God is Still

Speaking...

Brookings United Church of Christ

WWW.BROOKINGSUCC.ORG

Brookingsucc@brookings.net

605 697 2882

Rev. Wade Schemmel

Pastor

Email:

buccpastor@swiftel.net

Office Phone:

605-697-2882

Cell Phone:

701-934-2051

As I look at it. . .

“Whoever

you are,

wherever

you are on

life’s jour-

ney, you

are wel-

come here”

Issue 2 February 2016

February

2016

828 8th Street South

Brookings, SD 57006

Brookingsucc.org

605.697.2882

828 8th St. South

Brookings, SD 57006

ISSUE

2

You will see in the front of our worship area a display we call the Path

to Redemption. Thanks to the efforts of David Huebner an idea was literally

set in stone. But before we talk about David’s artwork let us back up to the

original question. As we begin the Lenten journey we are again asking some

very probing questions about the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.

Did Jesus really have to go through that miserable death on the cross? Was he

paying the price for my sins? What kind of God would expect such homage to

be paid? Are we in the human sacrificing business?

Before we go too far down that path may I humbly suggest that we are

asking the wrong questions? Easter is not about balancing the books with a ty-

rannical God. Easter is about you and me. The resurrection was not the final

payment in God’s blood lust, but it did overcome some barriers that stand in

the way of you and me finding our most complete life. There are obstacles

that stand in the way to our finding our most complete version of our life.

Some of the obstacles are a result of or living and others are part of our legacy

or our circumstance. The resurrection is about being set free of the angers and

the fears and the destructive decisions that plague us. It is about second chanc-

es, it is about opening for each of us the path to eternity.

The resurrection is about each of us becoming the most complete reflec-

tion of God’s image that we could possibly be. It is about making possible the

most meaningful journey with God in this life and in the life to come.

The road to redemption is the road to wholeness. It is about finding the

life that God is calling us to live. It is about holding onto the hope of the

promise that God has for each of us. May this Lenten season be a time when

with the help of God’s gracious love we face and overcome the barriers that

hold us back and live evermore fully into God’s vision of who we could be-

come. For this Lenten season calls us to hope mightily, to strive exceedingly

and to love without ending.

Namaste Wade

MARCH 6th, 2016 The One Great Hour of Sharing Endowment Fund (OGHS Fund) was established by an

anonymous contribution in early 2014 to Wider Church Ministries.

The goal of the OGHS Fund is to expand the witness and mission of Jesus Christ in the

world by creating long-term stability for the UCC’s systemic and relational participation

in emergency relief, disaster preparedness and response, sustainable development, so-

cial service and refugee advocacy and resettlement. It provides resources for the self-

empowerment of communities and individuals victimized by hunger, poverty, and injus-

tice.

Making a gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing Endowment funds makes you part of the

legacy that enables the church to respond to Christ’s call to serve. Together we will re-

main a strong and faithful witness through our compassionate response to those in

need.

We invite you to consider joining other donors through one of the many One Great Hour

of Sharing giving channels to invest in the endowment fund today. Existing Channels

include: Cash, Credit Card, Stock and Bequests.

Questions regarding the One Great Hour of Sharing Endowment Fund may be directed

to Phyllis Richards in Wider Church Ministries at 216-736-3215.

A Celebration of Diversity…

Beginning February 17

th and continuing on through

March 16th all are invited to gather for a soup supper at 6:00 followed by a

program on the theme of understanding at 7:00. The presenters will be mem-

bers of the richly diverse religious community of Brookings who wills share

what it means to practice their faith in our midst. There will be opportunity for

questions as together we grow in our understanding of God’s revelations to

those around us. The general theme for our Lenten Programs this year will be

focusing on what it’s like living as one who follows the guidance of a religion

other than Christianity in our society. The participants include on February 17 –

we are talking with Bud Johnson of the Native American Community; on Feb-

ruary 24 – Harry Greenbaum on behalf of the Jewish community; on March 2

– Harsha Mistry on behalf of the Hindu community; On March 9 - Fathe Hala-

weisch on behalf of the Muslim Community; on March 16 – Phillis Cole-Dai on

behalf of the Buddhist community. Please consider joining us as we go through

this Lent program series and season together.

On March 24th

Maundy Thursday, we will have a Seder meal followed by a

brief Tenebrae service. On March 25th, Good Friday from 4 – 7 there will be

an opportunity for all to come and share in a personal moment of reflection.

The sacrament of holy communion will be available for all that would wish to

receive it. Pastor Schemmel will be available to serve it or participants can

serve themselves.

Special offering in support of

Native American Students at SDSU~

The Native American Students at SDSU receive at graduation a blanket and a

stole through the American Indian center on campus. Over the past several

years we have helped to support this important happening by taking an offering

that would assist in the purchase of the blankets and stoles. Each set costs about

$300. We will be receiving that offering on Sunday February 14, the first Sun-

day of Lent. You are invited to be generous as we join the faculty and staff of the

college in supporting these special students. If you have any questions please

feel free to contact the church office.

