pastor’s ponderings - constant...
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Pastor’s Ponderings
Central United
Methodist Church 201 S. 5th St.
Milbank, SD 57252
605-432-4766
Fall Worship Times
8:30 am Traditional
9:30 am Sunday School
9:30 am Small Group
Studies
10:30 am Blended
Lenten Services
6:30 pm Sanctuary
Lead Pastor – Rev. Thom Bowsher
Emergencies: 432-5363
Youth Pastor – Rev. Melissa Gall
Pastoral Care Pastor/Children’s
Minister – Kristy Liebe
Office Manager – Jen Aden
Office Assistant – Sandy MacMillan
Custodians – Todd & Peggy Morton
The following article is an excerpt from Homileticsonlinecom titled: “Innovating to Zero Sin”
While the apostle Paul does not use the phrase "innovating to zero" when writing to the Romans, he does say we should be working to eliminate sin from our lives. Many, however, think differently about sin today. We try to manage it, to control it. We pretend that there is some acceptable, tolerable level of sin allowed within our lives "We can't be perfect," we tell ourselves. "We're only human. "In fact, we don't even like to use the word "sin." Instead we use words like, mistake, misstep, blunder, gaffe, error and so on. Working toward minimizing sin in our lives is a good start, but it will not work for at least two reasons. First, sin is a powerful force that is impossible to control. Sin is not just something we do; it's an active and controlling impulse that is deeply rooted in our hearts. Paul talks about "the flesh," our sinful selves, and argues that because of this disposition, we'll never be able fully and completely to submit to the very high standards expressed in the law of God. this means that no matter how hard we try, we cannot control the sin in our lives. This is because our "sin actions" are generated by our "sin nature." To eliminate the former, we must eradicate the latter. Actually, the "sin nature" must be completely replaced with a new nature. Yet, even when, as children of God, we embrace our "new nature" as new creations in Christ, the old sin nature lurks. We all know this to be true. Second, the Bible tells us, all sin leads to death. That sounds dramatic, but it is true. Sin in our lives also has unintended and destructive consequences. While we are the ones who most often feel the pain of those consequences, sometimes others are deeply affected by our mess-ups. Like family relationships. Our professional life at the office. Our friends. Our life at school or in the classroom. What we do affects other people. Sin is dangerous. We must innovate to zero sin. The conundrum is this: The Bible says that we're sinners, and that to maintain that we are without sin makes us liars (1 John 1:7). On the other hand, Jesus tells us to be perfect "as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). (Continued on page 2)
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(Continued from Page 1)
So, what other discipline, what other organization, what other religion ... would tell us that we should work hard to achieve a goal which it also admits is impossible to achieve? That's
crazy. Or is it ... crazy? Maybe not.
If we break down our daily lives into sections, events or relationship transactions, we then
understand that if we're mindful and "in the moment," we can act in those moments in a sin-free manner. Imagine some situation. You have a choice in terms of how you're going to
respond. In that moment, it is absolutely possible for you to be perfect and sin-free! From 9 am to 10 am, let's say, it's possible to live sin-free. In some specific encounter with
an employer, employee or co-worker, it's possible to be sin-free. In a 16-hour day, therefore, it's
possible to live sin-free ... i.e. without an unkind thought, or an unkind action. You lived your
day one moment at a time, and succeeded every time! You innovated to zero!
Perhaps yesterday was not so good. Perhaps tomorrow, your sin nature will get the
better of you. The miracle is that we have a new nature, and by "practicing," we will find that
our "perfect" hours, our "perfect" days, become more frequent. By honoring our "Spirit" nature
rather than what Paul calls our "flesh" nature, we can indeed innovate to zero sin!
So, the more we can fill ourselves with the Spirit, the less room there is for the flesh, the
sin. As we listen to Jesus and walk in the Spirit, we will find that moment by moment, day by
day, we can, indeed, be sin-free! Awesome!
