1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

HILLTOP HERALD-NOVEMBER 2014
MONONA UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH & IGLESIA METODISTA
UNIDA EL LIBERTADOR
20Now
“FEARLESS GENEROSITY”
to him who by the power at work within us is able to
accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine,
21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all
generations, for ever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21, NRSV)
Celebration Sunday is on November 9th and we will make our
estimate of giving commitments for 2015 during worship. We will
gather for a Celebration Meal that day at 11:45 AM in Fellowship
Hall.
FEARLESS CELEBRATION MEAL
What is Fearless Celebration? It’s trying new things, it’s stepping out of your comfort zone,
it’s being brave and open to new adventures. We will have new things to try: six different
kinds of chili with all the fixings and bars and cookies with a twist. We are asking our
fearless bar baker volunteers to make a recipe that they have never made or tasted before.
You’ll want to be sure to be there to taste the fearless results!
We are still looking for a couple fearless chili makers and helpers for setting up, serving and
cleaning up. The signup sheet is in the church office. Step out fearlessly!
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS
Remember to change your clocks the evening of November 1. “Fall back”
one hour.
SAINTS DAY TO BE OBSERVED
Sunday, November 2 is All Saints Day, the day the church sets aside to remember those
who have died during this past year, especially those from our fellowship and families.
Persons are invited to bring to worship, the names of people who have been a part of their
life, who have died since last November. During the prayer time, people will be invited to
share those names. Or if you prefer, there will be a basket in the entryway of the church, to
submit names before each service, so they can be read aloud.
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Dear Friends,
PASTOR’S COLUMN
I want to invite you to lunch on November 9th at 11:45 A.M. That’s the meal where we’ll be
celebrating the conclusion of our “Fearless Generosity” church stewardship campaign. The
varieties of chili and “fearless” (from untested recipes) cookies and bars will color our
celebration with some fun. And by the end of lunch, we’ll hear an announcement of our
giving total to date.
I probably think differently about financial stewardship than a lot of people do. For me, it’s
not first and foremost about dollars and cents. It’s a matter of the heart. Jesus said, “For
where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In other words, what we spend our
money on is what we will eventually come to care most about. For instance, I care a lot about
my book collection because I’ve invested a lot of time and energy in it over the years. Our
attention and interest follows our checkbook or debit/credit card.
So if I want God to be a priority in my life, if I want to grow spiritually, a good way to see that
happen is to invest my resources in God’s mission and ministry. And the Bible seems to
think that for God to be a significant priority in my life, I need to invest at least ten percent of
my resources in God’s work. That’s the biblical idea of the “tithe.” If I take all the resources
that God has blessed me with, then divide it into ten equal sections, and return one section
to God, I then use the other ninety percent of God’s resources in ways God would want me to
as I care for me and mine. (It doesn’t sound like a very large percentage when put that way,
but it feels like it when you first start moving toward giving ten percent.)
That’s what the biblical record indicates is good to give for the sake of my spiritual life—not
because the church needs the money (the Finance Committee wants me to insert here that
our church does need the money), but because I need to give for the sake of my spiritual
growth and health. It’s a matter of the heart.
Ten percent may be a worthy goal to shoot for, but many of us are not there yet. If I’ve been
giving zero percent, ten percent may be too big a jump all at once. In that case, I start at
whatever percentage of my income I feel I can handle right now—three percent, five percent,
seven percent, whatever it may be—then I try to increase that commitment a percentage
point a year until I’m where I think I want to be.
That’s how I think about financial stewardship, or managing the resources God has blessed
us with. It’s so important to us because it’s one of the practices that reflect our spiritual
growth and our progress in discipleship.
So as we approach the end of our stewardship campaign, I look forward to seeing you at
lunch on November 9th! And thank you for your faithfulness to God and to God’s work
through Monona United Methodist.
Blessings,
Pastor Brad
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A THRILL OF HOPE: THE CHRISTMAS STORY IN WORD AND ART
Join us for a group study of the familiar story of Christmas as told in the gospels of Matthew
and Luke. With supporting DVD presentations, we will look at the central scripture passages
of the Christmas story.
• A Visit (Luke 1:26-38)
• The Nativity (Luke 2:1-7)
• The Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)
• Epiphany ((Matthew 2:1-12)
Each scripture passage is illustrated and interpreted in the stunning artwork of John August
Swanson along with commentary by some of America’s premier biblical scholars, names
such as Dr. Thomas A. Long, Dr. Michael Joseph Brown, Dr. Carol A. Newsom and more.
