AWARE January St. James United Methodist Church. Please note: ~~~~~~~~~~~~PASTOR~~~~~~~~~~~ Mark Klaisner

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1 St. James United Methodist Church AWARE January 2017 ~~~~~~~~~~~~PASTOR~~~~~~~~~~~ Mark Klaisner ~~~~~~~LAY LEADERSHIP~~~~~~~ Lay Leader/Lay Member Ann. Conf Larry Gyrion Staff Parish Relation Chairperson Gary Linstad Administrative Board Chairperson Tom Schemm Council Secretary Deb Kraemer Treasurer Chris Bahr Finance Chair Jon Krein Financial Secretary LuAnn Van Handel Trustees Chair Lloyd Eggert Christian Education Sherri Gyrion Missions Committee Kay & Charlie Christenson Member Care Lead Pastor Mark Website Bill Kraemer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~STAFF~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Administrative Assistant Deb Kraemer Director of Music & Organist Andy Lambrecht Custodian Todd Trueblood Please note: If you are receiving this electronically, all links in this publication are active. (indicated as blue and underlined.) You just need to hover over it and click on the link with your mouse. Greetings and peace to you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. As we begin a new year together, I am reminded of the words found in Isaiah 43:1, But now, this is what the Lord says - he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. It is comforting to be reminded that in spite of all the uncertainty around us we can be grounded in the truth that we belong to God and God belongs to us. Paul tells us in Romans 8:39 that nothing in all of creation can separate us from the love of God made known to us in Jesus Christ. Knowing this promise, and embracing it, becomes the catalysis for making those needed changes in our lives that deepen our faith and heal our relationships. As we begin 2017, it's only natural to want to reflect back over the previous year and consider what all was accomplished, as well to acknowledge our hurts and missed opportunities. It s true in our professional and our personal lives. It's also true in our spiritual life. Did my words and actions reflect the presence of Christ to others? How much time did I spend in God's Word? Did my giving reflect my heart for God? How consistent was I in my prayer life? Was Sunday School/Worship a priority? So? How was your spiritual life last year? And what changes are necessary to take it to the next level this year? And consider this: what did you see God do this year? And not only in you and through you, but around you? I don't know about you, but I saw God do some things in me and through me last year but oh the things I saw Him do around me! I saw Him restore broken marriages. I saw Him heal the souls and bodies of many. I saw Him give hope to the hopeless. I saw Him give forgiveness to the fallen. I saw Him transform lives. It is easy to focus on the disappointments of 2016, but it is important to recognize the presence of God. What all did you see God do around you this past year? Not just in you and through you, but around you? Yes, God is never far away. All we need to do is slow down and reflect on that presence. Well.. as wonderful as all those things were last year, what would you say if I told you that God has ''a new thing'' for you in 2017? A ''new thing'' that's better, that's bigger, that's greater, that's mightier than what you saw Him do last year in you, through you and around you? Continued

2 Pastor s letter continued from page 1... And let me say that if you continue dwelling on the old things God has done, you're not going to see the new things God has planned for Focusing on the past solely tends to blur our focus on today. In other words, it's hard to see in front of you when you're constantly looking behind you! Have a Blessed New Year and allow God to do His good work in you! Shalom, Pastor Mark Sermon Series: FINDING JOY IN REAL LIFE: 5 HABITS FOR LIVING WELL In real life, we re not always dealt the perfect hand. Relationships, careers and finances can all complicate life, leaving us unsettled, frustrated, empty and exhausted. What if you could turn the life you have into the life you want? What if life could be more meaningful and filled with real joy? What if you could develop habits that would make every day of your life better? As we enter the New Year we pray that this sermon series will bring you to a place of hope and joy. January 1 January 8 January 15 January 22 January 29 Sermons & Scripture New Territory Philippians 3:13-14 Words That Will Set You Free Matthew 18:21-35 The Gold Standard Matthew 7:7-12 The Requirements of the Lord Micah 6:8, Isaiah 58:1-10 The Secret of Wealth Luke 16:13-15 ONGOING ACTIVITIES Wednesday Bible Study & Support Group: Is on winter break. Lunch Bunch: 12:15 p.m. on Mon., Jan., 9, at Applebee's, 3730 W. College Ave., Appleton Men s Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. Tue., Jan., 10, at Mary s Place, 2312 N. Richmond St. Ladies Night Out: Approx. 6:00 p.m., Wed., Jan., 25. This is a different day and time than usual. Please see article on page 4 of this newsletter for more details. If you have not already done so, please remember to return your 2017 pledge cards and Time and Talent surveys. Thank you. January Celebrations Birthdays 1/2 Betsy Rath 1/3 Bob Olson 1/3 Michelle Price 1/6 John Lind 1/7 Marge King 1/11 Bill Kraemer 1/12 Emily Milbach 1/17 Chet Luce 1/24 Roy Duhm Anniversaries 1/6 Mike & Gloria Carow 1/12 Chris and Shelby Andrews February 5 The Greatest Commandment Deuteronomy 6:4-6, Matthew 22:34-40 DATES TO REMEMBER: JANUARY 5 VNA Foot Care Clinic (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) 8 Administrative Council 14 & 21 Basic Lay Servant Class (9 a.m. 2:30 p.m.) 27 & 28 Boy Scout Pinewood Derby 29 New Bible study begins. More details & info. can be found at UMCSJ.ORG Sunday Morning Mission offerings from January to March will go to Click on the link below to find out more about UMCOR

