith

Prayers for Those Suffering From

Long-Term Health Problems

Bob St. Clair Jr

Susan Smith

Ed Sivula

Doug Jensen

Ron Gardner

Steven Grass

Brian Davisson

Renee Muse

Richard Hart

Al Davisson

Steve Smith

Bob Craig

Vonn Cabe

Justin Townley

Rosetta Barnes

Rick Grubb

Mary Morin

Dan Anderson

Randy Senn

Marlene Fisk Warren

Edward Warren

Chris Wash

Kevin Harmon

Michael Oliveira

Lane Jensen

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According to Matthew’s account, what was torn when Jesus died?

A. Mary’s headdress — she tore it as a traditional Jewish sign of grief

B. A Roman guard’s sash — Peter grabbed and ripped it in anger

C. Jesus’ robe — the soldiers divided it among themselves

D. The temple curtain — torn in two from top to bottom

Answer: D (See Matthew 27:51.)

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Lenten Soup Dinners

Holy Trinity Church will host Lenten Dinners at 5:30pm on

Wednesdays, ending on March 21st. All are welcome to join.

C and E C and E are often used as shorthand for various references. In much of our church’s ministry it has referred to Christian Education. That was, and continues to be, a concern and an endeavor of the ministry in our church life. We try to remember, learn, expand, experience, re-think and practice our faith. This is one of the “C.E.” abbreviations that we use. Another C.E. is found in some study Bibles. It refers to Common Era, the term that differentiates between: B.C. (i.e.. “Before Christ”) - which is now referred to as B.C.E. -- Before the Common Era) and A.D., (i.e.. “Anno Domini” Year of our Lord) - which is now referred to as Common Era - or some may say Christian Era.

Various authors will use what they are comfortable with. If we hear someone say C.E. in a Bible Study, they are referring to Common Era. A third use of C.E. is to refer to Christmas and Easter. This refers to the Seasons of the Church Year that are focused more intentionally on the Birth of Christ and the Resurrection. Because they are High Holy Days, more people make an effort to worship God. Along the path to Easter we find the Lent Season. It is marked by 40 days’ journey as the church ponders what the cross means for us today. When Palm Sunday comes, we enter into Holy Week with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, followed by Holy Saturday and Resurrection Sunday. This is a time of preparation as if we were planning for a journey. In this case, a Religious-Spiritual Journey. Think of the things we can do to live our faith more intentionally and rejoice in what you already do. Submitted by Pastor Don

Sunday

March 25th

UMC, 9:45am

Thursday

March 29th

UMC, 7:00pm

Sunday April 1st

Sunrise Service

Patrick Park, 6:30am

Easter Service

UMC, 9:45am

Friday

March 30th

St. John’s

Episcopal Church

7:00pm

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Cassie Roloff

Sunday, March 18, 2018

2:00pm at UMC Fellowship Hall

Joan Jensen is collecting

donations for a stroller for baby Elenora Rae Roloff

Welcome to the World Elenora Rae Roloff!

Richard holding his new baby sister

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Devotional Exchange

On our bookcases there are some devotional materials we have read and finished. An exchange will be held on Sunday, April 8th, so go through your own bookcases and find some you don’t use anymore to exchange. They will be sorted into these categories: Daily devotional, inspiration, biography, study, bibles. Then everyone can choose some “new” material to take home FREE! You can bring your books before church and put them into their correct category in the Fellowship Hall.

Submitted by Dolores Pheasant

Methodists at Work!

Thirty years ago, our EUMC send a short term mission group to Puerto Rico to repair damage on a church camp roof. The next year another hurricane came through and damaged that same church camp at Mameyes in the mountains in the center of Puerto Rico. At that time it cost $430 per person for the flight and $100 for land transportation, food, and supplies. After this mission, groups went to La Paz Mexico, twice to UMCOR Depot, and to Juneau Alaska.

Last Fall the EUMC sent $1700 to the Advance Special for Hurricanes Maria, Irma, and Harvey. Of course, the need continues. Puerto Rico Advance Special #901670 still has needs..

Puerto Rico Methodists already have distribution centers in 20 churches. UMCOR sent a $100,000 grant to the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico and the churches assessments decided where best to use it. Bishop Hector Otiz of Puerto Rico said it was truly heartbreaking to see thousands of families losing homes.

Our of the nineteen original EUMC members that went on the short term mission in 1988, eight are left today. Beryl Kinney & Arlene Callan are in Yakima, Mildred Johl is in Wenatchee, Marlene Albee is in Gig Harbor, Mike Dell is in Seattle, Alice Killian is in Manson, and Tom & Dolores Pheasant still live here in Ephrata.