These four one-hour sessions facilitated by Pastor Brad will meet around a B.Y.O. brown-bag
lunch from 11:45am to 12:45pm during the Sundays of Advent, November 30, December
7, 14, and 21. The study book costs $5. Please sign up in the church office.
BIBLE PASSAGES & SERMON THEMES FOR NOVEMBER
9:00AM & 10:30AM SERVICES
November 2 – Mark 4:1-9
Fearless Sowing, All Saints Remembrance
“God’s ability to transform us”
November 9 – Luke 21:1-4
Fearless Giving
“Jesus’ teaching that real giving comes from the heart”
November 16 – Matthew 25:14-30
“What Have You Done with What You Have Been Given?”
November 23 – Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Matthew 25:31-46
Guest preacher – Rev. Linda Vance
“Incognito”
November 30 – Isaiah 64:1-4
First Sunday of Advent
“Oh Lord, Help!”
ESCRITURAS Y TÍTULOS DE SERMONES – NOVIEMBRE
5PM SERVICIO
Noviembre 2 – Salmo 34:1-10, Apocalipsis 7:9-17, Mateo 5:1-12
“De toda lengua y nación”
Noviembre 9 – Josué 24:1-3ª, 14-25, 1 Tesalonicenses 4:13-18, Mateo 25:1-13
“Renovando el pacto”
Noviembre 16 – Jueces 4:1-7, 1 Tesalonicenses 5:1-11, Mateo 25:14-30
“Salvados para servir”
Noviembre 23– Ezequiel 34:11-16, 20-24, Efesios 1:15-23, Mateo 25:31-46
“Llamados para servir a los necesitados”
Noviembre 30– Isaías 64:1-9, 1 Corintios 1:3-9, Marcos 13:24-37
“Tenemos mucho trabajo por hacer”
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STEWARDSHIP
Last Sunday we finished our stewardship campaign for this year “Bearing Fruit for Jesus”.
During these three weeks we focused the biblical studies for children and adults and the
sermons on being good stewards of our time, talents and money.
According to 1 Corinthians 16:2 “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set
aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no
collections will have to be made.” God’s plan is for Christians to support the advancement of
the mission of the church in the world through our tithes and offerings.
The idea of tithing goes back to the earliest biblical history. According to Hebrews 7:5, we
read: “Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from
the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from
Abraham.” The Law of Moses specified that the Levites should collect tithes from the people
and in verse 6 we can observe that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek.
Proverbs 3:9-10 says "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine." and
Malachi 3:10 says: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my
house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates
of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."
In the New Testament, according to 1 Corinthians 16:2 Apostle Paul teaches that Christians
should give individually, regularly, methodically, and proportionately to support the local
church, the needy, evangelism, and the mission of the church in the world.
Giving out of a heart filled with God’s love is to be a characteristic of the born-again believer
as Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will
also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you
should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at
all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
As we respond to the needs of God’s work, He promises that our needs will be supplied: “But
seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”
(Matthew 6:33) and Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the
riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” May God continue blessing all of you.
Your Servant in Christ,
Pastor Rafael
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MAYORDOMÍA
El domingo pasado terminamos felizmente nuestra campaña de mayordomía para este año
"Dando frutos para Jesús". Durante tres semanas centramos los estudios bíblicos para niños
y adultos y los sermones en ser buenos administradores de nuestro tiempo, talentos y
dinero.
Según 1 Corintios 16: 2 "El primer día de la semana, cada uno de ustedes aparte y guarde
algún dinero conforme a sus ingresos, para que no se tengan que hacer colectas cuando yo
vaya". El plan de Dios es que los creyentes cristianos apoyemos el avance de la misión de la
Iglesia en el mundo a través de nuestros diezmos y ofrendas.
La idea del diezmo se remonta a la historia bíblica primitiva. Según Hebreos 7: 5, leemos:
"Ahora bien, los descendientes de Leví que reciben el sacerdocio tienen, por ley, el mandato de
cobrar los diezmos del pueblo, es decir, de sus hermanos, aunque éstos también son
descendientes de Abraham." La Ley de Moisés especificaba que los levitas estaban llamados a
recibir los diezmos de las personas, y en el versículo 6 se puede observar que Abraham pagó
diezmos a Melquisedec.
