AWARE Febraury St. James United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 St. James United Methodist Church AWARE Febraury 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. Dear Friends, Greetings and peace to you in the name of our living Lord, Jesus Christ. As I write this letter I am feeling a bit nostalgic. It is hard to believe that I have been serving as your pastor for almost 11 years. When we first arrived Claire and Sydney were just little girls and now they have grown to be fine young women. We have shared in your joys and sorrows along the way, and we have been so blessed that you have invited us into your lives. There have been many challenges we met together with faithfulness. Like in many families when someone hits a milestone we often take time to affirm the significance of that moment. I have been pondering 10 affirmations for you, St. James Church: What do I love about you as the people of God? What would I want to affirm about you? (*These are not ranked in order of importance or value...) 1) I love your FAITHFULNESS. Though we have faced challenges along the way you have remained steadfast in your love for Christ, neighbor, and this community of faith. 2) I value how you CARE FOR EACH OTHER. Usually by the time I know that someone is sick or in the hospital, you (the church) have already called that person, or visited them, or in some cases delivered a meal. 3) I appreciate how you GIVE GENEROUSLY both to the church and beyond through missions at home, and around the globe. Even though we still have many financial challenges along the way, we know that your heart and soul is generous in meeting our needs. 4) I celebrate that you LOVE THE STRANGER - whether it is welcoming a new individual or family visiting our faith community, or by going to do mission work at Henderson Settlement, or by serving a meal at the Salvation Army, or by offering a hand at our great give-away. Thank you for loving them. For in loving each person you serve, you are welcoming Christ. 5) I love that you take RISKS. You were willing step out in faith and your comfort zones to serve Christ and others in all that you do. 6) I appreciate that you are THINKERS. You engage in small groups, assorted classes, and book studies. You regularly ask questions and seek to apply your faith in your day-to-day lives, not settling for easy or pre-packaged answers. 7) I love, that you LOVE GOD. Over and over again when I visit with you one on one, you talk about your faith and your relationship with God and how significant it is in your life. You keep me faithful! 8) I value your HARD WORK. St. James, you know how to roll up your sleeves and work hard. You use your gifts for God's glory, day in and day out. Continued 1

2 Pastor s letter continued from page ) I celebrate that you are DREAMERS. It is so fun for me when one of you asks to meet with me and you tell me about some dream you have for the church; whether it s a Little Free library, bathrooms that are finally handicapped accessible, new congregational care ministries, and so much more. Keep dreaming and letting the Spirit carry you and us to new places! 10) And last but not least... I LOVE YOU and the beloved community you are for me and my family, for each other, for the Fox Cities area, and beyond! May the road rise to meet us as together we journey faithfully forward with God's help. I look forward to seeing you at church. Shalom, Pastor Mark Sermon Series: Unafraid: Living with Courage and Hope In this series, we explore the most common worries and fears experienced by Americans today, consider practical steps for overcoming these fears, and reflect upon fear in the light of scripture and a faith that promises again and again that we don t need to live in fear. Let's live with courage and hope. February 5 February 12 February 19 February 26 Sermons & Scripture DATES TO REMEMBER: The Greatest Commandment Deuteronomy 6:4-6, Matthew 22:34-40 High Anxiety Isaiah 41:10 Fear of the Other I John 4:18a and 19 Friendless and Alone Genesis 2:15,18, Psalm 139:5-10 Feb. 4 9:00 a.m. S.W.O.T meeting Feb. 11 Used Book and Pie Sale (soup & sandwich) Feb. 11 Homeless Connections, (see page 5) More details & info. can be found at UMCSJ.ORG ONGOING ACTIVITIES Lunch Bunch: 12:15 p.m. on Mon., Feb.,13, at Uno s Chicago Grill, 3254 W. Van Roy Rd., Appleton Men s Breakfast: 8:00 a.m. Tue., Feb., 14 at Mary s Place, 2312 N. Richmond St. Ladies Night Out: 6:00 p.m., Wed., Feb., 20. at Mac s, W3192 County Road KK, Appleton. Birthdays 2/2 Lillian Cozzolino 2/3 Kay Christenson 2/3 Karen DuFrane 2/7 Chris Andrews 2/8 Diane DeGrand 2/9 Peggie Zepplin 2/9 Emma Lesnick 2/10 Andy Lambrecht 2/10 Arianna Davies 2/13 Hailey Van Linn 2/14 Mary Krein 2/17 Bev Stewart 2/23 Mark DuFrane 2/24 Tyler Milbach 2/28 Ann Harris Anniversaries 2/14 Kurry & Melissa Van Linn Art in the Sanctuary Were You There? March 5 th -April 16 th 2017 During the season of Lent, St. James United Methodist Church at 100 W. Capitol Drive will hold the art exhibition, Were You There?, presenting a visual meditation on those who witnessed the Crucifixion. We are inviting people from the St. James community and beyond to share works of arts. The displays can feature paintings, drawings, prints, and sculpted pieces. Were you There? Open on Sunday March 5 tt until Easter Sunday April 16 th If you are interested in submitting any works of art for the show you can contact Pastor Mark Klaisner at (920) or msklaisner61@yahoo.com. Submission forms can be found at the connection center in the Narthex of St. James United Methodist Church or the church office. 2

