God is Still. Speaking... Brookings United Church of Christ. As I look at it... February 2016 ISSUE

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1 Issue 2 February 2016 ISSUE 2 Brookingsucc.org th St. South Brookings, SD Brookings United Church of Christ God is Still Brookings, SD th Street South As I look at it... Speaking... Brookingsucc@brookings.net February 2016 Whoever you are, wherever you are on life s journey, you are welcome here Rev. Wade Schemmel Pastor buccpastor@swiftel.net Office Phone: Cell Phone: You will see in the front of our worship area a display we call the Path to Redemption. Thanks to the efforts of David Huebner an idea was literally set in stone. But before we talk about David s artwork let us back up to the original question. As we begin the Lenten journey we are again asking some very probing questions about the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Did Jesus really have to go through that miserable death on the cross? Was he paying the price for my sins? What kind of God would expect such homage to be paid? Are we in the human sacrificing business? Before we go too far down that path may I humbly suggest that we are asking the wrong questions? Easter is not about balancing the books with a tyrannical God. Easter is about you and me. The resurrection was not the final payment in God s blood lust, but it did overcome some barriers that stand in the way of you and me finding our most complete life. There are obstacles that stand in the way to our finding our most complete version of our life. Some of the obstacles are a result of or living and others are part of our legacy or our circumstance. The resurrection is about being set free of the angers and the fears and the destructive decisions that plague us. It is about second chances, it is about opening for each of us the path to eternity. The resurrection is about each of us becoming the most complete reflection of God s image that we could possibly be. It is about making possible the most meaningful journey with God in this life and in the life to come. The road to redemption is the road to wholeness. It is about finding the life that God is calling us to live. It is about holding onto the hope of the promise that God has for each of us. May this Lenten season be a time when with the help of God s gracious love we face and overcome the barriers that hold us back and live evermore fully into God s vision of who we could become. For this Lenten season calls us to hope mightily, to strive exceedingly and to love without ending. Namaste Wade

2 Special offering in support of Native American Students at SDSU~ The Native American Students at SDSU receive at graduation a blanket and a stole through the American Indian center on campus. Over the past several years we have helped to support this important happening by taking an offering that would assist in the purchase of the blankets and stoles. Each set costs about $300. We will be receiving that offering on Sunday February 14, the first Sunday of Lent. You are invited to be generous as we join the faculty and staff of the college in supporting these special students. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the church office. American Red Cross Blood Drive When: Friday, March 4th, :00-4:00 pm Where: Brookings United Church of Christ For appt. info: REDCROSS ( ) or A Celebration of Diversity MARCH 6th, 2016 The One Great Hour of Sharing Endowment Fund (OGHS Fund) was established by an anonymous contribution in early 2014 to Wider Church Ministries. The goal of the OGHS Fund is to expand the witness and mission of Jesus Christ in the world by creating long-term stability for the UCC s systemic and relational participation in emergency relief, disaster preparedness and response, sustainable development, social service and refugee advocacy and resettlement. It provides resources for the selfempowerment of communities and individuals victimized by hunger, poverty, and injustice. Making a gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing Endowment funds makes you part of the legacy that enables the church to respond to Christ s call to serve. Together we will remain a strong and faithful witness through our compassionate response to those in need. We invite you to consider joining other donors through one of the many One Great Hour of Sharing giving channels to invest in the endowment fund today. Existing Channels include: Cash, Credit Card, Stock and Bequests. Questions regarding the One Great Hour of Sharing Endowment Fund may be directed to Phyllis Richards in Wider Church Ministries at Beginning February 17 th and continuing on through March 16 th all are invited to gather for a soup supper at 6:00 followed by a program on the theme of understanding at 7:00. The presenters will be members of the richly diverse religious community of Brookings who wills share what it means to practice their faith in our midst. There will be opportunity for questions as together we grow in our understanding of God s revelations to those around us. The general theme for our Lenten Programs this year will be focusing on what it s like living as one who follows the guidance of a religion other than Christianity in our society. The participants include on February 17 we are talking with Bud Johnson of the Native American Community; on February 24 Harry Greenbaum on behalf of the Jewish community; on March 2 Harsha Mistry on behalf of the Hindu community; On March 9 - Fathe Halaweisch on behalf of the Muslim Community; on March 16 Phillis Cole-Dai on behalf of the Buddhist community. Please consider joining us as we go through this Lent program series and season together. On March 24 th Maundy Thursday, we will have a Seder meal followed by a brief Tenebrae service. On March 25 th, Good Friday from 4 7 there will be an opportunity for all to come and share in a personal moment of reflection. The sacrament of holy communion will be available for all that would wish to receive it. Pastor Schemmel will be available to serve it or participants can serve themselves.

