Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Post Office Box 127 Viroqua, WI 54665 PHONE: 608-637-3551 (Office/Kris) 608-638-7627/Office/Pastor Jean) FAX: 608-638-3651 E-mail: info@ViroquaUMC.org Website: www.ViroquaUMC.org info@ViroquaUMC.org

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Liberty Pole United Methodist Church– 9:00 A.M.

Viroqua United Methodist Church– 10:30 A.M.

SUNDAY SCHOOL Liberty Pole UMC– 9:15 A.M.

Viroqua UMC– Adults-9:00 A.M., Children-10:45 A.M.

Address Label

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Organization

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Viroqua, Wisconsin

54665

Permit Number 11

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THE CROSS & THE FLAME

Viroqua UMC offers 2 Sunday school classes from 9:00 am - 10:00 am Prayer Meeting, every Thursday - 1:15 pm

August 2016 EVENTS

August Calendar enclosed

THE CROSS & THE FLAME

P.O. Box 127, Viroqua, WI 54665 August 2017

Viroqua &

Liberty Pole

United Methodist Churches

Viroqua & Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Mission Statement

The Viroqua & Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches exist for the purpose of carrying out Christ’s Great Commission by ena-

bling all who come to personally know the joy of God’s love and forgiveness and to lovingly share this joy in the fellowship of the

church and in reaching people throughout the world.

Dear Friends,

Galatians 5:1 states, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm,

then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery”, and

Galatians 5:13 states, “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters.

Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love

serve one another.”

Christianity is about freedom. The son of God took our flesh to free it. To

free us from every form of enslavement: from all that keeps a child of God from being properly

human, genuinely divine: from all that bars us from oneness with God, with each other, with the

whole of God’s creation. We are given freedom from all that makes us either enslaved or enslav-

ers; freedom from sin – from original sin and personal sin and social sin.

We are freed, in Christ, from the sin of Adam, from the sin that rises from our own hearts, from

the sin that surges up from unjust social, economic, and political structures. This is at the heart

of why God walked the earth, why the Church circles the globe. “Christ has set us free”.

The Christian context of freedom, the human context of liberation, is not for self, but for the

“other”. We have been set free to serve God. We have been set free from sin to be servants of

God and serve others; whoever that may be. If you want to know how free you are, ask yourself

a single question: how much of your life is service? How much do you help other people?

There is a profound difference between slavery and service. Paul summed it up: “through love

serve one another.”

Christ has liberated us once and for all from the snare of sin and death and by His death and

resurrection, has blessed us with the incredible gift of eternal, abundant life! We experience true

freedom in Christ by knowing Him, walking in His ways, and engaging with the changes He

makes in and through our lives as we focus on service to Him and to others. This freedom trans-

cends this world, providing peace in this life and freedom with Christ forevermore. (Continued on

Page 3)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS August Scriptures.........................................................pg. 3

Viroqua Trustees Committee Minutes.......................pg. 4

A Big Thank You..........................................................pg. 4

Apportionments—Viroqua & Liberty Pole................pg. 4

Anniversaries, Births, Birthdays.................................pg. 5

Newsletter deadline for September...........................pg. 5

Stewardship Retreat....................................................pg. 6

Bishop Jung’s Interfaith Bus Trip................................pg. 6

Vacation Bible School-Aug. 8th....................................pg. 7

Prayer Vigil @ V (Theme: School Year),....................pg. 7

A Place in the Pulpit—Archives Retreat Sept. 8-9.....pg. 8

Thank You Letter from UMCOR.................................pg. 9

Confirmation Class Update........................................pg. 10

Liberty Pole UMW Minutes........................................pg. 10

August Calendar............................... ..........................pg. 11

The Cross & The Flame is published monthly by the Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches for our congregation and friends. We welcome you

with open hearts, open minds and open doors.

