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September, 2009 Motley United Methodist Church 847 3rd Ave S. Lane P O Box 119 Motley, MN 56466 The MISSION of the Motley United Methodist Church is to teach Christ’s message and make Christian disciples.
Motley United Methodist Church Something Good is Happening Around Here
ANNUAL MEN’S CLUB FISH FRY DINNER FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2009 4:30 – 6:30 PM ADULTS $7.00 6-12 YEARS $5.00 FUND RAISER FOR MEN’S CLUB FISH – BEANS - COLE SLAW – BUNS - BARS & COFFEE MARK YOUR CALENDAR & BRING A FRIEND HISTORY OF MEMBERS Miriam Gray Cameron Topp Carlson was visited on August 6, 2009, at Miriam’s home east of Motley by Donna Farber, Donna Nadeau, and Ella Topp. Miriam was born on September 11, 1925 in Ohio. She was the third born in a family of four. Miriam’s youngest sister, Joyce, suffered physical challenges from a complicated birth and Miriam has been her caretaker for many years. Miriam moved from Ohio to Belle Prairie when she was four years old and then when she was a 7th grader she moved to a farm on Lake Alexander. She went to school in Scandia Valley in 7th and 8th grades and graduated from Motley High School at the age of 17. After graduation she went to the cities and worked in a factory during the winter. She attended eight weeks of school to learn how to use tools and operate the machines. That summer she returned home and met her future husband, Franklin Topp. They were married the following year. Before they were married Frank was a paratrooper in the war and suffered a severe accident leaving him in the hospital in England for four months and consequently discharged. The first years of marriage found them living in Staples where their son, Frankie was born. Two years later they moved to Pillager and there their second child, Shari was born. Miriam (Ming) and Becky were also children born to Frank and Miriam. Frank passed away in 1976, and Miriam remarried in 1980 to a neighbor widower, C. Leslie Carlson, who has since passed away. They owned over 100 beef cattle and were always busy doing farm work. Leslie was on the Board of Crow Wing Power Company, this meant much travel for them all over the United States. In addition to being a caregiver for her sister, Joyce, she also cared for her two husbands. She has enjoyed gardening, reading, and farming. She has been a Crow Wing County fire warden for 40 years and was the treasurer for May Township for 18 years. Her family is very important to her and she is very proud of all of them. They are Frankie (Lori), Shari Sandberg (Steve), Miriam (Ming) Rosvold (Mike) and Becky Sullivan (Ted). She has nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In Miriam’s family history there was a Methodist minister grandfather. In her youth she and her brother and sister were among the 20 charter members of the Lincoln Evangelical Free Church. As a member of the Motley Methodist church she and Franklin were especially active in the Sunday school; this family can be proud of their attendance records. Miriam has been a member of the women’s groups, being a charter member of Alpha Circle. She was on the recent building committee for this new church building. Miriam would share the special pages her granddaughter, Tina, had written as a bio-tribute to her. From this “walk in Grandma’s shoes” Tina gained and gave her understanding of Miriam’s fulfilled life. NEW ADDRESS Sue (Gold) Harris is now hostess at Anna V Bed and Breakfast in Lanesboro, MN. One might go to Lanesboro.com and check out the B&Bs to see the pictures of this “new” home. Sue and Rusty are there to welcome visitors, who are treated to breakfasts and cookies and lemonade on one of the porches. Sounds wonderful! Steve is able to work long distance, with just a few trips back to the city. Therefore, the Harris’ address has changed! It is now: 507 Fillmore Avenue S., Lanesboro, MN 55949. THANKS TO ALL OUR VBS LEADERS AND PARTICIPANTS This year’s VBS was a great success and team effort! We engaged 77 different youth and children in the life-changing truths of God’s Word, energetic music, impressive dramas, creative crafts, fun games, difference-making mission, and delicious meals. Our mission offering after last Sunday totaled roughly $1830 (183 African children saved from malaria!). It was a memorable, life-changing week! Thanks to everyone who was part of the team! Just imagine what we can do when we work together! Thank You Motley United Methodist Church Family; It seems like so little but, I want/need to say thank you to you all, for the support, prayers, cards, meals