Geneseo Voice. Geneseo United Methodist Church THE GAME OF LIFE. SCRIPTURES Sept. 2 Watch Your Step Psalm 118:13-24 Genesis 8:6-22 Sept.

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1 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9 SEPTEMBER 2012 Geneseo Voice INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Geneseo United Methodist Church WORSHIP ASSISTANTS 2 BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES CHILDREN S PAGE 5 NEWS FROM THE BOARDS CALENDAR 8 SCRIPTURES Sept. 2 Watch Your Step Psalm 118:13-24 Genesis 8:6-22 Sept. 9- The Game of Life Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Romans 6:20-23 John 10:7-10 Sept. 16- Mousetrap Genesis 4:1-8 James 1:13-15 John 8:31-36 Sept. 23 Sorry 2 Chronicles 7: Corinthians 7:9-10 Mark 1:4-14 Sept. 30- Twister Proverbs 17:9,17 James 4: 1-3, 7-12 John 15: THE GAME OF LIFE When I was growing up, our family played a lot games together. In the summer we put up the croquet set, in the fall my dad and the neighborhood kids played touch football. Winter time was for indoor pursuits pool, ping-pong, cribbage and especially board games. My dad usually joined us for Yahtzee. When Grandpa Malmquist came to visit, he played Clue with us and we were totally impressed that he usually won, even though he never wrote down anything, but relied only on his memory! We kids loved to play The Game of Life. I don t know why maybe it was the cool spinner, or the nifty plastic car game pieces, or the way that making decisions throughout the game and handling play money made us feel grown up. The commercial jingle told us you will learn about life when you play The Game of Life. I can t say I discovered everything to know about life, but I did learn a little about taking turns, taking risks, and being a gracious winner and loser. As our Worship Team brainstormed about sermon series ideas at a recent meeting, one person suggested board games. We had a great time remembering our favorites and were surprised to discover the many Biblical life lessons that some of those games brought to mind. And so we developed our next sermon series. The Game of Life runs from September 9 September 30. Each week we ll feature a different game and Biblical life lesson. I also invite you to join me in the Word of Life challenge during these four weeks. Invite your family and friends to Geneseo to discover how Jesus invites us to participate in the real game of life! Your Sister, Pastor Christie Word of Life Challenge Hiding God s word in our heart (memorizing Scripture) is a timehonored way to experience God s encouragement and guidance. Each Sunday bulletin during the Game of Life sermon series will include a card with a short memory verse that you can carry with you and learn by heart. Be inspired, emboldened and reassured every day and everywhere you go through God s word - the word of life!

2 GENESEO VOICE PAGE 2 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS September Ushers: Bob & Delores Reints September Greeters: 2nd Pat & Galen Peckham 9th The Ryan s 16th 23rd The Ryan s 30th Beverly Baldwin September Acolyte: Colton Adams September Coffee Servers: Beverly Baldwin Tammy Zeien Sandy Boomer Flowers: Pat Hill Produce Table: Lora Olson Jean Beenken Elsie Mitchell Marlys Mithchell Palyn Mitchell Deb Mumm Tammi Neuendorf Dixie Christian Imperfection is the prerequisite for grace. Light only gets in through the cracks. Philip Yancey CELEBRATION DATES BIRTHDAYS Craig Ferguson Adam Klein Kate Mitchell Garrett Ryan Dixie Christian Kalyn Putz Adreanna Smith Christie John 2nd 2nd 4th 6th 10th 14th 16th 17th Cindy Wendt Deb Elliott Craig Mitchell Dennis Mitchell Paul Lindeman Scott Neuendorf Lana Herman 22nd 25th 25th 26th 28th 28th 29th ANNIVERSARIES Guy & Kate Mitchell Keith & Larabeth Bader Trent & Jana Ryan Kenny & Lana Herman 4th 10th 21st 25th PRAYER REQUESTS Sandy Boomer, recovering from surgery. Norman Mitchell, father of Craig Mitchell, living in Friendship Village in Waterloo. Deloris Moffitt, stepmother of John Moffitt, living in a care center in Cedar Rapids. Deb & Kelsey Mumm, as they continue to recover from injuries sustained in an auto accident. Dennis & Deb Reding, as they recover from surgery as a kidney donor (Deb) and recipient (Dennis). Living With Cancer Bill Wells, brother of Diana Sash Death Bob Minkel, Please keep Hazel, sons Brian (Pat) & Joel Sister-in-law Sandy Boomer in your prayers