VIROQUA UMC/OFFICE

221 S. Center Ave.

Viroqua, WI 54665

Phone: 608-637-3551

Fax: 608-638-6351

Email: info@ViroquaUMC.org

www.ViroquaUMC.org

OFFICE HOURS 9:00 a.m . - 1:00 p.m. Monday & Wednesday

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday

9:00 a.m. - Noon on Thursday & Friday

LIBERTY POLE UMC S 6759 St. Hwy. 27

Viroqua, WI 54665

Phone: 608-675-3630

STAFF Jean Waldron, Pastor

Parsonage Phone: 608-637-7614

Pastor’s Direct Line: 608-638-7627

Email: jeanlwaldron@gmail.com

Kristin Potochick, Secretary Office Phone: 608-637-3551

Email: info@ViroquaUMC.org

Liberty Pole UMC Service Assistants

Ushers/Greeters Aug. 6th - Brian & Tammy Gardner Aug. 13th - Brian & Tammy Gardner Aug. 20th - Eldon & Judy Gardner Aug. 27th - Eldon & Judy Gardner Liturgist - Sandy Marohl

Viroqua UMC Service Assistants

Ushers Aug. 6th - David & Lorna Peterson Aug. 13th - Ardith Olson & Janet Welch Aug. 20th - Chuck & Mary Mulvaney-Kemp Aug. 27th - Gloria Freilinger & Minie Hirschfield Greeters Aug. 6th - Annabel McGarry Aug. 13th - David Peterson Aug. 20th - Pat Matz Aug. 27th - Jolene Gudgeon Liturgist - Joanne Hornby

John Wesley Fact - Think Your Work is Hard?

REF: http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/151350.John Wesley “I want to know one thing, the way to heaven; how to land safe on that happy

shore. God Himself has condescended to teach the way; for this end He came from heaven. He hath written it down in a book. Give me that book! At any price give me the Book of God!”

THE FLAME and THE CROSS 11

10 THE FLAME and THE CROSS

Confirmation Class—July 22nd

The Confirmation class met on Saturday, July 22nd with many in attendance. We covered the

introduction to the following books: Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, II Corinthians, and Galatians.

Snacks were provided by Pastor Jean followed by a recreational time of hide-and-go-seek. The

confirmands are encouraged to keep studying their homework and keep up their church attend-

ance. Pastor Jean

Liberty Pole UMW Minutes—July 11th

Present: Barb Robson, Alice Diehl, Fae Zitzner, Joyce Funk, Lynn Zitzner, Sandy Marohl, Kimberly Eick, Judy Erickson, Tamie Thompson

Opened with Purpose.

Secretary’s Report read: Corrections made: Kimberly Eick; motion carried related to chicken dinner. Approved with corrections.

Treasurer’s Report: Balance is $1,366.85. Approved

Old Business:

-Add to minutes that in addition to bags, we sent numerous infant items to the Ingathering.

-Ad Council to make final decision on chair sale and replacement.

-Money should be turned in to Lynn as UMW treasurer for chicken dinner. This is to be done annually by Oct. 1st. Suggested minimum amount is $20.00 per member—

$40 per couple if both belong.

New Business:

-Alice moved and Judy seconded that Memorial money from Delores Hornby be designated to Paul Webster mission. Judy seconded. Motion carried.

Joyce gave lesson.

Meeting adjourned.

Lunch by Judy and Kim.

