THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER “Serve, Teach, and Love As We Grow In Faith” ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ NOVEMBER 2015 Transparent 12 God’s word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. 13 Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. Everything is clear and lies open before him, and to him we must explain the way we have lived. —Hebrews 4:12-13 The word “transparent” is being thrown around a lot these days. People are talking about the gov- ernment’s need to be more transparent about how it spends our tax money, where and when we send our troops, and what our legislators are doing about gun control, illegal aliens, drugs. We want to see transparency in the lives of those running for office, who is funding their campaigns and why. We even want transparency in the church, how our money is spent and what decisions are being made by our councils, which is why meeting minutes are posted on the kiosk in the gathering area and finance reports are available in the church office. But there is a transparency that I believe is even more critical to our Creator. The work of the Christian is for the life of Jesus Christ to shine through his or her life. Here are a few questions you may want to ask yourself to help you determine if you are being transparent in your faith. Can others see the compassion of Christ through your words and actions? Does God’s grace shine through you in acts of forgiveness, mercy, understanding, listening, and generosity? Do you take the love of Christ with you when you are out and about? Do others see the face of Jesus when they look at you? If you, like me, cannot answer these questions with an immediate “yes”, the following prayer may help you become more transparent, for God’s good and for yours. Gracious One, your Word of love flows through me like light through glass, as sound fills silence. Nothing is secret to you, nothing vague or mistaken. Look into my soul and pierce my darkness, remove the lies I tell myself. Shine your life-giving truth from within me, every thought, every cell. Shine in me and, stained as I am, make me transparent to your grace. Pastor Kathy
13
Embed
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER - … · THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER “Serve, Teach, and Love As We Grow In Faith” ...
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
NEWSLETTER “Serve, Teach, and Love As We Grow In Faith”
12God’s word is alive and working and is sharper than a
double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the
soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and
bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.
13Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. Everything
is clear and lies open before him, and to him we must explain
the way we have lived. —Hebrews 4:12-13
The word “transparent” is being thrown around a lot these days. People are talking about the gov-
ernment’s need to be more transparent about how it spends our tax money, where and when we
send our troops, and what our legislators are doing about gun control, illegal aliens, drugs. We
want to see transparency in the lives of those running for office, who is funding their campaigns
and why. We even want transparency in the church, how our money is spent and what decisions
are being made by our councils, which is why meeting minutes are posted on the kiosk in the
gathering area and finance reports are available in the church office.
But there is a transparency that I believe is even more critical to our Creator. The work of the Christian is for the life of Jesus Christ to shine through his or her life. Here are a few questions you may want to ask yourself to help you determine if you are being transparent in your faith.
Can others see the compassion of Christ through your words and actions?
Does God’s grace shine through you in acts of forgiveness, mercy, understanding, listening, and
generosity?
Do you take the love of Christ with you when you are out and about?
Do others see the face of Jesus when they look at you?
If you, like me, cannot answer these questions with an immediate “yes”, the following prayer may help you become more transparent, for God’s good and for yours.
Gracious One, your Word of love flows through me like light through glass, as sound fills silence.
Nothing is secret to you, nothing vague or mistaken. Look into my soul and pierce my darkness,
remove the lies I tell myself. Shine your life-giving truth from within me, every thought, every cell.
Shine in me and, stained as I am, make me transparent to your grace.
You can view it on our website at brfumc.org, or we can email it to you each month. Let us know if you would prefer this way of reading your monthly newsletter.
November 1st: Breakfast Sweets fundraiser 8:30-9:00 and 10:00-10:30.
November 2nd Circle Meetings: The program will be the Pledge Service. Please check your pro-
gram books for meeting time, place, and who has the program/devotions. Thanks! Circle Chairs, please remind your members of this meeting.
December 7th: 6:30 p.m. General meeting—cookie decorating for Connections, card making for
our membership (UMW and UMC who need to be remembered), and installation of officers. Please plan to join us for these activities.
