WORSHIP at 10:00 Followed by Sunday School at 11:15.

Transcription

1 THE CONNECTOR Welcoming All Making Disciples Taking Christ to the World April 28, 2010 Vol. 2 Number 8 WORSHIP at 10:00 Followed by Sunday School at 11:15. Hillview UMW Spring Luncheon May 1 11:30AM A Salute to Our Lady Veterans (more info inside) ************* Living the Questions New 6 week Video Series Starting May 4th (more details inside) ************** Letter Carrier Food Drive May 8th *************** CHANGE HUNGER FAST Find Out How! Table of Contents

2 Our Church Staff Pastor Barbara Nixon Hm Cell Minister of Congregational Care & Discipleship Janine Watkins Director of Technology and Communication Jeff Thompson Director of Music/Christian Education Gene Lubiens Organist/Pianist Suzanne Walch Secretary Claudia Flora Youth Directors Claire Chambers Jeff Thompson Custodian Mariya Gavrilutsa Nursery Director Peggy Sheldon TREASURER S REPORT- Month Income Expenses Difference YTD (+/-) Jan $30,558 $30,263 $ $ +295 Feb $29,249 $32,223 $ -2,974 $ -2,679 Mar $36,617 $35,476 $ +1,141 $ -1,538 A better month. Starting a trend? If you have questions about this information contact Sam Goodwin,

3 Random Musings from Pastor Barbara When you tell friends or family that Hillview has worship at 10:00 on Sundays, what do you think they hear--- and what do you mean? By basic definition, worship is the religious practice or practices that give honor and reverence to the divine being. We certainly do this on Sunday mornings at 10, through praise and prayers and offerings. But, it seems to me, more is happening than worship when we gather. When we read scripture and reflect on it; when we listen to one another s joy and concerns; when we invite the children to some special time with us; when we sing songs that tell stories and inspire us to action--- I think we are sharing and receiving amongst ourselves. God is certainly at the heart of this sharing, but, in a very real sense, God is gifting us in these spaces. I hear this from people on Sundays when they say they have been uplifted, or moved, or inspired, or, or, or Worship may be what we offer God when we open our hearts and minds, but God is clearly taking advantage of the opportunity to fill us up and love us up and that just seems to spill out all over everyone! Worship is terribly important and may describe some of what happens on Sunday mornings but I don t think it says it all. And the all is terribly important. The all has something to do with relationships to God and to each other. And, God is a god of relationships for sure. Look at the Hebrew Bible how God spent centuries trying to establish a unique relationship to a unique people. Look at Jesus how God comes through in human form to be in direct relationship with humanity. Anyway you understand the word salvation; it has healthy relationships with God and others at the heart of it. I am not sure I have a better word than worship for what happens on Sunday mornings, but I think it is important for us to notice how God gifts us and connects us and transforms us Sunday mornings at 10. Why, it s enough to make a person just fall down and worship Page 3

4 UMW Calendar Corner May 1 st Spring Salad Luncheon "A Salute to our Lady Veterans" All Ladies, Wives, Mothers, Daughters and friends are invited to attend. May 1 st at 11:30 in Ballantyne Hall. Please bring a salad to share. We are asking for donations for our lady veterans at the Idaho Veterans Home. Some idea s are stationery, postage stamps, lotions (lightly scented or unscented), fancy soaps (lightly scented), boxes of soft facial tissue, and pocket packets of facial tissue. Another item suggested was flower bulbs---if anyone is dividing any from their garden IDAHO STATE VETERANS HOME - LADIES LUNCHEON 2nd Tuesday of each month 11 am to 1 pm NEEDED: Volunteers to provide part of the meal and to spend some time visiting. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board behind the "punch & cookie" table. This meal is an informal gathering of 6 to 8 women veterans and 5 to 6 Hillview women. We take a meal, decorate the tables & share conversation. These women truly look forward to this once -a-month special occasion just for them. PLAN TO JOIN US May 11th!!! MONTHLY CIRCLE MEETINGS Morning Book Group 2nd Monday of the month/ 10:00 am Borders Books at the Mall May book The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society June book Our Town Contact person: George Ann Morris Evening Book Club 2nd Monday of the month 6:30 pm Church Kitchen/ Meal provided May book West with the Night by Markham June book The Power of One. We will have dinner and a movie Darlene Smith Lydia Circle (Study Group) Ongoing study Troublesome Bible Passages 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 9:30am Church Parlor Judy Halverson Fellowship Circle 2nd Thursday of the month 7 pm In members homes Contact person: Betsy Baughman Page 4

