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September, 2007 Vol. 27 No. 9 9-9:45 AM Adult Bible Study 10:00 AM Worship Service 10:00 AM Sunday School The MISSION of the Motley United Methodist Church is to teach Christ’s message and make Christian disciples. Rally Day – September 9th Fall Schedule Begins Adult Class – 9:00–9:45 am Worship – 10:00 am Children’s classes: During worship after children’s time Hospitality & Refreshments Following Worship HISTORY MATTERS History Matters is the slogan of the Minnesota State Historical Society and it is the motivation for remembering the past 125 years of Methodism in Motley. Much as we can pride ourselves in the present, it is helpful to understand why we are involved in some of our ongoing activities. A new history record has been compiled and is taking book form. It is by no means inclusive of all the events of the past, and certainly lacks any biographies of church members who, over the years, had made such a difference. Any mention of names is simply incidental to the recording of an event. Much time and effort has gone into this project. I have spent time in the compiling, Donna Farber has done hours of computer work, Kathy Morey was the proof reader and finalized the material for the printers and Kathy and Loren Morey financed the printing. The book will be available Sunday, September 2nd. There is no price put on it, but by consensus of the History Committee, a suggested Good-will donation to benefit the Building Fund would be appreciated. I treasure having been reminded of how much my years in this church have meant to me. Ella Topp
Dear Family of Faith – As we enter into the 2007-2008 program year, we will be working together to discern the ways in which God is directing us to go - in matters of faith formation, mission, worship, financial management, etc. And as happens when good people search for answers, sometimes we will disagree. And when we do, as Christ’s disciples, it is vital to our spiritual health and witness that we respond to each other with grace. Bishop Sally Dyck’s latest message to the MN Annual Conference, refers to a way of living and working together that helps us all to stay focused on who we are and whose we are, even when disagreement and the desire to “win” threaten our ability to be faithfully gracious disciples. [The Bishop’s latest messages can be accessed through http://.www.minnesotaumc.org] In His Service, Pastor Dot. COMMENTARY: Stop battering each other; let's try dialogue instead
At a recent wedding, I shared with a couple the three-word phrases that can sustain a marriage: "I love you," "I am sorry" and "Thank you, dear." Someone came up to me afterward, saying he didn't think he needed to say "I love you" every day; that his wife knew it by the way he acted. He also didn't think he needed to thank his wife all the time; such "niceties" are for strangers, he said. He didn't say how often he had asked for forgiveness over the four decades of their marriage. Maybe a marriage can work without words to sustain it, but my guess is that someone in that marriage is a long-suffering saint! Words of love create relationship and build bridges. Words of forgiveness and humility repair those bridges. Words of gratitude make using the bridges more enjoyable and enriching. God spoke creation into being, and God's Word-made-flesh came to save us. There is power in speaking. We all have a different idea about what has caused the decline in our denomination over the last few decades, but one thing we know for sure: When Christians fight and hurl harsh words at each other, people don't want to be a part of our church or denomination. Differences are inevitable -- even over very important things -- but as Christians we have a responsibility to use our words to create and heal, not to divide and tear down one another or our church. John Wesley said holy conferencing, or coming together toward mutual discernment and direction, is a means of grace. It puts us in position for God to use us for God's purposes. In the atmosphere of divisiveness that typically rears its head as we approach General Conference, all of us are being called to the means of grace that will position our church for God to use in the years to come. To that end, "Guidelines for Holy Conferencing -- What God Expects of Us," is given in the spirit of helping us create and build, not tear down and destroy. The Global Young People's Convocation and Legislative Assembly in January 2007 inspired the Commission on General Conference and the Council of Bishops to offer the slightly revised version of the guidelines for Holy Conferencing. The Global Young People's version was based on the guidelines for Holy Conferencing that came out of the United Methodist "Dialogue on Theological Diversity" in February 1998. These guidelines are rooted in Paul's admonitions to the early churches, such as the church at Colossae, who, like us, needed to be reminded of how to speak and act in ways that build up rather than tear down. Dialogue looks for the strengths in another's position to be able to build on common ground. One's viewpoint and experience are eventually expanded because possibilities are enlarged instead of diminished. Even though it takes time and love to dialogue, it takes even more time in the long run to debate, because that sends us off in opposite directions.
