GOSPEL NEWS. May 2017

Transcription

1 GOSPEL NEWS The Newsletter for the United Methodist and Community Churches May 2017 Pastor: Rev. Heather E. Klason Church Office: 824 Church Avenue,, MN Telephone: (O) (H) Church: Pastor: Website: Worship Times: 8:30 am & 10 am Community Church Shalom, The Easter Season, also known as the Great Fifty Days, begins at sunset Easter Eve and continues through the Day of Pentecost. It is the most joyous and celebrative season of the Christian year. In the early days of what we now call the church, new followers were taught, baptized on Easter, and then the season of Easter was an intense time of training in discipleship, becoming followers and emulators of Jesus. The Easter Season focuses on Christ's resurrection and ascension and on the gifts from the Holy Spirit on the first Easter (John 20:22 23) and the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). We are Easter people. Our attitudes, our decisions, our relationships should be guided and formed by our belief in resurrection not only at the end of earthly life but in hope and possibility of resurrection of the hard times of our own lives and what we witness in the world around us. This is what I wrote about my own faith path for the -Eyota Eagle: I am unashamedly a follower of Jesus Christ. I am a clergy in the United Methodist Church. I am a daughter of parents who have gone on ahead of me. I am a sister, with two brothers and a sister. I am a wife, I am the mother of three and the grandmother of three. It is these identities and connections that define me as our Bishop said in a recent blog our DNA. Faith initially was chosen for me I grew up in a family that for generations saw faith and the practices of faith as a part of who we were. We came from many different and unique traditions and expressions of faith, but I grew up with that foundation and as a witness to generations of stories of social justice as the DNA of my family. A witness also to specific acts of caring and sharing. The bookends of our week were Sunday worship and Sunday school. For some of you reading this, it sounds very familiar for others, not so familiar. Each of us is a unique creation of God, a limited edition. We may share some characteristics of our family and we share similar experiences with many. Yet because of our uniqueness our experiences are filtered differently. I believe not only are we unique but we each have a unique purpose in this life. When the choices we make, the path we choose, align with that purpose we are energized. We learn in the teachings of Jesus that our purpose is to love in very active ways, not just as a feeling but as part of our DNA that asks us to make love visible. As we worship the God who has created each of us, we are reminded that everyone is a unique creation. In chapter 5 in the book of Amos in the Bible is a verse that goes something like this, But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Because worship without justice is empty. Praise without being moved to action on behalf of the oppressed only makes you feel good. Hollow worship is not pleasing to God. Justice and righteousness - not just a sprinkle here, or a shower there. Let it be ever-flowing. That is the kind of devotion God seeks. A world with equality, justice, and righteousness. The model for which God came to earth. That brings about resurrection today. Amos was written over 2,800 years ago, to the Nation of Israel. And God is still longing for that ever-flowing stream of justice. And you and I are asked to be an active part. We don t have to look very far to see the need poverty, prejudice, violence, marginalizing of others and on and on. It is constantly before us in our daily news. There s so much that needs to be done. And there are so many ways and avenues to participate. But sometimes it can all just be overwhelming, and I can excuse myself from all of it. I tell myself, Well, it looks like so-and-so is working for justice, so I hope it s okay that I don t participate. Now don t get me wrong, it s important to take time and space for self-care. But sometimes my non-participation can become a habit instead of an opportunity to take a breath. I can daily say, I m just too busy. I don t want to be too busy. I want to shape my life so that I am an active and positive participant in the larger