5 Living the Questions will return on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 beginning May 4th. The 6- week video study is titled "Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White," based on the book of the same title by Adam Hamilton. All are welcome. Everyone agrees that America is polarized, with ever-hardening positions held by people less and less willing to listen to one another. No one agrees on what to do about it. One solution that hasn t yet been tried, says Adam Hamilton, is for thinking persons of faith to model for the rest of the country a richer, more thoughtful conversation on the political, moral, and religious issues that divide us. Where Faith and Politics Meet Christ, Christians and Culture Wars How Should We Live? The Ethics of Jesus Spiritual Maturity and Seeing Gray What Would Jesus Say to America? More about the Church Directory Update data form Thanks so much to those of you who have gotten these turned in quickly. Keep em coming. If you have lost or tossed the form, there are more in the gathering area or the church office. No, not all of this goes in the directory! Some of it will help us understand our demographics more thoroughly. Some are things that United Methodists keep track of for our records. If there s something you don t know or don t want to share, just leave it blank. Thank you. Pastor Barbara Page 5

6 Are you interested in-- meeting some other new people at Hillview; talking with Pastor Barbara about any questions you may have; curious about membership? You are invited to a Meet and Greet Dessert Sunday Eve, May 16, 4pm in the church library/parlor Please contact Leslie Longpre ( ) if you would like to come. IF this date doesn't work for you, but you are interested, please call her, also. We are planning to have these regularly! Update You may have noticed the three tables at the back of the sanctuary in our overflow seating area. Following worship, and at other times, this space will be used by classes and meetings as needed. The trustees have now approved that adults may bring their beverages into this area during those times only. Sitting at those tables, however, is an option for anyone, anytime-- even during worship. While we don't anticipate a lot of folks choosing this, it may appeal to some and the alternative is now available. Some have asked if there is a plan to put pews in this area. In truth, by keeping chairs in our overflow space, we can be creative with how they are arranged. (During Lent, for instance, the evening prayer group met facing the stain glass windows in what became a beautiful little chapel space by turning the chairs.) After a trial period, if this flexible use of space proves to be a good idea, the Council on Ministries may request some permanent, more attractive tables to be purchased. Let's see how it goes! Page 6

7 Endowment Update The Hillview UMC Endowment Committee is pleased to announce that they are ready to make the first distributions from the Endowment Fund! You may not be up to speed as to how the fund is set up and managed, but there will be opportunities for learning more about the Fund in the near future. Stay tuned for more on this. However, right now, there are three sections that make up the Endowment Fund: Missions within Hillview; Missions outside of Hillview, and Fixtures, Maintenance and Improvements. Each of these three areas has $1,434 available for distribution! A total of $4,302! Isn t that exciting?! This money is from the earnings on the endowment investments from 2009 and the previous years. The Endowment Committee is now accepting applications from mission teams and individuals wishing to access this money for their projects. So start your thinking about what you need to do, want to do, or should be doing IF ONLY you had some funding. That is what the Endowment Fund is for. If you or your mission team wants to apply for some of the endowment earnings, submit a short write-up to any member of the Endowment Committee (Pastor Barbara, Sam Gooodwin, Esther Wesche, Joe Prin, Stuart Gustafson) with the following information: How much money you are seeking What the money will be used for What is the total scope of your project Who is the primary contact person Applications will be accepted through May 30 th, and the funds will be distributed by June 13 th. Page 7

8 Marvelous May nd 5:00-6:00 Bowling! Meet at the youth house at 5:00 so we can have plenty of time to bowl at Emerald Lanes. Bring $10 to cover the cost (scholarships available!) 8th 1-4 Letter Carrier Food Drive Meet behind the post office on Cole and Ustick. We ll be sorting canned goods as the mail carriers bring them in...bring your sunscreen, a hat and wear your tie-dye! 9th NO YOUTH GROUP (Mother s day...ahem!) 16th 5:00-6:30 Irregular meeting. Lord s Prayer night...yeah, you have it memorized, but what does it MEAN? 23rd 5:00-6:30 Pizza and planning. What do YOU want to do this summer? Bowl? Paint? How do you want to fix up the youth house? New carpet? Flat Screen t.v. s? 30th No youth group...but youth house will be open from 4:00-6:00 for foosball and WII! Page 8

