& THE FLAME THE CROSS & THE FLAME THE CROSS. December P.O. Box 127, Viroqua, WI 54665

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1 Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Post Office Box 127 Viroqua, WI Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage THE CROSS & THE FLAME PAID PHONE: (Office/Kristin) /Office/Pastor Jean) FAX: Website: Viroqua & Liberty Pole Viroqua, Wisconsin Permit Number 11 United Methodist Churches DATE SENSITIVE P.O. Box 127, Viroqua, WI Return Service Requested Address Label THE CROSS & THE FLAME December 2018 EVENTS December Calendar enclosed SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Liberty Pole United Methodist Church 9:00 A.M. Viroqua United Methodist Church 10:30 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL Liberty Pole UMC 9:15 A.M. Viroqua UMC Adults-9:00 A.M., Children-10:45 A.M. Wednesday Church School 3:30 p.m. at Viroqua UMC December 2018

2 2 THE CROSS and THE FLAME TABLE OF CONTENTS December Scriptures... pg. 3 Viroqua Trustees Committee Meeting Minutes...pg. 4 Anniversaries, Birthdays, Deaths...pg 5 Newsletter Deadline for January...pg. 5 Christmas Cookie Exchange...pg. 5 Christmas Wishes for Senior Citizens...pg. 6 Worship Committee Minutes...pg. 6 Viroqua UMC Entrance for Sunday Mornings...pg. 7 Viroqua Missions Committee Report...pg. 7 John Wesley Quote All worldly joys are less than that one joy of doing kindnesses. The Cross & The Flame is published monthly by the Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches for our congregation and friends. We welcome you with open hearts, open arms and open doors. VIROQUA UMC/OFFICE 221 S. Center Ave. Viroqua, WI Phone: Fax: info@viroquaumc.org OFFICE HOURS 8:00 A.M. - Noon Monday & Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Thursday & Friday (Church door opens at 9:00 a.m.) LIBERTY POLE UMC S 6759 St. Hwy. 27 Viroqua, WI Phone: STAFF Jean Waldron, Pastor Parsonage Phone: Pastor s Direct Line: jeanlwaldron@gmail.com Kristin Potochick, Secretary Office Phone: Veterans Day Sunday...pg. 7 What the Church Can Do to Demonstrate God s Love...pg 8 Thank You from Todd Overbo...pg. 9 Prayer that Leads to Renewal...pg. 10 Happy Birthday Jesus by Janice Peterson...pg. 11 Viroqua Administrative Council Minutes...pg. 11 Viroqua United Methodist Women Minutes (back of calendar) John Wesley Quotes Seedbed Liturgist Viroqua UMC Service Assistants Ushers Dec. 2nd - Ardith Olson & Janet Welch Dec. 9th - Chuck & Mary Mulvaney-Kemp Dec. 16th - David & Lorna Peterson Dec. 23rd - Paul & Sonja Bjerkos Dec. 24th - Layne & Janette Hanson Dec. 30th - Gerry Schroeder & Marlo Volden Greeters Dec. 2nd - Annabel McGarry Dec. 9th - David Peterson Dec. 16th - Shirley Gilman Dec. 23rd - Gloria Freilinger Dec. 24th - Marlo Volden Dec. 30th - Janet Welch Liturgist - Cavan Fang Liberty Pole UMC Service Assistants Dec. 2nd - Renee, Serena and Kaylee Baker Dec. 9th - Renee, Serena and Kaylee Baker Dec. 16th - Sunday School Program Dec. 23rd - Renee, Serena and Kaylee Baker Dec. 24th - Renee, Serena and Kaylee Baker Dec. 30th - Renee, Serena and Kaylee Baker THE CROSS and THE FLAME 11 Happy Birthday, Jesus Happy Birthday, Jesus; how sweet those words sound to me; like the merry bells of Christmas, that ring out with cheer and joy, that tell of all the good things that came from that little boy! I think of how many years ago a little babe came to bring peace, love, and hope to us that God made. To show the world where you were, there shown a bright star. And they (the shepherds) said, Oh, little Babe, how sweet you are! Glad tidings rang out from near and afar. You were meant to save the whole human race; to save souls and give eternal life by God s amazing grace. A birthday party you never had. You saw how man lived and all the sin, and that made you sad. But one thing I know is that you will come back in glory, and that is the best party of the story! Lord, you gave me life and washed me white as snow; my very being to you I owe. You showed me the way and you are my very best friend the whole day through! So I ask myself, Is there anything that I can do for you? So, Lord, I give you my heart; I give you my love. I know that you are always there looking down from above. You were God s greatest gift to man. So with each new day, for you I ll do whatever I can. You shed your precious blood for me. One night so long ago, you touched me; it was then that I knew I was finally set free! For years behind closed doors I hid; but you, Lord opened yours; how great what you did! So thank you, Lord, for life, truth, love, peace hope, and above all victory, and showing me the way. I know now where I am; with you, come what may. So now I can hold my head up high; and I only want to live with you; not die. How well I know that you are the key, and how wonderful you are and how much you love me. So, Jesus, I thank you and Iove you, just because you are you. You are precious, beautiful, loving and steadfast through and through! I look up and I know