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CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
112 Hall St., Watertown WI 53094 (920) 261-0736
e-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.watertowncumc.com
Ron Kral – Pastor
November, 2014
Dare We Share?
As I write this, Halloween is still 5 days away. However, if you were to try to purchase
some Halloween-themed decorations at a store, you may have trouble. Last Saturday,
the Halloween section was on closeout at a local Menard's and being pushed aside by
the Christmas section. Really, Christmas is here already? I guess so. The message, of
course, is that time seems to be moving faster and faster and we better prepare. Not a
terrible message, I suppose.
With that warning in mind, and thinking ahead for Christmas, my thoughts turn to the
real meaning of that season and how we, as a church can prepare. In church circles,
we sometimes comment about folks who come to worship only on Christmas and
Easter. The fact is that there are people who tend to be drawn to church at these
times. We need to acknowledge this fact and do what we can to invite and prepare for
them.
The mission of our church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation
of the world. We have embraced this because this is what Jesus has called all
Christians to do; it is the vision of the United Methodist Church and we believe that
growing as a disciple is important for everyone. If this is what we really think, then it is
our responsibility to provide an opportunity to as many people as possible to
experience Christ as we do. So, preparing for Christmas now may not be so far
fetched.
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The first step in the formation of a disciple is “connection” - connecting with individuals
who believe in Christ, connecting with God and connecting with God's church through
fellowship, worship, education and service. The culture in which we live, however, is
one which is suspicious of organizations; so the real “entry point” for folks whom God
may be inviting into the disciple journey will not be coming to a building. Instead,
people will take the first step because they know and are invited by someone for
whom faith is central. Dare we share what we have found in our Christian
congregation?
Preparing to keep “Christ in Christmas,” then, means to let Christ be seen in our lives
and our connections with others. Unfortunately, you can't buy that in the holiday
department at Wal-Mart or Farm and Fleet. We can only share what we, ourselves,
have within us. Consider how you might “gift wrap” your faithfulness and offer it to
another, along with an invitation to Christ UMC as we celebrate the true “reason for
the season”.
Grace & peace,
Pastor Ron
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
We are called and empowered by Jesus
to love, to serve and to witness.
-Mission statement of Christ United Methodist Church
Mission Sunday – November 9
Our November Mission Sunday offering will help give additional cash support to our
Christmas Family donations in December. These cash donations would be used to
purchase gift tag items that are not selected off our narthex Christmas tree for our
Christmas families. We all know that there are families that are struggling in
Watertown and it is our hope that we can make their Christmas holiday brighter!
So, please, circle the second Sunday of November (November 9) on your calendar
and join us in helping to support our Christmas families.
Morning Circle – November 19
Morning Circle will meet on Wednesday, November 19, at 9:00 a.m. in room 205.
JoAnn Moldenhauer and Beth Stuart are co-hostesses with JoAnn leading devotions.
Plans will begin for the annual Cookie Walk to be held on Saturday, December 13,
starting at 8 a.m. The group will also continue their discussion of Chapter 8 of J.
Ellsworth Kalas' book, “God's Promises That Keeps Us.” All women of the church are
invited to attend.
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Cookie Walk
December 13, 2014 - 8:00 a.m.
Get out your cookie &
candies recipes!
Turkey Dinner – November 4
Our 28th annual Election Day Turkey Dinner is Tuesday, November 4, from 4:00-6:30
p.m. Cost of tickets are:
Adults - $9 in advance; $10 at the door; Children (6-12 years of age) - $4.00; Children
5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the church office. Everyone will
need a ticket.
The menu includes: Turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, dressing, corn, coleslaw, jellied
cranberry sauce, rolls, apple or pumpkin pie and beverages. Carryouts available.
Also in conjunction with the Turkey Dinner, there will be a Bake Sale and Craft Fair,
with a quilting booth. We will need lots of baked goods brought in by you, the
congregation, by noon on Tuesday, November 4. The sale will be held from 4-6:30
p.m. Proceeds will go to Imagine No Malaria.