3 Thank you Sunday School, for a great presentation of The Symbols of Christmas

4 Ladies Night Out Wednesday, January 25! Please note day and date change from the norm. Movie night at the theater. The Resurrection of Gavin Stone. To see a clip from the movie, click here We can get tickets at Sam's Club, 2 tickets and $3 snack cash for $17. (Just let Chris Bahr know of you interest, and she will pick them up for us.) We will be attending the early evening showing. Watch your E-News for the exact start time. Synopsis of the movie: A washedup former child star, forced to do community service at a local mega church, pretends to be a Christian to land the part of Jesus in their annual Passion Play, only to discover that the most important role of his life is far from Hollywood. Plumbing Skills Needed The bubbler in the hallway has developed a leak. Replacement of the bubbler is not economical. The trustees are looking for someone with plumbing skills to cap the drain and the water line so the bubbler can be removed. If you have the skills or know someone with the skills please contact Lloyd Eggert at or llonnaegg@aol.com Attention, Staff Parish Relations Committee Members Please Mark Your Calendars and Plan to Attend One of the Training Sessions Listed Below!! Saturday, January 21, 2017 Manitowoc: Lakeshore UMC, 411 Reed Ave, Manitowoc 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. (registration at 8:30 a.m.) Saturday, January 28, 2017 Green Bay: Bethany UMC, 1110 Echo Ln, Green Bay 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.(registration at 8:30 a.m.) Sunday, January 29, 2017 Fond du Lac: Covenant UMC, 20 N Marr St., Fond du Lac 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. (registration at 1:30 p.m.) All three sessions will be the same, allowing you to attend whichever one is most convenient for you. All SPRC members are strongly encouraged to attend and learn about their responsibilities. The first two hours will be basic training. The last hour will deal with frequently asked questions around supervision: - Developing job descriptions, goals, evaluations; - Dealing with challenging situations; - Maintaining safe and healthy boundaries; and - Other questions as they arise.. It is especially important that new SPRC chairs and new committee members attend this event. The content of the day will be different from previous years. Clergy are asked to attend as well. Daily Bread Devotional For information on current needs for Homeless Connections, click here. There are free copies of the Daily Bread devotional available for you to take, at the Connection Center table. The Dec., Jan., Feb., 3 -month devotional is now available. Holy Land Journey 10-Day biblical survey program including Israel, the West Bank and Jordan February 19-28, 2017 For a list of itinerary items, cost, and other details, see information at the Connection Center or ask the church office. We have a great start for In-Gathering in June! Here is the list of supplies needed as a reminder. Thanks to some great sew-ers, we have lots of bags to fill! 2017 In-Gathering School Kits Here is what is needed... 3 notebooks (8x10½, spiral are best) 6 pencils (#2, unsharpened no advertising) 1 pair of blunt school scissors 1 ruler (12 with 30cm metric) 1 2½ eraser 1 box of 24-count Crayola Crayons 1 hand-held pencil sharpener 1 school tote bag (14 x14-16 ) Shipping donation per bag: $1

5 Coming in Late January The Battle Plan for Prayer A new Sunday morning bible study on prayer, inspired by the Kendrick Brothers movie, War Room. This exciting resource is designed to help anyone learn how to become a powerful person of prayer. The Battle Plan for Prayer begins with prayer s core purpose, its biblical design, and its impact throughout history. Readers will be guided scripturally through the fundamentals of how effective prayer works, inspired towards a closer, more intimate relationship with God, and shown how to develop specific prayer strategies for each area of life. Prayer can accomplish what a willing God can accomplish. It should be your first plan of attack in all of life s battles, not your last resort. If you want to experience the joy of mightily answered prayer, then it s time to engage with God at another level. For the first class, we will watch the movie War Room and then spend the subsequent classes using the book above. Cost of the book is $10. Sign up at the Connection Center Be Refreshed at Sweet Life Café Retreat Are you looking for a gift for someone who seems to have everything? Consider the gift that keeps on giving, a weekend with God. The Walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers. It begins with a 3-day short course in Christianity. Christ will meet you where you are, no matter where you are on your Christian journey. For more information, contact the church office by clinking on the link or call Yes, this café-themed getaway is as relaxing and refreshing as it sounds! Get away from the busyness of life as you relax and share laughter and stories, while you spend time with God. Join us at this Sweet Life Café retreat to experience all this and more. Friday, February 17, - Saturday, February 18th, 2017 Starting Friday at 6 p.m. through Saturday, at 3 p.m. Fox Hills Resort, Mishicot, WI Sponsored by Suamico UMC Evening meal, breakfast and lunch are provided. Rooms have 2 queen-sized beds with microwave and refrigerator. Cost $110 per person double occupancy. Reservations required by February 1, 2017 Registration forms are available at or call Gift Certificates Available!