Starts September 9th For Kids Sunday School will once again be held during the 10 am service. Children, ages 3 through 6th grades will go to the classroom after children’s time. Our new curriculum is “The One Room Sunday School.” It is nicely laid out and has easy to follow lesson plans. All basic supplies will be in the nursery classroom cupboards. We do need teachers. The sign-up sheet will be on the front table in fellowship hall. Also, please note, there is an Adult Sunday School class starting on September 9th from 9 am to 9:45 am. ** Please wear your red VBS T-shirts on September 9th and be ready to sing an “Avalanche Ranch” song or two.** For Adults On Sunday, September 9th, our adult Christian Education class will begin. We’ll meet from 9 - 9:45 am on Sunday mornings. We received a pretty evenly spread variety of study preferences with the Sunday School survey. So, we will start with a 6-week theme study, Rev. James Moore’s “Jesus’ Parables of Life,” designed for mid-level experience of the bible and the widest appeal. Then the group will select from a sampling of other studies to help determine future directions. “What’s So Amazing About Grace” Begins September 11th If we are to live in God’s grace and celebrate the awesome gift that has come to us in the saving work of Jesus Christ, shouldn’t we do everything we can to understand the depth and breadth of it? Based on Philip Yancey’s “What’s So Amazing About Grace, this book/video discussion study in 10 sessions will be offered on Tuesdays at 10:30 am or 6:30 pm. Please contact Pastor Dot if you will be joining the study. Contact her at [218-352-6466 or pastorsdesk@brainerd.net ]
2007/2008 Confirmation is the Christian Education process that helps students to fully understand the vows made at their baptism, so that they can confidently confirm those vows for themselves and assume the status of full members of the local church. It is also a time for students who have not yet been baptized, to prepare to receive baptism and membership at the same time. Confirmation students are usually 7th graders, although there may be some older students who missed an opportunity to take part in a previous Confirmation class who would like to participate now. If you are the parent or guardian of someone who would like to join this year’s Confirmation class, please call Pastor Dot (352-6466) by or before August 30th. The approximately 18 (1 ½ hr.) classes, led by Pastor Dot, will be held from 3:30 – 5:00pm on alternate Wednesdays from September 26 through April 30. Confirmation Sunday is tentatively scheduled on May 4. In addition, students will be invited to take part in education and fellowship with Bishop Sally Dyck, Conference cabinet members, special guests, and Confirmation students from all over the state at the annual gathering at Hamline University in January. They will also be expected to attend special worship services and to take part in a Holy Spirit retreat.
September is United Methodist Open House Month September is Open House Month among Minnesota UM congregations. This is a time when many people are open to visiting a church. Who will you invite to church next month? Alternative Worship Interest? Anyone interested in being part of an alternative worship feasibility/brainstorming group, discussing the possibility of an additional worship service for those in our community who are seeking a more contemporary experience of God’s presence, please see Pastor Dot. Alternative worship can include contemporary Christian music, Taize, contemplative chants and prayers, drama, film, dance, etc.
CHOIR NEWS After some discussion and prayer the choir and Ihave decided to try something new this fall. The choir will be sharing their voices with the congregation while sitting with their families. This gives them the opportunity to sit with their families during services and still be a strong foundation for congregational singing. But, don't worry, they still will bless us with Special/Offertory Music during services. I have realized also, that as a community we are blessed with many talented people within our congregation. I am extending an invitation to all who wish to perform during the Offertory. We already have some members who will be sharing their gifts with us in the upcoming months. Starting in September, Children’s Choir will once again be rehearsing after church every Sunday. Please help me build our choir of little "angels" and have your child come and sing with us. I am looking forward to this year and working with you all. God bless, Toni Csargo
CONGRATULATIONS To Samantha Sullivan and Jed Harting who were married in our sanctuary on Saturday, September 1.
