September Newsletter

United Methodist Church of Dodge Center

Pastor: Chad Christensen

Email: revchriste5@gmail.com

Cell phone : 573-514-5007

Pastor Chad’s Office hours:

Tuesday & Thursday- 9:00-12 :00 Administrative Assistant: Janet Sinning Email: secdcumc@gmail.com

Phone: 507-374-6885 (Office) Office Hours: Monday & Thursday’s 8:00- 1:00

Website: www.dodgecenterumc.org

Visit us and like us on Facebook!

Dodge Center United Methodist Church PO Box 98 20 First Street NE Dodge Center, MN 55927

Worship service: 8:00 am

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Pastor Chad’s Message… “Nevertheless”

Dear Church members and friends,

I hope that you have been find-ing rest and relaxation in these summer days whenever that has been possible for you. I know several of you have cabins elsewhere or favorite lakes or parks that you like to get away to. Or maybe binge watch-ing Netflix has been your comfort spot. Believe me, when I was staying with my dad from March into June, we con-quered several seasons of shows on Netflix! I remember during my first call in Upper Michigan during my days off, sitting on the shore of Lake Superior at Presque Isle Park in Marquette, feeling the breeze and cool mist off the lake and bare feet clinching the beach sand. It felt like the relief that was displayed in the old 1970’s TV commercial for Calgon bath powder… the woman on the commercial says, “The traffic, the boss, the baby and the dogs!” Then she says "That does it! Calgon, take me away," with the sounds of a harp fading off into the distance.

The stresses of today are unique in addition to the common burdens for whom the Calgon commercial spoke. None of us was around for the 1918-20 Spanish flu, or at least cannot remember it if you were. When a threat to our lives faces us in the unknown, a different kind of anxiety exists, especially when we cannot be certain that we will be fully protected. While a pandemic is not sharp to our senses like the cling of a glass accidentally falling inside the dish-washer when it is in the heavy wash cycle, nevertheless the dull day-to-day reality that life is different and more vigi-lantly protected has an effect upon us that is not without cer-tain fears and suspicions.

Nevertheless. It hasn’t been a word we have heard during the pandemic, but its reality is present. You can wear a mask, you can stay at home, you can socially distance, and you can wash your hands well. But then comes… neverthe-less… you may still be susceptible to contracting the coro-navirus.

When you think of potent, meaningful words from the Bible which words come to mind? Love. Grace. Faith. Abide. Joy. Fear. Lately, the Gospel passages for our worship have noted the disciples being afraid. Being on a stormy lake. Seeing a human figure walking toward them on the water. Peter going out to meet Jesus walking on the water but starting to sink. But then comes a nevertheless in the story. Nevertheless… Jesus caught Peter. Nevertheless, the storm was calmed and the disciples were reassured. Never-theless, the Canaanite woman’s daughter was freed of a de-mon. Nevertheless. Another potent, meaningful word from the Bible that we can easily overlook. (Cont. on next page)

There is very little motion sickness on a journey with God. —Homiletics

September 20

Sunday morning Counters needed. If you can aid in this ministry. Contact Janet S. in the office. 374-6885 or secdcumc@gmail.com

Update on Finances as of August 12 Received YTD - $ 37,968.00 Spent YTD - 54,301.74 July Balance – 3,675.53 Unpaid Bills - $ 7,448.93

CLOTH MASKS Lois and Sheila currently have many cloth masks to share at no charge. Masks can be picked up at the outside box by the front door or on the coffee fellowship table at the church or at Lois Lepp's home. New fabrics are being added each week. We will also make masks for special orders, for example, MN Vikings, MN Twins, certain colors, etc. Call Lois at 507-421-3474 or Sheila at 507-269-3324.

Online Tithing news Exciting news! You can now set up your giving to be done online - one time or recurring. It’s a quick process. Need help? Ask Tyler K. or Kelly A. The link is attached or you can go on our Face-book page for a video that can walk you through it. https://secure.subsplash.com/ui/access/494X92

Remember, will you, that as we continue into the un-knowns of what the rest of this year brings… be it the pandemic, the political scene, the social divisiveness oc-curring in our country, the changes happening in your home… that Jesus promises a good, steady, calming, and loving “nevertheless” for our lives. His “nevertheless” overrides everything (yes, everything) else as he desires to break through into your life with his abounding and steadfast love and to give you hope. Rest, and be hopeful. Pastor Chad

Confirmation Due to a lack in numbers of confirmation-aged youth, our church will not hold confirmation this 2020-21 year. In a year we may have a bigger group to have class. But, please keep our church youth in your prayers. Let Pastor know of ideas on how we can keep our youth engaged in church, in addition to worship and Sunday school. I am all ears!

WWAP will meet Friday, September 18th at 9:30 am outside on the church lawn. If the weather is not favorable, we will meet inside. Bring your own lawn chair and bever-age. Women With a Purpose was formed in the early 1990s as a small group to encourage fellowship, but with former mem-bers now unable to attend, we would love to have more people join us. We usually meet the third Friday of each month at the church. All are Welcome!

