The Messenger. Mark Your Calendar. Words from Pastor Mark. Monthly Newsletter of McCabe United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 The Messenger February 2018 Monthly Newsletter of McCabe United Methodist Church Volume 36 Issue 1 Mark Your Calendar February 3 & 4 Communion February 7 6:00 p.m. Widow/Widower Valentine Dinner February 11 5:00 p.m. Family Moving Night Cars 3 February 14 6:10 p.m. Lenten Devotion/Discussion (Books available at Welcome Centers) 7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Worship February 19 President s Day Office Closed Words from Pastor Mark In Isaiah 43:1 God says: I have called you by name, you are mine. There s a story connected to the above Scripture for me. I associate this Isaiah passage with making a conscious decision to respond to God s call on my life. I share this because God has a call for each of our lives. Part of my prayer as we journey together in the days and months ahead is that we will live into God s desire for us individually, and as the Body of Christ. We experience God s calling on our lives in different ways. I think of God s call on my life as two Greats and a Garden. For me, this means trying to faithfully live out: Great 1 - The Greatest Commandment Loving God and loving the people God brings into my life. Great 2 - The Great Commission Making disciples of Jesus Christ The Garden After sharing in what we now call the Last Supper, Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed. His prayer, knowing that he was going to the cross, was: God, I don t want to go to the cross, but it s not my will be done. It s YOUR will be done. Together, as we seek to live into God s calling on our lives, may we love God and our neighbors. May we do everything we can to join with God to help people meeting the living Christ. And, may our words, actions, and lives be about living into God s will here and now, and for all eternity. The power and presence of the Holy Spirit is alive and moving in so many powerful, lifechanging ways here. I am thankful and excited to partner with you in living into where God is leading us as a Body of Christ. In service with you, Pastor Mark Ehrmantraut

2 Pastor Jenny's Ponderings: Lent is coming...sermon and study series info here! Lent is coming...sermon and study series info here! The season of Lent is the 6-week season of prayer and reflection ahead of the joyful Easter celebration. Lent always begins with Ash Wednesday; this year, as timing would have it, Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine's Day, February 14 th. As we usually seek to do, Pastor Mark and I wanted to identify a sermon series for our weekend worship services during Lent that would offer us the opportunity to be challenged and encouraged. We have chosen a series (with companion study books and small group opportunities) by Rev. Adam Hamilton called Half Truths: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Didn't Say. It's an intriguing title, isn't it? The particular subthemes are even more intriguing! The premise of the series is this: there are many statements faithful Christians frequently make and when these statements are made, they are often said with a kind of authority typically reserved for Scripture. Except these particular sayings are not actually in the Bible...not really, anyway. Here are the half truths and the weekends on which we'll be exploring them in worship: February 17 & 18: Everything Happens for a Reason February 24 & 25: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves March 3 & 4: God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle March 10 & 11: God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It March 17 & 18: Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin As we move ever closer to Lent, we hope you will be open to understanding how these sayings are only half truths...and we hope you will be open to diving into the deeper, more full message of Jesus that lies beyond these half truths. Peace in Christ, Pastor Jenny Hallenbeck Orr *P.S. - Watch for information in bulletins for Half Truths small group study opportunities! Books are available for those who are interested in reading along ($12 at the Welcome Centers), but who are unable to participate in a small group study. Midweek Lent Worship Themes During Lent, there will be 6 midweek worship services, the first of which will be on Ash Wednesday, February 14 th. Our message theme for these midweek services will have inter-generational appeal, with each 30-minute service including a scene or two from the Emoji Easter Pageant. The Emoji Easter Pageant includes 7 scenes which explore the emotions connected to Jesus' last week of life on earth: Scene 1: Palm Sunday Scene 2: The Last Supper Scene 3: Betrayal by Judas Scene 4: Jesus Before Pilate Scene 5: Jesus is Crucified Scenes 6 & 7 are Easter stories ( Jesus Is Risen and