En Proverbios 3: 9-10 dice "Honra al Señor con tus riquezas y con los primeros frutos de tus
cosechas. Así tus graneros se llenarán a reventar y tus bodegas rebosarán de vino Nuevo” y
en Malaquías 3:10 dice: "Traigan íntegro el diezmo para los fondos del templo, y así habrá
alimento en mi casa. Pruébenme en esto —dice el Señor Todopoderoso—, y vean si no abro las
compuertas del cielo y derramo sobre ustedes bendición hasta que sobreabunde." Dios bendice
abundantemente a los que dan con generosidad.
En el Nuevo Testamento, de acuerdo a 1 Corintios 16: 2, el Apóstol Pablo enseña que los
cristianos estamos llamados a dar de forma individual, de forma regular, metódica, y
proporcionalmente para apoyar a la Iglesia local, a los necesitados, la evangelización y la
misión de la iglesia en el mundo.
Dar con un corazón lleno del amor de Dios debe una característica del creyente nacido de
nuevo, como dice el apóstol Pablo en 2 Corintios 9: 6-8 "Recuerden esto: El que siembra
escasamente, escasamente cosechará, y el que siembra en abundancia, en abundancia
cosechará. Cada uno debe dar según lo que haya decidido en su corazón, no de mala gana ni
por obligación, porque Dios ama al que da con alegría. Y Dios puede hacer que toda gracia
abunde para ustedes, de manera que siempre, en toda circunstancia, tengan todo lo necesario,
y toda buena obra abunde en ustedes.".
Al responder a las necesidades de la obra de Dios, Él promete que nuestras necesidades
serán suplidas: "Más bien, busquen primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas
cosas les serán añadidas." (Mateo 6:33) y Filipenses 4:19 “Así que mi Dios les proveerá de
todo lo que necesiten, conforme a las gloriosas riquezas que tiene en Cristo Jesús." que Dios
continúe derramando sus bendiciones sobre todos ustedes.
Su siervo en Cristo,
Pastor Rafael
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MISSION OF THE MONTH
Native American Ministries
Your gifts in November will:
• Support Native American ministries within the annual conference
• Provide scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist schools of theology
• Strengthen, develop and equip Native American rural and urban congregations, ministries
and communities (related to the General Board of Global Ministries)
To support this mission, please mark your check or offering envelope with “Native American
Ministries” or use the special envelopes in the pews
ONLINE NEWSLETTER
Our church website has a copy of the current month’s newsletter. If you misplace your paper
copy, you can go there to read it: www.mononaunitedmethodistchurch.org.
VOLUNTEER SIGN UP DAYS
On Sundays, November 2 & 9 we will have the opportunity to sign
up to serve as liturgists, greeters, fellowship hour hosts, ushers,
acolytes and nursery helpers. Please consider serving.
WE NEED YOU!!
We still need a few volunteers in November. Please sign-up on
the kiosk or call the church office to help.
READ ‘EM & MEET
The book club will meet on Sunday, November 2 @ 2pm at the home of Yvonne
Jackson to discuss, Good Luck of Right Now, by Matthew Quick. Dessert will be
provided by Judy Acheson. Visitors and new members are always welcome.
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING
Our next Blood Pressure Screening will be Sunday, November 9, 10:0010:30 am in Pastor Brad’s office. These screenings are staffed by medical
volunteers from the congregation. Keep Healthy - have your blood pressure
checked!!
ALTAR DISPLAY
A "Thankful Harvest Display" on the altar is planned for two Sundays--November 16 and
23. Please drop off any items by November 14 that you would like to share. Any questions
call Joy Newman, 246-8661.
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“DON’T BUG ME!” JR/SR HIGH YOUTH EVENT
The fall Conference youth event, “Don’t Bug Me!” is set for Saturday, November 15 at the
Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. This one day event centers on our missional
Conference campaign for Imagine No Malaria. Please keep the following people in your
prayers: Charlie Jungwirth, Max Jungwirth, Sam Schmitt, and the chaperones, Carolyn
Bennett and Brad Van Fossen.
“THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, LAWS OF THE HEART”
Our adult study on the Ten Commandments continuing through December 14 from 10:1511:30am each Sunday morning in the church Library. Each session includes a DVD
segment with discussion questions that are available to participants in advance.
