THE CROSS & THE FLAME Viroqua & Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches P.O. Box 127, Viroqua, WI 54665 February 2015 Dear Friends, This coming Sunday is February 1st. Soon we will be celebrating Ash Wednesday and stepping into Lent. As a Lenten Discipline, I invite all of us to be in prayer. From the Oxford Book of Prayer are many prayers. Jesus prays in Matthew 6: 9b-13, Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Jesus prays in Luke 10:21b-22, I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Jesus prays in John 11:41b-42, Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me. The first Sunday in Lent, O Lord, for our sake didst fast forty days and forty nights; give us grace to use such abstinence, that our flesh being subdued to the Spirit, we may ever obey thy godly inspirations in righteousness, and true holiness, to thy honor and glory, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Pray for the world, world leaders, the USA, Israel and its leaders, for the church universal, for families, friends, strangers, for peace and freedom for all people. Pray that God would bless each of us with the fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. Sincerely, Pastor Jean Viroqua & Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Mission Statement The Viroqua & Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches exist for the purpose of carrying out Christ s Great Commission by enabling all who come to personally know the joy of God s love and forgiveness and to lovingly share this joy in the fellowship of the church and in reaching people throughout the world.
2 THE FLAME and THE CROSS TABLE OF CONTENTS Worship Committee Minutes...... pg. 3 February Scriptures...pg. 3 Care and Nurture Committee Meeting Minutes... pg. 4 Christian Education Committee Meeting Minutes...pg. 4 Anniversaries, Birthdays and Deaths...pg. 5 Tipping & Tithing...... pg. 6 A Letter from the D.S....... pg. 7 United Methodist Women... pg. 8 Advance Lay Course Information...pg. 8 Lenten Devotions... pg. 9 Radio Broadcast Information...pg. 9 Newsletter Information...pg. 9 Liberty Pole UMC Thanksgiving Leaves... pg. 10 A Thank You From The Fortney Hotel...pg. 11 God does nothing except in response to believing prayer. Prayer is where the action is. (Quote courtesy of Brainy Quotes.com) (Quote courtesy of Brainy Quotes.com) The Cross & The Flame is published monthly by the Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches for our congregation and friends. We welcome you with open hearts, open arms and open doors. VIROQUA UMC/OFFICE 221 S. Center Ave. Viroqua, WI 54665 Phone: 608-637-3551 Fax: 608-638-6351 Email: info@viroquaumc.org www.viroquaumc.org OFFICE HOURS 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 p.m. on Monday & Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - noon on Thursday & Friday LIBERTY POLE UMC S 6759 St. Hwy. 27 Viroqua, WI 54665 Phone: 608-675-3630 STAFF Jean Waldron, Pastor Parsonage Phone: 608-637-7614 Pastor s Direct Line: 608-638-7627 Email: jeanlwaldron@gmail.com Lisa Marsh, Secretary Office Phone: 608-637-3551 Email: info@viroquaumc.org Viroqua UMC Service Assistants Ushers February 1st - Aaron & Angie Hanson February 8th - Jerry Schroeder & Gloria Freilinger February 15th - Orvis & Janice Primmer February 22nd - Dale & Jolene Gudgeon Greeters February 1st - Annabel McGarry February 8th - David Peterson February 15th - Dan Casper February 22nd - Minie Hirschfield Liturgist Sonja Bjerkos Liberty Pole UMC Service Assistants Ushers/Greeters February 1st - Wayne & Barb Robson February 8th - Wayne & Barb Robson February 15th - Jeff & Stacy Matson February 22nd - Jeff & Stacy Matson Liturgist Sandy Marohl (February 1st, 15th, 22nd) Linda Stalsberg (February 8th)
THE FLAME and THE CROSS 3 Worship Committee Minutes January 22nd, 2015 Liberty Pole - Sunday, The Worship Committee met on Thursday, January 22nd at 6:00 pm. In attendance: Pastor Jean, Deb Deaver, Irene Fortney, October 5th Lynn Whitney, Renae Diehl, Dan & Barb Casper, Cavan Fang, Holly Slack, Cyndy Hubbard, and Kathy Hanson. Pastor opened the meeting and read Matthew 6:25-34 and exhorted us to not be anxious. February Scriptures 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Old Business: The Blue Christmas Service had a small attendance but was very meaningful and well received. Immanuel Lutheran Church expressed interest in holding the service next year; it could become a rotating service at different churches in the future. New