The Methodist A Publication of The Seward United Methodist Church 1400 North 5 th Street Seward, NE 68434 October 2012 Vol. 8, Issue 10 Guest Pianist October 21 st Wednesday, October 31 from 5-7 p.m. Music will be provided at 8:15 and 10:30 Worship Services John Nielsen Pianist and Recording Artist of 18 CDs Saturday, October 20, 2012 Coffee Shop, 8:30 a.m. Kountry Kitchen, 9:00 a.m. Gift Shop, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We welcome your participation as a shopper, crafter, baker, seamstress, woodworker, photographer, food preserver, silent auction bidder or volunteer.
Vital Faith Formation As the leaves change color and fall to the ground, we have an opportunity to remind ourselves of the creative nature of God. Different kinds of trees have different shapes and sizes of leaves...in the autumn they turn different colors. Each one of us has different fingerprints and different facial features. For some, the best time of the year is autumn and for others it might be spring. While we are all different, we are all the same in that we were all created by the same God, and offered salvation by the same Christ. We have much to be thankful for in our unity as Christians, but as United Methodists we are also able to celebrate our diversity. See you in Church! JOYS AND CONCERNS Please remember those who were lifted up in prayer for on-going health concerns through the month of September: Jean Algya, Connie Atkinson, Leanne Josoff, and Roger Hans. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Cletus Bender who was called to be with his Lord September 15, 2012. Services were held September 18, 2012 at the Seward United Methodist Church. Prayers for Bob and Tiffany Core and family at the sudden death of his sister and nephew. A special thanks for the prayer shawls and blankets blessed in worship September 30, 2012. May those who receive them be cradled in hope, kept in joy, graced with peace, and wrapped in love.
Vital Faith Formation SUMSHY (Seward United Methodist Senior High Youth) October 7 Meet at the Clowser Home 6:30-8:30 2676 Holdrege Road Milford October 14 CROP WALK in the afternoon Meeting at the Grigers 6:30-8:30 October 21 Meet at the Grigers 6:30-8:30 Community Service Project October 28 Meet at the Grigers 6:30-8:30 UMYF Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. for Grades 5-8 Godparents Wednesday Evenings Freshman: Doug and Mary Barker 402-643-3383 Sophomore: Darrin and Laura Goracke 402-874-0109 Junior: Rich and Kelly Wergin 402-643-4410 Senior: Robert and Tiffany Core 402-643-2821 Gracious Generosity Sunday, September 30, The Capital Campaign Committee introduced our theme and logo by surprising everyone with a construction theme flash mob. Participants played power tools and sang We are Building in the Light of God. Watch for more information as we invite you to give to The Seward United Methodist Tomorrow Fund.
Heartwarming Worship Worship Schedule 8:15 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Fellowship for all Watch us on Cable 13 at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday and 10:00 a.m. Thursday mornings. Guest Pianist John Nilsen October 21 st, 8:15 & 10:30 Worship John is a lifetime Methodist, the son of a Methodist Pastor from the OREGON/IDAHO Conference and pianist/recording artist of 18 CDs from Portland, Oregon. He has played in every UMC in the OREGON/IDAHO Conference. John will be playing some of his folk, Jazz and Classically woven compositions as well as some of his traditional hymn arrangements. John is here by a gift from the Foundation. Praise Worship Service October 28, 2012 at the 10:30 service. Some of us lived through the 70 s and some of us have only read about it. Music has changed since then, but God s truth remains the same. Join us as we string together worship using songs from the past.
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Silent Auction Items - Bidding Began Begins September 30 30 THANK YOU Unsold items may be picked up by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 20. Or, if you wish, the items may remain available for sale during Fellowship, Sunday, October 21. Instructions may be left if someone else is picking up your items at that time. After 12:00 on October 21, the Bazaar Committee will sort the remaining items and determine where they will be donated. Silent Auction Items Bidding Begins September 30 Silent Auction Items - Bidding Began September 30
Risk-Taking Mission KNIT WITS Next Meeting October 17 11:30 a.m. BLUE VALLEY COMMUNITY ACTION PANTRY Collection item for October Canned Meat A book for Crocheters called Contemplative Crochet a hands-on guide for interlocking faith and craft is available for reading. Crocheters are invited to join the Knit Wits in our ministry of our church! Call Sarah Shively for book information. October 28, 2012 Sweatshirt Sunday Please save your your gently used winter coats and Please jackets save for your children, gently teen used and winter adults. coats and The jackets Mission-Outreach for children, teens Committee and adults. will The have Mission-Outreach coats racks in the Committee hall from will have October coat racks 29 through in the November hall from October 25. 29 through November 25. Details and sign up sheets on UMW bulletin board in the hallway. UMW MISSION QUILT Group has completed 14 twin and 14 baby quilts this year. Watch for them at the FOUR SEASONS BAZAAR on October 20.
