First United Methodist Church July 2015 July Mission Focus ~ Reach * Renew * Rejoice The Minnesota Conference s vision is for all congregations to live out God s call to grow in love of God and neighbor, reach new people, and heal a broken world. The Minnesota Conference s seven-year plan for congregational development has two components: starting new churches and growing existing churches by equipping them to increase vitality. We have an opportunity to help new people find and experience Christ while stirring our own hearts and aligning them with what God is calling us to do. Sustained prayer and generosity are needed to accomplish the work that God has prepared for us. Here s what the seven-year plan would make possible: Each year for the next seven years, we will start one new church where demographics and opportunity align, assist 20 existing churches in revitalizing their ministries, and partner with a vital parent church to multiply its ministry beyond its current site. These efforts will occur in every district within the Minnesota Conference. Inside this issue: From the pastor... 2 Bell Choir 2 Prayers & Birthdays Dates to remember: July 3 Office Closed July 12 Outdoor Service July 13-17 Pastor Dan on vacation July 16 Doris Brand s 100th birthday July 19 Rev. Claudia Fletcher speaking Celebration coffee hour for Doris Brand July 21 Newsletter Deadline 3 H E L P 3 Summer Lunches 4 Hospitality 5
From the pastor... The Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church has adopted a seven-year plan for congregational development. This plan is called, Reach, Renew, Rejoice. A representative from the Conference presented this plan at an earlier Church Council meeting. Reach, Renew, Rejoice is our mission emphasis for July. remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Grace and Peace, Pastor Dan This plan consists of two components. First, we will be starting new churches. We start new churches because we are obedient to Christ s command to make disciples of all nations. Jesus also told us we are to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. We plant new churches because this was what John Wesley, our founder, did. He started new places of worship for new people. We start new churches because...well, did you know the United States is considered the third largest mission field in the world? Each one of us knows someone who does not attend worship of any kind. (By the way, we might try inviting them to First UMC. Offer to pick them up. Most people attend worship for the first time because someone invited them.) The second component is growing existing churches. Programs are in place to assist churches in their growth. Many of you may have heard of the Healthy Church Initiative. It is a program designed for mid-sized churches to enable them to grow spiritually, numerically, and in community impact. There is no doubt that First UMC has experienced some growth. I believe we are having a significant impact on our community. Still, something like Healthy Church Initiative might be a program that could further move us along. The Bell Choir needs you Do you enjoy listening to the Bell Choir play? Can you read music? Ever thought it would be fun to play bells? The Bell Choir needs 8-11 people to play our music. Plus, we really could use a director someone to help us keep the beat. *The Bell Choir plays the third Sunday of each month, Sept-May, with practice most Monday evenings 6-7pm. *A commitment of one month to 9 months is ok with us! *If you ve never rung bells before, we ll teach you! *Don t worry if you are too old or too young! Ability to read music is all that is required. If you are interested in playing or just want to try it before committing, contact Patsy Berglund (651-408 -9642)or Linda Ploog (651-257-3323). So Reach, Renew, Rejoice...a seven-year congregational development plan. It is a good plan. I support it. Needless to say, such an endeavor needs funding. I have made a three-year financial commitment to the program. First UMC s commitment will be to include Reach, Renew, Rejoice in our mission giving for the next three years. So I am inviting you to give generously to this mission. Our giving will yield fruit. People will come to know Jesus. Disciples will be developed. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And 2
New Address: Tim & Roslyn Hess 1134 Gloucester Ferry Rd. Greenville, SC 29307 They extend their regards and thanks for prayers during their move. Prayer Requests from the bulletin: Cole Anderson Chuck Zimmerman Janice McCafferty Hannah Irvin Brad Elshaug Chuck Loula Connie Buelow Pat McDermott Kimberly Carlson Doris Brand Celebration Coffee Time for Doris Brand Mark Sunday, July 19 following the worship service on your calendar. We will be celebrating 100 years young with Doris Brand! Doris actual birthday is July 16. Her address is: Parmly Lifepointes 28210 Old Towne Rd. Chisago City MN 55013 Thank you from Trustees: A huge thank you to Irv and Dorothy Lecy for washing all the church windows inside and out, also doing a little painting on windows. What a blessing to have them both in our church. Nursery We are pleased to be able to provide a Nursery during the worship service. It is designed for infants through 2 years. Children are always welcome in the worship service. Birthdays! Anna Brohaugh.July 1 Pat McDermott.July 1 Jessie Johnson July 1 Cole Loeffelholz.July 2 Carroll Keller.July 3 Allen Kask.July 3 David Hansen.July 5 Irene Orton.July 11 Tyler Keesee.July 13 Beth Lunsford.July 15 Karly Oehme.July 15 Doris Brand.July 16 Linda Ploog.July 18 Glenn Polzine.July 18 George Hultman.July 19 Nora Hess.July 22 Phyllis Perry.July 23 Vicki Palmer.July 23 Ashley Oehme.July 25 Verna Hultman.July 28 Jack Danielson.July 28 Amber Hultman.July 31 Lauren Youngquist.July 31 H E L P Health Equipment Lending Program Do you or someone you know need temporary medical equipment? HELP began in 2010 with the idea of three men from the community (two from Trinity Lutheran Church and one from First UMC) who saw the need for health equipment to be available to all who may have need of it. HELP offers used medical equipment to anyone with a temporary need. The equipment can be borrowed for up to six months, but can be extended with a phone call. The equipment is housed at First UMC. The equipment is donated by individuals and health care providers. It is cleaned and sanitized before being issued for use. Call the church office, 257-4306, for information on what equipment is available for your use or to donate used equipment. 3
Unidos en Cristo weekends Experience New Testament Christianity Unidos en Cristo (formally Cursillo) is a 3-day learning, sharing and inspirational experience of living in a Christian community. During the three days of a week-end, a person experiences authentic Christian fellowship and the joy of being part of a genuine Christian community. 2015 #275 Men s: November 5-8 #276 Women s: November 12-15 Held at Brunswick UMC, Crystal 2016 #277 Men s: January 21-24 #278 Women s: January 28-31 Held at Colonial Church, Edina If you would like to participate in an Unidos en Cristo weekend or would like more information, please contact Scott or Cheryl Lecy, 651-462-5725. Prison Ministry...if you re interested in Charis Prison Ministry, please contact Jim or Connie Buelow, 651-465-3024. Our General Fund Budget for 2015 is $189,000 which becomes $15,750 per month. General Fund giving for May was $16,048. Thank you for your support of our ministries! Worship Attendance in June June 7 93 Family Pathways Summer Lunch Program Hunger doesn t take a summer vacation, go to camp, or grill in the back yard. School is out. Free or reduced lunch is over and many families now have to provide extra meals to their children while they are home for summer break. You can help provide a Summer Lunch Bag to each school aged child containing childfriendly food items to help relieve some of the pressure of providing extra meals during the summer while the children are home from school. Please help collect child-friendly food items. Here is a list of items needed: Spaghetti O s Mac n Cheese Tomato Soup Vegetable Beef Soup Fruit Snacks Canned Fruit Chicken Noodle Soup Canned Vegetables Child-friendly snacks are welcome. There is a grocery cart in the foyer for your donations. Online Bill Pay Do you use your computer to pay your bills on-line? If you do, you may want to send your church offering/ pledge through the same on-line bill pay service. You can set up an automatic payment plan or a one time contribution. It s easy: * First, login to your bill pay account * Select Add a Bill * Select Create an account without an account number (use the address and phone number below) First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 688 Lindstrom, MN 55045 651-257-4306 Please see Greg Oien or Scott Lecy if you have any questions. June 14 71 June 21 132 June 28 102 4
THIS N THAT HOSPITALITY, JULY 2015 1. CPR CLASS AT 1 ST UMC: Several church members participated in a CPR class provided by the Lakes Region EMS (Emergency Medical Service) on June 8, 2015. These people are qualified and comfortable to assist should an emergency occur: Dick Berglund, Nancy Grossman, Lloyd Jones, Cheryl Lecy, Scott Lecy, Linda Ploog, Paul Prokosch, Floyd Paurus, and Nancy Paurus. Dave and Jan Freemore, from Wyoming United Methodist also attended, as did three others from the area. Congratulations and thank you for preparing yourselves for a medical emergency. 3. COMMUNITY DINNER AT ZION CHURCH: A hundred or more people partake of the Monday night meals at Zion each week. 1stUMC continues to provide workers, treats, & beverages for this community outreach. A few of our members have consistently served since the program began. If you are looking for Donn Arnold you can usually find him doing dishes in the church kitchen. Carroll Keller faithfully fills salad bowls, fruit cups, and whatever else is needed. Nancy Grossmann circulates among the eaters, cleaning tables, getting drinks, and engaging in cheerful conversation. Monday nights are special for everybody: those who are served, and those who serve. If you haven t participated in some way, think about it: come to volunteer; come to eat; or both---either way you are contributing to the success of this fellowship mission. 2. SUMMER WEDDINGS: Weddings have been a rarity at 1 st UMC, but this year we are having a marriage bonanza. Pete Olson was married earlier this spring in the Chapel. The Jon Scott Pearson and Vicki Ellen Mulbrandt wedding took place on Monday, June 1, at 4:00 p.m. The date was chosen because their respective parents weddings were both on the same day June 1! Ed and Shirley Oswald s grandson, Joshua Ulrick, married Lisa Koh on a weather perfect day at an outdoor ceremony in our Pavilion with a reception in the Fellowship Hall. Congratulations to all. May you have many years of wedded bliss. Watch for news of another wedding in August. Carroll Keller 4. PAVERS: Forty pavers are on order and engraving should be completed in the middle of July. These are In Memory Of bricks for deceased members of our church. Some twenty more will be ordered soon. Remember it is NOT TOO LATE to order. Ed Oswald will continue to enlarge the patio/ walkway as more pavers are ready. In His Service and Yours, J. Morgan 5
Meals on Wheels Deliverers July 1 Marvin Hultquist July 2 Dick Berglund & Wally Ostlie July 3 Greg McCarthy July 6 Joe Rystrom July 7 Ron & Juanita Morgan July 8 Larry & Shirley Knopf July 9 Michelle Gillespie July 10 Gary Gerke & Jim McDermott July 13 George Hultman July 14 Carroll Keller & Grace Schmidt July 15 Lois Anderson & Marna Gerke July 16 Bonnie Vastka July 17 Jim & Joyce Stafki July 20 Joan Demunck July 21 Harold & Jan Lovaas July 22 Jack & Sandy Danielson July 23 Donn & Sharlene Arnold July 24 Dick Berglund & Wally Ostlie July 27 Floyd & Nancy Paurus July 28 Cindy Kopp July 29 Jan Gravelle & Diana Westrum July 30 Georgia Burg July 31 Marvin Hultquist Meals on Wheels Co-Coordinators: Carroll Keller, 257-2225 Juanita Morgan, 257-9268 Tech Ministries Schedule July 5 Sound: Bruce Larsen Accompanist: Kay Oien July 12 Sound: Scott Lecy Accompanist: Sue Hanvey July 19 Sound: Craig Stockel Accompanist: Colleen Kopp July 26 Sound: Bruce Larsen Accompanist: Sue Hanvey Hope Circle meeting... Hope Circle will be meeting Thursday, July 9 at 9:30 a.m. All women of the church are invited! If you would like a request for prayer to go out on our Prayer Chain, please call Connie Buelow, 651-465-3024, or Lois Anderson, 651-213-1036, or the church office, 257-4306. Would you like to be a part of the Prayer Chain? Please call the church office for more information. Can we be of help? Prayer Chain Church Office Hours: Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Pastor Dan is available to help you with your spiritual journey and the door is open most mornings. Please give us a call at 257-4306 if we can be of help to you in any way. Church email address: firstmethodist@usfamily.net Pastor Dan s email address: dan.d@usfamily.net Printed Sunday Messages available Pastor Dan s Sunday messages are printed each week following the Sundays on which they have been delivered. You may pick up a printed copy in the church foyer. Please contact the church office, 257-4306, if you d like a copy of a previous message not available in the foyer. You can also read previous Sunday messages online at www..
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Office Hours Monday Friday 8:00a 2:30p 1 2 7:30p Worship Team 3 Office closed for holiday 4 Independence Day! 5 10:00a Worship 11:15a Fellowship 6 7 8a District Meetings lounge 6:30p Men s Softball field 1 7:30p Men s Softball field 1 8 9 9:30a Hope Circle Pastor Dan out of office Covenant Group 10 12p Class Reunion 11 12 10:00a Worship Outdoor Service 13 14 6:30p Men s Softball Sunrise 15 16 7:30p Worship Team 17 18 11:15a Fellowship ***Pastor Dan 7:30p Men s Softball Sunrise 7p Finance on vacation July 13-17 Doris Brand s 100th Birthday! ************** ************* 19 10:00a Worship / Pastor Claudia Fletcher speaking 11:15a Fellowship - Doris Brand s 100th Birthday Party Mission Sunday~ UMC Reach, Renew, Rejoice 26 10:00a Worship 11:15a Fellowship 20 21 7:30p Men s Softball field 2 7p Trustees Newsletter deadline 27 28 6:30p Men s Softball field 1 7:30p Men s Softball field 2 22 23 24 25 Club Rock to Wild Mountain 29 30 7:30p Worship Team 31
First United Methodist Church 30828 Irene Ave. P.O. Box 688 Lindstrom, MN 55045 (651) 257*4306 Fax (651) 257*8039 Address Service Requested Contains dated material July 2015 Sent with a prayer to: First United Methodist Church Pastor Dan Doughty The Grace Courier is a monthly publication of First United Methodist Church. Deadline: the third Tuesday of each month for inclusion in the next month s publication. Articles received after this date will not be printed. Place articles in the secretary s mailbox, on the desk in the office or email them to the church. The editor reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. We welcome you to worship with us! Worship Practicing Grace Until We Are Perfected In Love 9:00 a.m. Coffee fellowship 10:15 a.m. Our Ministry Team: Pastor Dan Doughty (dan.d@usfamily.net) Administrative Secretary / Treasurer... Carol Schmidt Worship Coordinator Kay Oien Children s Coordinator... Laurie Doughty Youth Coordinators Scott & Cheryl Lecy Choir Director Kay Oien Praise Band Leader Beth Lunsford Church Council Chairperson Terry Keesee Finance Chairperson Scott Lecy Financial Secretary... Linda Ploog Lay Leader Craig Stockel Lay Member to Annual Conference Beth Lunsford Mission Chairperson Nancy Grossmann Staff/Parish Relations Chairperson Jim Caldwell Trustees Chairperson Lloyd Jones Custodian Cheryl Hultquist Office email: firstmethodist@usfamily.net Web site: