the united methodist church newsletter - … united methodist church newsletter ... sept 17 maria...

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

NEWSLETTER “Serve, Teach, and Love As We Grow In Faith”

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SEPTEMBER 2017

“One God, Many Names”

On August 18-20 I was one of 55 clergy and lay people who joined Bishop Jung for an Interfaith Bus Tour. We be-gan our journey on Friday evening as we participated in a Jewish Shabbat service at Congregation Shalom syna-gogue in Milwaukee. On Saturday we visited a Sikh temple, an Islamic temple, and a Hindu temple. On Sunday morning we experienced a Coptic Orthodox worship service which lasted for almost 2 1/2 hours! At each location we learned about the history, beliefs, and practices of each faith and were given the opportunity to ask questions.

Here is just a taste of what we learned:

The Jewish tradition seeks to be a light of God's peace. Jews believe in one God, community, community out-reach, and many other values held by the Christian faith.

The Sikh (pronounced “sick”) seek to learn everyday and live a responsible life of harmony. The word Sikh means disciple or learner. They believe in one God, equality of all human beings, work, sharing, service, non-violence, meditation, tolerance of other faiths, and self discipline.

Muslims believe in one God, and live a devoted life of prayer and continually submit themselves, ALL of them-selves, to Gods will. All Muslims are NOT terrorists. Terrorists are Muslims who take very small snippets of their scriptures and misinterpret them for evil means, not unlike the Posse Comitatus or skinheads, who be-lieve they are following Biblical principles.

Hindus seek to live a life of good. They pray for revelation and search for what is right and good. Hindus be-lieve in one God represented in many forms of either gender. Hindus do not hold worship services.

The Coptic Orthodox faith has its roots in the early Christian church as they believe they were begun by St. Mark, the Apostle, in the first century. They teach from the Bible and hold Christian values.

As Christians we believe in one God, we desire to be bearers of peace, to live responsibly and in harmony with others. We believe in giving our time, our service, our very hearts to God. And we seek to do no harm, to do good, and to stay in love with God as John Wesley once said.

Given the state the world is in today, we need to understand that we are all in this together. Whether Sikh, Mus-lim, Hindu, Jew or Christian, we can stand together against the darkness, the hate, the inequality, the injustice. We can stand together and refuse to let hate win. We are all brothers and sisters, no matter our faith back-ground.

"There is neither Jew not gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male or female. You are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28.

May God Bless Us As We Continue the Journey With our Brothers and Sisters of Faith,

Pastor Kathy

A House Divided

In 1858, Abraham Lincoln stated that "A house divided against itself cannot stand," referencing, of course, Jesus’

teaching in Matthew 12. This is not a new concept, and for Christians it should be a central belief as we look at our

world, our country, our own church, and such tragedies as the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. Our divisions

threaten to destroy us.

There is a very simple, yet important question that every United Methodist should be wrestling with: are those

things that divide us greater than the God who unites us? Where does the power lie? Can we honestly call our-

selves a people of faith when we act and speak as if our differences are greater than the one who creates us, re-

deems us, and sustains us?

What purpose is served by self-righteousness? What possible good can come from prejudices and biases and hos-

tility? There is a very fine line between righteous indignation and downright hatred. In a world where ideologies

clash, and result in violence and murder, the Church absolutely must proclaim a witness of peace and restoration.

The Church provides us with a vision of God’s will, and proposes that we might be one. One in Christ. One with

each other. One in ministry to all the world. One baptism, one Lord, one Spirit, one God. There is simply no place

for divisions to destroy us when we are the children of God, who is greater than any and all of our differences.

Once again, we must be a people of prayer who set aside differences and divisions to unite around the love and

grace that transforms the world. We can LEAD in a world that is lost, and locked into a spiral of violence, con-

tempt and condescension. Let us commit to be light in darkness, hope in despair, and healing in brokenness.

