UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST BISMARCK, ND November 2016 Bismarck-Mandan Area United Church of Christ 1200 E Highland Acres Rd ~ 701-223-2915 ~ bisucc@midconetwork.com ~ www.uccbismarck.org ~ Like us on Facebook NOVEMBER 2016 A GLOBAL MINISTRY CHURCH A Half-Century Recommissioning by Rev. Gretchen Deeg, Senior Pastor On Sunday, Nov. 20 at 10 AM, we are celebrating and recommissioning an organization 50 years in the making Charles Hall Youth Services (CHYS). Since its inception, our church has partnered with and supported the work of CHYS. This November, we will be joined by Michael Readinger from the UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM), Rev. Keith Mills from Northern Plains Conference Office, and Gayla Sherman from Charles Hall for a special service of dedication for another 50 years of service. I hope you will make it a priority to attend this service, learn more about the ministry of CHYS, and witness the recommissioning of our partner organization. OUR LIFE TOGETHER Consecration Sunday Nov. 6 Bring your pledge cards and join us for an Eggbake brunch after worship! During worship we will bless our commitments to this community of faith and service. To prepare you for this wonderful event in the history of our church, here is an abbreviated history of CHYS in the words of the late Austin Engel (who many in this congregation will likely remember): It began on the Ft. Berthold Indian Reservation in the 1950s and 1960s, a time of great change and disrupted lives. Work on the Garrison Dam had been completed in 1955, and three towns had been forced to move. The most damaging impacts were upon Indian families and communities who had lived for generations in the bottomlands of Grandmother River, where they had successfully developed a hunting-gardening-gathering economy with a minimum of welfare and family breakup. Suddenly, they were forced to move out of the bottomlands. Impoverished areas quickly developed in Parshall and New Town, ND, and families scattered out on allotments quickly learned that everything Grandmother River had provided now cost money, from water and fuel for families to shelter and feed for cattle. Concerns for youth trapped in poverty with little chance of reaching productive adulthood led finally in 1961 to the appointment of a Boarding Home Committee by the Ft. Berthold Council of Congregational Churches. Nothing happened until 1964, when the national United Church of Christ convened a conference of church leaders from reservations in Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota to focus on What can be done to help broken families and youth in trouble? Which takes us to the fall of 1966, when the first students arrived at what is now known as Charles Hall Youth Services! All Soul s Day Nov. 13 th On Nov. 13 we will honor and remember our loved ones who have died. You are invited to bring a framed picture of deceased loved ones to place up front during worship. Thanksgiving Eve Service Nov. 23 rd, 6:30 pm Begin your holiday celebrations giving thanks to God at our Community Thanksgiving Eve Service co-hosted by the UCC, Faith Lutheran, and St. George s Episcopal. Service on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 6:30pm at the United Church of Christ. Pie will follow. Remember to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night, Nov. 5 th
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST BISMARCK, ND NOVEMBER 2016 2 Vision Statement Adopted January 2016 The Bismarck-Mandan UCC is a thriving church transforming our lives and community: Where all are unconditionally welcomed, affirmed, accepted and loved; Where the good in every person is recognized and their talents are encouraged to be shared; Where children, youth, and adults learn that God is love and all are welcome to freely explore spirituality in a safe and nurturing environment; Where we can bring our personal needs and struggles and count on support from our church family which is the loving family we all deserve; Where powerful messages inspire and challenge us to be caring and compassionate to all in our church, community, and world, seeking opportunities to put our faith into action with courage to go beyond what we think we can do; Where we embrace the still-speaking God and live in today s world. The dialogue in the church regarding the Dakota Access Pipe Line (DAPL) has been constructive and people have been willing to listen to each other. While