Fall Book Study with Pastor Chad Pastor is planning to lead a book study this fall. There are two options to choose from—the topic that wins with the most votes will be covered (if there is significant demand for both, we may do both and include members of Trinity Lutheran. We will meet with no more than 7 gathered, and via virtual video). Five Elements for Moral Action in the World, by Walter Brueggeman a renown biblical scholar. Surveys money, food, the body, time and place as themes for our discussion as we talking about issues facing us today. (Book range $11-12 on Amazon) OR The Good Life, by the late Peter Gomes, former minister of the chapel at Harvard University. Questions raised will be: What do I need to be good? How can I truly be happy? To whom or to what dare I give my ultimate loyalty, my deepest love, my full and total service. How do I make a life and not just a living? (Books are around $2 on Ama-zon) Email Pastor (revchriste5@gmail.com) or call the church office (374-6885) with your choice A) Brueggemann and/or B) Gomes. P.S. My educational style is more about “with” than “over”. I like learning with people, rather than coming from a high fallutin pedestal. I’m not an Ivory tower guy. So don’t worry about the material or my own (overeducated) background, but I hope to lend some linkages to what these authors have written to today’s life.

WWAP will meet Friday, September 18th at 9:30 am outside on the church lawn. If the weather is not favora-ble, we will meet inside. Bring your own lawn chair and beverage. Women With a Purpose was formed in the early 1990s as a small group to encourage fellowship, but with former members now unable to attend, we would love to have more people join us. We usually meet the third Friday of each month at the church. All are Welcome!

Be a Lively Christian A man once told a pastor that he wanted to become a member of the church. “But”, he said, “I’m very busy, so don’t ask me to join a committee, teach a class or sing in the choir. Spare me from anything that would take up my time, and don’t be surprised if I’m not in worship very often.” The pastor thought for a moment, and then replies ”I believe you’re at the wrong church. The church you are looking for is10 blocks down the street.” The man followed the pastor’s directions and soon came to an abandoned, boarded –up church building. It was a dead church—out of business. May each of us always be alive to ministry of the Lord’s church. Remember that lively Christians make churches that are alive.

DODGE CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURC ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020 (Approved)

ATTENDANCE: Beth Hanggi (SPRC), Chad Chr istensen (Pastor ), Dale Jensen (Trustees), Kelly Amun-rud (Trust Fund), Lisa O'Neil (Ad Council Chairperson), Richard Urbain (History & Records), Sheila Freerksen (Secretary Ad Council), and Tyler Kispert (Treasurer). MEETING: Lisa called the meeting to order . The Vision Mission statement was read in unison. Con-cerns and praise reports were shared. Pastor Chad opened the meeting with a prayer. SECRETARY: The June 16, 2020 Ad Council minutes were distr ibuted. Motion was made to approve the minutes. Motion was seconded and approved. TREASURER: The Church Windows software has now been installed on my computer . I am working on getting the financial accounts set up. Once the Trust Fund money is deposited, the parsonage repairment fee will be paid when the work is completed. The SubSplash electronic giving account has been setup so, if mem-bers would like to join, they can set this up. We need an audit yearly but do we need one for a change in treasur-er? A discussion took place. We just completed one in January 2020 for 2019 so the decision was made to not have another one now. TRUST FUND: Money has been transfer red from the trust fund to pay for the parsonage renovations. There will need to be one more transfer for a final payment after the work is completed. TRUSTEES: The par sonage is being repair ed and updated for approvement to rent. SPRC: Pastor Chad will need his expenses paid. Parsonage repair will be done about the end of July-middle August. Parsonage monthly rental fee will be $950 a month to pay to church. The renters will have to pay utilities fees, roughly $300 per month. Renters will be responsible to mow the lawn in summer and remove the snow in winter. A renter application will be available with references. PASTOR: I have made 6 home visits. The MN Annual Conference had been delayed and is now rescheduled for August 29th. I will be attending this, along with the preconference sessions. Alexa McFarlin mailed a thank you for her senior graduation card donation. Thank you for those who helped me move into my office and apartment. I am scheduled for 15.5 hours a week here at Dodge Center UMC. I will be present in our office on Tuesdays at 9am-Noon and on Thursdays at 9am-Noon. There will be text studies on Tuesdays at 11am that I am involved in with other Lutheran/Methodist pas-tors. On Friday’s, I will be doing visitations and final preparations for the Sunday sermon. Saturday will be my day off. Pastoral IRS rate for 2020 visitations will be reimbursed to him at $0 .575 a mile. OTHER BUSINESS: Re-opening of worship: How are things going? We are streaming live now on Sunday mornings on the Face-book United Methodist Church of Dodge Center. No congregational names will be mentioned during the live sermon for Joys and Concerns for privacy purposes. Therefore, we will be moving joys and concerns to the be-ginning of worship before recording begins. WWAP’s have been scheduled on Friday, July 24th and August 21st at 9:30am on the lawn. Bring your own lawn chair and a beverage. Lisa signed up with $25 for the MN Annual Conference which has been re-scheduled to a virtual meeting on Saturday, August 29. Nuts & Bolts for Laity on August 7th at 6:30-8:30pm and August 8th at 9:30am-2:30pm. This worship is led by the Lay Ministries Team, who will explore many ways laity can engage in ministry in their own church. Church keys have been organized and handed over to the Trustees. Motion to adjourn meeting. Motion was second and approved. NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, August 18th at 6:30pm. Sheila Freerksen Administrative Council Secretary