3 Lenten Sermon and Study Series 2017 Affirming Our Faith at Lent and Easter Creed: What Christians Believe and Why We re all searching. Sometimes the search is easy: simply type a question and the answer pops up. But sometimes our questions are complicated, and the answers are difficult to see and harder to articulate. How do we discover and examine the truths that give meaning and purpose to life? I believe that some powerful answers are contained in the Apostles Creed, an early statement of foundational Christian beliefs. For our Lenten sermon and study series we will be looking at Adam Hamilton s book Creed. In this study, Hamilton considers important questions of life, reality, and truth. He explores not only what Christians believe, but also why they believe it and why it matters. Chapters include: 1. God 2. Jesus Christ 3. The Holy Spirit 4. The Church at the Communion of Saints 5. The Forgiveness of Sins 6. The Resurrection of the Body Who is Adam Hamilton? Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country. The Church Report named Hamilton's congregation the most influential mainline church in America, and he preached at the National Prayer Service as part of the presidential inauguration festivities in Hamilton is the best-selling and award-winning author of, Why? Making Sense of God's Will, 24 Hours that Changed the World, The Journey, The Way, Enough, When Christians Get It Wrong and Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White, all published by Abingdon Press. This class will be offered on both Sunday mornings, and Wednesday evenings. Sign up at the Connection Center so we know how many books to purchase. Cost of the book is $ Sunday Morning Mission offerings from January to March will go to Click on the link below to find out more about UMCOR This is just the home page. Check it out! Daily Bread Devotional For information on current needs for Homeless Connections, click here. There are free copies of the Daily Bread 3- month devotional is available for you to take, at the Connection Center table. December, January and February are there now and March, April and May will be out soon. 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 3

