p.o. box 127, viroqua, wi 54665 december 2016. box 127, viroqua, wi 54665 december 2016 &...
TRANSCRIPT
Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Post Office Box 127 Viroqua, WI 54665 PHONE: 608-637-3551 (Office/Kristin) 608-638-7627/Office/Pastor Jean) FAX: 608-638-3651 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ViroquaUMC.org [email protected]
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
U.S. Postage
PAID
Viroqua, Wisconsin
54665
Permit Number 11
DATE SENSITIVE
THE CROSS & THE FLAME
Viroqua UMC offers 2 Sunday school classes from 9:00 am - 10:00 am
December 2016 EVENTS
December Calendar enclosed
THE CROSS & THE FLAME
P.O. Box 127, Viroqua, WI 54665 December 2016
Viroqua &
Liberty Pole
United Methodist Churches
2 THE CROSS and THE FLAME
TABLE OF CONTENTS December Scriptures................................................... pg. 3
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes..... .......................pg. 4
Viroqua Trustees Committee Meeting Minutes.............pg.4
Thank Your from UMCOR..............................................pg. 4
A Special Thank You........................................................pg. 4
Anniversaries, Birthdays, New Members, Baptism,
Weddings, Funeral...........................................................pg. 5
Newsletter Deadline for December..............................pg. 5
Viroqua Administrative Council Minutes......................pg. 6
Viroqua UMW Minutes..................................................pg. 6
Christian Education Minutes.........................................pg. 7
Toys for Tots.................................................................pg. 7
Veterans Day Sun..........................................................pg. 7
Books-Liberty Pole Closing their Library...................pg. 7
Ten Commandments............................................pg. 8
Liberty Pole UMW Minutes.................................pg. 8
Advanced Lay Speaking Class..............................pg. 9
Charge Conference Minutes...........................pgs. 10-11
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 arms and open doors.
VIROQUA UMC/OFFICE
221 S. Center Ave.
Viroqua, WI 54665
Phone: 608-637-3551
Fax: 608-638-6351
Email: [email protected]
www.ViroquaUMC.org
OFFICE HOURS 8:00 A.M. - Noon Monday & Wednesday
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Thursday & Friday
(Church door opens at 9:00 a.m.)
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: [email protected]
Kristin Potochick, Secretary Office Phone: 608-637-3551
Liberty Pole UMC Service Assistants
Ushers/Greeters Dec. 4th - Brian & Tammy Gardner Dec. 11th - Brian & Tammy Gardner Dec. 18th - Brian & Carole Funk Dec. 24th - evening - Dec. 25th Brian & Carole Funk Liturgist - Barb Robson
Viroqua UMC Service Assistants
Ushers Dec. 4th - Cavan Fang/Gloria Freilinger Dec. 11th - Aaron & Angie Hanson Dec. 18th - Chuck & Mary Mulvaney-Kemp Dec. 24th evening - Dec. 25th - Dan & Barb Casper Greeters Dec. 4th - Annabel McGarry Dec. 11th - David Peterson Dec. 18th - Dan Casper Dec. 24th evening - Dec. 25th - Dan Casper
John Wesley Quote
“All worldly joys are less than that one joy of doing kindnesses.”
John Wesley Quotes—Seedbed
THE CROSS and THE FLAME 11
Pastor Home Furnishing Allowance – Viroqua and Viola both approved the Pastor Home Furnishing Allow-ance recommended in their packets. Pastor Accountable Reimbursements – Viola, New Hope, Retreat, Westby, And Westby Faith churches ap-proved the Pastor Accountable Reimbursements recommended in their packets. Request for Funds from the Operations Trust – Viola approved the request for $8,850 from the Operation Trust Fund. Lay Servants – Certified Lay Speakers were approved by those churches that have listed Lay Servants in their packets. Joanne Hornby made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:40 pm. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, Kathy Hanson
Charge Conference Minutes (cont’d.)
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 enabling 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.
