The Connector. Sunday Morning APRIL 10, A place where faith matters. Worship at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

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1 APRIL 10, 2013 The Connector A place where faith matters Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Small groups and Bible studies for all ages are available after each service. Childcare is provided for infants to three-year-olds. We are a Reconciling Congregation, welcoming all persons into full participation in the life of the congregation regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender identity, family configuration, racial or ethnic background, economic status, or mental or physical abilities. As we journey to the reconciliation of all persons as children of God, we celebrate our human family s diversity.

2 Random Musings from Pastor Barbara Several weeks ago I received an invitation to the Annual Idaho State Prayer Breakfast. Having attended this event the first year I moved here, I have since declined because the event feels so very exclusive those invited to attend are only Christian. The speakers and musicians are only Christian. No persons of other faiths are represented in any way. Add to this that the cost would prohibit many people from attending even if they were invited. I asked myself, If this is truly Idaho s State Prayer Breakfast, shouldn t we be sharing in prayers with of all those who live in Idaho? This year I wrote a polite note on my RSVP. It basically raised the question above, saying I thought our event could look more like what the National Prayer Breakfast is becoming, where the faith diversity of the country is better represented in both attendance and leadership. I was surprised to get a polite letter in reply several days later. It contained a pamphlet about Idaho s Breakfast (which continued the exclusive language of a solely Christian event). The letter writer understood my position but wanted to assure me that Idaho s event was in fact based on the National Prayer Breakfast. She thanked me for my note. I thought long and hard before replying. I did not wish to start a debate of any kind, but I knew the National Prayer Breakfast planners had been working to create an event that better reflected our nation s religious diversity. I waited several days before sending my appreciative reply, stating that, of course, those who worked to create Idaho s Prayer Breakfast were free to shape the event any way they wished, but I did want to point out a few Internet links that reported how the National Prayer Breakfast has worked to become more inclusive. I hoped Idaho could follow suit. I waited several more days before mailing it, honestly not wanting to be argumentative but wanting to be clear. (It can be a fine line, I know.) Several days later, another letter arrived for me. I felt a little anxious opening it, fearing I had been antagonistic without meaning to be. This letter was a complete surprise. The writer appreciated our exchange and had come to realize that I would be someone who would probably love an opportunity to attend the National Prayer Breakfast! She was in a position to arrange for me to receive an invitation that would not obligate me but would open the door if I wanted to attend. I have to say I was humbled and delighted by all this. I did not see it coming. I have now replied that I would indeed love to receive an invitation and that I very much appreciate her thoughtfulness in offering to make that arrangement. It is highly unlikely that I will be able to attend but, for me, that is not the point. I have experienced up close an exchange across matters of religious difference that remained thoughtful and friendly. And I have experienced generosity and graciousness in such an unexpected way. Thank you, Diane Winder, spouse of State Senator Chuck Winder. Page 2

3 APRIL 10, 2013 THANK YOU to all who cooked, cleaned and ate the Easter Breakfast to help benefit the Camp Scholarship Fund. At this point it looks like we have 10 kids going to camp this summer. If you were unable to attend the breakfast and have a desire to help kids go to camp, donations to the Camp Scholarship Fund are always welcome. If you have any questions about camp or the scholarship fund they may be directed to or nelsonm111@aol.com ************************************************************ LETTER CARRIER FOOD DRIVE Stamp Out Hunger Saturday, May 11 Cole Post Office Station VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 1:30 p.m. till 4:30 p.m. We would like to have our Hillview people work together on this shift and need at least 20 volunteers! Volunteers are needed to put food into large totes for the Idaho Foodbank, so standing is required. The location is behind the Cole Post Office Station, off Ustick Rd. and Cole Rd. The sign-up sheet is on the tables in the church Gathering Area. Contact Judy Halverson, or judybhalverson@gmail.com for more information. New - First Fruits Garden Trustees have approved Faith in Action s request for two garden plots designated for Hillview s use. If you would like a small garden space, you may request a share of this in exchange for work in the garden. Produce will also be placed on the First Fruits cart. Additional produce will be donated to Community Ministries Center food pantry. In order for this to happen, we have many needs: Assistance with the physical construction and filling of the two raised beds immediately Donations of seedlings or plant starts Gardeners (or those willing to learn) to help plant, maintain, and harvest To help in any way or to request a share of this project, please contact Gayle Woods at gaylewoods5964@msn.com or If you are interested in learning more about membership or baptism at Hillview, please contact Pastor Barbara ( ). The next opportunity to join will be on April 21. Page 3