many members of our congregation are active with their own thoughts, opinions and actions on the DAPL, the church has not taken an official position other than to encourage constructive conversation. Also reminder to all committees: 2017 budget requests are due to Trustees by Nov. 21 LIVING OUR VISION HIGHLIGHT Where we embrace the still-speaking God and live in today s world. Last year, the church council and trustees discussed the desire to use our church building more fully. This month we celebrate all of the church and wider-community groups that regularly use our building throughout the week CHYS, Nurturing Parenting, Homeschoolers, Tai Chi, Nursing Classes, Meet Up! Council Corner by Kirby Kruger, Moderator Buffalo Supper Proceeds to East Timor Tristen & Riley Benson represented our members at the UCC Global Ministry Trip this past summer. Thank you to all who donated time and resources to this year s Buffalo Supper! A special thanks to Tristen who graciously shared her experience with those who attended the delicious meal.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST BISMARCK, ND NOVEMBER 2016 3 A NOTE FROM THE TRUSTEES Is This You The Season of Giving Tis almost the season for trees and lights, feasting and festivities, and of course gift giving. If your holiday shopping takes you to Amazon, please consider supporting the United Church of Christ in Bismarck at no expense to you by using AmazonSmile. This branch of Amazon donates a portion of every purchase to a charity of choice. You can set up your donation by visiting smile.amazon.com, choosing the United Church of Christ in Bismarck, ND, and using AmazonSmile instead of Amazon for your online purchases. FINANCIAL STATUS January 1 to Sept. 30, 2016 Revenue General Offerings Actual = $109,014 Other Income (Dedicated, Earned) Actual = $ 54,614 Expenses Actual = $164,027 Total Revenue = $163,628 Total Expenses = $164,027 NET ACTIVITY = $ (2,399) SUPPORT OF OUR MISSION PARTNERS IN 2016 East Timor Education Foundation $ 665.42 Charles Hall Youth Services $ 1,536.35 Our Church s Wider Mission $ 1,960.00 One Great Hour of Sharing $ 1,411.92 Strengthen the Church (May 15) $ 105.00 Neighbors in Need (Oct. 2) $ 315.00 The Christmas Fund (Dec. 18) $ 20.00 Martin Luther King Celebration $ 149.80 Total Shared Ministry $ 6,163.49 MAYFLOWER CIRCLE NEEDS YOU!! Bakers and cookie makers for funerals and other events Sign up in the narthex or contact the church office Volunteers Needed by Marcia Patrie, Stewardship Committee Please take a look at some of the ways you can be of service in the church. If you have a skill that you enjoy and would like to share that with a group let us know. There are groups that are knitting, quilting, and some folks who do some carpentry and mechanical work. The stewardship committee encourages you to use your skills to make life better or more enjoyable for our friends in the church and for people in our community. Below is a list that will be included as part of our pledge drive. Name I would like to share my time and talents through the ministry of the church in the following ways. Read scripture in Worship Service Sing in Choir/Play in Bell Choir Host coffee hour Make coffee and open up the church on Sunday mornings (1 month commitment) Help with funeral luncheons Yard work trim/weed Chaperone youth events Donate to food pantry Give rides to church Greet or Usher Set up/clean up at church events Sunday School teacher (regular or sub.) Teach an adult ed. class Work in the office Other You are invited to share lunch with church friends after the service on November 6 th. This is a celebration of the consecration of our commitments to the church for the upcoming year.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST BISMARCK, ND NOVEMBER 2016 4 Set your clocks back 1 hour before bed on Sat. night Nov. 5 th. Free Thanksgiving Day Meal by Rev. Gretchen Deeg Plans for a free Thanksgiving Day community meal in Bismarck are underway. For the past few years, AID has offered a Thanksgiving meal in Mandan, but there has not been one in Bismarck for at least 3 years. This November 24 th, the community is invited to come together to give thanks and celebrate the day with those in Bismarck who do not have family close by or who may not have the resources for a Thanksgiving feast. This year s community meal will be on Thursday, Nov. 24 from 11:30 am 1:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Bismarck. You can be