No Frowns Allowed Have you ever had a day when all you want to do is frown? I have, but I have a solution for that. Spend some time around kids. If you would take a minute and look at life like a kid, you will laugh and smile at the same time. I have 3 examples of the innocence of children. A little girl comes up to me every day and tells me that I am pretty or that she likes something I am wearing. I always thank her and she just walks off with the biggest smile. It does not matter if it is the same polo I wore last week or the same shoes from yesterday, but she still compliments me and gets satisfaction from it. I took 2 boys to watch the homecoming floats go down the road in front of the church and one little boy looks at me and very seriously says Blue jays are naughty and there is a blue jay. He explained to me the truth about blue jays taking over other birds nest. I laughed at how cute it was and how serious and proud he was for knowing information like that. My final example is one of the boys stayed home with dad one day but when they came to pick up his sister I said I missed you today. He said I know. He was matter of fact and honest. These three examples taught me a lesson. I know that when that little girl compliments me it makes my day and I can t help but smile. When that little boy shared his information with determination and pride I can t help but smile. When that second little boy was confident and honest I can t help but smile. So here is what I learned When we compliment others it not only brightens their day but also ours. When we share information with pride and determination it strengthens our confidence. When we are honest about being missed it shows others that you are showing your love and care openly. These kids were not acting like this to be the best kids at the daycare but they say these things with no concern of being judged, being fake, being all knowing, or being rude. They do this with innocence. How can you not smile at that? Hang out with a few kids and you will see what I mean. October 1, Capital Campaign, 6:00 p.m. (library) Foundation, 7:00 p.m. (Parlor) October 3, UMW Unit Meeting, 1:30 p.m. October 3, Confirmation Meeting, 6:00 p.m. October 8, Bright Beginnings, 6:00 p.m. (Robotham s Home) October 8, Capital Campaign, 6:00 p.m. (Fellowship Hall) October 8, Mission/Outreach, 7:00 p.m. (Parlor) October 8, Nurture, 7:00 p.m. (Library) October 11, Trustees, 7:00 (Parlor) October 15, Capital Campaign, 6:00 p.m. (Parlor) October 15, Finance, 7:00 p.m. (Library) October 18, Worship, 6:00 p.m. (Parlor)
Miscellaneous December 10, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. United Methodist Car Magnets are on sale for $3.00 in the church office. Run to the Welcome Center right now and get your name on a list to be on a SNOW REMOVAL TEAM! I wish to extend my thanks for the prayers and cards prior to and following my surgery. Special thanks to Pastor Doug and Marvin and Louise Bauman for their continued support. Dan Kinnamon October 10, 2012 Seward High Theater 7:00 p.m. Bullying will be the topic of a presentation for Godparent Groups in Seward area, arranged by Seward UMC Godparents. The speaker is highly recommended! I want to thank you for all the prayers and support through Clete s journey this last year. A special thanks to Pastor Doug, the Musicians and those who served the meal as well as those who brought food. God bless! Marty, Cal, Chris, Corey
Miscellaneous Christmas Table Cloths Needed We are in need of 10-12 Christmas Table Cloths that will fit an 8 foot table. They will be used for two weeks at the end of November. If you have one (or two) you would be willing to loan, please contact the church office. They can be a solid color, patterned, formal, or whimsical. Thanks for your consideration! First Annual Festival of Trees Volunteers are needed to decorate two-foot trees in any style/theme you would like. The trees will be available in mid-october. The decorated trees are due back to the church by November 15th. The trees will be sold via silent auction in late November / Early December. Sign up at the welcome center
Gracious Generosity SEPTEMBER - BY THE NUMBERS Offering received through September 23 to General Funds: $25,630.51 Trustees Funds through the September 23: $508.34 Average Worship Attendance for September: 242 Mission Share/Apportionments remaining in 2012: $12,891.00 Sunday, October 21 is Foundation Gift Appreciation Sunday. Members of the Seward United Methodist Church Foundation Board will be the ushers, liturgist, and greeters during worship, as well as hosting fellowship time. The Board members will serve you as a gesture of appreciation to everyone who has made a gift to the Foundation and a reminder of the value of these gifts. Your generous gifts to the Foundation have allowed the Board to approve grant requests of $138,020.08 since 2007. These funds benefit and advance the work of the SUMC beyond what would be possible with only the funds provided in the church s general operating budget. Because of your gifts, the middle school and senior high youth groups have taken mission trips to Kansas City and to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota; SUMC hosted Dr. Tom Osborne for an inspiring event for the entire Seward Community; and the Bell Choir purchased new handbells. In addition to these, many other grants have been awarded as well. On October 21 or at any other time please consider making a gift to the Seward United Methodist Church Foundation. Your gifts do make a difference in the ministry and mission of this congregation. Various committees are writing the church budget for the coming year. They re placing their trust in God and believing in our members and friends to support the church s ministry. The Nominating Committee is also busy finding people to fill various Boards and Committees. Let us all show our faithfulness with good stewardship through our time, talents and treasures.
Seward United Methodist Church 1400 North 5th Street Seward, Nebraska 68434 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Seward, NE Permit No. 62 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors Phone: 402-643-4156; Fax: 402-643-4159 Email: sewardumc@windstream.net Website: www.sewardumc.org Doug Griger, Pastor; Every Member, Minister REMEMBER Call the Church (643-4156) or Pastor Doug if you are going to be hospitalized and wish to have the Pastor visit. Due to privacy laws, hospitals cannot disclose information. NOVEMBER MAILBOX DEADLINE IS Monday October 29, 2012 Submit your news by Monday, October 29. You can e-mail articles to the church at sewardumc@windstream.net or call Cindy, office administrator, at 643-4156. Seward United Methodist Church and Bright Beginnings Local Church Activities Chair persons for October are: Kay Schroeder (643-4416) Lori Schultz (643-6492)