2019 North West District Conference Saturday, January 26, Rice Lake

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1 We are a Christian community reaching out to others with Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors Worship Themes for January Worship Schedule and Themes 10AM Worship January 6 Communion/Epiphany Oh, I Get it! Matthew 2:1-12 January 13 Baptism of the Lord What is in a Name? Luke 3:15-17, January 20 For the Common Good I Corinthians 12:1-11 January 27 Divided Christ I Corinthians 1:10-18 Serving this month: Usher: John Isenhart Liturgists: Shirley Anderson Tech: JJ Isenhart HUMC Christmas Pageant 2019 North West District Conference Saturday, January 26, Rice Lake Mastering Difficult Conversations Natasha Lapcinski and lauren Thrift will be the learning leaders as we explore how to communicate when the topics are hot or conversations are difficult. First United Methodist Church of Rice lake (1221 Wesley Dr..), Event 9am-3:30pm, registration begins at 8:30am. Next Newsletter Deadline Jan. 28, 2018 Please pre-register online at: Or Heidi Careaga at: hjcareaga@wisconsinumc.org Cost is $20 and includes lunch. Registration deadline: January 19, 2019.

2 Spinning Plates Do you remember the Ed Sullivan Show? In February of 1969 he had a guest named Erich Brenn who could get 5 plates spinning, each on the end of a pole in the air while 8 more were spinning on the table below. He would begin with one plate, run and get the next one going at the other end and go back and forth until all were spinning. To keep them all going at once he continued to run back and forth to re-energize the plates that were slowing and wobbling, ready to fall (You can still see a 3 minute video on You Tube.) So many times in ministry this example has come back to me how we have to keep energizing the programs and the meetings and the worships and be ready for new guests as they come through the door or an immediate hospital visit or a funeral, when they might happen. The MCCI (Missional Church Consultation Initiative) that we are currently a part of is a movement to re-energize and keep us going. Part of the movement is to recognize who we are and what we are doing well in addition to give us tools to tighten some of the places that have loosened over time. All of this is based on prayer. Our breakthrough prayer is to keep the movement focused with our eyes on God (the spire) as we are being sent in every direction (the octagon). Our work outside the church doors is where we want to take our gifts to others and we are. In the Good News Letter last month was listed 35 different places and ways we are at work for others in the community and area. Next month I hope to have totals to share of the Outreach gifts we have sent around the world during This month as the new year begins, I want to thank the plate spinners. Those who serve in positions on the church teams and committees. Coming to meetings some groups every month to make sure that the things that need to be done, get done in order to keep the internal church moving forward. Especially, I want to thank those who are stepping down from current positions: Gretchen Semler, who has continued to be Chair of Administrative Council since I arrived. Ray Moeller, Finance Chair, who weathered some financial lows as well as highs in the past years. Tom Blumenberg, who has served on Staff Parish Relations through the last change of pastors. Roxana Jackson who has stepped back some from the kitchen, though still is willing to share her knowledge and expertise as needed. Cliff Stoner, who has also stepped back from Trustees, yet is also willing to help as needed. Part of any movement means change, yet often we forget to thank those who have served the church so well in the past. As movement continues we are thankful for all who continue to serve and we have filled open positions with some other leaders. Newly elected are: Administrative Council Chair, Linnea Forsell, who has been serving as a member of Ad Council for a while; Carolyn Forsell will serve as Finance Chair, she has shifted from the Education Team; Tana Isaacson is moving her service from the Growth Team to Staff Parish; and Tom Blumenberg will now be serving on the Outreach Team. Pray for them as they do the work of the church. If you feel called to serve in some way, please talk to me. There are always more plates to spin! Lord, open us to all you would have us be for you and for others. Breakthrough our lives and our church with new possibilities. Amen. As Always, Pastor Cathy