Business: Adults/$8.00 Children 6-12/$5.00 5 and under/$2.00 Pastor Jean will be gone February 15th; Cyndy will read the prepared sermon at Liberty Pole and Viroqua will find a reader. Ash Wednesday evening service at Liberty Pole will be preceded by a chili/soup supper starting at 5:30 pm. We are having the Stations of the Cross self-guided tour again this year during Holy Week. The Lenten schedule was discussed and finalized. Much discussion took place about keeping the Viroqua service the proper length to ensure the sermon is completed before the broadcast is off the air. The announcements need to be shortened. It was suggested that they be written down before the service allowing the liturgist to read them to save time. Upcoming: April 19th is a tentative hymn sing. May 3rd is Confirmation Sunday. Next Meeting: April 9th at 6:00 pm. February 1st, 4th Sunday of Epiphany Holy Communion Psalm 14 UMH 746 2 Samuel 11:1-15 Galatians 3 John 6:1-21 You Are Abraham s Seed if You Belong To Christ February 8th, 5th Sunday of Epiphany Psalm 84 UMH 804 1 Kings 8:1-11, 22-30, 41-43 Galatians 5 John 6:5-69 Life By The Spirit February 15th, Last Sunday after the Epiphany Psalm 44 UMH 779 Song of Solomon 2:8-13 Galatians 6 Mark 7:1-15, 21-23 Living for Christ February 18th, Ash Wednesday Genesis 3:8-21 Ezekiel 37:1-14 John 3: 1-16 The Valley of Dry Bones February 22nd, Lent I Genesis 4:1-11 Genesis 37:12-28 John 8:31-47 The Hebron Valley
4 THE FLAME and THE CROSS Care & Nurture Committee Meeting Report for January 13th, 2015 The following members were present: Pastor Jean, David Peterson, John Eumurian, Gloria Freilinger, Joanne Hornby, Mike Stephen and Lucky. Pastor Jean opened the meeting with a prayer. Mary and Mike have sent out many cards and Gloria has sent out some to visitors who have given their addresses. The Christmas Shepherd s Run was well received. May 3rd is Confirmation Sunday. Drum practice is reported to be going very well We have noticed our members greeting visitors. Keep up the good work! The Fortney Hotel meal is very appreciated. Soup & Sub orders will be ready for take-out on February 1st at 11:30 am at Viroqua UMC. We are planning to honor our members who have been married 50 years or more on February 15th. Our membership list is currently up to date. We hope it will grow. A television was donated by one of David s neighbors and Mike had donated a VCR. Thank you for these donations. John closed the meeting with prayer and we adjourned at 11:15 am. Respectfully submitted, Gloria Freilinger. Christian Education Committee Meeting Minutes January 6th, 2015 Present: Kathy Hanson, Pastor Jean, Janette Hanson, Joanne Hornby The minutes of the previous meeting were approved by consensus. Reports: Sunday School: New books will be ordered for this semester. Youth/Confirmation: There are only 7 confirmation students now. They will be starting back to class every other Wednesday and will be starting to take sermon notes during church. Old Business: Christmas Program: The Christmas program and fellowship afterward were very nice. Thanks to everyone who shared cookies and to Annabel for serving cookies during December. Committee Membership: Current members will be staying on the committee. New Business: Soup & Subs: The youth will begin the Soup & Subs fundraiser for Sunday, February 1st. They will meet at 9:00 am on Saturday, January 31st to help prepare the subs. Sonja Bjerkos is willing to make the chicken noodle soup for us. We will start taking orders in church this Sunday, January 11th. MacInnis Scholarship: We will wait to receive the letter from VHS to pick out the recipient for the scholarship. This usually takes place in February. Vacation Bible School: There is a discount on VBS materials if they are ordered early, so the VBS committee will pick out a them and order materials to take advantage of the discount. Fortney Meal: The Education Committee will provide the Fortney meal on February 15th. We plan to make chicken and noodles, Jell-O salad, finger rolls and a dessert. Taco Supper: The date for the taco supper will be Wednesday, March 11th starting at 4:30 pm. The youth will help at the super and prepare/decorate for it on Tuesday, March 10th at 3:30 pm. Easter Breakfast: Easter is on Sunday, April 5th (Pastor Jean s birthday!). Plans for the breakfast will be made at a later date. Other business: Pastor Jean s Grandparent Camp at Lake Lucerne will be August 9th this year. Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 3rd at 1:30 pm.