and phone calls! It means a lot to me and my family! Thank you again. Love Donna Nadeau SPRC SURVEY COMPLETED In August, the SPRC Staff Parish Relations Council met to review the results of a questionnaire mailed to 40 randomly chosen congregational members. The purpose of the questionnaire was to assess the effectiveness of our Pastoral Leadership and Congregational Ministry. The areas evaluated included pastoral leadership, worship, faith response, finances, new members, youth, outreach, and our presence in the community including mission and social justice. Of the 40 survey’s mailed, l8 were returned which is considered to be a good response. After reviewing all of the questionnaires, the SPRC found the overwhelming majority of responses to be very positive about the caring, thoughtful leadership of Pastor Greg as well as the inspiring worship and activities of the Motley UMC. Many people expressed their gratitude about the energy, vitality, and warmth present in the congregation. Some of the areas members expressed concerns about included: the building debt, better notification of members when there is a death in the church, a need for Adult Bible Study, and more pastoral visits in the homes. The SPRC would like to thank all of you who took the time to answer the questionnaire. Your input is greatly appreciated! Written by Carolyn Lohman
September Anniversaries 1 - Jed & Samantha Harting 2 - Grant & Mary Cheney 6 - Brian & Amanda Tweeter 15 - Tom & Delores Sawyer 18 – Tom & Linda Michalson Cleaning Schedule for September Sept. 6th Eric/Jackie Jensen/ Mike/Ming/Chris Rosvold Sept. 13th Larry/Gwen Adams/Dee Thompson Sept. 20th Loren/Kathy Morey/Becky Sullivan Sept. 27th Bruce/Gayle Quinn/Carolyn Lohman Unit Gathering of United Methodist Women Come! Join United Methodist Women as they explore their role of mission involvement here at home and around the world with women, children and youth. Women of Motley United Methodist Church and the community are invited to join current UMW members at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 to begin their fall schedule. In the church fireside room and gathering space, hostess, Iras Chapin will greet you and provide light refreshments for your enjoyment. President, Faye Pepin will bring us up-to-date on conference and district UMW happenings and the business of our unit. Jomyla Choate will prepare and present the devotions and program. Come be apart of this group to expand your concepts of mission and develop a supportive fellowship of Christian women. For more information contact Faye at 746-3863.
September Birthdays 1 - Randy Dickey 3 - Bill Macheel 7 - Kyle Stevens 10 - Leona Heinecke – Judy Lisle 10 - Logan Frisk 11 - Miriam Carlson – William Kuelbs 12 - Ryan Frisk – Marie Smith – Lois Tyrell 13 - Jerry Stevens 14 - Faye Stevens 18 - Mary Beers – Carla Scripture 18 - Trevor Skeesick – Sally Hansen 19 - Heather Gold 20 - Tyler Frisk – Delores Morey 22 - Arla Allen 23 - Gwen Adams – Terry Farber 24 - Colby Lenk – Luke Noble 25 - Marlin Frisk 26 – Gwen Lumsden 27 – Brian Tweeter 28 - Carol Hulett – Florence Berndt 29 - Amber Noble 30 - Rick Nadeau - Gayle Quinn
A Tribute to my Grandfather by Jason Norring My grandfather Grant L. Cheney passed away the morning of August 8th at the age of 83. My Grandparents, who once went by Nanny and Papa, lived in Gaylord, Minnesota when I was in first grade. They helped raise me when we all lived in Gaylord and again when we moved to Motley. When I was afraid to pull out a loose tooth, Grandpa pinned me down on the floor and pulled it out with his vice grip hands. As I recall, I was quite squirmy back then and his hands were very large. I spent several summers and some school years with my grandparents. Grandpa was always busy and let me come with him in his various travels. I really liked power equipment and so did he. I think this common ground is part of the reason why we had such a connection. He would let me come with whenever I could. I guess that is where I may have inherited some of my need for power equipment and love for driving tractors, lawn mowers, and trucks. When I was in elementary school, Grandpa taught me to drive his truck in the hay fields when it was time to make hay, check fence, or check on the livestock. Grandpa loved his flowerbeds and yard of green grass. Grandpa got so much satisfaction from working with his hands and tending his animals. These tasks were his therapy and gave him peace. He enjoyed working so much that he didn’t take “normal” vacations. Grandpa lived his life the best way he knew how which included tending to his farm