4 Join Us April showers may bring May flowers but at Hillview APRIL 24 brings the COMMUNITY MEAL! See the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Area for ways that you can help with this ministry! We are always in need of helping hands, food and your presence to make this happen. In March we had people and there were at least 15 new people from the community that had not attended before. If you have questions contact or nelsonm111@aol.com GLBT Support Group The GLBT Support Group will be meeting every other Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Hillview Church Library. April 13, April 27, May 11 and May 25t) Please join us or pass this invitation on to someone you know who might be interested in joining us. Online Registration Now Available for Vacation Bible School Save the date! Vacation Bible School is going on a journey around the world June We will be visiting Zimbabwe, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Everywhere Fun Fair takes children to a global celebration with the look and feel of a world s fair. Children will make friends with neighbors around the world and discover that God s love can be found everywhere, including their own neighborhoods. Children will be introduced to special places from all over the world and discover that we are all neighbors and all children of God. Online registration for Vacation Bible School for preschool-5 th grade and volunteers is now available at Paper forms are available in the church office and on the Christian Education bulletin Board. Calling ALL VBS Volunteers Interested in helping with Vacation Bible School this year? Then we have a place for you! VBS will be held June 24-28, 2013 from 9 a.m. until noon with a closing program and fair on Friday, June 28, at 6:30 p.m. We need a few adult group leaders, daily registration assistants, craft assistants, people to BBQ for the closing fair, and more! Pick a volunteer form from Maggie and return it as soon as possible! Hillview Preschool Sunday is April 28 and that means we will have visitors to welcome and we will have an opportunity to help support the preschool by purchasing yummy Butter Braids. There are six flavors to choose from for $12 each (tax included). Samples will be available after both worship services. Page 4

5 APRIL 10, 2013 Easter Flower List Name of Donor Honor or Memory Name of Honoree or Memory of Jacki Cooney Memory Jack Cooney Leah Platt Memory Jerry & both of our parents Carol Dederick Memory family Carol Dederick Honor family Bob & Jan Gross Memory Margaret Burris Ann Myers Memory Bob & Gary Myers Sharon Meyer Memory LeRoy Meyer Gary & Gayle Woods Memory Our Parents Gary & Gayle Woods Honor Janessa's graduation from Norna Little Memory Elmer Little Arlene Worthington Memory Bill & Scott Worthington Teri Nealis Memory Bettie Fransen Clayton & Lucy Hanson Memory Our Parents Stan & Janet Rishel Memory Our Parents Karen & Dan McAlister Memory Our Parents Barbara Nixon Honor Confirmation Class of 2013 Mary Lee Ransmeir Honor Frances Ransmeir John & Pam Lodal Memory Our fathers Norm & Len Joe & Ruth Barber; Beverly Remaklus Angela & David Barber Memory Angela & David Barber Memory VeLynne Iverson Irene Putnam Memory brother-peter Lemink Ardis Hawkins Memory Bert Hawkins Gowlands Honor Sam & Sara Goodwin Halverson Family Memory Bob & Eleanor Bingham Halls Memory Our Parents Julie & Kirt Douglas Memory Jerry Hutchison Jeannette Mathis Memory Al Mathis AJ Cartier Honor Paul Cartier Ken Jenkins Memory Ken II, E.K.& Mildren Jenkins The Barrier's Memory Darrell Barrier & David Brandvold Sue Cook & Family Memory Adena & Jeff Cook Ethyl Minnis Honor Acolytes Marilesta Nelson Honor/Memory Hillview Staff/Mary & Nels Nelson Barth Family Memory Phyllis Barth Page 5