THE FLAME and THE CROSS 5 If you re confused as to why God would die for you, you either need to rethink your vision of his mercy or of your own worth. Tweet Inspiration Allen Primmer (V) BIRTHDAYS February 1st Happy Anniversary Becky Marohl (LP) Paul Naporski (LP) Mary Fox (V) Peach Holland (V) Vanessa Lohr (LP) Trista Diehl (LP) Ida Robson (LP) Michelle Strasser (V) Marlene Swiggum (V) Lynn Whitney (V) February 4th February 5th February 6th February 7th February 7th February 8th February 10th February 10th February 10th February 10th Larry & Annabel McGarry (V) Harry & Mary Fox (V) February 14th February 21st Iva Cade (LP) Axell Lepke (LP) February 14th February 15th Alan Christianson (LP) February 17th Renae Diehl (LP) February 17th James Vikemyr (LP) February 17th Sonja Bjerkos (V) February 19th Riley Gardner (LP) February 19th Barb Casper (V) February 20th Kate Mulvaney-Kemp (V) February 20th Deaths Isabella Ritter-Robson (LP) February 20th Tanner Robson (LP) February 21st Shirley Hanson (V) December 26th, 2014
6 THE FLAME and THE CROSS THE FLAME and THE CROSS 7 A Letter From the D.S. History Committee Meeting Notes The History Committee met on January 14th and continues to work on the Confirmation photos for the hallway in Viroqua. If you have any photos to help us complete this project please bring them into the Church office. Did you know that the first service in the Viroqua UMC sanctuary was held 100 years ago? How fortunate we have been and continue to be to worship in such a beautiful space. Camp is Coming! For information about the 2015 UMC Summer Camps, please call the office (637-3551).
6 THE FLAME and THE CROSS THE FLAME and THE CROSS 7 A Letter From the D.S. History Committee Meeting Notes The History Committee met on January 14th and continues to work on the Confirmation photos for the hallway in Viroqua. If you have any photos to help us complete this project please bring them into the Church office. Did you know that the first service in the Viroqua UMC sanctuary was held 100 years ago? How fortunate we have been and continue to be to worship in such a beautiful space. Camp is Coming! For information about the 2015 UMC Summer Camps, please call the office (637-3551).
8 THE FLAME and THE CROSS Viroqua United Methodist Women The January meeting was cancelled because of bad weather. Our next meeting will be held on February 5th. We have not had a business meeting since November, so we have a number of issues to address. We received a thank you letter from the boy from Mexico whom we sponsor. He had bought a sweater with his Christmas money. DATES TO REMEMBER: The month of February Sunday morning cookies and coffee will be provided by Hospitality I. February 5th, at 1:30 pm the UMW/Lydia Circle will meet in the lounge January 14th, 2015 Liberty Pole United Methodist Women Meeting Minutes The meeting was called to order by Deb Deaver. The UMW Purpose was recited. Secretary s Report: Read and approved with the correction that Deb Solverson paid in instead of serving this month. Treasurer s Report: Read and approved. Old Business: The cookbook was discussed. Judy Erickson shared a copy of the old LP cookbook. Also brought a cookbook that had new recipes in the front and recipes from a previous cookbook in the back. A motion was made by Alice, seconded by Lynn to include the old cookbook in with our new one. We would like to remind everyone to get the recipes in before our next meeting in February. New Business: Pastor Jean filled out Statistical Reports. Liberty Pole will be serving the Fortney meal in March. Server for UMW in February will be Tamie Thompson with Sandy Marohl, Becky Jeroma and Kristy Weis as paying hostesses. The program was given by Joyce Funk. Respectfully submitted by Tamie Thompson. The meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer and Table Prayer. Advance Lay Servant Course LEADING PRAYER DATES: Saturdays, March 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2015 TIME: 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm PLACE: Lancaster United Methodist Church, 216 S. Monroe St., Lancaster, Wisconsin TEACHER/FACILITATOR: Pastor Barbara Cook THEME: This advanced course focuses on Leading Public Prayer and on building one s prayer life. PREREQUISITES: This course is an approved class for those who are pursuing the path to Lay Speaking Ministry, but is open to anyone who wishes to develop more confidence in their prayer life. In order to receive Lay Servant credit for this course, participants must be active members of a United Methodist Church and must first have completed a Basic Lay Servant course. REGISTRATION: To register: send an email to dbcook@tds.net or by calling 608/723-4332 or by sending a registration letter via US Postal Service to the Lancaster United Methodist Church. REGISTRATION FEE: The registration fee is $25.00 and can be paid on the first day of class. Checks can be made payable to the Lancaster Methodist Church. PLEASE REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 15, 2015
THE FLAME and THE CROSS 9 Ash Wednesday: Action Begins in the Heart Lenten Devotions Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God... Joel 2:12-13 As we begin this season of Lent, it s tempting to decide what we will give up or what we will do extra to show God and maybe other people how serious we are about our faith. But the prophet Joel reminds us that what is most important is what happens deep within our hearts. What happens there will show in our actions. If we listen closely to Jesus during Lent, he will speak to our hearts and teach us how to make good choices, even if no one else notices a change in our behavior. Lord, help us to change our hearts so that we will also change our actions this Lent. The First Sunday of Lent: How It Works In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 2 Corinthians 5:19 The central Christian belief is that Christ s death has somehow put us right with God and given us a fresh start. Theories as to how it did this are another matter. A good many different theories have been held as to how it works; what all Christians are agreed on is that it does work. I will tell you what I think it is like. All sensible people know that if you are tired and hungry, a meal will do you good. But the modern theory of nourishment all about vitamins and proteins is a different thing. People ate their dinners and felt better long before the theory of vitamins was ever heard of; and if the theory of vitamins is some day abandoned, they will go on eating their dinners just the same. Theories about Christ s death are not Christianity; they are explanation of how it works. (C. S. Lewis) Father, help me to remember that I need to have faith in you, not to understand everything. Did you know that the Viroqua UMC Sunday service is broadcast on WVRQ - 1360 AM? Please share the good news with friends and neighbors that the Word can be heard every Sunday from 10:30-11:30 AM. Important Information About Your Newsletter Please keep the church office updated about changes in your address. New postal prices have gone into effect resulting in a $1.21 charge for each newsletter returned due to a change in address. Therefore, we are going to a different system where the newsletter will not be forwarded but returned to us. This allows us to be alerted to some changes unless no forwarding address is on file with the post office. Also, if you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, please call the office to have your name removed from the mailing list. Thank you. Many thanks to those committees who are turning in their meeting minutes soon after the meeting has occurred; this allows us to create the newsletter with greater care, attention to detail and accuracy. Please note that because of holiday considerations, the deadline for the March newsletter is early: Monday, February 23rd.
10 THE FLAME and THE CROSS *Mom and Dad.. Liberty Pole UMC Thankful Tree Leaves A Summary Of 66 Responses *Freedom to worship, our church family, our church a part of 6 responses. *Freedom and for living in the best country of the world, the USA a part of 5 responses. *I am thankful for the constant blessings that God bestows on every part of my life. *Sunshine. *Family get-togethers.. *I am thankful for everything our veterans have done in the past. *Thankful for the children of our congregation, especially our newest baby baptized today. *Thank you for my wife, Sandy and my grandchildren, Zack, Aaron, and Emma. *Thankful for all our liturgists: Amy, Barb, Brian, Bryce Deb, Joyce, Linda, Renae, Sandy, Tammi, & Tom. *God s love. *Family and Friends. a part of 27 responses *Joy. *Love. *Laughter *Peace, love a part of 3 responses. *I am thankful to still be able to live on my farm. *To worship with family and friends. *For new snow for sledding. *I thank God for my eyes. *Our beautiful harvest. *Thankful for being able to walk. *For food and water a part of 11 responses. *For health a part of 12 responses *For home and shelter a part of 8 responses. *Pets a part of 3 responses. *The fresh white snow. *School. *Music *I am very thankful for Daniel s successful heart transplant in 2012; God brought him back from the brink of death. *For God and Jesus. *Prayer & faith a part of 4 responses. *Hope, Patience and the ability to work. *I m thankful for beating cancer so far, for my daughters and I love my family. *Hunting and deer.
THE FLAME and THE CROSS 11 A Thank You from the Fortney Hotel Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes, January 13th, 2015 In attendance at the meeting: Pastor Jean, Orvis Primmer, David Peterson, Pete, Gilman, Gregory Cheever, Angie Hanson, Kevin Haakenson. The Pastor opened the meeting with a prayer. The following individuals were elected officers: Orvis as Chairperson Pete as Vice Chair Gregory as Secretary Letters from the City of Viroqua regarding Well #6 and cold weather procedures were reviewed. The final old circulating pump failed on 1/9/2015. Parts should arrive on 1/14/2015. The repair is to be paid from the Trustee Fund. It is expected to be a costly repair and the bill will be submitted to the insurance company once the work is completed. Pastor requested replacement of the church back door lock. Approval was given for the replacement. A Friendly Reminder Just a reminder to all out members who will have been married fifty or more years in 2015, please call the office so that you can be included in our special celebration on Sunday, February 15th.
Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Post Office Box 127 Viroqua, WI 54665 PHONE: 608-637-3551 (Office/Lisa) 608-638-7627/Office/Pastor Jean) FAX: 608-638-3651 E-mail: info@viroquaumc.org Website: www.viroquaumc.org info@viroquaumc.org Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Viroqua, Wisconsin 54665 Permit Number 11 DATE SENSITIVE Return Service Requested Address Label THE CROSS & THE FLAME Sunday, February 1st Communion Sunday Soup & Sub pickup 11:30 AM @ V Wednesday, February 4th Confirmation Class 3:30 PM @ V Choir Practice 6:00 PM @ V Sunday, February 8th Choir Sings @ V 10:30 AM Monday, February 9th No Drumming Practice Tuesday, February 10th Care & Nurture Committee Meeting 10:00 AM @ V Trustees Meeting 6:30 PM @ V LP Council 7:00 PM @ LP Wednesday, February 11th Choir Practice 6:00 PM @ V Sunday, February 15th Choir Sings 10:30 AM @ V Fortney Meal 3:00 PM Education Committee @ V Tuesday, February 17th Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 PM @ V Administrative Council Meeting 7:00 PM @ V February 18th, Ash Wednesday Chapel Service 1:00 PM @ V Service 7:00 PM @ LP February 22nd, First Sunday of Lent Wednesday, February 25th Confirmation Class 3:30 PM @ V Lenten Service 7:00 PM @ Immanuel Lutheran Church, Viroqua SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Liberty Pole United Methodist Church 9:00 A.M. Viroqua United Methodist Church 10:30 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL Liberty Pole UMC 9:15 A.M. Viroqua UMC Adults-9:00 A.M., Children-10:45 A.M. Every Monday - Drumming Practice @ V 4:30 PM Every Tuesday - Bell Choir Practice @ V 5:30 PM Every Thursday - Prayer Meeting @ V 1:15 PM