Grace and Peace,

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung

PAGE 2 UMC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2017

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Strategic Planning/Visioning Update

On Sunday, August 27, four focus area teams reported on the work completed to date. Community Interview Team: Local businesses and community organizations have been interviewed by team members in order to find how BRF UMC can relate to, partner with, and be in mission with our community. Feed-back was very encouraging. Young Adults and Youth: This team looked within and outside of the church to find ways to strengthen and grow our ministries to youth. One major concern is the gap in congregational life activity from post Confirmation to age 40. Bridging Cross Generational Life: This team is looking at alternative worship options as well as ideas to re-new our discipleship system. Ideas raised were; Leadership training, the Walk to Emmaus, a Congregation ser-vice/mission trip, and short reports about committee life monthly in worship. Finance & Capital Campaign: The team gave an update on the Capital campaign planned for the end of 2017-2020, as well as concerns on ways to pay our full shared conference ministries to the conference. The next meeting is set for December 3rd, 10:30am-1:30pm.

UMC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2017

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SEPT 3 Ann Berry

SEPT 4 Leyah Bailey

Cindy Chrisinger

SEPT 5 Bonnie Burnham

Jann Dahl

SEPT 6 Tom Epps

SEPT 8 Verland Casper

SEPT 9 Tyler Bue

SEPT 11 David Gjerseth

SEPT 12 Pam Bjerke

SEPT 13 Orville Amborn

SEPT 14 Kyle Kostohryz

SEPT 15 Lois Epps

Cathy Whaley

SEPT 17 Maria Lee

SEPT 18 Marlee Slifka

SEPT 21 Amy Willette

SEPT 22 Loretta Charneski

SEPT 23 Breanna Amborn

Nick Hagenbrock

Sue Lindahl

SEPT 24 Anne Boehm

Michael Firkins

SEPT 26 Cheryl Dolsey

Dennis Farnsworth

Bill Perry

SEPT 27 Ellen Fink

SEPT 28 Eric Chrisinger

Iris Holder

Phyllis Nesbitt

SEPT 29 Molly Saavedra

Jill Prochaska

Jim Talley

SEPT 30 Sara Baker

Seth Harelson

SEPT 5 Larry & Sue Gaede

Don & Charlene Galston

SEPT 7 Larry & Sharon Nemec

SEPT 8 Harley & Kathie Boehm

SEPT 15 Darrin & Anne Boehm

SEPT 16 Bob & Anna Becker

Dick & Bernice Moldenhauer

SEPT 17 Don & Janet Gilbertson

SEPT 19 Glen & Abbi Goldsmith

SEPT 21 Lance & Jennifer Leisgang

Larry & Cathy Whaley

SEPT 23 Orv & Beth Amborn

SEPT 27 Eric & Cindy Chrisinger

Ken & LuAnne Schoolcraft

SEPT 30 Jim & Jill Kaphengst

Derek & Marcie Peterson

YOUR CHURCH NEWSLETTER IS AVAILABLE ONLINE at

brfumc.org or it can be sent to you by email. Call the church office for more information!!!


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Take a step back…and move forward

Take a step back from routine and move forward into the UMW community. We are often so locked into our daily rou-

tines and the demands of work and family that we miss opportunities for growth. At times we need to escape the routine.

On September 16 we have just that opportunity.

The North Central District UMW Annual Gathering will be held here at our church. Put aside your routine. Join us for

fellowship, learning and worship. Registration forms are available on the kiosk in the Gathering Area.

Let’s be a welcoming UMW with many members present to greet and visit with our UMW guests. See you on Sept. 16.

From response

“Advocacy is a key part of what United Methodist Women does as an organization. We advocate to change unfair poli-

cies, systems and practices that impact the most marginalized.” (response, September 2017, p.6)

157 of 183 countries around the world had decreases in maternal mortality between 2000 and 2013. BUT “The esti-

mated increase in maternal mortality rate for 48 states and Washington, D.C., from 18.8 per 100,000 live births in 2000

to 23.8 in 2014.” (response, September 2017, p.6)

The September issue discusses maternal health advocacy and also advocacy for justice especially for those unfairly im-

prisoned. “ ‘I can’t image a roomful of women who can’t change the world,’ Kneece (Brenda Kneece, executive minis-

ter of the South Carolina Christian Action Council) said, … ‘You have to have a heart for what you do and let it be seen

in the world. Then you must have a vision for what you need too. Then you must have some definitive steps of ac-

tion.’” (response, Sept. 2017

Dates to Remember

Sept. 16 North Central District UMW Annual Gathering, BRF UMC, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

