The Growing Edge (A Monthly Publication of Fridley United Methodist Church) Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. November 2018 INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Pastor 2 Education 4 Events & Opportunities 6 Missions 5 UMW News 7 55+ Singles Breakfast 6 You are invited! Thanksgiving Worship Service Tuesday, November 20 th at 7:00 PM -------------------------------------------------- NOVEMBER 2018 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 rd Guys Gathering, Grit & Spit, 9:00 AM Grateful Gathering, 10:00 AM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 th All Saints Day; Daylight Saving Time Ends Prayer Chain Information Call to share your joys and concerns National United Methodist Prayer Chain: 1-800-251-2468 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 th Harvest Dinner and Bake Sale SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Fridley Alumni Choir Concert THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 nd Happy Thanksgiving! TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 TH Charge Conference for Pastoral Compensation 7:00 PM.
PASTOR WAYNE S WORLD The church is in transition. Not just here at Fridley UMC, but the Church as it exists throughout the entire world. What will the future look like? Is there even a future? I believe there certainly is, and I believe that Jesus Christ is still building His church even in the midst of these times of great uncertainty. As membership in mainline or denominational churches in America continues to decline year after year, there are some churches that buck those trends. They are growing, they are healthy, and they are notably effective in ministry and mission. One of my professors at Luther Seminary, Dr. Teri Elton, has spent several years researching and studying many of these abnormal congregations throughout the country and has discovered that these healthy, growing churches have 8 common characteristics. I share them here with you as a means to start us thinking about our own future at Fridley UMC. I hope that you will prayerfully consider and reflect upon this list and will join me in exploring, imagining, and dreaming of what the future of our congregation could be. 1. They have an active and present view of God. In other words, they believe that God shows up! 2. The world is our horizon. They have an outward-facing posture and are constantly stretching out toward others who are not already part of their congregation. There is no committee for this; it is just part of everything they do. 3. Discipleship is a way of life. They are passionate about their faith individually and corporately. Not just a program or a class, but a lifestyle. They actively seek to follow where Jesus is leading them by praying together regularly and they actively work to discern God s will for their congregation. 4. They view their congregation as a network of people. Almost everything is operated through relationships rather than through formal committees. They have minimal governmental or formal structures, which frees people from burdensome meetings and allows more time to pursue their mission. They create temporary task forces rather than committees when necessary, but they exist only for very specific functions and then are dissolved. 5. Leadership is an ongoing dance between the pastor(s) and lay leaders. The pastor(s) cast the vision, and then empower the people to take action rather than constantly ask for permission. 2 continued on page 3
6. Ministry is always first priority, then comes mission (or task). The tasks/actions must support the ministry. They believe that ministry is spreading the Gospel and making disciples through a variety of means. Missions is not localized to a program or a committee, it is something that happens through a combination of sharing, storytelling, community involvement, and organic, relational connections between people in and outside of the church. 7. Denominational identity is important to them but is always secondary to their Christian identity. Christ first, then denomination. 8. They have a flexible and adaptive posture which allows for rapid change. They see structures as fluid, living systems that change and adapt as needs change. They believe that they are called to spread out into the world, not just to grow in one place. I look forward to continuing to partner with you as we consider Fridley UMC Moving Forward. I do not for one minute believe that God is finished with us, individually or congregationally, and I have great hope that our congregation can and will be another mainline church that defies the odds and bucks the current trends. Why? Because when we remember that Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone of all that we are and all that we do, and when we take seriously our mission, To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, then we will continue to become the very Church that Jesus has promised to build. It is my great honor to serve with you during this time of transition. Peace be with you. Sincerely, Pastor Bob From Finance and Stewardship Committee Again for 2019 Pledge Cards are in the mail for return by November 11, 2018 to allow time for building the 2019 FUMC Budget. As 2018 draws to a close FUMC has had a very successful year. We will be announcing the opportunity for electronic giving as Howie Chatfield will be presenting 2 planned sessions on "how to" after Sunday Services. Rainbow School has a waiting list of potential students and we hope our new sign out front points people to try FUMC as their Church Family. We all can be thankful FUMC remains a sanctuary for allowing us the freedom to worship and serve as a fulfillment of our time on earth. When adversity or sorrow enters our lives, FUMC remains a safe haven for reducing our grief and keeps us going. We are blessed with good FUMC Pastoral and Lay support and we look to 2019 to continue to provide for members and friends the experience FUMC provides. 3
EDUCATION. EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Sunday School starts 10:45 AM. PASTOR WAYNE S INTERGENERATIONAL CONFIRMATION/DISCIPLESHIP CLASS: This is an opportunity for everyone from middle school to old school. Meet in the choir room, and bring your refreshments with you. We will learn to be apprentices of Jesus in his new kingdom living. LINKING FAITH AND LIFE CLASS is a learning opportunity where participants explore current life topics from a faith perspective. This class meets upstairs in the Sunday School room next to the computer room. SEEKERS BIBLE STUDY CLASS is Bible study class that meets in the far corner of Fellowship Hall. The lessons are based on the Common Lectionary, which often (but not always) correspond with the scripture for our worship service. Children are welcome to attend worship with their family. Children s supplies (children s bulletins and crayons) can be found just outside the back sanctuary doors. ALSO (mid-week learning opportunity) WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE SHAPING STUDY at 9:30 AM. EXPLORING DISCIPLESHIP meets Wednesday evenings from 6:00-7:00 PM. Together we will explore and learn what the Bible teaches us about living as followers of God and disciples of Jesus Christ. Using the Bible as our guide, we will gather around God s stories and explore how God is still working in and through our church and our lives to send us out to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This class is co-led by the Pastors, and is designed for anyone seeking to deepen their faith and walk with our Lord. Come and see! MEN'S BIBLE STUDY meets every Friday morning at 6:30 AM at Keys Cafe on the east side of University Avenue NE, in Spring Lake Park. We eat breakfast, take turns leading that week's lesson, guiding us through scripture, story and discussion. We share prayer concerns. The Bible study text that we use is The New International Lesson Annual. All men are welcome. For more information contact Roger Olson. 4
A GATHERING FOR GUYS Grit & Spit will be on Saturday, November 3 rd at 9:00 AM at the Fridley American Legion; 7365 Central Ave. NE, Fridley. There will be coffee, rolls, and spirited conversation. Hope you all can make it. MISSIONS. Mission Giving for November is UMCOR This month the Mission Team has chosen UMCOR for its giving! It was chosen due to the disasters which have happened in our country in the last months. We will ask to designate the money given to go to people who are rebuilding from recent hurricanes, flooding and fires, where people are experiencing hardships and loss. UMCOR is the humanitarian relief arm of the United Methodist Church and it works globally to relieve human suffering and advance hope and healing to all people. 100% of all money given goes totally to these causes. It has been at work in the world since its beginning in the 1940s. Please use the Mission envelopes in the pews and give generously to those who are in need in our country. Your giving will be very much appreciated. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY is November 25, 2018. This is one of the six special Sundays during the year that we have the opportunity to help with various ministries. Monetary gifts to the United Methodist Student Day offering help deserving United Methodist students continue their education and their faith journeys as they strive to make a difference in the world and discern what God has called them to do. Special offering envelopes will be supplied in the bulletin on that Sunday. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HATS, SCARVES & GLOVES AT FAMILY TABLE: Brrrrr! It s time to collect cold weather accessories to give away at Family Table. Thick gloves for adult men and women would especially be appreciated by our guests. Children s supplies will go to our Rainbow School and our neighboring schools. Look for the giving tree to arrive in the lounge in early November; items will need to be in by Friday, November 23 rd to start giving them away for the season. Thank you for taking care of our neighbors! 5
55+. 55+ SINGLES BREAKFAST! 55+ folks, join us for breakfast at Perkins at 7520 University Ave in Fridley, every first Monday of each month at 9:30 AM. This is just a social time come, relax and enjoy the company of FUMC friends. EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 6
SPECIAL MISSION RECOGNITION AWARD - It is that time of year again to start thinking about who you want to nominate for a Special Mission Recognition Award. Write a letter about the person that you want to nominate and tell us why you feel they should be chosen. You will need to include things they have done at church. Place your letter in the UMW box in the church office by Sunday, November 25 th. We will award the winners on UMW Sunday in January. Thank you. POINSETTIAS - A tradition at FUMC is to use poinsettias in the sanctuary. Poinsettias will be available for order starting November 11 th order forms will be in the Sunday bulletins. The color choices are red or white. Price is $9.00 each. Payment must accompany your order. The last day for ordering is Sunday, December 2 nd. Thank you. ADVENT DECORATING: Your help is needed to adorn our sanctuary and other parts of our church for the Advent Season. We will decorate on Sunday, November 25 at 1:00 PM. There will be a sign up sheet in the hallway starting November 11 th. Many hands will make the decorating go fast! UMW NEWS FRIDLEY UNITED METHODIST WOMEN NAOMI CIRCLE will not meet in November. Everyone should plan to attend the Harvest Dinner and Bake Sale on November 9 th instead. RUTH CIRCLE will meet November 13 th at 1:00 PM at the home of Evelyn Skurich. Co-hostess will be Jean Mills. Judy Schuldt will give the Program centering on the World Thank Offering. Diane Jachymowski will do the Devotions. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Thank you for such a wonderful outpouring of grace and kindness poured out upon our family with the passing of my mom, Mavis Swanson. Mom so enjoyed her many visits to worship with us at Fridley UMC. She made precious friends with some of you. Your presence at her visitation and funeral, along with so many cards and prayers is good medicine for our souls. Blessings, Pastor Wayne and Family Many thanks to all who attended and participated in Curt Dahlberg s memorial service and visitation. Thank you to Pastor Wayne, all the musicians, and Jim Jachymowski. Special thanks to Judy and Bob Schuldt who facilitated the arrangements, to Brenda LaBarre, and to Leone and Jinny and the funeral roster. We are a grateful family. Joyce, Eric and Curt THANK YOU VERY MUCH to everyone who helped us with Curt Dahlberg's Memorial Lunch on Saturday, September 29 th by contributing food or helping with setup, serving, cleanup and tablecloth laundering. Also thank you to Donna Munter and Bonnie Miller, the September Service Roster Cochairs, for their phone calling for food donations. We appreciate all of you very much! Leone, Jinny and the FUMW Funeral Reception Committee Again this year THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! From SACA, (delivered 65 lbs.), Ralph Reeder Food Shelf, (delivered 77 lbs.), and Tabitha Circle for your donations of cake mixes and frosting. All have been delivered and gratefully received by volunteers for distribution to families in need. This could only happen with your support! Know you are deeply appreciated. Thank you to Diane Jachymowski, Sandra Locker and Judy Ryan who prepared and delivered a warm, nutritious meal to HOPE 4 Youth for enjoyment by those needing a meal on October 9 th. If this is an outreach in which you would like to participate, please contact Judy Ryan or Angela Panter. 8
THANK YOU VOLUNTEER DRIVERS The following people delivered Meals on Wheels, the week of Oct. 15-19. Two Day Drivers: Barb Severni; Jim & Evie Skurich; Pat King and Pat Brown; and Ron & Nancy Newport. One Day Drivers: Jean Mills; Dianne McKusick; Mike & Jody Lee; Chuck Ames; Earl & Donna Steffen; Al & Sue Madison; Gary Boyer; Jim & Diane Jachymowski; Carrol Rahn; Perry & Carol Johs; Marilynn Forsberg; Roger & Leone Olson; and Tim & Janet Fossum. The next week FUMC drives will be December 17-21. Winter help is needed, as some snow birds will already be gone, and others will be getting ready to leave town. Talk to any of the above people or call me for details about meal delivery. Our church delivers to people in Fridley and Spring Lake Park. Janet Fossum; FUMC Meals on Wheels Coordinator. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 th Daylight Saving Time Ends CHARGE CONFERENCE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 TH AT 7:00 PM 9