Server for August: Deaver

Respectfully submitted by Barb Robson

-

THE FLAME and THE CROSS 3

August Scriptures

August 6th, 9th Sunday of Pentecost

Holy Communion at the Rail

Psalm 17 UMH 749

Deuteronomy 30:9-14

Colossians 1:1-14

Luke 10:25-37

Pulpit Supply: Art Thelen

August 13th, 10th Sunday of Pentecost

Psalm 105 UMH 828

Genesis 18:1-14

Colossians 1:21-29

Luke 10:38-42

Pulpit Supply: Charlie Groves

August 20th, 11th Sunday of Pentecost

Psalm 133 UMH 850

Genesis 18:20-33

Colossians 2:6-15

Luke 11:1-13

Pulpit Supply: Art Thelen

August 27th, 12th Sunday of Pentecost

Psalm 124 UMH 846

Jeremiah 23:23-29

Hebrews 12:1-14

Luke 12:49-56

Pulpit Supply: Art Thelen

2 Corinthians 3:17 states, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”, and Romans 8:2 states, “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” Let’s thank our Savior and Redeemer for His ultimate sacrifice on the cross that allows us to no longer be enslaved to the yolk of slavery but to live in true freedom, abundance, and liberation as children of the Most High King! He is so worthy of our praise and adoration! “Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his or her own interest, but also to the interests of others.” Phil. 2:3-4. It is then we will experience true freedom. Have a Blessed August,

Pastor Jean

Pastor Jean’s Letter (Cont’d. from Page 1)

4 THE FLAME and THE CROSS

Viroqua UMC Trustees Committee Minutes—July 11th

Opening Prayer: Pastor Jean

Aaron reported that we received a large financial contribution.

Bills were reviewed.

Trustees will contact Barb Casper in regard to her interest in the fence that was used for Day Care.

Church elevator: We would like to have input regarding possibility of having someone to as-sist church members each Sunday on using the elevator. Could ushers help? We need to help members know how to use it.

Motion made and approved for Sandy to paint wooden doors coming into the Sanctuary.

Next meeting: August 8th.

APPORTIONMENTS—VIROQUA AND LIBERTY POLE UMC Congratulations to both Liberty Pole UMC and Viroqua UMC for paying their apportionments in full for 2016. We are truly in mission work when we help other people beyond ourselves. Thank you, Pastor Jean

A BIG THANK YOU—VIROQUA UMC

A special THANK YOU to Lorna Peterson for the beautiful geraniums and flowers outside the church, and for keeping them watered and look-ing good all summer long. A special THANK YOU to all who worked so hard on the outside of the church painting the windows and cleaning the inside of the church on “Work Day,” Saturday, June 24th. A special THANK YOU to Sandy Skarda for un-dertaking the painting of the outside entrance doors. A special THANK YOU to Mary Cheever for playing during the Flag Routine put on by the Youth at the Sunday, July 23rd service @ Viroqua UMC.

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8 THE FLAME and THE CROSS

“A Place in the Pulpit”

Women in The UMC Tradition

September 8-9, 2017

Come and join the seventh annual Archives Retreat as we turn to the topic of women in The United Methodist Church and look back at the 60 years since women gained full clergy rights in the Methodist Church.

Don’t miss this special opportunity to hear from the Rev. Chomingwen Pond, the first woman to receive full clergy rights in our East Wisconsin Conference of the Methodist Church in 1964. But was she the first in our denomination in Wisconsin? What about Ida Richards Marquardt from the United Brethren in Christ? Discover how their sto-ries fit into the largely unknown history of women preaching in Wisconsin in our pre-decessor denominations back to the 1800s. Learn about others along that timeline including the Rev. Lourinda Sanford who was granted full clergy rights in the West Wisconsin Conference in 1965. Hear the stories and ask questions of some of the women clergy who followed in their paths in our panel discussion on Saturday after-noon.

How did the change to include “Women in the Pulpit” come about? Our dramatization of the debate over this issue at General Conference 1956 will show us.

How has the role of women in the church changed over time? Join the Rev. Dan Dick in an interactive Bible study of women in scripture to find out.

Finally, bring your stories, questions, and insights from your local church’s history to share with others and to learn new strategies in our local church historian’s work-shop. And help us to mark and celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Camp Lucerne.

Contact us at the archives@wisconsinumc.org for more information.

I SAID A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY

I said a prayer for you today And know God Must have heard... I felt the answer in my heart Although He spoke no word! I didn’t ask for wealth or fame (I knew you wouldn’t mind)... I asked Him to send treasurers Of a far more lasting kind!