that you are there, way beyond the clouds. Lord Jesus, to be yours, I m so very proud! So again I say, Thank you, I love you, and Happy Birthday, Jesus! Love Always, Lucky Blessed Me, Janice Peterson VIROQUA UMC ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MEETING - November 20th Members Present: Pastor Jean Waldron, Gregory Cheever, Cavan Fang, Jolene Gudgeon, Kathy Hanson, Kristin Parrot The meeting was called to order at 7:15 following the Finance Committee meeting. Pastor Jean updated us about the Ministerial Association - new members, day, and time. She is meeting with the 7 x 7 Emergency Management Group. The Website and Facebook page were discussed. We are working on keeping them updated. Missions Committee - See minutes elsewhere in newsletter. Worship Committee - See minutes elsewhere in newsletter. Trustees - See minutes elsewhere in newsletter. Education Committee - The Christmas program will be December 16 during the worship service. The Church School kids will be ringing Salvation Army bells on December 9 with the confirmation kids. They will buy Christmas gifts for a needy family. Kathy shared some thoughts about Breakthrough Prayers from Sue Nilson Kibbey s book, Flood Gates. Several folks agreed to read the book and talk more about what it might mean for us. We reviewed the information gathered some time ago from the Congregational Input survey. We composed a Breakthrough Prayer to use with it. We will ask the congregation to all pray for guidance about the next step. Next meeting December 18 at 7:00 following the Finance meeting.

3 10 THE CROSS and THE FLAME Prayer that Leads to Renewal Fall 2018 Circuit Church Conference Teaching THE CROSS and THE FLAME 3 December Scriptures December 2, Advent 1 Hanging of the Greens w/h.c. by Intinction Micah 5:2-4 1 Peter 1:17-21 Matthew 28:16-20 A Decree Went Out Hymn 1: 213 Lift Up Your Heads, (all) 2: 618 Let Us Break Bread Together 3: 202 People Look East 4: 211 O Come, O Come Emmanuel, vs.1-3 Response: 249, vs. 1 There s A Song in the Air December 9, Advent 2 Sunday School program at L.P. Isaiah 35:8-10 Romans 6:1-4 Mark 11:1-10 To The City of David Hymn 1: 196 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus 2: 218 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear 3: 220 (Viroqua only) Angels From the Realm of Glory 4: 245 The First Noel Response: 249, vs. 2 There s A Song in the Air Breakthrough prayer is asking God to do new works, new miracles we cannot do ourselves, without limits. December 16, Advent 3 Sunday School program at V Genesis 12:1-5 Hebrews 11:8-10, John 14:1-6 No Place for Them Hymn 1: 240 Hark, the Herald Angels Sing 2: 217 Away in a Manger 3: 220 (Liberty Pole only) Angels From the Realm of Glory 4: 246 Joy to the World Response: 249, vs. 3 There s A Song in the Air December 23, Advent 4 Genesis 22:1-2, 9-14 Colossians 1:15-20 John 3:14-17 Her Firstborn Son Hymn 1: 234 O Come all Ye Faithful all 2: 206 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light 3: 230 O Little Town of Bethlehem 4: 224 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice Response: 249, vs. 4 There s A Song in the Air December 24, Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols December 30, 1st Sunday of Christmas 2 Samuel 7:8, Rev. 7:13-17 Luke 2:1-20 There Were Shepherds Hymn 1: 228 He is Born (all) 2: 229 Infant Holy 3: 237 Sing We Now of Christmas 4: 238 Angels We Have Heard on High Response: 204 Emmanuel

4 4 THE CROSS and THE FLAME THE CROSS and THE FLAME 9 Present: Gregory Cheever, Sandy Skarda, Pastor Jean, Aaron Hanson, David Peterson, Barb Casper, Dale Gudgeon, Pete Gillman The final insurance payment ($14,248.00) for the elevator was received. The church copyright license has been discontinued. Bills approved include: light ballast, vacuum cleaner repair ($190.96), Band Box $52.26). Aaron Hanson will take care of purchasing hand sanitizer, Kleenex and a clock for the Sunday School. A letter from the Viroqua Police Dept. asks that a proper address number (221) be put on the front of the church building. David will take care of this. It was noted that the basement elevator started with the door open. Snow removal for parking lot: There were no complaints from last year. Contract will be renewed. The snow removal contract with Kevin Fredrickson (sidewalks) will be renewed with a 5% increase. The gutters will be checked this week to stop the drips and ice from forming. Concern was raised about the ice melting salt being tracked into the building. Part of the repair of the vacuum cleaner was due to salt forming rust in the motor. The Trustees are asking the congregation to use the wooden door entrance, with the newly carpeted steps on Sunday mornings and for special events. The carpet will help remove much of the salt and save clean-up inside. This entrance also offers shelter from wind and weather and will be properly lighted. Thank you for your cooperation. Together, we can make a difference! A key is needed for the yoga class instructor. Pastor