6 A Two-Saturday, Lay Servant Class available at St James in January Do you want to grow as a follower of Jesus and better understand how to use my gifts in ministry?. We're all called to proclaim God's wonder and works. Answering the spiritual nudges to put faith in action and represent Christ in our daily lives present unique opportunities to serve God and neighbor. As unique as you and your spiritual gifts. The Basic Course for Lay Servant Ministries guides you to discover your gifts of caring, leading and communicating and put them to use. "We can all find a calling in one or more of these areas of ministry," write the authors. "The church depends upon its laity to carry out its mission and purpose....many journeys of deepening faith and service in ministry have begun with this [book and] class." Sessions take you through thoughtful reflection on what it takes to make a congregation an outpost for mission and transformation and the role you can play. The Basic will be offered at St James UMC January 14 and 21, 2017, You can still sign up is you can purchase the book in time for the class. Cost $11. Bring a bag lunch. Other classes available in early 2017 Basic Class Clintonville UMC, 9 a.m. 2:30 p.m. 24 W. Thirteenth St. Clintonville February 18 and 25, Registration deadline Feb. 1st. Cost $11. Bring a bag lunch, or you may go to Subway. Spiritual Gifts New Hope, DePere January 28 and February 4, 2017, Registration deadline January 13, 2017 Cost $13. Lunch will be provided. If interested in attending either of these classes, contact Barb Franken at the district office bfranken@wisconsinumc.org. Volunteers In Mission Trips Winter Spring 2017 These are local, state trips. For more details and a list of national trips, go to for more information. May 14 19, 2017 Pine Lake United Methodist Camp, Westfield, WI Camp preparations and repairs for summer camping. Projects include installing piers and docks, general spring cleaning and preparation for the summer season. The camp always plans a major project for us to complete. Cost: $150 per person for the week; $30 per day. You are encouraged to come for a day or two if you are not able to spend the week. Please register in advance whether coming for the week or a day. A deposit of $25 is due with the registration form ASAP. Checks should be made payable to WAC/VIM Camp and sent to Don Bastian. Deadline is April 15, Co-leader and Registrar: Don Bastian, 1240 St. Huberts Drive, Hubertus, WI (414) ; donfelice21@gmail.com. Co-Leader: Don Mevis, Westfield, WI; (608) ; mevis@frontier.com May 20, 2017 Pine Lake Camp Chain Saw Training Attention Volunteers: Anyone using a chain saw as a volunteer must have certified training! This is a Chain Saw Training Course for beginners and experienced cutters with emphasis on safety and working with basic hazards evaluation. This course covers: When: May 20, 9:00 a.m. Location: Pine Lake United Methodist Camp, W8301 CTY HWY M, Westfield, WI Cost: $40.00 per person Lunch: Will be provided Limit:10-15 Please bring helmet, ear and eye protection. Also bring work boots, gloves, chaps and chain saw if you have them. Dress for the weather. You will receive card for participating in the basic chain saw safety course. Write the check to VIM Camps. Please send your name, address, address, and money to: Chuck Wedemeyer 8389 N. Ivy St. Brown Deer, WI mjcwede@gmail.com Deadline is May 12, 2017 June 18-24, 2017 Red Cliff Reservation, Bayfield, WI This will be a repeat trip to that site to continue to serve the residents of the reservation and deepen the relationship with the Native American community there. This will be an adult/youth trip. Cost is $ for the week. (Deposit of $25 with registration form. Check made out to WAC/VIM Camp.) Final payments due by May 18, Co Leaders are Joan Harvey and Bruce Koch. Registrar is Joan Harvey, 502 N. 12th St., Wausau, WI 54403; ; , jhavyall4him@gmail.com