American Red Cross Blood Drive When: Friday, March 4th, 2016

10:00-4:00 pm

Where: Brookings United Church of Christ

For appt. info: 1-800-REDCROSS (733-2767) or

www.redcrossblood.org

Moderator’s Report FEBRUARY 2016

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Harvest Table 5:30 pm

2

3

4 Faithful

Crafters 2-4 pm

5 6

7 Adult Study 9

Worship 10

Fellowship 11

8

9

10 Bible Study

11:30-1 pm

Confirma-

tion Mtg.

6 pm

LENT BEGINS

11 Confirmation

Mtg.

6 pm

12

13

Birthday Brunch 11 am Perkins

14 Adult Study 9

Worship 10 Fellowship 11

Communion Native Offering

15

16

BUCC

Council

Meeting

5:30 pm

17 Bible Study

11:30-1 pm

LENTEN

SOUP/

PROGRAM 6-8 pm

18 Faithful

Crafters 2-4 pm Confirmation

Mtg.

6 pm

19

20

21 Adult Study 9

Worship 10

Fellowship 11

22

23

24 Bible Study 11:30-1 pm LENTEN

SOUP/

PROGRAM

6-8 pm

25 Confirmation

Mtg.

6 pm

Night Out

5:30 pm

26

27

Faithful

Crafters

10-11:30

28 Adult Study 9

Worship 10

Fellowship 11

29

I want to take this time to THANK Julie Huebner, Kathy Apland and Darlene Dokken for all

their time and efforts when they were on the council. These three women donated a lot of their

personal time ensuring that our church and congregation was represented to the best of their

abilities. The council will miss their input and their longevity that was appreciated by the mem-

bers.

While we will miss Julie, Kathy and Darlene the council welcomes Jennifer Kemper, Marisol

Galvan-Murillo and Christie Prussman. The council is excited that our newer members want to

take on an actively part in our church life. With all things that are new, we will gain new insight

on how things can be done differently and possibly current with today’s world. Like always, if

you want to attend any of the monthly council meetings the council members would enjoy your

comments and participation.

Contact information: Home: 605-693-4220 Cell: 605-690-2820

Email: kprunty@itctel.com

NOTES FROM THE JANUARY CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

The council verified that the 2015 OCWM (Our Church’s Wider Mission) dona-

tion by our church was made.

The council accepted a remote video system as a memorial gift given by Kathy

Apland and her family in honor of Milo Apland.

Child Abuse Awareness month is in April and the Outreach Commission is mak-

ing ribbons. Birthday gifts for the children in the foster care system will be pur-

chased using the funds raised at the craft fair.

BUCC will host a flea market April 29-30. All funds raised will go to the church.

The Church Life Commission will check into different Sunday School curriculum

for younger children.

World Day of Prayer will be coming up in March.

Pastor Wade is looking for a volunteer to help with electronics such as cameras,

speakers, etc.

A committee to plan the South Dakota UCC Conference annual meeting next

year that we have volunteered to host needs to be organized soon.

Ruby Wilson, BUCC Council Secretary

By: Kristi Prunty Moderator

217 4TH Street

BROOKINGS, SD 57006

605.692.5007

IMMEDIATE NEEDS:

Pizza Sauce/Crust Canned Mushrooms/

Black Olives

Sloppy Joe Mix Mandarin Oranges

Canned Spinach/Asparagus

Instant Oatmeal

HARVEST TABLE:

A warm-no-cost meal served every Mon-

day night from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the

First United Methodist Community Life

Center, The meal is offered for anyone in

the community looking for good food and

fellowship! If you have questions, contact Von-

da Kirkham, Harvest Table Director, 692 4345.

FEEDING

BROOKINGS

Bags of food are distributed

every Thursday from 4:00—5:00 p.m. at the

Ascension Lutheran Church

2030 3rd Street 692-6565

February food item of the month:

Pasta/Rice

If you have participated in the weekly Harvest Table, you know that it is more than a hot meal for those in need. They also distribute food stuffs and supplies for families to get through the week, such as soap, toothpaste, diapers and baby wipes to name a few. The number of people be-ing served each week has grown signifi-cantly over the last few years. In July 285 people were served a hot meal, gro-

cery items were distributed to 145 house-holds, 110 packages of diapers and baby wipes were handed out to families all at no cost to the families. The cupboards are BARE!! The Harvest Table is desperately in need of supplies. Non-perishable foods, (canned goods, pasta, rice, peanut butter, beans, cereal, baby food, formula, fruits and juice, canned meat and other pantry staples), personal care items (soap, tooth-paste and brushes, shampoo, mouth-wash), baby supplies (diapers and baby wipes are especially needed), paper goods (paper towels, toilet paper). The needs run the gamut. If you need it for your house, the Harvest Table probably needs it as well. If you aren’t sure what is most need-ed, money is always “the right size and

color.” With your tax-deductible dona-tions, the Harvest Table staff can shop for what is needed the most.

