May The United Church of Mapleton. The Voice Newsletter of. The United Church of Mapleton. PO Box 413, 201 Troendle St SW. Mapleton, MN 56065

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1 The Voice Newsletter of The United Church of Mapleton 201 Troendle Street SW; PO Box 413 Mapleton, MN May 2017 Address Service Requested The United Church of Mapleton is a Christian fellowship of mission, worship, and faith formation dedicated to the Maple River community. The United Church of Mapleton PO Box 413, 201 Troendle St SW Mapleton, MN Breaking News! We have a Search Committee.

2 7 THE UNITED CHURCH OF MAPLETON 9:30 am Intergenerational Worship w/ Communion with Loaves & Fishes Food Shelf Collection 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:00-10:30 am PreK 5th Grade Sunday School (on all but the first Sunday of the month Intergenerational Worship Sundays w/ Communion) Church Office Hours are Typically, Tuesday Thursday from 8:00 am Noon Mon 6:30 Tue am Wed 7:00 Thu pm Fri Sat :00 pm Women s Fellowship May 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Men s Breakfast in 9 6:30 am Men s Breakfast in 10 7:00 pm Congregational Relations Mtg. Bible & Brew Location at Maggie J s RECYCLE! Noon 8pm Relay for Life Survivors Supper 12:00 Noon All Daughters Luncheon with Musical Group: Heart Strings :30 am Worship with Faith Formation f or Children 9:30 am Worship with Last Session of Faith Formation f or Children Youth Center 9:30a m Worship Pastor Cindy on Continuing Ed. Leave 22 Newsletter articles/reports are due into the church office 29 Memorial Day 6:30 am Men s Breakfast in :30 am Men s Breakfast in :30 am Men s Breakfast in 7:00 pm Council Mtg. 18 7:00 pm Bible & Brew Location at Maggie J s 19 RECYCLE! :00-5:00 pm use of facility In the case of a pastoral emergency while Pastor is on Continuing Education leave (Thursday, 5/ 11 Wednesday afternoon, 5/17) please be in contact with the church office 507/ w30

3 The Voice The Newsletter of The United Church of Mapleton Phone: (507) May 2017 Ministry Schedules & Coffee Hour Hosts May 7th Lay Reader: Linda Whitney Hospitality Team Lead: Doug Fritz Pianist/Organist: Jan Lange Sound System: Dick Dietz Power Point: Coffee Hour Host: Council Money Counters: Ron Conrad May 14th Lay Reader: Carolyn Becker Hospitality Team Lead: Ryan & Liz Bair Pianist/Organist: Kathy Byram Sound System: Dick Dietz Power Point: Coffee Hour Host: Women s Fellowship Money Counters: David Byram May 21st Lay Reader: Ginny Kinzie Hospitality Team Lead: Don & Pam Foster Pianist/Organist: Ann DeWitz Sound System: Dick Dietz Power Point: Coffee Hour Host: Youth Center Money Counters: Gary Fritz May 28th Lay Reader: Jack Madsen Hospitality Team Lead: Pianist/Organist: Kathy Byram Sound System: Dick Dietz Power Point: Coffee Hour Host: Christian Ed. Money Counters: Dick Dietz Page 1 It s Official! We have a Search Committee! We will be commissioning them in worship soon. Once the Council votes on the final list of names we ll be able to let you know who all makes up this important group. Thank you to all who said yes to this important endeavor. Troendle Street Project When the Troendle Street project begins, church members are asked to start parking in the East parking lot and entering the East doors at the ramp during weekday hours. The West door will remain locked during the day. Please note, our neighbors will be parking in our lots throughout this project (since they will not be able to access their home). On Sundays we are free to park in either lot and both the East and West doors will be unlocked as usual. Are You Good with a Remote? Then we need you to volunteer to be part of a team of individuals who will operate the remote for the PowerPoint slides during worship on a rotating basis. A detailed script is made available, along with the PowerPoint presentation, in the church s Dropbox no later than the Friday evening before the upcoming Sunday service. Please see Pastor Cindy or Dick Dietz if you are willing to be trained in on this simple task. We can no longer rely upon our A/V person to do this along with his other duties during worship. Please consider getting involved in this simple but EXTREMELY important way.