3 Moderator s Report FEBRUARY 2016 I want to take this time to THANK Julie Huebner, Kathy Apland and Darlene Dokken for all their time and efforts when they were on the council. These three women donated a lot of their personal time ensuring that our church and congregation was represented to the best of their abilities. The council will miss their input and their longevity that was appreciated by the members. Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat While we will miss Julie, Kathy and Darlene the council welcomes Jennifer Kemper, Marisol Galvan-Murillo and Christie Prussman. The council is excited that our newer members want to take on an actively part in our church life. With all things that are new, we will gain new insight on how things can be done differently and possibly current with today s world. Like always, if you want to attend any of the monthly council meetings the council members would enjoy your comments and participation. 1 Harvest Table 5:30 pm Faithful Crafters 2-4 pm 5 6 Contact information: Home: Cell: kprunty@itctel.com By: Kristi Prunty Moderator NOTES FROM THE JANUARY CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING The council verified that the 2015 OCWM (Our Church s Wider Mission) donation by our church was made. The council accepted a remote video system as a memorial gift given by Kathy Apland and her family in honor of Milo Apland. Child Abuse Awareness month is in April and the Outreach Commission is making ribbons. Birthday gifts for the children in the foster care system will be purchased using the funds raised at the craft fair. BUCC will host a flea market April All funds raised will go to the church. The Church Life Commission will check into different Sunday School curriculum for younger children. World Day of Prayer will be coming up in March. Pastor Wade is looking for a volunteer to help with electronics such as cameras, 7 14 Communion Native Offering Bible Study 11:30-1 pm LENT BEGINS BUCC Council Meeting 5:30 pm 17 Bible Study 11:30-1 pm LENTEN SOUP/ PROGRAM 6-8 pm Bible Study 11:30-1 pm LENTEN SOUP/ PROGRAM 6-8 pm Faithful Crafters 2-4 pm 25 Night Out 5:30 pm Birthday Brunch 11 am Perkins Faithful Crafters 10-11:30 speakers, etc. A committee to plan the South Dakota UCC Conference annual meeting next year that we have volunteered to host needs to be organized soon Ruby Wilson, BUCC Council Secretary