2 community. So that I take time to care for others, just as others take the time to care for me. And taking care includes making sure each one is treated fairly and justly. Each one. Each human, creature, and portion of creation. The tree doesn t withhold from me the oxygen I need in order to exist. Why should I withhold anything in my power that would bring equality and justice to others? That is the message we are to hear and incorporate into our very DNA so that we live and breathe righteousness, justice, inclusion and nonjudgmental love. It is the message of Easter. It is the message of God who came to earth so we would have a model to follow. It is a lived out message of our God through the earthly life of Jesus, his teaching, his healing, his loving that gives us hope. And the resurrection gives us life. Grace and Peace, Pastor Heather From the Pulpit Seasons of the Spirit May, 2017 May 7 Glad and Generous Hearts Second Sunday of Easter Focus Text: Acts 2:42 47 The early church sought ways to daily live and remember the power of Jesus ministry and his resurrection. In this week s focus scripture, we read of how the church inspired devotion to prayer, fellowship, breaking bread, sharing with one another, and learning more about The Way. Their practices have become ours as the church of today. Our communities of faith are connected. This week, share by giving away clothing you don t need in your wardrobe this season, volunteering your time and gifts to your parish or another community ministry with the poor, or making a donation (or extra gift) to your parish or organization that is helping people in need. May 14 Mothering Sunday Third Sunday of Easter Joint worship service, 10:00 AM, St Charles May 21 Called Alongside Fourth Sunday of Easter Focus Text: John 14:15 21 In this week s focus scripture Jesus introduces the idea of the Holy Spirit a force that will accompany them on their faith journeys when Jesus is no longer with them. Think back to the beginning of the Easter season. Jesus disciples are sad and afraid because their teacher and friend is dead, his body missing. When have you been disheartened and fearful about the future? The indwelling of the Spirit continues to gather the disciples and is the way that God intended for Jesus disciples and us today to remain connected as a faith community. This week, write a note (no put pen to paper!) to someone in your church community whom you haven t seen in a while. Check in and let them know that you are thinking of them. May 28 All My Relations Fifth Sunday of Easter Focus Text: John 17:1 11 As the Easter season draws to a close, we are called to unity in today s focus scripture. Jesus prays for his disciples the ones who would lead the early church so that they may be one. Unity is tough. We might not always agree and, maybe more often then not, we disagree about things in the life of the church. But Jesus prayer for the disciples is one we can pray today. We ask that God be glorified in all of our actions and that we might become one in glorifying God. This week, spend more time in prayer. Set aside at least 15 minutes each day for prayer. You might try meditative prayer or focus on a theme for your prayer time for example, Christian unity, your local church community, the global Christian church

3 Congratulations Graduates Confirmation Classes Meet on Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 PM We will honor these graduates on Alli Doty Sunday May 21, 2017 Bradley Karlen Alden Wegman Adalyn Pearson Kileigh Schlutz-Hansen May 3 Sacraments and Life May 10 Bowlocity May 17 - Home and Family Assignment May 24 - Service Project Assemble Health Kits Sunday, May 7 will be Bible Sunday at UMC. Please join us as student Bibles are presented to these third graders Bryndon Koepple Tessa Ryan Brayden Hutsell Jacob Sackreiter Teagen Henry Thank you for all the Health kit items that you have helped collect. The Confirmation class will assemble the Health Kits on May 24. Please bring any other items that you wish to donate before May 15.

4 `United Methodist Women Annual May Breakfast United Methodist Church 824 Church Avenue, MN Saturday, May 13, :00 11:00 am Breakfast Menu: Egg Bake Cinnamon Rolls Fruit Coffee and Milk Join us for food, fun and fellowship as The Beacons entertain us with southern gospel music. Tickets $7.00 For advance tickets, contact Jan Behrens On May 8 th, Pastor Heather will be having shoulder replacement surgery due to the damage arthritis has done to her left shoulder. She and Gary would greatly appreciate your prayers and support during her two weeks of restriction. The calendar shows those pastors who are graciously offering their time for emergency calls. The shoulder will be immobilized for six weeks, but the plan is to return to work after two weeks if there are no complications. Her plan is to use the time for worship and sermon preparation and study. One goal is writing a study for the fall on The Soul s Legacy

5 Mothering Sunday May 14, :00 am Joint Worship at UMC 10:30 am make cards and decorate vases 11:00 am walk to Whitewater Nursing Home to deliver the flowers and cards and wish the ladies Happy Mothering Day P. S. We need bud vases for this Sunday. If you have any to donate, please bring them to church by May 7. Thank you. Vacation Bible School KIDZ Check out our website!!! June 9th & 10th United Methodist Church Call Marcie for details and to sign up To be more efficient and environmentally responsible, we are delivering newsletters electronically. You can read the newsletter on the website ( If we have your address, you will receive it via . Paper copies will be available at each church and in the little library at SCUMC.

