weekly giving envelope and native american mission envelope … · 2020-04-29 ·...
TRANSCRIPT
833 Third Street
Reedsburg, WI 53959
Reedsburg United Methodist Church
Phone: 608-524-3913
Email: [email protected]
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Weekly giving envelope and Native American Mission envelope enclosed.
COVID19: for the most up to date information please go to our facebook or website.
2 THE U.M.C. NEWS
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1 THE U.M.C. NEWS
ISSUE 1
MAY 2020
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Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
April 26-May 31
The world has been in such a fast pace… and then we encountered a pandemic. In our need to stay home, self-isolate, it would be easy for us to just rest in front of a TV bingeing on Netflix series and Cool Ranch Doritos, and go right back at our fast paced lifestyle once this nightmare ends. Or we could take this time to regroup, as a congregation, and as individuals so that we will experience still more miracles, not by our own power, rather by uniting with the All Powerful.
April 26 we will begin the sermon series, Soul Reset. Inspired by Matthew 11:28-30, this series will include six tools:
The Practice of Examen, The Practice of Prayer, The Practice of Self-Denial, The Practice of Good Self-Care, The Practice of Worship, The Practice of Being Real. These tools will empower you to allow God’s transforming work to come alive in you, having an impact on the world we live in.
The following is how to connect with others through ZOOM even if you don’t have a computer, tablet or smart phone:
1. First in order to connect you need to have an invita-tion. If you are part of a committee/team you should au-tomatically receive an email invite to your next meeting. If you are wanting to participate in the virtual Adult Sunday School or join others in chatting with Pastor Vicki on
Wednesday mornings, you need to get ahold of the contact person so they can send you an invite. If you do not have a computer, tablet or smart phone, the contact person can give you a phone number and meeting number to con-nect via any phone, even landline.
2. If you are coming in via computer, tablet or smart phone, simply click on the link in your email, or copy and paste the link to your browser. If you do not have a computer, tablet or smart phone, simply call the phone number. A voice will prompt you to key in the meeting ID number followed by the pound key, that your contact person gave you. The voice may ask you to enter a pin number followed by the pound key, if you were not given a pin number simply press pound.
3. For those who come in via computer, tablet or smart phone, and this is your first time on ZOOM you will need to download the software as the site prompts you. Once it downloads the needed software will give you the option to open ZOOM launcher or RUN, depending on your device. It will ask you if you want to use the audio using your device, hit yes. NOTE: Some comput-ers such as desktops do not have access to audio; all you have to do is choose the phone option instead. It will give you the meeting code and pin number.
We are advised to exercise social distancing, social distancing does NOT have to happen in total isolation. Let us find new ways of staying connected.
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May Ushers & Greeters
June Newsletter DEADLINE — May 15th
608-524-3913 • [email protected] Mission Statement:
“To build a Christian
community where we
become deeply
committed followers of
our Lord Jesus Christ
who know God with our
heads, love God with our
hearts and serve God
with our hands.”
Our Vision:
“As disciples of Jesus
Christ we will be
transformed by Him to
change lives within
our church, community
and world.”
To help with
FUNERALFUNERAL
LUNCHEONSLUNCHEONS
please contact:
The church office
@
524-3913
or
Kay Daley
@
608-963-6337
Gentle Yoga Update from Judy Martin
Gentle Yoga will be on HOLD. I will let everyone know when we are ready to resume!
Once public gatherings are again allowed, Gentle Yoga
will continue to be held in the Parlor on Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 12 Noon to 12:30 pm. New participants
will always be welcome, and there is no cost. Namaste!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
●Thank you to everyone who donated food for the food pantry.
●Tomah Veterans Hospital thanked us for our donation of $319.92
When we are able to have worship service again we will contact you for you assistance.
Stay healthy!
3 THE U.M.C. NEWS
Greetings to all. I am missing you all sooo much. At the writing of this article, we just received word that Wisconsin will continue to be on a Stay at Home order until May 26. That certainly is not news to you all. And of course with this news, there is another spike in anxiety across our state, and across the nation. But then again, perhaps you are feeling it in your own heart, I know I am. But let me give you some words to encourage. Even though we continue to be apart, we are still the church together. While the church may appear empty, it’s actually busier than ever.
