OCTOBER 2016 NEWSLETTER. SUNDAY SERVICES 9:00 & 10:30 am Nursery care available IN THIS ISSUE

Transcription

1 OCTOBER 2016 NEWSLETTER SUNDAY SERVICES 9:00 & 10:30 am Nursery care available IN THIS ISSUE From Our Pastor Get To Know October Prayer Guide Upcoming Events WCC Info Student Life Ministry Children s Ministry

2 From Our Pastor Dear WCC Family, What a great start we have had to the Ministry Year! In the past few weeks we have enjoyed Kickoff Sunday, the launch of a number of new small groups, the move of our Sunday night student ministry at WCC to Wednesday nights at Central Park, the much anticipated launch of AWANA, and so much more. As we move into October, I want to encourage you to read through the newsletter and see all of the incredible opportunities that we have for you and your family members to connect with God and the WCC Family this month. There are new opportunities for men, women, children and youth this month. Last October, WCC tried something new. Our Student Ministry took a risk and hosted a Pumpkin Patch. The Pumpkin Patch was meant to be a fundraiser, but it became so much more. It was an incredible success, raising funds for our student ministry, but also giving us a new way to connect with our neighbors and the community. Please be in prayer for this year s Pumpkin Patch, and if you have the time, consider volunteering for one or more shifts. The Pumpkin Patch has become an outreach ministry of WCC. Our children s and youth ministry have outreach events planned around the Pumpkin Patch. If you have kids, encourage them to invite their friends to the events that have been planned this month. And, if you are working the Patch, ask God to guide you. You never know how God will use a conversation that you might have as you volunteer in the Pumpkin Patch to make a difference for eternity. Praying for you as you serve the Lord this month! In Him, Pastor Brian Special Project Help us Raise $16,000 in October The Board of Elders recently approved a special project to raise much needed funds to upgrade our video streaming capacity. Since this is not a budgeted item, we are asking the congregation to help us raise $16,000 over and above our regular giving during the month of October. Did you know that Woodbury Community Church sermons have been viewed over 10,000 times on our UStream and YouTube platforms? The ministry of WCC is expanded every time someone tunes in to watch a Sunday service or the rebroadcast of one of our sermon videos. Our services are regularly watched by people too sick to come to church, church members on business trips or vacation, people who have never been to WCC but are checking out our church to see if it might be a good fit for them, former attendees who have moved to underchurched areas around the nation, and by missionaries across the world. It is clear that the impact and the ministry of our streaming platform is increasing. At the same time our streaming technology, which was adequate when we started streaming six years ago, has become dated and inadequate for our needs. Earlier this year we asked Steve Holm, a professional videographer who attends WCC, to take a look at the way that we stream our services and to make suggestions to improve our quality. He invited Z Systems, a company that specializes in streaming video to take a look at our equipment and make suggestions for enhancing this ministry. They have suggested a solution that will cost us close to $16,000. This will allow us to: Continued on next page

3 From Our Pastor Special Project Help us Raise $16,000 in October (continued) Move away from USteam s free, advertising based platform, to a streaming platform that does not include advertisements Broadcast in the HD Video that most of our users now have on their phones, mobile devices, computers and televisions Robotic Camera Mount a new robotic pan-tilt-zoom camera from the rear of the church Purchase a switching board that will greatly enhance the quality of our videos Dedicate a broadband connection for the sole use of streaming video Switching Board In recent months, several of our recordings have been lost due to broadband outages. This means that those who miss church, do not have the ability to watch that week s sermon. We are hoping to make these outages a thing of the past. If you have watched one of our services online, you have noticed the poor quality of video. Video quality appears blurred and grainy. In a world where most of our cellphones are now capable of 1080-P video, this poor quality can be a distraction. Below is an example of what our present picture quality looks like and an example of the picture quality of a church that uses the equipment that we will be purchasing. Present picture quality What our picture quality could be After we make our equipment upgrades we will begin creating 1-2 minute clips from our weekly sermons to put onto social media platforms. These clips will include a link to watch the entire sermon on our website. Our hope is that thousands of people who do not currently attend a church will be impacted by the ministry of the Word. Will you prayerfully consider giving a designated gift, over and above your regular giving, to this special project that we believe will help us greatly expand our impact? We will take gifts through the month of October. If we do not raise enough funds, the elders have approved supplementing this project with a portion of the funds that we currently have available in our bank account. You may designate your gift by using an offering envelope and writing Video Project on the envelope or on the memo line of your check.