animals and his many business endeavors. These endeavors included Skelly gas stations, truck lines, mail routes, the Country House restaurant, parking lot painting and sweeping businesses, and owning the Ten-Hi Corral just to name a few. Grandpa was toughened by the hard work imposed by a farming lifestyle and being an entrepreneur. While growing up and even in my later years, I always thought of Grandpa as a large man. He would wrestle the sheep down to shear them and give them shots. He was not partial to sheep either—whether it was a horse, a cow, or a rowdy patron at the Ten- Hi, grandpa was not afraid. I will always remember Grandpa as a big man who had no fear, but also someone who had a big heart. Great people don't really die—they live on in our memories. Obituary Grant L. Cheney, age 83, of Motley passed away August 8, 2009 at Lakewood Health Systems Hospital in Staples. A service is planned for Friday, August 14th at 7:00 pm, at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples with visitation beginning at 5:00 pm. Grant was born in Los Angeles, CA. He married Mary Jane Covert on September 2, 1944, in Lyndale, MN. He lived in many areas throughout the state during his lifetime. Grant loved the farm. Showing cattle and sheep was a pastime he enjoyed. He took pride in his flower garden and lawn. Grant is survived by his wife Mary Jane; Daughter Judy (Skip) Lisle; Sons, Robert (Marge Tepley), Leslie (Trish), and Jeffrey Cheney; Grandchildren, Jason Norring, Jerod Norring, Heidi Bjerga, Kristine Bohl, Bradley Cheney, and Benjamin Cheney; nine great grandchildren; and a sister Helene Hutmaker. He was preceded in death by his parents Leslie and Louise (Remjeska) Cheney and grandson Robert L. Cheney Jr.
UPCOMING UMW BAKE SALE The UMW will be having their annual Fall Bake Sale on Saturday, November 14, 2009. So mark your calendars and bring a friend. Watch October Breeze for more details.
FLORENCE I. BEAN-ROHL October 2, 1923 – August 17, 2009 But you have followed my teaching, my conduct and my purpose in life; you have observed my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance and my suffering. 2 Timothy 3:10-11 Good News Bible At the end of the Apostle Paul’s life journey he was reminding his friend of how open a book his life had been for Timothy. Just so, Florence Rohl’s life had an openness that would both impress and influence her family and friends. Her teaching was by her example; her conduct would show in her desire for neatness, in her positive outlook, in an appreciation for humor and her courage beyond belief. Florence might not have realized what purposes God had for her life, but at her funeral when pews were filled with related young people, at least one purpose was evidenced. She was to raise and nurture a loving family. All the graces observed by Timothy in Paul we have also witnessed in Florence’s life – and more. The suffering we know was there but; she did not allow it to change her outlook, dampen her spirits or was even something she shared with many others. The Beans who lived in Pillager joined the Motley Methodist Church. Each Sunday as the family turned from the Highway, Paul Bean passed the home of a pioneer ancestor whose sons helped build early Motley – the Wilsons - and whose husband built the first Methodist Church. This came out at the time of the church Centennial. An event because of the Centennial was the start of the Grand People. A group in the church honored the retires in the church with a banquet, and later with a second one – a social time. Pastor Pat, aware of how the group enjoyed this, enabled them to organize into a group with monthly get-togethers. Florence became a leader in this group, as president, as an efficient organizer for trips and those Thanksgiving dinners! Florence was also civic minded. She was a member of and an officer in the Pillager Senior Citizens. She helped promote their activities, including a noon meal and a food shelf. She would remind Grand People when making Food Shelf donations that Cass County had hungry people, too, so equal donations were made. The Beans and the Rohls have been faithful and generous in many ways to the Motley United Methodist Church. Members have memories of Velma and Paul as they went through those severe illnesses, and have sympathized with Walter and Florence. There was joy at the wedding of Walter and Florence that joined those two families. They donated a beautiful window to the church in memory of their spouses. Even with much travel, those years between their caretaking and caresharing seem all too short. In chorus with the Apostle