It’s such a joy to see evidence the church at work in the Reedsburg community, ever reminding us that the church is NOT a building, the church is the people. I’m hearing of more and more of you who are sewing masks for the hospital and community. Phone calls are going out to people, making wellness checks. Y’all are going on prayer walks and drives, that’s awesome. The Reedsburg Food Pantry continues to be supported through food donations (see article on page 4). And of course your continued generous giving to the church helps us continue to support many other ministries. When you do any of these things you are being the church.
Some of you are saying right now, “but Pastor how is that being the church?” I invite you who are skeptical to read Matthew 25:34-40. It’s a parable in which the King calls everyone together and highlights those who fed him when he was hungry, gave him water when he was thirsty,
welcomed him when he was but a stranger, provided him clothes when he was naked, cared for him when he was sick, and even visited him when he was
in prison. The people were shocked because they couldn’t remember doing any of that for him. He said, “[ahhh but you did,] when you had done it for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me.” (vs 40).
You are the church. Every mask you made was made for Jesus. Every time you picked up the phone to check in with someone to see how they are holding up, you were checking in on Jesus. Every home you prayed over, every car that passed by you when you were on that prayer walk was a prayer lifted up for Jesus. Every box, can or bag of nonperishable foods that you put in the bins dedicated to the food pantry, is food that is feeding Jesus. Every dollar that you give to maintain the ministries of RUMC and beyond are dollars that are funding Jesus’ ministries.
And so, the words, “I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together,” are taking on new meaning for me. I’m learning that yes, we are the church together, but now I see we are the church together, even when we are apart, for when you had done it for the least of these…you did it for Jesus. The church isn’t empty…the church has been deployed.
A Message From Pastor Vicki
PASTOR VICKI
BRANTMEYER
PASTOR PROCOPIO
ARELLANO
Office: 608-524-3913
Parsonage: 608-524-4485
833 Third Street
Reedsburg, WI 53959
————————————
SCARLET HUFFMAN
Christian Education
Coordinator
Youth Coordinator
Angela Miller
Administrative Assistant
PAT JAQUISH
Treasurer
JUDY MARTIN
Financial Secretary
————————————
2020 CHURCH
COUNCIL
Administrative Council
Chair:
Tom Hirschinger
Finance Committee Chair:
John Deitrich
Recording Secretary:
Judy Martin
Christian Education:
Scarlet Huffman
Evangelism Chair:
Wil Fernandez
Missions Chair:
Ellen Penshorn
SPRC Chair:
Pat Jaquish
Trustees Chair:
Howard Brantmeyer
Worship Chair:
Mary Beth Shear
Lay Leader:
Kent Penshorn
UMW President:
Hispanic Shepherding:
Sue Wittenberger
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Faith United Methodist Church
There’s not much to say these days as there is very little activity anywhere. Just wanted to let all of you know that I miss all of you and pray for God’s sheltering arms around you whether you are still out in the world work-ing or isolated at home. Our May Council will obviously be postponed to June, if then.
We were able to send $210 to GRACE as part of the Polar Plunge fund.
Financially we are doing okay. Food pantry items were dropped off two weeks ago and our Helping Hands Easter baskets were also picked up.
I had done an Easter Service on Facebook and have been blown away with the results. It had 260 views, 6 peo-ple shared it and we reached 287 people.
Maybe this is an indication of a different approach for the Christian Church in the future. Thank you to Dawn Jasper-Montgomery, Bertha King and Kaitlyn for helping with the Easter Ser-vice.
I plan to do another service this Sunday, April 26 and on Mother's Day.
It will again be on our church Facebook page.
Sending a Happy Birthday out to Ernie Schnoor.
Thank you too to everyone who sent Easter cards and birthday cards to me.
Just remember we are all in this together, that we all need to stay united in these trying times, but more than anything, God is with us, always!
God bless you all,
Love,
The Reedsburg Area
Food Pantry The Reedsburg Area Food Pantry is experiencing an increased need. Not only is the increase due the rising needs of the pantry’s pre-COVID-19 families, there is a surge in first time guests to the Food Pantry. Certainly with the Governor’s extension to the Stay At Home order, there are bound to be still MORE families of all sizes who
will be seeking such help. Feeding those in need has always been a ministry close to Reedsburg UMC’s heart. So starting April 20, the church will have plastic bins at the front entrance of the church (the drive thru entrance) for you to drop off non-perishable items, that will then be delivered to the food pantry regularly.
