1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

DELL UMC
LA FARGE UMC
A VOICE IN THE VALLEY
T H E D E L L A N D L A FA R G E U N I T I E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H E S
December 2014
Unwrap the Gift of Christmas
It’s December already! The calendar and the weather remind us that we are at the beginning
of the winter season. The Christian calendar reminds us that we are also in the season of
Advent.
Advent, which encompasses the four Sundays before Christmas, gives us the gift of time.
Not just time for getting our shopping done, but time to more fully comprehend the significance and meaning of Christmas.
Advent is:
A season of waiting for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, Son of God and God the Son,
Pastor Eileen Kuehnl
on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
A season of remembering the promise that Jesus will come again and fulfill our hope for his perfect reign of peace,
joy, and love over all of creation and humanity
a season for pondering the beautiful and deep mystery of the conception and birth of Jesus
a season to be excited and thrilled about the gift that God gave the world 2,000 years ago -- a gift we get to unwrap
every year
The gift was God himself.
God gift-wrapped himself in human flesh to reveal himself more fully to humanity and to redeem the world. The
Apostle Paul describes this Christmas gift in his letter to the Colossians:
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to
reconcile to himself all
things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians
1:15 & 19-20)
Jesus was literally “God under wraps.”
And that is the title of our Advent worship series: God Under Wraps.
On the four Sundays of Advent, we are going to be considering 4 characteristics of God that were partially revealed to God’s people through the Law, the Prophets, and their own experience with God (as recorded in the Old
Testament) -- characteristics that were then perfectly & plainly revealed through Jesus.
We know -- through the gift of Jesus -- that God is:
Expectant
Dangerous
Faithful
Jealous
(Continued on page 3)
St.Nicks St.Nicks
A LFUMC Mission
In keeping with tradition, we are once
again approaching the time to begin gathering
items for families and children in need during the
holidays.
Our list is growing by leaps and bounds as
the needs become greater for those who cannot
find jobs, or whose jobs have been eliminated.
On November 30th the Giving Tree will be
up and in the narthex of the church. All are invited to take a tag or a number of tags and purchase something for the person described on that
tag. There will also be a lists on which to sign up
for donations by which to purchase a ham or turkey for the food baskets.
All food items donated in December will
be put in the food baskets for the families.
If you would prefer to donate directly to
the St. Nick’s Fund, write your check out to St.
Nick’s Fund and drop it off or mail it to the La
Farge United Methodist Church.
God is good ALL OF THE TIME!
All of the time, GOD IS GOOD!
Bring in nonperishable food items for
those in need at Christmas
Donate $10.00 or more to purchase
a turkey or ham. Sign-up sheet in the
La Farge Narthex, or contact Angie
@ 632-1044, or Shirley @ 625-2375
Those receiving gifts boxes can pick
up on Monday, December 22nd from
noon to 8 p.m. Thank you!
Hens for Haiti
Dpoubdu!vt
Questions? Call Angie at 632-1044
or Shirley at 625-2375
Volume #2014
Issue #12
The Dell and La Farge Circuit
Eileen Kuehnl, Pastor
PO Box 220
212 Penn Street | La Farge WI 54639
La Farge: 608.625.2375
Dell: 608.625.4563
Emergency: 920.319.0662
Email: [email protected]
Www.dlfumc.org
Donate in the La Farge UMC narthex
(Continued from page 1)
A God with those characteristics may not seem to be a gift to us, but truly, these qualities are the source of
what we most desire (which we name through our Advent Wreath Candles):
Hope
Peace
Joy
Love
These under wraps characteristics are the real reason we can look forward to the coming celebration of
Christmas.
Join us for worship this Advent season at Dell and La Farge.
Join us as we together wait, remember, ponder and get excited about the gift that is eternally ready
for us to unwrap.
Blessings,
Pastor Eileen
Community Supper
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Serving BBQ,
beans, chips, cake
and beverages
La Farge UMC
Jivin’ with Jesus
Christmas Program
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service
Wednesday, December 17th | 5 p.m.