Paul, Florence’s life can testify, “I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith.” “The Message” adds – “all that’s left now is the shouting – God’s applause!” Ella Topp Obituary Florence was born October 2, 1923 in Woonsocket, SD the daughter of William and Anna (Thompson) Haffner. Family and home were most important to Florence. She loved to read, garden, embroider, sew, and crochet. She was a collector of spoons and music boxes. She also collected silver flatware for her grandchildren. Florence liked to travel. She went on an Alaskan cruise for her honeymoon and also enjoyed taking trips with her daughters and grandchildren. Florence will be missed by her husband Walter; her daughters, Sharon Martin, Audrey Groshong, and Beverly (Bruce Kapitan) Bean; her step-daughters, Gwen Lumsden, Laurel (John) Park, and Ellen (Elroy) Noreen; her sister, Lila (Ron) Zimmey; her brothers, August Haffner, John Haffner and Gary Haffner; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Bean; her parents, William and Anna; four brothers; and two sons-in-law.
When God Moves the Mountain, God’s People Move Forward in Faith From the desk of Pastor Greg Ciesluk
Then Jesus said to the disciples, "Have faith in God. I assure you that you can say to this mountain, 'May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,' and your command will be obeyed. All that's required is that you really believe and do not doubt in your heart. Listen to me! You can pray for anything, and if you believe, you will have it.Mark 11:22-24Dear Friends, At this time last year in the Breeze, I shared with you about the power of the prayer of faith to move mountains in a column, entitled, “When Faced with a Mountain.” Since our God is the mountain-moving God and we are the children of the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-faithful God, we can boldly, confidently, and faithfully look squarely into the face of our mountains and tell our mountain to move over in Jesus’ name. Then, we are to watch expectantly as God moves the mountain. This is our privilege as the children of God. The particular application that I made in last year’s column was in reference to the mortgage on our church building. At that time, we were still in a state of chaos and disunity, overwhelmed by our debt, filled with doubt and second-guessing, consumed with uncertainty about our congregation’s future, and stalled out by low morale. We had been treading water in our debt retirement program making interest only payments for awhile. Yet, with the steep mountain of debt staring us in the face, together, we spoke with all the faith we could muster, “In the name of Jesus Christ, move over debt mountain!” On the authority of God’s Word, I believe God moved our “debt mountain.” Now, we must simply walk in faith, listen for God’s direction, ready ourselves to respond as God leads, and watch as our mountain steps aside. I trust that you believe, as I do, that God has truly been at work among us this past year and we are clearly not in the same place we were a year ago. Our giving is up 15%! Our generous response to mission opportunities has been nothing short of astounding! Our worship attendance is up! The number of new people in our worship services is up! Our morale is up! Since the beginning of the year, our building fund is completely intact and we’re paying $1000 toward principle each month. We are now 22% of the way there! Slowly but surely, we are making progress together. Praise be to our mountain-moving God! When God moves the mountain, God’s people move forward in faith. And move forward we will! The Church Council believes that the time is ripe for us to take bold steps in addressing the debt by faith. While no details are known at this point, it is the Council’s intention that we engage in a new campaign to retire our building debt this fall and restore our pattern of paying full mortgage payments in 2010. With interest rates low and our congregation morale high, the time to do this is now. Together, we will seek God’s power to work miraculously within and among us yet again. Together, we will invite God to stretch our faith, deepen our commitment, and empower our generosity. We’ve come this far by faith. Together, we will move forward by faith. Please join me in praying for the leadership team that will be formed to lead us in this bold adventure and our congregation as we respond to this bold invitation and initiative. Here’s to our mountain-moving God and God’s people moving forward in faith! Yours in Christ, Pastor Greg
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