THE CROSS & THE FLAME

and United Methodist Churches Post Office Box 127, WI 54665 PHONE: 608-637-3551 (Office/Kris) 608-638-7627/Office/Pastor Jean) FAX: 608-638-3651 E-mail: info@umc.org Website: www.umc.org info@umc.org Return Service Requested Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID, Wisconsin 54665 Permit Number 11 DATE SENSITIVE THE CROSS & THE FLAME P.O. Box 127,, WI 54665 March 2018 Dear Friends, & United Methodist Churches THE CROSS & THE FLAME March 2016 EVENTS March Calendar enclosed Address Label & United Methodist Churches Mission Statement The & 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. Here we are about one third of the way through the season of Lent. As I was reading some of the different articles on the United Methodist Communications website, I came across this beautiful poem turned into a hymn by Charles Wesley, the brother of John Wesley. Evidently, Charles Wesley wrote the lyrics in 1741, although the date states 1742 in the hymnal, and then was first published in the Wesley brothers' Hymns and Sacred Poems in 1742. Taken from Genesis 32:24-32, the original poem featured 14 verses. Verses 1, 2, 9 and 10 are below as well as in the United Methodist Hymnal on page 386; the other verses are found on page 387. The music was written by Carlton R. Young in 1963 to a traditional Scottish tune called "Chandler." I invite you to find a quiet place in your home, office, car or garage and slowly read through the poem. Read the poem through several times. Next, turn to your Bible and read Genesis 32:24-32. How does this poem/hymn speak to you? May your walk with the Lord be a little closer this Lenten Season because of this beautiful poem/hymn. Hymn 386: Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown: Come, O thou Traveler unknown, Whom still I hold, but cannot see! My company before is gone, And I am left alone with Thee; With Thee all night I mean to stay, And wrestle till the break of day; With Thee all night I mean to stay, And wrestle till the break of day. I need not tell Thee who I am, My misery and sin declare; Thyself hast called me by my name, Look on Thy hands, and read it there; But who, I ask Thee, who art Thou? Tell me Thy name, and tell me now. But who, I ask Thee, who art Thou? Tell me Thy name, and tell me now. SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE United Methodist Church 9:00 A.M. United Methodist Church 10:30 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL UMC 9:15 A.M. UMC Adults-9:00 A.M., Children 10:45 a.m. Wednesday Church School 3:30 p.m. @ UMC 'Tis Love! 'tis Love! Thou diedst for me! I hear Thy whisper in my heart; The morning breaks, the shadows flee, Pure, universal love Thou art; To me, to all, Thy mercies move; Thy nature and Thy Name is Love. To me, to all, Thy mercies move; Thy nature and Thy Name is Love. After Charles Wesley died, his brother John Wesley tried to teach the hymn at Bolton, but broke down crying when he came to the lines, my company before is gone, And I am left alone with Thee. (taken from page 388, UM Hymnal) Have a Blessed Lenten Season, Pastor Jean

2 THE FLAME and THE CROSS TABLE OF CONTENTS March Scriptures...pg. 3 Taco Supper...pg. 3 Christian Education Committee Minutes...pg. 4 New UMC Men s Group...pg. 4 Anniversaries, Birthdays, Baptisms and Deaths...pg. 5 New Members...pg. 5 Newsletter deadline for April...pg. 5 Big Thing Thank You...pg. 6 John Wesley Quote REF: http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/john-wesley-quotes/ Holy Week...pg. 6 Lay Leadership Thank You and Welcome...pg. 7 United Methodist Women Minutes...pg. 7 Trustees Meeting Minutes...pg. 8 Care and Nurture Minutes...pg. 8 Special Thanks from UMCOR...pg. 9 Jesus in Every Book of the Old Testament...pg. 10 Easter Story Cookies...pg. 11 My fear is not that our great movement, known as the Methodists, will eventually cease to exist or one day die from the earth. My fear is that our people will become content to live without the fire, the power, the excitement, the supernatural element that makes us great. THE FLAME and THE CROSS 11 To be made the evening before Easter You need: 1 cup whole pecans 1 tsp. vinegar 3 egg whites Pinch of salt EASTER STORY COOKIES 1 cup sugar Zipper baggie Wooden spoon Tape Bible Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don t wait until you re half done with the recipe)! Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11. The Cross & The Flame is published monthly by the and 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., WI 54665 Phone: 608-637-3551 Fax: 608-638-6351 Email: info@umc.org www.umc.org OFFICE HOURS 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 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, 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 Kristin Potochick, Secretary Office Phone: 608-637-3551 Email: info@umc.org UMC Service Assistants Ushers March 4th - Aaron & Angie Hanson March 11th - Alice Sloan & Minie Hirschfield March 18th - Chuck & Mary Mulvaney-Kemp March 25th - Gregory & Mary Cheever Palm Sunday March 30th - David & Lorna Peterson Good Friday Greeters March 4th - Annabel McGarry March 11th - David Peterson March 18th - Jerry Schroeder March 25th - Lynn Whitney March 30th - Ardith Olson Liturgist Joanne Hornby UMC Service Assistants Liturgist March 4th - Sandy Marohl March 11th - Sandy Marohl March 18th - Amy Hardy March 25th - Amy Hardy Palm Sunday Sprinkle a little salt into each child s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27. So far, these ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Palm 34:8 and John 3:15. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents - in God s eyes the purity of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper-covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66. GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a Bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9. THE SEASON OF LENT During Lent, we enter into a season of preparation, self-reflection and repentance when we seek to literally turn around and realign our lives and focus toward God. It is a time to give up things as well as take on new life-giving practices, helping us rid ourselves of distractions and our own selfish desires. By doing so, we seek to live and love as more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

10 THE FLAME and THE CROSS THE FLAME and THE CROSS 3 Jesus in Every Book of the Old Testament As you read through God's Word, see how it points you to Jesus. Christ is the Seed of woman and in Genesis 3:15 we are told He will one day crush Satan. In Exodus we find the story of the Passover Lamb, and Christ is the sacrificial Lamb given for us. In Leviticus we read of the high priests making sacrifices for the people, and Christ has become our High Priest, making the perfect sacrifice to atone for our sins. In Deuteronomy Moses prophesied of a prophet who would come that would be greater than Himself. Jesus is that Great Prophet. In the book of Joshua, Joshua met the Captain of the Lord's host. That man is Jesus Christ. In Judges, the leaders were judges who delivered God's people, each of them typifying the Lord Jesus. Boaz, the kinsman who redeemed Ruth's inheritance, is a picture of Christ. David, the anointed one, pictures Jesus and Jesus is described as being the Son of David. In 2 Samuel when the king is being enthroned, the entire scene is descriptive of the Lord Jesus. The books of Kings speak of the glory of God filling the temple and the Chronicles describe the glorious coming king, both referring to Jesus, the King of Kings. Ezra depicts Jesus as the Lord of our fathers. Job says clearly that the Redeemer is coming! Esther offers a picture of Christ interceding for His people. Christ appears time after time in the Psalms, including when David describes Him as "the Shepherd." Isaiah details His glorious birth. Jeremiah reveals that He will be acquainted with sorrows. Joel describes Him as the Hope of His people. Amos tells us that Jesus is the judge of all nations. Obadiah warns of the coming eternal kingdom. Jonah offers a picture of Jesus being dead for three days, then coming back to life to preach repentance. Zephaniah says that He will be the king over Israel. Zachariah is the prophet who speaks of Jesus riding on a colt. Malachi is the one who calls Him the Son of Righteousness. Can you see it? The entire Old Testament points toward Jesus as Savior, and if you miss that, you've missed the entire point of the Scriptures. Jesus is the Messiah and the fulfillment of prophecy. FREE WILL OFFERING March 4, 3 rd Sunday of Lent Holy Communion in Pews Psalm 19, rsp. 1 UMH 750 1 Samuel 17:34-35 Psalm 23 John 2:13-22 Resurrection Hope March 11, 4 th Sunday of Lent Psalm 107:1-9, 33-43 UMH 830 1 Chronicles 15:29-16:3 Psalm 24 Luke 15:1-2, 11-24 Reflecting the Ascension of Christ March 18, 5 th Sunday of Lent Psalm 51:1-17, rsp. 2 UMH 785 Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 1 John 12:20-33 The Righteous Path TACO SUPPER United Methodist Church Wednesday, March 7th Serving 4:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. Menu Tacos Refried Beans Spanish Rice Chips/Salsa Cornbread Dessert Beverages **Proceeds will benefit youth events** March Scriptures March 25, Palm Sunday Psalm 31:1-16, rsp. 1 UMH 764 Isaiah 50:4-9 Psalm 27 Mark 11:1-11 Wait for the Lord March 29, Holy Thursday Special Stations of the Cross Service with Holy Communion March 30, Good Friday Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Hebrews 10:16-25 John 18:1-19:42 Three Lights for a Dark Day EVERYONE WELCOME!

