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MAPLE LEAF PARISH NEWS

APRIL 2016

Cherry Grove UMC

18183 160th Street

Spring Valley, MN 5575

Worship: 10:00 am Sunday

Cowboy: 6:00 pm First Sunday

of each month

Rev. Deanna Woodward

Rev. David Lieder

Email: revdeannaw@gmail.com

Phone: 1-507-346-2830 or

1-507-765-9856

Faith UMC

617 Maple Lane

Spring Valley, MN 55975

Worship: 9:00 am Sunday

Rev. David Lieder

Rev. Deanna Woodward

www.faithsv.net

Email: faithunited@centurytel.net

Phone: 1-507-346-2830

Fountain UMC

Cedar Street & County Road 8

Fountain, MN 55935

Worship: 8:30 am Sunday

Rev. Deanna Woodward

Email: revdeannaw@gmail.com

Phone: 1-507-346-2830 or

1-507-765-9856

It was beautiful, the morning af-

ter the snowfall. I was enjoying a

steaming cup of coffee and looking

out at the blanketed hill and bluffs

behind our house when our ancient

husky, Bokhara, wandered into

view. Nearly deaf, she traverses

the property regularly for hours at a

time, doing whatever it is that dogs

do. The morning was so bright and

clear; the snow so soft and pristine,

that I decided I would follow Bok-

hara’s trail to see if I could find out

what it is that dogs do on a snow-

laden day in January.

By the time I had set my coffee

cup down and stepped outside, the

dog had disappeared into the

woods, but her trail in the snow

was easy to follow. She began by

descending straight down the slope.

(Gravity, I supposed.) But then she

took a sharp turn to the north

through the raspberry thicket. (Oh,

perhaps she is going to visit the

neighbors.) The trail stopped with

an impression of her face in the

snow, then cut southeast under a

coil of grapevine. After passing

through a briar patch and another

raspberry tangle, she met up with a

deer trial, crossed the meadow, zig-

ged east again, turned back and

headed west, backtracked, hooked

up with a fox path… and by this

time I was totally confused and had

no idea where she had gone.

I concluded that she had no desti-

nation in mind when set out on her

journey; she was only following

her nose. Her course was set by

caprice and whatever spoor the

wind carried.

Every day, when we roll out of

bed, we face a pristine landscape.

One way or another we are going

to break a trail through a new day.

It is easy to assume that the path

before us is set and controlled by

work, school and family obliga-

tions, but those things are simply

formations, a meadow or a brier

patch which we will encounter as

we make our way through the day.

But what is it that leads us on our

journey, moment by moment?

Bokhara had no destination in

mind; she simply followed her

nose. I believe more is required of

us. What sets the course for our

lives? What distracts us, diverts us,

guides us and fulfills us? It is

worth thinking about as we enter

the promise of springtime.

May the paths we follow be guided

and illuminated by the faith we

profess.

Isaiah 43:1-7, Romans 12:9-13

See you in church… Dave

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Faith United Methodist Church

617 Maple Lane

Spring Valley, MN 55975

Web Page: www.faithsv.net

Sunday morning worship 9:00 am

Coffee & fellowship at 10:00 am

Sunday School at 10:00 am

Office Hours:

8:00 - 4:00 Tuesday through Friday

Office Phone:

507-346-2830; Fax: 507-346-2877

Office E-mail: faithunited@centurytel.net

Rev. David Lieder:

Office Hours: As needed and

Monday-Thursday mornings

Phone: 346-2878

Email: dave@centurytel.net

Rev. Deanna Woodward

Phone: 507-346-2830

Or after office hours at 507-765-9856

Email: revdeannaw@gmail.com

Office Manager:

Louise Winfield

Custodian:

Paul Eberle

Organist:

Suzanne Eberle

Bell Choir Dir.

Kathy Casady

Choir Pianist:

Kristie Shorter

DEADLINES

NEWSLETTER: The newsletter

deadline this month is April 21st at

4:00 pm.