3 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9 PAGE 3 UNITED METHODIST WOMEN If you are interested in helping serve for the Salvation Army the date for that is September 19th at 9:00 a.m. Contact Delores Reints if interested in helping. September 20th is the NE District UMW Annual Meeting in Monona Iowa at the Living Faith Parish. GUEST SPEAKER KELLY NGWIRA FROM MALAWI Kelly will be here October 7th with a inspiring message and life history. Born in the Congo, he and his brothers were sent to be raised by their grandmother and later became orphans. Now a senior student at Africa Methodist University in Zimbabwe, Kelly came to La Porte City in January 2012 for 1 year. He lives with Pastor Mike Gudka of St. Paul UMC. Kelly is a committed Christian young man. Because English is his native language you will understand him with ease. Pastor Christie will be in England on John Wesley pilgrimage experience. ADOPY -A- HIGHWAY & CHURCH CLEAN UP We're doing our part to care for God's creation in our little corner of Tama County! For over 25 years, Geneseo has faithfully cleaned Highway 21 as part of the Adopt-A- Highway program. Come to Geneseo UMC on Sunday, September 30 at 3:00 p.m. and help pick up along the highway or help us care for the "church on the hill" through cleaning and maintenance projects. Stay for a light meal and celebrate all that has been accomplished! NOTE: This DOES count towards silver cord hours for middle school students! More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones. St. Teresa of Avila SCHOOL INGATHERING KITS This is the best time of year to purchase supplies for School Ingathering kits with all the "Back to School" sales. The UM church sends these school kits to children all over the world. You can purchase all the items for a kit or buy a bunch of one or two items. School supplies for kits may be placed on the mission table in the fellowship area. Thanks for helping to educate God s children everywhere! School Kit 3 pads wide-ruled paper* (spiral or bound, single subject, standard size) 1 box of 24 crayons 6 unsharpened pencils with erasers 1 hand pencil sharpener 1 2 1/2" eraser 1 blunt scissors 1 30 cm metric ruler * this is a change from what was previously printed in UMW booklets.

4 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9 PAGE 4 FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY On Sunday, September 30 th we will take a special donation for the Lord s Pantry food ministry. Betty Pugh will share with us a little bit about the food pantry, which assists families in the LaPorte, Geneseo and Buckingham areas. An average of 30 families per month receive boxes of food and household items valued at $30. For more than 10 years, area churches have pooled their resources to help families stretch their grocery budgets in time of need and let them know that God loves them. On September 30 th you are invited to bring non-perishable food items and/or a monetary donation to worship. Items that are always needed include: peanut butter, soup, tuna, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, breakfast cereal and canned fruit. For more information about the pantry contact the Heartland Vineyard Church YOUTH GROUP PARENT MEETING We re excited to reboot our youth ministry for 7 th 12 th graders! Deb Mumm and Pastor Christie have been putting their heads together (be afraid be very afraid ) to scout out great ideas and special events, including Fields of Faith, Acquire the Fire, mission trips and more. We re also planning to get together on the last Sunday of each month from 6-8 to do stuff. Fun, faith-stretching stuff. Oh, and eat stuff. Good stuff. What do we need to make this really happen? 1. Youth (duh) 2. Parents! Parents and youth please come to an important meeting on Sunday, September 23 after worship in the coffeehouse!! Questions? See Deb Mumm or Pastor Christie Love is to the heart what the summer is to farmer s year it brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul. Unknown LEAP-OFF Sunday School Leaps Off September 9 Geneseo Sunday school for all ages begins Sunday, September 9 after worship. 3 year olds through 6 th graders will grow their faith by leaps and bounds with Grow, Proclaim, Serve! 7 th through 12 th grades will join Pastor Christie & Maggie John for youth Sunday school. The first week we ll look at a couple of different kinds of Bible studies and choose one to try. Adults will continue their study of the gospel of Luke led by Rev. Diane Mitchell. You are welcome to stop by as often as you can for great teaching and discussion.

5 GENESEO VOICE PAGE 5 CHILDREN S PAGE

6 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 9 PAGE 6 NEWS FROM THE BOARDS Church Council Summary July 23 Pastor Christie and seven members attended. Ministry of Leadership Pastor Christie led the prayer of Invitation and Intercession. Scripture Focus: Acts 8:1-8, Discussion: How might our Geneseo UM Church walk the road with all who enter. A quote from Bill Easum was highlighted, Everyone is welcome in this church. The only people who aren t welcome are those who refuse to welcome everyone else. Ministry of Management Marlys Mitchell presided. Pastor s Report: The Ecumenical Worship/Communion Service on July 1 at the Dysart Park was meaningful and well attended. Vacation Bible School was attended by a total of 44 children and youth assistants. The special offering during VBS yielded over 50 packages of youth socks and underwear for the Salvation Army support to families. The Noisy Offering during VBS and on Sunday, July 22 totaled over $300 for Camp Courageous. There was good attendance for the VBS service, fellowship, picnic, and games on July 22. The 2012 Charge Conference will be held at the Dysart UMC on Tuesday, November 6. UMW: There were 53 persons in attendance at the Guest Luncheon hosted on July 12. Ministry Work Areas: Planning for the 2012 Sunday School program year will begin soon. Item for Discernment: The Church Council voted to participate in the Northeast District Healthy Church Initiative, Phase I. The focus of the initiative is on providing resources and strategies to church pastors, staff, laity, and congregations so that they in turn will be able to reach new people for Christ and become the church God wants them to be in their community. There will be six monthly meetings beginning this fall to complete Phase I, Continuous Learning. There is no cost for Phase I to the local church. SAVE THE DATE After worship on Sunday, November 4 th we will celebrate God s faithfulness to Geneseo UMC in the past year. We will also review and discuss reports to present for adoption at our annual all-church meeting (called a Charge Conference ) which will be held in Dysart on Tuesday, November 6 th. Please note these two dates on your calendar and watch for more details to come Faith doesn t get us out of trouble; faith gets us through it. Anonymous PARENTING CLASS OFFERED THIS FALL Pastor Christie will facilitate Boundaries With Children, an 8-week class for parents with children of any age. Based on solid biblical principles, Boundaries With Children will help you recognize the boundary issues underlying child behavior problems, set boundaries and appropriate consequences with kids, get out of the 'nagging' trap and more. We will meet on Wednesday evenings beginning September 19 and we will be done by Thanksgiving. Class will start promptly at 6:00 p.m. and we ll end no later than 8:00. A light meal and child care for younger children will be included. Come and bring a friend for learning, support and encouragement! Free will offering will be taken to help cover the cost of meals and class materials. You can register by contacting the church office, making a note on the back of the information card or by signing up in the fellowship area. See Pastor Christie for more information.