4 Administrative Council - Meeting minutes for January Those in Attendance: (20) Pastor Mark, Tom Schemm, Deb & Bill Kraemer, Kay & Charlie Christenson, LuAnn Van Handel, Diane & Wayne DeGrand, Larry & Sherri Gyrion, Jon & Kathy Krein, Lloyd Eggert, Ed Ramsaroop, Gary Linstad, Duane Maves, Chris Bahr, Carol Carlson and Andy Lambrecht. Tom Schemm opened at 10:32 a.m. with a prayer and a small devotion. Old new: the minutes from the October meeting were reviewed and approved with one change in the trustee section. A fund balance needed to be changed from $1,040 to 10,400. MINISTRY REPORTS Finance- Jon Krein. There was much discussion on the state of our finances. See individual report for more details. Bottom line, for the second year row we ended the financially behind. 2016s deficit was $14,242 short of expensed incurred, even though our expenses came in 1.1% under budgeted Budget $ (including capital campaign needs and a 4.8 increase in Apportionments.) Pledges received from the recent campaign came to $92,466. Unpledged estimated giving is $21,245. Total estimated income included fund raisers is $142,640 Projected deficit for 2017 is $48,014. Much appreciation was given to the stewardship committee for their efforts in educating the congregation on our financial needs and what it means to be good stewards. Our current capital fund balance is $22,419. The amount still owed on the mortgage is $66,000 and for the street assessment is $14,000. Our three-year pledge campaign for this ends soon. We will be doing a second capital campaign to cover the remaining outstanding balance in It was addressed that this deficit is large and in action is not an option moving forward. Ad Council needs to address this issue. Some of the immediate steps discussed were: Jon will write a letter to the congregation explaining our financial situation. Figures will also be published in the January 11, E-News. A special meeting with the congregation on a Sunday morning following a slightly shortened worship service. We have decided to do this on January 22 nd. Following the meeting with the congregation, we need to contact the district superintendent and the conference as to assistance us on what we can do moving forward. We will explore many options, one of those options could include the possibility of going to a part-time pastor. Trustees- Lloyd Eggert Completed annual parsonage inspection, there are a few small issues to correct Contracted with Calnin and Goss for snow removal for season Arranged to have the side walk shoveled by the Price boys Repaired sanctuary speakers, rented a scissors lift to gain access Purchased a replacement window sash for one window in the fellowship hall that was rotted Researched AED unit options and training for staff and leaders Obtained costs to repair/replace the water bubbler due to a leak Purchased a new furnace for the parsonage when the old one failed Continued to pursue options for replacing the controls for the sanctuary lights Next trustees meeting is Feb. 12 th at 10:30 AM Christian Education- Sherri Gyrion Sherri will be taking some Christian education training beginning in January 30 to March 20. Sherri and Larry have worked on reorganizing the Christian ed. Office. There are a lot of new faces to the committee and they are working on a time when all of them can get together to meet. VBS material for 2017 has arrived. Staff Parish Relations Gary Linstad No report at this time. 4

5 Ad Council minutes continued.. Mission Kay and Charlie Christenson No report at this time. Lay Leader Larry Gyrion Larry encouraged everyone to make personal invitations to others. As a church community we have something special to offer others. Website- Bill Kraemer It was mentioned that the weekly bulletins are always posted by Friday morning, if you would like a sneak peek at what is going to happen on Sunday. New business Ed Ramsaroop Ed would like to meet with the Administrative Board on Saturday, February 4 th from 9-11 a.m. so that we may take the next step in SWOT analysis process for St James. This is for the leadership and their committees. It will be about what each committee did that worked and didn t work in the past year. A motion was made as to whether we want to continue the SWOT process. The motion passed unanimously. The SWOT team/ad council members, and interested individuals will meet on Saturday, February 4, from 9 11 a.m. Tom Schemm closed the meeting with a John Wesley quote and a prayer. The meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m. The next meeting will be May 7 th. (The normal meeting date of April 9 th is Palm Sunday) Minutes respectfully submitted by Deb Kraemer Ad Council Secretary. St James prepares, serves and cleans up the evening meal for the residents of the Emergency Shelter (Homeless Connections) on the 2nd Saturday, every other month. The next one is, February 11th, from 4-7 p.m. Please talk with Paul & Deb Countney or Connie Klaisner if interested in helping. 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. The fee is $225 For more information, contact the church office by clicking on the link or call

6 Lay Servant Classes available Do you want to grow as a follower of Jesus and better understand how to use your 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. It is 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. Here is an up coming class 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. 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 6