BULLETIN: Please submit announce-

ments for the Sunday bulletin by noon

on Thursday. Occasionally these dead-

lines may need to be adjusted. Please

submit your articles as soon as possi-

ble. Thank you for understanding.

APRIL WORSHIP SCHEDULE

4/03 8:30 Fountain Rev. Deanna

9:00 Faith Rev. Dave

10:00 Cherry Grove Rev. Deanna

6:00 Cowboy Church Rev. Deanna

4/10 8:30 Fountain Rev. Deanna

9:00 Faith Pastor Martha Hendricks

10:00 Cherry Grove Rev. Deanna

4/17 8:30 Fountain Rev. Deanna

9:00 Faith Pastor Martha Hendricks

10:00 Cherry Grove Rev. Deanna

4/24 8:30 Fountain Rev. Dave

9:00 Faith Rev. Deanna

10:00 Cherry Grove Rev. Dave

FAITH UMC - SERVICE GROUP

The Service Group handles the Sunday Coffee Hour the first, sec-

ond, and fourth Sunday of the month. The Christian Ed/Youth han-

dles the 3rd Sunday and the 5th Sunday will be served by Cursillo

participants.

APRIL 2016

*Denis & Nancy Cornell 346-2044

Lesa Brusse 346-2845

Virgil & Marie Dempewolf 696-0825

Paul & Rosalie Hagan 346-2061

Jim & Lori Hoover 649-1301

Dennis & Gwen Howard 346-9935

Linda Lecy 272-6824

Dave & Tammy Schoppers 273-1527

Joanne Shorter 346-2607

Pam Soma-Mori 346-7463

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Food for Kidz

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Stewartville Community Center

(2 hour shifts)

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Goal: Package 120,000 meals Come and help at this event.

Ages 6 to 99

There is a place for you.

Watch for sign-up sheets or

contact Denny & Nancy Cornell

346-2044

Starving children need you!

CHERRY GROVE UMC

AD COUNCIL MEETING

January 13, 2016

PRESENT: Pastor Deanna Wood-

ward, Pastor David Lieder, Beth and

Gene Mulhern, Marlo Mensink, Phil

Hebrink and Bernis Finke.

The meeting was called to order at

5:00pm and was chaired by Pastor

Deanna as Denny was absent. Pastor

Dave led us in an opening prayer.

December minutes were read by

Bernis. Motion to accept was ap-

proved.

Financial report was given by Beth M.

The Church General Account, ending

date of January-12-2016, showed a

balance of $5152.60. Motion by Phil

to accept report, seconded by Marlo,

motion carried.

Discussion was held about the Appor-

tionment Payment to the Conference.

A payment of 89% was made and the

11% not paid is an amount that is

used for a Contingency Fund to help

other churches that cannot pay their

full amount. This was an action of

protest to the Conference as we are

not given a choice to pay or not to pay

and it is difficult for us to cover our

payment and we are only given a

100% credit if we pay the 11%

amount for the Contingency Fund.

Trustee report by Marlo: After some

discussion it was decided to ask Pixie

Nielson if she would consider doing a

walk-through at the church to check

for correct temps to prevent frozen

pipes, open faucets, water coming in

on the floors or any unwanted hap-

penings. Phil volunteered to talk with

the Parish Council about this idea and

see if there was any input.

Pastor Deanna said that Ash Wednes-

day is February 10, 2016. A discus-

sion was held about being involved in

the Lenten Services. Faith UM

Church will have the weekly Lenten

Services and Maundy Thursday Ser-

vice, Fountain UM will have the Ash

Wednesday Service and Cherry Grove

UM will have the Good Friday Ser-

vice. All are welcome to the services

of their choice.

Saturday, February 13; volunteers

from the 3 Parish Churches will help

serve a lunch for those that need as-

sistance, at the Christ UM Church in

Rochester.

A motion to adjourn was made by

Gene M. and 2nd Marlo. Carried.