4 PLEASE CHECK both CHURCH BULLETIN BOARDS WEEKLY, FOR CHURCH AND LOCAL COMMUNITY INFORMATION! Contact Information If you have a pastoral emergency or need, please contact Pastor Cindy Mueller. Please check your bulletin each week for Pastor Cindy s office hours and contact information. Prayer Chain If you have a prayer request, please call Karen Stanton at (507) or Joyce Johnson at Please let them know your prayer request, including the name of the person to pray for if applicable, and whether or not you would like your request included in the church s public prayer list or if you d prefer the request be kept privately within the prayer chain. Local Mission Jars During the month of May, the mission jar donations will go towards Maple River Relay for Life. Missions Daily Devotions Online You may visit the following website for daily devotions: Thursday, May 4th & 18th at 7 pm we ll be offering a new kind of opportunity for adults. Open to anyone in the community who wish to share in conversation about faith, contemporary issues, God, the Bible or all the above. Please contact The United Church at for further information. Location: Maggie J s on Main Street Save the Date! Notice: Last session of Children s Faith Formation will be Sunday, May 21st. Page 2 Saturday, May 6, 2017 at Noon ALL DAUGHTER S LUNCHEON United Church dining hall Music by Heartstrings Reserved seating: Call Please leave a message. Congratulations! The United Church family sends its congratulations and love to the family of Karson, Amber and Haley Duncanson on the birth of their son and brother, Keegan Karl Duncanson! Maple River Youth Center Thanks the United Church! Thank you for your generosity and keeping us in your minds and hearts. Thank you, Pastor Cindy, for taking the time to get to know us and learn what is going on. We are approaching summer and thinking of what our summer hours will be. June is always busy with the end of the school year and Town and Country Days activities. I always think and say that the United Church is our Founding Father. Thank you for keeping us going! The United Church of Christ would like to thank the United Church of Mapleton for your $ contribution for Our Churches Wider Mission. John C. Dorhauer; UCC General Minister & Shari Prestemon; MN Conference UCC Minister

5 American Baptist Churches USA On behalf of American Baptist Churches USA and the 2017 Biennial Mission Summit Planning Team, we invite your church to attend the Biennial Mission Summit June 30th July 2nd in Portland, Oregon at the Oregon Convention Center. Information is posted on the church bulletin board. If you plan on attending, please contact the church office for the registration information. The United Church may send 2 delegates. Christian Education report for the May Voice Be The Spark for Environmental Justice How can we take on the urgent challenges of environmental justice in our time and place? Using stories, the arts, video, and hands-on learning opportunities, this workshop will equip participants to mobilize their communities around local and global issues of environmental justice. Materials center on the deep issues of justice and the beloved community through a progressive Christian faith lens. Pastors, church members, educators, seminary students, and members of communities of faith beyond the United Church of Christ are all welcome to attend. Cost: $110 (includes lodging, all meals, snacks and program) When: 5PM Wednesday, May 24 until 12PM Friday, May 26 Where: Pilgrim Point Camp, 2059 Pilgrim Point Rd, Alexandria, MN (directions) Who: Pastors, church members, educators, seminary students, and members of communities of faith beyond the UCC are all welcome to attend. Cost: $110 (includes double/triple room). A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional cost of $50. Registration Deadline: May 15, 2017 This workshop is sponsored by the Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ, Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats, and United Church of Christ Environmental Ministries. Newsletter Submissions Please submit all items for the June newsletter into the church office by Monday, May 22nd. Thank you! Page 3 Taizé Meditation Retreat Pilgrim Point Camp in Alexandria, MN on May 17-19, 2017 Come experience a few days apart within the tranquility and wonder of Pilgrim Point Camp. Experience a more spacious rhythm of life organized around praying the hours - through silence, word, music and chants in the tradition of the Taizé Community. Each day, our temporary community will share meals, conversation, hospitality, reflection, and worship. There will also be space for folk to spend time alone for rest or exploring the natural beauty of Pilgrim Point. Each participant will be invited to share an afternoon of silence and an optional experience of prayer during the "small hours," in additional to a variety of other contemplative spiritual practices. Come be renewed. Cost: $90/person When: 3pm on Wednesday, May 17th until 11am on Friday, May 19, 2017 Who: Open to ALL (youth must be accompanied by an adult leader or guardian; be aware participants will need to be quiet for 60 minute sessions) Deadline to register: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 Questions? the Pilgrim Point Registrar or call (612) VINE Adult Respite Center Open House Celebration, 421 E. Hickory Street, Mankato, Wednesday, May 17, 3 5 pm Everyone is invited to join us for a tour and refreshments. VINE s Adult Respite Center is open from 8 am 5 pm each weekday. We provide enriching activities and supervised care for aging adults who have progressive illnesses like Parkinson s disease or dementia as well as individuals who can benefit from organized activities and intellectual stimulation. Family caregivers enjoy a much-deserved break while their loved ones enjoy playing games, socializing, having visits from therapy pets, singing, and other fun activities. VINE s affordable adult day program is licensed by the State of Minnesota. Long-term care insurance, county waivers, veteran benefits, and private payment accepted. Call Mary Wichtendahl or Carol Ries at (507) for more information.

6 55th MN Conference UCC Annual Meeting June 9-11, 2017, College of St. Benedict Keynote speakers are Rev. Julian DeShazier, Senior Pastor from University Church in Chicago, who will provide an energetic and inspiring address about how our church is growing and thriving into the future. Rev. Kristina Lizard-Hajbi form the UCC national setting will talk about indicators of church vitality. The United Church may send 2 delegates and one confirmed youth, age (up to age 29). Be in touch with Pastor Cindy if you are able & interested in joining her at this event. Check the bulletin board for registration forms, itinerary schedule, and other information. April 10th, 2017 Meeting President Louise Webb called the meeting to order with ten ladies present. Devotions: Mabelle gave devotions. Secretary Report Previous Meeting Minutes: Accepted and approved as read. Sunshine Committee: Seven car ds, including get-well, birthday, and thinking-of-you were sent out. Business: Discussion was held on the upcoming All Daughters Luncheon which will be held Saturday, May 6th. A meal will be catered and the cost is a free-will-offering. Musical entertainment will be Heartstrings. A reservation will be required. Discussion on where to place the new coffee pot was decided and passed. April Coffee Hour Hosting: Circle #2 Meeting was adjourned and followed by a delicious lunch furnished by Linda Whitney. Respectfully Submitted, Darlene Fezler, Secretary Page 4 Christian Education Report Palm Sunday Brunch A very heartfelt thank-you to all who participated in the Palm Sunday Brunch. Many of you contributed your time, money, and presence which made the brunch one of our most successful. Several of you made wonderful breakfast casseroles or muffins, or brought fresh, delicious fruit. The meal was enjoyed by all, as evidenced by many expressions of appreciation. We raised just over $300, which was donated to our local Loaves and Fishes food shelf. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, EVERYONE! All Daughters Luncheon On Saturday, May 6, we will hold an All Daughters Luncheon featuring unique cuisine, special music and sharing of love poems. The luncheon is for all United Church women and girls and their guests family and friends. The cost is a charitable donation. Deadline to reserve your seat is Monday, May 1. See you there! Pam Foster C.E. Coordinator How to Plant Your Garden First, you come to the garden along, while the dew is still on the roses. For the Garden of your daily living: Plant three row of PEAS: 1. Peace of mind 2. Peace of heart 3. Peace of soul Plant four rows of SQUASH: 1. Squash gossip 2. Squash indifference 3. Squash grumbling 4. Squash selfishness Plant for rows of LETTUCE: 1. Lettuce be faithful 2. Lettuce be kind 3. Lettuce be patient 4. Lettuce really love one another No Garden Is Without TURNIPS 1. Turnip for meetings 2. Turnip for service 3. Turnip to help one another To Conclude Our Garden We Must Have THYME: 1. Thyme for God 2. Thyme for each other 3. Thyme for family 4. Thyme for friends

