Page 1 The Circuit Rider

Pastor’s Message pg 1

Worship Schedule pg 2

Music Ministry pg 2

Worship Attendance pg 2

Christian Education pg 3

Youth Group pg 4

Trailblazers pg 5

Confirmation Sunday pg 5

Graduation Sunday pg 5

Trustee Update pg 6

Earth Day Event! pg 7

SUMC Garden pg 7

UMW 2020 MIssions pg 8

May Mission Moments pg 8

UMW & UMM Updates pg 8

PE Scholarships pg 9

NAMI Walks 2021 pg 10

Prayer Requests pg 11

May Birthdays pg 11

Let’s Serve Together! pg 11

May 2021 Circuit Rider Circuit Rider

My Friends,

Once again we find ourselves moving from one season to another. Not long ago we remember the Ides of

March, though it is a day mostly lost to history. Perhaps you cling rather to Saint Patrick’s Day or the modern

day world of March Madness. In all of these, legends are made and some are lost.

For now we have gone through some strange days beginning with April fools. A right month of moving from

ice fishing to open water. Showers of rain and snow waiting for the flowers of the meadow, spring track,

baseball and lacrosse. So many things to do and see in a world of change. In the words are the hidden gems

of spring turkey season and the blessing of the elusive morel mushroom. These are the days of our world

which appear to all and yet there is more to be seen, felt and experienced. Even the hunt for eggs which

leads to this:

We have moved through Lent and walked in heart, mind and soul through Holy Week to the blessed Easter.

This blend of secular and holy might seem to be separate and distinct, and to that I would agree. They

appear separate, and can remain separate, if you choose to keep them so. God has given to us the freedom

to put all into compartments and to separate one from another. It is this gift of free will that is so amazing it

often slides by without even a glance. It is not God who chose to turn away from a blessed relationship with

Creation. We chose to go our separate way and then God still held out hope with a grand and awesome

surprise, Easter! We might call it the “wow” factor, but that would risk being confused with the Wow factor

from the 1977 Big Ear Radio Observatory. Then again maybe that might help.

In 1977 there was a sound in the Universe, a blip picked up and noted on paper as “Wow.” For many this

was a possible contact with others from beyond earth. The extraterrestrial factor. Scientists now believe the

blip can be explained by a passing comet. So most are content and satisfied with this explanation after 40

years of research.

In our journey of life I believe some still look for this kind of an answer for faith, hope, joy and love. Perhaps

such an answer may be found, but I have serious doubts.

Though our “Wow” factor occurred for all of us on Easter there remains much to be experienced and lived, it

truly is all Wow! From the call of the turkey in the woods to the road work of spring. All points to a change

in our daily world and life. God is over all and through all and in all. This is not the Star Wars “Force” this is

the writer of Ephesians in chapter 4 reminding us of who we are as God’s children.

So to wrap up some thoughts of May as we move to graduation and summer and the end of the school year,

embrace the fullness of God, the fullness of Life.

Get the boats ready. Wax the surf boards. Clean the lawn mower. Plant the garden seeds. Take a walk in

the woods. Ride your motorcycle. Ride your bike. Do all of this and more. As you do, remember in your joy

and celebration of life, God is right there with you. Laughing, Loving, and Living into the fullness of all God

has made –including you!

Shalom

Ken

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Worship Schedule

May 2, 2021, Communion Scripture: John 15:1-8

Message: Trimming the Tomatoes

by Pastor Ken

May 9, 2021 -Mother’s Day

Scripture: TBD Message: TBD

by Phil Kakacek

May 16, 2021—Confirmation Sunday Scripture: John 17:6-19

Message: Quadrilateral of Hope

by Pastor Ken

May 23, 2021—Graduation Sunday Scripture: John 15:26-27

John 16:4-15

Message: When the Spirit Comes by Pastor Ken

May 30, 2021

Scripture: John 3:1-17 Message: No One Sees, Unless

by Pastor Ken

Music Ministry

APRIL WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

8:00 AM 9:30 AM Total

April 4 (Easter) 50 (7AM) 93 (9AM) 143

April 11 22 29 51

April 18 23 25 48

April 25 31 30 61

Music is happening at SUMC! Remember when we were thinking...How much longer will this

pandemic shut down last before we can return to church? Well, not everything is completely

back to normal but we have been making great strides in the last few months!

