The. Newsletter No Wesley United Methodist Church February 2019

Transcription

1 The Wesley Witness Newsletter No Wesley United Methodist Church February 2019 A special Session of the United Methodist Church General Conference will be held in St. Louis, MO on February The purpose of this session will be to receive and act on a report from the Commission on a Way Forward based on the recommendations of the United Methodist Council of Bishops. Please be in prayer for the people of the United Methodist church, the Special Session, and our delegates from the Dakotas Conference. The Current Lectionary Sermon Series Continues through April 28 Our purpose is to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

2 2 Marjorie Myrold Hayley Spicer 3 Bryon Bischoff Holly Van Camp 5 Bonnie Rice Pam Whaley Emily Whaley Chloe Whaley Jamison Stewart 6 Frances McConnell 9 Odney Ellingson David Nelson Jeremy Marsh 10 Alex Bryson Jacob Church Hayden Roberts Lonnie Lee Jossart 15 Charlene Kotts Jean Juneau 16 Linda Kohoutek Anglela Beaton 18 Lyle Wicken 22 Joyce Johnson Aivlyn Clow 23 DeAnn Kerzman Todd O Connell 24 Cody Ford Aaron Steckman 26 Jan Hoffmann 27 Cynthia Jossart 28 Kyle Whitcomb 8 Dave & Shirley Kiefel 21 Pam & Terry Cote Want to receive your Wesley Witness newsletter by ? If you would prefer to receive your monthly Wesley Witness newsletter by rather than printed, please let us know by ing Judy at the church office at gfwesley@midconetwork.com If you already receive the newsletter by , no need to let us know again unless your address has changed. 2

3 Jesus (Matthew 7:24-25) Everybody who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise builder who built a house on bedrock the wind blew and beat against that house. It didn t fall because it was firmly set on bedrock. Anne Lamott You can safely assume that you ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do. For many there is a sense of anxiousness concerning the life of the church, especially as it pertains to the upcoming denominational vote at the Special Session of General Conference February 23 rd -26 th. Sadly, in the midst of all the fear, doubt, and anxiety the church has lost its focus. There s been a lot of misinformation, assumption, and hand-wringing over the issue of human sexuality and the church and yet there hasn t been a vote. Wesley UMC has been through a lot the past two-plus years and I know this issue hasn t added any stability. Yet in our lesson from Matthew, Jesus tells us that despite the world and all the distractions we face, we are to remain focused, mindful, humble, and steadfast. Our anxieties, fears, and doubt are to give way to a peace and confidence found in the Spirit of the living God, our rock and foundation. The situations we find ourselves in personally and the situation we find ourselves in as a denomination can either build us up or tear us down. Each of us has a choice to live in fear or peace and harmony, despite our differences. We can either invite God to be at work in and through us as conduits of grace and love or we can let our situations control our faith, trust, and decisions. As Charles Stanley puts it, the key is in who you allow to interpret what happens to you. If you and I only see the challenges before us and compare what we get or don t get, then we often feel overwhelmed and irritated because our choice leaves us fighting with the tools we have-our words, our experiences, our convictions, and our comfort. Friends, Jesus wants us to be wiser than the world. We aren t supposed to lean on our own understanding, but upon the renewing Spirit of God that calls us out from the world into a ministry to our community, schools, and work place for the transformation and healing of it. (cont d) 3

4 As your pastor I want to invite you our upcoming Church-hall meeting concerning the proposed One Church Plan on February 10 th from 7-8:15pm. This is an opportunity to learn about not just the plan, but how it came to be; information will be provided. We will also spend some time in prayer, and I encourage all of Wesley to pray for the delegates who are heading to St. Louis, MO for the Special Session of the General Conference. You can find some of the information online at There are some helpful resources there too, like a podcast, which your church leadership has also been encouraged to listen to. Thank you all in advance for your prayers and support of myself, the church, and the denomination as a whole. In Christ, Pastor Jeff Lathrop Prayer for Unity: Gracious and loving God, We ask that you place within us the desire to love one another as you have loved us. That you would help us to forgive one another as you have forgiven us, for it is by this love that others will come to see and know you more. May we be unified in our mission to transform and heal your world, living in union and harmony with others, in a bond of peace and fellowship found in your Spirit of unity. May we be united in our love for you and pray with the mindfulness of Jesus, guided by one heart, one witness, and one voice that glorifies you. And may we be an example to those we love and to the world of your transformative and healing love. Help us to live into and live out of a heart and spirit filled with grace and hope. We ask this all in Jesus name, AMEN M r E a C v Contacting Pastor Jeff jeff.lathrop@midconetwork.com cell phone: Office hours: 9:00-12:00 & 1:15-2:45, Monday Thursday 4