Mealmobile – November 24-28
It is our responsibility to deliver meals to the shut-ins of our community from
November 24-28. There will be no deliveries on Thanksgiving Day. Please be sure to
sign up on the sheet located on the table in the narthex. Thank you for your support.
Charge Conference–November 25th
Our annual church meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday evening, November 25.
Yes, it is the week of Thanksgiving; but, for a number of reasons, this needs to be the
date of our meeting. We will be joined by members of the Concord, Johnson Creek
and Sullivan United Methodist Churches and a part of the meeting will be devoted to
clarifying the relationships between all four of our congregations. In addition, our 2015
budget will be presented.
The night begins with a potluck at 6 pm and the meeting follows at 7 pm in Fellowship
Hall. Rev. Deborah Thompson, our District Superintendent will preside at the meeting.
Please plan to attend.
Thanksgiving Eve Worship-Nov. 26
For a number of years, several of the Watertown churches had worshiped together on
the Wednesday evening prior to Thanksgiving. This year, however, the decision was
made for each church to have their own service.
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We will worship and give thanks to God on Wednesday, November 26. Our service will
provide the chance to give thanks, along with experiencing special music, scripture,
drama and prayer.
Plan to come for a light meal of tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches and apples at
6 pm with worship following at 6:45. Everything for the dinner will be provided, so just
bring yourself.
Food to Go & Grow
Duffle bags are filled weekly for elementary-aged students and their families so they
have food for the weekend. Two items needed in the next two months are 24 oz. cans
of Pasta Sauce and cans of red beans. Please be sure to check expiration dates on all
the food you purchase. We are pretty much set with everything else for now. More
food will be needed for December. Watch for further information.
Electronic Giving
Enjoy the convenience of electronic giving! Over the past several months, the Finance
Committee has been working to provide electronic giving (Electronic Funds Transfer –
EFT) as an option for our church members. Those who use EFT know what a
convenient and easy way this is to manage their money, while for others, this may be
a new experience.
We are pleased to announce that we now offer electronic giving (EFT) as a way to
automate your regular offering. Electronic giving is easy for you and provides muchneeded donation consistency for our congregation. To set up an electronic-giving
schedule, you can either complete a paper authorization form or visit the church
website at http://www.watertowncumc.com and look for the donation link.
As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving. Look for
the authorization form in the weekly bulletin or at the church office. Thank you!
Mitten Tree
We will once again place our Mitten Tree in our narthex for all those who would like to
donate hand-knitted or purchased mittens and scarves for children, youth and adults.
Please know that our mittens and scarves are always appreciated by those who
receive them.
The Giving Tree
There is another tree in the narthex, which has tags to buy Christmas gifts for needy
families. Please pick one or more tags and purchase the item(s) listed on the tag,
wrap it and return it to church with the tag attached. (Note: Tags should go on kids’
presents. Moms and Dads tags should not. Just put Mom or Dad of whatever letter
family you pick. It’s no fun to open a present when you know what is inside.) Thank
you for your help in making this a special time for those in need.
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Advent By Candlelight
Saturday, December 6, 2014
3:00 p.m.
at
Christ United Methodist Church
Circuit 34 United Methodist Churches of:
Concord, Johnson Creek, Sullivan, Waterloo, Marshall and Watertown
“Advent by Candlelight” is an opportunity for people of all ages to set aside the hustle
and bustle of holiday preparation and focus their minds and hearts on the birth of
Christ. It is an opportunity to “de-junk” our lives and make a positive change.
This year’s theme is “Celebrate Christmas.” This will be a time to create a spiritual
reflection through a musical message for all to take with them into the busy Advent
season. Homemade pies and beverages will be served
Table Hostesses: Churches of our circuit, and their congregations, volunteer to host a
table or tables. Hostesses are asked to provide table settings, holiday table
decorations and a variety of candles. They are encouraged to invite members of their
congregation, family, friends and neighbors, regardless of whether they belong to a
church, to join them at their table.
The human side of us all needs Santa and all the glitter that comes with the
celebration of Christmas. But remember prayer. That, perhaps, is what Advent is all
about. Just a little talk with God, thanking him for sending his son to us and blessing
us during this holiest of seasons.