Special dates

• World Day of Prayer, March 2, 2018

• Third Sunday in Lent, March 4, 2018

• Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 11, 2018

• Daylight-Saving Time begins, March 11, 2018

• Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 18, 2018

• First day of spring, March 20, 2018

• Palm/Passion Sunday, March 25, 2018

• Holy Week, March 25-31, 2018

• Maundy Thursday, March 29, 2018

• Good Friday, March 30, 2018

Let every dawn of morning be to you as the beginning of life, and every setting sun be to you as its close. Then let every one of these short lives leave its sure record of some kindly thing done for others, some goodly strength or knowledge gained for yourself. —John Ruskin

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HOSTING AN EXCHANGE STUDENT: MAKE SOMEONE’S DREAM COME TRUE

Once in the U.S., PAX EXCHANGE students offer unique perspectives in the classroom and at

the dinner table, revel in uniquely American school spirit, volunteer in the community, improve

their English every day, star in school plays, marvel at the sheer number of cereal options at

the supermarket, rethink much of what they thought they knew, provide learning opportuni-

ties for the entire community, and make memories to last lifetimes (theirs and yours).

"Enchanté." "Gëzohem që ju takova." "Milo Cie poznac." The sentiment is the same in any

language. After all, meeting someone new is exciting. Now, imagine that someone new is a

curious high school student from the other side of the world, journeying to your American

community to share their unique culture with your family!

A Great Match

Does your family love to hike? So does Johannes from Austria! Large family? Filipe

(Philippines) is one of seven! Can’t go

a full week without live music?

Adriana from Ecuador plays three

instruments! Meat-free household?

Anna from Sweden would fit right in!

Interested in something completely

new? Ali (Tunisia) is eager to share

the finer points of meteorology!

Bring an adventure to your home

with hosting and exchange student.

Please contact Marcella Hansen at

509-528-5550

or [email protected] Host

families needed!

UMCOR Sunday

Sunday, March 11th, has been designated UMCOR Sunday (it was formerly called One Great Hour of Sharing). An offering will be taken for this ministry. The purpose is to pay for all the administrative costs of UMCOR, such as plan-ning, leading, logistics, and scouting for delivery areas that are in need of disaster relief. It has always been that every dollar donated to UMCOR goes to the project and materials. This offering covers the “cost of doing business.”

Submitted by Dolores Pheasant

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Denis & Vivian Plew March 18 (56 years)

Joe & Sheryl Downey March 21 (19 years)

Barb Deycous March 04

Steven Morris March 04

Mark Niehenke March 04

Roberta Osborn March 05

Riley Pheasant March 05

Connie Chadwick March 16

Sheryl Downey March 22

If I missed your birthday or anniversary, please let me know so

I can correct it.

Sheryl

UMW Circle of Love

Our February 19th meeting was festively decorated with pink hearts and white bead necklaces, rem-iniscent of strings of pearls. Dolores Pheasant gave a program on the history of pearls and Bible references to Jesus’s parables on pearls. All members shared and/or wore their pearls, relating their backgrounds.

Marilyn Grass gets a big “THANK YOU” for completing our year-end audit!

During our business meeting and after much discussion, our vote was to close the Maternity & Infant Closet permanently. We will continue to support Linda Bryant-Smith with her Layette Program as we can. Some funds from Jackie’s Pantry will be used to aid the Memory Café.

Our next meeting on March 19th will have us carpooling from the church at 11:30am for a secret destination and luncheon.

Submitted by Ann Chandler

Good Start for Our Memory Café!

Many are wondering, How did the first meeting go after a year of planning? Our of the 29 people in attendance (five leaders, twenty four attendees) ALL said they would come again! Activities included visiting, sharing, word games, and snacking. Penny Clees was a talented facilitator, making everyone feel comfortable and welcomed. One highlight was Penny playing a metal bowl until it was singing. Some enjoyed it so much they asked her to do it again.

Christy Price and helper Donna Anderson prepared the snacks. Maggie Reynolds and Tom & Dolores Pheasant were greeters. Of the 24 attendees, 14 were from our local communities (Ephrata, Soap Lake, & Moses Lake), and 10 were from our church here at UMC.

The four new 72” round tables came that very morning. They help with being able to hear across the tables and easier to reach while playing games. Thank you, Trustees!

The next session will be Tuesday, March 13th, 1:30pm-3:00pm. The Hollemans will prepare snacks, Ann Chandler and Louise Ingebrigtson will be the greeters.

Please continue to encourage anyone you know that suffers from memory loss to attend and check it out.

Submitted by Dolores Pheasant

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www.umcephrata.org

DATE March 4 March 11 March18 March 25

Assistant

of the Day Bob Bluhm Ed Rogers Lonny Holleman Tom Pheasant

Ushers

Joan Jensen Della Moore Denis Plew Need Volunteer

Greeters Herb Reynolds Betty Rogers Marilyn Grass Della Moore

Liturgist Camille Price Camille Price Ann Chandler Camille Price

Coffee

Hour Marilyn Bluhm Christy Price Barb Deycous Louise Sivula

Janis Davisson

Lead

Counter Denis Plew Mary Mantz Linda Bryant-Smith Mary Mantz

Assisting

Counter Louise

Ingebrigtson

Margaret Treiber Marilyn Grass Herb Reynolds

Communion

Servers Camille Price

Tura Yount

NA NA NA

Flowers

SERVERS

Quilters meet Tuesdays at 9am

facebook.com/umcofephrata

Wednesdays 6pm