God is Still. Speaking... Brookings United Church of Christ. As I look at it... MARCH 2016 ISSUE. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life s journey,

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "God is Still. Speaking... Brookings United Church of Christ. As I look at it... MARCH 2016 ISSUE. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life s journey,"

Arthur Sutton
5 years ago
Views:

Issue 3 March 2016 ISSUE 3 Brookingsucc.org 605.697.2882 828 8th St. South Brookings, SD 57006 Brookings United Church of Christ God is Still Brookings, SD 57006 828 8th Street South As I look at it.

Wade Schemmel Pastor Email: buccpastor@swiftel.net Office Phone: 605-697-2882 Cell Phone: 701-934-2051 March 27 th is Easter. It is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus the Christ.

It is the point when the fire of my faith gets kindled. It often is the source of strength that carries me through the long dry summer.

Easter is a grand celebration, with the flowers, and the food and the excitement of the children it lifts one s heart above the dreariness of the day.

1 Issue 3 March 2016 ISSUE 3 Brookingsucc.org th St. South Brookings, SD Brookings United Church of Christ God is Still Brookings, SD th Street South As I look at it... Speaking... Brookingsucc@brookings.net MARCH 2016 Whoever you are, wherever you are on life s journey, you are welcome here Rev. Wade Schemmel Pastor buccpastor@swiftel.net Office Phone: Cell Phone: March 27 th is Easter. It is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus the Christ. By every standard it is the most sacred day of the church year. Easter is the very heart and foundation of our faith. As a pastor I look forward to Easter. It is the point when the fire of my faith gets kindled. It often is the source of strength that carries me through the long dry summer. There is however, a question which I have often been asked that begs an answer. That question is, What is the meaning of Easter in my everyday life? Easter is a grand celebration, with the flowers, and the food and the excitement of the children it lifts one s heart above the dreariness of the day. But when all of that is past the question remains, what is the meaning of Easter for our everyday life? I believe there are two thoughts that I would like to share. The first is that Easter helps us understand the depth of God s love for us. At Easter we get a picture of just how much God loves us and how capable God is of acting on that love. Easter tells us that there is no limit as to how far God will go to reach us and there is no boundary that can hold God back. It tells us that the God we worship is ready and willing to deal with the rough and tumble of real life. I believe that Easter is also a declaration that God seeks for each one of us the opportunity to live fully the life that is placed before us. Easter is God s call to follow God s dream and know that we will be backed fully by God. As King David was confident of going into battle knowing God was with him, so we can be confident as we face the challenges of each day knowing that God will be with us. Easter is a call for each one of us to live fully into who we are enabled to be, It is a call to not be afraid to live up to the potential that God has given us. For God will be there to guide us, to empower us, to give us sustaining strength. With God s help we can seek to climb the mountains of this life and embrace the eternity that is to come. For Easter assures us that there are no boundaries on God s vision or God s reach, Let us this Easter draw close to the life empowering living Christ. May we find confidence this Easter to live fully the life that lies before us and hold closely the dream of the eternity we seek. Namaste Wade

A Celebration of Diversity Beginning February 17 th and continuing on through March 16 th all are invited to gather for a soup supper at 6:00 followed by a program on the theme of understanding at

The participants include on February 17 we are talking with Bud Johnson of the Native American Community; on February 24 Harry Greenbaum on behalf of the Jewish community; on March 2 Harsha Mistry on

Please consider joining us as we go through this Lent program series and season together. On March 24 th Maundy Thursday, we will have a Seder meal followed by a brief Tenebrae service.

The sacrament of holy communion will be available for all that would wish to receive it. The History of Lent The practice of Lent likely has its origins in practical reasons.