Jesus Appears to His Disciples ), so we will not experience those scenes in the midst of our midweek worship services. Yet, we will hold in mind that those scenes are yet to come scenes that bring ultimate hope as we experience the despair leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and death. Join us as we journey through Lent, in worship together. Financial Summary for the Month of January 2018 Budget Results: Current Fund Giving $ 31,745 Current Fund Budget $ 54,776 Giving Over (Under) Budget $(23,031) Cash Flow Results: Current Fund Giving $ 31,745 Current fund Expenses Paid $ 39,962 Giving Over (Under) Budget $ (8,217) Building Fund Giving $ 9,694 Building Mortgage Payment $ 14,562 Payment Over (Under) Giving $ (4,868) 2

3 A Community in Prayer The church is a community. One another s burdens we bear. And there is no greater service, than the ministry of prayer. We pray for friends and loved ones, for health and other need. It s so special to come to God, and for your friends to plead. But do you pray for the strangers, who sit by you in the pews? They are part of the community. They need to be prayed for too. Are you praying for the people, who sit in front of you? You don t need to know their names, God does, and He knows what to do. Are you praying for your enemy? God requires that we forgive. Grudges are not acceptable, In a community where the Holy Spirit lives. Pray for the world around us. For people who do not know, God s plan for eternal salvation God says He loves them so. Are you praying for the Leadership? Do you want McCabe to grow? To reach more people with the love of God? Prayer is the way to go. God says to pray without ceasing, Whether at work or on your knee. I m praying for you for you are a part, of the McCabe community. -by Rachel Bahrenburg C R Celebrate Recovery They will follow the Lord, who roars like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west. -Hosea 11:10 Celebrate Recovery meets every Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for dinner, 6:00 p.m. for worship, followed by small groups and fellowship. We are a twelve-step program open to all with hurts, habits and hangups. The program requires anonymity to have a safe space to share. Everyone is welcomed regardless of gender, social status, sexual orientation, race, religion (or not). No one is judged or criticized or advised to do this or that. We are open to McCabe United Methodist Church members and non -members. Additionally, step studies will be held on a separate day of the week. On Christmas day, Celebrate Recovery sponsored a Christmas event for people who didn t have a place to be. Approximately fifty people attended the event which included dinner, worship, games and testimonials. We want to extend a special thank you to the McCabe members as well as people from other churches who volunteered to help with our Christmas event. It was gratifying to have so many people come out on Christmas day to help insure that others had a Merry Christmas. We call events such as our Christmas celebration, splash events. It is our plan to have six splash events a year with the next one being held around February. On February 17, 2018, we will have a guest speaker, Hunter Berreth, who will share with us how he has chosen to live his life at the fullest despite having a progressive and debilitating disease. Celebrate Recovery is requesting that at least 100 people promise to pray for the program throughout Will you be a prayer partner for Celebrate Recovery? There are signup sheets at both Welcome Centers. 3

4 Wholly Healthy H3N2!! Does this sound ominous or perhaps even like something from Star Wars? Let me introduce you to the nasty virus that has caused the majority of the flu illnesses this winter. It is selective in choosing its victims as it tends to target the little ones and us older ones. The virus is very serious about making us sick. This bug causes a fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and tiredness. Andy Noble, the ND CDC Public Health advisor, states that the flu episodes began much earlier this year and have not yet peaked. The earlier onset of the flu is possibly related to the dramatic rise and fall of our outdoor temperatures. The immune system takes quite a hit when the temps are so erratic. He also relayed what we have heard and experienced; that the flu shot is not very effective against this strain of flu. He did say that having the flu shot has possibly shortened the severity and duration of the symptoms. Knowing this, what can we do to fight off this nasty virus? Please wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer and keep the hands away from the face. The eyes are particularly inviting to the flu virus and it gets into our system the fastest when the eyes are touched. Stay away from large crowds as much as possible. Get plenty of rest. This isn t the time to