GOSPEL NEWS. August 2017

Transcription

1 GOSPEL NEWS The Newsletter for the St. Charles United Methodist and Community Churches August 2017 Pastor: Rev. Heather E. Klason Church Office: 824 Church Avenue, St. Charles, MN Telephone: (O), (H), (Pastor s cell) Church: scdumcs@hbci.com Pastor: pastor.scdumcs@hbci.com Website: Summer Joint Worship 9:00 am at Community Church Shalom As I write we have the honor of having the highest dew point in the country can I get a cheer? I didn t think so. Whenever I begin to prepare for another year of confirmation I begin to reflect not only on the potential and excitement of new learning and new ways to live for our youth, I am also reflecting on my relationship with Jesus and yours. How am I (and each of you) modeling his attitude, his love and his treatment of others? Actually, what does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ ever, but especially in the world we live in today? The speaker at Annual Conference this summer was Rev. Junius B. Dotson who is our General Secretary for Discipleship Ministries, an international organization of the UMC. The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. To quote: I believe God deserves our best at all times, said Dotson, general secretary of Discipleship Ministries. Churches that are good at discipleship are pursuing the right thing. They have a core process that leads people to Christ, equips people with the skills they need for ministry, and empowers people to share their faith with others They have not lost sight of their why. But many churches have lost focus and mistaken activity for accomplishment, Dotson said. Most churches lose the memory of why their systems were put in place to begin with. Discipleship begins when churches and church leaders reconnect with the why of their processes, and as a result develop mature disciples that can repeat the processes with others. But then the first questions he hears are What is a disciple anyway? and How are disciples really formed?. Do you ask yourself those same questions whenever you hear our mission? I believe we all do. So this fall through our leadership teams and in our worship, we will be looking at answering these questions for ourselves and how we can disciple others (and reconnect ourselves), using materials from Rev. Dotson and from Discipler by Phil Maynard. Confirmation will be taking The Wesley Challenge midyear and hope that many of you will join them in small groups studies. It is a 21 day challenge to recommit to God. More to come! Don t let anyone convince you differently this is an exciting time to be a follower of Jesus Christ! Whenever we are challenged and things are changing we can be sure God is about a new thing! God is in the process of reinventing the church and the life of faith in a beautiful world of diversity diversity of belief, diversity of appearance, diversity of choices. It is only when we become complacent or fearful that we do not catch the energy and excitement. God is always about a new thing and we need to continue to be a part of it! Pastor Heather

2 From the Pulpit - August, 2017 Joint Worship Community Church 9:00 AM August 6 9 th Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 32:22 31 We read the story of Jacob wrestling with God. We have all struggled with personal dilemmas and decisions and sometimes we struggle to see God in the midst of these times. These periods in our lives might actually take a physical toll much like the sport of wrestling. But in this week s story, Jacob does not give up. You might find (or know from experience) that it s in these times that our efforts toward resolution can bring us closer to God and help us understand God s call in our lives. This week, reflect on the issues with which you are wrestling. What troubling relationship or decision is gnawing at you? Spend at least 15 minutes each day praying about this struggle. Tell a friend or mentor about your goal of daily prayer (if not about the specific issue) and ask them to hold you accountable. August th Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 37:1 4, We all can relate to a sibling, classmate, or co-worker who is the favorite and the feelings of anger and jealousy that can arise. In this week s focus scripture, Joseph s brothers are so filled with rage when they see him coming to visit in the fields they plot to get rid of him permanently. Joseph s brothers don t understand him or his dreams. Sometimes that same sort of misunderstanding can feed our own feelings of anger and jealousy toward another. How might we find a peaceful resolution for these broken relationships? This week, think of a person who stirs feelings of anger and jealousy in you. Reach out to that person in some way this week invite them to join you for lunch or coffee, write them a note or , or set aside time to pray about what misunderstandings might be fueling your feelings August th Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 45:1 15 In this week s focus scripture, Joseph comes face-to-face with the brothers who sold him into slavery. Ready to reconcile with his brothers, Joseph explains God s presence throughout his time in slavery and now as one of the most powerful people in Egypt. Joseph is able to help his family in the midst of the famine even saving their lives. This week, make a donation of time, money, or food to an organization that helps the hungry. If you know someone who is struggling financially make her or him a meal and deliver it. August th Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 1:8 2:10 The women in this week s story take action to save and nurture life while the powerful pharaoh plans to destroy it. From the midwives to Moses mother and sister, and Pharaoh s own daughter these women come to the defense of the most vulnerable and take action. When we see the powerful take advantage of people in our own world today, these women s example of how to use our gifts to do God s will is one that we can take to heart. This week, celebrate the children in your life! Do something special for your own children, or send a card or small gift to your nieces, nephews, godchild, or other children in your life. You might also make a donation or volunteer at an organization in your community that works with children, such as an afterschool or tutoring program. Our District Superintendent, Rev. Cynthia Williams, will join us for worship. There will be a brunch following worship to get acquainted. We will also be celebrating the baptism of Alex James Flury, the son of Cole and Casey Flury