6 Please keep the family of Dottie Hieber in your thoughts and prayers as she died on Tuesday, April 2. At the family s request, no service will be held. Please add these names of military personnel to the list of those for whom we pray, as they are away from family and friends serving their country: Jackson Irish, moving to Monterey, CA; Kevin Custer, USMC; Dustin Soper; Cara Hammond, Air Force, Mississippi; Spec. Christopher Fabela, Army; Sgt. Willie Fabela, USMC; Staff Sgt. Bryan Koepl, Army, Goodfellow AFB, Texas; Seaman Christina Golovanoff, USCGC Mellon based out of Seattle. To keep this listing of military personnel as up to date as possible, family members may call ( ) or the church office at churchoffice@hillviewmethodist.org) with information such as name, branch of service, and where serving. From the Trustees We are looking for someone who is interested in helping with the Refugee Gardens this coming season. If you are interested please call the church office ( ). All kinds of talent are needed. Donations Donations have been made to Hillview s Memorial Fund and the Janessa Chastain Ministerial Fund in memory of Beverly Tyree. A donation has been made to the Janessa Chastain Ministerial Fund in memory of Lewis M. Mills and Jerry Hutchinson, father of Julie Douglas. To my Hillview U.M Church Family Thanks So Much for your prayers and the meals prepared and shared after my surgery and accident. Love in Christ, Jo Dee Pola To the Hillview United Methodist Church, Thank you so very much for hosting the Healthy Boundary Workshop on Sunday, March 3. It was a real pleasure being in your building. Your hospitality was wonderful, plus your generous supper and snacks were excellent. I m so glad you served some healthy things as well as the yummy. We enjoyed worshipping with you that morning. Thanks you for making my job a little easier. Blessings, Joyce Sluss Dear Friends, Thank you all so much for the cards, phone calls, house calls and thoughts and prayers after my second knee surgery. I appreciate everyone so much. I am getting along so well. Love, Loretta Alloway Page 6

7 Youth News APRIL 10, 2013 Spring is in the air! The Youth Group will be continuing our journey through the fruits of the spirit in April while we gear up for the upcoming mission trip to Portland! April 14 Youth Group & Games at the Youth House 5-6:30 p.m. 21 Youth House games and snacks! 5-6:30 p.m. 28 TBA For more information, contact the youth leaders Claire or Jeff. Page 7

8 Disciple Bible Study DISCIPLE assumes that the Bible is the key to renewal in the church. It recognizes the human-divine nature of the Bible: The actual texts of Scripture were written by human beings like ourselves in their cultural settings, under the divine inspiration of God. DISCIPLE affirms that the canon was formed as it is in order for God to speak to us. BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY gives equal time to both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as the revelation of God. DISCIPLE aims at transformation, not just information, and calls on persons to submit themselves to examination by Scripture, to put themselves under the power of God s Word, and to be changed by God s Word. DISCIPLE invites persons to bring their experiences and struggles to the Scripture. All persons know something is amiss with their existence and yearn for the Word from God. DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY uses biblical language and images and draws upon the work of scholars to aid understanding of the Bible. This study requires reading large portions of Scripture each week and is based on careful study and preparation. During the course of thirty-four weeks, groups will move through the biblical stories of Creation to the New Jerusalem. We are in the initial stages of planning to offer a Disciple Bible Study here at Hillview and need your input on the day, time, and when to start this study. Contact Maggie Edmondson, Minister of Congregational Life if you are interested in participating in this wonderful foundational study, have questions, or need more information. Upcoming Basics Classes We have a number of wonderful Basics Classes coming up this spring and summer covering a wide variety of topics chosen based on the information gathered from the Christian Education surveys. Each class is four weeks long and meets during the 9:15 a.m. Sunday School hour in the Library. Please contact Maggie Edmondson if you have any questions or need more information about any of our upcoming or future Basics Classes. May Old Testament: Biblical Understanding Golden Threads of the Bible with David McKellip June Freeing Theology with Rev. Barbara Nixon July Parenting with Sandy McDaniel August Spiritual Practices with Maggie Edmondson September Ethics and Social Issues with Jon Brown Page 8

