GRAPEVINE. From the Pastor. Gratitude. St. Luke United Methodist Church. Volume XXII, Issue 10 October 2015

Transcription

1 Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors... The people of the United Methodist Church St. Luke United Methodist Church 623 Ontario Ave Sheboygan, WI Phone: Worship Times 9:00 am Sundays Worship Service 10:00 am Coffee Hour 10:30 am Sunday School all ages 6:00 pm Thursdays Worship Service Church Staff Ric Olson Pastor Kathy Reid Co-Pastor Director of Adult Ministries Emily Gilbertson Dir. of Children s Ministries Josh Holte Director Of Youth Ministries Kristin Casper Music Coordinator/Organist Amy Holte Administrative Assistant Barbara Gruenke Treasurer Rick Thimmig Custodian Dawn Tracey Housekeeper Ann Hoppert-Keller Choir Director Faye Sippel Nursery Attendant GRAPEVINE Volume XXII, Issue 10 October 2015 From the Pastor Gratitude Gratitude is my topic this month. I want to thank everyone at St. Luke for their love and caring when my mother-in-law fell and broke her leg. You are such caring people. Thank you for all of your prayers on her behalf. She is doing so well after surgery and with her rehab so far. We are so grateful for the doctors, surgeons, nurses, and all the caregivers who have worked together for her recovery and healing. Thank you so much! This week our friends at the Sheboygan Senior Community are moving to their new facility. It is a beautiful, state-of-the-art kind of care center, and I am excited for their future in the new location. However, it is not next door to us anymore. For us to maintain our connection with our church family and friends, we will need to find ways to bring them back to worship with us Sundays. I hope we will have people step forward to help us stay connected, and provide whatever transportation is needed to keep a strong connection with our loved ones. They need our love now more than ever: it is a big change, a new location, new neighbors, and a new home for them. We need to reach out in many ways to stay connected, to show our love and care for them, and to stay in touch. If you are moved to help, please let me know. With much gratitude, Pastor Ric I found this article on Gratitude on the internet that I wanted to share with you about how gratitude strengthens our connections with others: One of the easiest ways to strengthen connections with others and boost our own happiness is to express gratitude. Gratitude neutralizes many negative emotions envy, anxiety, hostil-

2 Volume XXII, Issue 10 Grapevine 2 ity, worry, anger and taps into many positive emotions, such as wonder, appreciation, contentment, savoring, love, joy. And researchers have found that the positive effects from expressing gratitude can last for months. In one study, people who had completed gratitude exercises were happier and less depressed six months later. Psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky suggests the following exercises in her book The How of Happiness: Keep a gratitude journal Reflect on what you are grateful for in a contemplative practice, such as meditation or prayer Express gratitude to another person Write a gratitude letter (you may or may not choose to send it) Psychologist Martin Seligman recommends a gratitude visit in his book Authentic Happiness. The basic steps are: Choose a person from your life who has made a difference to you and to whom you have never fully expressed your thanks Write a one-page testimonial and laminate it Make arrangements to see the person faceto-face; do not tell the person about the purpose of the visit; you can simply say I want to see you When you are together, read your testimonial aloud to the other person Give the other person time to react, and reminisce together about the events you shared Sources: The How of Happiness, by Sonja Lyubormirsky Authentic Happiness, by Martin E. P. Seligman, Ph. D. Time - "The New Science of Happiness" From the Finance Team It s that time of year, stewardship. Many folks consider it to be only about money. However, the accepted definition of the term Stewardship is a devout investment or use of money, time and ability. When we joined the church we made a promise to participate in it s ministries by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness. What I m driving at, is that money is only one element of stewardship. With respect to money, Paul said in this letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians. 9:7) Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. With the Thursday night service and added Sunday school classes there is more opportunity for participate. On October 25 th we are going to celebrate the $10 Challenge. We will bring in our funds and if you wish the story behind them. An ice cream social will be provided during the coffee time to celebrate the results. Please join us. Remember, Scrip cards are available and help the church meet its obligation at no cost to the congregation. These cards are just like prepaid gift cards. They are available for gasoline, groceries, and home improvements as well as restaurants. Forms are available outside the office. If you don t see the card you want on the form, there is a book with literally hundreds of additional companies. Several times we have been asked, If we re always operating at a deficit, how can we continue to function? The answer is, we are not paying one of our bills. Specifically, we are not paying our apportionment.