December 12th: Annual Cookie Walk
UMW Annual Gathering in Eau Claire: Four of our members (Carol Anderson, Sally Laubach, Luane Meyer and Carol Hornby) attended the UMW Annual Conference in Eau Claire on Friday and Saturday, October 23rd and 24th. We were so fortunate to have this meeting held so close to us this year. UMW members across the country will be attending similar meetings in their own conferences. “There is some-thing about being in a room full of faith-filled, hope-filled, love-filled women ready to be in action. When given the space, the Holy Spirit can fill that room, the nudges from Spirit leaving permanent marks on our hearts. In such rooms the call of God becomes clear---even if how to answer the call is not. This what we do together: Figure out how we can be what God needs us to be. We are a unique and important force for women, children and youth down the street and around the world. We are a unique and important force for The United Methodist Church. In our creative supportive community United Methodist Women members not only work to transform the world, we intentionally make room to transform ourselves as well. As we grow closer to God we grow closer to one another, and our human-made divisions melt under the power of love. Love is the easiest and hardest work to do. Don’t’ let how-it –is stand in the way of how-it-should-be. The world needs us.” Tara Barnes United Methodist Women Response: I realize that the information I write about from Response in any month’s newsletter is a month earlier than the newsletter date. This is because Response arrives in my mailbox about a week after the church newsletter deadline—the November issue will arrive next week sometime after I have submitted the November newsletter article on October 20th. I won’t be able to highlight information in that issue until De-cember. Therefore, the highlights from the October issue of Response, which focuses on domestic vio-lence, comes to you late for October’s Domestic Violence Awareness month. Please take the time to read this issue with so much valuable information about this ever present problem in our community, our country and around the world, Read and learn what you can to do to make a difference ending in this problem.
From the book The Way We Pray Prayer Practices from Around the World by Maggie Oman Shan-non: God Boxes—Counting Our Blessings, Letting Things Go: I am God. Today I will be handling all of
your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. It will be addressed in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold
Our Church Family Night menu for the month of November: November 4 Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese/Ham Sandwiches Desserts Beverages November 11 Meatballs & Mashed Potatoes Green Beans Desserts Beverages November 18 Shredded Beef Sandwiches Lettuce Salad Desserts Beverages November 25 THANKSGIVING EVE NO DINNER Every week there will be hot dogs and peanut butter/jelly available. Plan to join us on Wednes-day evenings. Everyone Welcome!!
We are experiencing a budget shortfall and are asking
for your help. Currently, we have not paid anything
toward our conference apportionments —
(a-portion-meant-for-others) for 2015.
A percentage of our apportionments goes toward UM-
COR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).. UM-
COR recently helped victims of Hurricane Joaquin, the
wildfires in the western United States, and flooding in
South Carolina by providing support for their immedi-
ate needs, and then helping to rebuild after the disasters
are over.
Our apportionments help support missional churches,
start new churches, and new ministries in current
churches. They also help support and operate the two
Wisconsin United Methodist camp and retreat centers,
and health and welfare agencies such as Northcott
Neighborhood House and the Hmong House of Good
News.
Please consider bringing your yearly contributions up-
to-date so that we are able to meet our obligations at
the conference level. Or better yet, consider an extra
contribution over and above your usual giving. Your
help will be greatly appreciated.
Wayne Bue
Finance Committee Chair
SAVE THE DATE!!
6th Annual Women’s Retreat
Saturday, February 20, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Registration information available soon!
Help Wanted: We are in need of people to help clean up af-ter our Wednesday night meals. There is a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall, or call Theresa in the he church office to volunteer your help. If we all take a turn, the work will get done! Thank you.
Yogi Larson from Jackie Shankey, Marian Millis, and
Family & Friends.
Kelsey Olson from Todd & Lisa Perry.
UNDESIGNATED FUND
In Memory Of:.
Kelsey Jo Olson from Dan & Mary Jelinek, Carol
Anderson, Bob & Clarice Rush, Peter & Jone Hoffman,
Sally Burgau, Marian Millis, Chuck & Ruth Buswell,
and Family & Friends.
Thelma Sampson from Lou & Nyla Musser
ALTAR FLOWERS
OCT 19 In memory of Dale Seely, whose birth
day was October 15, given by his wife
Sharon.
BULLETINS
OCT 4 In honor of Louis Shaw for his 80th
birthday sponsored by Nancy Hindes.
RADIO BROADCASTS
OCT 11 Sponsored by the United Methodist
Women.
OCT 25 Sponsored by Dave & Kae Dettinger
in honor of their 25th Wedding Anni-
versary on October 20.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family and
friends of Thelma Sampson who passed away
on October 1, 2015.
What A Gift!!!
I am overwhelmed! I was surprised
and blessed to be gifted with flowers, a
corsage and precious words during
worship my first Sunday back in the
pulpit. That would have been enough
but Wednesday, Oct. 21 I received
beautiful hand-made inspirational wall
décor from each of our youth groups.
You are welcome to stop in the office
and see for yourself. What a joy to be
on the receiving end of pastor’s appre-
ciation month! But the real gift is the
beautiful congregation I have the joy of
serving. Even when days are challeng-
ing, God reminds me how blessed I am
to be here. THANK YOU FOR YOU.
