HUMC. news 361 N 8TH AVE W HARTLEY IA

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1 HUMC news January N 8TH AVE W HARTLEY IA HUMC@TCAEXPRESS.NET From Steve s Desk... The beginning of a new year often leads us to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. This is evident during the waning days of the old year when we see the lists of the top news stories, movies, songs, books, and so on of the past year along with the predictions of what we will see in the new one. With that in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on what has happened during the past year among the people of the Hartley United Methodist Church and share my anticipation of what we will see in the year saw average attendance and giving continue to fall. It is little consolation to realize that our experience is similar to many churches in the area and across the nation. Dwindling attendance often dampens the enthusiasm in worship. Dwindling participation in the ministries of the church leads to burn-out among the faithful who try to keep the church on the move, and dwindling finances threaten the ministries themselves. We have been able to pay very little of our church apportionments because giving has not kept up with the budget. Church apportionments are our share of the support of the ministries of the Iowa Annual Conference and the General Church. Many vital ministries and ministry staff rely on the faithful payment of apportionment dollars. As a connectional church, we share in the funding of ministry so that individual churches do not have to bear the burden themselves. For instance, through the payment of church apportionments, every church contributes to the clergy moving fund so that no church has to bear the moving costs when it comes time for a new pastor. On a positive note, Wild Wednesday Worship continues to thrive and grow. We are currently reaching 42 children and eight confirmation students with this ministry. It is satisfying to see the enthusiasm that rocks this place every Wednesday night. (Continued on Page 2) Church Events Sundays: 9:30 am - Worship 10:30 am - Fellowship Time in the Lounge 10:45 am - Adult Sunday School in Wesley Chapel Wednesdays: 6:00 am - Men s Bible Study at MaeB 12:00 Noon - Women s Prayer Group in Wesley Chapel 5:30 pm - Wild Wed Family Supper 5:55 pm - Wild Wed Worship and Confirmation Classes

2 (Continued from Page 1) As this ministry continues to grow and expand, we could use your help in guiding these children to become faithful followers of Jesus Christ. We need kitchen help to serve the meals. We need people willing to teach the lessons, help with singing, lead the games, listen to the children recite their memory verses, and more. The more adults involved, the less each person has to do. Looking into the future, I see opportunities for growth if we are willing to grasp them. We will be entering our final phase of the Healthy Church Initiative this coming year. Much work has gone on behind the scenes to develop our ministries so that we can become a healthier church. We have a group that will be working on developing a discipleship track that will enable every member to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ and become more like Jesus. Another group will continue to work on developing a leadership structure that will better facilitate our ability to fulfill our mission and vision. We will also look for ways to develop financial stewards. God has entrusted each of us with a certain amount of money from which we are to help fund the growth of his kingdom on earth. Church leaders have the responsibility to wisely invest our financial resources for the greatest kingdom impact. They may have to make some hard decisions in regard to cutting or reducing certain ministries based on available finances. When all is said and done, our future looks as bright as we want it to. Every member has a part to play in the growth of the church. The church is only as strong as the individual members who are part of it. Are you willing to help make this our best year yet? Blessings, Steve THANK YOU FROM THE CAMPBELLS Thank you for thinking of us during this Christmas Season. Your gifts were greatly appreciated! The Staff at HUMC Thank you to all of you who contributed to the financial gift we received from the congregation and shared Christmas cards and letters with us during the Christmas season. We continue to be blessed by your love and support and are overwhelmed by your generosity. We are blessed to be a part of the Hartley United Methodist Church family, and we pray that God will continue to bless you in the New Year. Pastor Steve, Cindy, Joel, and Courtney Campbell Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