When church first started to meet in person, we had no singing at all and only the piano played. Now, during the services, there are currently three times for the congregation to sing. We have an opening hymn, a quieting song, and a closing hymn.

Chancel Choir has been rehearsing once a week, on Mondays, at 7:30 p.m. We sing at one Sunday service each week. Choir members are masked. We sing a variety of repertoire and have fun! We will sing regularly through May and then occasionally throughout the

summer.

The Youth Choir was able to meet 3 times this Spring before kids’ schedules changed with activities. Although we weren’t able to sing in any services this year, I look forward to the Fall when we can start up again. We had about 7 or 8 kids at each of the times we met, which was great!

We have enjoyed beautiful brass music twice during our services. Once, as an accompaniment to the choir and the other as a solo piece.

Nothing in life is stagnant and there is always change. Thank goodness for that! Think how

boring it would be if things were the same every day. Remember the 1993 film Groundhog Day

with Bill Murray? Murray portrays Phil Connors, a cynical TV weatherman sent to do a story

about Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. While there, he gets stuck in a “time

loop” where he relives February 2nd over and over. While being funny, it is also a reminder to

us. So, while everyone enjoys things that are the same and familiar, we really don’t want

EVERYTHING to stay the same. We would much prefer to have elements of life that are familiar

and comfortable but with a few changes. That is how I wish to move things at SUMC. Still have

the oldies but goodies and offer a few new great things as well.

One example of that is on May 9th. One favorite of our church family and the choir is to sing

“Song of Ruth” on Mother’s Day. I am bringing back that tradition and the choir will sing at both

services that day. Then, for something newer, on Graduation Sunday we will sing a medley of

“Be Still My Soul” with “You Raise Me Up”, by Josh Groban. We have already sang songs in the

Spiritual-style and I have sung contemporary Christian songs as solos. I want to continue to offer

a variety of styles to our congregation to enjoy and participate in. I’ll keep adding new, but

promise to always keep some parts that are familiar and comfortable!

I invite anyone who would like to sing or play an instrument for worship this summer to contact

me! (angie@soloniaumc.org) I’ll work with you to help find music, rehearse, or whatever is

needed! I always tell people that playing at church is like playing for your family. They will love

you no matter what! So, dust off that old guitar and let’s make some music.

Music is such an important aspect of our lives. I’m thankful that I get to help share that with all

of you every week. I love that we are singing and sharing together!

Musically in Christ,

Angie Grecian-Bransky

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Christian Education

United Methodist

Women

Christian Education has had a busy March and April. We have been doing lots of different events to serve all of the age groups. I actually put on an event called Camp Sunday! On Sunday, March 28th, I spoke in church about why kids should go to camp and to encourage them to give it a try. One of the fun things that the Sunday school kids got to do was experience what camp was like. They got to experience what it was like to sleep in a tent, ask questions and even make smores. I received lots of positive comments about how fun it was.