a part of the celebration by coming to eat or volunteering to cook, serve, or assist with other preparations. For more information on volunteering contact ministryonthemargins@gmail.com. *This is the only free public hot meal offered in Bismarck on Nov. 24. The Banquet at Trinity is not serving a meal on Thanksgiving Day and preparations for reopening Heaven s Soup Kitchen are still underway. The church office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 24 th & 25 th in observance of Thanksgiving. Special Offerings Experience Taize Nov. 1 st For the past two years we have been worshipping with Benedictine Sisters in the style of Taize. Begun in France, Taize is a unique worship experience. Our next service is on Nov. 1 at 7:30 pm at Annunciation Monastery on University of Mary s campus. Ongoing Classes Friday Morning Bible Study A group for the early risers! This dedicated group meets every Friday at 6:30 am in the church library for Bible study and fellowship. All are welcome. Modeled after the early church in the book of Acts, this house-based small group meets on Thursdays at 6:30pm at Shane & Erin Ice s house for dinner and study. Childcare provided. Contact the church office for location details. Knitting Group For knitters of all experience levels, including no experience! Upcoming class: Monday Nov. 14 th at 1pm in the church fellowship hall. Faith Forward For those interested in living their faith through social justice. Next gathering on Thursday, Nov. 17 th at noon. Confirmation This 2-year program is for youth in grades 7-12 interested in being confirmed. Led by Pastor Gretchen, Kirby Kruger, and Katie Mitchell. United Church Youth (UCY) A group of middle & high school youth. Gathers every other Sunday from 11 11:45am and throughout the year for service and fun. See page 6 for upcoming events. Have an idea for a class? Contact Pastor Gretchen (223-2915) or Howard Etson on Christian Ed with your ideas.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST BISMARCK, ND NOVEMBER 2016 5 Ministry & Fellowship Groups UCC Choir The UCC Choir rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. As always, we are glad to see some new faces or should I say, hear some new voices, along with the familiar ones. Everyone is welcome!! A reminder that we have a Hymn Suggestion Box in the narthex. Please let us know songs you may want to add at our worship services. Bell Choir The Bell Choir will start up in October and will meet on Wednesday evenings at 8pm. People of all skill levels are invited to join the bell choir. Ability to read music is helpful, but not required. Director: Danielle Abler. Mayflower Circle This women s fellowship group meets the 2 nd Thursday of the month from 12 1 pm. Mayflower Circle leads various ministries throughout the year including funeral luncheons, annual rummage sale, numerous fundraisers, and others. Come to learn more. Game Nights Come out the first and third Mondays of November from 6:30 8:30 pm to join in the fun of board and card games. Bring your favorite games and a treat to share. Family, friends, and community members are always welcome! The next game nights will be Nov. 7 th and 21 st at 6:30 pm. Quilting Guild New Quilting Guild is open to all church family members as well as community members. We meet every Tuesday from 2 pm to 7:30 pm. Participants may come and go as they please. Completed projects are intended to be donated to charitable organizations. Stewardship by Helen Lindgren, Stewardship Our mission as stewards is to help provide the financial tools for our church to communicate and live out our vision and mission. As previously shared, this year s stewardship theme is Go and Do the Same. Throughout this season we have been sharing ways our church and our members live out that calling. The church has several events for service; such as the Banquet, Buffalo Dinner, Neighbors in Need, Crop Walk, and work with our Mission Partners. THANK YOU to everyone who participated and donated their time and money to these events! Many thanks also to our choirs, children programs, church staff, and above all Rev Gretchen. You are all very much appreciated. We kicked-off this year s Stewardship drive on Sunday, October 16 th and will dedicate our pledges on Sunday, November 6 th with a celebration and brunch. We welcome you and hope you will be able to join in the celebration. Stewardship is sharing skills, time, and finances to support all the great works of