Followed by the Community Supper
5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
BBQ, beans, chips, cake and beverages
December 24, 2014
Dell 4:00 p.m.
La Farge 7:00 p.m.
Sunday,
December 28, 2014
Christmas
Celebration Worship
9:00 a.m. La Farge
La Farge UMC
Sunday School
Christmas Program
10:30 a.m. Dell
DECEMBER 24
CHRISTMAS EVE
December Birthdays
7 – David Williams
9 - Art Thelen
12- Sydney Rene Evenstad
14- Jeremy Rose
19- Candace Rose
20- Frank Bufton
21- Clara Johnson
26- Betty McElhose
27- Ashley Campbell
28- Elizabeth Roberts
December Anniversaries
1 – David & Tina Williams
14- Bill & Liz Swiggum
January Birthdays
4 – Erik Evenstad
- Mike Klen
7 – Annette Hysel
- Jordan Campbell
11–Mari Moore
15- Sarah Moore
15 -Sophie Moore
16- Lisa Haugrud
16- Kristen Miller
17- Brian Muller
18- Paul Thelen
19- Payden McCauley
20- Kent Evenstad
27- Ed Fronk
28- Madisyn Sue Miller
29- Reed Clark
"For a child has been born for us, a son given
to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he
is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
DECEMBER 7
•
•
•
•
References:
Isaiah 9:2–7
Psalm 96 (UMH 815)
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1–20
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
"Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths
straight."
•
•
•
•
References:
Isaiah 40:1–11
Psalm 85:1–2, 8–13 (UMH 806)
2 Peter 3:8–15a
Mark 1:1–8
DECEMBER 14
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give
thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will
of God in Christ Jesus for you."
•
•
•
•
References:
Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11
Psalm 126 (UMH 847)
1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
John 1:6–8, 19–28
DECEMBER 21
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit
rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked
with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call
me blessed . .
•
•
•
•
References:
2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16
Luke 1:47–55 (UMH 199)
Romans 16:25–27
Luke 1:26–38
DECEMBER 25
CHRISTMAS
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God. He was
in the beginning with God. All things came
into being through him . . ."
References:
• Isaiah 52:7–10
• Psalm 98 (UMH 818)
• Hebrews 1:1–4 (5–12)
• John 1:1–14
DECEMBER 28
References:
• Isaiah 61:10-62:3
The prophet speaks not only of the restoration
of Jerusalem, but of its "vindication" that
"shines out like the dawn, and her salvation
like a burning torch."
• Psalm 148
• Galatians 4:4-7
• Luke 2:22-40
Home Away
From Home
Charge Conference 2014
La Farge and Dell United Methodist Church
November 17, 2014
Email changes to: [email protected]
Vernon Manor
E7404A CTH BB
Viroqua, WI. 54665
302 Bob Phinney
Bethel Home
614 Rock Ave.
Viroqua, WI. 54665
124 Doris Muller
208 Virgil Knutson
Bethel Parkside
315 W. Adams St.
La Farge, WI. 54639
Robert Kinsey
Ann Hills
Doreen Benedetti
Dorothy Springer
Duane Young
Lynette Erdman
Ruth White, Vilas Cole
Apt A Phyllis McGinnis
Apt B Carol Donavon
Apt C Stan Campbell
Apt E Darlene Stout
Norseland Nursing Home
323 Black River Road
Westby, WI 54667
Robert Kinsey
101b Shirley Woods
Present: Rev. Bill Bucsh, Pastor Eileen Kuehnl, Linda Dowling,Sharon Evenstad, John
Evenstad, Shirley Kinsey, Joe Kinsey, Dorothy Pederson.