As our youth programs draw to a close for this year I have been reflecting on my time with Solon UMC. When I started in August of 2020 I was very interested to learn how the church had adapted to the restrictions of the pandemic and how I could engage the youth during those unprecedented times. One of the main reasons I took this position was to be able to meet the kids and have them be able to get closer to God. After discussion with staff and other church members about a plan of action I got going. First there was not a middle school youth group leader so I took that over. I was nervous at first, but I ended up getting comfortable with the kids and truly enjoying our Wednesday nights together. When I first started the middle school youth group in October there were only two kids attending. Now seven months later there are between 13-15 youth that attend. I am truly blessed with this group. Fun activities along with a Christian message and inclusive environment have enabled this group to grow (word of mouth about how much fun we have helps too). I have also grown close with a lot of the Sunday school kids. I first started meeting the Sunday school kids when I did to-go bags during the middle of August. It even got to the point where I would go out and deliver to-go bags for the kids since not a lot of parents could get to the church to pick them up. That was one of the ways I met the kids’ parents and to let them know about events happening at the church. I was so excited when we were able to have in person Sunday school. One of the kids’ favorite things that I do on Sunday mornings is visit each classroom, they love to show me what they have been doing. I also spend some Sunday’s teaching 2nd and 3rd grade Sunday school. Speaking of Sunday school teachers I want to give a quick shout-out to Jen Hawks, Katie Deike, Jill Schmidt, Jill Weetman, Kera Recker, Hudson Ludvigson, and Dave Weetman for being awesome Sunday school teachers. We honestly could not have done it without you, so thank you. As it says on the teacher workroom door, “touch the future and teach Sunday school!” I believe that the success of our trial run of Trailblazers in April, the Middle School Youth group and the thriving High School Youth group are truly reflective of the quality youth we have in our congregation. I LOVE being a part of their growing relationship with God. The youth programs ended on April 28th (Youth Group and Trailblazers) and May 2nd (Sunday school breakfast) to take a break for the summer. I am sad that the youth programs are ending for this school year, but when I look back on this experience, I smile and am happy because we managed to work around the coronavirus and continue to have and grow the programming for the youth. To say that we were suc-cessful this year is amazing! We are planning our summer activities (Vacation Bible School in early August, and some fun church activities in June and July), so stay tuned!

Blessed Be To God,

Sam Bierman

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Well, that's a wrap on another great year of High School Youth Group! It's been a challenging year in so many ways, but youth group has been a positive highlight each week! We hope the youth feel the same. We all have learned a lot about one anoth-er and have seen God working in each other's lives this year. We are thankful and know we are blessed. We pray for the sen-iors leaving this year, they have been a fun group to have and we can't wait to see how God leads them in their futures. Here are a few pictures from our time together. Thank you for your support, your prayers and your encouragement. We will be back in September, ready for another year growing in Christ's love and building our faith foundation!

Blessings Jenn Stiegelmeyer

April has been a good month for middle school youth group. After helping with the Easter Egg hunt, we had some

good discussions that relate to our everyday lives. First, we talked about change, and played a game called, “Do

Not Drop the Peanut. Next, we talked about Fear and did a fun game called The Bean Boozled Challenge with j

ellybeans. The jellybeans are the same color, but one could taste good, and the other does not taste good at all.

On April 21st, we talked about worry and played a game called Traffic Jam. We finished the year on April 28 th with

a cookout, and some fun games. Youth Group will take a break for the summer, and

then we will back in session beginning in September.

The kids have such a fun time at youth group and look

forward to it every week.

Blessings,

Sam Bierman-Christian Education Director

Thank you to the Richards Family for your selfless service in organizing, shopping

for, cooking and serving Wednesday Night Meals. You are a wonderful example

for all and we appreciate you!

We want to also thank the many other volunteers that helped get this program

up and running again. Team work makes the dream work!

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SUMC will have our Annual Graduation Sunday, including our Senior

Slide Show on Sunday May 23rd.

Please plan to come share and encourage our graduating seniors as they

celebrate their accomplishments and look toward the next chapter in

their lives.

SUMC will be confirming two confirmands on Sunday May 16th.

Please join us to show them our congregational support in their faith

journey. Confirmation will take place at our 9:30 AM worship service.

It has officially been over a year since Trailblazers was last held. I had been putting it on the back

burner for sometime and finally realized that it was time to start it back up again. On April 7th, I

started Trailblazers as an afterschool program. The program would go from 3:05-5:30 on Wednesday

afternoons leading up to the Family Meals. I started Trailblazers as a “test-run” to see if their would

be any people interested in signing up their kids for this program. I ended up having 11 kids attend

the program. Throughout the month of April, we learned about The Fruit of Spirit and 4 major words

that relate to it. We talked about Love, Joy, Peace and Patience. One of the kids’

favorite part was acting out the bible stories each week. We also

made some interesting snacks as well that went along with the

lesson-ice cream sundaes, fruit streamers, fruit loop snacks, and

fruit salad. Since, this event was successful, I plan to start it back

up in the fall!