Readers: Sept. 6 Janet Bugarin Sept. 13 Tyler Kispert Sept. 20 Kathy Bartz Sept. 27 Ralph Burtis

Ushers: Sept. 6 Ron Olness Sept. 13 Lois Kispert Sept. 20 Dale Jensen Sept. 27 Shawn Lepp Counters: Sept. 6 Special counters Sept. 13 Kelly Amunrud and Lisa O’Neil Sept. 20 Dale and Lona Jensen Sept. 27 Ralph Burtis and Hannah Olson If you are unable to do your duty on the as-signed Sunday, please let Janet S. know by Wednesday noon. secdcumc@gmail.com

The family of Alvina Hubmer Grandchildren Service men and women Those who have no church home Young adults who have left the church Those who suffer from mental illness and addictions; and their families Those affected by Alzheimer’s and other ailments of aging

17 Isaac and Hannah Olson 27 Shawn and Terri Lepp 29 Roger and Sheila Freerksen

September 4 Doris Weber 8 Dale Jensen 10 Phil Stowers 14 Ralph Burtis 18 Irelynn Bowman 19 Eleanor Thompson 20 Will Martin 21 Kathy Bartz 23 Kim Marquardt 26 Glennis Franko

If you have moved or changed your phone number, be sure to let the office know. We want to stay in touch with you!

Can’t make it to in person worship? You can view the service each Sunday on Face-book. Search United Methodist Church of Dodge Center. You don’t need Facebook to view our service.

DODGE CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2020 (Approved) ATTENDANCE: Beth Hanggi (SPRC), Chad Christensen (Pastor), Dale Jensen (Trustees), Janet Bugarin (SPRC), Kelly Amunrud (Trust Fund), Lisa O'Neil (Ad Council Chairperson), Richard Urbain (History & Rec-ords), Scott Jakel (Pastor), Sheila Freerksen (Secretary Ad Council), and Tyler Kispert (Treasurer). MEETING: Lisa called the meeting to order. The Vision Mission statement was read in unison. Concerns and praise reports were shared. Pastor Scott opened the meeting with a prayer. A Re-Opening In-Person Church Document was shared with us. This document will serve as a formulating our process and plan to reopen for public service at DC United Methodist Church. SECRETARY: The May 19, 2020 Ad Council minutes were distributed. Motion was made to approve the minutes. Motion was seconded and approved. TREASURER: The Operating Budget Worksheet was distributed. The Ad Council was explained about what ex-penses were paid and more expenses need to be paid. A motion was made to re-organize the keys for the church. Motion was seconded and approved. Dale Jensen will assist with Richard Urbain. TRUST FUND: An invoice for parsonage repair was shared with us and explained. A motion was made for reno-vation for the contract to update the parsonage. Motion was seconded and approved. A request will be submitted to the Trust Fund for the payment. SPRC: Hello to Pastor Chad. We welcome you to our church now. The SPRC shared the agreement for contract-ing our new pastoral ministry for 50 hours a week with our Dodge Center UMC and West Concord Trinity Luther-an Church. We will have Chad with 15.5 hours a week in Dodge Center. SPRC met with West Concord church and discussed Sunday church time frame and a decision was made with this group. A motion was made to agree to an 8:00 a.m. worship time here at Dodge Center and the West Concord church will begin at 10:30 a.m. This was discussed. The motion was seconded and approved. TRUSTEES: The parsonage house repair has begun. The bathroom and kitchen and some floors have been re-paired. Sump pumps also. PASTOR: Pastor Scott performed the service at the funeral home for the loss of Isaac Monson. His family will be missing him. Pastor Scott said all three of the pastors (him, Linda, and Joyce) enjoyed the goodbye attendance time at the south side of our church on Sunday, June 16th. There are bell sensors at the church entrances to alert the office staff of someone entering the church. The authorized individuals picking up the mail at the post office needs to be updated. This was discussed and 3 people are authorized to do this. Potential approval for a $4,000 grant to our church. This was discussed. A motion was made. This was seconded and approved. We will now apply for this grant. NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, July 21st at 6:30pm. Sheila Freerksen Administrative Council Secretary

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1 2 3 Office open 8-1

4 5

6

7 Labor Day

8 Office open 8-1

9 10 office open 8-1

11 12

13 Grandparents day

14 Office open 8-1

15 Ad Council 6:30 pm

16 17 office open 8-1 Constitution Day Citizenship Day

18 19

20 Newsletter due

21 office open 8-1

22 23 24 office open 8-1

25 26

27 28 office open 8-1

29 30

September 2020

FALL

Be anxious for nothing The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety. —Christian Today

THE NEWSLETTER Dodge Center United Methodist Church P.O. Box 98 Dodge Center, MN 55927 507-374-6885

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