I asked that He’d be near you At the start of each new day. To grant you health and blessings And friends to share you way! I asked for happiness for you In all things great and small... But it was for His loving care

I prayed for most of all!

THE FLAME and THE CROSS 5

Newsletter Deadline The deadline for the September newsletter is

August 24th. Please provide your submissions as

early as possible so that we produce the best

newsletter possible!

Thank you!

Happy Anniversary

Liberty Pole

Nicklas & Ashley Thompson August 7th Lloyd & Amy Hardy August 13th Andy & Renae Diehl August 22nd Chad & Melissa Vikemyr August 26th

Viroqua Greg & Mary Cheever August 9th Trygve & Erma Overbo August 17th Cameron & Peggy Selin August 24th John & Heidi Garret August 29th

Birthdays With wishes for many more!

Liberty Pole

Cade Mikkelson August 2nd Holly Fanta August 2nd Jeanne Fredrick August 4th Mark Weis August 4th Deb Deaver August 5th Angela Diehl August 6th Nicklas Thompson August 7th Conrad Zitzner August 10th Dexter Robson August 12th Jim Cochiola August 13th Tamie Thompson August 13th Danny Zitzner August 13th Tyden Lind August 26th Kimberly Eick August 27th Thomas Lohr August 27th Stacy Matson August 30th Spencer Robson August 30th

Viroqua

Lisa Bolstad August 3rd Monica Fortney August 3rd Greyson Bjerkos August 4th Daniel Stalsberg August 4th Sandy Malliet August 4th Willard Carlow August 6th Gloria Freilinger August 6th Janice Primmer August 8th Rick Schneiderman August 8th Trevor Dach August 9th Camilla Sands August 14th Charles Turben August 18th Amanda Clements August 19th Christian Dach August 23rd Minie Hirschfield August 25th Brent Welch August 27th

Births

Baby Boy Roe Martin Slack

Born: June 26th, 2017 Weight: 8 lbs., 2 oz.

Parents Dan and Heather Slack

6 THE FLAME and THE CROSS

STEWARDSHIP IN THE DIGITAL AGE is the theme of the 2017 Stewardship Retreat @ Pine Lake Camp. Bishop Hee-Soo Jung will kick off our retreat with a presentation on the “Theology of Generosity”. Other talks and workshops will concentrate on one of two tracks: “Essentials of Stewardship” and “Digital Stewardship”. Bring yourself or your whole church team for one day or two to create or refine your annual stewardship plan and attend workshops on current and com-pelling stewardship topics (see www.wumf.org/upcoming-events for workshop details). There will be plenty of time for enjoying beautiful Pine Lake Camp.

Full Retreat – Friday & Saturday, August 11-12 Double Occupancy (Rader Retreat Center) $100 Single Occupancy (Rader Retreat Center) $150

Drive-in Day $40 For a full list of workshops, see the Foundation website www.WUMF.org

Register for Bishop Jung’s second annual Interfaith Bus Tour and Retreat August 18-20. Opportunities include participating in a Shabbat service at Congregation Shalom in Milwaukee; visiting Sikh, Islamic, and Hindu worship centers in and around Milwaukee; and worshiping at a Coptic Orthodox Church in Oak Creek. Participants will also have the opportunity to speak with a Buddhist priest, a Muslim professor, and Bishop Jung. Register for the bus tour, download a flyer with more in-formation, see pictures from last year and contact Mel Vance with any questions at 608-630-9485.

BISHOP JUNG’S SECOND ANNUAL

INTERFAITH BUS TOUR

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School Starts Tuesday, Sept. 5th for Viroqua

Vacation Bible School—

August 8th

9:00-3:00 p.m. at VUMC

Theme: National Parks

Prayer Vigil @ VUMC Friday, August 18th—9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For Students and Teachers—Ready for the School Year

A sign up sheet will be posted outside the church office

“God will do nothing but in answer to prayer.” John Wesley