7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :15 p.m. Christian Education Meeting 2 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Valley VNA Foot Care Clinic Finance 3 Office Closed Pastor s Day Off 4 9:00 a.m. S.W.O.T. Meeting 5 Communion Sunday 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. Bible Study 6 7 5:45 p.m. Accountability Group Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise Team 8 Member Care Committee meeting 9 S.P.R.C. Meeting 10 Office Closed Pastor s Day Off 11 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Used Book & Pie Sale (And soup & sandwiches) 4:00 p.m. Emergency Shelter 12 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. Trustees 10:30 a.m. Bible Study 13 12:15 p.m. Lunch Bunch, Uno s Chicago Grill 3254 W. Van Road, Appleton 4:30 p.m. Girl Scouts 14 8:00 a.m. Men s Breakfast 5:45 p.m. Accountability Group Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise Team 15 6:30 p.m Finance - 9 p.m. Embroiderer s guild Office Closed Pastor s Day Off :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. Bible Study 20 6:00 p.m. Ladies Nite Out Mac s, W3192 Cty Rd. KK Presidents Day Aware Articles Due 21 5:45 p.m. Accountability Group Boy Scouts (D4) Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise Team Boy Scouts (D3) 24 Office Closed Pastor s Day Off :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. Bible Study 27 4:30 p.m. Girl Scouts 28 5:45 p.m. Accountability Group Choir 7:30 p.m. Praise Team 7

8 GREETER Julie Remmel Chet & Rose Ann Luce Kim Robinson Mike Hert SOUND & PROJECTION Sierra Gyrion Bill Kraemer Connie Klaisner Bill Kraemer USHER CAPTAIN Connie Klaisner Bonnie Budreau Carol Carlson Mike Shepard Wayne DeGrand HOSPITALITY Nancy Adkins Diane Linstad Jon & Kathy Krein Tom & Mary Schemm Betsy & Charlie Rath Ethel Duhm Diane DeGrand ACOLYTE Avery Lang Ashlynn Gyrion Lilli Gyrion Maizy Van Linn LITURGIST Jayne Lang Sherri Gyrion Deb Ebben Connie Klaisner CHILDREN S TIME Diane Linstad Mary Schemm Kathy Krein Pastor Mark NURSERY Michelle Price Melissa Van Linn Carrie Walters Sierra Gyrion COUNTERS Gary Linstad Lloyd Eggert TBA Lloyd Eggert TBA Lloyd Eggert TBA Lloyd Eggert COMMUNION SERVERS Deb Ebben, Deb Kraemer, Ed & Sharon Ramsaroop See UMCSJ.org for See UMCSJ.org for updates & additional info... additional info... 8

9 Children s Page God s Conversation Hearts Those familiar conversation hearts that show up every February can be more than just trite romantic or friendly sayings. Use them to remind you or to teach a child of the greatest love of all: God s love for us, which empowers our love for others. For example: TRUE LOVE: What love is truer than giving up one s only Son so people might have everlasting life? (John 3:16). MINE: Jesus knows us intimately, as a shepherd knows his sheep. No one can snatch us from him (John 10:27-29). FOREVER: God loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). LOVE ME: The greatest commandment is to love God with our whole being (Luke 10:27). TRUST ME: Let not your hearts be troubled. We can count on Jesus, now and for eternal life (John 14:1-3). SWEET TALK: God s words are sweeter than honey (Psalm 119:103). BE GOOD: We show our love for Christ by keeping his commands (John 14:15). CALL ME: God longs to be in fellowship with us. We can talk to him anytime in prayer (Jeremiah 33:3). FRIENDS: The greatest love involves laying down your life for your friends (John 15:13) precisely what Jesus did. #1: We love because [God] first loved us (1 John 4:19 On the Lighter Side. Q: What travels around the world but stays in one corner? A: A stamp. Q: Which hand is better to write with? A: Neither, it s best to write with a pen! Q: Why can t your nose be 12 inches long? A: Because then it would be a foot! Q: Did you hear about the robbery last night? A: Two clothes pins held up a pair of pants! Q: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? A: I find you very attractive! Q: Did Adam and Eve ever have a date? A: No, but they had an apple. Q: If your aunt ran off to get married, what would you call her? A: Antelope. 9

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. 10