The family of Dolores Morey will host an Open House in honor of her 90th birthday on Saturday, September 15, 2007 from 2 until 5 p.m. at the home of Loren Morey, 38503 30th Avenue, Motley. In case of rain, the gathering will be at Motley United Methodist Church in Motley. ALPHA CIRCLE Alpha Circle will meet on September 5th at 1 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Alpha Circle is a study circle. We are not involved in fund raisers except when asked to assist the United Methodist Women. The meetings usually begin with a short business meeting followed by a meditation, a “lesson”, and then social time around a beverage and dessert. Jomyla Choate will have the meditation. Kathy Morey is the hostess. The program will be consideration of the study for the year. Please join us. As we share in discussion and conversation, sometimes a study of a book of the Bible, sometimes a study of mission work, we get to know one another much better, thus becoming a closer member of “the family of faith”. Since we are sharing history in September, many of us met in homes. We remember: Mary Beers’ pumpkin pie in the autumn; Ada Roberts story –praying for scotch tape—and it appeared; Miriam Carlson’s living room circle; the warmth of the fireplace at Ella Topp’s and Hazel Converse’s; special holidays around the table in the Centennial Room; candlelit Christmas programs with music; Jo Philipp’s Christmas trees; a study of India and Pakistan and the beginning of our mission there. Join us!
Operating Funds Budget Update As of July 31, 2007 Figures represent records as of July 31, 2007 – 58.3% of church budget year. All dollar figures are rounded up to next whole dollar. % of ____________ YTD Budget Budget Revenue 71,032 150,500 47.2% Expenses Worship 7,932 14,200 55.9% Administration 10,331 17,653 58.5% Pastor’s Pkg. 28,791 57,293 50.3% Apportionments 5,047 14,000 36.1% Ministries 2,323 5,900 39.4% Property 24,030 40,800 58.9% Total Expenses 79,211 150,000 52.5% Key Revenues Breakdown Regular Giving 50,457 Loose Plate 1,176 Designated General Giving 5,932 Morey Trust Fund Earnings 11,887 Congregational Trust Earnings 1,506 FUNDRAISING NEWS Testing of pasties, as a potential on - going fundraiser to support the church budget continues. The recipe just keeps getting better and better. For those who don’t know, a pastie is a meat and vegetable meal in a turnover. The crisp and flaky pastry contains a combination of ground beef and pork, onion, potato, carrot, rhutabaga, seasonings, and more. In days gone by, pasties were made for miners to carry with them into the mines – a tidy and tasty meal. . Our chefs will hold their next recipe test-run on Sunday, Sept. 9 from 4 - 6 pm. And soon, our own iron chefs will be ready to share samples of their wares with their judges – the congregation. Watch for upcoming news and announcements. 21st Century Stewardship in the Local Church Road trip A Seminar on 21st Century Stewardship in the Local Church is being offered on September 13th in Alexandria. How can local churches beset by rising operating costs achieve their financial stewardship goals? At this one-day seminar, offered by the Minnesota United Methodist Foundation and the Minnesota Annual Conference, Dr. Cliff Christopher of the Horizon Stewardship Company will present his biblically sound approach to financial stewardship. An ordained UM clergy person, Christopher has experience in local church capital campaigns in congregations of varying sizes. The fee for the seminar is $25 per person. Motley UMC members involved in financial management of the church, and Council leaders will benefit. Please contact Pastor Dot ASAP, if you plan to be part of a carpool heading for Alexandria on Thursday, September 13.