4 FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 2 Kristi Prunty Daniel Messerli 6 Wayne Ward 18 Stuart Apland 19 Julie Huebner 24 Marjorie Kessler ANNIVERSARIES: Ruth Harper & Larry Rogers 26 Kate and Craig Treiber Ministry Teams 2016 January July Stuart & Melissa Apland Kathy Apland Steve & Kristi Prunty Darlene Dokken (2) February August Larry Rogers & Ruth Harper Don & Nancy Marshall Brenda & Carl Kline Loye Holmes Raul & Marisol Galvan- Murillo March September Susan Helvig Dave & Julie Huebner Jean Lillelid Linda Langner Helen Andersen April October Jim & Joanne Satterlee Leonard & Norita Henneman Wade & Peg Schemmel Jihong Cole-Dai May November Jim & Ruby Wilson Tom & Susan Rosen *Doug & Mary Ward Christine Prussman Christina & Justin Weimer June December Jacob & Samantha Holden Randy & Marlene DeBoer Chad & Laura Gloege Shanta Messerli Fred & Christine Delfanian If anyone has any concerns or possible conflicts, Please contact the church office Or at brookingsucc@brookings.net. Thank You! Special dedication of food items~ During each month we collect food for three special ministries that distribute food to those in need. These include Feeding Brookings The Food Pantry and The Harvest Table. There are receptacles and carts to receive each of these offerings. That food will be dedicated each 3 rd Sunday and will be distributed shortly after that. Help us to have nice full bins to share and dedicate. HARVEST TABLE: A warm-no-cost meal served every Monday night from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the First United Methodist Community Life Center, The meal is offered for anyone in the community looking for good food and fellowship! If you have questions, contact Vonda Kirkham, Harvest Table Director, If you have participated in the weekly Harvest Table, you know that it is more than a hot meal for those in need. They also distribute food stuffs and supplies for families to get through the week, such as soap, toothpaste, diapers and baby wipes to name a few. The number of people being served each week has grown significantly over the last few years. In July 285 people were served a hot meal, grocery items were distributed to 145 households, 110 packages of diapers and baby wipes were handed out to families all at no cost to the families. The cupboards are BARE!! The Harvest Table is desperately in need of supplies. Non-perishable foods, (canned goods, pasta, rice, peanut butter, beans, cereal, baby food, formula, fruits and juice, canned meat and other pantry staples), personal care items (soap, toothpaste and brushes, shampoo, mouthwash), baby supplies (diapers and baby wipes are especially needed), paper goods (paper towels, toilet paper). The needs run the gamut. If you need it for your house, the Harvest Table probably needs it as well. If you aren t sure what is most needed, money is always the right size and color. With your tax-deductible donations, the Harvest Table staff can shop for what is needed the most. FEEDING BROOKINGS Bags of food are distributed every Thursday from 4:00 5:00 p.m. at the Ascension Lutheran Church rd Street February food item of the month: Pasta/Rice 217 4TH Street BROOKINGS, SD IMMEDIATE NEEDS: Pizza Sauce/Crust Canned Mushrooms/ Black Olives Sloppy Joe Mix Mandarin Oranges Canned Spinach/ Asparagus Instant Oatmeal Pantry is open: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 1:00-4:30pm

5 HARVEST TABLE: BUCC served Brookings Area Harvest Table February 1st, The meal began at 5:30 pm. We had many volunteers and everything went off without a hitch. We always have a great experience serving our local Harvest Table. Thank you to all who helped and gave of themselves to volunteer for those in need. LENTEN PROGRAM SERIES BUCC members and friends of the Brookings community coming together to enjoy 2 different kinds of soups, assorted sandwiches, cookies, and coffee during fellowship. Bud Johnson of the Native American Community, discussing the religion he grew up with in relation to other religions in the area and the impact that has had on shaping his understanding of himself and others on the same journey. New Council Members: Christie Prussman, Jennifer Kemper Peg Schemmel, Ruby Wilson, and Kristi Prunty remain on council and are also assisting in new areas during this term. Not pictured is Marisol Galvan-Murillo (new member).

6 Upcoming Events in February Adult Study Group that has been meeting at 9:00 on Sunday mornings has begun a study of K a t h l e e n N o r r i s s b o o k Amazing Grace. If any have interest in joining the group you are welcome to join us! Bible Study will take place on Wednesday mornings at 11:30 1pm February 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th. OGHS Please join us! Offering March 6th, 2016 Service~10 am Yoga Class Cancelled The instructor has previous obligations and will not be available to continue running the class so we will not be continuing with Yoga at BUCC. Thank you for your participation! Birthday Brunch February 13th, am ~ Perkins All are invited who wish to enjoy food and fellowship to celebrate your birthdays. Please Join us! Meetings Thursdays through Lent~ We will be sharing the sacrament of Holy Communion on Sunday, February 14th, All are invited to come and share in this very special time as we gather about the table that our Redeemer has set. Helping Hands Offering bowl will also be located in the sanctuary. This fund helps out local folks in need. Please Join us! FAITHFUL CRAFTERS February 4th & 18th~2-4 pm February 27th~10-11:30 am Brookings United Church of Christ American Red Cross Blood Drive Friday, March 4th, :00-4:00 pm BUCC Council Meeting February 16th, :30 pm Potluck 6:15 pm Meeting Native American Offering February 14, 2016 BUCC Night Out February 25th, 5:30 pm March 4th, 2016~World Day of Prayer: Church Women United will celebrate World Day of Prayer at Ascension Lutheran Church, rd St. at 2:00 pm. World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement led by Christian women who come together to observe a common day of prayer and action each year. Join in the prayer service written by the women of the Bahamas, which draws us into a study of Jesus radical love as he washes the disciples feet. All church men and women are invited to this World Day of Prayer. An offering will be taken to support the Church Women United programs.