4 Get To Know Get to Know... Holly Price Holly, you, your husband Jason, and daughter Karissa have been coming to Woodbury Community Church for a few years now. Why do you choose to worship here? Jason and I started coming to Woodbury Community Church in 2011 because we wanted to attend a church which truly upheld God's Word. Many other churches want to please everyone, so they don't always take a stand on tough issues. I am proud that WCC is founded on the firm foundation of the Bible and strives to honor the Lord. Jason and I were both baptized together on August 5, 2012 by Pastor Brian at Carver Lake, and it was very meaningful to make that pledge together. How did you and Jason meet? Tell us a little bit about how your careers have been similar and what you are each doing now? Jason and I met almost 17 years ago at the Fine Arts building at U.W.-Eau Claire. We were both music majors and met in band class. We have both taught music about ten years, but now Jason works in the business world, at Propelware in Lakeville. He also performs at numerous weddings and corporate events through his contracting business. I taught elementary music at Blue Heron Elementary School in Lino Lakes until the day before our daughter, Karissa, was born and I have been a stay-at-home mother since then. What do you think are some of the greatest challenges to being a Mom? How do you stay focused on Christ with all of the demands that you have on your time? The biggest challenge that we have faced in raising Karissa has been dealing with her severe food allergies. She is allergic to dairy, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts, which eliminates a great deal of food. We hope that it is God's will for her to outgrow these allergies! We stay focused on Christ by coming to Him in prayer continually and by asking Him to lead us in every decision that we make. It has been beautiful to pray with Karissa, too. It makes my heart glad to see her close her eyes, bow her head and listen respectfully. We also enjoy singing and playing children's worship songs together on the piano. Karissa has volunteered with me at the church garage sale, selling pumpkins at WCC, and volunteering at the Oak Ridge Assisted Living facility. These are memories that I will cherish! What are some of the lessons that God has been teaching you lately? As Christians, we all know that there are so many things that are out of our control, but our Heavenly Father is in complete control--at all times. With each passing year I realize more and more my need to pray to Him about everything and to make time daily to read the Bible. I am grateful for how God is teaching me patience, humility, and my need for Him. You are an elder at Woodbury Community Church. How can the congregation of WCC be lifting up our elder board in prayer? I have had the honor of serving on the Communications Committee, as well as the Elder Board, and it is very exciting to see what God is doing to give WCC a fresh look and improve our communication in order to make more disciples for Christ. The website, bulletin, brochures and newsletter all have a consistent appearance and are more up-to-date. Please pray for God's wisdom as the Elder Board, Communications Committee, and other members of WCC work together to update signage and our video equipment, and prayerfully consider making a financial contribution. What is your biggest prayer for WCC? I pray that in decades to come WCC would always be a church yearning to bring glory to God, and that we would continue to ask God for wisdom and courage in furthering His kingdom.

5 Prayer Guide Woodbury Community Church October Prayer Guide By Drew Mattison It is the desire of our church to be unified in prayer. There are many references in scripture that point to the priority of prayer, and how we as the body of Christ are called to pray. We are to be diligent, honest and expectant in our prayer lives. Prayer is both about speaking to and hearing from God. Also, when we as a body pray, we can expect Him to respond. During October, please bring these ideas for prayer to your small groups, your families, and your individual times of prayer to help facilitate unity and power in prayer from Woodbury Community Church. This month, we will focus on praying for our leaders. Election season is coming to our nation. This is a very important season, and one that many of us get very passionate about. Many of us strongly support one candidate and do not support the other side. Others have the exact opposite view. Politics is a topic that divides, but the Gospel unites. How are we as followers of Jesus called to engage in both the political sphere, the one that divides, and sharing the Gospel that unites? Paul reminds us that all authority is from God and we are called to place ourselves under that authority that God has appointed: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (Romans 13:1) We are also reminded that God ultimately controls the hearts of kings: The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. (Proverbs 21:1) Finally, 1 Timothy 2:1-8 commands us all to pray for those that are in high position without anger or quarreling. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling. I d also add that each and every political candidate in our nation today is in a high position. As we approach this political season, let us be a church that acknowledges that the authorities in our land have been instituted by God, trust that God can turn the hearts of our leaders, and pray for kings and those that are in high positions. In our nation, we as a people are facing challenges from countless directions. No leader, without God's help, can lead a racially, economically, culturally, politically, and morally divided nation. Let us be a people who lift up our leaders in prayer and ask God to give them wisdom and protection in the difficult job to which these people in high positions have been called.