The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Bucsh. Dorothy Pederson was appointed as
recording secretary. The group read together the Church Mission Statement and discussed
the ministry of both Dell and La Farge and how we served our church communities and the
wider community we live in. There were many examples of good fellowship and the joy of
participation of all age groups – and especially with Dell’s youth group and La Farge’s Jiving
for Jesus (Wed. after school Church
School), and in the activities involving the wider communities.
The Required Reports were gone over.
The Required Reports Needing a Vote were discussed.
A. No action required on Removal of Full Members.
B. Nominations and Election of Lay Leaders was accepted with correction of Dave
Sarnowski for Angie McCauley on Class of 2016 (pg. 31)Motion:Linda/John.
C. 2015 Support Worksheet and Report Form was accepted Motion:Joe/Sharon.
D Resolution on Accountable Reimbursement accepted. Motion:John/Shirley
E. Budget for 2015 accepted. Motion:Shirley/Linda
F. Recommendation of Lay Servants accepted. Motion: John/Joe
Other Reports Not Requiring a Vote were looked over and discussed.
Meeting adjourned by motion by Linda, seconded by John
Greener Pastors by Mike Klen
Stop eating the
baby’s bedding!!
I can’t help myself. I’m
a cow, it’s what I do!
Parish Nurse Report 2014
A Parish Nurse is required to have a current nursing license in the state of
practice, have a minimum of 2 years of nursing experience and have
completed a parish nurse preparation course. Parish Nursing is a specialty
practice now known as the Faith Community Coalition recognized by the American Nurses Association. A
pre-conference of the Faith Community Coalition is held each year one day prior to the start of the Wisconsin
Nurses Association conference. The 2014 conference was held in LaCrosse. The goal of this conference was
to provide continuing education, resource information and education information to parish nurses.
Scholarships are now available by the UMC conference to assist in the tuition cost of such conferences, parish
nurse preparation courses or continuing education. Information on the application process can be found on the
conference web site. Golden Cross offerings assist in the funding of this scholarship and other parish nurse
programs. As a 2014 recipient of a scholarship, I was able to attend the conference in LaCrosse at no cost to
Dell church.
The annual Bishop’s luncheon, held on September 14, 2014 was hosted by Bishop Jung. Members of the
Health and Welfare committee which included parish nurses, nursing home administrators and homeless
shelters pastors/administrators from across the state discussed how Health and Welfare ministries can better
reach and meet the needs, both physical and spiritual of the church. We were guided by a series of questions
that had been developed at the February 2014 retreat. We were not looking for answers or definitive
commitments at the luncheon but rather a sharing of ideas, experiences and clarification. Our concern is not
only with the health and welfare of our local churches, but also with improving health globally. Bishop Jung
spoke about the need for all of us to be involved in the No More Malaria initiative as an example of global
health.
As a parish nurse, the foundation for providing good patient care and preventative health care includes
Advance Care Planning (ACP). This requires certification as an ACP facilitator. I obtained this certification
several years ago and have assisted parishioners in ACP discussions and completions of Advance Directives.
So that I may continue to provide current materials and information, I will be attending an ACP Facilitator ReCertification course on November 4 sponsored by Gundersen and Mayo Health Systems. This course requires
8-10 hours of pre-course assignments and 8 hours of classroom participation to complete the certification.
In June of 2014, area parish nurses presented a booth at the UMC annual conference in Madison. We
provided information on the Health Ministry of Parish Nursing, participated in discussions on parish nursing
and provided hand-outs to conference delegates and attendees from throughout the state. No matter the size of
the congregation or location the role of the parish nurse in the community includes: H-Health Advisor, EEducator on health issues A-Advocate/resource person, L-Liaison to faith and community resources, HHealer of body, mind, spirit and community (HEALTH--This information was taken from the Parish Nursing
fact sheet—2005).