10 THE CROSS and THE FLAME
CHARGE CONFERENCE MINUTES
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT CIRCUIT 8 - OCTOBER 23, 2016
The Circuit 8 Charge Conference was held at Viroqua UMC on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm. The following churches and members were in attendance: Viroqua Rev. Jean Waldron, Gregory Cheever, James Porter, Betty Ross, Hester Nelson, Joanne Hornby, Barb Casper, Mae O’Connor, Janet Starr, Robert Starr, Avis Marino, Irene Fortney, Gloria Freilinger, Todd Over-bo, David Peterson, Aaron Hanson, Cavan Fang, Kathy Hanson, Kristin Parrott, Kaleb Knight, Jessica Stei-ger, Marlo Volden, Liona Thurber, Dale Gudgeon, Jolene Gudgeon, Ansel Brenneman, Sandra J. Skarda, Alex Miller, Matthew Ostrem Liberty Pole Bill Marohl, Abby Diehl, Ella Funk, Brian Funk, Joyce Funk, Alan Matson, Stacey Matson, Sandra Marohl, Angel Thurber Westby/Faith/ New Hope/Retreat Marla Withey, Crystal Nummerdor, Jeffery Nelson, Deb Groves, Charles Groves, Gary Robertson, Gloria Warmuth, Rick E. Gomas, Robert K. Johnson, Jim Aniol, Jean Hass, Jerry Ballard, Tammy Willis, Sheri Bal-lard, Joyce Clark, Ardith Hoff, Linda Weilnau, Tim Gaskell, Jane Gaskell, Luanne Olstad, Jean Shore, Chris-ty Aniol, Larry J. Campbell, Beverly Campbell Viola Pastor Larry Stegall, Bill Wheeler, Roxanne Hoke, Julienne Baker, Bill Baker, Barb Hammond, Lana Wheeler, Patricia Wheeler, Sandra Matthes LaFarge/Dell Pastor Eileen Kuehnl, Doris Ewing, Sarah Gudgeon, Kenneth Kuehnl, Sharon Evenstad, Linda Dowling, John P. Evenstad, Angie McCauley District Superintendent, Scott Carlson, called the meeting to order. Kathy Hanson of the Viroqua church was elected to take minutes for the meeting. Devotions were based on Mark 2: 1-12. D.S. Carlson led the group through a Time of Learning focused on growing our churches. He gave us many statistics and ideas for being inviting and welcoming as well as ideas about how to help new members de-velop a Theology of Christian Discipleship. Time was allotted for our churches to share some of our ministries and to get ideas from each other. Each church, in their own group, reviewed reports included in their Charge Conference Packet. Items voted on were: Lay Leadership - Each church reviewed their list of Lay Leaders. D.S. Carlson led us in prayer before the vote. All churches unanimously accepted their list of Lay Leaders. Membership Audit – LaFarge was the only church recommending any members for removal. D.S. Carlson prayed before the vote. The La Farge church approved the removal recommendation. Budget/Pastoral Compensation – All churches agreed to approve Pastoral Compensation along with the budget. All churches unanimously approved their budgets. (continued on pg. 10)
THE CROSS and THE FLAME 3
Liberty Pole - Sunday,
October 5th
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Adults/$8.00
Children 6-12/$5.00
5 and under/$2.00
December Scriptures
December 4, Advent II
Holy Communion at the Rail
Psalm 126, rsp. 2 UMH 847
Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 3:13-16
“The Spirit” (Interview with Isaiah) December 11, Advent III Psalm 25:1-10, rsp. 1 UMH 756
Isaiah 35:1-10
Revelation 7:13-17
John 14:1-7
“The Journey” (Interview with Isaiah)
December 18, Advent IV
Psalm 80, rsp. 1 UMH 801
Isaiah 64:1-9
I Corinthians 1:4-8
Luke 2:25-35
“The Wait” (Interview with Isaiah)
December 24, Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Candle Lighting December 25, Christmas Day
Psalm 98, rsp. 2 UMH 818
Isaiah 7:10-17
Hebrews 2:10-18
Luke 2:1-20
“The Child”
(The prophet, Isaiah, points to a Messiah
Who has come, is coming now and will come
again.)
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES Sun. Dec. 4th Second Sunday of Advent
7:00 p.m. Caroling of the Choirs @
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Thurs., Dec. 8th 11:30 a.m. V UMW Christmas Party at
Kickapoo Corners
Sun., Dec. 11th - Third Sunday of Advent
Sunday School Christmas Program @ LP and V
Wed., Dec. 14th—5 :30 p.m. LP UMW Christmas Party at
Lynn Zitzner’s House/Pot Luck
Sun., Dec. 18th - Fourth Sunday of Advent
LP—Special Music with Abby and Rachel Diehl
V—Contata with VUMC Choir
Sat., Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Service, 5:00 P.M., Viroqua UMC— This is a joint service
Sun., Dec. 25th Happy Birthday Jesus! Worship @ LP is at 9:00 a.m.
For the Dec. 25th worship service, please bring an ornament to exchange with a friend, and one to give to a visitor.
4 THE CROSS and THE FLAME
A SPECIAL THANK YOU AT VIROQUA UMC
The meeting opened with a prayer by Pastor Jean Three bills were reviewed: Parsonage furnace—cleaned flame sensor Elevator Permit Reviewed Workman’s Comp Premium Discussed Aaron Hanson and Barb Casper to tour Parsonage by 12-31-16. Next meeting is December 13th.
We received a letter from UMCOR on November 4th thanking us for our contribution of $500.00 on 10/14/16 to the General Board of Global Ministries. One hundred percent of the contribution supports the missionary community in honor of Paul Lee Webster. Giving through The Advance enables United Methodists to partner with one another in mission and ministry around
the world.
Finance Committee Meeting—Nov. 14th
Attendance: Pastor Jean, Sonja Bjerkos, David Peterson, Veryel Gerdl, Dr. Starr, Gregory Cheever
Devotion: Pastor Jean
Financial Secretary’s Report: Approved
Treasurer’s Report: Approved
Motion was made and seconded to transfer $15,000 from endowment fund to pay 2016 Apportionments in full. Apportion-ment balance remaining is $14,749.10.
Discussed electronic giving. Will keep discussing possibilities in the future.
2nd Annual Big Thing Fund Raiser sub-committee will meet to get things started.
Todd Overbo voucher will be paid with MYF Funds.
Gregory will highlight and answer questions about the Narrative Budget flyer at Worship Service on November 27th.
Next meeting is December 20th.
THANK YOU FROM UMCOR
A “BIG” thank you to Betty Ross for once again brightening the entrance landing with beautiful fall decorations. And a special “BIG” thank you to David and Lorna Peterson for all their hard work from planting flowers, trimming bushes, fixing plumbing, filling the parking lot holes, and much much more. If you know someone who is deserving of a “Big” thank you, please call or e-mail the church secretary so we can acknowledge their contributions in our Newsletter. (637-3551) ([email protected])
THE CROSS and THE FLAME 9
Advanced Lay Speaking Class for 2017
“UNITED METHODIST POLITY” Fulfills Advanced Course Requirement
Dates: Sunday, January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 Time: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Address: Elroy United Methodist Church, 125 Royall Ave., Elroy, WI 53929 Teacher/Instructor: Rev. Wesley Jacob Ph.D.
Theme: This course in United Methodist Polity is designed to engage you in a dialog on the Constitution of The United Methodist Church, its Doctrinal Standard and Theological Task, the Min-istry of All Christians, the Social Principles, and its Organization and Administration. Students will be introduced to Ordained and Licensed Ministry, Superintendency and Episcopacy, The mission and organization of the Local Church, District and Annual Conferences, Jurisdictional, Regional and General Conferences. They will review the work of the General Boards and Agencies and come to understand the church’s Judicial Process. The Goal of this course: Through this course, students will gain insight into the tradition and practice of The untied Methodist Church. And be prepared to participate in the decision-making process the church prescribes for ordering the life of the community. It also will prepare students for a variety of leadership roles they may assume as lay or clergy leaders of the church. As you work through this course, you will be asked to complete a series of assignments that will in-troduce you to a variety of topics related to the organization, mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church. By the end of this course, you will have increased knowledge concerning: 1.The nature of polity 2.Fundamental documents 3.Authority 4.The Annual Conference 5.Supervision and Accountability 6.The ministry 7.Church membership 8.Governing the local church 9.The program of the local church 10. Church property 11. The judicial system 12.The general boards and agencies Prerequisites: This course is an approved class for those who are pursuing the path to Lay Speaking Ministry and is open to anyone who wishes to develop more confidence in preaching. In order to receive Lay Speaker credit for this course, participants must be active members of a Unit-ed Methodist Church and must first have completed a Basic Lay Speaker course. Registration Cost: $30 made payable to the course instructor, [email protected]
Registration deadline is December 15, 2016
Sherry Malone South West District Office Manager Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
8 THE CROSS and THE FLAME
Present: Alice Diehl, Joyce Funk, Judy Erickson, Amy Hardy, Fae Zitzner, Lynn Zitzner, Judy Christianson, Marti Zitzner, Barb Robson Opened with purpose.
Secretary’s report read: Joyce Funk’s name added. Approved with correction.
Treasurer’s report: Current balance is $4,307.06. Profit from chicken dinner was $1,948.91. We served 90 at the sit down with 73 carry-outs. And 31 workers.
Old Business:
Preliminary discussion about continuing chicken dinner. Agreed to table discussion for further discussion and alternative fund-raising plans.
Judy Erickson and Kimberly Eick will sell bags of noodles at Craft Fair Nov. 19th. We will also sell at craft fair December 1st at VMH. Bags will be priced at $5.00 each.
New Business:
Discussed plans to have a regular fellowship gathering following church services. Will pursue at
January meeting.
Agreed on who should receive Special Membership.
December meeting will be a potluck. Lynn invited us to their home.
We will develop a list of items needed in the kitchen.
Meeting adjourned. Lunch was served by Judy Christianson and Marti Zitzner. Next meeting December 14th will be at Lynn Zitzner’s and will be a potluck.
Liberty Pole UMW Minutes—Nov. 9th
THE CROSS and THE FLAME 5
With wishes for many more!
VIROQUA UMC
Ardith Olson December 3rd
Louise Bornstad December 4th
Shane Peterson December 5th
Joanne Hornby December 8th
Lori Strasser December 9th
Sawyer Clements December 12th
Elizabeth Hanson December 13th
Rachel Turben December 15th
Janice Fortney December 19th
Inga Jacobson December 20th
Tasha Mills December 25th
Ruth Gilbertson December 26th
LIBERTY POLE UMC
Deanna Funk December 1st
Chad Erickson December 2nd
Eldon Gardner December 14th
Lloyd Hardy December 19th
Alan Matson December 23rd
Tom Zitzner December 29th
Birthdays
Brian & Carole Funk December 5th (LP) Craig & Kay Starr December 8th (V) Josh & Kristin Symes December 29th (LP) Willard & Ann Carlow December 30th (V)
Happy Anniversary
Newsletter Deadline The deadline for the January newsletter is
December 23rd. Please provide your
submissions as early as possible so that we
produce the best newsletter possible!
Thank you!
Baptisms at Viroqua UMC Ruby Mei Xian Roberts on October 30th
Daughter of Gregg Elizabeth Roberts.
Kaleb Jeffery Knight on November 20th
Son of Keith Knight and Jessica Steiger.
Welcome to our New Members at Viroqua UMC
Gregg and Elizabeth Ann Roberts—11/6/16 Todd Overbo -11/13/16 Irene Fortney - 11/20/16
Welcome to our New Member at Liberty Pole UMC Paul Adams-11/20/16
Deaths Larry McGarry—Died 11/3/16
Services were held Tuesday, Nov. 8th at the Viroqua United Methodist Church
Pastor Jean Waldron Officiating
6 THE CROSS and THE FLAME
Viroqua Administrative Council Minutes - Nov. 15th
Members Present: Pastor Jean, Gregory Cheever, Aaron Hanson, Veryl Gerdl, David Peterson, Bob Starr, Jolene Gudgeon, Janet Welch, Kathy Hanson The meeting was opened with a Thanksgiving devotion by Pastor Jean. The Community Thanksgiving Service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church next Sunday evening, November 20. Committee Reports: Trustees – The committee approved payment of routine bills at their last meeting. They have planned for snow removal (our expense this year) and the parking lot will remain available for community use. United Methodist Women – The Christmas gathering will be held at Kickapoo Corners on December 8.Meet at the church at 11:30 to carpool. (See Viroqua UMW/Lydia Circle minutes.) Finance - The “Big Thing” planning committee will meet to start planning for the second annual fundraiser to be held early in 2017. Greg will give an explanation of the Narrative Budget on November 27 during the worship service. The committee voted to withdraw $15,000 from savings to pay our apportionments in full. Pastor Parish – The committee met to take care of business required by the Charge Conference. Missions – The Education committee is planning an information meeting regarding the Peru Mission trip. The meeting will be held early in 2017. Education – The Christmas program will be held on December 11th during the worship service. Worship – Tree and sanctuary decorating will be held at 4:00 on Monday, November 21st. Everyone is invited to help. A new study group will begin in January based on a daily devotional by E. Stanley Jones. More info to come. Care and Nurture – A birthday and Valentine theme Potluck will be held on February 12th. The Trustees and Finance committees serve the Fortney meal on December 18th. The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.
Viroqua UMW/Lydia Circle - Nov. 10th
The Viroqua UMW met Nov. 10th with Joanne Hornby as hostess. Thank you to all the women who baked cakes and helped serve
for the funeral of Larry McGarry on November 8th.
Co-President Lynn Whitney handed out information on a trip to New York City and Washington D.C. for a Mission Seminar from Sat.,
Aug. 5th to Sat., August 12th, 2017. Topics are Climate Justice and Income Inequality.
Co-President Lynn read information from a letter sent by Clark Nordberg from Bethel Home and Services asking for us to write our
legislators about the unfair discrepancy in state funded Medicaid reimbursement to rural nursing homes.
We are looking for a cupboard to replace the cart in the Chapel for Sunday morning coffee. The cart there will go back to the kitchen
where it is needed.
Our Christmas Party will be at Kickapoo Corners on Dec. 8th. We will meet at the church at 11:30 to share rides. Anyone who would
like to join us, call Janet Welch at 637-7531.
As in past years, we buy Christmas gifts for residents at Vernon Manor. Gifts should be wrapped and labeled for man or woman and
what it is so staff can sort and distribute appropriately. Gifts need to be in by Thurs., Dec. 15th. If anyone in the congregation would
like to do this, leave your gift in the library. A list of suggested gifts will be posted on a bulletin board.
Dec. dates to remember: Dec. 8th Christmas lunch at Kickapoo Corners Dec. 15th - Christmas gifts for Vernon Manor Dec. Cookies and coffee before church - Sunday School Moms Janet Welch Co President
THE CROSS and THE FLAME 7
Toys for Tots
Christian Education Minutes - Nov. 14th
To register a child for the Toys for Tots in Viroqua, parents need to call the Viroqua Fire Department at 637-3118 from
now until December 16th. Pick up date for toys is December 19th. The age is 0-12 years.
Present: Mary M-K, Janette H, Pastor Jean, Kathy H, Avis M, Angie H, Todd O Approval of Minutes: Motion by Janette; seconded by Kathy; passed as printed. Reports: Sunday School-Hands on Curriculum is finished. Most liked the Hands-On. It will be ordered for January. Working on Thanksgiving and Christmas Program. LEAP’s (Youth) - We finished the Story of Blind Bartimaeus. Each took home a Fleece Blanket as a reminder of Barti-maeus’ faith in meeting Jesus. We will be going on to Lazurus after Christmas. The Clown Crew Show was a good time. Some people that have never been to one attended. LEAP’s youth Mallory and Ben did a puppet show. Confirmation-Goulees in the Coulees attended by 9 youth and 4 adults. Confirmation is going well. Sometimes it is hard to get the youth to show up due to schedule conflicts. When the youth miss confirmation, they are required to make up the work. Pastor Jean working with the youth on this. Old Business: Bibles given to three children Benjamin Ostrem, Gradyn Hanson and Finn Brenneman. Scholarship discussed. Janette will follow-up on how much will be given. If this can be changed, we may need a new Memorandum. New Business: Christmas Program - to include all the Sunday School children. The Program will be called (C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S what it really means). It will include singing and puppet skits. Mary and Janette will coordinate the cookies. Peru Mission trip - do we want to do this. An informational meeting will be held in early January 2017. The trip would be planned for Christmas break in 2017. Committee Questionnaire- handed out to be discussed at out next meeting on Monday, January 30, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. Thanks+ todd
BOOKS - BOOKS - BOOKS
The Liberty Pole library is going to be dismantled. If you are interested in
taking a book, please do so by January 1st. Books that remain will be
donated to the Viroqua Public Library. If you have any questions, con-
tact Barb Robson 606-5809 or Alice Diehl 675-3657.
We honored our Veterans during church services at both churches on
Sunday, November 13th. Cake and coffee were enjoyed before and
after services to celebrate Veterans.
Veterans Day
6 THE CROSS and THE FLAME
Viroqua Administrative Council Minutes - Nov. 15th
Members Present: Pastor Jean, Gregory Cheever, Aaron Hanson, Veryl Gerdl, David Peterson, Bob Starr, Jolene Gudgeon, Janet Welch, Kathy Hanson The meeting was opened with a Thanksgiving devotion by Pastor Jean. The Community Thanksgiving Service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church next Sunday evening, November 20. Committee Reports: Trustees – The committee approved payment of routine bills at their last meeting. They have planned for snow removal (our expense this year) and the parking lot will remain available for community use. United Methodist Women – The Christmas gathering will be held at Kickapoo Corners on December 8.Meet at the church at 11:30 to carpool. (See Viroqua UMW/Lydia Circle minutes.) Finance - The “Big Thing” planning committee will meet to start planning for the second annual fundraiser to be held early in 2017. Greg will give an explanation of the Narrative Budget on November 27 during the worship service. The committee voted to withdraw $15,000 from savings to pay our apportionments in full. Pastor Parish – The committee met to take care of business required by the Charge Conference. Missions – The Education committee is planning an information meeting regarding the Peru Mission trip. The meeting will be held early in 2017. Education – The Christmas program will be held on December 11th during the worship service. Worship – Tree and sanctuary decorating will be held at 4:00 on Monday, November 21st. Everyone is invited to help. A new study group will begin in January based on a daily devotional by E. Stanley Jones. More info to come. Care and Nurture – A birthday and Valentine theme Potluck will be held on February 12th. The Trustees and Finance committees serve the Fortney meal on December 18th. The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.
Viroqua UMW/Lydia Circle - Nov. 10th
The Viroqua UMW met Nov. 10th with Joanne Hornby as hostess. Thank you to all the women who baked cakes and helped serve
for the funeral of Larry McGarry on November 8th.
Co-President Lynn Whitney handed out information on a trip to New York City and Washington D.C. for a Mission Seminar from Sat.,
Aug. 5th to Sat., August 12th, 2017. Topics are Climate Justice and Income Inequality.
Co-President Lynn read information from a letter sent by Clark Nordberg from Bethel Home and Services asking for us to write our
legislators about the unfair discrepancy in state funded Medicaid reimbursement to rural nursing homes.
We are looking for a cupboard to replace the cart in the Chapel for Sunday morning coffee. The cart there will go back to the kitchen
where it is needed.
Our Christmas Party will be at Kickapoo Corners on Dec. 8th. We will meet at the church at 11:30 to share rides. Anyone who would
like to join us, call Janet Welch at 637-7531.
As in past years, we buy Christmas gifts for residents at Vernon Manor. Gifts should be wrapped and labeled for man or woman and
what it is so staff can sort and distribute appropriately. Gifts need to be in by Thurs., Dec. 15th. If anyone in the congregation would
like to do this, leave your gift in the library. A list of suggested gifts will be posted on a bulletin board.
Dec. dates to remember: Dec. 8th Christmas lunch at Kickapoo Corners Dec. 15th - Christmas gifts for Vernon Manor Dec. Cookies and coffee before church - Sunday School Moms Janet Welch Co President
THE CROSS and THE FLAME 7
Toys for Tots
Christian Education Minutes - Nov. 14th
To register a child for the Toys for Tots in Viroqua, parents need to call the Viroqua Fire Department at 637-3118 from
now until December 16th. Pick up date for toys is December 19th. The age is 0-12 years.
Present: Mary M-K, Janette H, Pastor Jean, Kathy H, Avis M, Angie H, Todd O Approval of Minutes: Motion by Janette; seconded by Kathy; passed as printed. Reports: Sunday School-Hands on Curriculum is finished. Most liked the Hands-On. It will be ordered for January. Working on Thanksgiving and Christmas Program. LEAP’s (Youth) - We finished the Story of Blind Bartimaeus. Each took home a Fleece Blanket as a reminder of Barti-maeus’ faith in meeting Jesus. We will be going on to Lazurus after Christmas. The Clown Crew Show was a good time. Some people that have never been to one attended. LEAP’s youth Mallory and Ben did a puppet show. Confirmation-Goulees in the Coulees attended by 9 youth and 4 adults. Confirmation is going well. Sometimes it is hard to get the youth to show up due to schedule conflicts. When the youth miss confirmation, they are required to make up the work. Pastor Jean working with the youth on this. Old Business: Bibles given to three children Benjamin Ostrem, Gradyn Hanson and Finn Brenneman. Scholarship discussed. Janette will follow-up on how much will be given. If this can be changed, we may need a new Memorandum. New Business: Christmas Program - to include all the Sunday School children. The Program will be called (C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S what it really means). It will include singing and puppet skits. Mary and Janette will coordinate the cookies. Peru Mission trip - do we want to do this. An informational meeting will be held in early January 2017. The trip would be planned for Christmas break in 2017. Committee Questionnaire- handed out to be discussed at out next meeting on Monday, January 30, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. Thanks+ todd
BOOKS - BOOKS - BOOKS
The Liberty Pole library is going to be dismantled. If you are interested in
taking a book, please do so by January 1st. Books that remain will be
donated to the Viroqua Public Library. If you have any questions, con-
tact Barb Robson 606-5809 or Alice Diehl 675-3657.
We honored our Veterans during church services at both churches on
Sunday, November 13th. Cake and coffee were enjoyed before and
after services to celebrate Veterans.
Veterans Day
8 THE CROSS and THE FLAME
Present: Alice Diehl, Joyce Funk, Judy Erickson, Amy Hardy, Fae Zitzner, Lynn Zitzner, Judy Christianson, Marti Zitzner, Barb Robson Opened with purpose.
Secretary’s report read: Joyce Funk’s name added. Approved with correction.
Treasurer’s report: Current balance is $4,307.06. Profit from chicken dinner was $1,948.91. We served 90 at the sit down with 73 carry-outs. And 31 workers.
Old Business:
Preliminary discussion about continuing chicken dinner. Agreed to table discussion for further discussion and alternative fund-raising plans.
Judy Erickson and Kimberly Eick will sell bags of noodles at Craft Fair Nov. 19th. We will also sell at craft fair December 1st at VMH. Bags will be priced at $5.00 each.
New Business:
Discussed plans to have a regular fellowship gathering following church services. Will pursue at
January meeting.
Agreed on who should receive Special Membership.
December meeting will be a potluck. Lynn invited us to their home.
We will develop a list of items needed in the kitchen.
Meeting adjourned. Lunch was served by Judy Christianson and Marti Zitzner. Next meeting December 14th will be at Lynn Zitzner’s and will be a potluck.
Liberty Pole UMW Minutes—Nov. 9th
THE CROSS and THE FLAME 5
With wishes for many more!
VIROQUA UMC
Ardith Olson December 3rd
Louise Bornstad December 4th
Shane Peterson December 5th
Joanne Hornby December 8th
Lori Strasser December 9th
Sawyer Clements December 12th
Elizabeth Hanson December 13th
Rachel Turben December 15th
Janice Fortney December 19th
Inga Jacobson December 20th
Tasha Mills December 25th
Ruth Gilbertson December 26th
LIBERTY POLE UMC
Deanna Funk December 1st
Chad Erickson December 2nd
Eldon Gardner December 14th
Lloyd Hardy December 19th
Alan Matson December 23rd
Tom Zitzner December 29th
Birthdays
Brian & Carole Funk December 5th (LP) Craig & Kay Starr December 8th (V) Josh & Kristin Symes December 29th (LP) Willard & Ann Carlow December 30th (V)
Happy Anniversary
Newsletter Deadline The deadline for the January newsletter is
December 23rd. Please provide your
submissions as early as possible so that we
produce the best newsletter possible!
Thank you!
Baptisms at Viroqua UMC Ruby Mei Xian Roberts on October 30th
Daughter of Gregg Elizabeth Roberts.
Kaleb Jeffery Knight on November 20th
Son of Keith Knight and Jessica Steiger.
Welcome to our New Members at Viroqua UMC
Gregg and Elizabeth Ann Roberts—11/6/16 Todd Overbo -11/13/16 Irene Fortney - 11/20/16
Welcome to our New Member at Liberty Pole UMC Paul Adams-11/20/16
Deaths Larry McGarry—Died 11/3/16
Services were held Tuesday, Nov. 8th at the Viroqua United Methodist Church
Pastor Jean Waldron Officiating
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A SPECIAL THANK YOU AT VIROQUA UMC
The meeting opened with a prayer by Pastor Jean Three bills were reviewed: Parsonage furnace—cleaned flame sensor Elevator Permit Reviewed Workman’s Comp Premium Discussed Aaron Hanson and Barb Casper to tour Parsonage by 12-31-16. Next meeting is December 13th.
We received a letter from UMCOR on November 4th thanking us for our contribution of $500.00 on 10/14/16 to the General Board of Global Ministries. One hundred percent of the contribution supports the missionary community in honor of Paul Lee Webster. Giving through The Advance enables United Methodists to partner with one another in mission and ministry around
the world.
Finance Committee Meeting—Nov. 14th
Attendance: Pastor Jean, Sonja Bjerkos, David Peterson, Veryel Gerdl, Dr. Starr, Gregory Cheever
Devotion: Pastor Jean
Financial Secretary’s Report: Approved
Treasurer’s Report: Approved
Motion was made and seconded to transfer $15,000 from endowment fund to pay 2016 Apportionments in full. Apportion-ment balance remaining is $14,749.10.
Discussed electronic giving. Will keep discussing possibilities in the future.
2nd Annual Big Thing Fund Raiser sub-committee will meet to get things started.
Todd Overbo voucher will be paid with MYF Funds.
Gregory will highlight and answer questions about the Narrative Budget flyer at Worship Service on November 27th.
Next meeting is December 20th.
THANK YOU FROM UMCOR
A “BIG” thank you to Betty Ross for once again brightening the entrance landing with beautiful fall decorations. And a special “BIG” thank you to David and Lorna Peterson for all their hard work from planting flowers, trimming bushes, fixing plumbing, filling the parking lot holes, and much much more. If you know someone who is deserving of a “Big” thank you, please call or e-mail the church secretary so we can acknowledge their contributions in our Newsletter. (637-3551) ([email protected])
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Advanced Lay Speaking Class for 2017
“UNITED METHODIST POLITY” Fulfills Advanced Course Requirement
Dates: Sunday, January 8, 15, 22, 29, 2017 Time: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Address: Elroy United Methodist Church, 125 Royall Ave., Elroy, WI 53929 Teacher/Instructor: Rev. Wesley Jacob Ph.D.