3 Volume XXII, Issue 10 Grapevine 3 Children & Family Ministries Emily Gilbertson ext. 7 or emily@stluke.net Star of Wonder a Kids Musical of Hope/Christmas Program Website: & Facebook: groups/ / Calling all children! Help us share the gift of Jesus birth with our church and community. This year s musical will not just delight our audience, but will be a gift of hope and love. Share the story. Be a part of it! Below is the schedule for the students and families. Please let me know if you have questions. Sign up is required, so I know costume numbers and CDs/ folder packets for families. The songs are easy to learn and we will provide a rehearsal time that is fun and easy. Schedule October 11 11:30 am to 12 pm 3rd-5th Grade Try-outs in Great Room. CDs, scripts, and full schedules passed Parenting with a Purpose Book Study 4 part Study based on the book Parenting with Purpose: Nurturing faith & Life from Birth to 6 Oct. 7, Nov., 4, Dec. 2, Jan. 6 6 pm to 7 pm Room 109 lead by Emily Gilertson out at this time. Oct. 25 to December 13 (all Sundays) - 3rd-5th Grade practice 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Simple lunch provided. $3 donation suggested to help cover costs for lunch (sandwich, fruit/ veggies, & drink). Sunday, November 29 Advent Workshop/Pageant Practice 10:30 am to 11:30 am **No lunch** Wednesday, December 16 ALL cast & prek-2nd grade choir DRESS RE- HEARSAL SANCTUARY 6 PM TO 7 PM Saturday, December 19 ALL CAST & PREK-2ND GRADE CHOIR DRESS RE- HEARSAL SANCTUARY 10 AM TO 11 AM Sunday, December am costumes Parenting with a Purpose Cost is $10 per participant to cover the cost of child care & materials. **Child Care Provided** 10:30 am show time 11:30 reception in fellowship hall **volunteers needed for set building, costumes, & Moms Connect! Fun Fall Family Dates Oct. 4 World Communion/Martin Gilbertson Baptism & Moon Festival Celebration 9 am worship with fellowship immediately following Nov. 13 Family Game Night 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Fellowship Hall Nov. 29 Advent Workshop 10:30 am to 11:30 am Join us monthly for prayer, support, and discussion, and fun activities. Age of your child doesn t matter. Fall Dates/Times Oct., 5 Get to Know Each Other Nov. 2 Freezer Meals Dec. 7 Holiday Craze 10 am to 11 am Parlor **Child care provided**

4 Volume XXII, Issue 10 Grapevine 4 You re Invited to Celebrate with us! Martin John Langwan Gilbertson s Baptism into God s Community of Faith Sunday, October 4th at 9 am worship & 10 am Fellowship Hour Drew, Sammy, Martin, & I would like to thank the St. Luke UMC community & friends by inviting to you worship with us Sunday, October 4th during 9 am & to a time of fellowship, family, faith, and friends during the coffee hour. You have been so kind & such a blessing as we prayed, traveled, & welcomed Martin into not just our family, but this Christian community. Thank you! In China, individuals, families, & friends celebrate the Autumn Moon Festival. It is a time to honor family, loved ones, & children. Many of its aspects reflect well the joining of our community of faith & the act of baptism. Join in our celebration through food, crafts, & writing special messages to each other. Questions/RSVP to Emily Gilbertson or emily@stluke.net

5 5 Grapevine Volume XXII, Issue 10 Youth Josh Holte - Youth Director News josh@stluke.net Check out our webpage for up-to-date information: Catch the Spirit Youth Event St. Luke United Methodist Church will be hosting the NE Circuit 12 (formerly Circuit 32) Catch the Spirit Youth Event on Halloween night from 4 pm midnight. All Middle & High School Youth are invited. Pre-registration is REQUIRED! Registration Dessert Derby The Dessert Derby has changed dates! This year s 2nd Annual Dessert Derby will be held November 8th. All students interested in going on ASP (Appalachia Service Project) this summer are required to participate in this event. Student participation forms are available on the church website, on the Youth Bulletin Board, or by seeing Josh Holte. As we have this exciting opportunity to get together with other area churches for this Fall event, High School will NOT be meeting on Oct. 16th for a Fall party. Catch the Spirit will take it s place. is key to the success of this event. We will need help from both students and parents to set up on Saturday, November 7th as well as take down immediately following the Event. Dates to Remember: Please note the changes made to this schedule October 31st, Catch the Spirit Youth Event November 8th, Dessert Derby Pizza Sale begins. Date TBA December 18th, High School Christmas Party. Youth Praise Band The Youth Praise Band meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 5:15 pm before Confirmation. The Youth Praise Band is open to all Middle and High School Youth. Our goal is to play once a month at Worship Services.

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7 Volume XXII, Issue 10 Grapevine 7 Dessert Derby Join St. Luke UMC youth for a delicious spaghetti dinner, followed by unbelievable desserts baked by the members of St. Luke. The delectable desserts are able to be viewed as you enter the event. Later you will be able to bid for your favorite. Tickets will be available for purchase starting Sunday, October 11th Cost: $10.00 per seat (plus what you want to bid on your favorite dessert.) Child Care including a meal will be provided. Date: 11/08/15 Time: 12:00 PM We Need Dessert Derby Chefs! Here Are the Rules: Chefs must make the dessert themselves no DQ specials or Bakery cheating Assistance is allowable but chef is responsible for any costs. Dessert must be large enough to feed 8 10 people A small sample dessert for taste judges Dessert will be judged on: Design, form, creativity and beauty; Taste; and Amount of money brought in Desserts will be on display for all to see before the meal. Chefs will have the opportunity to parade around the room from table to table to brag, promote, charm or bribe each table for their vote. The winning Chef will get bragging rights for an entire year and a traveling trophy. All proceeds will be used for ASP The High School Mission Trip. If you think you have what it takes to be this year s Top Chef Please contact Josh Holte to sign up. Josh Holte: or josh@stluke.net. Name: Phone: Dessert Name: Address: Return to Josh or Church Office No Later Than Sunday, October 18th

8 Volume XXII, Issue 10 Grapevine 8 Adult Education Offerings St. Luke United Methodist Church Sundays beginning September 20, :30 11:30 a.m. Library (First Floor) The Call, by the Rev. Adam Hamilton Book and DVD study on the ministry of St. Paul From the road to Damascus to the sun-drenched lands of modern-day Greece and Turkey to a Roman prison, go with Adam Hamilton as he follows the journeys of Paul in this six-week DVD study about Christianity s greatest teacher and missionary. You ll see exactly where some of the most dramatic events in the spread of Christianity took place, and through Hamilton s insightful and colorful teaching style, you ll quite probably likely gain a better understanding of Paul s missionary travels than if you had covered the many miles in person. Art Kiehl and Carol Nicla, Facilitators Room 212 (second floor) World Religions: Christianity Last year, using a DVD by Prof. John L. Esposito of Georgetown University, Tim Kemmis and Jim Callison led a discussion of Islam in the fall and Judaism in the spring. This fall Jim and Tim will use the same resource to study Christianity. Jim Callison and Tim Kemmis, facilitators Parlor (second floor) Bible Study:the Revised Common Lectionary The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) is a series of readings from the bible used every Sunday in morning worship. They include a reading from one of the four Gospels (Matthew, mark, Luke, or John), a reading from another book in the New Testament (generally the Epistles), a reading from the Old Testament, and a reading from the Psalms. The Gospel reading is considered the main reading, and is usually the focus of the sermon, although other readings may be the focus. The RCL has become the official lectionary of the United Methodist Church and other Protestant denominations. We will look two weeks in advance at the lectionary scriptures for each Sunday and how they interact and speak to us about our spiritual journey. In reading the Gospel lesson two weeks ahead, we will be studying the Scripture lesson(s) that Pastors Ric and Kathy will be preaching on each Sunday. Rev. Kathy Reid, facilitator