Pantry is open:

Monday, Wednesday & Friday

1:00 - 4:30pm

January July

Stuart & Melissa Apland

Kathy Apland

Steve & Kristi Prunty

Darlene Dokken (2)

February August

Larry Rogers &

Ruth Harper

Don & Nancy Marshall

Brenda & Carl Kline

Loye Holmes

Raul & Marisol Galvan-

Murillo

March September

Susan Helvig

Dave & Julie Huebner

Jean Lillelid

Linda Langner

Helen Andersen

If anyone has any concerns or possible conflicts,

Please contact the church office 605.697.2882

Or at brookingsucc@brookings.net. Thank You!

Ministry Teams 2016

April October

Jim & Joanne Satterlee

Leonard &

Norita Henneman

Wade & Peg Schemmel

Jihong Cole-Dai

May November

Jim & Ruby Wilson

Tom & Susan Rosen

*Doug & Mary Ward

Christine Prussman

Christina & Justin Weimer

June December

Jacob & Samantha Holden

Randy & Marlene DeBoer

Chad & Laura Gloege

Shanta Messerli

Fred & Christine Delfanian

Special dedication of food items~ During each month we collect food for three special ministries that distribute food to those in need. These include “Feeding Brookings” “The Food Pan-

try” and “The Harvest Table”. There are receptacles and carts to receive each of these offerings. That food will be dedicated each 3rd Sunday and will be

distributed shortly after that. Help us to have nice full bins to share and dedi-cate.

2 Kristi Prunty

Daniel Messerli

6 Wayne Ward

18 Stuart Apland

19 Julie Huebner

24 Marjorie Kessler

FEBRUARY

BIRTHDAYS

ANNIVERSARIES:

Ruth Harper &

Larry Rogers

26 Kate and

Craig Treiber

BUCC served Brookings Area Harvest Table

February 1st, 2016. The meal began at 5:30

pm. We had many volunteers and everything

went off without a hitch. We always have a

great experience serving our local Harvest

Table. Thank you to all who helped and gave

of themselves to volunteer for those in need.

LENTEN PROGRAM SERIES HARVEST TABLE:

BUCC members and

friends of the Brook-

ings community com-

ing together to enjoy 2

different kinds of

soups, assorted sand-

wiches, cookies, and

coffee during fellow-

ship.

Bud Johnson of the Native American Community, discussing the religion he grew

up with in relation to other religions in the area and the impact that has had on

shaping his understanding of himself and others on the same journey.

New Council Members: Christie Prussman , Jennifer Kemper

Peg Schemmel , Ruby Wilson , and Kristi Prunty remain on coun-

cil and are also assisting in new areas during this term. Not pic-

tured is Marisol Galvan-Murillo (new member).

Upcoming Events in February

Native American

Offering February 14, 2016

Bible Study will take place on

Wednesday mornings at 11:30– 1pm

February 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th.

Please join us!

‘FAITHFUL CRAFTERS’

February 4th & 18th~2-4 pm

February 27th~10-11:30 am Yoga Class

Cancelled

The instructor has previous obligations and will not be available to continue run-ning the class so we will not be continu-ing with Yoga at BUCC. Thank you for your participation!

BUCC Council

Meeting

February 16th, 2016

5:30 pm Potluck

6:15 pm Meeting

“BUCC Night Out”

February 25th, 2016

@ 5:30 pm

We will be sharing the sacrament of Holy Communion on Sun-

day, February 14th, 2016. All are invited to come and share in

this very special time as we gather about the table that our Re-

deemer has set. “Helping Hands” Offering bowl will also be

located in the sanctuary. This fund helps out local folks in

need. Please Join us!

Brookings United Church of Christ

American Red Cross

Blood Drive

Friday, March 4th, 2016

10:00-4:00 pm

OGHS

Offering

March 6th,

2016

Service~10 am

Adult Study Group that has

been meeting at 9:00 on Sunday

mornings has begun a study of

K a t h l e e n N o r r i s ’ s b o o k

“Amazing Grace”. If any have

interest in joining the group you

are welcome to join us!

March 4th, 2016~World Day of Prayer: Church Women United will celebrate World Day of Prayer at Ascension Lutheran Church, 2030 3rd St. at 2:00 pm. World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement led by Christian women who come together to observe a com-mon day of prayer and action each year. Join in the prayer service written by the women of the Bahamas, which draws us into a study of Jesus’ radical love as he washes the disciples’ feet. All church men and women are invited to this World Day of Prayer. An offering will be taken to support the Church Women United pro-grams.

“Birthday Brunch”

February 13th, 2016

11 am ~ Perkins All are invited who wish to enjoy food and fellowship to celebrate your birthdays. Please Join us!

Confirmation

Meetings

Thursdays through

Lent~ 6 pm