the church and community. The faithfulness of us all in attendance, sharing talents, and supporting the church financially is the foundation of our church. Each of us are the Stewards called to love our church, love our family, love our neighbor, and love our community as we follow our theme, Go and Do the Same! Jack s Food Pantry by Darcy Avery, Deacons Mission: "To provide short-term emergency food and supplies for people in need with no qualifications requested." Thank you to the volunteers who helped restock Jack s Food Pantry this past month. Donations can be in the form of food or cash. The Sunday School children filled a wagon with food obtained from neighborhood donations. Joyce Rosene has volunteered to fill bags and check on the pantry the month of November. If you want to volunteer for this service, please place your name on Jack's pantry roster. This roster is in the narthex, next to the elevator. This month we gave 5 bags to families in need. CROP Walk 2016 by Marcia Patrie, Stewardship On October 9th around 15 members of our church gathered at the Capitol to join with other faith committees from the Bismarck area to raise funds for Church World Service. We collected over $600 from our church. I want to thank you for your support either through walking, your contributions, or both. CROP Walk was also supported by the area Interfaith group, made up of several congregations including the Muslim Community Center.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST BISMARCK, ND NOVEMBER 2016 6 Youth News United Church Sunday School Calendar NOVEMBER 2 nd ~ Wednesday SS 6:00 pm 6 th ~SS 13 th ~ SS 20 th ~ SS Christmas Program Practice 27 th ~ Family Worship DECEMBER 4 th ~ SS Program Practice 7 th ~ Wed. Program Practice 11 th ~ SS Christmas Program 18th ~ Group SS 25 th ~ Family worship Next Wednesday evening class is November 2 nd! Children s School the first Wednesday evening of every month! This is for pre-school thru 6 th grade. Time is from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Pre-school through 4 th grade classes and the 5 th and 6 th grade class also meets Sunday mornings during the church service. On Family Sundays children are invited to assist Pastor Gretchen with the message in worship. A play area is also available in worship for children on Family Sundays. Fun, Study, & Service for Middle & High School Youth Youth Minister: Katie (Patrie) Mitchell 701-426-7906 UCY Gathering October Schedule Discussions on upcoming events & faith growing Sunday, Nov. 6 th 11:15 am 11:45 am. Sunday, Nov. 20 th 11:15 am 11:45 am. Charles Hall Giving Tree Saturday, Nov. 19 th at noon UCY, let s gather at the church to set up and decorate the giving tree for youth at Charles Hall Youth Services. After we are done, the giving tree will hold gift ideas for local youth. We will also order pizza and play some games. We have added to our Godly Play curriculum! The 2 year Holy Moly curriculum spans the Old and New Testaments using a four-part sequence of Discovering - Relating - Connecting - Creating Each week, kids watch an animated Bible story video, talk about the story, read their Bible Storybook, and participate in a creative activity. Recommissioning Service Sunday, Nov. 20 th UCY will help with the serving of food in the fellowship hall after celebrating 50 years of ministry with our partner Charles Hall Youth Services.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST BISMARCK, ND NOVEMBER 2016 7 Notes Northern Plains Conference News November 18-20 Camp of the Cross Garrison, ND Introduction to Meditation taught by Rev. Jo Cassiday-Maloney Three wonderful days of Relaxation Friendship Worship Cost: $100. Please register through the Northern Plains Conference Office at secretary@npcucc.org May God s gift of life be a blessing to you and may your life be a blessing to others on this special day of your birth and all year long! Neighbors in Need 3 Katie Vander Laan 10 Kira Whitmore 11 Gail Erickson 13 Elijah Meidinger 17 Larry Heinle 17 Karen Beck 20 Jordan Kramer 21 Austin Crowley 21 Riley Benson 21 Tristen Benson 26 Chase Stockert 28 Shaylee Weil *Please contact the church office or sign up in the narthex if you would like your birthday listed in the newsletter. The Bismarck-Mandan Area UCC raised $315 this year for Neighbors in Need. This mission offering supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry and Justice and Witness Ministries. Thank you for your continued support!