Pastor Kathy
If you know of someone who is in the hospital or who is working through medical issues at home, please call the church office so that the Pastor is aware of the need and can respond accordingly.
If you know of an individual or family that is working through health issues, hospitalization, or some other crisis and could benefit from the gift of a meal, please call the church office and Jill will pass the information to our Caring Meal Crew.
Want to know what’s happening in Youth Group? If you have a Facebook account, search for Black River Falls United
Methodist Youth Group and “Like” our page. We post photos, upcoming events and news. You can also check out the
webpage at www.brfumc.org for information about Youth Group and the church.
ADULT VOLUNTEERS:
Our Safe Sanctuary Policy requires 2 adults in each youth room. We are looking for adult volunteers who would like to
come hang out with us on Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30p.m. Call Beth 715-284-7494 or Suzanne 715-896-
0224 if you would like to hang out with us!
YOUTH GROUP HAPPENINGS:
November 4: Youth Group
November 11: Jr. /Sr. High Activity
November 18: Youth Group/Clean Up
November 25: No Youth Group, but youth are encouraged to attend Thanksgiving Eve Services with their families.
Check out the newsletter for time.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 12 for the Cookie Walk being held at our church. The youth will be hosting
a Soup and Sandwich Lunch that same day, watch for more details!!!
RECYCLING FUNDRAISER: The youth group will continue recycling aluminum cans, they can be placed in the
fenced-in area by the shed in the parking lot.
OUR CONTACT INFORMATION:
Beth Bue, Sr. High Youth Director: 715-284-7494, 715-896-0823, [email protected]
Suzanne Goldsmith, Jr. High Youth Director: 715-896-0224, [email protected]
DISCIPLES SHOULD BE COMMITTED
No, disciples of Jesus Christ should not be committed to an institution, but they should be committed to growing in faith. For four Sundays beginning November 1, we will be entering into a season of decision and commitment toward the goal of becoming fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.
We will focus on the characteristics of discipleship, offering the opportunity to deepen your faith in the areas of Prayer, Bible Reading, Worship, Witness, Financial Stewardship, and Service, giving you a deeper understanding of how we, as Christians live out our commitment.
In July, a new and upgraded version of the UMCmar-
ket program was launched. Please take time to check
out the new website today at : https://
www.umcmarket.org.
You can watch a brief video and learn more about the
features and benefits of the new UMCmarket. Create
your new account (required), confirm your account set-
tings, and explore the new UMCmarket.
UMCmarket still contributes a percentage of each
online purchase you make at over 3,000 participating
stores to your designated church!
The website has been redesigned for improved user
experience and easy-to-install browser button that al-
lows you to shop with one “click”
You’ll find hundreds of continually updated savings
offers for you from participating stores, and new fea-
tures are coming soon in time for the holiday season.
Take time to check it out today. Shop online with ease
for yourself, and help your church at the same time!
E-GIVING. . . EASY AND CONVENIENT!
Electronic Giving (E-Giving) is a way for individ-ual congregation members to direct gifts to the church without having to write out a check or fill out an envelope. In E-Giving money can be auto-matically transferred from your savings or check-ing account to the church’s bank account. — and there is NO CHARGE for this service. A number of our members are already taking advantage of this easy way of giving contributions to the church.. If you would like to sign up for E-Giving, please call Jill in the Church Office. She will be glad to answer any questions you may have and help you fill easy authorization form. Now would be a great time to take advantage of this easy and convenient way of giving to your church!
“For where two or three gather
in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20
Men, are you looking for something more? Consider joining our United Methodist Men’s Group for an adventure in
spirituality and fellowship. We meet the first Saturday of the month for about one hour, have some great fellowship,
and usually a very good breakfast. In addition to this, we find things around the church and community that need to be
done. Our next meeting will be Saturday, November 7, at 8:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Hope to see you there!
Off the Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer
Best-selling author Jodi Picoult and her daughter, Samantha Van Leer, have
written another Young Adult novel together that will also appeal to the adult reader. It is a story filled with humor, adventure and magical relationships. This is a follow-up to
their 2012 collaboration, Between the Lines, but is a stand-alone novel as well. It is a story with quirky teenage characters dealing with an even quirkier situa-
tion as the fairy tale world and the real world collide. The authors have made the characters not only likeable, but believable through an unlikely series of events.
Oliver, a prince, who has been able to enter the real world and unite with Delilah, runs into complications in his multilayered universe. You will marvel at the authors' imagi-
nation when reading their latest novel. This hardcover book was donated anonymously to the Van Etta Library. If you
are the person who donated this book to the library, I thank you!
Rhoda Gulso
Mark your calendars!