will see to this. (Note) Tread strips are suggested for the basement area leading to the elevator. The Finance Committee is in charge of the Fortney Hotel meal on Dec. 16th. Thurin Electric has been consulted about lighting for the carpeted entrance (thinking rope lighting will work.) Also two exit lights are out. The two outdoor lights for the front office door entrance need to be replaced. Gregory will purchase them at Menards. Operating money will be transferred into the Trustees checking account for The budget worship line item for piano/organ repair is transferred to the Trustees as of The reason is that the music instruments are considered assets and are the responsibility of the Trustees. Kathy will be asked to schedule tuning, etc. Meeting adjourned. Next meeting: Dec. 11, :00 p.m. SJS Clown Crew Show Thanks to all who came out to support us! Wednesday Church School CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES Sun. Dec. 2nd First Sunday of Advent Fri., Dec. 7th 6:00 V Cookie Exchange (pg. 10) Sun., Dec. 9th Second Sunday of Advent Liberty Pole UMC Christmas Program 3:00-4:00 p.m. Youth and Confirmation Class Salvation Army Bell Ringing Sun., Dec. 16th - Third Sunday of Advent Viroqua UMC Christmas Program Sun., Dec. 23rd 4th Sunday of Advent Mon., Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Service, 5:00 P.M., Viroqua UMC This is a joint service Tues., Dec. 25th Happy Birthday Jesus! Thank You s from Todd Overbo We are Grateful to those who have given and are making meals for us on Wednesday nights. Looking forward to a Great Advent Season Dessert First Thank you to everyone who helped in any way with the Stewardship Drive. It took lots of people to write devotions, make desserts, make and stuff bags, drive, and deliver the bags. All the help made the whole thing work. Thank you, also, to all who turned in a pledge card. If you d still like to turn in a pledge, contact the office. May God s will be done with our gifts to Him. Viroqua & Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Mission Statement The Viroqua & Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches exist for the purpose of carrying out Christ s Great Commission by enabling all who come to personally know the joy of God s love and forgiveness and to lovingly share this joy in the fellowship of the church and in reaching people throughout the world.

5 8 THE CROSS and THE FLAME THE CROSS and THE FLAME 5 The Viroqua United Methodist Church has compiled the results of the congregational input. Please review the list. In seeking God s will and direction, the Church Council is asking everyone to pray the following prayer each morning at 9 am, now, through Jan. 1 st, Prayer: Dear God, help! Thank you for the creativity and inspiration to those who filled out the survey. Help us to know what to do next. In Jesus name, Amen. WHAT IS 1 NEW THING OUR CHURCH COULD DO TO DEMONSTRATE GOD S LOVE FOR OTHERS? Continue to stay open to what God wants us to do maybe it be different than before like Church School and Bible studies. Random acts of kindness Place gift cards or money with church card in places around town for people to find. Update technology to lean towards more of contemporary mix with traditional service. Offer full camp scholarships. Jail ministry. Grow a garden in the fenced law area give away the veggies and flowers. Survey needs of the community and work towards meeting some of them. More social justice projects/service projects. Examples: Habitat for Humanity (both in Viroqua & wider community), Mission trip abroad Peru or elsewhere. Make a presence at the Farmer s Market (hand out free coffee?) Host a neighborhood Block Party each summer invite all who live close. Have a segment in each church service, What I saw God doing in Viroqua this week, where pastor or any person can share a story or observation or share a project that they see God as a part of (different than share time - just feature 1 story or person each week, but more in depth). Some way to support shelters for homeless people. Church members to visit shut-ins or call them to see how they are. Pair an elderly person with a child buddy program. Reach more people on a personal level possibly the Care and Nurture Committee could be expanded to provide more outreach to nursing home residents and shut-ins. Offer a pick up ride save your drive. Mission trips. Have a prayer partners where each person is assigned someone to pray for for the year. Have that change every year? Or 6 months? They can send cards or encouragement to that person throughout the year. Comments I really think service projects, social justice work, community service activism is the best way to get new young families to join our church. Just having to go to church many families decide they do not have the time, but many families want more opportunities to teach their children about service/volunteerism, and important loving work in the world. Everything we do should be done for the sake of Jesus Christ and for the