October 2 Circle Meetings

October 22 UMW Sunday. Our guest speaker will be Rev. Barbara Certa-Werner from Harbor House Crisis Center

If you have enjoyed the Café Worship Ser-

vices this summer, you will be happy to

hear that these services will continue on

Wednesday evenings this fall at 6:15 p.m.

starting Wednesday, September 20. All

are invited to come for a meal, served in

the Fellowship Hall from 4:30-6:00 p.m.,

and stay for Café Worship. These will be very informal and relaxed

services offering families an option for worship to accommodate their

busy life schedules. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend!


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Can you take an hour out of your week to learn more about God? We are asking that eve-ryone in the congregation check out our new Bible studies for the Fall. Jesus says to never stop learn-ing his Word. Learning God's Word together makes commu-nity. Small groups can be truly

a blessing. Together we can understand and apply the Word in new ways to life today. Thursday Nights at 5:30 p.m. will be one of the Bible Studies. We will study the book, “The Daniel Prayer”, by Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Billy Graham. This is a video based study with Anne Graham Lotz leading. This study, based on Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9, will help you pray effectively for your nation, for your family, and for yourself. Anne answers ques-tions such as the following:

How do I know the God to whom I pray will listen?

How do I know God cares about my prayer?

How do I know God will answer my prayer?

Why should I pray?

Does it matter where I am when I pray?

Are words in prayer all that matter, or does my

attitude affect prayer?

What difference does the prayer of one person

make? Everyone is welcome to join us. We will be starting Thursday, September 21, at 5:30 p.m. Watch the bulletin and Gathering area for other Bible Studies starting this Fall.

BULLETINS

AUG 6 In honor of Chuck & Ruth Buswell’s

50th Wedding Anniversary on August 5

sponsored by Bill & Karen Foust

RADIO BROADCASTS

AUG 13 Sponsored by the United Methodist

Women

On Saturday, September 30,

we will be holding a Trivia

Contest as a fundraiser for

the General Fund. So, get

your team together to have

some fun! Teams can be up

to 6 members with a $10 fee

for each member. Test your

trivia skills at 6:00 p.m. on

the 30th! Sign up at the

Information Station. For

more info, contact Tom Epps.


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EVERY SUNDAY

Worship Service:

9:00-10:00 a.m.

Sunday School:

9:20-10:15 a.m.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Café Worship Service

6:15-7:00 p.m.

Come and join your church family on Wednes-day nights starting September 13 for food, fun, fellowship and more. The meal will be served from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Below is the menu for Sep-tember: (Brochures with menus for the year are available at the Information Station) September 13 Baked Potato Bar Lettuce Salad Desserts Beverages September 20 Barbecues Baked Beans Chips Desserts Beverages September 27 Meatballs Potatoes & Gravy Green Beans Desserts Beverages Every week there will be hot dogs and peanut butter/jelly also available. A free-will offering of $4.00 per person or a maximum of $10.00 per family if possible will be taken to cover the cost of the food. You are invited to come whether you can pay or not. Don’t let the cost stop you from coming. Volunteers are needed for cleaning up the kitchen and Fellowship Hall each week, as well as for furnishing bars or cookies for dessert each week. Please be willing to take your turn to help continue this program.

We are very excited to be

embarking on an

adventure, and we will need

everyone’s help.

Please keep watching the

newsletter and bulletins

for details on how

you can help us.

