ST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST CHURCH2945 Main Street, East Troy, WI 53120 262-642-7642

Rev. Bill Busch

Following the Cross March 2020

PASTOR’S PONDERINGSGrace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ; grace that provides divine assistance for daily living and peace to comfort us through all circumstances of life through the power of the Holy Spirit!

A common question people ask is, “Does my life matter?” In search for an answer, many have read Rick Warren’s book “The Purpose Driven Life” where Rev. Warren pointed out the biblical truths that God has created you, and has a plan and purpose for your life. That plan for your life includes knowing and loving God (Worship), learning to love each other (Fellowship), growing to become like Jesus (Discipleship), using our gifts and abilities to serve God (Ministry), and sharing the good news with others (Evangelism). But the life of purpose that God created you for was not meant to be lived alone!

A person can never fully experience that life of purpose if he or she is trying to live life on their own or in their own way; in fact, it is impossible to fulfill God’s purpose for your life on your own. To experience the fullness of God’s plan for our life, we need each other! From the beginning, God’s plan has been that each of us will fulfill God’s purposes with other people in your home, people in your church family, and people in the world around you. God planned it this way because we are better together as we live in Christian community!

During the 40 days of Lent, our Community Regional Shared Ministry of the Waterford and St. James will be presenting “40 Days of Community” in an effort to help people better connect with God’s plan for his or her life. What better time of the year to do this, then during Lent, a time when many Christians re-focus their lives to be more in line with Jesus Christ. You could say that it's a 40 day trial run in letting God change your heart and learning a different direction in your lifestyle that better aligns with God’s will. 

During 40 Days of Community, our hope is to deepen the understanding of how God uses you with other people – specifically those within your church family – for the building of God’s Kingdom as well as for your own good and your spiritual growth. This Lenten study will also show you how God can use

you to bless others in the world around you.

We invite you to for 40 Days of Community every Thursday during Lent

(March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9)

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

(PASTOR’S PONDERINGS – CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE)

Good Friday Services:

6:30pm at the St. James Church and 6:30pm at the Community Church in Waterford

Easter Sunday Services:

9:00am at the St. James Church and 8am/9:30am at the Community Church in Waterford

Please watch for invitations to hand out and invite a friend!

Pastor Bill*********************************************************************************************

Worship in MarchMarch 1st Mary Crane/Pastor Bill Busch preaching on “40 Days of Community”

“Why We Need Each Other” March 8th Mary Crane/Pastor Bill Busch preaching

“Reaching Out Together” March 15th Mary Crane/Pastor Bill Busch preaching

“Building Healthy Relationships” March 22nd Mary Crane/Pastor Bill Busch preaching

“Helping Each Other Grow” March 29th Mary Crane/Pastor Bill Busch preaching

“Serving Together”

*******************************************************************HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES HAPPY ANNIVERSARY WISHES IN MARCH TO: IN MARCH TO:

March 9 Ginny Zimmer March 11 Sharon Link March 14 Rick AndersonMarch 15 Ann WeberMarch 20 Lois CrubaughMarch 20 Steven LinkMarch 21 Kathy SondereggerMarch 27 Ruth Howard

March 27 Bill & Diane Garvens

EAST TROY MANORWORSHIP SCHEDULE IN MARCH

March 5th Pastor Bill March 12th Brad Balgord March 19th Joyce Reed March 26th Brad Balgord*************************************************************

SECOND HELPINGS

We were privileged to serve meatball stew, garden salad, rolls and cherry pie to 58 people at our February 17th Second Helpings meal. We thank you for coming and enjoying the meal and all the ones who contributed to the meal, help serve, set up and clean up. We could not do it without you.

The Second Helpings “Davis Team” Committee ************************************

HELP ST. JAMES UNITED METHODIST

CHURCH SUPPORT THE EAST TROY FOOD PANTRY

Don’t forget to bring your items for the food pantry each Sunday! These items are “always” needed no matter what month or season, they are: Laundry soap, dish soap, sugar, flour, and cookies.

The theme for March is “Lunch or Dinner.” Items needed are boxed potatoes, Hamburger Helper, macaroni & cheese, rice products and Ramen noodles.

WORSHP DURING TIMES OF BAD WEATHER

*******************************************HOPE BOOK CLUB

HOPE Book Club will be reading and discussing the following books on the days listed; hope you can join us. If you want Maureen to order you a book, please call the church office. “Never Give Up” – Discussion led by Kathy Anderson on March 17th at 7:00 p.m.“The Nest” – Discussion led by Mary Maguire on April 21st at 7:00 p.m. ****************************************

JANUARY 2020GIVING TOWARDSCHURCH BUDGET

TOTAL: $7,821.40

St. James United Methodist Church encourages friends, regular attenders and members to carefully consider the weather on Sunday

mornings. If you feel you can’t safely get to church during times of inclement weather, we

encourage you to stay at home. St. James UMC will attempt to contact regular attendees by

Facebook or e-mail to notify when worship is canceled. However, we also encourage you to watch channels, 4, 6, or 12 for announcements

regarding worship cancellation.

Also, please regularly support God’s ministry at the St. James Church no

matter the weather. Thank You!

TRUSTEESCOULD USE YOUR HELP

We are still in need of an additional once a month cleaner and someone to clean Fellowship Hall on an as needed basis. Thank you to Darlene Katzman who has volunteered to help clean again! We really appreciate ALL our cleaning crews who help to keep our church so welcoming, especially on Sunday mornings. Please talk to John Milne or contact the church office if you could please help out. *******************************************

FRANK’S PIGGLY WIGGLY SHOPPERS

We received $140.90 from the fourth quarter 2019, ending December 31, 2019. Many THANKS to everyone that saved and brought their receipts to the church kitchen by the microwave. Many thanks to Frank’s for his generous support. He also offers this program to many other churches and organizations in the community.

Next quarter the months of January, February and March, the receipts will be picked up on April 5th, at 10:00 a.m. NO late, past due receipts can be accepted. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!

*************************************18 MONTH CALENDAR

REMINDER

REMINDER – If you haven’t already gotten your dates on the 18 month calendar, please stop in the office and do so. This is designed to plan out ministry and service opportunities in an effective and strategic way. Every leader of a service and ministry opportunity should get your ministry or opportunities on the calendar 3 months ahead. That’s following the strategic planning program that we follow.

THANK YOU’STo St. James United Methodist Church,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the many volunteers who are working to create intergenerational opportunities for all the residents in the greater East Troy Area, I wish to thank you for your generous donation, through the Second Helpings program, of $432.00 to the East Troy Community Center. Your contribution will help in our goal to provide our programs with little or no cost to those who will benefit from them. If at any time you believe that we can assist you in some way, please do not hesitate to call on us. Sincerely,Martha Bresler, Director East Troy Community Center *******************************************

PLEASE GET ALL DATES INTO THE OFFICE AS SOON AS

POSSIBLE FOR NEWSLETTERS AND MONTHLY

CALENDARS

In an effort to be sure ALL dates and events get on the monthly calendar, effective right away we have PINK forms available to you to fill out each month so each meeting or event gets on the calendar. This is all in an effort to communicate with everyone the best we can. The forms will be on the counter in the Welcome Center by the other clip boards. PLEASE fill it out and put it in the Office Folder IN box outside the church office. ALL events or meetings must be in writing or will not be put in the calendar.

********************IMPORTANT NEWSLETTER

REMINDER

Starting NEXT MONTH, in April, we will go to quarterly newsletters, so it will be very important to get dates in ahead of time. NO late articles can be accepted at all for newsletters. We will still continue to get you a monthly calendar, so you are kept informed of meetings and events.

Take a Moment . . . To Grow Closer to God!Discovering God’s Will for Your Life!

How many times have we read that God gives us the skills and desire to use for His Purpose; that He has a Will for our lives? We read this, we hear this, and we accept. But, in the quietness of our homes, we wonder, am I really on God’s page? Am I serving the purpose God planned for me? Sheila Walsh has written a Bible study called, “Discovering God’s Will for Your Life”. In the next two “Take a Moment” devotions, I will summarize her study. So, open your Bible and read along. You will learn about God’s will and how to recognize it when you receive it.

Where There’s a Will . . . “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) We ask ourselves the big questions in life. “What should I do with my life?” “Is this the best decision for me?” “Does God agree?” We long to do something of value, to be recognized, to leave a legacy. As Christians, we also wish to discover God’s will for our lives. In our valleys, we are anxious, unhappy and distressed. What went wrong? Even in our valleys, God is with us. Because, God’s will is just that—God’s will. God does things His way, in His time, according to His own plan, and with His own purpose in mind.