5 United Methodist Camping for 2019 It s not too early to begin thinking about summer camp. The United Methodist Dakotas Conference operates three camps: Wesley Acres on Bald Creek north of Valley City; Lake Poinsett south of Watertown, SD; and Storm Mountain in the Black Hills near Rapid City, SD. Other opportunities are provided through the camps operated by the Minnesota Annual Conference: Northern Pines near Park Rapids, Kowakan Adventures in Ely, and Koronis Ministries by Paynesville. As examples of the kind of experiences offered at these camps, our closest camp, Wesley Acres, this summer will be providing Son- Seekers for grades K-4, My Craft Camp for grades 4-6, Minecraft and Canoe camps for grades 5-8, Junior High Basketball Blast for grades 6-9, in addition to family camps for all ages in June and July. Pastor Jeff will be leading Capture the Experience a photography and video camp for senior high. To find out more, pick up one of the camp brochures at the Welcome Center in the church lobby and/or go online at Wesley has scholarship support available to assist families with the cost of camps. The early bird deadline for discounted rates is April 30, so plan to register by that time. For further information, you may check with Pastor Jeff or Judy Christy. Mark your calendars for Camp Sunday at Wesley on March 10! Wednesday Soup Supper in Lent, beginning March 13 Watch for a sign up sheet to let us know that you are willing to help provide soup, bread or dessert. Contact Pat Henry at pathenry@gra.midco.net for details. 5

6 Lydia Project The United Methodist General Conference will be coming to Minneapolis in The Dakotas- Minnesota Area has a wonderful opportunity to come together to provide hospitality for this conference. We intend to greet every delegate, dignitary, bishop, and spouse with a handmade scarf, to serve not only as a memento of General Conference but also as a practical solution to drafty, air-conditioned rooms. That's where you come in! We are inviting United Methodists in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota to help us knit or crochet 10,000 purple scarves. We are calling this initiative the Lydia Project, after Lydia in Acts 16. Project Details: Scarves should be hand-knitted or hand-crocheted. Since this is a Minnesota event, please use solid purple yarn, like the colors of the Minnesota Vikings or Prince. Royal purple and bright purple are great. Please avoid lavender color and do not use variegated yarn. Please use acrylic yarn that could be washed if needed. The pattern can be the creator's choice. Finished projects should be 6-7 inches wide and at least 60 inches long (think about wrapping a scarf around your own neck to stay warm in a drafty room). If you add fringe, which is optional, please be sure that the scarf itself is at least 60 inches long before the fringe. When the scarf is done, package it individually in a gallon-size Ziploc bag. You may bring your completed scarves to the church office or leave them at the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings. We have special tags to attach to the scarves. They will then be brought to the 2019 Dakotas Conference in June. Let s see how many we can send from Wesley! The following is a link to the Dakotas Conference web site with more details of this project: 6

7 Thank you to all who participated in the lefse and cookie sales at the church during the Christmas Season. Special thanks to all who made items and those who purchased cookies and lefse. The funds raised from these events support local and national missions. Wesley UMW was able to make donations of $200 each to the Third Street Clinic and the CVIC (Community Violence Intervention Center) in Grand Forks to support their work in our community. The 2019 Wesley UMW officers are : President: Pat Henry Vice-President: Danielle Holm Secretary/Treasurer: Linda Juntunen Membership, Nurture & Outreach Coordinator: Kelsey Tretter Social Action Coordinator: Janet Christianson Program Resources Coordinator: Berniece Holm Education & Interpretation Coordinator: Judy Christy Communications Coordinator: Sharon Stewart Special Mission Recognition Committee Chair: Sharon Stewart Reception & Fellowship Committee: Nancy Schaper, Berniece Holm, Joyce Kramer Remember we are still collecting the following items. Collection boxes are in the kitchenette or on a table in the Fellowship Room. Pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House Our Family soup labels General Mills Box Tops for Education Toiletries for Shelter House (basket in the Fellowship room) Empty ink cartridges (box by the office) Quilting Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Room 305 Everyone is Welcome! For questions, call Helen DeMaster