In this time of increased need, you are welcome to contribute, as you are able. Anything you would eat at your home is a welcome donation, however, if you want specific ideas on what to grab, the following are especially needed at this time: macaroni and cheese, cereal and canned soup or bags of dry soup.
Please, for your safety and the safety of others, do not venture out of your home unnecessarily. However, if you are already shopping for groceries, consider picking up a few things and dropping them off at church, at your convenience, for the food pantry. You may also drop a monetary gift in the mail, indicating that it is for the Reedsburg Food Pantry. Remember in this time we are physically apart, the church is not closed… the church is deployed.
5 THE U.M.C. NEWS
We are livestreaming through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/reedsburgumc/). Facebook will have the added advantage that we can have a “greeter”; someone who greets people as they arrive. Due to challenges with live streaming through YouTube we are discontinuing live stream, instead downloading the Facebook copy of worship into YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm55c9m0Q6Uf_F1QKhMMGDw ). The service should be available on YouTube by 12:00 on Sundays.
Pastor Vick will be available to meet with you via Zoom on Wednesday mornings 8:33-9:33 in the comfort of your own home. This is for anyone who wishes to join me, so it could conceivably be a group of us meeting.
If you would like to meet with Pastor Vicki one on one she will be available for one on via Zoom, Skype, Messenger or good old fashion telephone on appointment basis. Please limit contacting her on Fridays to emergencies, as that is her day off.
Although Children’s Sunday School is canceled until further notice, we will be offering virtual Adult Sunday School through the video platform ZOOM. The link to get to the meeting is https://zoom.us/j/730238634 . If you want to just phone into the meeting, the phone number is 1 312 626 6799. The class will start at 10:15 on Sunday mornings.
Team/committee meetings will continue, via video conferencing from home. Keep an eye on your email inbox for your ZOOM invite. If you are not familiar with ZOOM, see the article, How to connect through Zoom. Note: you can also connect to Zoom by phone, yes, even by landline.
Confirmation, originally scheduled for May 31, may be delayed pending our ability to gather.
COMING SOON: special NEED PRAYER? signage, to encourage people in the Reedsburg community to contact us for all their prayer needs, via our new prayer email, [email protected]. A team of people passionate for prayer will be checking the email daily, praying and responding. If you feel like God’s Spirit is calling you to serve in this way, contact the office, by phone or email, and you will be contacted with further details.
6 THE U.M.C. NEWS
Will be going to Cancelling the
TGIF is cancelled until further notice.
Due to the COVID 19
please call Ethel at 415-7336
or the church office
at 524-3913, if you have any
questions.
will be on hold
until further notice!
Your June newsletter will be available for pick up on 5/27 & 5/28. Be sure to check out the Welcome Center at the end of service to pick up your monthly newsletter. To help the church save money on postage, consider having your newsletter delivered to your email! Simply email the church office at [email protected] with E-newsletter in the subject line to start enjoying your newsletter in color. Receiving your newsletter by
email is a great way to save paper.
NEWSLETTER
Remember the following in our prayers: ●As we respond to the news of the Coronavirus, we are encouraged to pray for one another, for our world, for those infected, for those offering medical and other care for those who are infected, and those infected in so many other ways as we deal with this virus.
Praise God for blessings bestowed:
Pastor Vicki and Howard Brantmeyer 30th Anniversary on May 26th.
We have the most recent Upper Rooms in the office. If you are wanting a copy please call (524-3913) or email the office ([email protected]) and make sure we have an updated address and we will either mail it, or someone will drop it off at your front door. . Note if you need a copy in large print form
7 THE U.M.C. NEWS
Special
Sunday’s
●Native American Ministries
April 26
●Peace with Justice
June 7
●World Communion
October 4
●United Methodist Student
Day
November 29
●Golden Cross Sunday.
Thank you for your
continued support of our many church missions!
Mission News For the last few years we have received materials for flood buckets, between the pandemic and the tornadoes it seems the buckets might be more appropriately named as disaster relief buckets. At the time of newsletter deadline we’re still not able to meet as a congregation. However, the world is still in need. And we know there are some of you who really have a heart for this mission. So, if you are one of those people who have been waiting to participate, here is what you can do. First of all pray, especially as you see the people impacted by the many disasters. We do not encourage you to go out during this pandemic lockdown, but if you are going out for other things already, you may choose to pick up one or more of the following: 18 reusable cleaning wipes (Handiwipes type) not terrycloth, microfiber or paper towels; 5 Scouring pad/ scratch resistant or plastic scrub pads-not stainless steel or has any soap in; 36-to 50 clothes pins; 50 to 100 feet of clothesline-Cotton or plastic ONLY. If you still want to support this mission, but are not leaving your home, you may send a monetary gift to the church, just make sure you identify that it is going to the disaster relief buckets. NOTE: you do not need to bring the items to the church until we are able to gather as a congregation.