THE GIVING TREE
For many years the Giving Tree project has provided gifts and a holiday dinner
for needy families in our community. We are asking members of our
congregation to purchase gifts for individual children. In November, a
Christmas tree will be in the Fellowship Hall with each child’s wish list attached
to an ornament. Simply choose a card, fill in your information, leaving half the
card in the box provided, and return your unwrapped gift to church. Call the
office at 222-1633 with questions.
THE BETHLEHEM INN & SPA CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Stay in luxury when you visit Bethlehem for the Census.
It’s that time of year again! Time for the Census! This year the play is a
fun spin on the traditional Christmas story and I look forward to
everyone’s participation! We will be relying on the 3rd – 7th graders for
speaking roles and the younger kids’ wonderful singing voices.
In order for the program to be a fun experience and a huge success, I will
need parent volunteers to help with costumes, props, stage hands, and
photography.
Please don’t be shy, Parents!! Register for your stay, I mean volunteer, at the Bethlehem Inn
& Spa to ensure you get the job you want.
Calendar of Events
During your stay at the Bethlehem Inn & Spa you can enjoy:
 Seasonal Music: Practiced during Sunday School November 9 – December 7
 Christmas Program Practice: During Sunday School from November 9 – December 7 and
on Saturday, December 13 from 10 AM – 12 PM

Christmas Program: At Monona UMC on December 14 at 10:30 AM
If you are able to help out, please talk to me.
Lori Stewart, 438.1408, [email protected]
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U.M. STUDENT DAY OFFERING
Sunday, November 30, will be a time we receive a special United Methodist Student Day
Offering. There will be envelopes in our bulletin for us to give to one of the yearly offering
from our denomination. This particular offering supports scholarships and loans for United
Methodist students, within our nation.
BAPTISM
Tanner Anthony Testolin, son of Laura and Anthony Testolin, was baptized on September 28.
HILLTOPPERS
The Hilltoppers will meet on Monday, November 10 at 5:45 PM in
fellowship hall. We will have a potluck dinner. Please bring a dish to pass
and your own table service. Our program will be a presentation by Nicole
Wilken, a recent graduate of Valparaiso University in Indiana She went
on a 5 month mission trip to Nicaragua and will give us a program on
her activities while in that country. She also works for the Wisconsin Conference on their
Imagine No Malaria Project, and will also give us a brief explanation of her work with the
Conference.
SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING
The Salvation Army of Dane County needs your help to ring bells November 14 - December
24 for the 2014 Christmas Red Kettle Campaign. It’s easy to sign up online,
madsionsa.volunteerfirst.org or call The Bellringer Hotline at 250-2235.
IN SYMPATHY
Our sympathy goes to Sally Weidemann and her family upon the death of her mother, Elaine
Weidemann, who passed away on September 27.
NEW UPPER ROOMS ARE HERE
The Upper Room is a devotional book that many people use for daily reading of a Bible verse,
a short meditation and a prayer. The new November-December issue has arrived and is in
the Narthex information center. Feel free to take one home.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Jennie Slavik and Joe Spagnolia were married here at church on October 17.
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HEY, MUMC PIANO LOVERS!!!
EXPECT TO GET “BE-DAZZLED”!
The Students of Dianne Totten invite you to
A Piano Recital Celebrating Music for Stage &
Screen
Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7pm
Monona United Methodist Church
EXPECT: to be entertained with music from a variety of famous SHOWS: Broadway, theatre,
movies & TV, old, new, popular & some unfamiliar! Our “ShowQuest” trivia game &
drawings, Jingle-Jangle (a name-that-tune of vintage commercials), prizes & surprises will
round out the fun!
REFRESHMENTS: Of course! *
*
* You won’t want to miss this!
LOOKING AHEAD TO CHRISTMAS
We would like to invite your family to help our congregation prepare for
Advent by lighting the Advent wreath during of the Sunday services. We will
provide you the reading and instructions. Please email the church office at
[email protected] and let Kay know which date/service you are
available.
We are also looking for children who would like to share special music at the 5:00pm
Christmas Eve Family Service. Please let the church office know that you would like to play
an instrument or sing. Thanks for sharing your talents!
TURKEY DINNER
The Annual Turkey Dinner, complete with all the trimmings and homemade pies, will be
served at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1123 Vilas Ave, Madison, on Friday November
14 from 5:00 to 7:00pm. $12 Adults, $5 Children 10 and under, preschoolers are free.
