A message from Bishop Jung

December 2, 2015

Let There Be PeaceThe recent gun violence in California is yet one more painful reminder of our need for a Savior and Lord of Love and Light. There is deep darkness in our world. Darkness of heart and darkness of spirit. A world that despairs so deeply that violence is seen as the only answer. Come, Lord, Jesus, and save us from ourselves. The refrain of the popular song comes to mind – ‘let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” We have been blessed as peace makers. Peace is one central aspect of the fruit of God’s Holy Spirit. The shock and horror we may feel at such violent acts too often results in responses and reactions of violence: a desire for retribution or a return to eye-for-an-eye punishment. This will never take us where God calls us to be. Violence is not the solution to violence, and revenge is never the answer. I call upon each and every Wisconsin United Methodist to pray for peace. I implore that we pray for victim and victimizer, for those who suffer, as well as those who cause suffering. We are the people that say enough! We are the people who lay down the sword, and let the fruit of God’s holy peace blossom and flourish. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin now, here, with us. Grace and Peace,

Hee-Soo Jung, PhDBishop

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,First I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It seems that this year has gone so fast. As with many of you, many things I had hoped to do this year did not happen but I had many pleasant surprises as well.

I write this later than planned due to an unexpected family issue. Perhaps it has been providential. A lot has happened over the last four weeks, things that plant seeds of fear in many people's hearts or water them. I believe fear is the most dangerous of responses to news like that coming out of Paris and San Bernardino. People who are driven by fear will often do things that are irrational, make situations more dangerous. So how do we respond when violence erupts in the midst of those going about their daily lives? When our world is shaken. Some will respond with disbelief. Some with sorrow. Some with grief. Some with an understanding that things will never be the same.

So what do we do? I would suggest we look to scripture.

Mark 13:1-8. "As Jesus left the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, look! What awesome stones and buildings!” Jesus responded, “Do you see these enormous buildings? Not even one stone will be left upon another. All will be demolished.” Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives across from the temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? What sign will show that all these things are about to come to an end?” Jesus said, “Watch out that no one deceives you.  Many people will come in my name, saying, ‘I’m the one!’ They will deceive many people. When you hear of wars and reports of wars, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen, but this isn’t the end yet.  Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other, and there will be earthquakes and famines in all sorts of places. These things are just the beginning of the sufferings associated with the end. (Mark 13:1-8 CEB)

The disciples in this reading from Mark faced a situation that might help us. Their world was being shaken. As they left the temple, they turned to Jesus and bid him look at the awesome buildings created by man. They were magnificent with some of the stones forming those buildings were 40 feet long, 12 feet high, 18 feet wide.

Rather than admire these buildings with his disciples, Jesus tells them that not a stone will remain standing. They want to know when. He doesn't say when. Instead he says to remain watchful, not to be deceived. He didn't tell them when it would happen. In another gospel he says that only God knows the time things will happen.

Instead he said to, 7 “Watch out that no one deceives you. ...When you hear of wars and reports of wars, don’t be alarmed. These things must happen, but this isn’t the end yet. 8 Nations and kingdoms will fight against each other, and there will be earthquakes and famines in all sorts of places."

Our age of technology allows us to hear and see things as they unfold. Images with the potential to bring fear deep into our beings instantly enter our homes. They are readily available at our finger tips as they are happening. Technology brings us vivid images with people reporting, making sure we understand the gravity of what is happening and that it could happen to us at anytime as well.I saw an advertisement, I think it was for a TV series, that depicted a time of violence. In amidst this place where there was unrest and violence, a young couple talked about their future and having children. Someone said to them, how can you even talk about this, especially having children. I couldn't help but think of the civil war, World War I, World War II, etc.So what do we do? Some of the headlines after the San Bernardino talked about praying but not stopping there. I read someplace that the Pope says something like this: “You pray for the hungry, then you feed them. That is how prayer works.” Authentic prayer always includes action.“

Although all of us need the time to grieve and process what is happening in our weary, broken world, it doesn’t help if we don't move beyond the fear it can create, and become reactionary. If we listen to what Jesus said, we should strive to live in the present and look forward to what the future holds.  But in the meantime, we must be alert, vigilant, and involved in the world around us while keeping our faith in the timeless, living message of Jesus Christ,.

The kingdom of God is very near. God is still working in this mixed up world. It is time for us to turn away from our self-centered, fear-driven controlling ways and believe in the good news!” In this time of Advent we are reminded that something wonderful is always being born.