2 A Celebration of Diversity Beginning February 17 th and continuing on through March 16 th all are invited to gather for a soup supper at 6:00 followed by a program on the theme of understanding at 7:00. The presenters will be members of the richly diverse religious community of Brookings who will share what it means to practice their faith in our midst. The participants include on February 17 we are talking with Bud Johnson of the Native American Community; on February 24 Harry Greenbaum on behalf of the Jewish community; on March 2 Harsha Mistry on behalf of the Hindu community; On March 9 - Fathe Halaweich on behalf of the Muslim Community; on March 16 Phillis Cole-Dai on behalf of the Buddhist community. Please consider joining us as we go through this Lent program series and season together. On March 24 th Maundy Thursday, we will have a Seder meal followed by a brief Tenebrae service. On March 25 th, Good Friday from 4 7 there will be an opportunity for all to come and share in a personal moment of reflection. The sacrament of holy communion will be available for all that would wish to receive it. The History of Lent The practice of Lent likely has its origins in practical reasons. In agricultural societies (as most Christian cultures were, in the fourth and fifth centuries, when Lent is first mentioned in historical context), winter crops were often scarce. Correspondingly, a period of fasting may have been a spiritual response to a physical need. The excesses and revels of Shrove Tuesday (also known as Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday, were, in all likelihood, a response to the same phenomenon, as people wanted to consume perishable goods (like meats, eggs, dairy products, and sweets) before they spoiled. As the practice of Lent evolved, it began to take on the added significance of a preparation of new church members for the baptism of Easter Sunday. In the spirit of Christianity as a community of living faith, this period of fasting and preparation was eventually embraced by all Church members. Additionally, Lent was once referred to as quadragesima, which is Latin for the fortieth day before Easter. The word "Lent" itself is thought to come from a Germanic root, lenct, which initially meant "spring" and, later, "fast." The History of Palm Sunday GOT SPRING FEVER? Are you getting spring fever with the longer days and warmer temperatures? Itching to get out and give your green thumb a workout this spring? The Memorial Garden committee is looking for people willing to help with planning our next steps for the garden. If you have ideas that you d like to offer or are willing to help with planting, pruning, or weeding we could use your help. Please contact Ruby Wilson or any of the church council members if you are interested in serving on the committee or provide other assistance. The celebration of Palm Sunday originated in the Jerusalem Church, around the late fourth century. The early Palm Sunday ceremony consisted of prayers, hymns, and sermons recited by the clergy while the people walked to various holy sites throughout the city. At the final site, the place where Christ ascended into heaven, the clergy would read from the gospels concerning the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. In the early evening they would return to the city reciting: "Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord." The children would carry palm and olive branches as the people returned through the city back to the church, where they would hold evening services. By the fifth century, the Palm Sunday celebration had spread as far as Constantinople. Changes made in the sixth and seventh centuries resulted in two new Palm Sunday traditions - the ritual blessing of the palms, and a morning procession instead of an evening one. Adopted by the Western Church in the eighth century, the celebration received the name "Dominica in Palmis," or "Palm Sunday".

3 Moderator s Report MARCH 2016 Dear BUCC Family and Friends, We have a busy month here at BUCC and are looking forward to it and seeing everyone! Spring has sprung, and Holy week and Easter are upon us. Communion will be this Sunday, March 13th. On March 24th, it s Maundy Thursday and we invite you all to the Seder Meal at 5:30 pm and Tenebrae Service at 7 pm. On March 25 th, Good Friday s Personal Meditation and Communion begins at 4-7 pm. On March 27th, Easter Sunday, BUCC is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt and we would like to cordially invite everyone and all the children too! There will be a special cake and fun had by all! Save the date! March 27th~ 8 am ~Early Easter Service 9 am ~Easter Breakfast 10 am ~ Easter Service 11 am ~ Easter Egg Hunt/ Coffee Hour If anyone would like to volunteer for helping out on Easter and the Egg Hunt, please get ahold of me! Contact information: kprunty@itctel.com Home: Cell: By: Kristi Prunty Moderator NOTES FROM THE FEBRUARY CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING At least one more teacher is needed for Sunday School. New curriculum is needed for the Sunday School to better meet the needs of the children. The Sunday School committee will meet on February 28 th after church to discuss staffing and curriculum. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and plans have been made for a booth at HyVee to hand out ribbons. Volunteers are needed to staff the booth on April 1 (3-7 p.m) and April 2 (9 a.m. until all of the ribbons distributed). A Kids Carnival is scheduled for April 16 th. Holy Week schedule: A Seder meal will be planned for Maundy Thursday, followed by a service of extinguishing the lights. The church will be open on Good Friday for selfcommunion and Pastor Wade will also be available if anyone requires assistance. Easter morning schedule: There will be a simple service at 8 a.m. followed by breakfast at 9 a.m. and worship at 10 a.m. Brookings UCC has offered to host the South Dakota Conference of the United Church of Christ annual meeting in 2017, and a planning committee needs to be organized. Volunteers are welcome. The Conference provides the funding, schedule, and guidance for the hosting church. Ruby Wilson, BUCC Council Secretary Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 6 Adult Study 9 Worship 10 Fellowship Adult Study 9 Worship 10 Fellowship 11 Communion 20 Adult Study 9 Worship 10 Fellowship 11 Palm Sunday Food Dedication 27EASTER 8 & 10am Service 9am Breakfast 11am EGG HUNT!! Faithful Crafters 2-4 pm Mtg. 6 pm LENT BEGINS BUCC Council Meeting 5:30 pm 16 LENTEN SOUP/ PROGRAM 6-8 pm Mtg. 6 pm Mtg. 6 pm Faithful Crafters 2-4 pm Conf. Mtg 6 24 Seder Meal 5:30 pm Tenebrae 7 (MAUNDY) 31 Night Out 5:30 pm Good Friday Meditation/ Communion 4-7 pm Birthday Brunch 11 am Perkins 26 Faithful Crafters 10-11:30