9 Volume XXII, Issue 10 Grapevine 9 Morningstar would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to the St. Luke congregation for the love offering we collected at the church picnic on September 13 th. These funds enable them to keep their important music ministry going. Organ Recital featuring Jeffrey Verkuilen, FAGO Friday, November 6 7:00p.m. Admission: free Jeffrey Verkuilen serves as the Organist at First United Methodist Church of Green Bay, as well as diocesan liturgies for the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay. Jeff provides organ instruction as an Adjunct Instructor of Music for St. Norbert College, and serves as the organist for the college s Dudley Birder Chorale, for which he recently completed a three-year term as president of the board of directors. For the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra, Jeff is the Principal Organist and an associate keyboardist. Jeff is an active member of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), for which he has earned his Fellowship, the highest level of certification in the Guild. Jeff serves the AGO as the Regional Competition Coordinator for the Upper Midwest region, as well as the Wisconsin District Convenor. He previously served as the region s Education Coordinator for six years. A member of the Northeastern Wisconsin Chapter, he is a past Dean of the chapter, and served as the chairperson when the chapter hosted the 1997 regional convention. Jeff is also a member of the Green Bay West Rotary Club. Jeff is an honors graduate of St. Norbert College with majors in Accounting and Music (organ and choral emphases), and is also an MBA honors graduate from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. He is the owner and president of Verkuilen & Associates CPAs, Inc. in Green Bay, and is a certified public accountant. Jeff lives in Howard, and is happily married to Karen; they are proud parents of two children, John and Katherine (Katie).

10 Volume XXII, Issue 10 Grapevine 10 Big Cedar Bluegrass Band In Concert October 10, :00 pm-9:30 pm At: St. Luke United Methodist Church 623 Ontario Ave - Sheboygan, WI Admission: $10.00 or $8.00 with food for the food pantry Let us introduce you to Big Cedar, a bluegrass band. Bluegrass is acoustic music with an old time feel to it. Big Cedar has been performing locally and at regional festivals since The band performs instrumental as well as vocal numbers with three and four part harmony. Included in their repertoire are gospel songs, bluegrass songs, some old time country music, and even some old Cowboy songs. This makes for a fun blend of musical styles that everyone can enjoy. The upbeat bluegrass sound of Big Cedar will have you clapping your hands and tapping your feet and the energy of all band members working around one microphone is really fun to watch. Big Cedar has fun and you will too.

11 Volume XXII, Issue 10 Grapevine 11 Volunteers needed for Big Cedar Bluegrass Band concert as greeters, ticket collectors, making baked goods to sell during intermission, and selling baked goods the night of the concert. Contact Kristin Casper or United Methodist Women St. Luke UMW Christmas Bazaar and Cookie Walk Alert It is time to begin the planning for he annual Holiday Sale and Cookie Walk. Preparations are getting underway for the 79th event. Mark your calendars-- the date is November 21st from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm. This event has been successful over the years because of generous support from our entire Church family and community. Hundreds of cookies, miscellaneous baked goods, homemade candies and snacks, hand crated items, Good as New Christmas decorations, and a Vendor Boutique is some of the merchandise that will be available. The traditional Soup/Sandwich luncheon will be held in the Church Parlor with delicious home made desserts. I hope you will respond willingly when asked to bake and decorate cookies, provide other baked goods and candies, or donate your time and talents in other ways. Donations of you hand crafted items will be vey welcome and much appreciated. Profits from this event are used to support mission projects of the United Methodist Women locally, nationally, and world wide. For more information or questions answered, please contact: Pearl Turner, Chairperson or pcturner54@charter.net

12 Volume XXII, Issue 10 Grapevine 12 St. Luke United Methodist Women Invite you to a Fall Potluck and Installation of Officers Monday, October 26, :00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to pass and a disposable item* for the church kitchen supplies. Our Guest Speaker will be Lizabeth Kroll, Executive Director of the Sheboygan County Food Bank. Liz will educate us about the County Food Bank and the mission and plans for the future of the Food Bank in Sheboygan. This meeting is open to the public and everyone is welcome. Please let us know if you will be attending by calling the church office at by Thursday, October 22. We have timed this event so that anyone who is working during the day will be able to attend. Need a ride? Have questions? Please call Pearl Turner at or Jackie Felde at *Suggested items are ziplock plastic food storage bags (quart or gallon size), plastic or Saran wrap, Dawn dish soap, SOS soap pads, Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil or any other useful item for our kitchen IT OUT at St. Luke s Library, Rm 108 Our SOCIAL CONCERNS section of our library has books that weight in on topics that are still being discussed in news media s today. These topics include Black Lives Matter, Hunger, Assisted Suicide, and Human Trafficking. Here a number of books you can find in our library: Black or White Dear White America Three Cups Tea Choosing Death In Our back Yards- Human Trafficking Closing the Food Gap Thursday Night Worship Join us every Thursday night for evening Worship! Thursdays, 6:00 pm