3 Year-End Tax & Gift Planning As the year comes to a close, it s a good time to check your financial situation to see if you ve taken advantage of beneficial tax rules and remembered the church in your charitable giving. One tax strategy to consider is using a Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) to make a gift to the church directly from your IRA. Making a QCD as opposed to a normal charitable gift has two main advantages. First, a QCD counts toward satisfying the taxpayer s required minimum distribution (RMD) for that year. Second, the distribution is excluded from the taxpayer's income. Because of the new tax law, many individuals may not itemize on their federal return, thereby losing the income tax deduction for contributions to charities. However, by making a QCD, one gets a full exclusion of that income from taxes. So, if you are a retiree 70 1/2 or older, own an IRA subject to RMDs, and are charitably inclined, a QCD is a way to preserve an income-taxreducing charitable deduction under the new federal tax law. Check with your tax advisor for more details. In addition to regular giving, many folks like to make extra gifts to the church at year-end. Perhaps some have had a good year as the stock market has hit record highs, or received an increase in income, or through the sermon series at church realized that they have enough and want to do more for others. If looking for extra giving ideas, here are two of HUMC s special opportunities for contributions: Endowment Fund Established in 2012, this fund is invested with the goal of providing a base whose earnings will eventually fund specific ministries and projects of the church. It s a gift that will keep on giving for years to come. Mortgage Reduction Help pay down the current loan from the Foundation (approximately $24,000) to eventually have a debt-free church. Any contributions toward the pay-off will also help reduce current interest payments as well. The Finance Committee is thankful to the members and friends of Hayward United Methodist Church who are generous beyond expectations for a church its size. If you have any questions as you plan your year-end giving, feel free to call Ruth Pechacek, Treasurer, at Electronic Giving Operation Christmas Gifts Anyone interested in giving to the church electronically, contact the HUMC Office at or Ruth Pechacek, at

4 Outreach Several of us helped fill 225 boxes of food for Operation Christmas, which were then distributed along with the children s gifts. Food in the boxes included donations from churches (our 3rd quarter loose change $582), businesses and Feed My People. At the writing of this, fourth quarter loose change for Heifer Project hasn t been counted yet, but the jar is almost full! Loose change for the first quarter of 2019 will be collected for the Hayward Senior-Mealson-Wheels. It is time to start bringing in hats, gloves, scarves and mittens for the children at St. Francis Mission. They will be delivered toward the beginning of February. News from Harbor House Crisis Shelters in Superior Pastor Barbara Certa-Werner sends this - A Step At A Time we celebrate the triumphs of those that are in our programs or that have recently exited: A mom and her daughter moved into their first apartment. Two mothers with children are new participants in the transitional program. A mom who now had unsupervised visitation with her children. A dad and his children are moving into an apartment. A mom has a job that she has kept for 3 months and her responsibilities are expanding in her new position. A mom has been sober for 4 months. A mom has been sober/clean for 9 months. A single woman entered the shelter after sleeping in her car for a month. A mom and two children entered the shelter after living in their car for a week in freezing temperatures. We applaud these accomplishments and are glad to be a part of this ministry. Summary of Operating Revenue & Expenses Year to Date as of November 30, 2018 Income $ 127,759 Expenses (130,532) $ (2,773) Worship Attendance for October December 2 42 December 9 61 December December December 24 73

5 Adult Study Opportunities Sunday 8:30am, beginning again January 6: Topic Discussions such as Born Again Communion: Who & What? Apportionments Abortion Homosexuality or any topic you have been wondering about Pastor Cathy will try to bring a Biblical and Theological perspective, then we can all share opinions! Everyone can bring their thoughts and share openly, for us all to understand each other better. Wednesdays 11:00am, beginning January 9: That The World May Know videos series and discussion. Join renowned teacher and historian, Ray Vander Laan as he guides us through the land of the Bible. In each lesson, Vander Laan illuminates the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the scriptures; filmed on location in the Middle East. The only homework for each class is to carry the lessons home and to ponder them throughout the week Thank you so much for your thoughtful, generous Christmas gift. It is truly appreciated. Carol Thank you for the generous Christmas gifts for myself and the staff. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this great organization especially as we open ourselves to new possibilities. I am sure that God has more breakthroughs in our future and the future of the church. As Always, Pastor Cathy Dear HUMC Family, Thank you so much for the Christmas gift. It was very generous and much appreciated. Happy New Year! With Love, Shirley Anderson P.S. We can always use more choir members. Practice is at 9:30 and after church until noon. Thank you to all who had a part in Christmas including Advent lighters, Banner makers, Tree Trimmers, Cookie Bakers, Those sharing Special Music and all who came to join in honoring God gift to us of Christ. Thank you so much for your generous gift. It is my pleasure to provide you with my gift of music for the church services. Love, Robin Frame