7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Communion Sunday Epiphany Sunday 9:00 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:05 a.m. Fellowship Time 2 Office Closed 3 5:45 p.m. Accountability Group Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise Team 4 5 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Valley VNA Foot Care Clinic 6 Office Closed Pastor s Day Off 7 8 8:00 a.m. Choir Practice 8:20 a.m. Praise Practice 9:00 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:05 a.m. Fellowship Time 10:30 a.m. Ad Council 9 4:30 p.m. Girl Scouts 12:15 p.m. Lunch Bunch, Applebee's 3430 W. College Ave. 10 7:00 a.m. Men s Breakfast 5:45 p.m. Accountability Group Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise Team Office Closed Pastor s Day Off 14 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Basic Lay Servant Class 15 8:00 a.m. Choir Practice 8:20 a.m. Praise Practice 9:00 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:05 a.m. Fellowship Time 10:30 a.m. Removal of the Greens 22 8:00 a.m. Choir Practice 8:20 a.m. Praise Practice 9:00 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:05 a.m. Fellowship Time 29 8:00 a.m. Choir Practice 8:20 a.m. Praise Practice 9:00 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:05 a.m. Fellowship Time 16 Ladies Night Out is moved to January 25th 23 4:30 p.m. Girl Scouts 17 5:45 p.m. Accountability Group 6:15 p.m. Boy Scouts (D4) Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise Team 24 5:45 p.m. Accountability Group Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise Team :45 p.m. Accountability Group Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise Team 18-9 p.m. Embroiderer s guild 25 Ladies Night Out. See the article on page 4, and watch your E-new for more details Office Closed Pastor s Day Off 26 Boy Scouts (D3) New Year s Resolutions. Aware Articles Deadline 27 Office Closed Pastor s Day Off 4 p.m. Boy Scout set-up for Pinewood Derby 21 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Basic Lay Servant Class 28 8 a.m. - Noon Boy Scout Pinewood Derby Just think, think, think of things you can do, to make yourself better, before the year is through. Resolutions can be tough, or simple as can be. Making resolutions, are great for you and me! So what will you promise to help yourself my dear, to make 2017 a very happy year?

8 GREETER Julie Remmel Chet & Rose Ann Luce Kim Robinson TBA Please let the office know if you will be here, and can greet on this day. Mike Hert SOUND & PROJECTION Cal Christenson Connie Klaisner Bill Kraemer Sierra Gyrion Bill Kraemer USHER CAPTAIN Connie Klaisner Bonnie Budreau Carol Carlson Mike Shepard Wayne DeGrand TBA Please let the office know if you will be here, and can be usher captain on this day. HOSPITALITY Nancy Adkins Diane Linstad Jon & Kathy Krein Tom & Mary Schemm Melissa Van Linn Julie Remmel Ethel Duhm Diane DeGrand Faithfully Fit ACOLYTE Maizy Van Linn Avery Lang Ashlynn Gyrion Lilli Gyrion Maizy Van Linn LITURGIST Gary Linstad Lloyd Eggert Sierra Gyrion Julie Remmel Rick Davis CHILDREN S TIME Pastor Mark Klaisner Mary Schemm Diane Linstad Kathy Krein Pastor Mark Klaisner NURSERY Melissa Van Linn Michelle Price Carrie Walters Michelle Price Melissa Van Linn COUNTERS Carol Carlson Mike Shepard Dean Adkins Mike Shepard Dean Adkins Mike Shepard Dean Adkins Mike Shepard Rich Stewart Deb Ebben KWIK TRIP CARDS -As needed COMMUNION SERVERS Jon & Kathy Krein, Mary Thomas & Julie Remmel See UMCSJ.org for updates & See additional UMCSJ.org for info... additional info...

9 Children s Page Winter fun On the Lighter Side. Q. Where does a snowman keep his money? A. In a snow bank. Q. What do snowmen eat for breakfast? A. Frosted Flakes. Q. What did Jack Frost say to Frosty the Snowman? A. Have an ice day! Q. What do you call a snowman in the summer? A. A puddle! Humor to break up the winter blahs... Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case. Forbidden fruits create many jams. Working for God on earth doesn t pay much, but his retirement plan is out of this world.

10 St. James United Methodist Church 100 W. Capitol Drive Appleton, WI Return Service Requested Affix Postage Here Mailing Label To receive this newsletter through and to receive weekly e-news from St. James UMC, please send your address to St. James United Methodist Church Pastor Mark Klaisner Andy Lambrecht Music Director, Organist Office Hours 9 a.m. 1 p.m., Monday Thursday Bulletin Information & Announcements Due Monday of each week Newsletter Submissions Due 20th of each month For more information, go to umcsj.org Deb Kraemer Administrative Assistant office@umcsj.org Office phone number: Aware is published monthly by St. James UMC, 100 W. Capitol Drive, Appleton, WI.