Carryouts available. There will also be a craft and bake sale bazaar.
COMMUNITY HYMN SING
Asbury United Methodist Church Chapel (located in center of building), 6101 University
Avenue, November 16, 2014 at 3:00pm. Everyone is welcome. For information call 8366532
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UMW MEETINGS
Quilters – Will meet Mondays, November 3, 17 and 24 at 1pm in Fellowship Hall.
Yarncrafters - will meet all the Mondays in November at 1pm in Fellowship Hall.
New members are always welcome.
Friendship Circle – Tuesday, November 4 at 6:45pm at the home of Peggy Traver.
Guests and visitors are warmly welcomed.
Executive Committee Meeting - Monday, November 10 at 1:30pm in the church Library.
Faith Circle – Thursday, November 13 at 1pm at the home of Jeanne DeBraal.
Reading Circle - Thursday, November 20 at 1:30pm at the home of Siv Goulding. We will
discuss The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe.
FALL BAKE SALE – HUGE SUCCESS!
Heartfelt thanks to our bakers, takers & buyers for supporting the UMW Fall Bake Sale in
such a generous way. We earned a record breaking $327 toward our pledge to Mission for
2014/15. Many thanks to all that participated.
JAVA JIVE
Coffee farms across Central America are facing new and tough challenges related to climate
change. Coffee leaf fungus is a rapidly spreading fungus that destroys coffee trees. It is not a
new disease but due to extremes in rain and then extreme heat the disease has intensified
and kills the trees. It takes 4-5 years for a coffee tree to produce the "red cherry beans".
Equal Exchange has made a pledge to contribute 10 cents per pound of any of their coffees
sold to their "red cherry fund" to help small farmers develop innovative solutions to these
challenges. So our coffee purchases will add to this fund. Nice.
EEx has found a way of recycling the packaging of single serve coffee brewers. We now have
them available. They are compatible with the K-cup brewing system.
We will be collecting baskets again for folks to fill for nice sustainable Christmas gifts that
help God's small farmers in 15 countries including the U.S.---Yum-- coffee, tea, chocolate
and nuts, wouldn't we all enjoy that gift!! You may place baskets above the cabinets in the
narthex. Thanks.
With Authentic Fair Trade products we are witnesses to caring for God's people and creation.
Our next monthly sale will be November 23.
Kay Mackie, UMW fair trade coordinator
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SEARCHING FOR A SOLUTION TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
In recognition of November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, the Wisconsin
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center will present “Searching for a Solution to Alzheimer’s
Disease,” a FREE community event sharing the latest research on Alzheimer’s disease. Join
us on November 4, at the Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Drive. A Resource Fair begins at
5:00 p.m.; speaker presentation begins at 6:00 p.m. No RSVP is necessary. For more
information, visit adrc.wisc.edu or call (608) 263-2582.
HELP IN UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL SECURITY FILINGS
Not yet on Social Security? Did you know that there are over 550 ways a married couple can
file? Did you know there is more to it than what age you file at? A friend of mine is a
professional in financial services and offers a FREE presentation with this information. It is
NOT a sales presentation - just great information that covers married, single, divorced,
widowed people. He is willing to bring his presentation to us and our friends here at Monona
UMC. If there are 5-10 people / couples interested, I will work with him and get this on the
schedule. Please contact me at [email protected] or call me at 608-698-5303 to
indicate your interest. Thanks!! Linda Jackson
AGRACE REMEMBRANCE
Agrace HospiceCare will host a Holiday Remembrance Program Sunday, November 9 from
4-5pm at its campus, 5395 E Cheryl Parkway. The program, gives people an opportunity to
honor loved ones who have died, and to learn ways to cope with grief during the upcoming
holiday season. All are welcome to attend this free program. Pre-registration is not required;
however, RSVP is requested by October 31 to Noelle at 327-7118.
Grief Support Opportunities - All groups are held at Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway
· Bridges Weekly Support Group is held every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Preregistration is not required.
· Family Series Support Group is for elementary through high-school aged children and
their parents/guardians who are grieving a death. The group is held November 6 –
December 18, (Thursdays), 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Call Jessie Shiveler to register at 327-7135.
The group will not meet on Thanksgiving, November 27.
For details on all Agrace grief support groups, visit agrace.org.