be burning the candle at both ends and in the middle! Drink plenty of fluids. Bundle up in appropriate cold weather gear, making sure the head is covered on these sub-zero, Siberian like days. In other words, please take care of yourself. Now, what do we do if we are sick with the flu? For starters, Stay at home if you are sick! This virus loves to be shared with others and does so very easily so please stay at home until you are better. It is recommended that one stays home until the fever has subsided for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. Cough into your elbow or shirt sleeve as the virus is airborne and can travel quite a distance with an uncovered cough. Stay away from large crowds as much as possible. Discuss with your pharmacist or physician which medications would be best for the relief of symptoms. Resting brings healing. The flu bug loves it when we keep pushing through. The nasty bug sets up house and hangs around for a long, long time and can even put us in the hospital. According to the CDC, adults should seek: Immediate medical attention if you develop difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, have pain or pressure in the chest or stomach, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting or if the flu symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worsened cough. For infants and children, seek medical attention if they have fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not eating or drinking enough fluids or having fewer wet diapers or no tears when crying. Also, be watchful if the child is not waking up easily or not interacting, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held, fever with a rash and flu symptoms that improve but then return with worsened symptoms. In a nutshell, wash, wash, wash your hands and please take care of yourself. God bless, Nurse Jane P.S. Shivering does count as exercise! Thank You! February ONE Thing: Thank you for ALL your donations of food totaling $ (July - December 2017). We appreciate your support! Thank you for your kindness and generous spirit. -Bismarck Emergency Food Pantry (Community Supported - No Government Funding - All Volunteer Staff) 1 ONE THING February ONE Thing: McCabe s Little Free Pantry Please help us keep the pantry stocked with your donations of non-expired dry goods like cereal, box meals, instant potatoes, etc. Donations can be left at the display in the Great Hall or placed in the pantry which is located outside by the east entrance. 4

5 Children & Family Ministries Children s Sunday Morning Discipleship Program What s Happening? In February, kids will be learning important characteristics about God thru lessons on David and Goliath, Solomon, Elisha and the widow, and Josiah. Our key verse for February is from Psalm 119:105, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Also this month, prayer bears will be sent home with kids preschool-2nd grade one week per child. Prayer bear is a friendly reminder for kids to pray and even comes with some sample prayers. Additional prayer resources are available for children and guardians on the info table in the upper level education wing. Kids and families will also have an opportunity this month to make placemats for Meals on Wheels. Lenten Family Puzzle Activity Magnet Families can learn about Jesus suffering, death, and resurrection with this unique and engaging puzzle magnet. Each puzzle piece focuses on a specific word and scripture related to an event in the Resurrection Story. It comes with six family devotions that teach and reinforce the messages with the matching symbols. Do one each week leading up to Easter or do all six during Holy Week. Stop by the resource table in the J.A.M. education wing to get yours. NEW LENT SCHEDULE! Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 p.m.* (Feb.14 - March) *Join us for worship at 7:00 p.m.! Easter Family Fun! Wednesday, March 28 6:00-7:30pm Mission Moment Kids and families will have two upcoming mission opportunities. In February, we will be making placemats for Meals on Wheels (April is McCabe s month). In March, we will be challenging the entire congregation to support The GOD S CHILD Project through coins for kids collection. More info coming soon! 5