6 We welcome Charlotte Strand as the newest member of HUMC. If you would like to join the church, let Pastor Cathy know. Gary Wilson died December 14. Please keep Jan Wilson in your prayers. Call the church if you would like her new address and phone #. A special thank you to all who helped as we hosted the service and meal. Book Club Book Club meets on January 25 at 11:15am At Flat Creek Eatery Hillybilly Elegy by J.D.Vance will be discussed. Everyone is welcome! The Hayward Library has copies available each month. Just ask for the Methodist Book Club book. Consider giving a prayer card as a gift. It might change someone s life! Two flat screen TVs have been donated to the church by Russ & Suzanne Roberts and upon approval of the Trustees. We will be able to replace one of the older heavy TVs. We are thankful for them. Active Shooter Training Saturday, January 12th all are welcome to attend the monthly breakfast held at 9 AM. Following the breakfast will be a presentation for Active Shooter Training. All are welcome. Please sign up in the Narthax. Ushers & Liturgists Talk to Robin Frame if you are interested in serving. Women in Conversation invites you to join us Monday, Jan. 14h at 10 AM. Handcrafted Urns The church has been given the gift of 2 beautiful wood Burial Urns, hand crafted by Russ Roberts. If you would like one for future use talk to Pastor Cathy Sermons Online If you are away from Hayward for a week or a month or even longer you can always find the sermons on the church web site. Helping Hands If you are in need of help with winter projects, please contact Pastor Cathy. pastor@haywardumc.org or call

7 BLACK MAIL The Earth Stood Hard As Iron This is an old favorite of mine, when I first moved to Northern, WI. Old timers may remember it. This is the season to repeat. It was cold last night, but by noon the temperature had risen to three below zero, so to get out of the house for a while I donned my coat, hat, and boots. I stepped out the back door, stood at the top of the steps, stuck my hands in my pockets, pulled my head down into my collar, and looked out over the hillside. The wind rocked the trees and they bent with sharp cracks, like rifle shots. The woodpile up by the old birch tree was only a mere shadow of its former self, so I decided this would be a good time to move the remnants of the pile from up in the backyard at the edge of the woods down against the house, closer to the back door. Most of the wood was cut from branches of downed trees, but some pieces were large enough to split. I rolled a splitting block out into the open, and retrieved the axe from the garage. The wood was frozen so solid it split with hardly a blow. The halves, of course, fell into the snow, so when I picked them up, I knocked them together to remove the snow. With the air and trees and ground frozen solid, the sound rang through the forest, echoing from hillside to hillside, clanging like two iron pipes banged together. By the time I was finished with my chore, the winter sun was low on the southwestern horizon, slipping low over my Sunset Hill ski trail, like a little boy sneaking out of his bedroom at night. As the sun hung there over the hill, the sun s rays crashed against the trunks and limbs of the trees, fracturing into orange colored slivers, outlining each object with a halo glow, casting sharp shadows across the blanket of white. It is a special time here, a time winter people alone in northwestern Wisconsin are graced to experience. As I finished, I stood still, quiet, and just absorbed the beauty. I thought of the old Christmas carol, In the Bleak Midwinter. In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone, snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow in the bleak midwinter, long ago. Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign. In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ. Nope, I thought, standing there, you just can t freeze him out. Like the sun, nothing can keep him out not moaning wind, not frozen ground, not frozen hills, not frozen trees, not frozen hearts, broken hearts, sinful hearts nothing, nothing. See you in church Sunday, in person or in spirit. Pastor Black (retired)

8 Hayward United Methodist Church P.O. Box 587 Hayward, WI Mailing Address Goes Here ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED Mark Your Calendars January 6 8:30 AM Adult Study Begins January 9 11:00 PM Bible Study January 9 10:00 AM Trustee s Meeting January 12 9:00 AM Men s Breakfast 10:00 AM Active Shooter Training January 14 10:00 AM Women s Group January 16 11:00 PM Bible Study January 17 5:30 PM Ruby s Pantry January 21 10:00 AM Ad Council January 23 11:00 PM Bible Study January 25 11:15 AM Book Club January 27 Newsletter Articles Due January 29 Circuit 3 January 30 11:00 PM Bible Study