Thanks to Everyone who participated,

Blessings,

Sam Bierman-Christian Education Director

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Trustee Update The Trustees want to thank Karen McGill for volunteering to provide leadership and oversight of the Velma Beck Garden in addition to leading the Food Pantry Garden committee. Key input was provided by Penny Tompkins and Barb Kalm to make this happen. Others providing feedback were Ron Puettmann and Marilyn Hansen. Plans are in process to seek approval for replacement of the Velma Beck Garden shed with a new one , including a cement pad.

Installation of new sanctuary windows started April 21st with install of one window only to make sure measurements and fit are proper. Once the first window is in-stalled , the next windows will be put on order and installed within a month or so. These new windows will maintain the gothic look, maintain the interior wood trim, low maintenance and easier to clean. The outside wood trim of the windows will be replaced with white PVC type material that requires no painting.

T&K Roofing from Ely has been contracted to repair the damaged FLC entry gutter, facia and cleaning of the building’s gutters and downspouts.

Plans are in process of repairing and painting the lower interior walls off the FLC where there was moisture damage due to poor drainage around the FLC building for some time. The drainage issue was fixed over year ago by Jay Proffitt and his company.

This year’s lawn contract was awarded to our janitor Ruben Galvan, Tom Wilson who had mowed and trimmed the FLC property lawns resigned.

Two parsonage stumps were removed this spring and ground up, scheduled by Al Hulse.

The renovation of the church entry ramp, sidewalk and entryway is being scheduled for this summer. A planning meeting was held March 29th with the city officials and contractors involved to discuss final plans and drawings. The general contractor (Home Repair Team) is in process of submitting the drawings and plans to the city for approval of required permits.

The church hosted another Covid Vaccine Clinic on April 9th and 30th at the FLC building providing estimated 300 doses.

Big thank-you’s go out to the following: -Penny Tompkins and Barb Kalm for their ideas and continued volunteer work on the Velma Beck Garden -Karen McGill for taking on oversight and leadership of both the Food Pantry and Velma Beck Gardens -Dolfi Kalm for leading the sanctuary window replacement project -Al Hulse for leadership of the FLC interior wall repair and painting project along with numerous other projects needed for the church and FLC -Barb & Dolfi Kalm for weed removal, plant trimming and leaf removal of the northside of the Fellowship Hall, church window wells and behind the facility AC units

-Al Hulse and Mike Turner for their involvement and feedback on the church entry renovation project

-Jill Weetman for organizing our second clinic with much help provided from her husband Dave, Sam Bierman, Lindy Hopp, Marilyn Hansen, Sue and Joe Wil-kinson, Kera Recker, Wayne Anderson, Ruben Galvan. I apologize for missing oth-ers that were involved from our church and friends of our Church!

Blessings, Paul Miller- Trustees Chairperson

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The Solon United Methodist Church garden has been providing fresh produce since our pantry opened in 2012. The

garden produced 395.5 pounds in 2018, 410.7 pounds in 2019 and 1000 lbs in 2020!!! Every vegetable that they har-

vest comes to the Solon Food Pantry and goes out to our pantry families.

If you would like to help with the garden or have items to donate, please contact Karen at the phone number or email

below. We are always looking for more volunteers to help out. Help is always welcome.

Some of the next steps are to prepare the garden, plant the seeds and plants, add straw

around the plants to reduce the weeding. Then in late June thru September, picking the

produce to give to the Food Pantry. Help is always welcome anytime whether you want to

help one time or weekly.

If anyone is interested in helping with the vegetable garden or has questions, please contact

Karen McGill at kmcgill787@gmail.com or 319-329-4578

EARTH DAY AT LAKE MACBRIDE!