Isaiah 55:8 reminds us that our ways are not God’s ways. More than one of God’s chosen prophets stood before Him and cried out, “Why?” These examples God uses to gently remind us of our humanness, and we are nudged back into our place in God’s world. Romans 9:18-23 tells us why we are made the way we are, and why we sometimes ask the question, “Why?” Romans 9 illustrates the difference between God’s rights and ours. Philippians 2:13 brings peace to us. The scripture reminds us that “it is God who works in us.” It also tells us why. He is working “both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Paul defines God’s will in Romans 12:2. God tells us how insignificant we are, but He also reminds us that we are precious in His sight. Though we are insignificant, we have been created to glorify God in our lives. Finally, Jesus tells us His Father’s will in John 6:39. Look up Psalm 95:10 and Hebrews 3:10 which describes people who do not know God’s ways. Then turn to Isaiah 58:2 which is a beautiful description of people who delight to know God’s ways!

God’s will is Relationship . . . “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and my sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35) God is reminding us that being a Christian is not just a religion—it is a relationship. We are chosen, forgiven, redeemed, saved, changed, and thankful! God’s will for us secures our relationship with Him. (How has God met your need for Him?) Mark 3:35 describes what kind of relationship results from doing the will of God. Having attained that relationship, we move on to the next question, what do we do now? John 6:29 says, “The work God wants you to do is this: Believe the One He has sent.” God wants His children to believe. James 1:18 relates that God has made us His own children by giving us His true Word. Matthew 15:15 tells us that God took time to build relationships with friends and disciples. You are no longer servants, but friends. Timothy 2:4 is a statement of what God wants, while Matthew 18:14 tells us what God doesn’t want. The Spirit continually draws us in God’s direction. When we long for His Word and for prayer, we are laying the foundation to a loving relationship with God.

Is God’s Will so Mysterious? . . . The people asked Jesus, “What are the things God wants us to do? (John 6:28) Lord, send me a sign if this is your will for my life. We look for a verse. We pray for a sign. We wish for an arrow painted across the sky. Thankfully, there are steps for finding God’s will when we are faced with decisions. The first place to turn is God’s own word. The Bible is very definitive about the responsibility of a disciple of Christ. Read Romans 2:18 and John 15:8-12. These passages describe what God wants us to do and what Jesus asks of us as Christians. The next clue in searching out God’s will is our circumstances. Can you remember a time when God’s hand was clear in closing one door in your life and opening another? The third thing to seek out is wise counsel. Do you have someone to turn to for advice when facing a decision? Proverbs 13:10 and 12:5 talk about taking advice. Further readings on this topic include Galatians 3:19 (Bible’s purpose); Romans 7:15-19 (making the right choice) and Romans 6:6-7 (God’s promise).

War of the Wills . . . “He no longer should live the rest of His time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” Galatians 5:22-23 describes the urges that come easily to our bent towards sin. Thankfully, Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit, characteristics of our lives when we are pursuing God’s will. Which list do you treasure? 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that Christians act differently than the rest of the people in the world; while John 6:38 describes Jesus’ selflessness. What would it take for you to follow Jesus’ example. It isn’t an option because in 1 Peter 4:2 he tells us what we should live for. (To suffer for Christ by doing the will of God, we break from sin.) So how do we turn from sin to serving the Lord? Read Romans 12:2. We all know that it is easy to fall back. When that happens, we need to renew our mind. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to program our thoughts so they are pure and true, honorable and right, admirable and worthy of praise. Are we responsible for our own transformation? In Ephesians 2:8-10, we are told it is through God’s unmerited favor—a gift, not the result of any effort on our part. Out of gratitude for God’s free gift, we seek to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness and not to please ourselves. We are saved to serve Christ and to build up the church.

Prayer is the first step in recognizing God’s Will! Pray that God will shape your life so that He can use you for His glory. Pray for ways to deepen your relationship with God. Pray for a time for self-examination. Concentrate on the choices you are making. Test them against God’s Word and His will. Pray that God will help you to see where His hand has been at work in your life. Thank God for creating you, wanting a relationship with you, choosing your direction, and encouraging pure thoughts.

