A Joint Newsletter of St. John s Episcopal Church & Union Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ October 2018
Exciting changes are happening here at Mansface Church. Painting is completed, flooring is in progress and is looking great. We were hoping for everything to by October but flooring will not be completed until the second week in October at the earliest. If your group usually meets here we are asking to extend your temporary meeting places until construction is complete. We will update you when we have a better understanding on a date your group may return to normal meetings. Thank you everyone for your patience.
PASTORAL PONDERINGS Oh my goodness! Where did summer go?? And September? It will be Christmas before we know it. In fact, I ve already started planning for Advent and there are Christmas decorations already showing up on store shelves. What? We haven t even had Halloween yet! Or our Pumpkin Patch! Ready or not, the fall season is upon us and there are a lot of exciting things going on here at Mansface Church. Hopefully the flooring will be done and things will be put back together in our building. World Communion Sunday and our Neighbors in Need Offering kick off the month on October 7 th. Pumpkins should arrive the week of the 9 th. Stewardship conversations begin mid-month. The Intermountain Association meets later. We have another meal With Our Neighbors And did I mention Pumpkin Patch? To add to the fun and excitement of the month, I have a couple of trips planned: one to enjoy time with some colleagues in Oregon, and then later in the month a trip to Texas to celebrate my mom s 85 th birthday. I also hope to get my office put back together. October will be a month for me of trying to juggle personal time with important work and ministry. Did I tell you I juggle? Not very well, but I can. I ve learned to do it in confined spaces so I don t have to chase dropped balls too far. Ha ha. But seriously, life often feels like a juggling act. You experience this too; I know. The trick is finding a rhythm (and breathing) as we toss the balls into motion. It s also being aware of our space (in time and place). For the most part, life doesn t happen in confined spaces, but it s good to have a sense of limits and allow ourselves some time to breathe and regroup. As we juggle lots of balls in October, getting ready even for the holidays, I pray that your life is filled with color, laughter and fun. When things get to harried, stop; take a deep breath and lean into God s strength. Oh, that s the other thing I learned about juggling it s much more fun and creative with others. Don t be afraid to toss a few balls to a fellow juggler or even to God, the master juggler who keeps all the stars and planets in orbit and who watches over all people with care. In closing, a word of hope: Psalm 146: 5-10, from Everyday Psalms, by James Taylor Put your faith in God. God made heaven and earth, the sea, the sky and the continents. God made everything that lives in the waters, that walks on the earth, that flies in the skies. God keeps faith with them all. Surely God will do the same for you. God s spirit proclaims good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind. God s holy spirit lifts up those who are bent over with responsibilities, who are burdened with the struggle to do what is right. God watches over us all, no matter who we are, no matter where we are on life s journey. God will not break faith. Not now. Not ever. Thank God for that! Peace and joy, Pastor Jenny
Friday 10/5 Wednesday, 10/10 Pastor Jenny on vacation Sunday 10/7: World Communion Sunday with guest: Rev. Jason Boyd 9:00 a.m. Worship, Communion & Fellowship Monday 10/8: 7:00 p.m. Trustees Tuesday 10/9: 4:00 p.m. PUMPKIN DELIVERY (we hope!) Sunday 10/14: 9:00 a.m. Worship & Faith Exploration Fellowship Sunday 10/21: 9:00 a.m. Worship & Fellowship 10:35 a.m. Council Tuesday 10/23 4:30-6:30 p.m. With Our Neighbors Dinner Saturday 10/27: 9:30 a.m. Intermountain Assn Fall Mtg, Vernal 10:00 a.m. Pumpkin Patch BAKE SALE Friday 10/26 Tuesday 10/30 Pastor Jenny on vacation Sunday, 10/28: 9:00 a.m. Worship & Faith Exploration Fellowship Wednesday, 10/31: Happy Halloween Final day of Pumpkin Sales Jan Leonard 3 Mary Beery 7 Pam Nichelson 9 Duane Kerr 17 Kathryn Sweat 21 William Allen 23 Kurt Allen 28 Ray Richardson 27 WEEKLY CHURCH EVENTS: Sundays 9:00 a.m. Worship Mondays 8:45 a.m. Coffee Group Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. Craft Group Check office calendar for scouts and other regular groups.