The annual United Methodist Women Cookie Walk will be held on:
Saturday, December 12, 2015 in the Gathering Area of the United Methodist Church in Black River Falls.
Doors will open at 10:30 a.m.
Come and fill your container for $6.00 per pound.
Cookies, candies and specialty breads will be available!
Christmas Musical On Sunday, December 20, our Music Department will present a special Christmas Worship Celebration, “A Night of Hope”, at the 9:00 a.m. worship service and again for the community at 6:30 p.m. Musical accompaniment will be provided by our praise band and other community musicians. This moving and vigorous musical collection brings a unique and fresh approach to Christmas worship. Church members are welcome to invite family, friends, and neighbors to join us for one of the presentations. Individuals who would like to join our singers for this musical may join us for the first 30 minutes of our regular choir rehearsal (Wednesday evening 7:15-7:45 p.m.) every week and for our special rehearsals on Sunday, November 1 at 11:30 a.m. and on Saturday, November 7 at 9:30 a.m.
Knit for Kids
Mission Outreach continues to offer you an opportu-
nity to contribute your talents by supporting this on-
going project of knitting sweaters, hats and blankets
for children. Organizations such as Vision World
and Feed the Children have helped distribute these
sweaters to Sri Lanka, Appalachia, Kenya, New
Mexico, Louisiana, Mississippi, and many other lo-
cations.
If you would like to learn how to knit as you make
one of these articles, basic knitting instructions are
available from Sally Laubach. You are welcome at
any or all of the following scheduled times: Tues-
days, November 17, 24; December 1, and 8 at 9 a.m.
in the church library.
After a brief break, lessons will start again in Janu-
ary with different times and possibly a different lo-
cation, so stay tuned. Donated yarn is available for
your use. Patterns and lessons are also provided at
no cost. Please call Sally at 284-5179 with any
questions. Thank you for helping the children stay
warm.
Many thanks to all the men in our congregation
who have worked many hours to clean up the area
next to the front entrance of the church. The
rocks, dead shrubs and roots have been removed
and grass has been planted in the area. Next
spring, a few hostas will be planted to finish the
project. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by
all!
* * * * * * * * *
Many thanks to Louie Shaw and Dave Dettinger
for helping with the clean-up after Wednesday
night meals for the last couple of years. They
have both retired from this job now, but their help
will be missed!
* * * * * * * * *
Thank you to Rich Prochaska for cleaning out the
eaves troughs around the church. We appreciate
you volunteering your time when the job didn’t
get done as planned. Good job!
BRF UMC Calendar of Events—November 2015
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1
9:00 a.m.—Worship Service
9:20 a.m.—Sunday School
10:30 a.m.—Praise Service
11:30 a.m.—UMC Choir Practice
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Pastor Kathy Day Off
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
9:00 a.m.—Martha Circle Meeting at church
1:30 p.m.—Circle of Hope Meeting at church
4:00 p.m.—Mission Outreach Meeting/Buswell’s
6:30 p.m.—Circle of Faith Meeting at Denny’s
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
5:15 p.m.—Women’s Retreat Meeting
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 9:00 a.m.—Prayer Group
4:30-6:00 p.m.—Church Family Night Meal
5:00 p.m.—Confirmation
5:00 p.m.—Spirit! Practice
6:00 p.m.—Youth Group
6:15 p.m.—Bell Choir Practice
6:15 p.m.—WOW (Worship on Wednesday)
7:15 p.m.—UMC Choir Practice
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5
6:15 p.m.—Staff-Parish Relations Committee Mtg.
7:00 p.m.—Annual Charge Conference
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
8:30 a.m.—UM Men’s Group Meeting
9:30 a.m.—UMC Choir Practice
11:30 a.m.—Spirit! Practice
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 9:00 a.m.—Worship Service
9:20 a.m.—Sunday School
10:30 a.m.—Praise Service
11:15 a.m.—Worship Committee Meeting
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Pastor Kathy Day Off
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 5:30 p.m.—Board of Trustees Meeting
5:30 p.m.—Finance Committee Meeting
6:15 p.m.—Administrative Council Meeting
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
9:00 a.m.—Prayer Group
4:30-6:00 p.m.—Church Family Night Meal
5:00 p.m.—Confirmation
5:00 p.m.—Spirit! Practice
6:00 p.m.—Youth Group
6:15 p.m.—Bell Choir Practice
6:15 p.m.—WOW (Worship on Wednesday)
7:15 p.m.—UMC Choir Practice
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 5:30 p.m.—”Faith Commander” Bible Study
5:30 p.m.—”12 Women of the Bible” Study
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.—Lay Speaking Classes
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 9:00 a.m.—Worship Service—Family Sunday