MARCH BIRTHDAYS 1 Dave Huebner 3 Neemah Delfanian 11 Tom Rosen 12 Gary Kessler 18 Charlie Marshall 23 Fred Delfanian 26 Phyllis Cole-Dai 29 Jim Satterlee 30 JoAnn Satterlee ANNIVERSARIES: 8 Tom and

& Nancy Marshall Brenda & Carl Kline Loye Holmes Raul & Marisol Galvan- Murillo March September Susan Helvig Dave & Julie Huebner Jean Lillelid Linda Langner Helen Andersen April October Jim & Joanne

Jacob & Samantha Holden Randy & Marlene DeBoer Chad & Laura Gloege Shanta Messerli Fred & Christine Delfanian If anyone has any concerns or possible conflicts, Please contact the church office 605.

4 MARCH BIRTHDAYS 1 Dave Huebner 3 Neemah Delfanian 11 Tom Rosen 12 Gary Kessler 18 Charlie Marshall 23 Fred Delfanian 26 Phyllis Cole-Dai 29 Jim Satterlee 30 JoAnn Satterlee ANNIVERSARIES: 8 Tom and Susan Rosen 16 Clarence and Darlene Bauer Ministry Teams 2016 January July Stuart & Melissa Apland Kathy Apland Steve & Kristi Prunty Darlene Dokken (2) February August Larry Rogers & Ruth Harper Don & Nancy Marshall Brenda & Carl Kline Loye Holmes Raul & Marisol Galvan- Murillo March September Susan Helvig Dave & Julie Huebner Jean Lillelid Linda Langner Helen Andersen April October Jim & Joanne Satterlee Leonard & Norita Henneman Wade & Peg Schemmel Jihong Cole-Dai May November Jim & Ruby Wilson Tom & Susan Rosen *Doug & Mary Ward Christine Prussman Christina & Justin Weimer June December Jacob & Samantha Holden Randy & Marlene DeBoer Chad & Laura Gloege Shanta Messerli Fred & Christine Delfanian If anyone has any concerns or possible conflicts, Please contact the church office Or at brookingsucc@brookings.net. Thank You! Special dedication of food items~ During each month we collect food for three special ministries that distribute food to those in need. These include Feeding Brookings The Food Pantry and The Harvest Table. There are receptacles and carts to receive each of these offerings. That food will be dedicated each 3 rd Sunday and will be distributed shortly after that. Help us to have nice full bins to share and dedicate. HARVEST TABLE: A warm-no-cost meal served every Monday night from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the First United Methodist Community Life Center, The meal is offered for anyone in the community looking for good food and fellowship! If you have questions, contact Vonda Kirkham, Harvest Table Director, If you have participated in the weekly Harvest Table, you know that it is more than a hot meal for those in need. They also distribute food stuffs and supplies for families to get through the week, such as soap, toothpaste, diapers and baby wipes to name a few. The number of people being served each week has grown significantly over the last few years. In July 285 people were served a hot meal, grocery items were distributed to 145 households, 110 packages of diapers and baby wipes were handed out to families all at no cost to the families. The cupboards are BARE!! The Harvest Table is desperately in need of supplies. Non-perishable foods, (canned goods, pasta, rice, peanut butter, beans, cereal, baby food, formula, fruits and juice, canned meat and other pantry staples), personal care items (soap, toothpaste and brushes, shampoo, mouthwash), baby supplies (diapers and baby wipes are especially needed), paper goods (paper towels, toilet paper). The needs run the gamut. If you need it for your house, the Harvest Table probably needs it as well. If you aren t sure what is most needed, money is always the right size and color. With your tax-deductible donations, the Harvest Table staff can shop for what is needed the most. FEEDING BROOKINGS Bags of food are distributed every Thursday from 4:00 5:00 p.m. at the Ascension Lutheran Church rd Street March food item of the month: Pasta/Rice 217 4TH Street BROOKINGS, SD IMMEDIATE NEEDS: Pizza Sauce/Crust Canned Mushrooms/ Black Olives Sloppy Joe Mix Mandarin Oranges Canned Spinach/ Asparagus Instant Oatmeal Pantry is open: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 1:00-4:30pm

