THE SPIRE

First United

Methodist Church

131st Year of Ministry

Every Member in Ministry

Newsletter for the

First United Methodist Church in Pratt, KS

March 2017

March 2017THE SPIREPastor’s Thoughts

Grow with your relationship with GodAhhhhhhh…March is here. I think I will survive another winter. But I’m still

going to the beach over Spring break for a little renewal, just to be sure.

With March comes Spring, the season for renewal. I so look forward to

things greening up and trees budding and flowers blooming. But being married to

the master gardener that I am married to, I have learned that in order for all this new

growth to occur, there has to be some pruning. There are parts of the plant that are

old and useless, parts that zap energy, that need to be removed in order for growth to occur.

We love to grow rosebushes. It seemed unnatural to me at first, to cut off so much of the bush,

but I have learned to cut the bushes way back to allow for new growth. I thought I was killing the poor

bush, but was amazed at how much and how fast new growth showed up where pruning took place. We

have flower beds and pots around the house with plants that come back from year to year. If those plants

weren’t cut way back in the Fall, they will be soon. Because new growth doesn’t happen without some

pretty serious pruning.

Our lives in Christ are much the same. We need to be continually growing as followers of Jesus.

But our growth can become stagnant if we don’t undergo regular pruning. It might even seem unnatural

to do something other than the way we’ve always done it. We can get mired down in old habits, and stale

ways of thinking and doing things can zap our energy. Spiritual growth occurs through regular prayer

and spending time in God’s Word. It occurs through being in worship and fellowship with other Chris-

tians. It occurs through reaching out in service to our community and our world. But there are often old

habits and ways of thinking that get in the way, old habits and thoughts that might need to be pruned.

Are you growing in your relationship with God through Jesus Christ? Are you spending time in

prayer, in God’s Word, in worship and fellowship? Are you having healthy and loving relationships with

your friends, your family, with strangers you encounter in everyday living? If not, what’s getting in the

way? What habits or thoughts need to be pruned from your life so that you have room for growth?

I’m looking forward to a great season of renewal and spiritual growth and I hope and pray that you

will come and join us!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Marvin

March 2017THE SPIREYouth News

YOUTH NEWSMarch 2017

March 2017THE SPIREChildren’s Ministry

March 2017THE SPIREChildren’s Ministry

(Liz Krehbiel)

2017 Snack Supper Schedule

March 2017THE SPIRELadies and Men of Faith

Ladies StudyWednesday 6:00 p.m.

Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer

You have an enemy . . . and he’s dead set on destroying all you hold dear and keeping you from experiencing abundant life in Christ. What’s more, his approach to disrupting your life and dis-crediting your faith is specific. Personalized. Targeted.

When? 6:oopm Wed evenings, Starting March 22Where? The ParlorBooks? Contact Peggy Ellison 770-0469 by March 8th or the book can be ordered from Amazon or CBD.

Ladies StudyWednesday 10:00 a.m.

War RoomThis 5 week study utilizes clips from the War Room movie to illus-trate the need for prayer as a weapon (This study is not about mar-riage) The study will coach us into a closer spiritual relationship with God and a stronger prayer life.

When? 10.00am Wed mornings, Starting March 29Where? The Heritage RoomBooks? Contact Peggy Ellison 770-0469 by March 15th or book can be ordered from Amazon or CBD

To receive messages from Bishop Saenz and to stay up to date on news happenings around the Great Plains United Methodist Conference, please sign up for the weekly GPconnect email newsletter at http://gp-email.brtapp.com/subscribe, or send an email to rdelisi@greatplainsumc.org.

March 2017THE SPIREUMW News

United Methodist Women News The UMW has adopted the following policy concerning funeral meals:

“It is the policy of the Women of the First United Methodist Church, Pratt, KS to do

everything reasonably possible to accommodate the request for a fellowship meal before or

after a funeral service or memorial. There is no charge; however donations are accepted.

Members of the church provide this service as a ministry in the spirit of Christian love”

By using a team approach, the goal is to include everyone in the church who would like to be a part of

this ministry. Involvement and be done in a variety of ways such as helping with the meal, providing food,

or monetary. Guild members and others in the church are in the process of being contacted.

A list of the team co-leaders and members contacted so far are included in the Spire. If you do not see

your name and would like to become involved in this ministry contact Kim Claycamp at 770-0281, clayc-

amp_kim@hotmail.com or Kay Sewell at 672-5484 H and 672-1533 C adsejm@sctelcom.net.

The date is set for the Mother Daughter Friend Banquet. It will be Tuesday March 28, 2017, at 6:30 in

Fellowship Hall. You may sign up in the church office. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for 10 and under

children. The deadline for purchasing tickets is March 24th. And as always, remember our profits are used

for missions. So ask your grandmother, mother, daughter or friend and come for an enjoyable evening of

fellowship and entertainment.