Special Sunday
NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES
SUNDAY APRIL 26, 2020
The Native American Ministries Sunday offering supports Native American outreach within annual conferences, provides seminary scholarships for Native Americans, and strengthens, develops
and equips Native American rural, urban and reservation congregations, ministries and communities.
While we found another method of worshiping virtually, we don’t want our lack of physical presence to impair our contribution to Native American Sunday. Please use the enclosed Native American Sunday giving envelope either dropping it in the mail or bringing it when we next meet as a congregation.
Note: We have also included a regular giving envelope to help you continue supporting the ministry of RUMC. As stated in the letter sent out March 18, ministry doesn’t just happen Saturday night and Sunday morning. Keeping up with your financial stewardship giving makes a difference in people’s lives. This would be a good time to consider becoming an electronic giver, if you’re not already doing so. You can access on line giving by going to our website and clicking on the box marked DONATE, or call the office for assistance during office hours.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Our next meeting is postponed at this
time until further notice.
REMINDERS:
Foundations the
personal finance
for Teens is
postponed until
further notice.
Kids of the
Kingdom and the
middle school
youth group are
also postponed
until further no-
tice.
8 THE U.M.C. NEWS
5/2 Stephanie Pannkuk 5/3 Bruce Pannkuk 5/4 Ernest Schnoor—FUMC
5/4 Harvin Ziech 5/12 William Adams 5/13 Jeffery Barker
5/16 Carole Adams 5/17 Kay Amborn 5/18 Gladys Olson
5/22 Ray Deakin 5/25 Abel Gorsuch 5/25 Tom Seamonson
5/26 Donald Lamke 5/27 Brian “Sid” Vertein 5/29 John Espy
5/29 Curtis Larson 5/30 Thomas Grover 5/31 Heather Schutz
Did you know . . . that we are the church together? . . .that when we serve others we are showing our love
for God? . . .that we are the body of Christ? We can be the hands and feet of Jesus, to soften the harsh physical,
emotional and spiritual effects of this pandemic and time of social distancing. Loving our neighbors!
“ you must love the Lord your God with all your heart. . . and love your neighbor as yourself”. Mark 4:30-31
What can I do while Safer at Home, you ask? Can you sew? There is a great need for masks. How about yard
work? Your neighbors might appreciate help. Are you a baker? Drop off some goodies on a neighbors front porch.
Do you shop or pick up carryout? Could you (re)connect with someone by phone or donate to a food pantry?
What can you do?
“Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and God’s Spirit lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 CEB
With questions or for help, call Angela (608)524-3913 9-12 Monday-Thursday
Or Pat Jaquish (608) 963-9215 when the office is closed.
9 THE U.M.C. NEWS
Technology is allowing us to continue moving forward with our Missional Church Consultation Initiative Prescriptions. Here is a progress report:
Rx 1: Leadership and Discipleship-A handful of members of this team met to create a document stating the guiding principles that a streamlined leadership structure would live by. March 23, the Ad Council, which is reading the book, Mission Possible A Simple Structure for Missional Effectiveness by Kay Kotan and Blake Bradford, reviewed the first draft. The Ad Council decided that the board would work to finalize the proposed document at the next meeting, April 27. This would allow the council to review the document after more of the book but more importantly to dedicate it to further prayer and discernment. Once the document is accepted by Ad Council, copies will be distributed to the entire church, and Q & A sessions will be provided, so that by the time it does come, again, everyone will better understand what they are voting for.
Rx 2: Unleashing Unpaid Ministry-Ellen has been gathering the troops to learn from our coach, Sue Nilson Kibbey, via ZOOM. We are learning the importance of not focusing on tasks that need to be done, as focus on helping people discover what God is calling them to do. It’s been a good reminder that one way of showing our love to God is by serving. The team’s most recent assignment is to develop a servant catalog that gives a cross section of ways people could serve God through the church.