Theme: This course in United Methodist Polity is designed to engage you in a dialog on the Constitution of The United Methodist Church, its Doctrinal Standard and Theological Task, the Min-istry of All Christians, the Social Principles, and its Organization and Administration. Students will be introduced to Ordained and Licensed Ministry, Superintendency and Episcopacy, The mission and organization of the Local Church, District and Annual Conferences, Jurisdictional, Regional and General Conferences. They will review the work of the General Boards and Agencies and come to understand the church’s Judicial Process. The Goal of this course: Through this course, students will gain insight into the tradition and practice of The untied Methodist Church. And be prepared to participate in the decision-making process the church prescribes for ordering the life of the community. It also will prepare students for a variety of leadership roles they may assume as lay or clergy leaders of the church. As you work through this course, you will be asked to complete a series of assignments that will in-troduce you to a variety of topics related to the organization, mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church. By the end of this course, you will have increased knowledge concerning: 1.The nature of polity 2.Fundamental documents 3.Authority 4.The Annual Conference 5.Supervision and Accountability 6.The ministry 7.Church membership 8.Governing the local church 9.The program of the local church 10. Church property 11. The judicial system 12.The general boards and agencies Prerequisites: This course is an approved class for those who are pursuing the path to Lay Speaking Ministry and is open to anyone who wishes to develop more confidence in preaching. In order to receive Lay Speaker credit for this course, participants must be active members of a Unit-ed Methodist Church and must first have completed a Basic Lay Speaker course. Registration Cost: $30 made payable to the course instructor, [email protected]
Registration deadline is December 15, 2016
Sherry Malone South West District Office Manager Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
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CHARGE CONFERENCE MINUTES
SOUTHWEST DISTRICT CIRCUIT 8 - OCTOBER 23, 2016
The Circuit 8 Charge Conference was held at Viroqua UMC on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm. The following churches and members were in attendance: Viroqua Rev. Jean Waldron, Gregory Cheever, James Porter, Betty Ross, Hester Nelson, Joanne Hornby, Barb Casper, Mae O’Connor, Janet Starr, Robert Starr, Avis Marino, Irene Fortney, Gloria Freilinger, Todd Over-bo, David Peterson, Aaron Hanson, Cavan Fang, Kathy Hanson, Kristin Parrott, Kaleb Knight, Jessica Stei-ger, Marlo Volden, Liona Thurber, Dale Gudgeon, Jolene Gudgeon, Ansel Brenneman, Sandra J. Skarda, Alex Miller, Matthew Ostrem Liberty Pole Bill Marohl, Abby Diehl, Ella Funk, Brian Funk, Joyce Funk, Alan Matson, Stacey Matson, Sandra Marohl, Angel Thurber Westby/Faith/ New Hope/Retreat Marla Withey, Crystal Nummerdor, Jeffery Nelson, Deb Groves, Charles Groves, Gary Robertson, Gloria Warmuth, Rick E. Gomas, Robert K. Johnson, Jim Aniol, Jean Hass, Jerry Ballard, Tammy Willis, Sheri Bal-lard, Joyce Clark, Ardith Hoff, Linda Weilnau, Tim Gaskell, Jane Gaskell, Luanne Olstad, Jean Shore, Chris-ty Aniol, Larry J. Campbell, Beverly Campbell Viola Pastor Larry Stegall, Bill Wheeler, Roxanne Hoke, Julienne Baker, Bill Baker, Barb Hammond, Lana Wheeler, Patricia Wheeler, Sandra Matthes LaFarge/Dell Pastor Eileen Kuehnl, Doris Ewing, Sarah Gudgeon, Kenneth Kuehnl, Sharon Evenstad, Linda Dowling, John P. Evenstad, Angie McCauley District Superintendent, Scott Carlson, called the meeting to order. Kathy Hanson of the Viroqua church was elected to take minutes for the meeting. Devotions were based on Mark 2: 1-12. D.S. Carlson led the group through a Time of Learning focused on growing our churches. He gave us many statistics and ideas for being inviting and welcoming as well as ideas about how to help new members de-velop a Theology of Christian Discipleship. Time was allotted for our churches to share some of our ministries and to get ideas from each other. Each church, in their own group, reviewed reports included in their Charge Conference Packet. Items voted on were: Lay Leadership - Each church reviewed their list of Lay Leaders. D.S. Carlson led us in prayer before the vote. All churches unanimously accepted their list of Lay Leaders. Membership Audit – LaFarge was the only church recommending any members for removal. D.S. Carlson prayed before the vote. The La Farge church approved the removal recommendation. Budget/Pastoral Compensation – All churches agreed to approve Pastoral Compensation along with the budget. All churches unanimously approved their budgets. (continued on pg. 10)
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Liberty Pole - Sunday,
October 5th
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Adults/$8.00
Children 6-12/$5.00
5 and under/$2.00
December Scriptures
December 4, Advent II
Holy Communion at the Rail
Psalm 126, rsp. 2 UMH 847
Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 3:13-16
“The Spirit” (Interview with Isaiah) December 11, Advent III Psalm 25:1-10, rsp. 1 UMH 756
Isaiah 35:1-10
Revelation 7:13-17
John 14:1-7
“The Journey” (Interview with Isaiah)
December 18, Advent IV
Psalm 80, rsp. 1 UMH 801
Isaiah 64:1-9
I Corinthians 1:4-8
Luke 2:25-35
“The Wait” (Interview with Isaiah)
December 24, Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Candle Lighting December 25, Christmas Day
Psalm 98, rsp. 2 UMH 818
Isaiah 7:10-17
Hebrews 2:10-18
Luke 2:1-20
“The Child”
(The prophet, Isaiah, points to a Messiah
Who has come, is coming now and will come
again.)
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES Sun. Dec. 4th Second Sunday of Advent
7:00 p.m. Caroling of the Choirs @
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Thurs., Dec. 8th 11:30 a.m. V UMW Christmas Party at
Kickapoo Corners
Sun., Dec. 11th - Third Sunday of Advent
Sunday School Christmas Program @ LP and V
Wed., Dec. 14th—5 :30 p.m. LP UMW Christmas Party at
Lynn Zitzner’s House/Pot Luck
Sun., Dec. 18th - Fourth Sunday of Advent
LP—Special Music with Abby and Rachel Diehl
V—Contata with VUMC Choir
Sat., Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Service, 5:00 P.M., Viroqua UMC— This is a joint service
Sun., Dec. 25th Happy Birthday Jesus! Worship @ LP is at 9:00 a.m.
For the Dec. 25th worship service, please bring an ornament to exchange with a friend, and one to give to a visitor.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS December Scriptures................................................... pg. 3
Finance Committee Meeting Minutes..... .......................pg. 4
Viroqua Trustees Committee Meeting Minutes.............pg.4
Thank Your from UMCOR..............................................pg. 4
A Special Thank You........................................................pg. 4
Anniversaries, Birthdays, New Members, Baptism,
Weddings, Funeral...........................................................pg. 5
Newsletter Deadline for December..............................pg. 5
Viroqua Administrative Council Minutes......................pg. 6
Viroqua UMW Minutes..................................................pg. 6
Christian Education Minutes.........................................pg. 7
Toys for Tots.................................................................pg. 7
Veterans Day Sun..........................................................pg. 7
Books-Liberty Pole Closing their Library...................pg. 7
Ten Commandments............................................pg. 8
Liberty Pole UMW Minutes.................................pg. 8
Advanced Lay Speaking Class..............................pg. 9
Charge Conference Minutes...........................pgs. 10-11
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 arms and open doors.
VIROQUA UMC/OFFICE
221 S. Center Ave.
Viroqua, WI 54665
Phone: 608-637-3551
Fax: 608-638-6351
Email: [email protected]
www.ViroquaUMC.org
OFFICE HOURS 8:00 A.M. - Noon Monday & Wednesday
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Thursday & Friday
(Church door opens at 9:00 a.m.)
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: [email protected]
Kristin Potochick, Secretary Office Phone: 608-637-3551
Liberty Pole UMC Service Assistants
Ushers/Greeters Dec. 4th - Brian & Tammy Gardner Dec. 11th - Brian & Tammy Gardner Dec. 18th - Brian & Carole Funk Dec. 24th - evening - Dec. 25th Brian & Carole Funk Liturgist - Barb Robson
Viroqua UMC Service Assistants
Ushers Dec. 4th - Cavan Fang/Gloria Freilinger Dec. 11th - Aaron & Angie Hanson Dec. 18th - Chuck & Mary Mulvaney-Kemp Dec. 24th evening - Dec. 25th - Dan & Barb Casper Greeters Dec. 4th - Annabel McGarry Dec. 11th - David Peterson Dec. 18th - Dan Casper Dec. 24th evening - Dec. 25th - Dan Casper
John Wesley Quote
“All worldly joys are less than that one joy of doing kindnesses.”
John Wesley Quotes—Seedbed
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Pastor Home Furnishing Allowance – Viroqua and Viola both approved the Pastor Home Furnishing Allow-ance recommended in their packets. Pastor Accountable Reimbursements – Viola, New Hope, Retreat, Westby, And Westby Faith churches ap-proved the Pastor Accountable Reimbursements recommended in their packets. Request for Funds from the Operations Trust – Viola approved the request for $8,850 from the Operation Trust Fund. Lay Servants – Certified Lay Speakers were approved by those churches that have listed Lay Servants in their packets. Joanne Hornby made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:40 pm. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, Kathy Hanson
Charge Conference Minutes (cont’d.)
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 enabling 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.
Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Post Office Box 127 Viroqua, WI 54665 PHONE: 608-637-3551 (Office/Kristin) 608-638-7627/Office/Pastor Jean) FAX: 608-638-3651 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ViroquaUMC.org [email protected]
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
U.S. Postage
PAID
Viroqua, Wisconsin
54665
Permit Number 11
DATE SENSITIVE
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Viroqua UMC offers 2 Sunday school classes from 9:00 am - 10:00 am
December 2016 EVENTS
December Calendar enclosed
THE CROSS & THE FLAME
P.O. Box 127, Viroqua, WI 54665 December 2016
Viroqua &
Liberty Pole
United Methodist Churches