The Parish Nurse position at Dell is a volunteer position with travel and program expenses funded by the Dell
Parish Nurse Fund (funded by donations). This is a community ministry, and while there is no charge for any
parish nurse services, many individuals and families, including the Amish, often contribute to the church in
appreciation. Regular visits to nursing home residents, shut-ins and hospitalized patients, prayer chain updates, providing education and information as requested or needed, arranging transportation for appointments,
administration of the Nicodemus Fund and changing the monthly bulletin board display are also part of the
health ministry of this parish nurse.
The Parish Nurse ministry of Dell UMC serves within the context of the values, beliefs and practices of the
faith community and in accord with its mission and ministry to mind, body and spirit.
It is a blessing to be a part of this health ministry and I thank you for your support and prayers.
Linda Dowling, R.N., P.N.
La Farge United Methodist Women
November 6, 2014
President Joyce Steinmetz opened the meeting having the group recite the UMW
Pledge. All reports were given and approved. Barb Sarnowski, Program Resource Chairman, reminded us that the UMW Reading Program sheets are due by the end of the year,
and we should remember to include the reading of the Response and New World Outlook
magazines. Barb gave a report on the book Map of Heaven: How Science, Religion, and
People Are Proving the Afterlife by Eben Alexander. It may be borrowed using Winding
Rivers Inter-library loan. The book connects the scientific and spiritual worlds.
Carol shared an email newsletter on the agricultural projects in Zambia. Paul Webster, a UMW WI
missionary, is a leader and recently suffered a double bout of malaria. He is back to work now.
In old business, we discussed and confirmed the plans for the Harvest Dinner.
New business included plans for our December and January meetings. In December, we will be
having a pot luck dinner at noon. Each member will be bringing 3 ½ dozen cookies that will be used for
cookie plates that we will deliver in the community. Dorothy Pederson volunteered to buy some sugar free
candy and Dorothy Hyde will purchase a large bag of candy kisses that will be added to the plates.
In new business, we had the following six motions and all were approved. We voted to donate
money to the Mike Johnson Benefit, Imagine No Malaria, Mujila Falls Agricultural Center, St. Nick’s
Fund, and the library expansion project. We also voted to approve Barb purchasing paint for the basement
room.
Members will bring extra Christmas cards to the December meeting. In the future, we may try to
make some greeting cards.
The church does collect Kwik Trip lids and Campbell soup labels.
Joyce led us in prayer for the people mentioned on the prayer list.
Sarah Gudgeon presented an excellent “Thank Offering” program. The theme was welcoming everyone. Sarah welcomed us by giving us a bookmark made by the Jivin’ for Jesus students. Each letter in
the word welcome stood for another word such as witness for w, encourage for e, loving for l, etc. Sarah
found scripture to support each word. Members found the scripture and shared it. Each year the UMW
members save money throughout the year when they are thankful for something. The members brought
their offerings today that will be used to support missions throughout the world. Sarah shared that one of
the missions is supporting the immigrants coming to the US from Central America.
Delores Sandmire provided a delicious lunch that was enjoyed by all.
Respectfully submitted, Carol Persons, Secretary
December 3rd Meeting
Pot Luck Dinner at Noon
Program: Christmas Memories Carol Persons
Each member is reminded to bring 3 ½ dozen cookies, a dish to pass,
and any odds and ends of Christmas cards.
Men’s Bible Study
Wednesdays
7:00 p.m.
La Farge UMC
LaFarge United Methodist Church
November 12, 2014 Administrative Minutes
Attendance: Sarah Gudgeon, Art Thelen, Joe and Shirley Kinsey,
Elmer and Angie McCauley, Pastor Eileen Kuehnl
Prayer List
Pastor Eileen opened the meeting with prayer.
Chairman, Elmer McCauley, called for minutes of the last meeting.
They were read and approved by motions by Art and Sarah.
There was no Treasurer’s report. The new treasurer has submitted
her resignation as of November 18th. The SPRC will be looking for
another treasurer. There is an interested individual and the SPRC
will make an announcement later.