Board of Trustees


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Matthew 19:14: But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Jesus is My Super Hero VBS was a huge success! 38 children ages 3 years to 11 years came to listen to Bible Stories, do arts and crafts, and learn new songs. We met Steve Collins with the BRFEMS, Kate Phillips and Justin Jessop with the BRF Fire Department,

Officer Jeremy James and his K9 dog, Mattis, and Dyan and Ivan from JCI Canine Can Do Program. A HUGE THANKS to everyone who contributed items or volunteered their time for Vacation Bible School. Programs like this cannot hap-pen without people like you! It’s a Carnival! The first day of Sunday School will be Sunday, September 10, with registration and a Carnival Extravaganza! Watch your mail for a postcard! The 6th and 7th graders will receive a postcard inviting them to help at the Carnival Extravaganza. Registration forms are also available on our webpage, www.brfumc.org. On September 17 and 24, all children will be combined and participate in Group Sunday. This will enable the Sunday School Team and children to get to know each other. Sunday School will begin at 9:20 a.m. and end at 10:15 a.m. (Children are encour-aged to attend church with their families at 9:00 a.m. They will be dismissed to go to Sunday School following the Chil-dren’s Message). In October, we will continue the Rotation Model Sunday School. This is a way to teach Bible Stories and concepts through child-friendly, creative, and interactive areas. The name of our rotation is JAM, Jesus and Me. The children will rotate to a different area each week: Creation Station (Art), Sunday’s Diner (Cooking), Godly Games (Games), and Holywood (Stories/Music). They will focus on one story for 4 weeks. Rotation Leaders do not rotate, but stay in one place, preparing one lesson (with some age-appropriate modifications) for the four week rotation. All children will begin in the Holywood Room and be dismissed to their rotation. The Holywood Room is located downstairs by the elevator. FAMILY SUNDAY: The third Sunday of each month has been designated as Family Sunday. Our first one is October 15. All Sunday School children will participate in the 9:00 a.m. Worship Service. Pre-K children and 4th graders will receive their Bibles. Families and children are encouraged to attend this special Sunday and remain in church for the full service. What a great opportunity to involve our younger youth in worship! Like our Facebook page Black River Falls Sunday School to see photos of our activities. You can also go to the church’s website, www.brfumc.org for photos and other information. Our Rotation Model Sunday School Team: Children’s Ministry Coordinator: Beth Bue Holywood: Beth Bue, Penny Goldsmith Creation Station: Ann Smetana and Barb Goldsmith Sunday’s Diner: Megan Finch and Barb Goldsmith Godly Games: Mike Rave The 6th and 7th grade classes will be taught by Roxie Hostrawser. She will be using her own curriculum for the students.

Please continue bringing in your ink cartridges and old cell phones. There are boxes in the front entryway, by the

Church Office, and by the Youth Rooms for the ink cartridges and cell phones.

YOUTH BIRTHDAYS:

SEPT 2 Jaida Decorah Ian Phillips SEPT 3 Mackenzie Dougherty SEPT 6 Tucker Peterson SEPT 11 Tyler Woods SEPT 21 Channing Goldsmith SEPT 30 Erika Phillips

Our youth program is changing this fall. We are making some great and posi-tive changes. These changes will nurture and develop our faith journey with God. Youth families will receive a letter in the mail about the new program. If you do not receive a letter and would like one, please give Suzanne a call 715-896-0224. On Sunday, September 10th, from 10:15-11:15 a.m. all 6th graders are invited to come and learn about our youth program. Parents can fill out necessary pa-

perwork, youth can meet new people and have a great time. A letter has been sent out. If you didn't receive one and would like one, please give Suzanne a call 715-896-0224. Israel Trip Info: On Sunday, September 17th, we are hosting a pie social after worship. Following the pie social, youth and families interested in going to Israel are invited to come to a short meeting on final expectations for the up-coming trip. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall. We will have the next six months of fundraising informa-tion available at the meeting. Suzanne Goldsmith Youth Program Director 715-896-0224 [email protected] facebook: Black River Falls UMC Youth Group website: BRFUMC.org

PAGE 8 UMC NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2017

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Do you love to sing??

Come and join the UMC Choir!!

Whether you sing soprano, alto, tenor or bass, there

is a place for you in the choir!

Our practice time will be on Sunday mornings at

10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary, beginning Sunday,

September 10.

Come and meet our new director, Joey Barnett, and

help us make a joyful noise to the Lord! Come and

check the choir out!