Growing in Christ, while serving Christ,
Pastor Thom Bowsher
“Count Your Blessings” During Lent 2017
Easter is Sunday, April 16, and it’s time to bring your offerings for the Lenten calendar of
blessings. You can place your offering in the Sunday offering plates or drop them off at the church
office anytime in the next couple of weeks. This year the entire Lenten offering will go to the "Kids
Helping Kids" project here at Central Church. Funds will help local families who are going through a
tough time, whether it be medical expenses, loss of a loved one, need of some extra groceries, or other
hardship. As you have spent the days of Lent focusing on your every-day blessings, please remember
those around you who may be hurting and in need of encouragement. The Missions Commission
thanks you for your support of the Kids Helping Kids Project.
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By Sheila Dailie
Do you remember your New Year’s resolution? Or what you gave up tor Lent?
Let me challenge you to join in on our Bible reading during April. Thrilling stories of Gideon
and only 300 men defeating the Midianites, sweet Samuel whose mother gave him back to
the Lord, David and Goliath, Saul being killed in battle and David finally comes to the
throne. Yet his family is in constant turmoil. Find out how God continues to be faithful even
to this unfaithful tribe.
Join us, with an easy-to-read format chronological Bible available in the Church
Office for $10.50. If you are on Facebook, ask to join the group for a short devotional
Monday through Friday based on the reading for the day.
See how God’s word can change your life.
By Sheila Dailie
There has been much discussion about prayer but rather than seeking to pray
better, we should seek the one to whom we pray. Follow David’s great example below.
Psalm 27:4
One thing have I asked of the LORD,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to inquire in his temple.
David’s deepest passion was not to get something from God, but to be with God
himself. May we learn to seek the Savior more than being saved.
Pray Without Ceasing
No longer will you need to remember to bring your checkbook or that seemingly nonexistent thing called “CASH” to church. ACH (automatic debit) giving is available at Central as an alternative to writing a check to the church each week or
month. You can elect to have a withdrawal done on the 1st or the 15th of each month. The sign-up forms can be found in the Church Office and periodically in the bulletins. For more information, please contact Adam Koplin or Jason Kettwig.
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Our People in Overseas Mission: Staff at Gess (Kissy) Eye Clinic Agape School for Boys, Kenya Solar Oven Partners, Dr. Emmanuel Mefor, Mutambara, Zimbabwe Mission
Our People in Care Facilities: Park Place:
Dorothy Bishop Dorothy Bracht Deloris Richards Lois Jean Miller
St. William’s: Marie Buri Wava Butler Del Cardwell Shirley Hanson Kathy Trapp Ruth Wibbens Verla Miller
Golden Living Center: Caroline Gommer Nadeane Buri
Long Term Prayer Requests: Cheryl Pauli Jesse Bergerud Ione Brehmer (mother of Renae Fox) Matthew Smith Mary Warrey (If you have any updates or know of a name that should be removed, please call the church office.)
Committee of the Month: Board of Trustees
Church of the Month: Living Word Lutheran
Total Budget Offering $44,514
Total Expenses $22,876
Back Pack $89
UMCOR $175
Gideons $210
Sunday School $115
Food Pantry $100
Zimbabwe $10,000
Gess Eye Clinic $125
Kids Helping Kids $1270
UMCOR Sunday $72
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Camp Facts
1. The Early Bird Signup deadline is May 1st (signing up for camp early saves both you and the church.)
2. The church will pay 2/3 of the cost to attend one church camp per camper, up to a maximum of $295.
3. All proceeds from the Camp Carnival help to fund camp scholarships which account for almost 1/3 of the Children’s Ministries annual budget ($13,000 was budgeted to help kids attend camp last summer.)
4. In 2016 our church helped send 85 campers to a camp. 5. Our goal for 2017 is to send 100 campers to camp!
“Throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10).