Rx 3: Guest Connections-As of the writing of this article we have been informed that Rev. Terry McHugh, from the Ohio Conference is our Guest Connection coach. The team met via ZOOM to share what attracted them to this prescription, how the church might look different when we start seeing success, and to identify what leadership component each person leans towards (Reminder: Spiritual Shepherd-focuses on relationships; System-Task-Organizers- get ‘er done; Vision Cryers-cast the vision of what can be). A ZOOM meeting with our coach is currently in the works.
Rx 4: Worship Enhancement-Jason Siedschlag has been working with others developing a purpose statement this team can use to guide us in God-centered worship that resonates throughout the week. Our Coach, Jason Moore is the prescription coach for Worship Enhancement, with Jason Siedschlag serving as the team leader. The team first met with Jason Moore via Zoom where they were given a rough idea of what it means to offer a worship that resonates. Our coach acknowledged that we are doing a lot of things right, but there are some minor tweaks that could go a long way in creating worship that resonates.
Rx 5: Making Friends with Our Neighbors- As mentioned last month, is in our list of teams, we forgot to mention the Triads that would give us opportunities of inviting people outside the church family to participate in activities. Although this team is not ready to move forward with some of the specific initiatives within the prescription, Pastor Vicki is moving forward to connect those who are part of the team to connect through ZOOM to bathe this fifth prescription in prayer.
10 THE U.M.C. NEWS
In Anxious for Nothing, Max Lucado invites readers to delve into Philippians 4:6-7.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Readers are guided through this Scripture passage and shown the key concepts of
celebration, asking for help, leaving our concerns, and meditating. Join Max on the journey
to true freedom and experience more joy, clarity, physical renewal, and contentment by the
power of the Holy Spirit. Anxiety comes with life. But it doesn't have to dominate your life.
Give Plus+ by Vanco
We just added another way to give toward your stewardship at the church.
We will now be offering Texting your contributions in addition to mailing your contribution or using electronic giving online.
On the following page are the directions for setting up texting as an option.
Use this guide to provide step-by-step instructions.
Seeking a Part Time Church Treasurer
The Reedsburg United Methodist Church is looking for an
individual with bookkeeping/accounting experience. The
position requires entry of bills, printing checks, compiling
budget data, in addition to interpreting & reporting financial
data. Hours are flexible, time and pay are determined by qualifications and experience.
PowerChurch software experience preferred.
11 THE U.M.C. NEWS
12 THE U.M.C. NEWS
Are You a Servant or Volunteer?
Submitted by: Linda Bruun
Having recently become a member of the Parish/Staff Relationship Committee (SPRC), I have come to realize I VOLUNTEERED without knowing what I was getting myself into. It did not take me long to figure out that someone on the committee needs to volunteer to write an article for the monthly newsletter. So being the person I am, a “get-er-done” person, I volunteered to write the news article for May’s newsletter, the topic being: Servant versus Volunteer.
I realized I had no clue what the difference was, so my research began (Thank you Lord for Google). Here’s what I found out. According to Debi Simons, author of Intentional Happiness, it boils down to four simple concepts:
When I started on this venture three months ago, I was strictly VOLUNTEERING my time on yet another church committee. From the get-go, I thought of this as a task that would be completed when my time was up on this committee. Through my research on the topic of servant versus volunteer, I realized my mindset has been limited by my thinking.
Servanthood is about recognizing that God has created each and every one of us with specific gifts and abilities. He expects us to use those gifts and abilities to serve Him, each other, our church, our community, and the world. I used to ask God “WHY?” Now I ask Him “HOW?” How might I serve Him using the talents He shared with me. Through His Grace, I am finding my way out of the limited VOLUNTEER mindset and into the limitless SERVANT mindset.
What is your mindset regarding Servanthood? What are your God-given talents and gifts? What do you see yourself doing as His servant? Are you using your full potential to serve others? Are there others in your circle of friends and family that you could encourage to serve? Are there others beyond that circle who need your help to recognize their talents and to put them to good use? Stop limiting your thinking by Volunteering. Ex-pand your possibilities by Serving. It is not only freeing, but it is also a blessing.
I close with this bible quote:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Col. 3:23-24
SERVANTS VOLUNTEERS
Focused on the people they serve Focused on the work
Expect no praise or recognition Often feel hurt if no one praises them
Willing to sacrifice themselves Do what fits into their schedules and no more
Committed to the cause Feel free to leave at any time