7 GENESEO VOICE PAGE 7 ICE CREAM SOCIAL This years Ice Cream Social will take place on Sunday, September 16 from 4-7 p.m. at church. There will be grilled pork loin sandwiches, chips, condiments, pies, drinks and, of course, our homemade ice cream with all the toppings. Everyone is welcome with proceeds going to Lord s Food Pantry in LaPorte City and the Tama Co. Food Pantry. Sign up sheets are at church or call Dixie Christian. There are lots of things that are needed and help in kitchen. Please help, it makes it fun for everyone then LAITY SUMMIT Theme: Turn Up the Heat! The Role of Laity in a Healthy Church Special Guest: Bishop Julius C. Trimble Saturday, October 20, :00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. First United Methodist 723 Washington St. Cedar Falls, IA All Laity (that means everyone but pastors!) are Invited & Welcome! Come join us for a day with the Bishop and other key laity on the district. Contact the Northeast District Office to register: God gave us life. What we do with it reveals our attitude towards the Giver. Charles Ferrell CONGRATULATIONS, BECCA! The Endowment Committee is happy to announce that Becca Jaquith will receive a $500 gift from Geneseo UMC for her first year of school at the University of Northern Iowa. Becca is a 2010 graduate of the Union High School and plans to become a physical therapist. Each year, the Endowment Committee sends scholarship applications to all of our high school seniors. Interested students are required to complete the application and write a short essay. A one-time gift of up to $500 per student is awarded based on available funds. Contributions to the Geneseo Endowment are accepted at any time. All gifts received by the Endowment are invested. The gift principal remains intact while the interest earned on the investment is used for ministry. For more information, see Endowment Committee Chair Duane Christian, or go to our web site: geneseoumc.org and click on Permanent Endowment Committee under Committees. A FRUITFUL CHURCH The Geneseo Church Council has agreed to participate in a new process under development by our Iowa Annual Conference called The Healthy Church Initiative. HCI provides resources and strategies to church pastors, staff, laity and congregations so that they can continue to become the church God wants them to be in their community and reach new people for Christ. There are three main parts to this process learning, coaching and consultation. In the first phase, Pastor Christie and a team of church members will participate in six monthly workshops with folks from other churches for reading, mutual support, discussion and encouragement. Among the resources we will study is Bishop Schnase s Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. Please hold us in prayer as we begin this process, that through it we might honor God and better love our neighbors. If you d like to participate in the free workshops, or if you have questions, contact Pastor Christie.

8 September 9th Sunday School starts. September 16th Ice Cream Social and Country Store 4-7p.m. September 23 Special Offering for Christian Education Sunday. Youth & Parent meeting in upper room (7-12 grade) September 30 Food Pantry Sunday Bring food and/or monetary donations for the Lord s Food Pantry in LaPorte.. Adopt a Highway Meet back at church by 3 p.m. Light meal will follow. Men s Saturday Bible Study is taking a break in September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :00 a.m. Worship 3 4 Outreach Fellowship Meeting 9 a.m. 9 Leap-off Sunday 10 Trustees 11 Worship :00 a.m. Worship Meeting Committee Presentation of Bibles 6:30 p.m. Meeting 7:00 10:05 Sunday School :00 a.m. Ice Cream Making :00 a.m. Worship Newsletter 10:05 Sunday School Ice Cream Social 4-7 p.m. Deadline Salvation Army 9:00 Parenting Class 6-8 pm Christian Education Finance Offering 9:00 Worship 10:05 Sunday School Youth Parent Mtg 10:05 Church Council Meeting 6:00 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Parenting Class 6-8 pm Praise Band 7 p.m Food Pantry Sunday Worship 9 a.m., Sunday School 10:05 Adopt a Highway 3:00 Youth Party after.

9 Geneseo United Methodist Church Geneseo United Methodist Church th Street Buckingham, IA Phone: Web-site: THE MISSION STATEMENT OF THE GENESEO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Our Christ-centered mission/purpose weaves God and persons together in an on-going journey of reaching out, receiving, relating, nurturing, and sending out to live as faithful disciples. As children of God, we embrace this mission in forgiveness, friendship, community, and love. Geneseo United Methodist Church th Street Buckingham, IA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED