ST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2945 Main Street, East Troy, WI Rev. Nhia Wahn Her Following the Cross July 2016

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1 ST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2945 Main Street, East Troy, WI Rev. Nhia Wahn Her Following the Cross July 2016 I am Rev. Nhia Wahn Her and I was born into a Christian family on March of 1962 in Laos. In 1975, the United States pulled out from the Vietnam War in Southeast Asia, after many years Laos finally was taken over by the communists. As my family attempts to escape the country, I struggled and suffered in the jungle as a thirteen year old gorilla soldier for three years. I was finally able to escape to Thailand and lived in the refugee camp for almost two years before coming to the United States in February, Meet our New Pastor Pastor Nhia Wahn s Biography When I arrived in Wheaton, Illinois, I was about to turn eighteen and could not speak any English at all. However, I was fortunate to be given the chance of a lifetime to attend high school starting at tenth grade. And I took full advantage of this wonderful opportunity to continue my education. (Con t on next page)

2 Biography (Con t from front page) After graduating from college, Northern Illinois University, I went to France on a short term mission trip. When I came back from this trip, I felt God s call to be in the ministry and decided to be equipped through attending Dallas Theological Seminary in the fall of A year later, I was licensed as a local pastor and appointed by the Hmong District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance to Arlington Hmong Alliance Church in Arlington, Texas. In November of 1997, I was called to serve First Hmong Baptist Church in Center Line, Michigan. I was ordained by the McComb District of the Michigan State Convention of the Southern Baptist Church in 1998, and was later appointed to Winona Hmong Baptist Church in Winona, Minnesota in June of Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church had a vision, and it had already prepared for several years to start a Hmong ministry in Green Bay. In 2003, the District Superintendent of the Nicolet District, Hee Soo Jung (now Bishop of the United Methodist Wisconsin Conference) called and offered me the opportunity to lead the planting of this Hmong ministry. With much prayer, Mao and I accepted this wonderful life changing opportunity calling to serve with the United Methodist Church. At the same time, I had fulfilled all of the additional education requirements and have been accepted to be an elder in full connection with the Wisconsin Annual Conference in June, Through this rare window of opportunity, my wife Mao is now the first ever Hmong woman to be appointed as the senior pastor of a congregation in the United States and the first Hmong woman to be ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church. This is history making! And I want to thank St. James UMC for your willingness to be part of this historic event by allowing Mao to be trained as a student pastor a few years ago. Mao and I knew each other for a little over three months before we got married in August, We have been blessed with three children, one girl and two boys. As a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, I will faithfully serve Him and His Church with all of my ability. I want to thank my God for graciously saving me from the jungle of Laos for a very special purpose. I also want to thank you for giving me, a Hmong pastor, the opportunity to be in ministry with you through one of the best and greatest Christian denominations in the world. Pastor Nhia Wahn ******************************************************************************************* SAVE THE DATE For a celebration of life service, In memory of Alta Mary Wiggins Stumpf On Sunday, July 10, 2016, 4-6 p.m. Lake Beulah Yacht Club, East Troy, ****************************************************************************************** THANK YOU Sometimes in this crazy busy world we often forget to say thank you to those that give of their time to keep St. James UMC in tip top shape, both inside and out. So to everyone that serves on a committee, prays for our church, cleans the church, mows the lawn, cleans up the yard and parsonage, repairs things when they need it and are just there physically, spiritually and emotionally to help St. James UMC, a huge Thank You!

3 EAST TROY MANOR WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR JULY July 7 th July 14 th July 21 st July 28 th Joyce Reed Brad Balgord Brad Balgord Brad Balgord ************************************************************* SECOND HELPINGS United Methodist Women hosted the Second Helpings meal on June 20 th. 67 guests were treated to a delicious meal of ham sandwiches, calico beans, coleslaw, rolls, and a special strawberry dessert. Thank you to all who donated food, helped clean up, set up and serve. Greg & Vicki Hahn will support the Second Helpings meal in July. Thank you, The Second Helpings Committee ************************************ THANK YOU!!! Thank you to everyone that purchased items for the Kids Kits and Cleaning Buckets. 18 Kid s Kits and 2 Flood Buckets were packed up and taken to Annual Conference by Terry and Nancy Dignan. Thank you to the entire congregation and all the women that came and packed it all and went and purchased additional items to make complete kits; Lois Crubaugh, Darlene Katzman, Grace Adams, Dolores Rich, and Jean O Brien. Thank you again to everyone that contributed. Dolores Rich, Mission Chair ****************************************** FRANKS PIGGLY WIGGLY SHOPPER EAST TROY FOOD PANTRY Don t forget to bring your items for the food pantry each Sunday! These items are always needed no matter what month or season, they are: Laundry soap, dish soap, sugar, flour, and cookies. The theme for July is Picnic Time, items needed are: Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, Pickles, Salad Dressing, and Barbeque Sauce. We received $ for the first quarter receipts ending on March 31, Please continue to bring your receipts to the church kitchen container that is by the microwave. Many thanks to everyone saving and collecting all receipts. Next quarter will be for July, August and September. NO out of date receipts can be used. Much appreciated, Janice Stubbs & Dolores Rich

4 THANK YOU!! PRAYING FOR OUR SOUTHEAST DISTRICT CHURCHES The Southeast District has begun a new practice of praying for local churches and their pastors each week throughout the year on a rotating basis. During the month of June, we pray for the following churches and their pastors in the Southeast District of the Wisconsin Annual Conference: June: 27- July 3: Milwaukee: Fe Hispanic Ministry, their pastor Ada Rosado, their 27 members. Milwaukee: Central is located at 728 E Juneau, Milwaukee, WI The United Methodist Women would like to extend a BIG THANK YOU to everyone that helped in any way to make our Memorial Day Sale such a big success. All of you that who helped set up, carried tables, and signs, brought Rummage Items and all the wonderful Bakery, cleaned up and took leftover things to the Good Will truck, we Thank You. Also to those who purchased things, thank you! We certainly had lots of people come into our church. The money will be used for our pledge, Missions and work of the church. Our profit was $ We even collected $21.00 for use of our restrooms, which will help pay for paper products. Thank you and God s Blessings to you. The United Methodist Women Lois Crubaugh, Chairperson of Sale ****************************************** July: 4-10: Milwaukee: Kenwood, their pastor Dawn Helton-Anishinaabeqwa, their 142 members. Milwaukee: Central is located at 2319 E Kenwood Blvd. Milwaukee, WI July: 11-17: Milwaukee: Luz a las Naciones, their pastor Erendira Serrata, their 62 members. Milwaukee: Central is located at 3147 S 8 St., Milwaukee, WI July: 18-24: Milwaukee: Solomon Community Temple, their pastor Afi Dobbins, their 36 members. Milwaukee: Central is located at 3295 N Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Milwaukee, WI July: 25-31: Milwaukee: Summerfield, their pastor Jennifer Emert, their 47 members. Milwaukee: Central is located at 728 E Juneau Ave. Milwaukee, WI VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT ELKHORN FIRST UMC Elkhorn First UMC, 111 N. Broad St. in Elkhorn has invited us to participate in their Vacation Bible School, which runs July nd. It starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. It s entitled, Cave Quest Following Jesus The Light of the World. It should be a great time to meet new friends, do amazing experiments, and participate in Spelunker Sports. There will also be lip-smacking snacks, surprising adventures and incredible music. If you are interested in having your child attend, there are registration forms available on the Narthex ledge here at church or call/ , , elkhornfumc@gmail.com