Hope, Peace, and Joy,Pastor Shannon

Stewardship We have not talked much about stewardship over the last five years. Stewardship is a word that scares many people. I think that is because the first thing many people think of when they hear the word is someone wanting to tap into their money. Yes, money is a component of stewardship and it is something we need to talk about. There are at least 800 times that money is mentioned in the Bible. But, stewardship is much more than money pledged to the running of the church. When God created humans, they were created so they could take charge of, be stewards of creation. Stewardship is the management or care of something. Over the next few months a group at Ono-Plum City will gather to discuss stewardship and how stewardship can become part of the culture of this congregation. 

 Ad Counsel (Ono-Plum City)Please take a moment to thank Diane Johnson for all of her work and service as Ad Counsel chair for the past several years (at least five). Also please take a moment to welcome and thank Lynette Traynor for agreeing to be our new Ad Counsel Chair. She was voted in at our charge conference. Please pray for all of those who are on the Ad Counsel as they join together in caring for the business of the church. Ad Counsel meetings for Ono-Plum City will move to the third Wednesday of the month beginning in January. 

Ono-Plum City Finance Update During Advent we remember Christ's first entering into this world and prepare for Christ to enter again in a new way. It is a message that was urgent 2,000 years ago and is still urgent today. One of the ways Christ is present in the world is through ever changing ministries of the church. Reality is that funds are needed for all churches to function.   So what is happening with our general fund. The church is solvent at this time but only because there are some funds available to tap into. If these weren't available, the church would be about $7,000 in the negative. Bills are being met but apportionments have not been paid in full for the last five years, however the percentage paid has increased.   Many people have made personal commitments to and continue supporting the ministries of this church through the general fund. Traditionally, offerings in November and December increase. I would like to invite you to pray for this church during this time- that the regular support needed is received and that the ministries of the church glorify God. Pastor Shannon

October 22, 2015 Greetings Fellow Church Members and Friends, We are hoping to “Celebrate” our weekly church services with Greeters to welcome people into the Lord's House, receive the offering, and help with serving at Fellowship time after church. If we all rise to the occasion we would be able to serve just two times a year. If you can't serve your Sunday for other reasons you would call others on the list to see if they would be able to exchange Sundays. For those whose culinary skills are not what they think are up to par or just don't have time to bake, we will have cookies or treats in the freezer for their use. Directions will be written out for making coffee and other things needed downstairs in the kitchen. We will send the whole years list out first and if you can see right away that month won't work for you let us know as soon as possible so we can make changes. We will then break this down month by month sending out post cards with your opportunity to serve with others for that month. There might be people listed below on the postcard who might help out if needed. We pray that you will be able to help us “Celebrate” the opportunity to worship and get to know each other better. God's Blessings, Diane Johnson 715-647-2186 Jill Bechel 715-285-5335 Margie Sweeney 715-647-2448 Please just leave a message if not home - Thanks

Confirmation Youth Lock-InStarting at 5:00pm on November 14th youth converged on the Ono-Plum City church to participate in exploration and learning using a variety of activities as they attended a lock-in called Glow: Growing and Glowing as Christ's Disciples. They were asked if they would make written comment on the lock-in. Following are some of their comments.

• I liked the glow-in-the dark bowling. I thought it was a fun lock in and we should have another.

• I thought the lock in was fun. I especially liked bowling. It was really fun.

• I liked all of the team work involved.• It was fun But I need sleep!• I liked the bowling in the dark. I didn't like

hungry, hungry hippo.• I liked the glow stick bowling.• I thought the lock-in was fun. My favorite part

was glow in the dark bowling.Confirmation Class Schedule

•December 8 and December 13•January 10 and 24•February 14 and 28•The 24th will need to be longer and count as our last retreat. We will be working on the United Methodist section of the classes. This will be our last meeting.

NewslettersWith newsletters coming out seasonally, it just happens

that information about Advent and Lent should both

be in this winter issue. It seems a little odd that

schedules for preparation for God breaking into our world incarnate in Jesus Christ and

preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus remembered on Easter

should be found in the same issue. But, maybe not. We

need both of them and they are inseparable.

Sunday school!!!

The Children's Christmas program, The Many Gifts

of Christmas, will be Sunday December 13 during the church

service at 9:30.Refreshments and snacks

following.We are definitely planning and

practicing already.......Please keep the Sunday school teachers

informed if children will not be there or will be there. Always helpful to know in

advance. Thank you.The teachers will try to get all practices done

during church, but will stay in touch if additional practice is needed.