9 It s a Family Thing Be a part of our New Church Directory Sign-ups have begun for Hillview s Pictorial Directory. Please sign-up Sunday s in the gathering area to ensure you have your choice of times. Receive a free Pictorial Directory and an 8 x 10 Portrait. While a purchase is not required, you will be given the opportunity to buy additional photos for yourself and family at the time of photography. You may contact Curtis or Karen Kron at or curtiskron@cableone.net Photography Dates and Times MAY JUNE Date Time Date Time Wed., June 2 2:00-9:20 Thu., May 20 2:00-9:20 Thu., June 3 2:00-9:20 Fri., May 21 2:00-9:20 Fri., June 4 2:00-9:20 Sat., May 22 9:30-5:10 Sat., June 5 9:30-5:10 Allow 60 minutes News from SPRC SPRC is pleased to announce that Jon Brown has accepted the position of Congregational Care Minister. While we will all miss Janine, we are very excited to welcome Jon the Hillview Family. He will begin in June, starting with a two weeks of overlap with Janine, the weeks of June 1-4 and June For those of you who have not met Jon or seen his resume, he is a retired pastor, who has a long and impressive resume. He comes to us from The Cathedral of the Rockies, where he has done singles group and congregational care ministry. He also has years of chaplaincy experience. Some may have noticed Jon and his wife Pat attending Hillview the past couple of weeks. SPRC will introduce Jon to the congregation at an upcoming service. When we do, please introduce yourself and make Jon and Pat feel at home. Page 9

10 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL GALACTIC BLAST: A COSMIC ADVENTURE PRAISING GOD! July :00 am to 12 pm Children ages 4 through 5th grade Hillview United Methodist Church Cost: $15.00 per child on or before July2 $18.00 per child after July2 FREE for the children of adults who volunteer to help. Registration forms can be found in the narthex, or go to to download a form. Board the starship Galactic Praise to see our awesome universe and our awesome God in a whole new way. Each galactic mission includes a Bible story, science activities, music, art projects, recreation and snacks. We need VOLUNTEERS during the week to be adult group leaders ( mission pilots ) and assistants (6th grade and up) to pilot and assist the children in the activity centers. We will need donated supplies for decorations We will need volunteers to help set up for our Galactic Blast and to clean up after VBS. We will need your prayers and support! Contact Judy Halverson, , for volunteer information or fill out a volunteer form found on our VBS table in the gathering area. Attention Avid Readers The Hillview Morning Book Club highly recommends the book Breakfast at Sally s by Richard LeMieux. It is a heartwarming story of a homeless man. Page 10

11 CHANGE-HUNGER-FAST Each year, United Methodist congregations throughout Idaho and Oregon are invited to participate in a Conference-wide project and present this contribution at the Annual Conference gathering in June. This year contributions will again be used by the task force for the Bishop s Initiative to Eliminate Hunger to fund grants for local mission settings to begin or expand hunger ministries. From mid-april to mid-june you are encouraged to collect your change (coins or paper). Save your change during the week, and bring it with you on Sunday morning to add to the large can outside the sanctuary, or bring a check for the full amount on May 23 rd. A brochure explaining the offering and a calendar with ideas to get you started will be available in the gathering area. A sampling of ideas to help that change accumulate includes: Set a bowl on your kitchen table and empty pockets and change purses each evening at dinner. Give up one coffee, tea or soft drink a week and add that change to the collection. Match the tip when you go out to eat by giving it to the hunger program. Purchase only with cash and save the change for eliminating hunger. Fast from spare food (snacks, desserts) and donate what you save. If you serve on a ministry team, challenge another ministry team to see who can loose the most change. On Pentecost Sunday, May 23rd, our offering will be dedicated to God for the fight against hunger in Oregon and Idaho. Your lay member to Annual Conference, Karen McAllister, will take the offering with her when she attends this gathering June Page 11

12 CAMP Attention kids third-twelvth grades (grade completed this school yr)- If you are interested in attending Church Camp this summer either at Camp Sawtooth or one of the camps in Oregon, camp registration is due by May 5 th to take advantage of the lowest rate. A minimum fee of $50 is required if you register by phone or mail. The Church office has the registration form or call or see Marilesta Nelson, Camp secretary for the form. If you didn t sign up on Camp Sunday for a camp scholarship, please call or see to get on the list. If you have any questions call or see Marilesta. Adults- There are camps for you too- Crafty Women in the Woods, 3R s, Dad & Me, Mom & Me and Grand Camp [Camp Sawtooth]. The camps in Oregon have events for adults as well- see the Camp Bulletin Board in the Gathering area for information. Our Prayers If you like to add someone to our Prayer Chain please call the church office ( ) or Linda Sherrets ( or linbud@juno.com). As you pray please remember the entire family of those listed here and in your hearts Pray in sympathy with Kevin Perez and family on the death of Kevin s father, Frank Smoke and family on the death of Jean Smoke, Cheryl & Mark Richardson on the death of his mother, Vora, Robert Linkhart and family on the death of Robert s father, Ed Linkhart, Julie Peterson and family on the death of Julie s mother. Pray for those serving beyond the local church: Hillview s VIM Team Pray for our seminary student Janessa Chastain Please add these names of military to the list of those we pray for as they are away from family and friends serving their country - Jordan Air Force-Iraq, Dustin Soper-Iraq, Cara Hammond Air Force Mississippi, Spec. Christopher Fabela Army Sgt. Willie Fabela U.S.M.C. Iraq. Page 12