Orientation for Prospective Volunteers - Agrace will offer volunteer orientation for those
interested in making a difference in the lives of others. The next session will be held
Thursday, November 13, from 1 - 5 p.m., at Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway. Prior to
attending orientation, prospective volunteers will complete an application and an interview
process with Agrace’s Volunteer Services staff to identify the volunteer’s skills and interests.
Call 327-7163 to begin the process.
Care Navigation Service Helps People Manage a Serious Illness Better
Agrace Palliative Care offers a supportive “health coaching” service for chronically or
seriously ill people: Agrace Care Navigation. A registered nurse works with participants to
help them manage their pain and symptoms, learn about their medications, coordinate
health care appointments, better understand their condition and more. Phone support is
provided 24/7. If you know someone who might appreciate this service, or for more
information about Agrace Care Navigation, call Agrace at (800) 930-2770.
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__________________________________________________________________________________________
Monona United Methodist Church
New Member Class for October 26, 2014
New Members:
Anna Nyseth
-Anna is transferring from Brentwood UMC,
Brentwood, Tennessee
Sponsoring Friends:
Anna Siferd
John & Brandy Penniman
Dick & Jean Van Dreel
-John & Brandy are transferring from Westwood UMC,
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Lou Ann Van Fossen
Becky Halstead
-Lou Ann is transferring from First UMC, Racine Wisconsin
__________________________________________________________________________________________
United Methodist Women Advent Brunch
Saturday, December 6, 10:00 am in Fellowship Hall
The program entitled Come to the Cradle: An Advent Program
of Scripture, Poetry and Song will be presented following
Brunch. Plan to be inspired as we begin the Advent season!!
Advent Brunch Reservations:
Name:____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you need child care? If so, list your name and number of children so child care can be arranged:
Name____________________________ Phone Number _____________ Number of Children__________
Put completed forms in the church office. For more information you may call Jeanette @ 222-4273 or
Kay in the church office @ 222-1633.
All are welcome! There is no charge for the brunch but a goodwill offering will be taken to support
ongoing Mission projects. Bring an item or two for the Food Pantry Cart.
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Cash Flow
September 30, 2014
Month
General Fund
$
Income
General Operating Expenses
Net Surplus (Shortfall)
$
20,882
20,093
789
Year to Date
$
$
238,346
234,766
3,580
A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE
#307 Giving breaks the temptation of greed.
“The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will
also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind.”
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7a)
Edythe was taking care of all her annual donations to charities. She was going to make her
pledge to the church pretty much the same as all the others when she realized how
important the church is to her. So this year she made it three times her usual donation.
She was surprised to learn later in a conversation with her friend, Bill, the church
Treasurer, that her gift was below average. While the most common gifts were about $10 $30/week, the top givers gave more than $10,000 each per year. That changed the average.
When she asked the pastor how much she should give, she answered, “Give what God is
calling you to give.” That didn’t help.
Later that week Edythe decided she wanted to make sure she paid her way. Again, she had
a hard time getting someone to tell her an amount. She asked Bill and he said, “That’s not
how we do it.” Edythe responded, “Well, if the budget is $140,000 and we have 200
members, that means we need $700 from every member, right?” “Yes,” Bill answered, but
that number includes members who are in nursing homes and confirmed youth, as well as
families who may be out of a job. Are you saying a family of four members owes four times as
much as you?” “Well, not really,” Edythe responded.
Edythe was perplexed. “Well, I’ve heard you say that our mission giving, or our
apportionments, are about $100/member. So, I’ll start there. Plus, you said we have about
100 families, so if I divide the $140,000 budget by 100, that’s $1,400 this year. That’s a
lot.” Bill answered, “What is God calling you to give? Look at what you have. Can you give
God a percentage? I know if everyone in our church gave just 3-5% of their annual income to
the church, we wouldn’t have any money problems at all.” “That makes sense,” Edythe said.
“Now, Bill, you’re the numbers man so help me do the math!”
What is God calling you to give to your church? Call if we can help.
Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation, 1-888-903-9863 or [email protected]
13
The Life and Ministry of God’s People In
Monona United Methodist Church
November 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
.