9 MYMU Methodist Youth Moving Up APRIL 10, 2013 MYMU will meet on Saturday, April 20 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. We will be going bowling at Big Al s in Meridian. The cost of this event is $10 to cover shoe rentals and two games with scholarships available. Permission slips and Emergency Contact forms are available on the Christian Education bulletin board and in Room 6. Grownups, please contact Maggie Edmondson if you are able to serve as a chaperone and/or a driver. Please sign up by Sunday, April 14 and return permission slips and money by Friday, April 19. Page 9

10 UNITED METHODIST WOMEN NEWS and EVENTS Spring Salad Luncheon Blessed by an Elephant May 4, 11:30 a.m. You will not want to miss this!! Pastor Barbara will be the guest speaker for our Spring Salad Potluck Lunch in Ballantyne Hall. Barbara will be speaking at 12:15. All are welcome. She will be sharing slides and information about her time in India. For our local mission, we will be collecting diapers, diaper wipes and baby product coupons for Marian Pritchett School. If child care is needed, contact Judy Halverson, , by April 28 for arrangements.. Coupons for the Troops Amanda Balance has found a group with financial support to continue the mailing of coupons for the troops. If you would like to contribute to this service to the servicemen and women, you can leave coupons on the UMW bulletin board. Mark Your Calendars United Methodist Women Events: April 14 May 4 UMW Sunday Spring Salad Pot-luck Lunch Monthly Circle Meetings: Morning Book Club: 2 nd Monday at 9:30 a.m. at Barnes & Noble Contact: Kristen Guyon, Evening Book Club: 2 nd Monday at 6:30 p.m. in church kitchen. Contact: Darlene Smith, Page 10 Friends of Phoebe: 1 st Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., in church kitchen. Child care. Contact: Dawn Phipps, Lydia Circle: Meets the 1 st & 3 rd Tuesday, 9:30 am -11 am, Church Library. Current study, Things I Wish Jesus Said Contact: Judy Halverson Fellowship Circle: 2 nd Thursday, at 7:00 p.m,. in members homes. Contact: Betsy Baughman,

11 Music Notes APRIL 10, 2013 The Easter celebration included loud hallelujahs and the jubilant sounds of people gathered to express joy and gratitude for a growing faith that truly matters. The enthusiasm of the children and inspiring music of the congregation provided an exciting underscore as the black sanctuary was transformed into a beautiful setting of celebration and praise that supported the pastoral theme of More Than Resurrection. Thank you! Many hours of planning, scheduling and rehearsing are invested in the process of providing opportunities for meaningful worship and celebration. It is a great joy for me to be involved with so many who commit time and personal skill into the music ministry May God and his kingdom always be honored and exalted as we combine the sounds and sight of voices, instruments and expressive movement. CHANCEL CHOIR Harriet Dake Carol Dederick Jo Dee Pola Susan Ford Helen Bivens Marilesta Nelson Jackie Cooney Cheryl Richardson Kristen Guyon Lois Baker Jessica Weddle Bertha Matthews Duane Conitz Brian Randolph Bill Britton Dave Bivens Bob Mallis Sue Walch, piano & organ Jeanne Cannon, piano RHAPSODY RINGERS Cyndy Jonsson Peggy Pegan Leah Platt Dawn Phipps Michelle Ward Marcia Belcheir Tyler Gallas Joel Phipps HILLVIEW INSTRUMENTS Teri Nealis, flute Kinsey Walt, flute Duane Conitz, alto sax Will Swenson, trumpet Brian Randolph, trombone Fred Dart, euphonium John Fransen, tuba Claire Chambers, cello Svend Knutsen, drums NOT PICTURED Esther Wesche, choir & bells Marcia Belcheir, choir Rita Wood, choir Michelle McAlister, choir Ruth McGough, bells Charlie Brown, trumpet John Lodal, bass guitar Page 11