FAITH EXPLORATION Sunday, September 9th, we kicked off a new season of Faith Exploration. Following the Chancel Chat children head off with their teachers for a special time of exploring and growing in the Christian faith. We do this every 2 nd and 4 th Sunday of each month from September through May. Sandy Johnson is handling the teacher sign-up. Give her a shout if you d like to teach one or more Sundays. Curriculum is in the church office. Jackie Rockhold has it all organized in folders for each week. PUMPKINS ARE COMING! The pumpkins are scheduled to arrive at Mansface Church at 4:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 9 th. We will need lots of volunteers to help unload the truck. Please bring your strong backs and wheelbarrows to the church that afternoon. Dinner will be provided after the fun is done. Please keep in mind that this time is dependent upon the weather at the farm. They cannot load wet pumpkins. If there are changes, you will be notified by email and a sign will be posted at the church. Sign-up sheets for selling the pumpkins will be available on the bulletin board by the office. A huge thank you to all who are able to help. Bake Sale It s time to start putting together your tastiest treats for our annual bake sale held in conjunction with the Pumpkin Patch. This year s sale will be held on October 27 th, so if you have freezer space, you can start your baking early. This is always a huge hit with the public, so thanks in advance for all you do.
-Guest Preacher Sunday, October 7 th, the Reverend Jason Boyd, from First UCC, Rock Springs, will be our guest preacher and worship leader. He will not only bring us a fresh perspective of God s word for our lives, but he will also remind us as we break the Bread of Life, that Christ s Table is global. Come welcome Pastor Jason and celebrate God s goodness and blessings. Intermountain Association Fall Meeting The fall meeting of the Intermountain Association of the Rocky Mountain Conference is Saturday, October 27th, from 9:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. at New Jerusalem UCC in Midvale, UT. Each church is invited to have 2 or more members for this time of business, fellowship and sharing. Let Pastor Jenny or Kathy Wiekhorst know if you can represent Union. October 7, 2018 This special mission offering supports the United Church of Christ s ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN supports the UCC s Council for American Indian Ministries. Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC s Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts and direct service projects. In fact, Union Congregational received a grant for our work in the community! Woo hoo. See Sharing With Our Neighbors article. Also, if you d like to know more about the UCC Justice and Witness Ministry, go to www.ucc.org/justice for more info. Narcotics Anonymous Mansface Church is home to the local NA chapter. Sunday night meetings are always an open meeting which means if you or a loved one is struggling with a drug addiction, you are welcomed to come. They meet at 8:00 p.m. in the Sunday School rooms.
Sharing with our Neighbors SAVE THE DATE!!!!!! We are sharing another meal at Rock Butte. Tuesday October 23rd, 2018 4:30-6:30 p.m. Menu: most likely chili and/or hot dogs Pot luck side dishes with a Fall Flavor Halloween inspired desserts! Now for the details and good news! Our church has received a special grant from our conference for $1800 to help with our Sharing with our Neighbors dinners. This grant is called In the Mud and funds grassroots projects. It is exciting to be a recipient of this grant. These monies will allow us to meet new neighbors in our community and we are interested in meeting the people who reside at Green Rock. These plans are not firm yet but we hope to do a dinner with them in November. Because of these funds we will be able to buy the main meat course which will allow our congregation to provide only side dishes and desserts. We will be able to provide opportunities to include more children for VBS, Easter, and other community activities. If you have ideas which haven t been suggested as a way to meet our Neighbors in this community please share with Kathy Weikhorst, Judy Graham, Rev. Jenny or anyone on Church Council! WHO KNOWS WHO WE WILL MEET ON THEIR LIFE JOURNEY!