“GATHERING GOODIES” Soon the cool weather of September will be here and more of us will be baking for our families. Please remember, when you bake, to make a second batch for sale during hospitality time following church services. Help us help support church operating costs. If you have questions, please contact Donna Nadeau or Shelly Risser. Ad Council Minutes June 27, 2007 Members present: Becky Sullivan, Mike Rosvold, Jomyla Choate, Gayle Quinn, and Chris Rosvold Treasurer’s reports accepted. Pastor’s Report accepted - (Pastor Dot recovering from surgery yesterday): Proposed/Approved: 10 am worship in Veteran’s Memorial Park during the Two Rivers Festival on July 29.. Proposed/Approved: forming a 2-3 person PR team to take pictures and promote events in the church. 125th anniversary celebration (September 2) plans are underway with a famous circuit rider leading service. Fund raising ideas being researched and considered for feasibility. Committee Reports: Finance – Review of financial situation. Mark Davies will be sending out an approved interview letter in August, completely confidential. Looking at different fundraising options. Investigating a pasties fundraiser. Trustee’s:: Looking at longer term need/replace schedule of appliances. Audio Systems and Communications are closing business, we will need to develop a new partnership for sound/lighting services. Cigarette waste container installed. Education: Planning for VBS August 5-9 is going well. Worship: August 5th will be an Africa Worship Service with a speaker and meal after church. SPRC: Due to lack of interest in position and the fact that we cannot afford to pay high asking salaries of potential candidates, it is recommended that we officially reintegrate the Music Director and Choir Director position. Motion approved. Youth: very successful relay for life ($1200). Men’s Club and Girl Scouts will be serving Brats and pop at the park during Two Rivers Festival. Outreach: Ice Cream Social on July 27th. Next Administrative Council meeting will be August 29.
SIGNED UP FOR CLEANING DUTY YET? If you haven’t signed up for cleaning duty yet, please do it this week by calling Bruce Quinn (352-6040). Many hands make light work – less often. Annual Turkey Supper Swan Valley Lutheran Church Saturday, September 22nd, 2007 Serving from 4:30 – 7:00 PM. Turkey with all the trimmings. Free Will Offering. There will also be a Bake & Rummage Sale going on the same day starting at 12:00 noon and running throughout the day. THANK YOU’s *Huge “Wahoo” for Avalanche Ranch VBS and a huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make “Avalanche Ranch” such a great success. So many willing and loving hands (38 kids) (15 Teen helpers) chuck wagon cooks, actors, crafters, musicians, games leaders, theater techs, student guides...Its a long list and a wonderful testament to Motley UMC’s love for the children of our community. *A big thank you to the Men’s Club for the beautiful flowers given to me. And thank you to everyone for helping out and your patience in my hand surgery recovery. It means a great deal to me. Thank you again. Linda Michalson
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 - Randy Dickey 3 - Bill Macheel 7 - Kyle Stevens 10 - Leona Heinecke – Judy Lisle 10 - Logan Frisk 11 - Miriam Carlson 12 - Ryan Frisk – Marie Smith 12 - Lois Tyrell 13 - Jerry Stevens 14 - Darrel Adams 14 - Faye Stevens 18 - Mary Beers – Sally Hanson 18 - Carla Scripture – Trevor Skeesick 19 - Heather Gold 20 - Tyler Frisk – Delores Morey 22 - Arla Allen – Adeline Peterson 23 - Gwen Adams – Terry Farber 24 - Colby Lenk – Luke Noble 25 - Marlin Frisk 26 - Gwen Lumsden 28 - Carol Hulett – Florence Berndt 29 - Amber Noble 30 - Cindy Karston – Rick Nadeau 30 - Gayle Quinn
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 2 - Grant & Mary Cheney 15 - Tom & Delores Sawyer 18 - Tom & Linda Michalson ******** Primetimer’s Iowa Mission Trip: September 30 - October 5, 2007 Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Center, near Lake Ahquabi State Park, Indianola, Iowa. For adults age 50 and older from across the United States to explore justice in urban and rural settings throughout Iowa. Participants will visit justice ministries, engage with community members, participate in educational field trips, and engage in hands-on mission service. Cost for this event is between $435 and $555 per person, depending on room preference. .
