MONDAY 1:00-4:00 TUESDAY, AND WEDNESDAY 9:00-12:00 AND MOST FRIDAY MORNINGS PASTOR LORI IS OFF ON THURSDAY

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1 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 601 5TH ST NE DEVILS LAKE ND CHURCH OFFICE HOURS MONDAY 1:00-4:00 TUESDAY, AND WEDNESDAY 9:00-12:00 AND MOST FRIDAY MORNINGS PASTOR LORI IS OFF ON THURSDAY IF YOU NEED TO REACH PASTOR LORI PLEASE CALL M A R CH Having Faith in the Process Our special session of the General Conference of the UMC met in St. Louis last week for a brief period with one goal; to determine whether the language in our Book of Discipline regarding human sexuality would remain or change. As you can imagine, this was a volatile subject, one which was studied and debated and picked apart prior to the conference. The UMC bishops were largely in favor of change via the One Church Plan, which would allow same-sex unions to be performed and for gay clergy to be ordained. After the initial legislative work was done, the One Church Plan was voted down in committee, only to be brought back through amendments. It was ultimately defeated, as were two other plans suggesting modifications to the Book of Discipline and allowing more freedom to clergy, bishops and conferences. The overwhelming focus of this special session was the Traditional Plan with much support from the Central Conference churches. Ultimately, this is the plan now adapted as doctrine and policy within the UMC. There has been a request for the Judicial Council to verify the constitutionality of this proposal, but as of now it is in effect. Here are some of the provisions of this plan: Maintains prohibitions against self-avowed practicing gay clergy and same-gender weddings. Broadens the definition of self-avowed practicing homosexual to include persons living in a same-sex marriage or civil union or persons who publicly state that they are practicing homosexuals. Mandates penalties for disobedience to the Discipline. Requires bishops, pastors and annual conferences to certify adherence to the Discipline standards on LGBTQ marriage and ordination. Local churches can vote to stay or leave the UMC if disagree with annual conference s decision. Can leave with property. Requires churches that leave to pay their proportionate liability of unfunded pensions for their annual conference. Clergy must uphold the Discipline s standards on LGBTQ marriage and ordination or join autonomous, affiliated, or concordat" church. Just resolutions from complaints must include commitment not to repeat offense. First offense results in one-year unpaid suspension. Second offense results in surrendering credentials. Annual Conferences are required to certify that they will uphold, enforce, and maintain the Discipline s standards on LGBTQ marriage and ordination. Those that do not certify urged to form an autonomous, affiliated, or concordat church and can t use United Methodist name or logo nor receive funds in Provides $200,000 grant to annual conferences that leave. This is a great deal of information, I know, and some of the language may be unclear. More information can be found at or You can also visit our annual conference website at for a word from our Bishop Ough. For some of you, this is a painful decision, one that is felt across the denomination. For others, it is justice done. Wherever we fall on this subject, someone else will feel differently. We all have to make the choice of how to live in this new environment of the church. I urge you to learn all you can before engaging in argument or debate, and do not make hasty decisions based on this ruling. There will be division with the denomination. The church may not be United again, but prayer will help us to navigate the role each of us will play in telling the world about the love of Christ. Our mission remains the same. Peace be with you. Pastor Lori Broschat 1

2 MARCH BIRTHDAYS March 2 Temprynce Rath March 3 LeShawn Littleghost March 4 Ian Stotts March 5 Katherine Sievert March 7 Rena Aanstad March 10 Sonia Knutson March 13 Megan Estenson March 15 Glenn Hodous March 16 Amanda Rath March 19 Pam McLaurin Naomi Modrow March 20 Kaitlin Weed March 21 Jolene Wee March 25 Dorothy Brown MARCH ANNIVERSARIES March 12 Jay & Rose Janssen PLEASE HELP US KEEP OUR BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY LISTS ACCURATE AND COMPLETE. IF ANY OF THESE DATES ARE IN ERROR, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE. THANK YOU! Remember our residents in our local care centers: Marge Bye and Ervin Harlow, as well as Harold Jorgenson (Bev Oehlke s father) in the Good Samaritan; Glenn Hodous, Delcie Light and Mary MacArthur in Heartland Care; Harold and Muriel Jack in the Odd Fellows residence. Do you have a family member serving in the military? We would be honored to list their names and stations in the newsletter so that they may be prayed for by those in the church. Please contact the office at to provide this information. Thanks! We also have replaced the basket of toy soldiers in the narthex, meant for people to take home as a reminder to pray for our military personnel. MISSIONS UPDATE Our ONE THING project for March will be Spirit Lake Ministry Center. Immediate needs are to refurnish its food pantry. Recommended items include canned meats, chili, spaghetti sauce, noodles, and other items which can be used to make main dish meals. We hope you will continue with your generous contributions during the month of March. SAVE THE DATE: There will be a Missions Brunch on Sunday, March 31st following the worship service. A free will offering will be collected for UMCOR (formerly One Great Hour of Sharing). The generosity of the UMC makes it possible for UMCOR to save lives and offer hope around the world in the midst of calamity. Snow Shoveling Schedule March 3 to 9 (open) March 10 to 16 Jeff Stotts March 17 to 23 (open) March 24 to 30 (open) SNOW BLOWER FOR SALE! The Ad Council invites all interested parties to submit bids to purchase a MTD Snow Flite model 524 snow blower. The snow blower does run but needs some tender loving care. FUMC Finance Report Operating Fund for February 2019 Income $4, *Amount needed per month to meet our 2019 budget is $10, Remember to send in your offering when you re not in church. Consider the option of automatic withdrawals from your bank. Thank 2

3 March 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat World Day of St. Olaf s 2:00 pm Communion Bible Discuss. 10 Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 pm Men s Prayer Bible Discuss. Conf. 3:45 pm Men s Prayer Youth Gp 5:00 17 Kids Sing Bible Discuss. 24 Prayer Gathering after church Youth Gp 5:00 31 Missions Brunch after service 18 Miriam Manor 2:00 pm Evening Circle Conf. 3:45 pm Ad Council 7:00 pm Conf. 3:45 pm 21 Men s prayer Ladies Main 11:30 28 Men s Prayer UMW Birthday Party 2:00 pm MARCH SERVING GROUP SCRIPTURE READERS USHERS Chairpersons: March 3 Marcia Ulrich March 3 Chuck & Jonielle Soderstom Becky & Rick Durbin Gwen & Lynn Hodgins Helpers: Debbie Blomster Dorothy Hodous Rodney Brown March 10 March 17 March 24 March 31 Nancy Lundon Quincy Stotts Chuck Soderstrom Jocelyn Soderstom March 10 March 17 March 24 March 31 Vance & Hope Jury Steve & Kelli Heilman Jeff & Melissa Stotts Perry & Nancy Lundon 3

4 FUMC Administrative Council Meeting Minutes February 20, 2019 Members present: Chuck and Jonielle Soderstrom, Pastor Lori Broschat, Perry Lundon, Gwen Hodgins, Ray Russell, Marcia Ulrich, Bev Oehlke. Call to Order: Chairperson Chuck Soderstrom called the meeting to order, Pastor Lori shared a devotion and prayer. Approval of Minutes: Chuck called for approval of the January minutes; motion was made by Perry, seconded by Bev, motion carried. Treasurer s Report: Perry reviewed the January financial report, showing a $42, beginning balance in the checking account. The expenses for January were $9, and income was $7, January s payment to conference will be made in February. Figures show the lowest giving income in one year. Our snow removal bill will be coming in soon. Perry moved to accept report as presented; motion seconded by Ray, motion carried. Finance Committee Report: No report given. Board of Trustees Report: Ray reported there is nothing to report. Klemmer s called Perry about removal of the snow pile. Chuck asked about the elevator repair; Perry guessed it was last inspected in This will verified before arranging an inspection. Another issue is the large snow blower in shed and if it should be disposed of. If we are going to sell it, Chuck suggests giving members of the congregation a chance to buy it. A notice will be put in bulletin and newsletter asking people to submit a bid to the Ad Council by the next meeting (March). The code on the shed also needs to be replaced for better visibility. Staff Parish Relations Report: No report given. Endowment Report: Perry reported we received a $1250 grant from the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation from the requested amount of $2500. He suggests we ask for another $1250 from the endowment fund. Jonielle reports that our new mikes from Popplers Music cost $799. Perry moved that the Endowment Fund contribute $2050; motion seconded by Gwen, motion carried. Marcia will prepare a special request letter to be submitted to the Endowment Fund committee. Missions Report: The monthly One Thing projects are going well. January was First Choice Clinic and February is Veterans Services. March may possibly for Spirit Lake Ministries Food Pantry. There will be a fifth Sunday Brunch on March 31st. The Missions Committee will meet Sunday, February 24 th. UMW Report: Jonielle reported the UMW is following a different format this year, with only 4 meetings a year, and including programs/demonstrations for younger women in congregation. There will be a 150 th birthday party for UMW here on March 23 rd at 2:00. Education Committee Report: Jonielle reported that they are using examples of Jesus activities as lessons for the kids. The, kids will do a program on Palm Sunday as their final program for the school year. Then the next thing to plan will be Vacation Bible School. Youth Group Report: There was a small group last Sunday. A sledding activity is still planned. Chuck reported on a couple sledding areas that might be appropriate for this. Pastor s Report: Soup/sandwich suppers are planned on Wednesdays during Lent with a short study in the fellowship room. Sign up sheets will be available. The woman leading the Breakthrough training we were recommended to have has open Saturdays or Sundays for this during the month of March. Lori will check on who is available for what days. Lori was accepted for the Masters certificate for the non-profit leadership program sponsored by Dakota Wesleyan University. This starts in July, details pending. 4