3 Like us on Facebook! Jr Youth Group: Jr. High Youth Sanborn/Hartley IA Sr Youth Group: IGNIS When We Meet: 1st & 3rd HUMC 5:00 p.m. Middle School 7:00 p.m. Sr. High 2nd & 4th Sanborn 5:00 p.m. Middle School 7:00 p.m. Sr. High Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m. High School Bible Study in Sanborn Contact Information: uthdirector@outlook.com Cell: Josh s Hartley Hours: Tuesday, Friday 8:30-11:30 am As the holidays have passed us and the end of the year has come it is time to look back on this past year. This past year in youth group we have learned about Christ, talked about struggles, and enjoyed our times together. Youth group to me is a time where we can sit together share our thoughts and grow in our relationship with each other and more importantly with God. It has always been my goal to share God's overwhelming love with the youth in our community. God has blessed us so much and we need to bless others from God's blessings. Youth group is a time for that. Laughing and joking around are part of that but so is diving into God's Word and reading what God has done in this world. We need to be praying for our youth. We need to pray that God gives them His armor and keeps them safe in the spiritual warfare that is all around us. Our youth today see things that even those of us that didn't graduate long ago didn't see and weren't tempted by. They need prayer more now than ever before. Talk with our youth spend time with them and show them that you care about them. It is amazing what a small word to a child can do. They need to know that we as a church care about them. Jesus said to His disciples let the little children come. He did this because children hold a special place in His heart. We need to emulate this. We need to keep our "Children" of our church close to our hearts. We need to know them, pray for them, and do all we can to bring them closer in a relationship with God. It takes a village to raise a child and we at Hartley United Methodist church are a village. We are the "village" of the people of God.

4 Hartley United Methodist Community Christian Preschool Primary Preschool News: Teacher: Sara Dodge December is a fun month at preschool. The children are always talking about fun things they have been doing with their families. It may be decorating the tree, making Christmas goodies, shopping, visiting Santa or talking about plans for the holidays. During our discussions at preschool we talk about these things, but we also talk everyday about the Reason for the Season. My class was surprised that Christmas is Jesus birthday. We read the Bible story about Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, Jesus being born in a barn and God taking care of them. During December we decorated stars to represent the star that shone over Bethlehem, made cinnamon ornaments, snipped wrapping paper to decorate Christmas stockings and patterned red and white to make candy canes. Preschool News: Teachers: Kristen Thorn and Jayne VanderLee The students enjoyed many Christmas themed activities this month, from trimming a tree with the letters of the alphabet, to putting the correct number of ornaments on the number tree to reading stories about Christmas, to making presents for their parents, the boys and girls were busy as Santa's elves! Our Christmas party was a lot of fun with games and a craft. They really enjoyed the indoor snowball fight using giant marshmallows as the snowballs! Our bible time was spent reading about how Mary & Joseph found out they were going to have a baby and where Jesus was born. Through reading from the bible and books about Jesus' birth, the children began to understand the real meaning of the season, Jesus' birthday! One of the favorite songs we sang was Away in a Manager. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and we hope your 2016 is a year filled of health, happiness and love!

5 Poinsettias were placed by the altar this year: In memory of Paul Linder from Bonnie Linder & family In memory of Ed Meerdink from Arlene Meerdink In memory of Mr. & Mrs. O.M. Joe Burley and Delbert Bush Westphalen from Arla Rae Westphalen & Family In memory of Parents & Siblings from Dave & Barb Christenson In memory of Bill & Ruth Sterk, Clare & Mary Byers, Lynn Byers from Ron & Cherie Sterk In memory of Gene Barney & Jean Ahrenstorff from Dennis, Robert, and Rodney Ahrenstorff Fiesta Foods Advent Candelabra - Bob Anderson from Dianne Anderson & family Christmas Tree - Dora Ahrenstorff from the Gene Ahrenstorff & Marlin Vetter families Angel Banner - Marsha Lindgren from Mr. & Mrs. Darrel Duncan & family Tree Angel - Mindy Nichols from Mr. & Mrs. Darrel Duncan & family Nativity Set - Debbie Rons from Mr. & Mrs. Jim Rons & family Thank you to Vella Smith for designing and decorating the tree in the foyer! The tree was also on display at the library for the Festival of Trees. It looks great! NEW ADDRESS! Del & Michelle Drenth 426 S 21st Clarinda, IA Are you a graduating Senior this year or currently enrolled in college? The Iowa United Methodist Foundation offers many different types of scholarships. To find out more information and read the criteria for the different types of scholarships, go to All applications are due by March 15th so don t delay! Thank you to those that have volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Volunteers are now being organized through Community Memorial Health Center. If you would like to volunteer, call the Community Memorial Health Center for dates available. It is simple and it only takes 1 hour of your time! The Health Center provides you with a list of names and addresses. The more volunteers the better! Congratulations! A complete troop of military men/women (100 people) will receive Bible sticks!! After receiving donations to cover 59 military, a donation was received to cover the remaining 41 military members to complete the troop. THANK YOU!!