13 13 Grapevine Volume XXII, Issue 10 Join us in October to see how many dresses we can make. Come to any or all sessions. Tuesdays: 6:30-8:30 pm; October 6, 13, 20, & 27 Thursdays: 10 am- 12 pm; October 8, 15, 22, & 29 St. Luke UMC Room 111 Cost $10 - all supplies provided Contact Betsy Rogers or Karen Rankin with questions. Sign-Up on Bulletin Board

14 Volume XXII, Issue 10 Grapevine 14 Birthdays & Anniversaries 4 Amyas Pena 11 Timothy Boutelle Shelley Nelson Joe & Lynn Mukavitz 18 Harriet Stichert Susan Olsen Mary Thaves Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Charles & Virginia Gotchy 25 Karen Wortz 5 Christine Schmitt Erin Schmitt Mark & Rachael Brashaw 12 Samantha Pool James Boutelle Hayden Jacks 19 Merrill Loose Mary Herman Gordon Hubbard Ava Brashaw 26 Morgan Edge 6 Madison Bengtson 13 Karen Sopper Andrea Moe 27 Tyler Kruse Madeline Kiehl Dennis & Penny Grimm John & Catherine Moll 7 8 Xadian Yang Mark Thaves 28 Darren Covey Tim & Deb Boutelle John & Charla Menard 1 Ed Wickland Nicole Olson Samantha Black Emma Brashaw Ashley Jakubowski Emma Anderson Joseph & Kathleen McGrane Adam & Monica Senkbeil Wayne & Barbara Betsch 22 Cole Nelson Olivia Holtz Hector & Darlene Parra 9 Kristin Cogley Sherril Vandenberg 16 Rachael Brashaw David & Cheryl Smith 23 Autumn Jakubowski Jane Johnson Katherine Phillips Inez Garza Those with recognized birthdays and anniversaries are members and friends of St. Luke United Methodist Church. If we have missed you or made an error, please contact Amy at amy@stluke.net to update your information. 3 Bruce LeRoy Austin Edge Michael Binelli David & Kimberly Janasik Dean & Shelley Nelson 10 Donna Webb James Keller Lori Fritz 17 Roberta Gilson Randall Poirier Tracy & Sue Black 24 Amanda Sprang 31

15 Volume XXII, Issue 10 Grapevine 15 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 World Communion Sunday 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am Coffee Hour 10:30 am Sunday School 11 Noisy Offering 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am Coffee Hour 10:30 am Sunday School 11:30 am Christmas Pageant Try -outs 18 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am Coffee Hour 10:30 am Sunday School 25 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am Coffee Hour 10:30 am Sunday School 11:30 Pageant Rehearsal 5 10:00 am Mom s Connect 12 6:30 pm SPRC 19 2:30 pm UMW Board Meeting 6:30 pm Trustees Grapevine Articles Due 26 5:00 pm UMW Meeting 6 9:30 am Jesus & Java 9:30 am Baby Signs 6:30 pm Dress a Girl 13 9:30 am Jesus & Java 9:30 am Baby Signs 6:30 pm Dress a Girl 20 9:30 am Jesus & Java 9:30 am Baby Signs 6:30 pm Dress a Girl 27 9:30 am Jesus & Java 9:30 am Baby Signs 6:30 pm Dress a Girl Grapevine Folding 7 5:15 pm Youth Praise Band 6:00 pm Confirmation 6:00 pm Parenting with Purpose 6:00pm AA 7:00 pm Finance 7:00 pm Choir 14 5:15 pm Pizza Break 6:00 pm Confirmation 6:00 pm AA 7:00 pm Choir 21 5:15 pm Praise Band 6:00 pm Confirmation 6:00 pm AA 7:00 pm Choir 28 Rachel Circle 5:15 pm Pizza Break 6:00 pm Confirmation 6:00 pm AA 7:00 pm Choir 1 1:30 pm Lydia Circle 6:00 pm Worship 8 10:00 am Dress a Girl 11:30 am Christ Meal 6:00 pm Worship 15 10:00 am Dress a Girl 4:00 pm Circle of Creative Crafters 6:00 pm Worship 7:00 pm Admin Council 22 10:00 am Dress a Girl 6:00 pm Worship 29 9:00-11:00 am Food Pantry 10:00 am Dress a Girl 6:00 pm Worship :00 pm Circle of Creative Crafters 7:00 pm Big Cedar Blue Band :00 am Circle of Creative Crafters 4:00 pm Catch the Spirit NE 12 Circuit Youth Event Emmaus Salvation Army