Bernis Finke, Ad Council Secretary

FOUNTAIN UMC

AD COUNCIL MEETING

March 22, 2016

The Fountain Administrative Coun-

cil met at the church on Tuesday,

March 22, 2016 at 7 p.m. Chairman

Steve Arnold called the meeting to

order. Pastor Deanna Woodward

opened with prayer. Minutes from

the January Council meeting were

read and approved on a motion by

Sheila Arnold and second by Beezie

Cambern.

Treasurer Sheila Arnold gave the

financial report. The current check-

book balance is $814. 61, with a bill

for insurance still outstanding. Gifts

totaling $555 have been received in

memory of Alice Winslow. Sheila

Arnold moved and Beezie Cambern

seconded the motion to put $100 of

the Easter offering toward the Con-

ference Love Offering, and to de-

posit the remainder in the building

fund. Motion carried.

The Cowboy Concert at the commu-

nity hall is scheduled for May 15th

from 3-5 p.m. Steve Arnold has in-

vited the musicians and reserved the

hall. Proceeds will go toward church

repair and maintenance, and to the

local food shelf. Steve has also

looked into getting local matching

funds for the food shelf from

Thrivent. We will check with the

UMW about selling food, and find

people to set up. Steve Arnold is

handling publicity.

There was positive feedback on the

Lenten Services hosted at Spring

Valley Faith UMC. Several from

Fountain attended. The next com-

bined parish service project involves

packing dry food at the Food For

Kidz event on April 9th at the Stew-

artville Civic Center. There is a sign-

up sheet for those who want to partici-

pate, and anyone from 2nd grade

through adult is welcome.

Pastor got price quotes for church T-

shirts from Terri Allen in Fountain

and Kelly Printing in Preston. The

Council decided to go with the Foun-

tain quote, since prices were the same,

and we are now looking for T shirt

design ideas from the congregation.

We hope to have T shirts available to

be purchased and worn by the congre-

gation this spring and summer.

A church yard sale is being planned

again this year during the 60-mile trail

sales, June 24 and 25. June 25 is also

Fountain Trail Day.

Annual Conference is June 21-23 this

year. A summer mission camp for 7th

-12th graders is being offered in St.

Cloud during those dates also, and the

Woodward’s would be glad to offer

transportation to youth interested in

going.

Summer building improvement pro-

jects were also discussed including:

solving the bad water smell, erecting a

new church sign, repairs in the base-

ment and replacement of basement

flooring, and repainting upstairs inte-

rior walls. Projects will be referred to

the trustees for research.

The meeting was adjourned.

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FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

YANKEE CANDLE FUNDRAISER

40% OF SALES

Forms/catalogs and online sales links will be available soon. The sales will take place April 15 -30, however, you can look at the fundraiser catalog now: https://www.yankeecandlefundraising.com/home.htm. The candles and other available products will be delivered by June. The funds will go toward missions (apportionments). Please contact Kathy Casady - casadykathy@gmail.com ~ 507-440-7494 before March 30th if you’d like to join this fundraising team!

FAITH UMC

AD COUNCIL

MEETING 3/17/16

Jill Douglas, chairperson, called

the meeting to order at 7:05 pm

with Nancy Cornell, Chris How-

ard, Mary Grems, Carol Sanford,

Louise Winfield, Pastor Dave

Lieder, Pastor Deanna Wood-

ward, Jan Hammon, Paula Rue-

sink and Jill Douglas in atten-

dance.

Pastor Deanna had prepared a de-

votional but instead the group

shared what inspires each of

them.

A motion to approve the minutes

of the February 18th, 2016 church

council minutes was made by Jan

Hammon and seconded by Mary

Grems. m/s/c

Christian Education Commit-

tee: The Christian Education

Committee has a pancake break-

fast on March 20. This is a fund-

raiser for our education program

to cover the cost of supplies for

the lessons, youth events such as

our lock-in, and purchase of our

membership to the online curricu-

lum.

On April 1 we will be having a

lock-in for students 4-8th grade.

Students are invited to bring a

friend.