8 Youth Group Youth Group is up and running in 2019!! Below is a schedule of activities to look forward to for the remainder of the year. Please note the Sundays that are in bold as these are Sundays when there is no Youth Group or there is a time change. Sunday, February 3 No Youth Super Bowl Sunday stay home and root for your favorite team or enjoy the commercials Sunday, February 10 Youth will meet from 4-6 p.m. to work on Valentine s to send to Wesley shut-ins. pizza party included! Sunday, February 17 Youth meeting from 5-6 p.m. Sunday, February 24 No Youth winter holiday Sunday, March 3 Youth meeting from 5-6 p.m. Sunday, March 10 Youth meeting from 4-6 p.m. We will be working on a service project connected with the Northland Rescue Mission. More details as the date draws closer. March 17 Youth meeting from 5-6 p.m. Friday, March 22 through Saturday, March 23 -The annual youth lockin!!! Times and details will be forthcoming, but for now reserve this time so you can attend and, more importantly BRING A FRIEND!! Sunday, March 24 No youth meeting March 31 Youth meeting from 5-6 p.m. Sunday, April 7 Youth meeting from 5-6 p.m. Sunday, April 14 Youth meeting from 5-6 p.m. Sunday, April 21 Easter! No Youth meeting Sunday, April 28 Youth meeting from 5-6 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Youth meeting from 5-6 p.m. Sunday, May 12 No Youth Mother s Day. Stay home and tell your mom how much you love her over, and over, and over again. Sunday, May 19 Last youth meeting. There will be an end of the year party; more details as the date draws closer. Wesley Youth Group is open to those students that are currently enrolled in the 6 th through 12 th grade. We meet Sunday afternoons at Wesley from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. It is open to members and non-members of Wesley. Friends are always invited and welcomed!! Parents continue to watch your s for more specific details as particular events get closer. If anyone has any questions, comments, suggestions, please let me or Pastor Jeff know. Kellie Burgess. 8

9 Wesley Finance Report: January 2019 As we have begun a new year here at Wesley I decided to and share some information regarding the costs we incur to do our mission and ministry here at Wesley. Grace is a free gift from God, but doing His work here costs extra! (HA!) We spend about $20,000 here each month. Here s a quick breakdown of some of our regular monthly expenses. Pastors Salary, including health insurance and Pension: $7000 Other Staff Salaries $5500 Church Building Heat and Lights $3500 Property Insurance $1000 Parsonage costs (not including mortgage payment) $600 Office and administration (paper,postage,etc) $1000 Ministry materials and costs $1000 Gift to the Dakotas Conference: 13% of Offerings Variable (Support for Regional and Global Programs) These cost vary some depending on the season, but this gives you an idea how Wesley spends the donations it receives. In order to make the finances work here at Wesley, we need to receive $20,000 a month on average as well. Please give according to your ability to allow Wesley to accomplish our mission of Making New Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. If we share our resources that we have received we can continue making the world a better place in the image of God. John Galegher, Jr. Treasurer Wesley Book Club will meet on February 19 at 7:00 p.m. Book: Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow Hostess: Peggy Kindem peggykindem@gmail.com For more information contact Pat Henry at pathenry@gra.midco.net or

10 The children are off to a great start in 2019! I so enjoy their enthusiasm on Sunday mornings who needs coffee, right? Parents, the children will be singing on two Sundays the remainder of the Sunday School year. Those Sundays are March 10 and May 12 (Mother s Day). Please mark your calendars so that your child is able to attend church on those two Sundays and be able to sing for the congregation. With our numbers being low, even if one child is not able to come, it really effects the rest of the group. Thank you for bringing your children to Wesley. If anyone has questions, concerns, suggestions, please let me know. Kellie Burgess, Children s Music Leader Adult Sunday school Join the Adult Sunday school Library class as they continue a video series based on the book The Next Christians. Reading ahead is not required, but books will be available to order as desired. This class meets on Sunday mornings at 10:10 am in the church library. In his six-session video-based small group bible study, The Next Christians, Gabe Lyons cites modern day examples and looks ahead over the next century to how Christians can adapt to a new way of living their faith. In the wake of the stunning findings that Unchristian, Gabe Lyon s and David Kinneman s book, shared with the world about younger generations disenchantment with Christianity, Gabe Lyons became an active participant in many key discussions about the future of Christianity in the U.S. and the world. Lyons looks ahead at how Christianity can and must adapt over the next 100 years, as he optimistically paints a picture of how it s best days might lay ahead as a new generation rediscovers their faith in this unprecedented new era in the West. 10