6 Upcoming Events FELLOWSHIP IN THE BARN October 15th / 5:30p / Haveman Barn, th St. So., Hastings, MN Farm to Table Dinner and Dance in the Barn and Best Cookie Competition (aka..."dinner with a Goat") Bring the whole family and hang out around a bonfire at the Haveman Barn. Wander around the farm and pet the horses and goats! Then enjoy some great conversations and good food (pulled meat sandwiches {pork, turkey, beef, etc.} and beverages will be provided). Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. This will be a great opportunity to kick up your heels and join in the barn dancing with others from WCC and any of their friends that they bring along. Find out who will win the Best Cookie Award for Cookies entered into the cookie contest will be judged by a panel of selfproclaimed WCC Cookie Aficionados! The cost is $5/person or $15 max/family to cover the cost of the meat and beverages. This is a great and affordable way to introduce non-wccers to our church family. Tell your friends you will pay for their dinner, buy an extra bag of chips and they are in for free!! Most everyone is looking for a time to break out their cowboy boots and hats. This is that event! You can sign-up at woodburycommunitychurch.com/events or at the Welcome Center in the lobby. BINGO / OCT. 10 & 24 / 2PM / OAK RIDGE ASSISTED LIVING Join us at Oak Ridge Assisted Living Center in Hastings for a fun time of Bingo with the residents. We need $5 Walmart gift cards to hand out as prizes. For more information, contact Pam Faessler at gnfaessler@gmail.com or PUMPKIN PATCH / OCT. 15-OCT. 31 The Student Ministry is holding their annual fundraiser again this year by selling pumpkins before Halloween. Spread the word and bring your friends to our Pumpkin Patch. If you d like to volunteer to help sell pumpkins, you can signup on-line at wccpumpkinpatch.com/volunteer. MEMBERSHIP CLASS / OCTOBER 30 / 11:30AM The Discover Membership Class is geared for newcomers and those interested in membership at Woodbury Community Church. Learn more about WCC, where we are going and opportunities for you to get plugged in. Lunch will be provided. Sign-up in the lobby or at woodburycommunitychurch.com/events.

7 WCC Info WCC TUESDAY MEET-UPS / 1ST & 3RD TUESDAYS All are welcome for this informal drop-in women s meeting for prayer and discussion at Central Park by the Fireplace. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. Come when you can and bring a friend! For more information, contact Tammie Haveman, dthaveman@me.com. MEN S GATHERING / OCTOBER 9 / 7pm We are excited to kicking off a second year of monthly men's gathering! We will utilize 33 The Series, volume 2, which is focused on A Man and His Story. This is a great series focused on your background, how it has shaped you, and how to move forward in God's design for Authentic Manhood given how you've been shaped so far. Meetings will be Sunday evenings at 7pm from October through March, usually on the first Sunday of each month, and run for approximately 90 minutes. Many of you have signed up on Sunday at church already. You can also visit woodburycommunitychurch.com/events or send an to Brian Tapperson to make sure you are registered. We'll continue to meet at WCC and utilize small groups of mixed ages for discussion. This is a great blessing for our church as different generations can learn and benefit from each other. New this year too is that we'll have some of the men of WCC share their own stories. Light snacks will be provided. Our first gathering is October 9th, less than 2 weeks away. Don't miss it! WCC SUNDAY CONNECTIONS / OCTOBER 9 / 7pm Sunday Connections meet one Sunday per month at WCC from 7-8:30PM to gather as women of the church for coffee, fellowship, prayer, activity, speakers and more. All are welcome - come when you can and bring a friend! Visit woodburycommunitychurch.com for more details and dates. WCC CHRISTMAS PARTY / DECEMBER 10TH Save the date for the WCC Christmas Party (adults only). Saturday, December 10th. Watch for more details and signups as we get closer. No excuse not to be there when you know the date this early!!

8 WCC Info IT S TIME TO THINK ABOUT VOLUNTEERING! If you have a heart for the elderly, please join us at Oak Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care Oct.10 & 24, Nov. 29, or Dec. 12 at 2:00 for Bingo, and on Nov. 7 at 2:00 for Supply Delivery. We are in need of $5.00 Walmart gift cards for bingo prizes (10-15 per visit), snack and drink for each activity, small canvases for painting class (the next one will be in January) and personal care items. WCC will be collecting a free will offering on to purchase the many needed items for each of the 67 residents. You can also purchase items and put them in the Share Because You Care basket in the lobby. On the distribution day we will need at least four drivers (vans and larger vehicles are great), and lots of helpers to set up the shopping tables. We will pack up the vehicles at 12:15 at the Faessler home (1940 Lochaven Alcove) and plan to leave for Hastings at 12:30. Hope you can join us. Items needed Liquid Hand Soap 67 Toilet Tissue (4 or 6 pack) 67 Kleenex 67 Paper Towels 67 Toothpaste 67 Toothbrushes 67 Body wash 67 Shampoo 67 Lotion 67 *Unscented or mild scents please! Deodorant 50 Dental Floss 20 Shaving Cream 5 Efferdent 25 Cotton Balls 10 Chap Stick 20 Disposable Razors 5 Q Tips 15 Christian Novels Puzzles That is a total of 753 items to bless them with. Start shopping! If you have any questions or want to volunteer, please contact Pam Faessler or at gnfaessler@gmail.com Financial Update Year-to-Date Budget 278K Year-to-Date Giving 273K Year-to-Date Expenditures 265K