6 Children & Family Ministries FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT 7x7 PRAYER CHALLENGE Nothing is stronger than prayer. Imagine the power of 98 prayers said for your child(ren) in just one week (if said by two parents/ grandparents/guardians). This 7x7 prayer challenge is simple and easy, yet extremely powerful. Rated: G CVLI# The idea is that you pray aloud for your child(ren) with your child (ren) present to hear you. There are seven different designated occasions to pray throughout the day for seven days that include: when they wake up, when they re getting dressed, when they eat, when they leave the house, when they are taking a bath, when they are going to bed, and while they are sleeping (they obviously won t hear the last one). Sunday February 11 5:00pm Stop by the information table in the upper level education wing to pick up a set of cards (please note there are boy, girl, and multiple children cards, so be sure to pick up the right set for you). Family Link Scriptures for February Thursday, February 1 Isaiah 49:13-18 Thursday, February 8 Luke 16:1-13 Thursday, February 15 Ezekiel 47:1-12 Thursday, February 22 Mark 12:41-44 Friday, February 2 Matthew 28:16-20 Friday, February 9 2 Chronicles 3:1-17 Friday, February 16 Psalm 111:1-10 Friday, February 23 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 Saturday, February 3 Deuteronomy 31:1-8 Saturday, February 10 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Saturday, February 17 1 Samuel 26:1-12 Saturday, February 24 Matthew 1:18-25 Sunday, February 4 Exodus 14:9-18 Sunday, February 11 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 Sunday, February 18 Matthew 13:1-8 Sunday, February 25 Psalm 126:1-6 Monday, February 5 James 2:14-18 Monday, February 12 Luke 5:1-11 Monday, February 19 Philippians 3:1-14 Monday, February 26 Mark 9:14-29 Tuesday, February 6 Psalm 40:1-5 Tuesday, February 13 Psalm 46:1-11 Tuesday, February 20 Matthew 6:25-34 Tuesday, February 27 Exodus 16:1-15 Wednesday, February 7 2 Corinthians 13:5-13 Wednesday, February 14 Matthew 1:1-6, Wednesday, February 21 Philippians 4:4-9 6 Wednesday, February 28 Matthew 18:1-3

7 In Our Thoughts & Prayers Deb (Holly) Sheldon & family on the death of Deb s husband, Troy Sheldon, Alexandria, KY, November 10, I hope you are all staying warm It has been unbearably cold. In fact it has kept members from our meetings. There were only four members at Executive meeting this month, so not too much could be done. We tabled discussion concerning the Bazaar to a later date. The most important item was UMW Sunday which will be held February 18 at the 9:30 a.m. service. We need greeters and ushers for this service...so ladies, please raise your hands and volunteer! If you have a red jacket, sweater or blouse please wear it on the 18th. This will also be an award service. Because of the extreme cold, a motion was passed that we help a couple causes. Ministry on the Margins (Sister Kathleen) and Celebrate Recovery (Chris Chase) will each receive $500 from the UMW. Ladies this is why we work so hard. I really want to thank all the members of our church. We couldn t do what we do without all your help and support. God bless you all. Thanks to all the hard work by Kory Hagler, our new 2018 UMW directory is now available. If you haven t received a copy, check with the church office. One last item...we really need a secretary for the Executive Committee. If you are interested, please call me at and say yes! Phil Sjursen & family on the death of Phil s father, Pastor Ralph Sjursen, December 6, Bill & Donna Jackson & family on the death of their daughter, Nancy Lynn Jackson, Bismarck, ND, December 7, The family & friends of Martha Nelson, Bismarck, ND, December 13, Lawrence Thielen & family on the death of Lawrence s brother-in-law, Roman Michels, Langdon, ND, December 27, David Bruschwein & family on the death of David s father, Harold Bruschwein, formally of Whapeton, ND, January 8, Jackie & Paul Koedam & family on the death Jackie s mother, Beth Nordquist, Bismarck, ND, January 10, Chuck & Lisa Clairmont & family on the death of Chuck s mother, Elsie Clairmont, Bismarck, ND, January 16, Dave & Kory Hagler & family on the death of Dave s father, Donald Hagler, Hazen, ND, January 18, Brian Peterson & family on the death of Brian s father, Rodney D. Pete Peterson, Bismarck, ND, January 21, Upcoming Meetings: Executive meeting - Thursday, February 8, 10:30 a.m. Circles - Thursday, February 15: Esther, 9:30 a.m.; Mary-Ruth, 1:30 p.m.; Eve, 6:30 p.m. I leave you with these words that explain why we all want to help. Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved. -Jane Goodall The Lord bless & keep you safe, Gerry Ann Small UMW Leader Attention All Scouts! Scout Sunday will be celebrated at McCabe on February 11. We are looking for all past and present Cub Scouts, Webelos, Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts, Explorers, and Scouters, to be a part of the 9:30 a.m. worship service. If you are not able to help at the service, consider coming in your uniform. Please contact Mike Briggs at if you would be able to help us usher and greet on February 11. 7