11 Servant Leadership Team meeting minutes, December, 2018 Opening Devotion- went over 3 rd & 4 th chapters in God Unbound answered 5 questions from the book; discussed answers in the large group chapter 3 authority, discernment, call 1. Prayer, different denom., (friends); different than us, others; chapter 4 systems change: technology, generational differences/divide; 6. Will take time, what s essential that we re trying to protect in our faith? Unity is emphasized by Paul; Prayer Review and Approval of November Minutes (sent in prior )-motion by Berniece H. to accept as distributed; John G. seconded; Approved. Reports/Ongoing business Finance Report - Stewardship Campaign Update 41 pledges received so far with almost $130,000 pledged for 2019 general budget. Last year there were only 30 pledges received for $105,000; will send out a follow up to those who do EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) but have not pledged or changed their pledge in recent years; 2 nd letter to go out to others who have not returned pledge cards. Finance reports balance sheet as of end of Nov. - looked at General fund bank account, not too different from last year at this time; in General fund balance account cash flow is a little tight right now; giving has been fairly inconsistent week to week; bills are paid through Nov.; up to date in conference givings; Looked briefly at treasurer s report; no questions Budgeting for 2019 John G. presented a very preliminary, broad budget look; more of a projection of basic expenses and income; conversation about budget shortfall for 2019 and how to solve the problem; John encouraged all of us to look at our own giving; Team was encouraged to think about budget and look for a budget maybe in January to be passed; Trustees/Facilities Updates New Alarm Board/System: Electrician question (See also Pastor s Report) Still needs to be done HB Sound & Light Estimate (Seeking motion to approve; See also Pastor s Report 3- video camera system) tabled at this point due to budget concern at this time. John brought up discussion about what the parameters are for deciding how the capital campaign funds can be used and how that is decided; is it something that we can we can look at closer in January? Time to move in that process to look at projects and look at proposals; try to keep congregation involved in the discussion, stay in communication, provide information. Do we need to think more about Church promotion/outreach? 11

12 - Trustees will review list of projects before retreat and have some numbers may need to get together to look at that separately from Leadership Team. - Establish signatures for Ameriprise authorization letter (Action needed) Berniece mad a motion to add John M., Kyle W. and John G. as signatures on Amerprise authorized signatures. Rick seconded. Approved. Judy will follow up to make sure forms. Letter gets signed and sent in. Program Ministry Updates - UMW -- Christmas brunch was held in December where new officers were installed as well (Pat Henry is President, Danielle Holm as vice-president; plus others to be listed in January newsletter) also good conversation and good fellowship (need more of that time); cookie sale coming up on Sunday, Dec Journey of Faith planning for spring Education piece, service piece; possible ideas how we approach end of life situations as a people of faith; Winship school (children and families in our community) - Signage estimates & recommendation, status of Signage team is moving ahead with street signs (16x20) at several intersections near the church 8 to 10 signs; some will replace old ones; SPRC related Updates - Report on meeting with the Board of Ordained Ministry interview Team on Dec.4 good discussion, asked questions as Jeff continues the process of becoming ordained as provisional elder and then full membership as elder; the interview team had said that they would recommend approval at the BOM meeting in Jan. - Annual reviews or personnel & job descriptions (ongoing) Jessica and Rick are working on getting times scheduled with staff - Review of new office manager position description copies of a newly developed job description was handed out; - Discussion of staffing realignment with current budget realities and prioritized needs (See also Pastor s Report) Jeff reported on research done with other UM churches and other janitorial staff in the city; consider realigning hours and funding that best supports the church without increasing the bottom line of the budget; looked at the options presented in pastor s report; budgeted funds would be re -aligned to reflect our priorities; we will need a new job description for custodial position. Need to know that this group is in agreement that this is the track we want to move towards? do we have the agreement for this SPRC group to move forward with this realignment? motion to approve job description by John G.; second by Kelsey. After some discussion, Motion approved. - Looking at budget for staffing Ok for now, no change in total - Office manager position is it a plan to advertise? Probably; depends on when we want it filled; goal to have staff realignment done by Feb. 1; discussion about timeline for intended end/kick off date thru Jan 31 and beginning Feb. 1 for new positions 12