SUMC VEGETABLE GARDEN

We had a beautiful day for our Annual

Community clean up event at Lake

Macbride on Sunday April 18th! We had

about a dozen volunteers show up, and

while our numbers weren’t large, the

amount of work that got done was pretty

impressive! Volunteers raked and picked up

sticks and trash at the park, helping get the

main lodge ready for rentals for the busy

season. Thanks to all who came! If you

missed this event be sure to watch out for it

next spring!

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United Methodist Women

UMW will meet on May 5 at 1:30 pm in Fellowship

Hall. Verlee will have the program A Call to Prayer &

Self-Denial. Hostesses are Yvonne and Mary. We hope

everyone will feel comfortable coming.

UNITED METHODIST MEN

We continue to meet at Fellowship Hall Saturday

mornings at 6:00 AM. Join us!

Interested? - call Mike Turner at (319) 624-2061.

MISSION MOMENTS FOR MAY

MAY 2 – GOLDEN CROSS SUNDAY: To fund grants to local churches and community groups to celebrate health and

welfare ministries in the annual conference.

MAY 16 – RURAL LIFE SUNDAY: Celebrates the rural heritage of the United Methodist Church and recognizes

“the ongoing crisis occurring in rural areas of the nation and the world today.”

Put your Mission donations in the labeled envelopes provided in the pews or mark “Mission” on your check and drop

them in the offering plate on Sundays!

Even with the virus cancelling most of our meetings, we managed to stay in touch and do for those less fortunate than we are. In

2021 we will continue to support Bridgehaven with blanket sets and NICU with fitted sheets. If you would like to participate please

contact one of our members, all are welcome!

Total Product Value in 2020: $3,704.62

Bridgehaven $200.00 value (Baby blankets and bibs)

Iowa City Shelter House $425.50 Hygiene products

(supported by congregation) and masks

Solon Nursing Care Center $301.00 Adult bibs and masks

Midwest Mission $555.00 masks

Solon UMC $320.00 Masks

Mercy Hospital Cedar Rapids $620.00 Masks

Mercy Hospital Iowa City $150.00 Masks

U of I Neonatal Intensive Care Unit $987.12 Baby crib sheets, hats and booties

Red Scarf Project for prior foster care students now in continued education $140.00

UMW MISSIONS SUMMARY 2020

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Permanent Endowment Scholarship

2021 SUMC PE Scholarships

The Permanent Endowment Committee is pleased to announce the

2020 recipients of $500 Scholarships to assist graduating seniors as

they pursue their dreams. This year’s awards go to:

Jude Johnson, Selma Kleinsmith

& Westen Stiegelmeyer

Did you know?... The Permanent Endowment Scholarship program of the Solon United Methodist Church (SUMC) is intended to provide financial assistance to members who have graduated from high school and intend to pursue postsecondary education at an accredited two-year or four-year institution of higher education.

The Permanent Endowment Committee of the SUMC administers the scholarship program. The committee establishes the procedures by which the program is administered, and it determines both the number of awards to be made each year and the amount of each award. The committee also determines the recipients based on the recommendations of a selection committee.

The Scholarship Selection Committee is comprised of three individuals: the SUMC pastor, the director of the high school youth program, and a member of the Permanent Endowment Committee, appointed by that committee. The latter is the chair of the selection committee.

A scholarship check will be written to the college identified on each recipient’s application form. The checks will be sent to recipients for their use in paying tuition and fees at the institution to whom the check is made out.

This scholarship is a great opportunity for students to get a head start on expenses for college. Thank you to those who applied.

Thank you to all currently serving on the Permanent Endowment Committee: Richard Novak, Paul Saupe, Garret Locke, Ivan Hasselbusch, Keela Herr and Kris Kucera. We appreciate ALL you do!

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Don’t Miss Out!! Time is running out to donate to our community team Solon Striders: Walking with Purpose on the virtual NAMIwalk May 22. All donations directly support the mission of Johnson County National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) which focus on supporting education and resources for people experiencing mental illness. The pandemic has increased the need for mental health services and this is one way YOU CAN HELP!

Event: NAMI WALK Event Date: Saturday, May 22, 2021

Route Distance: NAMIWalks Your Way Location: Virtual!

Participate in NAMIWalks Johnson & Linn County through social and our live feeds!

Event Time Start time: 11:00am

For more information, go to https://www.namiwalks.org/team/Solon_Striders

The link will take you to a page that contains details of the walk as well as links to register (“Join our Team”) and to donate to this event (“Support Us”).

If you have any questions, contact Keela Herr at keela.herr@gmail.com or 319-389-5173.

Thank you for your support.

Together We CAN Make a Difference!

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Prayers and Celebrations May Birthdays

Birthday Announcements Do you have a birthday in this month but don’t see your birth-day listed? Contact the Church at soloniaumc@gmail.com. Be sure to give your month, day, and year. We need your birth year to be able to enter in the software.

In Our Prayers

Deb Ruff’s Mom’s husband Larry having health issues.

Prayers for our Nation following so much continued gun violence.

Traveling mercies for family members of Al Hulse.

Verlee after losing a friend last month.

Lane who had surgery.

Virginia Geers who had surgery the end of April.

Hallie Mottinger 05/01

Winnie Hofsommer 05/02

Tiedemann, Melissa 05/03

Grace Allen 05/04

Greg Kunkel 05/04

Laurie Stebral 05/04

Braden Haugland 05/06

Jace Janssen 05/11

John Lighty 05/14

Adam Gerdin 05/16

Jenna Wear 05/16

Roger Swartzendruber 05/17

Malinda Noska 05/18

John Radenbaugh 05/19

Paul Saupe 05/19

Adam Smith 05/21

Noah Bishop 05/22

Ethan Swan 05/22

Mason Stahle 05/24

Janet Stock 05/25

Elena Swan 05/25

Dan Boggs 05/30

Luke Deike 05/30

Wayne Anderson 05/31

Rejoices & Thanksgiving

Verlee Lauderbaugh who celebrated her birthday in April.

The Adam Hopp family as he returned home from an 11 month deployment on April 13th.

For the ability to congregate!

Hearing music here at church again!

All who helped with the church clean up and Lake Macbride cleanup.

Prayers of thanksgiving lifted up by Virginia Geers for her return to our Church.

The local COVID vaccination clinics and all the volunteers!

Prayer Requests The SUMC family wants to support and encourage you throughout your time of need. If you have a prayer request, please call the church office at (319) 624-2288, or email at soloniaumc@gmail.com us with your request.

LET’S SERVE TOGETHER! June 10th and

11th our Youth will be participating in

“Work Days” in Cedar Rapids in conjunction

with Matthew 25, focusing on derecho clean

up...AND WE WANT YOU TO JOIN! Please

consider taking a day to serve selflessly! We

are partnering with Shueyville UMC in

providing volunteers for this much needed

project. After working, all volunteers are invited to Shueyville UMC Thursday

for supper and then to Solon UMC for a

cookout Friday. See the sign up sheet in

the narthex or contact the church for more

information!

**We need to submit numbers to Matthew

25 so the signup deadline is May 10th!**

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Church Phone: (319) 624-2288 Address: 122 North West St., Solon, IA 52333

Website: www.soloniaumc.org Facebook: Solon United Methodist Church—Iowa

Instagram: soloniaumc

Rev. Ken Ferguson, Lead Minister 712-790-9738 Sam Bierman, Christian Education Director Angie Grecian-Bransky, Music Director Lindy Hopp, Office Administrator Jenn Stiegelmeyer, High School Youth Ministries Sam Bierman, Middle School Youth Ministries Hsin-Hui Liu, Accompanist Mary Kucera, Director of Hand Bells Ivan Hasselbusch, Treasurer Ruben Galvan, Custodian Lisa Hilton, Security Lindy Hopp, Nursery Supervisor Nursery Staff, Annika K, Cassandra M, Selma K & Alex L

Making disciples of Jesus Christ

for the transformation

of our world

Return Service Requested

122 North West St., Solon, IA 52333

MAY CIRCUIT RIDER

Sunday Schedule

8:00 & 9:30 AM—Worship