glory of God. Brian & Carole Funk Craig & Kay Starr Josh & Kristin Symes Willard & Ann Carlow Happy Anniversary Deaths Camilla Sands December 5th (LP) December 8th (V) December 29th (LP) December 31st(V) November 18th, 2018 Brian Gardner November 21, 2018 Friday, Dec. 7th at 6:00 p.m. at VUMC Bring a dozen of your homemade cookies for each person that attends, and one dozen more for sampling at our party. Type of cookie on a first come first serve basis so sign up early! We ll meet in the church library. I ll bring some drinks and veggies and dip to share. Ideally we d have 8-10 women in attendance for this but I d be thrilled to have more, too. Liberty Pole women are invited too. With wishes for many more! Ardith Olson Louise Bornstad Shane Peterson Joanne Hornby Lori Strasser Sawyer Clements Elizabeth Hanson Rachel Turben Janice Fortney Inga Jacobson Tasha Mills Ruth Gilbertson Deanna Funk Chad Erickson Eldon Gardner Lloyd Hardy Alan Matson Tom Zitzner Birthdays VIROQUA UMC December 3rd December 4th December 5th December 8th December 9th December 12th December 13th December 15th December 19th December 20th December 25th December 26th LIBERTY POLE UMC December 1st December 2nd December 14th December 19th December 23rd December 29th Newsletter Deadline The deadline for the January newsletter is December 23rd. Please provide your submissions as early as possible so that we produce the best newsletter possible! Thank you!

6 6 THE CROSS and THE FLAME THE CROSS and THE FLAME 7 Christmas Wishes for Senior Citizens by Jo Jeanne Treadaway If I could do what I would like to do, I d give a special Christmas gift to you. No fancy package or a satin bow Just magic wishes for the ones I know. I d zig your body where it may have zagged, And lift you up in places that have sagged. You d wear no bridge to fill a toothless space, Or store-bought teeth designed to warp your face. I d make you slim without one diet pill, And folks would never know you ve climbed the I d take away the fat beneath your chin, And you could find your hidden neck again. I d mix a tasty drink to end all pain, And you could throw away your walking cane. Then I d perfect a good cholesterol, So greasy food would be the best of all. I d plant a button just beneath your skin, That you could punch to hold your stomach in. And then to prove how much I really care, I d put a motor on your rocking chair. But since the gifts that you d receive from me Cannot be placed beneath a Christmas tree, I wish you loads of love and Christmas cheer Worship Committee Minutes, October 30 Topics discussed included All Saint s Day, the Stewardship campaign s Celebration Sunday, the Thankful Tree, and Advent. Various activities are planned for Advent. The Bell Choir will perform on Nov. 25 at 2 pm. A devotional calendar has been ordered for our congregations to use during Advent. A Hanging of the Greens program will be part of worship service on Advent 1, Dec. 2nd. Later that evening the VUMC Choir will participate in the Caroling of the Choirs at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The Sunday School program for Liberty Pole UMC will be Dec. 9th; Viroqua UMC will be Dec. 16th. Our Christmas Eve service of lessons and Carols will be held at 5 pm at VUMC. We hope everyone will plan to attend and participate in all the Advent services and activities. We are looking for a Holy Family for the Christmas Eve manger scene. Please contact Pastor Jean or any member of the worship committee if you know anyone with a baby who might be willing to participate. hill. Viroqua UMC Entrance for Sunday Morning Services Starting Sun., Dec. 2nd: For church services this winter, the Trustees would like the congregation to use the double door entrance to the sanctuary. The steps have been newly carpeted. Using this entrance will help keep sidewalk salt cleanup to a minimum. This will also be the entrance for weddings and funerals. Note: The entrance door for the church office will be locked on Sunday mornings. Viroqua Missions Committee Report, Nov. 20th During November, we partnered with the Worship Committee to hold a Thanksgiving food drive for the food pantry. Thank you to everyone who brought in food, and thanks to Lorna Peterson for taking the 5 bags of food to the pantry. On November 18, we held a bake sale to raise money for our missionary, Paul Webster. We raised $125. Thanks to everyone who baked and everyone who bought. Beginning Sunday, December 2, we will hold an Advent food drive to collect more food for the pantry during this holiday season. Please help fill the grocery basket in the narthex. Also look for our Mitten Tree in the narthex during Advent. Please help decorate the tree with mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, etc., plus toys. All Mitten Tree donations will be given to the Toys for Tots program. Veterans Day We honored our Veterans during church services at both churches on Sunday, November 11th. Cake and coffee were enjoyed before and after services to celebrate Veterans.