13 - Preparing for New Year and Leadership Transition Class of 2018 Rotating Off Anne Bryson, Andrea Snortland, Bill Kerzman, vacant seat. None will continue next year. Election of new class, procedure and timeline think about people that could be nominated. Watch your s for information about this. - Leadership Retreat Planning Date & Time will work out over Election of Vice-chair for new year -- January Installing new class of officers Pastor s Report - Highlight Item: Church Hall Meetings Jeff would like to host some church meetings to discuss/look at/explain future of the UMC and the vote at Feb General Conference and the one-church plan; -Begins Sunday night, Feb. 10 resources & info on Council of Bishop s one church plan are at onechurchplan.org web site Jeff offered an explanation of what the one church plan means and that there is already some contextual differences now. Looking Ahead: Important Dates (See also Pastor s Report) Christmas Program & Cookie Sale, Dec. 16 Staff Appreciation Dinner with the Pastor, Dec. 21, Olive Garden December 24, Christmas Eve Service at 5:00 PM December 30, Single Worship Service at 10 AM (pulpit supply still needed) Office Closed Dates confirmed Dec. 24 & 25, Dec. 31 & Jan. 1 Pastor on vacation: December 26 January 2 Pastor Travel for Board of Ordained Ministry Interviews: January 3-5, 2019 Pastor Travel for Winter Connection: January Comment from John G. regarding some funds that had been allocated for updating fellowship room; a small group may be formed to discuss that. Closing Prayer; meeting adjourned. Minutes submitted by Judy Christy Looking ahead March 6 Ash Wednesday combined Service at Zion UMC March 10 Camp Sunday Beginning Wednesday, March 13 and following Wednesdays in Lent Soup supper and Lenten Study April 18 Holy Thursday soup supper, worship with communion April 19 Good Friday combined Service with Zion at Wesley April `4 Palm Sunday April 21 Easter Sunday 13

14 Your 2019 Wesley UMC Servant Leadership Team is: Jeff Lathrop Pastor Jessica Zerr Chair John Galegher Treasurer John Martin Trustees Kyle Whitcomb Trustees Trustees Rick Asche Staff- Parish Relations Staff-Parish Relations Judy Christy Program Ministry Berniece Holm Program Ministry Brittany Peterson Program Ministry Program Ministry Kelsey Tretter Program Ministry 14

15 OFFERING RECEIVED Prepaid Pledges $3, January $21, $20, February $17, March $15, April $20, May $14, June $16, July $18, August $13, September $ October $14, November $14, December $21, Total $207, $23, SUNDAY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE December January = 60 January = 78 January = 59 January = 59 Sundays: 8:30 Coffee Fellowship 9:00 Traditional Worship Service 10:10 Children s Music/Sunday school for all ages Alpha Young Adult Group 11:15 Ignite Praise Service 5:00 Youth Group, grades 6-12 Church Office Hours Mon. Thurs. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. As of the end of February, the ignite Praise service will be taking a break. Watch for more details on possible changes in worship schedule. Electronic Giving: Fast, easy, & secure Support the work of our church through Electronic Giving. Have your weekly or monthly contribution debited from your checking or savings account and transferred directly into the church account safely and electronically you ll never have to remember your checkbook again! We would love for you to get started! Pick up an authorization form today or call the church office for details. 15

16 Phone: Fax: Check out the Newsletter online at: Worship Schedule See Calendar for worship times Office hours: Mon. thru Thurs.. 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Pastor:... Jeff Lathrop Choir Director/Organist:... Marjorie Myrold Choir Accompanist:... Carol Lamberson Secretary:.. Judy Christy ww.gfwesley.org and like us on Facebook to keep up with what's going on at Wesley The Wesley Witness A publication of Wesley United Methodist Church. Published 12 times each year to keep members and friends informed of programs of the church and to report news about the Wesley family. For our Prayers --Our sympathies to For JoAnn Ness, and family, whose father, Joe Rohde, passed away on Dec. 28. Those in Care or Assisted Living Facilities: At Valley 4000: Vivian and Ole Dahlen, Kyle Whitcomb s mother At Valley Eldercare: Joan Bristol, Norma Dugas (a recent move), Charlene Kotts (also, please note that Charlene recently fell and broke her arm) At Good Samaritan, East Grand Forks: Velma Fruetel, At Mapleview Memory Care: Del Kindem At Parkwood Place: Helen Teske At Edgewood, East Grand Forks: Daryell Ferguson At Elim Care Center, Fargo: Alice Darling Those in Their Own Homes: Marlo Gade, Shirley Hoff, Iris Root, Carolyn Strand, Irene Wagner Special request: For Carol Lamberson s mother who entered palliative care for stage 4 cancer. If there are people, joys, or concerns that you would like to have included in this monthly prayer list, please details to gfwesley@midconetwork.com. Please obtain permission to share. 16