90 Day Tithing Challenge
Just a reminder to prayerfully consider signing up
for the 90 Day Tithing Challenge. The tithe is a very
practical and tangible way to put God first. If you are not
tithing already, a great way to start is with the 90 Day
Tithing Challenge. If God doesn’t hold true to His promises
of blessings when you take the 90 Day Challenge, Central
UMC will refund 100% of your tithe. No questions asked.
The sign-up sheets are located in the pew offering
envelope slots and in the Church Office. For more
information, contact Adam Koplin or Jason Kettwig.
Sign up for camp before the Early bird deadline of Friday, April 30.
VBS SAVE THE DATE
JULY 16 – 20
KIDS HOPE STARTING TO WIND DOWN
It is hard to believe that the school year is in its last nine weeks! Thank you so much to the faithful mentors and prayer partners! Kids Hope really does make a difference in so many lives.
Kristy would still love to train new people. We could get you ready for the next school year. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity!
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We are continuously trying to update our lists. Please notify the church office
with any additions or corrections 432-4766 or [email protected].
Apr. 1 April Staehling
Apr. 2 Tommy Holtquist
Rachel Schmieg
Apr. 3 Verne Foss
Heather Rise
Apr. 4 Cheryl Conrad
Steven Nomeland
Holden Eckberg
Apr. 5 Harvey Miner
Jody Kuper
Apr. 6 Yvonne Pauli
Allen Radtke
Maria Mogard
Apr. 8 Michael Miller
Travis Whitesitt
Apr. 9 Dan Lindholm
Donna Miner
Addie Farrell
Apr. 10 Allison Deboer
Apr. 12 Melanie Reiners
Mike Thronson
Apr. 13 Gary Ellingson
Apr. 14 Brian Trapp
Apr. 15 Ryan Barnhardt
Jessel Stengel
Dolly Peterson
Apr. 16 Eric Townsend
Scott Mueller
Landon Davis
Apr. 18 Jackson Hausauer
Apr. 7 Jim & Mary Dahl
Apr. 8 Chad & Amy Thue
Apr. 12 Scott & Sue Anderson
Apr. 15 Matthew & Kelli Korstjens
Apr. 20 Brian & Julie Ludwig
Bowsher, Thom & Deb Arlt, Benjamin & Kaylee Armitage, Lucy Bohn, Floyd Buri, Doug & Linda Cloos, Jim & Jolene Conrad, Cheryl
DeBoer, Brad & Samantha Foss, Verne & Bev Ganske, Terry & Darci Giesen, Robert & Michelle
Miner, Harvey & Donna Roehr, Ron & Jane Schultz, Dale & Barbara
Schneck, Brian & Sherri Skoog, Dick & Mary Stengel, Cal & Rhonda Trapp, Pat *Treis, Mildred
Van Lith, John & Gaile
Apr. 20 Alex Farrell
Lacey Kasuske
Apr. 21 Rebecca Trapp
Apr. 24 Delmer Cardwell
Barb Bohn
Doug Buri
Apr. 25 Leann Kuper
Tim Mundwiler
Jerelynn Steege
Miranda Holtquist
Apr. 26 Gloria Tillemans
Apr. 27 Lexie Joy Korstjens
Apr. 28 Brian Fox
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The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of Central functions as a group of people selected to supervise and maintain all the property of Central Church.
The current members of the board are a great group of people, each with a unique
skill set and ability to work on varying tasks, including everything from elevator repairs to
roof leaks, landscape improvement to building renovation’s, and last-but not least-
friendship to scholarship.
To work on a committee and with a church congregation that is so willing to share
their time, talents, and give promise of service to their fellow people and the property of the
church is truly a blessing.
As we go forward, we thank you for your suggestions and your thoughts about
church improvements and maintenance, and we appreciate your prayers during the month
of April.
“Save the Date” for Celebration Sunday!
This year, we are going to end Sunday School and begin
summer with a celebration! All of our children and youth have
been meeting “Milestones of Faith” throughout the year. Join us
during the Sunday School hour on May 21 for this celebration!
More details to come!
Fellowship and Service News
We installed a gas stove in the church kitchen three years ago, when we installed double
ovens. The burner controls for the stove cooktop turned on very easily. They were turned on
inadvertently three separate times. The church building was filled with gas each time. The Board of
Trustees along with the Fellowship and Service Committee replaced the gas stove with an electric
one for this safety and liability issue.
The Seasoned Citizens of
Central will meet next
on Thursday, April 6 at
10:30 am.
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Articles for the May issue of
Central Rays are due on
Tuesday, April 18.
Thanks for your participation in making a difference in our community and for taking a stand
against hunger. Over 1500 items and $290 was raised for the Grant County Food Shelf.
God bless you all,
Margaret Skoog
Thank you to everyone for their thoughts and prayers, help with and food gifts for the
Lenten Meal, and the financial gifts. We are honored and blessed to be a part of such a loving
church family. Deuteronomy 15:7 says “If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your
community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be
hard-heated or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor.” We have experienced such an
outpouring that we are feeling overwhelmed and humbled. You, as a church, are very generous
with your time, energy, and resources. I have seen it again and again since we started attending.
You truly exhibit giving spirits.
Thank you and God bless you all,
Doug & Jen Aden
As members of the Grant County Service Council, we want to say thank you to the numerous
people in our community who made the latest Grant County Food Giveaway a huge success.
Approximately 250 families were served by 75 volunteers ranging in age from age 6 to 84! We
were so fortunate to have representatives from so many of the local churches. Your enthusiastic
and capable service to others are His hands and feet to the Milbank Area. You all made a huge
difference in many lives.
God Bless you!
LeAnn Kuper and Brenda Maass
Food Giveaway Coordinators
Dear friends at Central,
Thank you so much for thinking of us during the loss of Brian’s dad. The meals are so
thoughtful. We feel so loved by our Milbank sisters and brothers in Christ.
Sincerely,
Pastor Brian, Meggan, & Kids
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Central UMC Sunday School,
The Safinatu Community Primary School staff, pupils, school management committee, and
parents with to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to you and all the congregation of the
Church for the gifts (school supplies).
These gifts will go a long way to improve the status of the School in terms of enrollment and
support the spread of God’s word.
Thank you for helping our School for a nation building and a brighter future for our children.
May God continue to bless the Church.
Thank you.
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Palm Sunday Fellowship Time
The Evangelism Commission invites EVERYONE from each worship service to a special coffee
and pastry fellowship time called “Holy Grinds” and “Heavenly Pastries” on Palm Sunday, April 9.
Serving will begin after first service and continue until 10:30 am. All Sunday School classes are
invited.
Come early and enjoy some “Coffee and Pastry Fellowship Time” with one another!
Easter Services Schedule
Lenten Series “The Easter Experience” continues at 6:30 pm
April 5 - "I Have the Promise of Eternal Life" April 12 - "My Hope is Secure"
_____________________________________ Palm Sunday – April 9
Maundy Thursday – April 13, at 6:30 pm Good Friday - April 14, at 7:00 pm Combined Service at Parkview UMC Easter Vigil (Youth Led)– Saturday, April 15, at 6:30 pm Easter Sunday – April 16, at 8:30, 10:00, & 11:30 am
Please note: There will be No Sunday School on Easter Sunday.
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Camp Sunday
On Sunday, April 23 we will hold a Carnival to raise money for Camp Scholarships. The Camp
Carnival will take place during the Sunday School hour from (No Sunday School that day) 9:45 –
10:45 am in the Fellowship Hall. There will be LOTS of fun games and activities! These will include
annual favorites such as the Toilet Paper and Ring Tosses, a Duck Pond, and the Candy Bar Walk, along
with NEW GAMES like The Sponge and Javelin Throws, Target Golf, and a Lollipop Tree. Tickets will
cost .25¢ each or 5 tickets for $1.00. Make plans to come dressed in your camp clothes and bring your friends to enjoy a great morning together! Our Camp Coordinators, Terra Kettwig and Jeny Koplin,
will be available to answer any questions and help you get registered for camp. Vonda (the boat driver)
Bjorklund from Lake Poinsett will be speaking at both the 8:30 and 11:00 am services. All are
welcome!