3 St. Charles United Methodist Church Administrative Council Meeting July 12, 2017 Members Present: Sue Stefanich, Allan Fagan, Dianna Pulley, Troy Henry, and Jon and Teri Arnold, and Pastor Heather. The meeting began with devotions and prayer by Pastor Heather. The minutes from the June 14, 2017 Ad. Board meeting were approved with a correction of joint planning meeting will be August 9 instead of August 23. Business Items: Trustees Financial Troy reported that the fellowship hall floor is almost finished. Racks for the new chairs will be ordered. Troy has sorted the metal chairs. We will keep the best chairs. The rest are available without cost first to church people then they will be put on the curb for others to take. Some doors don t close smoothly with the new flooring. They will be sanded down. July 24 2:00 4:00 pm will be a cleaning day to clean the fellowship hall. Sue will investigate the land line phone package to avoid paying for unused services. Quarterly report should be coming soon. Floor replacement total is $27, This will be paid from Memorial funds for the time being. Donations are needed. Education: PPRC: Pastor Heather purchased Seasons of the Spirit Sunday School material for each church. A Sunday School meeting will be scheduled for input from parents about what Sunday School program they will prefer and support. Worship: District Superintendent, Rev. Cynthia Williams will visit worship at CC on August 27, 9:00 am. Brunch will follow worship. Pastor Heather suggested that the second Sunday of each month be Mission Sunday with a mission activity. Pastor Heather suggested that every third Sunday worship be held in the fellowship hall around tables. This will be further discussed at a joint planning meeting on August 9 at 7:00 at CC. Planning For Ministry: Pastor Heather suggested that a calendar be made with dates set from September 2017 through July Each committee chairperson should set meeting dates for the next year and notify the church office via (scdumcs@hbci.com) before Sept. 1, 2017, have minutes, and remind members of the meetings. A Joint planning meeting will be held August 9, 2017 at 7:00 at CC. SCUMC Ad Board meeting will follow the joint planning meeting at CC. Upcoming dates: August 9 Joint Planning Meeting at 7:00 at CC. August 16 UMW Mini-Mission at St. Charles UMC August 13 Cowboy Church at CC August 27 District Superintendent at worship at CC September 2 Worship resumes separately at each church September 27 Turkey Supper at St. Charles UMC Respectfully submitted, Dianna Pulley

4 St. Charles/ United Methodist Women Meeting July 5, 2017 (Happy Birthday Jan) Members Present: Dianna Pulley, Gail Keller, Myra McKay, Jan Behrens, Sue Stefanich, Marge Fix, Teri Arnold, and Barb Traxler After a delicious pot-luck lunch, Dianna gave a lesson based on Lydia, a lady from the Bible who was a learner. We presented Sue Stefanich with the Special Mission Recognition pin. Thank you Sue for all that you do. Meeting called to order by Dianna. Minutes reviewed and approved, Old Business: The fellowship hall tile is removed. New tile and carpet will be installed soon. Golden Living Center Birthday party will be July 26 at 2:00. Dianna, Teri, and Gail will host the party. Jan and Myra will bring angel food cakes, Gail will bring strawberries and fruit and candy for prizes, Sue will get cool whip. Food for Families will be July 13. SCUMC/DCC will host the Lunches for Children on July 25 and August 10. SCUMC will host the River Valley District Mini Mission. The cost to take part in the meeting is $10. New Business: We encourage all ladies to take advantage of this opportunity and take part in the meeting. We will serve turkey supreme (Alice, Dianna, and Sue) Apple crisp ( Myra, Teri, Gail, Carol) Tossed salad, buns, lemonade, milk, coffee, water. There will be more information next month about people needed. All church cleaning day before August 16. We will wait until the floor is finished. Coming up: Golden Living Center birthday party July 26. Food for Families July 13. Lunches for children July 25, and August 10. Mini Mission August 16. Next UMW meeting will be August 2, 2017 at 1:00 pm. Teri will serve refreshments. Meeting adjourned at 2:15 PM. Gail Keller (acting Secretary)

5 Church School Connection August, 2017 If you have access to school lists, you can refer to those. But the following items would be good for both St Charles and -Eyota Elementary Schools: 16 or 24 count boxes of crayons Pencils (sharpened if possible) Crayola washable markers Large glue sticks Colored pencils Pocket folders White school glue Fiscars scissors 3x5 index cards Spiral bound wide lined notebooks erasers Please bring to church during the month of August Lunches for Children The SCUMC will coordinate and host Lunches for Children in July and August. We need help to : 1) bake cupcakes for August 10, 2) serve on August 10, and 3) Last day clean up on August 10 To volunteer, contact : Sue Stefanich ( ) or Dianna Pulley. (scdumcs@hbci.com) Save This Date St. Charles UMC Turkey Dinner September 27, 2017 Free Vintage Folding Chairs There are a number of older folding chairs at the SCUMC that we no longer need. If you would like to have these (at no charge ), please the church office to set up a time to pick them up. In September, the remaining chairs will be put on the curb for others to have. SCUMC Clean Up Day Saturday, August 12, 2017 Everyone is needed to help. Please bring your own bucket and cleaning supplies. Details will follow in the September newsletter.