6 Volunteer List: Please read - list is NEW! Front Door Greeters: 1st Sunday: (even mo.) Darla Strait (odd mo.) Mike & Mary Donnenwerth 2nd Sunday: (even mo.) Jim, Lori & Brenton Thomas (odd mo.) Phil & Vella Smith 3rd Sunday: Sharlene Dodge 4th Sunday: (even mo.) Steve & Kris Byers (odd mo.) Don & Dee Harder 5th Sunday: Dave & Janelle Patton Worship Attendants: 1st Sunday: Ron & Cherie Sterk Don & Virginia Harson 2nd Sunday: Gary & Jayne Vander Lee (June - Aug.) Terry & Pam Mohni (Sept. - May) ** Need another couple** 3rd Sunday: Dixon Schiphoff & Family 4th Sunday: Rod & Beth Burley Randy & Rhonda Menke 5th Sunday: Larry & Brenda Espey Ken & Lori Smith Power Point Jan 3: Mary Waltz 10: Jazzmyn Adrian 17: Lori Adrian 24: Joel Campbell 31: Cindy Hennings Sound Jan 3: Dave Hobson 10: Larry Espey 17: Lori Adrian 24: Cindy Campbell 31: Dave Hobson Camera Jan 3: Dave Decker 10: Cindy Hennings 17: Janelle Patton 24: Jim Thomas 31: Dixon Schiphoff We will conduct the following training classes in January, following church at approximately 10:45 am. Class length will vary. They are open to all who would like to learn the sound, camera, and power point and help as a volunteer or a sub. January 10th Sound with Larry Espey January 17th Camera with Jim Thomas & Dixon Schiphoff January 24th Power Point with Mary Waltz & Lori Adrian

7 January Birthdays 2- Glenda Norton, Karissa Rozeboom 4 - Liz Hambrick, Lexi Schmillen, January Anniversaries 26 - Nick & Sara Dolphin Robbie Schmith 6 - Brad Taylor 7 - Bill Wagner 8 - Darla Strait 9 - Julia Meyer 12 - Wyatt Brigham 13 - Helen Kuehl, Mary Waltz 14 - Robert Riedemann 17 - Sara Dodge 18 - Kaile Vander Veg 19 - Peter Back, Don Harson, Erika Menke We celebrate the baptism of Adelin Anne Vetter, daughter of Colby and Shonda Vetter. Adelin was baptized on January 3rd. She was born on October 14, Her sponsors are Shanna Tadic and Ryan Roder. Grandparents are Gale and (the late) Sandeanne Vetter, Shannon & Terri Roder, and Great Grandma Ruth Vetter Steve Peters 22 - Ann Byers, Jim Norton 24 - Dwight Jacobs, Dave Patton 25 - Mathew Ahrenstorff, Hayden Dolphin 26 - Brenna Sweeney, Taylor Sweeney, Ruth Timmons 28 - Brian Soden Date Average Attendance Tithes & Offerings Weekly Budget Dec 6 83 $4,358 $3,985 Dec $3,419 $3,985 Dec $3,833 $3,985 Dec 24 & $3,427 $3,958 TOTALS $15,037 $15,940 The total for December tithes & offerings is $-903 for the monthly budget.