12 Be sure to check out the Congregational Care bulletin board for the latest Health Ministries Newsletter! Advance Directives for Senior Living The Congregational Life Committee will be offering a workshop on Senior Living on Saturday, April 20 from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. in Ballantyne Hall. We will have speakers come and share more information about Advance Directives, Living Wills, DNRs, Power of Attorney s, Financial Planning for seniors, In Home Care, Skilled Home Health Care, Hospice, and Having a Choice and Voice in your Health Care Needs. Sign up on the Congregational Care bulletin board so we have enough information available for participants and refreshments will be served. APRIL 21 is GREEN SUNDAY! In celebrating God s grand creation, we will see if we can find some alternative ways to get to church! Start thinking now about carpooling, walking, bicycling or skateboarding to church. At the close of worship we will step outside and bless all the bikes and shoes and carpools and skateboards and walkers and anything else that helps us navigate the world in an earth-friendly way. (Is church too far away for you to bike, walk, etc? That s ok! Bring your bike or wear your shoes New Class Starting on Tuesday Evenings at 7 p.m. Why would God put a tree in the Garden and tell Adam and Eve not to eat its fruit? Why did God order Abraham to kill his son Isaac? What s God up to? Living the Questions will begin a new 6-week study on April 16. Titled What s God Up To, it features Jewish New Testament Scholar Amy-Jill Levine adding her fresh outlook on the Scriptures. CHECK OUT THE CAMP BULLETIN BOARD! See the new camp catalog/schedule. There are camping opportunities for all ages. Scholarships are available for kids attending church camp. To receive a camp scholarship, it is required that the youngster be active in at least one of the following: Sunday School, Jr. Usher, Acolyte, Youth Group, Nursery Worker, Usher, Greeter, Bells, Choir, Instruments, and new this year be actively involved with the UMW Reading Program, or help with various activities of the church such as clean-up days, Community Meal. To help with any of these opportunities, or if you have questions, please contact Marilesta Nelson at Page 12

13 APRIL 10, 2013 Our Easter Egg Hunt was Egg-stremely Egg-celent! Thank you to everyone who donated eggs, candy, their time stuffing eggs, hiding eggs, making desserts, BBQ ing hot dogs, handing out food, cleaning up, supervising, and more! We had a wonderful and very successful Easter Egg Hunt and couldn t have done it without everyone s help! Children s Bibles in the Pews Notice something new in some of the pews on Easter Sunday? If you didn t then be sure to look for the new Children s Bibles in some of the pews next time you are in the Sanctuary. The Education Team and the Worship Committee graciously shared the expense for Bibles to encourage our young people to connect more deeply in worship on Sunday mornings. If you don t see a Children s Bible in your pew and would like to have one there for your young people, please contact Maggie Edmondson and we will do our best to make sure there are more available. Join us on Friday, April 19, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Ballantyne Hall for a night of all church fun! We will have lemonade, popcorn, prizes, and more! Everyone is invited to attend children and families too! If you can count then you can play! Contact Norm and Flora Walker if you have any questions or need more information. Donations Needed for Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School plans are well on the way for our trip around the world this summer with Everywhere Fun Fair, June The VBS Planning Team needs help collecting small (empty) coffee cans with lids, (empty) paper towel rolls for some of our craft projects, brown paper lunch bags, travel posters to borrow for decorating and extra-large cardboard boxes or sheets of cardboard to transform our church into a global fair (large appliance boxes etc). We need at least 100 coffee cans and paper towel rolls, so please hang on to what you have and bring them to Church this month and place them in the donation bin marked Vacation Bible School. Be sure to keep an eye out for more needed donations this spring in The Connector and on the announcement slides. From Pastor Barbara If you would be willing to house a single lay member to Annual Conference (June or 23) please contact Pastor Barbara. If you are interested in learning more about membership at Hillview, please contact Pastor Barbara ( ). The next opportunity to join will be on April 21. Page 13

14 Faith in Action March on Hunger 2013 Stepping Forward to Leave Hunger Behind Donate Food Please remember to bring food for the Idaho Foodbank (special barrel by office) or Community Ministries Center pantry (bin in the back of the Gathering Area) throughout the month of April. Especially needed are protein sources and vegetables. All food must be shelf stable and in nonbreakable containers. Encourage neighbors, co-workers and families to contribute as well. Hold a mini-food drive, organize a food scavenger hunt, or find other creative ways to get more people involved. If you prefer, you can make a donation to the Idaho Foodbank s Virtual Food Drive. Go to Click on Virtual Food Drive. Under option 1, select March on Hunger Then make your secure donation. Because they can leverage monetary donations, you can feed a family of 4 for a week for only $28 (retail value $204). Sunday, April 14th - Erasing the Line Workshop p.m. here at Hillview Join us for a special viewing of the groundbreaking documentary, The Line, chronicling the new face of poverty in America. The Line documents the stories of people across the country living at or below the poverty line. You will also be able to participate in one of the breakout groups to learn more about justice-seeking actions including community gardens, cooking classes for low-income families, and food stamp outreach. April Food Stamp Challenge During the week of April 15th-21, you are invited to join in the food stamp challenge. Those who take the challenge will live on the equivalent of the food stamp benefit (currently $32.00 a week per person). You cannot use food you have previously purchased (except for spices, condiments, and cooking oil, etc.). April 28 Closing Celebration Veteran s Park, gather at 4:00 p.m. and plan to eat at 4:30 p.m. Bring a large side, salad or dessert to share, if you can. Meat will be provided. There is a wonderful playground for the kids. If you are unable to participate in other ways, here are some ways you can still be a part of the March on Hunger Pray for those who are hungry and for those who worry about providing for their families. Pray for wisdom for our state s and nation s decision makers Learn more about the reality of hunger in Idaho facts and causes Engage directly by volunteering at a foodbank/pantry, meals program or work in a community garden. Hillview has many opportunities for all of these. Contact our decision makers both state and national and let them know that you care about your neighbors who are hungry and expect them to do the same. For questions or more information, contact Gayle Woods (gaylewoods5964@msn.com or ) Page 14

15 Our Church Staff Pastor Barbara Nixon cell Minister of Congregational Life Maggie Edmondson Director of Music Gene Lubiens Director of Technology and Communication Jeff Thompson Organist/Pianist Suzanne Walch Secretary Claudia Flora Youth Directors Claire Chambers Jeff Thompson Custodian Mariya Gavrilutsa Nursery Director Peggy Sheldon APRIL 10, 2013 The First Fruits! Here at Hillview we have a way for you to offer not only your first fruits, but your vegetables, flowers, seeds, and garden tools too! In the Gathering Area is a cart labeled From the First Fruits. Bring in a portion of your garden to share with others. Plant extra just for this! Bring in whatever your garden grows. In the spirit of the First Fruits, bring the best, the first quality, and the first of the crop that comes on. This symbol of giving freely from the first and not the last is a wonderful stewardship message and reflection of what God has provided. If you are not a gardener, please take something from the cart and enjoy it. Bring what you can, take what you wish. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your Produce. (Proverbs 3:9) Page 15

16 Dates to Remember April 21 Green Sunday June Vacation Bible School The Hillview Connector is published bi-monthly by Hillview United Methodist Church churchoffice@hillviewmethodist.org Phone: Hours: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-noon, Friday