6 / United Methodist Women Meeting April 13, 2017 Members Present: Dianna Pulley, Joan Hoff, Gail Keller, Myra McKay, Linda Ferguson, Barb Traxler, Alice Dabelstein, Pastor Heather, Jan Behrens Terri Arnold, Sue Stefanich, Irene Van Norman, Carol Mueske 9:09 Meeting called to order by Dianna. Dianna led devotions on missions of the UMW. UMW supported-emma Norton Services is the only National Mission of the United Methodist Church. We are invited to attend a UMW Sunday celebration of the 100 year Anniversary of Emma Norton Home, Sunday April 30, 2017 at 9:30 at Chatfield Methodist Church. We discussed local possible UMW missions we could do: Ronald McDonald House is a possibility. March minutes were read by Carol and approved. Joan gave the Treasure Report: Total in account is $2, Old business: Board members approved chairs-gail will order them. Trustees will take care of getting the racks for the chairs. Sue has listed tables on Craig s list: no interest after one week. Health kits are due in May. Goal is 50. Outdoor Library (made by Ken Decker) will be erected outside today for children and adult books. New Business: May 13th Breakfast. Jan will be the the Emcee. Jan and Dianna will create the programs and posters. Publicity: Let other churches know-by -Dianna. KTCC, St Charles Press. Posters out in the community. Menu: 10 Egg bakes,( Gail(2), Barb, Sue(2). Linda, Teri(2), Myra, Joan, ) Fruit Kabobs or plates (Barb and Carol), Rolls (Alice will get and bake), Milk,(Dianna) Coffee. Recognition of People who died this past year( Connie Searcy, Hillis McKay, Vivian Rose, Jordan Hove, Ottis Biers, Scott Rossow) Dianna will send out letters to their families. Flowers-Gail will order. UWM Recognition: Joan already has 2 pins. Give nomination suggestions to Dianna. Fellowship Hall: Just for Kix dance kids might want to rent the hall. Girl scouts continue to rent. Flooring/asbestos will be removed this summer. Vacation Bible school will be at our church in June. Meeting ended at 10:15 am. Next Meeting May 3rd, Wednesday at 1 PM. Myra will host. Devotions (Dianna) continues focus of getting us back to our UMW Roots. Carol Mueske, Secretary Congratulations to David and Lois Bishop! They were inducted into the Minnesota Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame

7 United Methodist Church Administrative Council Meeting April 12, 2017 Members Present: Sue Stefanich, Allan Fagan, Dianna Pulley, Troy Henry, Jon and Teri Arnold, and Pastor Heather. Pastor Heather began the meeting with devotions and prayer. The minutes of the March 8, 2017 Ad. Council meeting were approved. Business Items: Communication: How can we help people know what s happening in our church? Is mailing 200 newsletters good use of funds and time and environmentally responsible? UMW The May Breakfast will be May 13, It was moved from the traditional first Saturday in May because the entertainment had a conflict. Jon motioned that Gail Keller order 90 chairs for the fellowship hall paid for by funds raised for that purpose. Gail will notify Troy and Jon of when they will arrive. Troy and Jon will help unload them. Teri motioned that the trustees decide and use money from the memorial fund to buy racks for the chairs. Motion passed. Financial Sue distributed the March report. Income for Mar $8, Expenses for Mar , $2, The Profit and Loss statement was distributed. Budget vs. expenses thus far in 2017 was distributed. Remaining funds in the backpack fund will be used for Head start. Lenten meal offerings totaled $ to be used for diaper coupons for Hometown Resource Center patrons. Lenten offerings totaled $ to be used for Health Kits. Education SCUMC will host VBS on June 9-10, The classroom needs to be cleaned out before VBS. Trustees Troy Henry has contacted people to investigate taking up the tile floors in late June. Jon motioned that Troy proceed to get an estimate and schedule floor repairs. Final plan will be reviewed at the May ad. council meeting. Motion passed. Tiffany Anderson would like to use the fellowship hall for Just for Kix dancing classes. Jon motioned that Just for Kix use the fellowship hall on Sun. and Mon evenings Sept. May for $50 per week. Discussion ensued of how this will affect the Girl Scouts who also use the hall on one Mon. each month. How will this effect Head start meetings? This is tabled until we can check with Girl Scouts and Head Start. Thank you to Ken Decker for making the Little Library. Jon will install it beside the sidewalk. Winona Controls made a service call. Hopefully Jerry Schweitzer has details. Thank you to Allan Fagan for keeping the church sign up to date. Volunteers are needed to help. There is a roof tile that needs repaired. There has been a suggestion that the east wall of the new addition entry be painted as an accent wall. Missions: With the help of other churches, we will do Summer Lunches like last summer. Dates are July 25-27, Aug. 1-3 & Sue and Dianna will be chairpeople for this mission. Worship: Thank you Irene Van Norman for the beautiful quilts that decorate our sanctuary. The next joint special service will be May 13 (Mother s Day) at at 10:00. We will make cards. Then take the cards and flowers to the ladies at the nursing home. Jon Arnold will do pulpit supply for Mother s Day. Pastor Heather will be recuperating from shoulder surgery. We are planning a cowboy church service in August. The next meeting will be May 10, 2017 at 7:00 pm at SCUMC. Respectfully submitted, Dianna Pulley