Kim Claycamp, UMW President

March 2017THE SPIREUMW News/Meal Teams

Funeral Meal TeamsTeam 1 Co-Leaders Team 2 Co-Leaders Team 3 Co-Leaders Team 4 Co-Leaders

Beth Rose Ruth Ann Barker Juanita Belcher Nancy BolandBetty Eubank Faye Kuhn Terry Olsen Linda Buchmueller

Members: Members: Members: Members: Marjorie Barker Lynda Arnett Bev Aldrich Jeanette AllisonJane Bolen Megan Austin Kelli Barker Helen BaileySharon Brainier Nancy Bailey Betty Baus Gina BatesLinda Broce Sarah Blasi Norma Carlson Kaye BeamSue Buhler Pat Brant Sherri Ewertt Jane BilesJeanne Carson Pam Brown Lucas Lisa Fincham Melanie BlackKim DeClue Georgeanne Davault Georgie Fowler Nancy Brown-McClainKodi Davidson Danielle Demuth Lynette Freeman Denise DoverJoyce Frazier Lois Gray Jessica Gatz Darlene EnglishJeanette Garretson Michelle Holderman Diana Harris Sarah EubankMary Gordon Ginny Houdyshell Carol Hartsel Marjorie Gillig Marie Hanson Janis Jilg Calora Hayse Janet Hearn Betty Heape Darci Jones Nikki Humble Dalene (Dick) Hughes Margaret Hilt Sally LaPrad Martha Kramer Erin Kirby Vicki Howell Kay Lesh Jane Maphet Pat Klassen Diane Ingram Cathy Millen Janell Mead Lu Kramer Nancy Kerr Delores Moore Janis Moore Nancy Neelly Prudy Lewton Avis Mardis Suzan Patton Flo Parsons Rose Ann Lunt Barb Prater Brenda Riffey Earlene Ploger Jan Meyer Eunice Proctor Margie Scott Rex Anna Prater Eda Woolf-Nixon Hallie Riffey Pearl Shank Genny Schmidt Betty Norrish Barbara Sangster Crystal Shanline Lu Sherer Shelley Patton Amy Slade Marilyn Stewart Barbara Shinkle Louise Reimer Charmaine Swanepoel Ruth Anna Stotts Kelli Smiley Michelle Schmidt Marilyn Van Slyke Stacie Tharp Emily Tharp Pat Schwartz Priscilla White Stephanie Thompson Jean Tharp Carla Stotts Renee Wilson Alichia Van Slyke Ani Uphoff Sharon Winkelpleck Heather Winkelpleck Deb Veach

Funeral Meal Coordinator-Special Courtesy Committee Chair: Kay Sewell

March 2017THE SPIREMissions

Volunteer In Mission The preliminary calendar is out for Great Plains VIM opportunities in 2017. Look at your calen-

dar and see which opportunities work for you. We will be going to 5 United Methodist conference camps

where lodging and meals are included with the registration fee.

Contact Chuck and Linda Buchmueller – 620-770-0411

We participated in 9 projects this year traveling to Louisiana, Texas, Colorado, 2 sites in Nebraska

and 4 sites in Kansas. We helped with various projects including: put up paneling, prep work before floor-

ing was installed, built 7 wheel chair ramps, replaced a privacy fence, repaired the covered wagon at Camp

Horizon, built bunk beds, built pew/benches, built 3 rabbit hutches, cleaned carpet, applied many gallons

of paint and enjoyed several sewing projects.

Dates and places for VIM in 2017 Registration fee $150 per person per project

March 19-24 – Camp Jefferson-Fairbury, Nebraska

April 2-7 – Camp Horizon-Ark City, Kansas

April 30-May 5 – Youthville-Newton, Kansas

June 11-16 – Camp Norwesca-Chadron, Nebraska

June 18-23 – Camp Comeca-Cozad, Nebraska

July 9-20 – Buckhorn Camp-Fort Collins, Colorado

August 13-18 – Alpha Christian Children’s Home-Perry, Kansas

September 17-22 – Camp Lakeside-Scott City, Kansas

October 8-19 – Alpha Christian Children’s Home-Perry, KS

March Anniversaries

March 1 Elizabeth NorrishMarch 2 Jim Bob LewtonMarch 4 Hope PeterMarch 4 Justin PeterMarch 5 Rose AngoodMarch 5 Clinton RiggsMarch 6 Ryan DoverMarch 8 Chris PfannenstielMarch 8 Ron SibleyMarch 9 Janice WoodMarch 9 Dianne ThomasMarch 11 Terry OlsenMarch 11 John SchwartzMarch 11 Addison MillenMarch 12 Clinton SkaggsMarch 13 Lois KennedyMarch 14 Jolene BarnesMarch 14 Pat Gordon