LENTEN PROGRAM SERIES LENTEN PROGRAM SERIES March 2nd~ February 24th~ Harsha

growing up in the Hindu Community and religions.

experience growing up in the among the Jewish Community and practicing that

Jean Lellelid, BUCC Member and other friends of BUCC enjoying fellowship after

5 LENTEN PROGRAM SERIES LENTEN PROGRAM SERIES March 2nd~ February 24th~ Harsha Mistry was our Lenten Program speaker for the night discussing her experience growing up in the Hindu Community and religions. Harry Greenbaum was our speaker for the Lent Program Series here to discuss his experience growing up in the among the Jewish Community and practicing that religion. Jean Lellelid, BUCC Member and other friends of BUCC enjoying fellowship after the Lent Program and soup supper. BUCC members and friends of the Brookings community coming together to enjoy 2 different kinds of soups, assorted sandwiches, cookies, and coffee during fellowship.

Upcoming Events in March Adult Study Group that has been meeting at 9:00 on Sunday mornings has begun a study of Kathleen Norris s book Amazing Grace.

Birthday Brunch March 12th, 2016 11 am ~ Perkins All are invited who wish to enjoy food and fellowship to celebrate your birthdays. Please Join us!

6 Upcoming Events in March Adult Study Group that has been meeting at 9:00 on Sunday mornings has begun a study of Kathleen Norris s book Amazing Grace. If any have interest in joining the group you are welcome to join us! will take place on Thursday mornings at 11:30 1pm March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31st. Please join us! We have 3 signup sheets in the back of the Sanctuary for the Seder Meal, Easter Breakfast, and for the Kid s Carnival on April 16th~Please sign up to help provide and serve our BUCC meals and programs coming up! March 24 th ~ Maundy Thursday Seder Meal 5:30 pm Tenebrae Service 7 pm March 25 th ~ Good Friday Personal Meditation Communion 4-7 pm PLEASE JOIN US! Birthday Brunch March 12th, am ~ Perkins All are invited who wish to enjoy food and fellowship to celebrate your birthdays. Please Join us! Meetings Thursdays through Lent~ 6 pm We will be sharing the sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, March 13th, All are invited to come and share in this very special time as we gather about the table that our Redeemer has set. Helping Hands Offering bowl will also be located in the sanctuary. This fund helps out local folks in need. Please Join us! March 27th, 2016 Please join us for service, breakfast, and Easter Egg Hunt! Bring the kids for a day of fun!! PALM SUNDAY & FOOD DEDICATION MARCH 20th, 2016 FAITHFUL CRAFTERS March 3rd and 17th~ 2-4 pm March 26th~10-11:30 am 8 am ~Early Easter Service 9 am ~Easter Breakfast 10 am ~ Easter Service 11 am ~ Easter Egg Hunt/Coffee BUCC Council Meeting March 15th, :30 pm Potluck 6:15 pm Meeting BUCC Night Out March 31st, 5:30 pm Volunteers Needed: March 26th, Saturday Faithfull Crafters group is inviting anyone who is interested in helping put the Easter Eggs together for the Egg Hunt on Easter is more than welcome to stop by and join the fun! The Crafters will be at the church from 10 am to 11:30 am on March 26th. Our BUCC church life commission is also looking for someone to help out with teaching Sunday School to the kids. We already have the curriculum ordered. Please contact Peg Schemmel at Arts747@aol.com.

God is Still. Speaking... Brookings United Church of Christ. As I look at it... APRIL 2016 ISSUE. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life s journey,

God is Still. Speaking... Brookings United Church of Christ. As I look at it... APRIL 2016 ISSUE. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life s journey, Issue 4 April 2016 ISSUE 4 Brookingsucc.org 605.697.2882 828 8th St. South Brookings, SD 57006 Brookings United Church of Christ God is Still Brookings, SD 57006 828 8th Street South As I look at it...