4 THE FLAME and THE CROSS Christian Education Committee Minutes Feb. 2nd Present: Kathy H. Holly S. Katie E. Janette H. Avis M. Mallory H. Todd O. Open with Prayer Approve minutes: Motion made by Janette and seconded by Katie. Motion carried. Reports: Sunday School: which is now Wednesday Church School: -Stations will begin in January 2018-story time, crafts and intro to church life. -The calendar seems to be working well. GREETER is needed each day. -Concern of kids getting anything out of the lesson time or MUCAP time or craft time. It was agreed that it is the time spent and relationships built that it the big thing. Our example of our following God though not perfect but human is what kids need to see. There is nothing greater than giving kids (or anyone as far as that goes) that one on one time, small group time for them to be themselves, ask questions and get answers surrounded by Love. Youth (LEAP s): A couple of Flag routines were done. The Older middle schoolers and high schoolers will be led by Tabithah on Sunday mornings. Mini Methodists: Sunday Morning (Nursery) Confirmation (Report from Pastor): Confirmation is just around the corner. Old business: -Need to explain what is going on Sunday. Happening today. -Arthur and Terrah and Taylor Mendoza $117.00 offering. 53 people were here to hear. -Big Thing Soup. New business: -Scholarship-will be decided soon -VBS still thinking -Summer schedule still thinking New UMC Men s Group Calling all men from and UMC. I would like to start a Men s Group that would meet once a month for prayer and Bible study. If you are interested, please give me a call. We can schedule an informational meeting to get input on when we would meet, the time, and what we would like to study. Thank you. Josh Garrett 608-675-3584 or garrettscustomcarpentry@gmail.com THE FLAME and THE CROSS 9

8 THE FLAME and THE CROSS THE FLAME and THE CROSS 5 Trustees Committee Minutes Feb. 13th Present: Aaron Hanson, Pete Gilman, Barb Casper, Dale Gudgeon, Gregory Cheever, Pastor Jean, David Peterson, Chase Hornby (guest) Reviewed bills. Discussed snow removal The two pianos were tuned. Bathroom update: Starting date for bathroom remodeling was Feb. 12, 2018. Motion made to pay: $380.00 to Matt Mills for blue prints; to pay $185.00 to City for Building Permit; to pay Roy Anderson $2,105.00 (1/3 of his complete bill). Gregory C. made a motion to pay bills from Trustees Fund. Barb C. seconded, motion passed. Received bid from Schneider Heating and Air Conditioning in the amount of $2,845.00 to unhook the heat radiators and install new ones in the new bathroom. New bathroom colors: Suggested color for the dividers and stalls in women s bathroom is white #985. Motion made by Barb C. for white #985. Dale G. seconded the motion, and motion passed. Emergency Management: We are a Shelter for Vernon County. Motion made by David P. to stay as a shelter. Motion seconded by Dale G., motion passed. Motion made by David Peterson to order a sign for the back parking lot: Reserved for Pastor. Motion seconded by Pete Gilman. Motion carried. Excel Energy 1.35% increase in rates. Next Meeting: March 13th at 6:00 p.m. Care and Nurture Meeting Minutes Feb. 7th Present: David Peterson, Kathy Hanson, Mary Fox, Pastor Jean Pastor Jean led us in prayer. We reviewed the cards that Mary Fox sends out. A Big Thank to Mary for doing this. We looked over the homebound list of members. Any church person can stop in the church office and get a copy of the list, and help going out to see the people. The Fortney Meal went well. Thank you to the Education Committee for doing the meal this month. Lent is here, and our church is doing many things. Please look over the new 2017 Activity List. We are looking forward to the new bathrooms being done. Please let Care and Nurture Committee know if you have any ideas for us to do. May God bless you all. David Peterson Happy Anniversary Paul and Judy Erickson Baptisms VUMC -Feb. 11th Josh Randall Garrett Luke Luther Garrett Son of Josh and Heidi Garrett Deaths March 29th New Members - VUMC Josh Garrett Feb. 11th Kelli Schultz Feb. 25th Bedena Jacobson - Sunday, Feb. 18th Bobbie Pierce Saturday, Feb. 17th Newsletter Deadline The deadline for the April newsletter is March 23rd. Please provide your submissions as early as possible. Thank you. Birthdays Carole Funk March 3rd Savanah Zitzner March 4th Judy Christianson March 8th Melissa Ritter-Robson March 16th Kristy Weis March 16th Amanda Gardner March 20th Tolla Lepke March 21st Roger Thompson March 20th Aaron Zitzner March 22nd Valerie Lind March 24th Cheryl Zitzner March 24th Dennis Thompson March 28th Jeramy Jerome March 31st Dan Dustin March 4th Alice Sloane March 4th Vickie Doan March 7th Avis Marino March 12th Joseph Hirschfield March 12th Mary Mulvaney-Kemp March 13th Timothy Moran March 13th Lorna Peterson March 13th Shirley Haakenson March 14th Jayden Dustin March 15th Bruce York March 15th Sheryl Steele March 19th Robert Peterson March 27th

6 THE FLAME and THE CROSS Thank you to all who helped make the Big Thing Spaghetti Supper/Fundraiser a huge success. Church members helped by serving on various committees, donating, soliciting donations, attending, and inviting others to attend. It all worked together to make the night both fun and successful in terms of raising money to help the church meet our budget. Since the goal of our church budget is to make disciples for Christ, everyone who helped is working with us toward that goal. An extra thank you goes to Gary Olerud who donated his time to serve as our auctioneer. The following outside businesses also donated items to be sold: Theisens Sparta The Hardware Store Sparta Pasture Pride Cashton Nordic Lanes Westby D & L Bakery La Crosse Again, thank you to all! Over $3,600 was raised! Big Thing Thank You Holy Week Palm Sunday Observances: Today, we recall Jesus arrival with the custom of reenacting Jesus triumphant entry. This began as early as the 4th century in Jerusalem. This tradition is continued in many churches. Church members, each carrying a palm, may participate in procession during the service. The Passion, which recounts Christ s last days on earth, is read. Several main readers as well as the congregation may share in the reading. The Palms distributed at church services may be woven into small crosses, used as markers on doors, placed behind a cross, etc. MARCH 25TH. Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) Celebrations: The washing of feet This is in keeping with Jesus words after having washed the disciples feet, For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. (John 13:15). Most services include participation in Holy Communion to commemorate the institution of the Lord s Supper on the night of Jesus betrayal. MARCH 29TH Good Friday Observances: Fasting and Abstinence Many people eat only one full meal. No food is eaten between meals. Some Christians also do not eat meat. Church services may include readings, prayers, a communion service, and other special practices focusing on the cross. Faith is renewed through personal prayers and reflection. Ecumenical service may also be held. MARCH 30TH THE FLAME and THE CROSS 7 and Lay Leadership Pot Luck Sun., Jan. 28th A potluck was held after services at VUMC to thank the outgoing lay leadership for their service and to welcome the new lay leadership: David Slack, Audit Committee Alex Hornby, SPRC Janet Thompson, Trustees Neil Funk, Trustees Fae Zitzner, Holy Communion Renee Baker, SPRC Richard Solverson, Music Abby Diehl, Music Deb Deaver, Worship THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE Veryl Gerdl, Financial Secretary David Peterson, Lay Leader and SPRC Betty Ross, Nominations Lorna Peterson, Missions WELCOME NEW LAY LEADERSHIP Layne Hanson, Lay Leader and SPRC Dale Gudgeon, Trustees Barb Casper, Trustees Gregg Roberts, Financial Secretary Katie Elbert, Education Holly Fanta, Education Kristen Parrott, Mission Marlo Volden, Holy Communion Gregory Cheever, Holy Communion David Peterson, Holy Communion United Methodist Women Meeting Feb. 8th We met February 8th at the church lounge with Gloria Freilinger as hostess. After a devotional reading, the treasurer s report was read. We decided to keep the same budget as 2017. We noted to ask again for donations instead of having a Salad Luncheon. Our Parkview Manor bingo party will be April 12th. Janet is working on the 2018 Handbook. Joanne led the program on Human Trafficking. Dates to remember: March 7: Serve cookies after Lenten service March 8: 1:30 UMW/Lydia Circle. Barb Casper, hostess March: Child Fund Barb Casper March: Cookies and coffee Hospitality II March Program Prayer and self denial