Moderator s Message October 2018 The leaves of autumn are beginning to fall, and our church is not falling but instead the building is definitely brightening up. New paint, new floors are getting in place. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the capital campaign for these improvements!! This weekend, on September 29 th, will find many members celebrating the 150 th year of the railroad down on Railroad Avenue. We have a booth where individuals may decorate a wooden cross or heart, with sand. Thanks to Dan Ely for his effort in creating these items. October brings many exciting adventures, with our Pumpkin Patch and Bake Sale on October 27 th. Our members are busy baking for this, so come one, come all!!!! We are planning another Rock Butte dinner on October 23. So will be looking forward to reconnecting with our friends there over a meal. Save the date for the harvest dinner which will be held on November 17 th! Lots of opportunities to share your church with others. We are all part of one big picture, loving one another and walking in HIS light. Xoxoxo Kathy Union Congregational Church has joined Amazon Smile! For every penny you spend, Amazon donates a percentage back to us. Please help us by linking your amazon account with amazon smile. Just go to the link below and follow the steps. Don t forget to share it with your friends and family. Once you are registered remember to always start your shopping from www.smile.amazon.com for your purchases to count! (the best way to remember this is to bookmark it in your browser) Happy Shopping!!! https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0306958 Does someone s drinking bother you? Al-Anon can help. Meetings are held in Green River at 96 N. 1st E St., Green River, Wyoming on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm.
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St John s Episcopal Church 350 Mansface / P.O. Box 400 Green River, WY 82935 mansfacechurch@sweetwaterhsa.com St. John s October Worship Schedule October 7, 20th Sunday After Pentecost 11:00 Morning Prayer Service: Chuck Realing Reader: Wilma Realing October 14, 21st Sunday After Pentecost 11:00 Holy Eucharist Service: Ruth Lauritzen Reader: Jeff Travis October 21, 22nd Sunday After Pentecost 11:00 Holy Eucharist Service: Ruth Lauritzen Reader: Angie Bennett October 28, 28th Sunday After Pentecost 11:00 Morning Prayer with HE Service Leader: Terry Warren Reader: Tony Harrell
The Priest s Corner In St. John s congregation we have very little representation from the under- 50 crowd. This is not uncommon in churches now days, but is a real shame, in my opinion. It is a good thing for kids to know that they are not the center of the universe. This is the reason that I began going to church 15 years ago, I felt that my sons needed to know there was someone and something bigger out there. Even though we don t have young members coming to church, we do participate in some youth ministries. We do this by partnering with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, providing a space for them to meet. I am proud to be part of a church which sponsors these programs. The programs teach character and develop leadership skills in the youth of today who are so in need of these things. It is my hope that we can all realize the good things that these organizations do for our youth and to continue to help them in any way we can. ~Ruth Thursday Night Book Study The Thursday evening Bible class is beginning a lectionarybased study of the scripture passages for Sunday. We meet at 6:30 p.m. and are usually home by 8:00 p.m. All are welcome. Our prayers go out to the family of Dick Waggener who passed away this month. Sympathy cards may be sent to Eleanor Waggener 1463 Wyman Ct. Laramie, WY. 82072 2993 The next Vestry meeting will be Sunday, October 21st, after coffee hour.
Please remember these families in your prayers Dean Maki in your prayers as he goes through surgery. Mike Hanks, Angie Bennet, Morris and Trish Sheets, Cherie and Jack Haire, Eleonore, Jose Alvarez, Margo, Jack, Kyle, Tim, Evie Grace Huebner, Kasyn, the Porter family, Marion, Kenny, Nathan and Briana Wolfe, Joan Palin, Gary Rieben, Friede Foster, Harris Foster, Debbie and Kendra. Kylee Lewis 4 Ana Maria Ortega 4 Jack Bennett 16 Margaret Warby 18 Sarah Cummings Wilson 18 Theresa Warren 28 Susannah Cummings 28 Thrift Shop News. We bid a fond and sad farewell to Nora Storti who will return to her winter home in Mesquite at the end of the month. Nora has been with me three days a week throughout the summer. She will be missed. We welcome new volunteers Lynette Rodriquez, Barbara Christiansen and Sandra Banks. Thanks for your help. Are you in need of a Halloween costume? Check out St. John s Thrift Shop! We have a lot of Scary stuff.