6 United Methodist Women Mini Mission St. Charles United Methodist Church August 16, 2017 Cost is $ :00 8:30 pm. The St. Charles/ United Methodist Women will host the River Valley District mini-mission. After a delicious Turkey supreme dinner, Cindy Saufferer will speak with us about Living as a Covenant Community. All ladies are invited. Please join us to for an evening of fellowship with many terrific women and learn about our UMW missions. Join us for a morning of Christian fellowship and fun. Cowboy Church August 13, :00 am Community Church The Last Sunday of Summer August 27, 2017 Worshipping together at Community Church Our District Superintendent, Rev. Cynthia Williams will join us. Brunch to follow worship. Time to meet and greet.

7 One of our local missions is Food for Families. Around 18 people from our parish distributed food to around 50 families on July 13, The SCUMC fellowship hall floor looks wonderful. It is partially carpeted to be quieter and tiled where children walk and food is served to clean up easily. The cost is $27, Donations are needed to defray the cost. If you could help with this project, please write a check to the church and indicate that your donation is for the SCUMC fellowship hall floor. Thank you. Vacation Bible School 2017

8 August Birthdays and Anniversaies 1 Jaime Putzier St. Charles 2 Phil Putzier 5 Brenna Koeppel St. Charles 6 Lee & Peggy Carlson St. Charles Robert Christie St. Charles Don Zingler St. Charles Joshua & Peggy Kahn 8 Jacob Sackreiter St. Charles Zach & Megan Fay Sue Bedtka Thomas Badker Dennis & Deb Reetz St. Charles Cale Myers Garrett Myers 10 Eric Voss St. Charles 11 Emma Harvey 12 Peggy Dabelstein St. Charles 13 Jessica Ihrke Cory and Alax Fortsch St. Charles 14 Charles Stephens St. Charles 15 Courtney Pedersen-Louis 16 Teri Henry St. Charles 17 Melanie Suljic St. Charles 20 Penny Ryan St. Charles 21 Alden Wegman Jill Harvey 22 Will Boelter 24 Sandy Hart Evan Wegman 26 John & Sandy Hart Ella Sexton St. Charles 28 Casey Ihrke 30 Brian Kieffer Don & Patti Zingler St. Charles Brayden Hutsell St. Charles 31 Wayne Fix Hailey Brown St. Charles Please Remember these People in Your Prayers Vicki Marquart, Evelyn Biers, Evan Wegman, Maynard Millard, Leola Hinckley Julie Gettler, Kristi (Arnold) Dancsisin, If you know of anyone in the hospital or in need of prayers, visits, or who would like communion brought to them, please contact Pastor Heather ( ). Our thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of Doris Nielsen, Leon Sackreiter, Betty Pagel, and Helen Reynolds who passed away during June and July 2017

9 :00 am Joint Worship 13 at CC 9:00 am Joint Worship 20 at CC 9:00 am Joint Worship at CC DS will attend worship 9:00 am Joint Worship at CC The United Methodist Church St. Charles and Pastor: Heather E Klason Church phone: Pastor s cell phone: scdumcs@hbci.com Lunches for Children 23 August Lunches for Children 1:00 pm UMW 7:00 pm Joint Ad. Board At :30-8:30 pm UMW District Mini-Mission at SCUMC 24 No Assisted Living Worship Service 10:00 am Assisted Living Worship 10:00 am Assisted Living Worship 10:00 am Assisted Living Worship 10:00 am Assisted Living Worship Articles for 25 Newsletter due in office 12 26

10 GOSPEL NEWS The Newsletter for the St. Charles United Methodist and Community Churches August 2017 Pastor: Rev. Heather E. Klason Church Office: 824 Church Avenue, St. Charles, MN Telephone: (O), (H), (pastor s cell) Church: scdumcs@hbci.com Pastor: pastor.scdumcs@hbci.com Website: August Worship Schedule August :00 am Joint Sunday Worship at CC August 13 9:00 am Cowboy Church at CC Worship time change Beginning in September 2017, worship times will be St. Charles UMC 8:30 am. CC 10:00 am Join us for Cowboy Church August 13, :00 am Community Church What s Happening Mothering Sunday Pentecost Sunday Food For Families