Our committee has gained a

member, Carla. Our Sunday

school has also gained 3 stu-

dents.

Other upcoming events include

planting at the greenhouse and

selling the potted plants for

Mother's Day and Celebration

Sunday.

One session remains and we

will be learning about the disci-

ples. This will include drama,

art, cooking, and science.

Finance Committee: The

checking balance on 3/17/16 is

$6,332.10, the loan balance is

$11,615.22 and the apportion-

ment balance is $18,935. Ap-

portionments have been paid for

January and February and bills

are current.

Mission Committee: The mis-

sion committee offerings for

2016 are as follows: Human

Relations $79, One Great Hour

$222, Food $198, Lent $20, Ad-

vent $25, UMCOR $20, and

Health Kits $45. The Native

American Ministries Sunday

will be April 24th.

Membership recorded: Bap-

tisms: Quin Wayne Howard,

son of Eric & Christina Howard.

Elysse Dee Merkel, daughter of

Cory & Alexys Merkel. Transfer:

Sonja Hoag to Peace United Church

of Christ. Total full membership is

298.

Old Business: The church web

page has been updated and looks

great and is easy to use.

Barb Paul with assistance from

Peterson Creative Design has been

instrumental in getting information

available online.

Barb Paul has also volunteered to

publish the monthly newsletter.

New Business: The finance com-

mittee discussed ideas for fund rais-

ing including an auction, meal, can-

dle sales, and other giving opportu-

nities. It was decided to go forward

with a candle sale and possible auc-

tion. A committee will be formed to

make further recommendations.

Pastor Deanna’s Report: A meet-

ing was held recently to discuss a

possible realignment of local

churches. At this time no further

action will be taken.

A food collection will be held on

March 19th with a time of food and

fellowship after.

A Parish Service Project to package

dry foods at the “Food For Kidz”

event will be held at the Stewart-

ville Civic Center on April 9. Shifts

are available from 12-2 and 2-4

p.m, and some “sit down” jobs are

available. A good family activity

for those in 2nd grade through adult.

Holy Week services will be held on

Maundy Thursday, March 24th at

7:00 p.m. at Faith UMC and Good

Friday, March 25th, service will be

held at 7:00 p.m. at Cherry Grove

UMC.

A Youth Lock-in will be held at

Spring Valley Faith UMC on April

1-2 for all parish 4th-8th graders, and

friends. Starts at 6 p.m. Friday and

ends at 8 a.m. Saturday.

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Jesus said, “Where two or

three are gathered

in my name, there

am I in their midst.”

Matthew 18:20

Faith United Methodist Church

National Day of Prayer

Community-Wide Prayer Service

May 5, 2016 — 7:00 p.m.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Attention Faith Family: We are

forming a committee to organize

an auction as a fundraiser for

FUMC. Contact Jan Hammon at

507-346-2187 or

jhammon@mediacombb.net to sign

up.

I am looking

forward to

hearing from

you so we

can make

this happen.

SUMMER CAMP

OPPORTUNITIES

As families begin making summer

plans, consider including church

camp in your schedule. Many adult

Christians will tell you that camp

played an important role in the for-

mation of their faith as they were

growing up. Camping brochures are

available at all three churches listing

camps for children, youth, adults and

families, and including many differ-

ent activities for fun and faith devel-

opment. Information is available

online also at

campminnesota.org and

starlakewildernesscamp.org.

Scholarship funds are available at all

three churches to help with the cost

of camp. Speak to Rev. Dave or

Deanna if you would like help regis-

tering for camp or applying for a

scholarship.

One camp is offered June 21-23 in

St. Cloud, MN. This camp for youth

completing 7th-12th grades will in-

volve hands-on mission projects in

the area, great worship at night, and

lodging at St. Cloud State University.

Several of our church leaders will be

attending a conference in St. Cloud,

and would gladly provide transporta-

tion to any youths interested in

attending.

Faith Ad Council Minutes con’t

The Trustees meet on the second

Tuesday of each month at 7:00

p.m. They are requesting that ideas

or items that need attention be

placed on a list on the bulletin

board to help keep the trustees in-

formed of items that need atten-

tion.

Annual conference is June 21st –

23rd and encouraging youth to be

involved. There are camps avail-

able that coincide with the confer-

ence and transportation may be

provided along with funds if

needed. Please contact the pastors

or the church office if you would

like more information.

Pastor Dave’s Report: Atten-

dance has been good at the weekly

Lenten services and soup suppers.

The Silent Witness series has been

well received by members of the

parish and guests.

Pastor Dave will be on vacation in

April.

Pastor Deanna will provide the de-

votion for the April 21st church

council meeting.

A motion to adjourn was made by

Mary Grems at 7:50 p.m. and sec-

onded by Paula Ruesink, m/s/c

Louise Winfield,

Council Secretary

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UMCOR Health Kits Please consider donating a completed health kit, partial health kit or cash. Our goal is 50 health kits. We began collecting supplies for them in February and will continue collecting through early May. The kits will go to annual conference the end of May.

Great project for the Sunday School classes, confirmation class, choir and families.

Health Kit Materials

Cost of materials is approximately $15.00

1 hand towel— 15 x 25 inches to 17 x 27 inches; Kitchen, cleaning, and microfiber towels not acceptable.

1 washcloth

1 comb— Comb needs to be sturdy and longer than 6 inches long; No pocket combs or picks please; Rattail combs and combs without handles are acceptable with a minimum of 6 inches of teeth.

1 metal nail file or nail clippers— No emery boards, please.

1 bath-size soap— 3 oz. and larger sizes only; No Ivory or Jergens soap due to moisture content; Do not remove

from original packaging. 1 toothbrush- Adult size only; Do not remove from original packaging.

6 adhesive bandages— ¾ inch to 1 inch-size; Common household Band-Aids.

1 plastic bag— One-gallon size sealable bag only.

$1.00 to purchase toothpaste

Native American Ministries

Sunday

April 24, 2016

Native American Ministries Sunday is the

third of the 2016 Special Offerings. As a

member of the United Methodist Church,

your gift, on this day equips Native congre-

gations to worship and serve as only they

can. Together, we empower

local spiritual development

and educate Native Ameri-

can seminary students to

serve God faithfully. Today

Native Americans, with many

unique languages, many

unique cultures, honor their

heritage and live as Jesus followers, led by a

rotation of primarily Native American pas-

tors.

When you support Native American Minis-

tries Sunday, you equip seminary students

who will honor and celebrate Native Ameri-

can culture in their ministries and you em-

power congregations that are finding fresh

new ways to minister to their congregations

with the love of Christ.

Please support this worthy offering.

If everyone gives a little, we can make

our $100.00 goal.

Thank you.

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Maple Leaf Parish Cherry Grove UMC

Fountain UMC

Faith UMC 617 Maple Lane

Spring Valley, MN 55975

Address Service Requested

Spring Valley, MN

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit #62

Non-Profit

Bulk Rate

Fountain UMC:

April 3: 8:30 a.m. Worship with Communion ; 9:30 a.m. Sunday School

April 9: Parish Service Project, Food for Kidz food pack

April 10: 8:30 a.m. Worship; 9:30 a.m. Sunday School

April 18: 8:30 a.m. Worship; 9:30 a.m. Sunday School

April 24: 8:30 a.m. Sunday Worship; 9:30 a.m. Sunday School

April 27: 6:30 p.m. Fountain U.M. Women meet

Cherry Grove UMC:

April 3: 9 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Worship with Communion;

6 p.m. Cowboy Church

April 9: Parish Service Project, Food for Kidz food pack

April 10: 9 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Worship

April 12: 9:30 a.m. Cherry Grove U.M. Women @ Corene Hamre’s

April 13: 5:30 p.m. Cherry Grove Admin. Council

April 17: 9 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Worship

April 24: 9 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Worship