The Sunday school children will also be sharing something special during

children’s message on January 24th. So please join us!!!

The Sunday School's mission project this year is "No More Malaria". The Sunday school children can make an offering every Sunday or the congregation can also make a donation. We have a big display board to find out more about the Malaria issues still striking Africa- please come check it out. With the United Methodists efforts over the last many years, the death rate as been cut in half. More work can be one!! Please help the children keep raising funds for this wonderful cause!

Also there will be a Mardi Gras Celebration

day on February 7th. 

We are hoping to have a puppet show and/or other special presentations for the Children’s

message.

After Church we will be having a pancake breakfast with other goodies!

Games, crafts and music to follow.

We are still in the planning stages so any ideas are welcome!!

 

WHO?

All UMW members and women of the church. WHY?

Why not?.....A fun night out with Church Family and Friends.

WHEN? Wednesday, December 9th at 6:00 p.m.( or as

soon as you can come) WHERE?

Julie Peterson's Home (directions available) Please RSVP :

Julie-evening 1-651-270-2314 or Jill evening 285-5335

Please Bring- a roll of wrapping paper and a roll of tape for our UMW Family Gift Giving.

* A simple meal will be served with refreshments

and desserts, so come hungry. *Need a ride, just RSVP and ask Julie or Jill to help arrange a ride with someone attending. ‘* We hope lots of you can make it, but understand it is a busy time. We are excited to see all who can attend!

Joyful! Fellowship!

 

  Lenten Bible StudyAs a way to gather and celebrate the Lent Season, we have decided to meet for a Bible Study rather than a church service on Wednesday evenings . We will being with the Traditional marking of ashes on February 4th, 2016 which is Ash Wednesday. The Bible study will gather immediately afterward. The study chosen is “The God We Can Know: Exploring the "I AM" Sayings of Jesus” by Rob Fuquay.

Christmas LOVE_LITE Service

The Christmas season can be the happiest time of year but for some, it can be a difficult time of year due to some kind of loss.Loss can be felt for many years after the loss

of a loved one. But it can also occur when other traumatic events take place such as the loss of a job, a divorce, lo`ss of trust, or loss of familiar surroundings. Whatever the reason, the Christmas season brings about beautiful

moments as well as difficult ones. The LOVE_LITE Service on Dec. 20, @ 6:30 pm,

will be a time we can gather to support one another and hopefully reduce feelings of

sadness.

The Ladies Aide had another very successful years of fellowship and raising funds for our little church and other organizations that need our help.

2015 UMW donations Church apportionment donation

UMCORPlum City Food Shelf

Pierce County Food ShelfTurning Point Women's ShelterEmma's Hope Children's Cancer

ResearchNo More Malaria

Christmas Giving to Local FamilyUMW Conference Mission

Plum City Care Center Christmas Gifts

More Thank you notes to the UMW Plum City Food Pantry

How we praise God for your generosity. $500.00 goes a long way To feed the needy. Last month we gave out 10,400 plus pounds of food to struggling families and individuals and your gift really helps so much for us to keep doing that. God richly bless each and every one

of you. Thank you!UMCOR

100% of your gift will provide immediate relief and long-term support. UMCOR works with the United Methodist and international partners to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. This work is possible because

of the generous support of our donors.Turning Point

Please accept our gracious thank you for this generous gift. The funds you have provided will go to and

positively impact the victims from Pierce County and St. Croix County.

Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation."I am weak and poor, O Lord, but you have not for-gotten me. You are my Savior and my God-hurry to my aid." Psalm 40:17 Gog has blessed us with everything that we have yet there are many needs in the word. Your donation with help spread the love of God through many ministries that provide for the less fortunate.

Emma’s HopeThank you for your recent gift to Children's Cancer research Fund for Emma's Hope. Thank you for joining an extraordinary movement to strengthen hope for tomorrow.

Teens for ChristThank you so much for your partnership in reaching teens

with the gospel. Thanks again for being part of the ministry of Teens for Christ. Partnership in the gospel is a

precious gift to us.  Pierce County Hunger Prevention Council.

Thank you for your recent donation. It is very much appreciated. Thank you for the time and energy

interested in this donation.The United Methodist Foundation, Inc.

gratefully acknowledges your donation.

Care Center Birthday PartiesOver the years, the Ono Church has always celebrated the November and December birthdays at the Plum City Care Center. 