If you are interested in hosting a table or attending this event, please contact Pastor
Ron or Mitch Behlke (988-0608).
Cookie Walk – December 13
It’s hard to imagine that it’s almost time to begin baking Christmas cookies. Saturday,
December 13, is the date. We will be starting at 8:00 a.m. So, come early because we
are pretty well sold out by 10 a.m.
We would like all those good cookies and candies here by Friday morning, December
12th, at 10 a.m. They can be brought to the church during the week. Remember, one
kind per container. We ran out of some of the cookies last year, so if you can bake a
few more, it would be greatly appreciated.
The best cookie sellers are always the cutouts, gingerbreads, spritz and anything colorful.
Best candies are seafoam, fudge and brittle.
With your help, we will have another successful year. Last year was super!! So get out
those recipes and start thinking cookies and candies.
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Beth Stuart
Chairperson
November Prayer List
Please include Pastor Ron and his family and three other families or individuals from
the list below in your prayers each day.
Steve & Bernie Cassata
Polk & Elizabeth Burleson
Chuck & Carole Bruce
Ryan & Cortney Brigowatz Family
Dennis & Pat Breselow Family
Gregg & Terri Breese Family
Sandy Braunschweig
Ron & Connie Brake
Amber Brake
Shirley Bradow
Duane & Mary Bower
John & Lois Bloedorn
Ed & Dawn Bergren
Ralph & Michele Behlke
Josh & Mindy Bartz Family
Dan & Vicki Bartz
Dave & Barbara Backhaus
John & Joyce Austin
Judy Atkinson
Margaret Amthor
Loraine Ackatz
Jim Abplanalp
Worship Hours
Sundays at 8 & 10 a.m.
Church School
Sundays at 8:45 a.m.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to noon; 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.
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November Birthdays
1 Judy Farmer
Isabell Flatt
2 Helen Foulke
3 Morgan Walter
6 Bernadette Cassata
7 Al Toser
8 Bill Welch
John Hurd
Dylan Martin
10 Tom Parmley
11 Caitlyn Schultz
13 Matt Kreuser
14 Marilyn Peirick
16 Carole Bruce
18 Ralph Haumschild
19 Pam Schuhmacher
20 Barb Phelps
21 Connie Brake
Brad Hermanson
Shelby Mutter
22 Cora Yenser
Brad Walter
23 Candice Taylor
Rob Higgins
24 Kaitlyn Dittmar
25 Christine Hermanson
27 Karen Williams
30 Randy Phelps
MacInnis Scholarship Fund
In 1988, to honor Myra MacInnis, a long-term member of Christ UMC, dedicated
educator and faith-filled person, a fund was established to provide scholarships for
education leading towards a vocation in a church-related profession in the United
Methodist Church or continuing education related to the practice of ministry.
The Myra MacInnis Scholarship shall be determined by a committee comprised of four
members, two each from both the Staff Parish Relations Committee and the Finance
Committee, along with the pastor of Christ UMC. Each year the Committee will
determine the eligibility of persons seeking funds through the Scholarship and the
amount to be awarded from the available money.
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Members of Christ UMC will receive preference for distribution of the scholarship
funds. If no one from Christ UMC is seeking funding, then the Committee is free to
consider awarding available funds to an appropriate applicant that is a member of the
United Methodist Church. Funds may be used for activities which include, but are not
limited to:
* College or University courses in a program of ministry-related study
* Expenses related to certification as a Candidate for Ordained Ministry
* Licensing or Course of Study School for Local Pastors
* Workshops or Training Events related to the practice of ministry
In 1988, about $4,700 was invested with the United Methodist Foundation in Sun
Prairie. About $600 more was added during the period from 1990-1993. There were
three scholarships awarded to two students from CUMC during the period of 19962000.