On Our Knees: In the Garden and in Life Chatting about gardening with an older woman at church taught Brent Olson (Ortonville UMC) a lesson about the essential posture of getting down on one's knees. "Gardening and trying to become a Christian are both hard work," he says. "In gardens there are fresh raspberries and ripe tomatoes, but there are also mosquitoes, sunburn, sore backs, and every now and then a garter snake. We accept and expect those trials, because we know the reward is waiting. Why are we so reluctant to admit that Christianity is just as hard a work?" Read his complete column by clicking on the link "More News" at www.minnesotaumc.org YUMYs Who wants to go to YUMYs with Pastor Dot & friends? YUMYs is for fifth and sixth graders, September 29, Decision Hills Camp, Spicer, MN. Games, activities, Bible study, singing, fun on the lake, worship, and other activities round out an action-packed day. Fee is $50 per person. Groups must register no later than September 20. If you want to go, contact Pastor Dot ASAP to meet the deadline. Watch for flyers on the table next to the front door. JUMYs Who wants to go to JUMYs (not sure who will chaperone yet)? JUMYs for seventh and eighth graders, November 2 - 4: A weekend of worship; singing; workshops; entertainment including a variety show, Bible trivia, makeovers, wacky Olympics; and much more. Guest speaker Dutch Handling, and musical guest Fuller Still round out an action-packed weekend. Fee is $130 per person for youth and adults. Scholarships are available to those who need them. Watch for the brochures on the table next to the front door. UMCOR Updates * Peru Earthquake: UM Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is responding to the massive earthquake that leveled several cities in Peru on Aug. 15, with offers of aid to the Methodist Church of Peru and a planned grant to Action by Churches Together, the international relief alliance. Aid to the Peruvian church is likely to cover an array of initiatives, including funding to address immediate relief, as well as long-term recovery needs as they become known, and deployment of experienced disaster response personnel who can help establish priorities and means for response. Donors who want to contribute to the recovery in Peru may give to UMCOR Advance #982450, International Disaster Response; designate Peru Earthquake. * Bangladesh Flood: Two thirds of Bangladesh is under water following torrential rains, and some 8 million people have been affected. Rains have also destroyed one complete crop season in a region where the main livelihood is agriculture. An UMCOR grant under consideration now will support partner Muslim Aid to rebuild damaged homes and distribute seeds and fertilizers to 4,300 of the most vulnerable survivors. Please contribute to UMCOR Advance #982450, International Disaster Response. Designate Bangladesh Floods on the memo line of your check. * Medicine Boxes Needed Worldwide: Medicine Boxes are often sent to places where medications and pharmaceuticals are not easily accessible to people. These basic medical supplies can often mean the difference between life and death. Because of the severely low supply of Medicine Boxes, UMCOR has not been able to fulfill requests for them. You can send a lifesaving gift to UMCOR Advance #982630, Medicine Box. The cost of the Medicine Box is $425. Learn more by visiting UMCOR's Medicine Box web page (http://new.gbgm-umf..org/UMCOR/work/health/supplies/medicine-box. Visitwww.umcor.org for information on the many other UMCOR ministries. And please pray for those who are hungry, displaced, sick, or in poverty because of these and other natural and human-made disasters, and for the workers who minister to them. UMCOR RESTORING LIVES Long after Hurricane Katrina changed the lives of millions, UMCOR is there helping people piece their lives back together through trained case managers. They are people like Alda Fairconeture and Melissa Dedeaux who learned about a man with terminal cancer still living in a mold-covered trailer. He stayed there because it was next to the river and that was where he wanted to spend his remaining days. Ms. Fairconeture and Ms. Dedeaux acted as his advocates with FEMA and hospice to help him first secure a temporary trailer and then continued their search to find one that could be donated so he could spend the rest of his days on the river he loved so much. UMCOR also helps people restore their livelihoods. Many shrimpers along the GulfCoast lost their boats and equipment in Katrina and are struggling to make ends meet. UMCOR case manger, Vickie White, helped one such shrimper restore his livelihood by working with other organizations to purchase new nets and have his boat repaired. Through her advocacy, Ms. White was able to mobilize a community to help restore one more shrimp boat back to the waters.
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Bishop Sally Dyck
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