7 ABC Sets New Course for Mission: Connect. Cultivate. Change. VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 4/18/17) In this Resurrection season that celebrates Jesus Christ s promise of new life, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) announces a new framework for its mission to cultivate leaders, equip disciples and heal communities across the United States and Puerto Rico. This framework Connect. Cultivate. Change. looks to the future as it responds to the challenges facing Christian mission today, at the same time following in the footsteps of ABHMS founding missionaries, who expanded Christian ministry into new, uncharted territory in the early 19 th century. A major focus of this new mission approach features the creation of aligned action networks of passionate American Baptist disciples in geographic clusters throughout the United States and Puerto Rico for sharing assets, resources, best practices, actionable ideas and passion for ministry to be transformed into ministries that meet human needs. These networks will increase ABHMS capacity to engage a greater number of organizations in mission in more regions of the country, thereby increasing opportunities to connect, cultivate and develop partners on new geographic frontiers and in newly emerging mission models. Seeking to collaborate on strengthening local ministries that cultivate leaders, equip disciples and heal communities, the networks will include not only American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) regions, but also American Baptist-related colleges and seminaries, Christian centers, chaplains, emerging leaders, Judson Press authors, American Baptist Foundation, Ministers Council, American Baptist Men USA, American Baptist Women s Ministries, Women in Ministry and more. American Baptist Home Mission Societies seeks to lead the way in convening and connecting various Baptist partners into networks that address a wide range of mission needs and opportunities, says Executive Director Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, because we believe the shared ministry models of the future will involve many partners thinking creatively about a combined inventory of assets, spiritual gifts, human and material resources, skill sets and more. (Continue) Page 5 We believe there is no shortage of resources, talent or passion when American Baptists combine gifts for the sake of God s ministry, Haggray continues. Through collaboration by connecting with established, historic partners, developing new partners and connecting partners with each other the aligned action networks will accomplish more than each partner could accomplish alone, increasing ministry impact exponentially. In addition to the implementation of this network ministry model, seven national programs which will be featured weekly at abhms.org beginning April 25 have been established: In Search of Excellence, supported by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, seeks to equip American Baptist pastors and lay leaders with resources that ease financial burdens. Discipleship is building a network of highlymotivated agents of change who are broadening the understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Emerging Leaders, a new program for empowering young adults, features scholarship opportunities that nurture the personal and professional growth of American Baptist students and ministry leaders. Rizpah s Children, an outgrowth of ABHMS Justice for Children initiative, calls diverse partners to action, commitment and collaboration in national networks that create and deliver services to children and families living in poverty. Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries endorses American Baptist chaplains and pastoral counselors and provides training and support for these ministry professionals who stand on holy ground, serving in hospitals, prisons, pastoral counseling centers, race tracks and military settings. Intercultural Ministries offers resources and training that foster sharing and learning across cultures as an essential part of life together in Jesus Christ. Public Witness and Advocacy addresses a wide range of ethical, social and policy matters impacting the United States through Christ-Centered messaging and advocacy to both the church and the world.

8 United Church of Mapleton Council Meeting March 14, 2017 Attendees: Chad Kunkel, Pastor Cindy Mueller, Keith McCutchen, Kathy Cox, Darlene Fezler, Dave Byram, Dick Dietz, Robert Shubert, Pam Foster, Gary Fritz April Devotional: Darlene February Secretary's Report: Read by members; Motion to approve, Keith; seconded, Chad approved. Treasurer's Report: Read by members; discussed; Motion to approve, Dave; seconded, Chad approved. Motion to approve Kathy Cox as Financial Secretary approved. Flower Refrigerator: The Women s Fellowship is looking into and researching this item. Pastoral Search Committee: The formation of this committee is ongoing, though should be completed soon. It is thought that the chairperson and one other member have been determined. Fellowship Hall rental by Maple River Basketball Association for a banquet on March 27th is approved. Associated along with this is the need to ascertain if the current rental agreement format needs revision and updating. Video Infrastructure: Discussion on how to best implement the installation of a video infrastructure for the church and what it should consist of. One possibility would be the installation of TV monitors with computer/internet connection. Coupled along with this project would be [could be] addressing upgrades to the sanctuary lighting. The church and parsonage project list is to be reevaluated and prioritized. Discussed was the children helping with Communion Services: Agreed that this was a good idea and should be continued. A mission trip is to be explored. Who would like to go and where to go. The Palm Sunday brunch is happening. Special Mission Giving & Jar Monies : The lists are being reevaluated and re-calendared. Thought of having a float in the Town & Country Days parade. An After Hours event(s) in October to promote the uniqueness of the United Church, and what we have to offer to area residents that other churches and organizations don't offer. Vitality Discussion: Need for stewardship and continuing education for a thriving congregation. The crossed our minds notion of future consolidation with other (UCC) churches. Such discussions within our church and with other churches would be open, delicate, forthright, honest, considerate, respectful and on going. This is not an immediate need but one aspect of a possible future. Next Meeting: April 19th Meeting Adjourned Page 6

9 In Our Prayers Page 7 Our church prayer list includes: Those members living in Care Facilities: Norma Baack., Kathy Cramer, Irene Cumming, Alberta Samuelson Those members with health concerns: Eli Alvarado, Larry Bowen, Jack Madsen, Donna Webb Family members and loved ones who are ill Traveling mercies for our members, family, and friends All those who are grieving and mourning Those affected by mental illness, including anxiety and depression All those affected by the ongoing crisis in Syria and the hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing the Middle East The prayer requests and praises shared with the congregation during last month s worship services include: Prayers and Thanksgiving: Of healing and comfort for Berneda Ward family Of healing and comfort for John Mangelson family, cousin of Sharon Shuck. Safe travels for all attending memorial. For Kate, a 13 year old battling cancer For a father with Alzheimer s For my cousin, Dorothy Ann, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and anticipating surgery soon For Irene Cumming as she adjusts to living in a home in Mankato For Don Landsteiner who has colon cancer Praise to the Lord for sisters and a 90th birthday! Of healing from bronchitis for my brother Safe travels for the Maple River students and chaperones on their band trip to Nashville A new great-grandson For our eight-year-old grandson who has Crohn s. We trust in your care God. For Lanny & Kathy while going through illness For Sandy Jaeger, mother of Lisa Shubert, who underwent neck surgery last Friday For safe travel for my son Ned and his family and the Strue family on their trip to Florida For us to follow Jesus ability to love all in our hearts. Let us pray for those sowing death and fear. Praising God for our Loaves & Fishes volunteers Prayers for healing of Nikki Pucik after a serious infection and surgery Pray for families bringing them closer to the Lord 12 Reasons Why A Local Minister Stopped Attending Sports Events (because these are all the reasons Ministers hear for not attending worship any longer) 12) Every time I went, they asked me for money. 11) The people I had to sit with didn t seem very friendly. 10) The seats were very hard. 9) The coach never came to call on me. 8) The referee made a decision I couldn t agree with. 7) I had to sit with some hypocrites who were only there to see what others were wearing. 6) Some games went into overtime and I was late getting home. 5) The band played some songs I had never heard before. 4) The games are scheduled when I want to do other things. 3) I don t want to take my children because I want them to choose for themselves what sport they like best. 2) My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up. 1) Since I read a book on sports, I feel that I know more than the coaches, anyhow. ~From the book Holy Humor by Cal & Rose Samra MountainWings.com