Since that time, the Fund has grown to over $23,500 as there were no applicants from
CUMC. So in 2013, the Fund was opened up for applicants from the United Methodist
Church in Wisconsin. In that year, the first scholarship was awarded through the
Conference for $1,250 and this year another scholarship of $1,000 was awarded. The
annual amount awarded does not exceed the funds earned by this endowment in any
year. Thus, currently the fund remains at $23,500.
It was believed that it was better to utilize the earned funds rather than to let them sit
and continue to add interest and earnings without meeting the original goals of this
fund. Who knows, perhaps someone who has been helped in their training for the
ministry may one day be your future pastor.
The roof update which I indicated would be in this newsletter will be in December.
Randy Phelps
Finance Chairperson
“He Will Answer”
I always enjoy sharing the special moments when I know that the Lord has had a hand
in our lives. I have a small, simple statement taped to my computer, which reminds me
of who is in control of our mission work and our lives. “Before they call, I will answer. .
.” Isaiah 65:24. I read this statement each and every day and watch carefully for God’s
work to unfold! His miracles are the delight of our lives and each of you should be
aware of some of the work you are doing in the name of Jesus Christ.
Recently we received a donation to help students within our school district, but we
couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was the best possible use for the generous contribution.
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As things unfolded, we received a call from a counselor at Riverside Middle School
explaining the need for funding a student seminar called Courage Day, which helps
students learn ways to stop bullying and build health relationships. And yes, we
connected the blessing with the need allowing a large number of students to benefit
from this seminar!
Many of you heard about this as it was lifted in prayer during a recent worship service.
One of our members is a teacher at Riverside and shared the story of someone who
realized that she was a member of our come to thank her for our church’s actions.
There were tears involved, both when the story was told during worship and then as
Sunday School teachers came into our classroom and shared the good news.
Earlier that morning, I had thought of sharing the story right at the beginning of church
but was running late because of education/mission responsibilities for Sunday School.
Not to worry. God shared the story in a much better way during our prayer time. He let
someone else share the delight of His miracle.
Please know that the Lord is working through our actions in so many ways! We need
to celebrate His actions through us and humbly give thanks for His guidance in the life
of this church.
In His Joyous Service,
Barbara Jean
on November 2nd
Circuit News
November, 2014
Circuit 34 is made up of the following United Methodist Churches:
Concord, Johnson Creek, Marshall, Sullivan, Waterloo and Watertown:Christ
“Circuit News”
Welcome to the first edition of Circuit 34 News. A new edition will be coming each
month with news from the Concord, Johnson Creek, Marshall, Sullivan, Waterloo and
Watertown United Methodist Churches. Our hope is that this will serve to strengthen
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our connection even more and provide chances for us to do more things with each
other.
News items can be sent to Annette Wolf at Christ UMC in Watertown
([email protected]) by the 20th of each month.
This month, we have information from Concord, Johnson Creek and Watertown.
Watch for items from other churches in future editions.
BASIC LAY SERVANT CLASS
Our circuit will be presenting a weekend basic lay servant class on Friday evening,
January 16 (7-9 pm) and Saturday, January 17 (9 am – 4 pm, lunch provided).
This is a foundational class for anyone who feels a desire to better lead and work with
others in the church and their community. The topics covered in the Basic Course are:
servant and spiritual leadership, caring ministries, basic communication skills, sharing
your faith and how to lead meetings. This class is not designed to prepare you to
preach. Rather, it is a foundational course for a wide variety of lay servant possibilities.
Please sign up by January 8th in order to receive a book and to prepare for the
weekend sessions. The cost will be $15 for the book and lunch. Contact one of the
Circuit Pastors: Jan Beutin, Kelly Jahn or Ron Kral for more information.
Harvest Auction
Get Ready, Get Set, Bid!! at the Harvest Auction being held at the Concord UMC on
Friday, November 14, at 7:00 p.m.
Join them for a fun evening! Stay for sandwiches. You are among friends.
“Community Free Meal”
The Johnson Creek UMC is having a “Community Free Meal” at their church on
November 23, from 11 a.m -12 noon, serving turkey, etc. Afterwards, there will be
“Hanging of the Greens” in preparation for Advent. Come and help – help is always
appreciated.
Happy
Thanksgiving