March 14 Martha KramerMarch 14 Chelsee HoenerMarch 15 Steve ParsonsMarch 16 Hayden MayMarch 17 Milt MartinMarch 18 Roy WinklepleckMarch 18 Monica BakerMarch 18 Chuck GishMarch 18 Louise ClineMarch 18 Robin PattonMarch 18 Denise HumbleMarch 18 Kevin RiffeyMarch 19 Jane LewinMarch 19 Janet BlackMarch 21 Virginia HoudyshellMarch 21 Donna SmithMarch 21 Shari SmithMarch 22 Marleigh Bates

March 22 Brenda CampbellMarch 23 Jessica BrunsonMarch 23 Cole FinchamMarch 23 Hayden RathgeberMarch 24 Julie WahrmanMarch 24 Brandon ForssbergMarch 25 Margie ScottMarch 26 Kevin BilesMarch 26 Ryan LuntMarch 27 Anna Marie DavaultMarch 27 Kevin DavidsonMarch 28 Yolande SwanepoelMarch 29 Louise KemptonMarch 29 Amy JonesMarch 30 Gary SchmidtMarch 30 James FitzsimmonsMarch 31 Marie Hanson

March 9 Brett & Glenda HoudyshellMarch 11 Arlan & Ellen HairMarch 16 Kevin & Kodi Davidson

March Birthdays

March 2017THE SPIREBithdays/Anniversaries

March 20 Chris & Marsha ShrackMarch 26 Wayne & Flo ParsonsMarch 26 Awie & Elize Cilliers

Birthday CelebrationPlease help Lois Kennedy celebrate her 90th birthday on March 5 from 2-4 p.m. at the Pratt Area 4-H Cen-ter. She was born March 13, 1927 at Pawnee Rock, Kansas and married Merle Kennedy on July 25, 1945. Her children are Steve and Paulette Kennedy, Rhonda and Ron Richardson, Brenda and Don Pilger, Nancy and Jay Bailey, Julie and Ron Volske. She has 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren. Cards and letters may be sent to her at 206 SE 30th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124.

Regular Happenings

Sunday: 8:15 a.m. Informal Service 9:05 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. 50/50-Kum Double Class, Parlor 10:00 a.m. Contemporary Service 10:40 a.m. Meet Loaf, FH 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship

If you have something that you would like to put in The Spire, please email Jane Bolen jane.bolen@yahoo.com or call her at 672-3198

by the 20th of the month before the next Spire.

Monday: 9:30 a.m. Quilters 10:00 a.m. Moms’ Group

Wednesday Activities begin again Sept.7 7:00 a.m. Ladies Prayer Group, CR 10:00 a.m. Ladies Bible Study, Heritage Room 4:15 p.m. Puppets 5:00 p.m. Snack Supper

6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Jesus & Me, Basement 6:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study 6:00 p.m. Ladies’ Bible Study 6:00 p.m. Middle School Youth 6:00 p.m. Contemporary Worship Practice 7:30 p.m. High School Youth

Friday: 10:00 a.m. Mom’s Day Out

March Calendar

March 2017THE SPIRENews/Staff

StaffPastor...............................................Marvin EwerttChildren’s Ministries ...........................Liz KrehbielYouth Director ..................................... Kelli BarkerBusiness Manager .................... Jacqueline JohnsonFacilities Coordinator ....................... Louis KeelingOrganist/Pianist .......................................Jane BilesAudio Coordinator .............................. Stan ReimerVideo Coordinator ..............................Sherri EwerttNursery ...........................................Georgie Fowler

Phone: (620) 672-6473FAX: (620) 672-3101Pastor Marvin’s cell (316) 655-1716email: jjohnson@prattumc.orgWeb site: www.prattumc.org

First United Methodist ChurchThe Spire

P. O. Box 316100 N. JacksonPratt, KS 67124

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

You may pick up your copy of the Spire at the church. If you wish to have your name added to the email list, please advise Jacqueline jjohnson@prattumc.org or Jane Bolen jane.bolen@yahoo.com of your address.

Recycle at FUMC had the opportunity to visit our Nation’s Capitol last week, and saw many ways they model recycling. Let’s “March” in March to do our best as we Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.Happy Spring!Love from the UMW Recycling Team-Helen Bailey, Kim Claycamp, and Annette Van Blaricum

REDUCE, REUSE,

RECYCLE, REJOICE!

I have created a QR (quick read) code that once scanned will take you to

the website. The home page is then viewable from your mobile phone.

Other QR codes can be generated for facebook, church event info, vid-

eos… ect. You should be able to download the code by clicking on it for

printing in the bulletin and Spire. Let me know if you have questions,

email me or call at 620-341-8473

Your web servant, Sherri Ewertt