Judy McFarlane

STRAIGHT FROM THE ARK!

A Mission of St. James United Methodist ChurchOur mission at Noah’s Ark Christian Day Care is to provide a safe, fun and spiritual environment for children. We are a state licensed not-for-profit religious organization. Every day the children choose structured activities and also participate in prayer time. Our role is to present a well-rounded curriculum that focuses on the child and includes social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development under professional and personal care. Our duty is to treat each child with respect, dignity, and self-worth which will help a child develop a positive self-image, and constructive interactions with peers and caregivers. At Noah’s Ark we strive to communicate openly and encourage you to be involved, and your ideas, thoughts, and suggestions are always welcome. All the children receive the highest quality care in a healthy, safe, spiritually filled environment.

Report from the DirectorThis month we will celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday! We have two weeks filled with fun activities including making green eggs and ham. We will also celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing our finest green clothing and trying to catch a sneaky leprechaun. We are looking forward to Spring and can’t wait to get outside more.

Staff Highlight

Hello families. I have worked at the center since July 2018. I started as a cleaner and I am now taking an Assistant Teacher role in the classroom. I am a senior at East Troy High School. I will be working toward the Lead Teacher Certification.I am no stranger to Noah’s Ark. I started as a school-ager when my mom, Laura Rudolph became the Director. I have an older brother named Devin and a younger sister named Taylor. I love my two dogs Redlin and Blue. I also have four cute cats named Cheetoe, Peanut, Malcom, and Alex.In my spare time I play Softball for the Waukesha Blazers and East Troy High School. I also enjoy hiking and going to the beach.

~ March 2020~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Worship 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School during worship

2 3 4

AA meets in Fellowship Hall

7:30 p.m.

5East Troy

ManorWorship

10:30am.

40 Days of Community

Series1:00 p.m.

6World Day of

Prayer12:30 p.m.

7

8Worship 9:00

a.m.

Sunday School during worship

9 10 11United

Methodist Women meet

at 12 noon Day Care

board meeting

@5:30 p.m.AA meets in

Fellowship Hall7:30 p.m.

12East Troy

ManorWorship

10:30am.All AD Council reports due in church office by

12 noon40 Days of Community

Series1:00 p.m.

13 14

15Worship 9:00

a.m.

Sunday Schoolduring worship

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

16Second

Helpings meal 5:30

p.m.

AD Council/Finance meeting 7

p.m.

17

HOPE Book Club meets

@7 p.m.

18Mary-Martha Circle meets in Faith room at 1:00 p.m.

Red Bird Circle meets at Heritage

at 1:00 p.m. AA meets in

Fellowship Hall 7:30 p.m.

19East Troy

ManorWorship 10:30am

40 Days of Community

Series1:00 p.m.

20 21

22Worship 9:00

a.m.

Sunday Schoolduring worship

23 24

25AA meets in

Fellowship Hall7:30 p.m.

26East Troy

ManorWorship 10:30am

40 Days of Community

Series1:00 p.m.

27 28

YOU ARE INVITEDPlease join us on Thursday’s at 1:00 p.m.

for a Lenten Series on 40 Days of Community. Dates will be March 5, 12,

19, 26, and April 2, 9.

Right here at St. James!

~ March 2020~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

29Worship 9:00

a.m.

Sunday School during

worship

30 31BUNCH for

LUNCH meets

St. James United Methodist Church2945 Main StreetEast Troy, WI 53120

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MarchFollowing the Cross

Published monthly by St. James United Methodist Church, Editorial CommitteeRev. Bill Busch and Maureen Loehe, Administrative Assistant

Deadline for April 2020 Issue: Sunday, March 15, 2020 (Submit to church office)

Phone # (262) 642-7642 Pastor Bill Busch (608) 475-0824 Church Office Hours:

Monday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday, 9:30 – 4:30 p.m., Friday 11 – 4 p.m.

Worship HoursWorship – Sunday morning @9:00 a.m.

Sunday School – 9:00 a.m. during worship, children are dismissed to class after Children’s Time

(September – May)Our Website: easttroyumc.org

Our email address is: church@easttroyumc.org Pastor Bill’s email: pbbusch@gmail.com

Our Mission Statement “…Love God, Love One Another, and Serve the World.”