5 Take a Moment... To Grow Closer to God! Shaped To Serve God has made each one of us a unique individual shaped to serve and to glorify Him! In February, I wrote about the four young men who drowned in Mill Lake on New Year s Day. Some of you said it would be a comfort to the parents to share the devotional with them. God s love includes comfort and blessings when we are suffering heartache. We are meant to grieve in community. Healing comes in groups. We are better together! (Romans 12:5, 15, 20) The parents that I sent the article to did respond. I would like to share their thoughts with you. My husband, Mark and I, want to thank you for your kind note and your devotional article. It was so comforting to us to learn that the East Troy community was also mourning the loss of our son, Pat. We are still so shocked and saddened by his loss. There are no words. A single bad decision has thrown four families into such grief. We trust in God s promise that we will be reunited with Pat someday. We have beautiful prayers said daily by our members. I know several of us are still praying for the parents of these four young men. It IS comforting to know that others care and are helping to meet the challenges that we all face. A New Era Begins! St. James will be welcoming a new pastor on July 10. Praise God! Since placements are made after much praying, we know God has approved this appointment, and we will be blessed. Following are some things we can do as a faith family to welcome our pastor, Nhia Wahn Her, and his family. Post a profile on the website or newsletter so we can learn about him. We can learn how God uniquely gifted him for pastoral work. Go to church on July 10. Support our new pastor from the very start. Give gift certificates to businesses in town, so he can meet his new neighbors. Attend a meet-and-greet event; join the pastor s Bible study; invite him for coffee. Look beyond first impressions. Extending grace is absolutely critical. We are in this together and we need to learn to work with our pastor on how we can be in ministry together. Ask yourself: What gifts do I have that I can invest in the success of this new season of ministry? We strive for the success of our ministry together as pastor and congregation as we believe that, in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. Praise be to God! Judy McFarlane

6 Second Helpings United Methodist Women hosted the Second Helpings on June 20. We served a delicious meal of ham sandwiches, calico beans, coleslaw, rolls, and a special strawberry dessert to 67 guests. A fun time and conversation with friends was had by all that attended. Thank you to everyone that helped. Children s Kits and Flood Buckets Deadline We would like to thank the congregation for partnering with UMW is donating Kids Kits and Floor Buckets to those in need. We are happy to report that two flood buckets and eighteen Kids Kits were sent to the United Methodist In-Gathering. Together, we can do it! UMW Fundraiser, May 28 UMW held an annual fundraiser on Saturday, May 28. Members of UMC joined with the UMW and donated accessories, books, baked goods, cards, hot pads and dish clothes. UMW earned $1,037 for this event. The funds will be used for the various missions for women and children that we support. Meetings recessed for the Summer The next meeting of UMW will be September 14. But, the members will be busy throughout the summer. We will serve Second Helpings and Meals on Wheels in June. The circles will host Fellowship in June and July. A picnic will be held at the McFarlane s in July. It takes lots of hands to make all of this happen. We sincerely appreciate your support and financial giving to our projects. You are certainly living the gospel Love one Another.

7 COME JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL 4 th of JULY CELEBBRATION!!! DATE: Sunday, July 3 rd TIME: 11:00 a.m. Potluck 1:00 p.m. Parade PLACE: Here at St. James UMC We are fortunate to have the parade pass right by our church. So bring your family and friends for a potluck and then watch the parade! Meat will be provided and please bring a dish to pass. ****************************************************************************************** HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES IN JULY TO: July 3 Nathan Robson July 5 Jean O Brien July 6 Liz George July 7 Russell Gale July 8 Steve Hubbard July 12 Aaron Judd July 12 Lana Klumb July 12 Bryan Collamore July 13 Joyce Reed July 14 Korinne Anderson July 15 Tom Rossmiller July 19 Rachel Klumb July 23 Diane Garvens July 25 MaiLei Meyers July 27 Karin Collamore July 29 Chris K. Rossmiller July 30 Frank Kelling July 31 Darlene Katzman ************************************************************************** HAPPY ANNIVERSARY WISHES IN JULY TO: July 6 July 14 Terry & Diane Kegley Tom & Christine Rossmiller

