The Stidham Story 765-474-2806 stidhamumc@yahoo.com www.stidhamumc.org October 2015 Stidham United Methodist Church Dave s Diary Follow-up from Last Month Commitment to Church With the Help of Jim Moore Last month, I gave you a parity of why I don t go to sporting events. I have given it more thought and would like to share with you about commitment to church. I want to start by asking three questions. How are you doing? How committed to Christ and His church are you right now? How faithful are you really in supporting the church with your presence? Let me put that in perspective by asking you to think about it like this: If your car would start one out of three times, would you consider it faithful? If your television only worked 60% of the time, would you consider it faithful? If your newspaper delivery person should skip your house every other day and an occasional Friday, would you call that faithful? If you should fail to go to work ten or twelve days each month, would your employer consider you faithful? If you should miss a couple of house payments in a year, would your mortgage holder say, Oh well, ten out of twelve months that s not too bad? If you attend church once or twice a month 25% or 50% of the time would you say that you re faithful? Now, that s something to think about, isn t it? We are called to be faithful in attending church and we are called to come to church with a gracious Spirit, with a strong witness, and with a deep commitment to God. Blessings, Dave November Newsletter articles are due by Friday October 23 Thank you, Judy Henderson
The Cross in My Pocket This article is from Judy Henderson s mother Naomi Weaver I carry a cross in my pocket--a simple reminder to me of the fact that I m a Christian no matter where I may be. This little cross is not magic, nor is it a good-luck charm. It isn t meant to protect me from physical harm. It s not for identification for all the world to see. It s simply an understanding between my Savior and me. When I put my hand in my pocket to bring out a coin or key, the cross is there to remind me of the price He paid for me. It reminds me, too to be thankful for my blessings day by day and to strive to serve Him better in all that I do and say. It s also a daily reminder of the peace and comfort I share with all who know my Master and give themselves to His care. So I carry my cross in my pocket, reminding no one but me That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life if only I ll let Him be. *********************************************************************************** This article is from a church member. I Shall Pass- by Etienne de Grellet I shall pass through this life but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show: Let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it. For I shall never pass this way again. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This article is from a church member. Children Learn What They Live By Dorothy Law Nolte If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight. If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy. If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty. If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence. If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient. If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate. If children live with acceptance, they learn to love. If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves. If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness. If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and others. If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a better place to live. If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place to live. 2
THINGS GOING ON IN THE CHURCH IN OCTOBER The Sunday s when we have communion is our Helping Hands Mission. Please put your money in a pew envelope with your name, amt. and write Helping Hands and put it in the offering plate. Bible Study- - Monday Night October 5,12,19,26 at 6:30pm Bible Study- - Tuesday Morning October 6,13,20,27 at 10:00 am Nominating Committee Meeting Night October 7, at 6:30pm Kids Night Out- -Wednesday Night October 7, 5:30pm-6:50pm Choir Practice- -Wednesday Nights October 7,14.21,28-7:00pm Lighthouse Prayer Group- -Thursday Mornings 1,8,15,22,29-10:00am Baked Steak Dinner Saturday October 17, 4:30pm-7:00pm Finance Committee Meeting -Monday October 19, 4:00pm Ad Council Meeting Tuesday October 20, 7:00pm FOOD PANTRY ITEMS NEEDED FOR OUR GROCERY CART EACH MONTH JANUARY-CASH DONATIONS JULY-MACRONI & CHEESE FEBRUARY-CANNED OR TUNA AUGUST-PAPER PRODUCTS MARCH-SPAGHETTI SAUCE OR NOODLES (NO GLASS JARS) SEPTEMBER-CASH DONATIONS APRIL PAPER PRODUCTS OCTOBER-PEANUT BUTTER MAY-CASH DONATIONS NOVEMBER-SOUP & CRACKERS JUNE-CANNED FRUIT DECEMBER-OATMEAL OR CEREAL If you have anything in your pantry you don t need or won t use bring it in and put in the food cart. ####################################################################################### Other mission projects are: The Lighthouse Prayer Group labels for Henderson Settlement. See display in Fellowship Hall and pick up a sheet showing labels needed. *************************************************************************************************************************** Cary Home Craft Items: pick up a list in Fellowship Hall. Jane Hand & Shelby Brown in charge. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& The Pop Tabs and Cans for Riley Hospital leave on table in Fellowship Hall. If questions please see Kevin Fry. ####################################################################################### PLEASE DO NOT BRING IN EGG CARTONS AS THE FOOD PANTRY DOES NOT TAKE THEM ANY MORE. THANK YOU ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 3
Our Feast I was there were you? I was privileged to be a part of the Great Banquet the week of September 21st thru September 27th; culminating on Sunday the 27th. Everyone was invited. I could be a part of the feast by selecting a project that suited my interest or be versatile and fit in where I was needed. Those that came were blessed. We felt fulfilled being a part of Jesus crew of followers that made ourselves available to do for the least of his people. Those that missed being a part of the activities reminds me of scripture in the book of Luke 14:12-24. Jesus did not accept the excuses of the original invited guests that had better things to do. Jesus felt that being available to do his Father s work was most important. He told the disciples repeatedly to, feed my sheep, care for the lost lambs. Paul continued Jesus message throughout the Mediterranean area and now it has encompassed the world. The result for the Great Banquet no shows was, they were cut out of the blessings Jesus had planned for them. I don t want to be excluded from the blessings. I m planning to be a part of the upcoming Baked Steak Dinner, which feeds another mission voice within this church that is spread though out the land. I do not feel I am here to store up warehouses of possessions for myself or for my church building. To be a useful part of the community and subsequently the nation and the world is a greater legacy. As I prepare for winter during this beautiful autumn, I close the storm windows, turn the furnace to heat, and get out the warmer wardrobe. I remember those that have no storm windows to close, no furnace to turn the thermostat to heat, or a warm winter coat to wear. Who will provide for those that have lost their home to fire or illness and are unable to provide for their needs? I support the church Helping Hands Fund by feeding the little truck bank that sets on the conference table in Pastor Dave s office. I can give by putting a contribution in a pew envelope any Sunday, it will find its way to the Helping Hands account. Jesus says, feed my sheep. Poets create songs that beg us to Rescue the Perishing. In Luke 6:38 NIV, Jesus tells us, Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. To serve the Lord, big time, we could save vacation time to go to the Henderson Settlement the next time a crew from the church goes to serve the Lord in the Appalachian mountains of eastern Kentucky. There is an opportunity to contribute to Coats for Kids this fall, provide necessary school supplies for back-to-school. Fill backpacks with food for needy children s week-end food needs. Support the Food Pantry. The list is endless. I pray you found your favorite way to feed Jesus sheep. Choose your support area wisely. May October be a blessing for each of you. Love and prayers, Betty Greene 4
A NOTE FROM NOBLE KIZER WHO IS IN CHARGE OF OUR HELPING HANDS FUNS The Helping Hand Fund is your church s program to help individuals, or families, who need help, particularly emergency situations. The Fund s purpose is to assist the members of your congregation who need support, for example, with utility payment, medical bills, food needs, and other personal concerns. Secondly, we offer the same for people in the townships in the surrounding areas: Jackson, Randolph, Union, and Wea. Occasional requests for assistance by those outside of these townships are rarely considered. The HHF is supported by our member s contributions in the Bible Study and Thursday Prayer Group meetings. All other members are otherwise requested on the first Sunday of each month to contribute, during our Communion Service. This is a free will donation which may be made by using the envelopes in the pews and placing them in the Offering Plates. Just put HHF and your name on the envelope to receive credit for your generosity. This contribution, of course, is tax deductible. The Helping Hand Committee thanks everyone for their help. ********************************************************************************* BIBLE STUDY PROGRAM Monday nights at 6:30pm and Tuesday morning at 10:00am, Pastor Dave has a Bible Study. He is a Great Teacher of the Bible! Come join us!! We are studying the Book of Aprocrytha ################################################################################## KIDS NIGHT OUT PROGRAM The Kids Night Out Program has started and will be the first Wednesday of each month September- December, 2015 and February-April in 2016. We are in need of help furnishing, preparing the meals, and help in cleaning up. A sign-up sheet is on the table in Fellowship Hall for the meals. Also we are in need of people to help with the program. If you are interested, please see Arletta Brown. Thank you %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% 5