8 May Birthdays and Anniversaries 2 David & Marie Kvam 4 Darrell Koehler 5 Cathy Voss Dennis Reetz 6 Rory Ellsworth 7 Teri Arnold Shirley Johnson 8 Jennifer Mitchell Andrew Boelter 9 Mary Tostenson 10 Peggy Carlson Carol Mueske Kassie Putzier 11 Lou Ann Tollefson Chris & Jennifer Mitchell 12 Dale & Sue Bedtka 14 Sharon Kranz Joe & Brooke Boelter 17 Norm & Tamara Doty Jose Pearson Emma Rose Glover Jay & Brenda Button Chad & Amber Myers 18 Lauri Sabatke Earl & Cathy Voss 19 Tate Pearson 20 Carol Stennes Eva Disbrow 22 Jane Ryan Lincoln Henry 23 Cathy Evans 25 Sarah Biers 27 Alan Bedtka Jill Magnuson 28 Darrell & Vicki Koehler Mackenzie Doty Adilyn Karlen 29 Vicki Marquart Deanna Schwoboda 30 Louis Wegman 31 Evelyn Biers Fiona Hart Jim & Darlene Miller Irene Van Norman Please Remember these People in Your Prayers Vicki Marquart Evelyn Biers Evan Wegman Maynard Millard Julie Gettler Kristi (Arnold) Dencsisin If you know of anyone in the hospital or in need of prayers, visits, or who would like communion brought to them, please 2017 Love Offering for Missions **60% United Methodist University of Sierra Leone - School of Applied Health Sciences **30% Emma Norton Services **10% Volunteers In Mission Scholarships

9 The United Methodist Church and Pastor: Heather E Klason Church phone: Pastor s cell phone: scdumcs@hbci.com May :00 pm UMW No Assisted Living 6:00 pm Confirmation Worship Service 7 8:30 am SC Worship 10:0 am Worship :00 am Assisted 12 6:00 pm Confirmation Living Worship 7:00 pm Joint Ad. Council at SCUMC Pastor Mark Woodward on call for emergencies :00 am UMW May Breakfast at SCUMC 14 Mothering Sunday 10:00 am Joint Worship at SCUMC 15 Articles for Newsletter due in office :00 am Assisted Living Worship Pastor Frank Jones on call for emergencies :30 am SC Worship 10:00 am Worship 10:15 am SS :00 pm Confirmation 25 10:00 am Assisted Living Worship :30 am SC Worship 10:00 am Worship 10:15 am SS

10 GOSPEL NEWS The Newsletter for the United Methodist and Community Churches May 2017 Pastor: Rev. Heather E. Klason Church Office: 824 Church Avenue,, MN Telephone: (O) (H) Church: Pastor: Website: May Worship Schedule May7 8:30 am Bible Sunday at UMC 10:00 am Sunday Worship at CC May 14 10:00 am Mothering Sunday Joint Worship at UMC May 21 8:30 am Sunday Worship at UMC 10:00 am Sunday Worship at CC 10:15 am Sunday School at CC May 28 8:30 am Sunday Worship at UMC 10:00 am Sunday Worship at CC 10:15 am Sunday School at CC X Address Mailing X X Permit No. 22, MN U.S. Postage Paid Non-Profit Organization Presorted Special Address Service Requested, MN Church Ave. & United Methodist Church X