8 CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES Church council met after church on December 6, Those present were Steve, Lori, Jim, Dale, and Mark. Steve opened the meeting with devotions. Old business: -The extra sub was returned. R&D came to pick it up and double checked the equalization. They also pointed out that one of the speakers needs to be readjusted into the correct location. -Janelle will review prior time/talent booklets and also look at examples to try to design a new form for us to use for the time/talent survey. -Steve is gathering more information on the electronic giving so that a comparison can be made on what company to go with. -A new laptop has been purchased for WWW. Kari will get a receipt to the office. -A few names were brought up for possible replacements for council members as Jim s spot will be open after the first of the year. The possible replacements will be contacted to see if they are interested. New business: -There have been a few technology issues lately. It was decided that we will offer training sessions on how to run the camera, PowerPoint, and sound. The training will run the 2 nd, 3 rd, and 4 th Sundays in January. Hopefully the training will help more people feel comfortable enough to volunteer. -Council will meet again on December 13 th to discuss the 2016 budget and review the treasurer s reports. Dale made a motion to adjourn and Jim seconded. Meeting adjourned. Council met again on December 13 th after church. Present members were Steve, Dale, Jim, Lori, and Janelle. The treasurer s reports for November were reviewed and approved by a motion from Jim with Dale seconding the motion. The volunteers to help with the training sessions were discussed. Larry is willing to help train on sound. Dixon and Jim will train on camera and Mary and Lori A. will train on PowerPoint. The 2016 budget worksheet was discussed. Items on the budget that were changed are as follows. Item I.C.1 Confirmation Curriculum decreased to $200. Item I.C.2. Confirmation Flowers/Question Night increased to $100. Item III.H. Website Fee increased to $600. Item VI.B.1. was combined with Item VI.B.4. Postage and decreased to $150. Item VI.B.3. Letterhead struck off of the budget. Item VI.B.6 Copier, Computer Maint. Decreased to $2000. Item VI.B.7 Purchase of Office Equipment decreased to $500. Items VI.E.3.D. Lawn mowing, VI.E.3.E. Sales Tax on Lawn mowing, VI.E.3.F Ad for Lawn mowing struck from budget. Category VI.F. Other Church Council struck from the budget. The entire budget spreadsheet will appear in the newsletter. Dale made a motion to accept the 2016 budget. Jim seconded. Motion carried. The need to transfer funds was discussed again. At last council meeting it was approved to transfer funds to cover end of the year bills. Most of the easily accessible funds are designated to specific areas. Janelle brought up the idea of borrowing funds from the Building Savings account until a non-designated CD comes due in January. She will then withdraw the needed funds from that CD to pay back the Building Savings account and reinvest the remaining balance of the CD. Jim motioned and Dale seconded to approve borrowing no more than $3000 to cover bills and then paying back the funds as soon as the CD comes due. Motion carried. Council will meet again January 10 th after church and January 11 th with Ryan at 7:00 pm.

9 UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BUDGET TOTAL GENERAL FUNDS RECEIPTS AS OF $181, OF WHICH $141, IS OFFERING & ELECTRONIC OFFERINGS Budgeted 2015 Proposed 2016 I. CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY A. Wild Wednesday Worship 1. Curriculum $1, $1, Supplies & Perfect Attendance Children's Music & Christmas Program Bibles Teacher Recognition Baccalaureate Sr. Breakfast B. Vacation Bible School & Kid's Club 1. Curriculum & Supplies C. Confirmation 1. Confirmation Curriculum Conf. Flowers/Question Night D. Other Children & Youth $2, $2, II. MISSION & OUTREACH MINISTRY A. Conference Apportionments 1. Conference Ministries (Ministerial Support) $20, $17, Gen. Church Apportionment (Administrative Fund) 5, , Conference Missions (World Service) 6, , District Asking B. Conference Direct Billing 1. Medical 13, , Pension 9, , C. Local Mission 1. Ingathering/Educational Materials D. Other Mission & Outreach $56, $54, III. WORSHIP MINISTRY A. Attendance Materials $0.00 $0.00 B. Adult Choir Music C. Communion Supplies D. Candles E. Special Worship Service F. Copyright & Video License G. Video Camera & Multi-Media H. Website Fee I. Other Worship $1, $1, IV. HOSPITALITY MINISTRY A. Hospitality Items $ $ $ $100.00