New Small-Group Opportunities
Starting Thursday, April 20, Deb Bowsher will lead a small-group through a study guide for the
book “The Shack” by William Paul Young. The group will meet Thursdays at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship
Hall. A sign-up sheet is at the Welcome Center – please sign up by Sunday, April 16 to join this group!
On Sunday, April 23, during the Sunday School hour (9:30 am – 10:30 am), Jen Aden and Sheila
Dailie will begin a small-group study through Adam Weber’s new book, “Talking with God: What to
Say When You Don’t Know How to Pray.” Adam is the Lead Pastor of Embrace Church in Sioux Falls,
SD. A sign-up sheet for this study is also at the Welcome Center – please sign up by Sunday, April 16 to
be a part of this study!
Sunday, April 16
No Sunday School
Join us for Worship at
8:30, 10:00, or
11:30 am ____________________
Sunday, April 23
No Sunday School
Join us for
Camp Carnival
In the Fellowship Hall
Thank You
Kids Helping Kids would like to thank everyone that came to the pirate party on March 24. It was a great success! We raised $1,500 that will help many families in our community. Thank you to everyone that donated food items, baskets, and your time! Again, thank you all, this couldn't have happened without everyone’s support!
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Central Book Club
The Central Book Club is now reading
“Left Behind.” We will meet to discuss this
book at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, April 18, in the
Fellowship Hall. Anyone can join us to receive
the May book, “The Prayer Box” by Lisa
Wingate. There is no cost to you to join the
Book Club. Central Church will provide the
books and all that is asked is a free will
donation. If you are interested in joining, please
call Jen in the Church Office at 432-4766 so that
we can be sure to have a book for you.
Where Can You Find Us?
Television: Radio: ITC Cable Channel 95 KMSD 1510
Mondays at 10:00 am & 7:00 pm Sundays at 11:00 am
Midcontinent Cable Channel 3
Sundays at 5:30 pm www.milbankchurch.org
Mondays at 11:30 am #graceiscentral Tuesdays at 2:30 pm
Solar Ovens for Mother’s Day
The Missions Commission is encouraging gifts for the Solar Oven Project for Mother’s Day this
year. Gifts can be given in memory or in honor of a loved one. Forms will be available prior to Mother's
Day to designate your gift. The cost of an oven including shipping is approximately $150. Any gifts
to this program are appreciated and assist in providing ovens which allow a family to prepare
nutritious food for their families using the power of the sun. On Sunday, April 30, Rick Jost and Marj
Evans DeCarpio will be sharing in both services, here at Central Church, about the Solar Oven
Project. A new project is being planned for Sierra Leone. They will share about the plans for that
project and also hope to demonstrate an oven if the sun is shining! Don't miss this exciting opportunity
to honor your Mom and make a difference in the life of another family.
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SUNDAYS
8:30 am Traditional
Worship
9:30 am Sunday School
9:30 am Small Group
Studies
10:00 am Prayer Group
10:30 am Blended
Worship
MONDAYS
9:00 am The Gathering 5:30 pm CBS Leader’s Meeting 7:00 pm CBS Classes
TUESDAYS
6:30 am Men’s Study
9:15 am Staff Meeting
2:30 pm Life Quest
WEDNESDAYS 3:30 pm MS yoUnited 5:15 pm Lenten Meal 6:00 pm JAM Activities 6:00 pm HS yoUnited
6:00 pm Lenten Service
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Central United
201 South 5th St.
Milbank, SD 57252
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In This Issue:
• Pastor’s Ponderings
• Youth Page
• Small Groups
• Central Book Club
• Pray Without Ceasing
• Birthdays & Anniversaries
• Thank You Notes
• Fellowship & Service Group
• Calendar
• Finance News
Ap
ril - 20
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