13 Sunday Morning Classes 11:15 am Classes for Adults: Journey Through the Bible Leader: Lilburn Wesche, David Barber and Robert Linkhart; (Library/Parlor) This class is an in-depth, sequential study of the Bible, now studying Leviticus. Jesus and Java Leaders Janet Worthington and Ethyl Minnis; (Ballantyne) This class enjoys fellowship and discussions on contemporary issues viewed through the Christian lens. Hunger in Idaho Study Coming Soon to Jesus and Java- May 16th and 23rd, Jesus and Java adult Sunday School class will host a special study on hunger in Idaho. Everyone is welcome to participate in this informative, interactive study Simple Living Leaders Joe and Vicki Prin; (Youth House) Simple Living class will be focusing for the next few weeks on using E- Bay, Craigslist, and a host of other resources to help your excess belongings find a new home. Drop in and learn how to choose the best service and use it effectively, or come and share you experiences. Pastor s Forum Leader, Pastor Barbara; (Ballantyne Hall) This class offers dialogue between Pastor Barbara and you about the sermon or at times there may be topics of relevance to our church around matters of peace and justice that call us to address. Newcomers, onetimers are always welcome. Youth Class, (6th-12th grade) Leader Lynn McCoy; (Youth House) LinC, Living in Christ, curriculum examines the latest music, movies, news, and current events through a biblical lens. Children Class (4yr.-5th grade) Leaders Judy Halverson and Chris Angell; (Rm 10) The Way of the Child is a new approach to helping children in their spiritual formation. A quiet, reflective environment with various stations to visit will be offered for our children. Page 13

14 LETTER CARRIER FOOD DRIVE Saturday, May 8th Cole Post Office Station (Cole & Ustick) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 3 shifts are available: 10:30 am 1:00 pm; 1 pm 4pm; 3:30 6:30 pm Sign-up sheet is on a table in the gathering area. Volunteers are needed for handling the food donated through the Letter Carrier Food Drive. Last year the Idaho Foodbank received 40,953 pounds of food from the Cole Station, the most collected at any site. Hillview has participated with this food drive the past 15 years and is an opportunity to help our community. Contact Judy Halverson, , for more information. Lunch Bunch We will meet on May 13 at 11:30am at Golden Coral, 8460 W. Emerald, between Milwaukee and maple Grove. There is a sign up sheet in the Narthex or call the church office at to be added to the list. BOISE POLICE DEPARTMENT PARENTING CLASS Parent Tips on Child Safety Thu., May 6 at 7 p.m. Hillview United Methodist Church and Hillview Preschool are teaming together to offer a parent education class to all those interested. Crime Prevention Program Coordinator Carrie Demirelli will be presenting information about children and teen personal safety. Topics include strangers, home alone, protecting personal property, internet safety, dating and parties. The presentation is designed strictly for adults due to the content and maturity of the material. Page 14

15 From the Mail Dear Hillview United Methodist Church, Sorry for the delayed response. I was cleaning out my room the other day and found a Valentine's Day card from Hillview. I just wanted to say thanks for thinking of me, all the way in Senegal. I really appreciated getting the card and knowing that people back home are following my adventure. Also the poem that Hillview United Women sent was awesome. Really a beautiful message and something I am going to keep with me during my travels. I hope all is well at Hillview. Thank you again for the kind thoughts. Love, ~Jessica Lodal~ Church Women of Southern Idaho Presents May Friendship Day Celebration Friday, May 7, 2010 First Congregational United Church of Christ 2201 Woodlawn Ave. Boise, ID Living the Vision Brunch 10:00 a.m. Celebration 10:30a.m. Guest Speaker Debi McNeil Dining for Women Also Featuring The Fellowship of the Least Coin and KIVA For information call Page 15