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PRAYER FAMILIES FOR SEPTEMBER

SEPT 3 Denise Hanson

Paul, Robin, William & Isaac Hoffman

David & Gail Jelinek

Tim & Mary McCann

SEPT 10 Larry & Sharon Nemec

Larry, Karen, Leah, Joel & Jamie Pennekamp

Mildred Schoolcraft

Chris & Emily Stewart

SEPT 17 Gretchen & Brian Andersen

Dan Brauner

Joe & Margery Collins

Joan Zenz

SEPT 24 Peter, Sharon & Jake Ernst

Vernon & Mary Gjerseth

Steve, Patty, Megan & Seth Harelson

Peter & Jone Hoffman

UMCOR RESPONDS TO HURRICANE HARVEY

By now, we have all seen the horrific images of Hurricane Harvey’s

destructive path through Houston, Southeast Texas, and Southwest

Louisiana, producing record-shattering rains and flooding in some

communities. Before Harvey made landfall, UMCOR was working

with United Methodist Church conferences to ready resources and

volunteers for the relief and recovery efforts. UMC volunteers from

these conferences are UMCOR’s feet on the ground, and they are

actively responding to this ongoing and developing disaster.

The people of Houston and other affected communities need our help today!

Donations may be sent directly to UMCOR by mailing a check to Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068 GPO, New

York, NY 16087 ( write the Advance # 901670 in the memo line). Donations may be given by phone by

calling 1-888-252-6174, or donations can also be given to our church for UMCOR. Checks should be made

out to the church and will be forwarded to UMCOR. Please include the Advance # 901670 on your check.


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Van Etta Library

BOOK REVIEW

The Broken Road

by Richard Paul Evans

Richard Paul Evans, author of the best-selling books, The Christmas Box and The Walk, has

published the first book in a much-anticipated new trilogy. The Broken Road will be followed with

two more books in this series. It is the story of redemption, grace and the power of second chances.

Charles James is well known in Chicago and finally has the life he has worked for. But his busi-

ness practices have not always been ethical. His wealth has come legally, but questionably, and his

powerful personality and his ability to persuade people out of their hard-earned money has put him

on top of his game. When he gets a visit from the father of one of his clients, he begins to question

his choices, his relationships, his future and the type of man he's become. Then a twist of fate

changes everything and he is forced with some big decisions to make.

The Broken Road was given to the Van Etta Library in memory of Penny Elmore, by family and

friends. I do hope to add the next two books in this series to our library, as they are published.

Rhoda Gulso

Sunday School Carnival!!!!

HURRY, HURRY…COME ONE, COME ALL Step right up and have a ball!

For: First day of Sunday School

Date: Sunday, September 10

Time: 9:20 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Place: BRF UMC Fellowship Hall

BRF UMC Calendar of Events—September 2017

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

9:00 a.m.—Worship Services

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

LABOR DAY

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

9:00 a.m.—Prayer Group

5:00 p.m.—PreCon Orientation Meeting

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

5:30 p.m.—Women’s Retreat Meeting

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

9:00 a.m.—Worship Service

9:20-10:15 a.m.—Sunday School

10:15 a.m.—Youth Meeting (6th Graders)

10:15 a.m.—UMC Choir Practice

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11


PASTOR KATHY DAY OFF

9:00 a.m.—Martha Circle Meeting

1:30 p.m.—Circle of Hope Meeting

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

5:30 p.m.—Board of Trustees Meeting

5:30 p.m.—Finance Committee Meeting

6:30 p.m.—Administrative Council Meeting



4:30-6:00 p.m.—Church Family Night Meal

5:00 p.m.—PreCon

6:00 p.m.—Youth Program


7:00 p.m.—Bell Choir Rehearsal

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.—UMW North Central

District Annual Gathering



Communion Sunday


10:00 a.m.—Pie Social


10:30 a.m.—Israel Trip Meeting







5:00 p.m.—PreCon

5:00 p.m.—Confirmation


6:15 p.m.—Café Worship Service


5:30 p.m.—Bible Study












5:00 p.m.—PreCon

5:00 p.m.—Confirmation


6:15 p.m.—Café Worship Service


5:30 p.m.—Bible Study


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

6:00 p.m.—Trivia Night

the united methodist church newsletter - … united methodist church newsletter ... sept 17 maria...

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