Shirley announced the UMW is no longer going to do the soup supper in February. Angie suggested the Education Committee take it
over. So, there will be a SWEETHEART SOUP SUPPER on February
14th, 2015. Donations to help defray expenses will be welcome.
Pastor Eileen reported on the excellent work Mike has been doing
to get all the charge conference reports finished before his much
needed vacation. THANK YOU, MIKE!!!
We only had one report to do and the council worked together to
complete it. Charge Conference is Monday, November 17th.
Pastor also reported that work on the parsonage was progressing
nicely.
The meeting was adjourned on a voice vote.
Family of Eunice Cary
Patty Miller
Family of Joshua, Adam, Brayden,
and Aaron Palmer
Ashley and Steve Palmer
Ellen and Art Thelen and family
Pat and Penny Palmer
Angie McCauley
Jim Sanford
People of Ferguson, MO
Ginger Jacobs
Tony Benish
Vicki Parr
Maggie Hogan
Jacob Charles
Siegert Larson
Family of John Theron Larson
Isaac Hoff
Carol and Blaine Rudrud
Respectfully submitted, Secretary Angie McCauley
John Oswald
Glen Gardner
Eva Ferries
Stacy McCauley Gruber
Wally Spengler
Robert Kinsey
OPEN 1st & 3rd Saturdays | 8:30 a.m.-3
All of our members in nursing
Located on Hwy P in Dell in the Old Dell School
homes or who are home bound
Luis Alvarado and family
Our men & women in the Military
The proceeds go to the Dell
Pastor Wayne Hull
Friends & Family members held quiUnited Methodist Church to be
etly in private prayers
used for missions
Blessings for Circuit 50 pastors and
congregations
Stuff Your Stockings
At Grandma’s Attic
Donations can be put on the enclosed
porch any day
p.m.
Sun
Mon
Tue
1
2
L) FARA
6:30 p.m
Wed
8
L) FARA
6:30 p.m.
9
Sat
3
4
5
6
(L) United
Methodist
Women
Lunch
12:00 NOON
Meeting to
Follow
Pastor’s
Sabbath
Grandma’s
Attic
8:30 a.m.3:00 p.m.
13
Dell
Christmas
Caroling
4 p.m.
Dell UMC
(L) Men’s Bible Study
7:00 p.m.
7
Fri
Jivin’ w/Jesus
3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
(D) Council Meeting
6:30 p.m.
Worship Service
(L) 9 a.m. Worship
(D) 10:30 a.m.
SS 11:00 a.m.
Thu
10
11
12
Jivin’ w/Jesus
3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
(L) WIC
Pastor’s
Sabbath
9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
(L) Worship meeting
12:00 p.m.
Communion
(L) Council Meeting
6:00 p.m.
(L) Men’s Bible Study
7:00 p.m.
14
15
Worship Service
(L) 9 a.m. Worship
(D) 10:30 a.m.
SS 11:00 a.m.
L) FARA
6:30 p.m.
16
17
18
Jivin’ w/Jesus
3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
19
20
Pastor’s
Sabbath
Grandma’s
Attic
8:30 a.m.3:00 p.m.
26
27
Christmas Program
Community Supper
5:00 p.m.
(L) Men’s Bible Study
7:00 p.m.
21
22
23
Worship Service
(L) 9 a.m. Worship
(D) 10:30 a.m.
SS 11:00 a.m.
L) FARA
6:30 p.m.
Office
Open
9 a.m.1 p.m.
Newsletter
Deadline
Office
Open
9 a.m.1 p.m.
28
28
Christmas
Worship Service
(L) 9 a.m. Worship
(D) 10:30 a.m.
L) FARA
6:30 p.m.
Dell Sunday School
Christmas Program
30
24
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Services
Dell 4 p.m.
La Farge 7:00 p.m.
25
Christmas
31
1
New Year’s
Day
(L) Men’s Bible Study
7:00 p.m.
Watch Night
New Year’s Eve
Pastor’s
Sabbath
2
Pastor’s
Sabbath
3