Other churches in the area also help out on the other months.  For the   Nov. 10th party,  

cakes were provided by Maxine Maxwell, Margie Sweeney (She said Mike made it) Renee Linse and Karla Steele.  Janice S.

brought the ice cream and Diane Johnson helped serve and clean up.  Great music was

provided by DuWayne Earney on the keyboard and

vocals.  There were 5 residents honored:  Lela Eggenberger, Lyle Gilles, Darrel Stewart,

Fern McCormack and Gerry Hoover.  Many family members were there for the party and several dancers showed up  and added to the

fun. 

We are scheduled for the Dec. party on the 8th.  Weather permitting, Shirley Temple will be tap dancing for the crowd.  We will need treats that day too.  Call Janice if you can

help with cakes, ice cream or serving.  The party begins at 3:30, but helpers can come around 3.  Visitors are always welcome.  

Thanks again everyone who make the birthday parties special.

God loves everyone, but probably prefers “fruits of the spirit” over

“religious nuts”!

Don’t give God instructions, just report for duty.

If God is your “Co-Pilot”, you’d better

swap seats!

JUST A LITTLE FUN

Men’s breakfast– At Ty Fishers-First Saturday of the month beginning

Jan. 2, 2016 . . .8:00-10:00

W2395 41110 Ave.Elmwood, WI 54740

For more information contact Ty at 715-821-0343

All Men Welcome

Ono/Plum City Church Council Fall Happenings

  It has been a busy Fall here at Ono/Plum City United Methodist Church.  August a meeting with a conference member Jim Wells to help with Stewardship in our church.  September 19th a successful Rummage Sale held at Plum City Legion Park.  October 7th a vote was taken by the Council to accept our mission statement.

Our mission is to create a community of believers committed to growing in faith and working to share God's love

and light in our world.

October 18th Charge Conference for Ono/Plum City and Maiden Rock United Methodist Churches was held at the Ono/Plum City Church. We met our new District Superintendent Kate Jones.

 

  October 22nd a letter was sent out about members helping with Fellowship. Involving being Greeters, ushers and serving treats of some kind in order to “Celebrate” together.  November 1st Fall Breakfast -Thanks to all who donated, worked and dined!  I would like to thank all the council members for their help over the years that I have been Chair of this committee. They all want the very best for this church (God's Church) and our community. They were always so willing to do what was needed. I would like to thank Donna Hoyt for all her years of service on the Parsonage committee. She has done such a good job in this capacity. Ty Fisher will take over the Chair of this committee with Donna Hoyt staying on as treasure. Thanks Donna and Ty!! 

2016 Lay Ministries and Leadership Leaders:Chairman: Lynette Traynor

Vice Chair: Margie SweeneyRecording Secretary: LuAnn Kopp

President UMW: Jill BechelChair of Finance: Julie Peterson

Treasure: Mike SweeneyFinancial Secretary: Joe Traynor

Charge Treasure (MOP): Marlene BakerSupt. Of Sunday School: Jill Bechel

Memorials: Lynette Traynor

Full list located by coat rack on side of sanctuary God's Blessing to each of you! Diane Johnson

• COUNTRY CHRISTMAS•Country Christmas in Maiden Rock was held Saturday, December 5, beginning with the Plum City-Maiden Rock Ambulance pancake breakfast held at Six String with proceeds going to the Ambulance service.  •Christmas Elves were at Hiawatha Bank from 9-12 with gifts for the children, and bank treats for all.  •Santa was at the Maiden Rock United Methodist church with candy for all the children, and the children had their pictures taken with Santa.  •All the businesses in the village had treats.  It is was a good day for everyone to come to Maiden Rock and explore the local business places.

Maiden Rock United Methodist Church

Coffee Break At Maiden Rock

The second Monday of each month is the date for our Coffee Break in our dining hall in Maiden Rock.

We have lots of coffee, sweets and treats, and lots of conversation starting at 9 until 10:30.

Come and join us.

Dec. 14, Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 14

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

A five o’clock candlelight service will be held on December 24 at the Maiden Rock Church.

We will be singing many of your favorite Christmas hymns and hear the Christmas story that never gets old.

Come and join us in the Christmas worship..

FALL CONCERTOur fall concert on November was enjoyed by a

large group coming from the area. Faith Ulwelling with her band play and sang songs for a two hour

concert, while guests listened to the music and enjoyed snacks, apple cider, and coffee.

Donations of $260.00 will be divided to fight malaria and probably our local food shelf.

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