10 V. OUR MINISTRY OF STAFF RELATIONS A. Pastor 1. Salary $51, $52, Pension WH Health Insurance WH HSA WH Travel 3, , Cont. Education Professional Expense Annual Conference Expense Pulpit Supply ($80 x 4 Sundays) B. Youth Director (20 hrs) 1. Salary $19, $19, Withholding (Fed.,S.S., Med.) Church's Share (FICA) 1, , Travel Professional Exp. & Continuing Ed C. Secretary ( Hrs. Weekly) 1. Salary $11, $11, Withholding (FICA, Fed., State) (Approx.) 3. Church's Share (FICA) D. Janitor (Max 20 hrs. weekly) 1. Salary $12, $12, Withholding (FICA, Fed., State) Church's Share (FICA) E. Other Staff Parish Relations $105, $105, VI. OUR CHURCH COUNCIL A. Lay Member to Annual Conf. (1) $ $ B. Office Expense 1. Postage Copy Paper Letterhead & Envelopes Postage Comm. Postage & Supplies Copier,Computer,Printer Maint 2, , Purchase of Office Equipment 1, Office Supplies Other Office C. Custodial Supplies Other Custodial D. Joy of Giving 1. Offering Envelopes Reporting Cards (200 cards) Financial Secretary Supplies Treasurer's Supplies Stewardship Campaign Supplies Other Joy of Giving $5, $4,200.00

11 E. Trustees 1. Insurance a. Multi-Peril, Directors & $9, $9, Util itie a. Natural Gas 12, , b. Electricity 5, , c. Water, Sewer, Gar. 1, , d. Telephone & Internet Building Maintenance a. Church & Parsonage 4, , b. Church & Parsonage c. Organ/Piano Maintenance d. Lawn Mowing 2, e. Sales Tax on Mowing f. Ad for Lawn Mowing g. Lawn Spraying h. Snow Removal i. Other Trustees $35, $33, F. Other Church Council Right Now Healthy Church Initiative a. Books b. Consultation Fee $ VII. Transfer to Savings/Special Funds $0.00 TOTAL BUDGET AMOUNT $207, $202,426.88

12 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 JANUARY am-12 Noon Fellowship Hall Reserved 6:30-8:30 pm Lounge Reserved 3 9:30 am Worship Service/Communion 10:30 am Fellowship Time 10:45 am Adult Sunday School No Youth Groups 10 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Fellowship Time 10:45 am Adult Sunday School 10:45 am Church Council Meeting 10:45 am Training: Sound 5:00 pm Jr High Youth Group 7:00 pm Sr High Youth Group 17 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Fellowship Time 10:45 am Adult Sunday School 10:45 am Training: Camera 5:00 pm Jr High Youth Group 7:00 pm Sr High Youth Group 24 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Fellowship Time 10:45 am Adult Sunday School 10:45 am Training: Power Point 5:00 pm Jr High Youth Group 7:00 pm Sr High Youth Group 31 9:30 am Worship Service 10:30 am Fellowship Time 10:45 am Adult Sunday School 5:00 pm Jr High Youth Group 7:00 pm Sr High Youth Group :00 am Men s Bible Study 12:00-1:00 pm Women s Prayer Group 5:30 pm WWW Family Supper 5:55 pm WWW, Confirmation, & Adult Studies 7:00 pm Choir 7:30 pm Sr. High Bible Study 11 7:00 pm Church Council Meeting with Ryan :00 am Men s Bible Study 12:00-1:00 pm Women s Prayer Group 5:30 pm WWW Family Supper 5:55 pm WWW, Confirmation, & Adult Studies 7:00 pm Choir 7:30 pm Sr. High Bible Study :00 am Men s Bible Study 12:00-1:00 pm Women s Prayer Group 5:30 pm WWW Family Supper 5:55 pm WWW, Confirmation, & Adult Studies 7:00 pm Choir 7:30 pm Sr. High Bible Study :00 am Men s Bible Study 12:00-1:00 pm Women s Prayer Group 5:30 pm WWW Family Supper 5:55 pm WWW, Confirmation, & Adult Studies 7:00 pm Choir 7:30 pm Sr. High Bible Study :30-8:30 pm Lounge Reserved :30-8:30 pm Lounge Reserved :30-8:30 pm Lounge Reserved :30-8:30 pm Lounge Reserved

13 January Newsletter