Friday
Saturday
1
7-9am Prayer Vg
2 All Saints Day
See schedule below
Fearless Sowing
Volunteer Signup
10:15 Adults-Ten
Commandments
3
Pastors’ Day Off
1:00 Quilters &
Yarncrafters
2 Read ‘Em/Meet
9
See schedule below
Fearless Giving
Volunteer Signup
10:00 Blood
Pressure Screen
10:15 Adults-Ten
Commandments
11:45am Meal
Celebration
16
See schedule below
Poinsettia orders
Newsletter
Deadline
10:15 Adults-Ten
Commandments
23
See schedule below
Coffee Sales
10:15 Adults-Ten
Commandments
30
4
9:00am Staff
Meeting
1:00 Cry Room
in use
6:45 Friendship
Circle
10
Pastors’ Day Off
1 Yarncrafters
1:30 UMW
Executive
Comm. Mtg.
5:45 Hilltoppers
11
9:00am Staff
Meeting
1:00 Cry Room
in use
6:30 Trustees
17
Pastors’ Day Off
1:00 Quilters &
Yarncrafters
18
9:00am Staff
Meeting
1:00 Cry Room
in use
6:30 Finance
24
Pastors’ Day Off
10am set up
Sanctuary for
Advent
1:00 Quilters &
Yarncrafters
26
9:00am Staff
Meeting
6:30 Ad Council
5
6:30-8 Spanish
Bible Study /
Children’s Prog.
7:00 Confirmation
Class with Mentor
8-10pm Feed
Homeless
12
Kay off thru
November 14
6:30-8 Spanish
Bible Study /
Children’s Prog.
8-10pm Feed
Homeless
19
6:30-8 Spanish
Bible Study /
Children’s Prog.
7:00 Confirmation
8-10pm Feed
Homeless
27
Office Closed
6:30-8 Spanish
Bible Study /
Children’s Prog.
8-10pm Feed
Homeless
6
6:00 Bell Choir
7:00 Adult Choir
8-10pm Feed
Homeless
7
13
1:00 Faith Circle
6:00 Bell Choir
7:00 Adult Choir
. 8-10pm Feed
Homeless
14
20
21
7-9am Prayer Vg
9am English
7:00 Dianne
Totten Piano
Recital in
sanctuary
9:00 N/L Helpers
1:30 Reading Cr
6:00 Bell Choir
7:00 Adult Choir
8-10pm Feed
Homeless
28
Thanksgiving
Day
Office Closed
9am English
9:30am-4pm hall
/ Kitchen in use
8
15
7-9am Prayer
Vigil
9am English
8:30-5:30 Youth
Event at
Kalahari
22
Pastor Brad
vacation Thru
November 29
7-9am Prayer Vg
9am English
29
Office Closed
30
7-9am Prayer
Vigil
No Bells or Choir
8-10pm Feed
Homeless
1st Sunday
of Advent
See schedule below
10:15 Adults-Ten
Commandments
11:45 Advent
Study
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
9:00 Worship
9:20 Sunday School
10:00 Fellowship
10:30 Worship
11:30 Fellowship
5:00 Worship in Spanish
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
NOVEMBER
14
Deadline for the December Newsletter is
November 16. Information arriving after the
above date may not be in the newsletter.
Remember, you can FAX your article to 2222395 or email to
[email protected]
MONONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
606 NICHOLS ROAD
MONONA, WI 53716
NON PROFIT ORG.
U S POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT 969
MADISON WI
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
The HILLTOP HERALD is produced monthly for distribution to
the members and friends of Monona United Methodist Church &
Iglesia Metodista Unida El Libertador.
Editors:
Pastor Brad Van Fossen 414-534-8791 (cell)
Pastor Rafael Cubilette 225-8899 (cell)
Kay DeBraal – Administrative Assistant 222-1633
Monona UMC Church office 222-1633 (Fax 222-2395)
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Homepage www.mononaunitedmethodistchurch.org
Pastor Brad – [email protected]
Kay – [email protected]
Worship 9:00am and 10:30am
Iglesia Metodista Unida El Libertador 514-9470
Pastor Rafael – [email protected]
Spanish Worship 5:00pm
NOVEMBER 2014
POINSETTIAS
You may purchase poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary during
Advent and take them home after worship on Christmas Eve.
Please complete the form below and return it to the office by November 16 with your
check ($14 for each plant) payable to Monona U.M.C.
From ______________________________________________________
In Honor of_________________________________________________
Or
In Memory of_______________________________________________
If you have questions, please contact the church office @ 222-1633.
Thank You For Sharing!!!
15