BIRTHDAYS OCTOBER 2015 ANNIVERSARIES 2 Patrick Wheeler 9 Abby Driscol 12 John & Barbara Benefiel 22 John & Connie Worth 29 John Worth PRAYER LIST Everyone needs prayer every day. Let us give thanks and ask God to be with those who are on our prayer lists and those going though personal struggles, health issues and other worries that they may have. Let us share our faith and show love to one another each and every day. Amen Diann Robinson, Brenda Walker, Marylin Bigelow, Roy Becker, Margaret Cummins, Frank Arihood, Marylin Bigelow, Mike & Teresa Matthews, Cindy Lindstrom, Steve Plantenga and Family, Our Military, Our World Leaders and those who are prayed for silently. THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!! How do I share God s love to those around me? God invites our confessions and offers forgiveness. What message does my Lord have for me today? 6
Cathy s Corner Mission Work When I looked in one of my favorite books recently-the World Book Dictionary- I found that the word 'mission' has several definitions. The ones I am centering on of late are, "the action of doing work or service for others" and "ones' business or purpose in life." I was not surprised by the former definition but the latter caught me off guard. My mind is telling me that we can combine these two thoughts as, ones' purpose in life is the action of doing service for others." That is exactly what many of you did last Thursday through Sunday when you were working on local mission projects and 'doing service for others'. Some of you spent time praying for others, some baked cookies for others (an ongoing project ), some of us cut and tied blankets for those in need, some served a meal to others, some of you gave supplies and made hygiene kits for Midwest Missions. Still others gave their time and labor weeding at Cary Home while kids made cards for veterans. Our preschoolers collected acorns and pine cones for KNOW craft projects! Toiletries and cleaning supplies were donated to the Lafayette Women's Shelter and some of the Noah's Ark outside equipment was given a 2nd coat of stain. Stidham UMC (aka SUMC) has been involved in these local missions for 8 years often adding a new project when there is a need. Some of you have also been known to re-roof buildings at Pine Creek Youth Camp and renovate Habitat houses locally. These mission projects may seem small to us but mean so much to those in need. And what are the doers getting out of it? We gain closeness and community working with our peers, spending time together as we work for others. I look forward to local mission projects, ie: Mission Sunday, Baked Steak Dinner, SUMC spring clean up, because of the camaraderie with my church family. And I personally, am much happier on the giving end of mission work than the receiving end. So a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who helped with any of the local mission projects last week! It was fun to be in community with so many of you while doing Gods' work. We are blessed to be well and able to give physically and financially to others. Do you have new mission projects in mind? Bring them on; SUMC can help! In service for others; Cathy Proverbs 3:27 (MSG) Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God s hand for that person. 7
Stidham UMC Attendance and Weekly Giving Report 2015 September 2015 Attendance Weekly Giving SS Totals Worship Totals 09-06-2015 17 70 87 09-06-2015 $ 3,703.00 $ 695.00 $ 4,398.00 09-13-2015 12 86 98 09-13-2015 $ 2,243.02 $ 1,210.00 $ 3,45302 *09-19-2015 0 0 0 * 09-19-2015 $ 0,000.00 $ 2,905.00 $ 2,905.00 09-20-2015 18 102 120 09-20-2015 $ 2,655.25 $ 410.00 $ 3,065.25 09-27-2015 12 90 102 $ 1,732.50 $ 20.00 $ 1,752.50 September Totals 59 348 407 09-27-2015 September Totals $ 10,333.77 $ 5,240.00 $ 15,573.77 Budget Income Specials Total Deposit * Deposit 9-19-2015 Specials deposit for the Jill Plantenga Choir Fund August 2015 Income & Expenses General Acct August Income General Acct Jan August Expenses Specials Acct August Income $ 14,692.60 $ 108,086.27 $ 1,010.00 Checkbook Total 8-31-2015 $ 24,699.58 Checkbook Total 8-31-2015 Specials Acct August Expenses $.00 $ 41,643.92 Complete monthly reports are available. If you would like a copy contact Paula in the church office: 765-474-2806 or email: stidhamumc@yahoo.com 8