8 STRAIGHT FROM THE ARK! Director s Report Happy Independence Day to all! Noah s Ark will be closed on Monday, July 4 th. Thank you Brad Balgord, the children have been enjoying singing on Thursday s with you. I get asked a few times a week, when is Mr. Brad coming. Also, thank you to Lois and Dolores for donating art supplies. We go through supplies so quickly. Last month we welcomed two new employees. Here is a short introduction about Laila. Next month we will feature Ms. Casey. Jenny Hello Noah s Ark Families! My name Laila (pronounced Lila ) Briedis, and I m a lead teacher here at Noah s Ark Christian Daycare. I will be planning and leading activities for the school-age children, while also working with other teachers when needed so I will get to know the kids in each room. I m currently studying early childhood education at UW-Whitewater, and expect to graduate in December after my fall semester of student teaching. I ll be licensed to teach children 0 8 years old in regular and/or special education. My passion for supporting young children began when I was hired as a teacher s aide my senior year of high school, and ever since then, I ve enjoyed helping kids grow and learn. I m thankful for each and every opportunity I get to do this. When not with children (which is rare I currently have 8 nieces and nephews all eight year and younger), I like to play piano, read books, and spend time outdoors (mainly hiking). I also spend a lot of free time with my family; I have been blessed with a large family. I also serve as a leader of the youth group at my church. I m thankful for this opportunity to serve your family and get to know you and your child this summer. Many blessing, Laila Briedis Enrollment This month we welcome Lola to the preschool classroom. We also welcome Jesse, Rose and Ashlynn to the school age room! Infants: 4 Preschool: 9 School-age: 13 Total Enrolled: 26 Curriculum / Themes for the Week July 4-8 Theme: Red, White & Blue Letter: M July Theme: Bugs Letter: N July Theme: The Ocean Letter: O July Theme: Camping Letter: P

9 ~ July 2016 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Office Closed 3 Worship 9 a.m. w/brad Balgord preaching 4 th of July potluck after a.m. 1pm 10 Worship 9 a.m. Welcome Pastor Nhia Wahn today! 17 Worship 9 a.m.. 4 Happy 4 th of July OFFICE CLOSED Crafters meet 9 11 a.m. Second Helpings meal 5:30 p.m. AD Council/Finance BUNCH for LUNCH meets AA meets in Fellowship Hall 7:30 p.m. Maureen Off AA meets in Fellowship Hall 7:30 p.m. 20 Maureen Off Day Care Board meeting 3:15pm (date change) AA meets in Fellowship Hall 7:30 p.m. 7 Praying for our church in the East Troy Manor Worship 11 a.m. Knitters meet 10:30 12 p.m. 14 Praying for our church in the East Troy Manor Worship 11 a.m. Knitters meet 10:30 12 p.m. 21 Praying for our church in the East Troy Manor Worship 11 a.m. Knitters meet 10:30 12 p.m. 8 9 Trustee Work Day at 9 a.m., focus on Parsonage 15 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 22 Office Closed Worship 9 a.m. 31 Worship 9 a.m. 25 Crafters meet 9 11 a.m. Maureen on vacation all week AA meets in Fellowship Hall 7:30 p.m. 28 Praying for our church in the East Troy Manor Worship 11 a.m. Knitters meet 10:30 12 p.m. 29 Office Closed 30

10 St. James United Methodist Church 2945 Main Street East Troy, WI **************************************************************************** July Following the Cross Published monthly by St. James United Methodist Church, Editorial Committee Rev. Nhia Wahn Her and Maureen Loehe, Administrative Assistant Deadline for August Issue: Friday, July 15, 2016 (No late articles can be accepted) (Submit to church office) Phone # (262) Church Office Hours Monday Thursday 9:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Friday - Office Closed Worship Hours Worship Sunday a.m. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. during worship (September May) Our website is: easttroyumc.org Our address is: church@easttroyumc.org