5 Old Business: Gwen reported that a regional FCCLA group met in our church today, with lunch served to 98 students and adults. After food expenses, we have a $450 profit, which will go to the general fund. The group was happy to be here and asked about using our church again next year. The event ran from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. New Business: Gwen called Lutheran Social Services; they still park in our lot, despite being asked not to do so. Today they used some spaces needed for the FCCLA group. Chuck advised her to call Steve Britsch, who is the landlord. Jonielle said signs about proper drying of dishes procedures will not be placed in the kitchen, as it may be more of a hassle to do so. Meeting was adjourned. Pastor Lori dismissed us with a prayer. The next meeting is Wednesday, March 20th at 7:00 pm. ATTENTION CAMPERS UMC camp information and preregistration is now available. Look for catalogs in the church office, in the fellowship hall and in the sanctuary. Early bird discount ends April 30th! PRAYER CONCERNS Please be in prayer for: JoEtta Wang (in hospice), Sylvia Loehr, Mark Restemayer, Naomi Modrow, Ruth Elsberry, Glenn Hodous, Delcie Light, Rev. Wayne Brown in memory care, those battling cancer (Denice, Dennis, Keith, Riley, Doug). Please pray for the finances of our church and for those who are unemployed or underemployed. Pray for the members of the military as well as fire, police, and emergency medical services. Pray for our children, our schools and all who work with them. Pray for our country. Pray for our denomination to stay united amid discord and disagreement. Pray for those who no longer feel welcome in the UMC. If you have prayer concerns please contact Pastor Lori at These can be private or shared concerns. Breakthrough Prayer Stop and pray this prayer daily at a time convenient for you. Be open to the changes God can bring to your life and to the life of our Church. Lord, I pray for breakthroughs in my life, my church, and the world. Give me faith to see your Spirit at work. Reveal what you want to do through me. I trust in KDLR Radio Broadcast Ministry Our Sunday morning radio broadcast costs us $60 per week. If you would like to sponsor a Sunday in honor or memory of someone, please send your donation to the church office and let us know what Sunday you wish to sponsor. A sign-up sheet is also available in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings. Please listen to our weekly morning devotions at 6:10 am and our Sunday morning sermon broadcast at 9:05 a.m. on KDLR 1240 AM or 99.7 FM. Contact the church office or use the form in the sanctuary to sponsor a Sunday. March 3 March 10 March 17 March 24 March 31 Gary & Rose Wilhelmi in memory of Roy & Irene Mercer Nancy Lundon in memory of Betty Broschat ************************************************ FEBRUARY WEEKLY ATTENDANCE 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Average By your regular attendance and invitation to bring a friend to worship, your church is blessed and nurtured. LENTEN WORSHIP SERVICES With the exception of Ash Wednesday worship, which is at 7:00 pm with imposition of ashes and communion, the midweek Lenten worship services will be held at 6:00 pm beginning with a soup and sandwich meal. These brief times of worship will be built around the Beatitudes from Jesus Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5. Blessed Are They will help us focus our attention on one of the Blessed are they statements at a time, hopefully causing us to slow down and reflect as this season of Lent unfolds. All are invited to attend. 7:00 pm scheduled meetings will take place following our worship. Invite a friend who may not observe the season of Lent in their own denomination or someone who doesn t have a worshipping community. 5

6 A LESSON ON FORGIVENESS Two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey, they had an argument and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who was slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand: Today, my best friend slapped me in the face. They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started to drown, but the friend saved him. After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone: Today, my best friend saved my life. The friend asked him, After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now you write on a stone. Why? The man replied, When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it. Learn to write your hurts in the sand and to carve your benefits in stone. They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, but an entire lifetime to forgive them. There are copies of a devotional prayer journal Crucified, Glorified available for free in the sanctuary, while they last. Ash Wednesday worship is March 6 at 7:00 pm with communion and ashes. The following Wednesdays will have soup and sandwiches at 6:00 pm followed by worship. Sign up to bring sandwiches, breads or desserts in the dining room Maundy Thursday and Good Friday plans will be announced in the April newsletter. 6