9 Special Events FALL HIGHLIGHTS ESCAPE ROOM OUTING You and a few friends are put into a room, with one mission: escape! To do so, you ll need to work together to solve a series of different clues, puzzles and mysteries before your time is up. Registration deadline is Friday, Sept 30 at noon. Oct 2 / 6:00-9:15 PUMPKIN PATCH FUNDRAISER We re inviting the whole Woodbury Community Church community, and their friends to help out with this project. We d love to have you involved. Visit: wccpumpkinpatch.com/volunteer Sept 14-Nov 1 FALL CALENDAR Check out our webpage for the full fall calendar, including new event dates and Wednesday night gathering location information. wccmn.org/ministries/students TEXT ALERTS Our text message updates are maybe the most convenient way to stay up to date on what's happening with our Student Ministry. Students and parents are all encouraged to subscribe. Sign up at: bit.ly/1sr60ml For more information: wccmn.org/ministries/students Contact Youth Pastor, Darrin Geier: students@wccmn.org

10 Children s Ministry FALL EVENTS PUMPKINPALOOZA 2.0 FAMILY EVENT Pumpkin boats, pumpkin towers, pumpkin treats, pumpkin carving and more! You won t want to miss this night of family fun! Don t forget to bring your own pumpkin and invite your friends. Help the youth by purchasing one from the pumpkin patch. Sign up online! Friday, October 28 WCC Multi-purpose room AWANA We are off to a great start! Haven t registered your child yet? It s never too late! We hope to double our attendance; so kids, invite your friends! AWANA is all about making disciples and helping kids to learn about the Bible and how to use their knowledge. Don t forget to turn in your uniform orders! Wednesday nights WCC Make sure to join the WCC Children s Ministry Facebook Group for weekly updates and reminders! LOOKING FOR EVENT INFO? Check out the church website, woodburycommunitychurch.com or Children s Ministry bulletin board. Still can t find what you re looking for or have questions? Miss Liz. wccmn.org/ministries/children Contact Children s Ministry Director, Liz Nelson: enelson@woodburycommunitychurch.com

11 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 7:00 Men s Bible Study 2 9:00 Service*, ABF, Student Class 10:30 Service*, ABF Sunday School 8:30 Moms In Prayer 3 4 6:00 Men s Bible Study Panera Bread, Wdby. 9:30 Romans2 Study 10:00 Staff Meeting 5 9:00 Homeschool Grp :00 Men s Bible Study Escape Room Outing 7:00 Romans2 Study 6:30 Women s SmGrp. 6:30 Small Group at Faessler s Home 6:30 Awana Large Grp/Central Park 6:00 SAFE Gala, Mpls 9 9:00 Service, ABF, Student Class 10:30 Service, ABF Sunday School 7:00 Men s Gathering/ Women s Connection 10 8:30 Moms In Prayer 10:00 NorthstarPastors 2:00 Bingo-Oak Ridge 11 6:00 Men s Bible Study Panera Bread, Wdby. 9:30 Romans2 Study 10:00 Staff Meeting 6:30 Small Group at Faessler s Home 6:30 MissionTeam Mtg 8:30 SEMS Meeting 12 9:00 Homeschool Grp. 6:30 Awana Small Groups :00 Men s Bible Study 11:00 UMCF Fall Rally 5:30 Fellowship In The Barn - Haveman s Pumpkin Patch 16 9:00 Service, ABF, Student Class 10:30 Service, ABF Sunday School 17 8:30 Moms In Prayer 18 6:00 Men s Bible Study Panera Bread, Wdby. 9:30 Romans2 Study 10:00 Staff Meeting 19 9:00 Homeschool Grp :00 Men s Bible Study 7:00 Romans2 Study 6:30 Women s SmGrp. 6:30 Small Group at Faessler s Home 6:30 Awana Large Grp/Central Park 23 9:00 Service, ABF, Student Class 10:30 Service, ABF Sunday School 24 8:30 Moms In Prayer 9:00 Moms Club So. 2:00 Bingo-Oak Ridge 25 6:00 Men s Bible Study Panera Bread, Wdby. 9:30 Romans2 Study 10:00 Staff Meeting 26 9:00 Homeschool Grp :00 Men s Bible Study 6:30 Small Group at Faessler s Home 6:30 Awana Small Groups 6:30 Pumpkinpalooza 30 9:00 Service, ABF, Student Class 10:30 Service, ABF Sunday School 11:30 Membership Cls. 31 Bonfire Pumpkin Patch * Communion