8 February Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday UxÄÉäxw? Äxà âá ÄÉäx ÉÇx tçéà{xü? yéü ÄÉäx á yüéå ZÉw? tçw ã{éxäxü ÄÉäxá {tá uxxç uéüç Éy ZÉw tçw ~ÇÉãá ZÉwA - 1 John 4:7 1 7:30 am Men s Bible 9:00 am Tops Weight Loss Group 9:45 am Precept Bible 1:30 pm The Seekers Bible 2 7:00 am Men s Breakfast at N. Perkins 3 Communion 5:00 pm Worship Recovery Worship 4 Communion 8:00 am Worship 9:30 am Worship 9:30 am J.A.M. Children s Ministry 9:30 am Youth (grades 6-9) 9:30 am Celebrate Recovery Leadership 10:30 am Adult Bible 10:30 am Christians with Issues Group 11:00 am Worship NO Financial Peace 7:00 pm Narcotics Anon. 5 11am-1pm Parish Nurse In Office 12:30 pm Community Options Craft Club 3:45 pm Youth Handbells 5:17 pm Adult Handbells 7:30 pm Al-Anon 6 7:00 am Sojourners 9:00 am Tuesday Workshop 12:00 pm Brown Bag with Pastors 12:00 pm Al-Anon 6-7 pm Praise Band 7 5:00 pm TGIW Meal 6:00 pm AWANA Recovery 6:00 pm Mom s Club 6:00 pm Confirmation 6:00 pm Widow/Widower Valentine Dinner 7:00 pm MYMAD (grades 7-12) 7:30 pm Chancel Choir 8 7:30 am Men s Bible 9:00 am Tops Weight Loss Group 9:45 am Precept Bible 10:30 UMW Executive Committee 1:30 pm The Seekers Bible :00 pm Worship Recovery Worship 11 8:00 am Worship 9:30 am Worship 9:30 am J.A.M. Children s Ministry 9:30 am Youth (grades 6-9) 9:30 am Celebrate Recovery Leadership 10:30 am Adult Bible 10:30 am Christians with Issues Group 11:00 am Worship 5:00 pm Family Movie 6:00 pm Financial Peace 7:00 pm Narcotics Anon. 18 8:00 am Worship 9:30 am Worship 9:30 am J.A.M. Children s Ministry 9:30 am Youth (grades 6-9) 9:30 am Celebrate Recovery Leadership 10:30 am Adult Bible 10:30 am Christians with Issues Group 11:00 am Worship 6:00 pm Financial Peace 7:00 pm Narcotics Anon. 25 8:00 am Worship 9:30 am Worship 9:30 am J.A.M. Children s Ministry 9:30 am Youth (grades 6-9) 9:30 am Celebrate Recovery Leadership 10:30 am Adult Bible 10:30 am Christians with Issues Group 11:00 am Worship 6:00 pm Financial Peace 7:00 pm Narcotics Anon am-1pm Parish Nurse In Office 12:30 pm Community Options Craft Club 3:45 pm Youth Handbells 5:17 pm Adult Handbells 7:30 pm Al-Anon 19 President s Day OFFICE CLOSED 7:30 pm Al-Anon 26 11am-1pm Parish Nurse In Office 12:30 pm Community Options Craft Club 3:45 pm Youth Handbells 5:17 pm Adult Handbells 7:30 pm Al-Anon 13 7:00 am Sojourners 9:00 am Tuesday Workshop 12:00 pm Al-Anon 5:30 pm Leadership Team 6-7 pm Praise Band 20 7:00 am Sojourners 9:00 am Tuesday Workshop 12:00 pm Al-Anon 5:30 pm Board of Trustees 6-7 pm Praise Band 27 7:00 am Sojourners 9:00 am Tuesday Workshop 12:00 pm Al-Anon 5:30 pm Family Ministry Team 6-7 pm Praise Band 14 Ash Wednesday 5:00 pm TGIW Meal 6:00 pm AWANA Recovery 6:00 Confirmation 6:00 pm MYMAD (grades 7-12) 7:00 pm Worship Service 7:45 pm Chancel Choir Happy Valentine s Day! 21 5:00 pm TGIW Meal NO AWANA Recovery 6:00 pm Mom s Club 6:00 Confirmation 6:00 pm MYMAD (grades 7-12) 6:10 pm Lenten Devotion/ Discussion 7:00 pm Worship Service 7:45 pm Chancel Choir 28 5:00 pm TGIW Meal 6:00 pm AWANA Recovery 6:00 Confirmation 6:00 pm MYMAD (grades 7-12) 6:10 pm Lenten Devotion/ Discussion 7:00 pm Worship Service 7:45 pm Chancel Choir :30 am Men s Bible 9:00 am Tops Weight Loss Group 9:30 am UMW Esther Circle 9:45 am Precept Bible 1:30 pm UMW Mary-Ruth Circle 6:30 pm UMW Eve Circle 22 7:30 am Men s Bible 9:00 am Tops Weight Loss Group 9:45 am Precept Bible 1:30 pm The Seekers Bible 16 7:00 am Men s Breakfast at N. Perkins 17 5:00 pm Worship Recovery Worship :00 pm Worship Recovery Worship _ äx t Ä yx Éy ÄÉäx? }âáà táv{ü áà ÄÉäxw âá tçw ztäx { ÅáxÄy âñ yéü âá tá t yützütçà ÉyyxÜ Çz tçw átvü y vx àé ZÉwA -Ephesians 5:2

9 40 Days 40 Prayers 40 Words (Lenten Devotional) Let s join together during Lent in devotion and discussion. 40 Days, 40 Prayers, 40 Words by Bruce Reyes-Chow offers a short reading for each day of Lent. Read along, pray and join a discussion group. Brenda Ehrmantraut (Pastor Mark s wife) will be leading a group Wednesday evenings from 6:10-6:50 p.m. Lenten church service begins at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested, you are welcome! Books will be available at the welcome centers for $10. Pick one up! Readings begin on Ash Wednesday, discussion will begin the flowing Wednesday. What: 40 Days 40 Prayers 40 Words (Lenten Reading) Who: Anyone interested in a 40 day Lenten devotional and/ or study When: Read Daily - Small group meets Wednesdays from 6:10-6:50 p.m. Why: Intentionally engaging in faith during the Lenten season. NOTICE: Any items for the March 2018 newsletter need to be turned in to the church office no later than Thursday, February 15, McCabe United Methodist Church 1030 N. 6th St. Bismarck, ND (701) Pastors: Mark Ehrmantraut Jenny Hallenbeck Orr Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Worship Saturdays: 5:00 p.m. Sundays: 8:00, 9:30, & 11:00 a.m. Children s Programs J.A.M. (Jesus and Me) Sundays 9:30 a.m. Awana Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. (September-May) Fax (701) mccabeum@mccabeumc.com Website Facebook McCabe-Church/ McCabe United Methodist Church 1030 North Sixth Street Bismarck, ND Postmaster: Change Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Bismarck, ND Permit No