February 2015 f|Çz|Çz gÉãxÜ The Newsletter of the West Branch United Methodist Church Beloved, I have been praying about what to say in this article; visioning thoughts, sermon series announcements, or upcoming studies came to mind, but none of them felt right. Instead I want to get a little personal. I think it is safe to say that this holiday season did not go as planned. On Dec 18th I went in for a skin check, mostly because I had been fretting about a black streak under my thumb nail. Turns out the dermatologist thought it was worth fretting over. On Monday Dec 22nd I found myself back at IRL getting a biopsy, my first ever, and it was enough to freak Mark and me out. I think biopsy must be in the top 10 scariest words a Dr can say. We went into Christmas pretty distracted until a parishioner shared they had something similar and it turned out to be a very simple thing. This gave us the hope to be able to breathe again for Christmas. Then on Dec 30th, I got a notice that I had a new test result in my MyChart. It said scary words (to me) diagnosis: melanoma in situ and margins involved. Mark came home from work to hold me while I cried and waited for the Dr's office to call me back. A very nice resident calmed us down a bit by explaining that this was removable and he would get the ball rolling with an orthopedic surgeon asap. I met with Dr. Lawler at UIHC on Monday Jan 5th to talk about my options. She has been amazing through this whole process. We decided that the safest course was the more radical course. So on Tues Jan 13th, I had a partial thumb amputation at UIHC. On Jan 20th we found out that she did not get all of the melanoma, so Jan 22nd it was back to surgery for more skin removal. All of the pathology indicates that the melanoma is gone. This is such a clinical telling of the events. What to say of the late night conversations, the sleepless nights, the tears, the anger, and the downright panic? What to say of breaking news to those closest to us? Of trying to figure how to tell you, our beloved congregation? What to say of the shared fear, the shared tears, the love and support that have come pouring forth? There aren't enough words. Just thank you. This has given us a tiny glimpse into the journey that those who have to hear the scariest word, cancer, walk. We want to thank you for walking with us and we look forward to many more years of doing life with you at WBUMC. Blessings, Rev. Alexis, Mark, and Maggie 1 Missions Giving for 2014: Did We Meet Our Goal? The Rainbow Covenant is a program designed by the United Methodist Church to help guide our missions giving. To be a Third Mile Church, we must pay our apportionments and meet a goal for missions giving that is based on the number of members in our church. Our missions giving goal for 2014 was $6,345 (or $15/member). So, did we meet our goal? When all of the figures were totaled, we were able to give $12,811 to missions projects that benefit our local West Branch community, as well as to organizations throughout Iowa, the United States and the world. We met our goal, and then we met it again! If you’d like to see more about the organizations that we were able to support, the detailed Rainbow Covenant report is on the Missions bulletin board. When you provide candy for the candy sale, make a donation to the Lord’s Harvest Auction, shop at the rummage sale, provide items for Ingathering, donate to a special offering, and contribute to other missions projects, you are making this giving possible. Thank you for your generosity. Let’s do it again in 2015! Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours, yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion is to look out to the earth, yours are the feet by which He is to go about doing good and yours are the hands by which He is to bless us now. ~St Teresa of Avila 2014 Giving Statements In an attempt to be good stewards, we are distributing 2014 giving statements after worship on February 1. If you would prefer to have yours emailed, please email Kristin in the church office: [email protected]. Please contact Kristin Nalan or Rhonda Myrvik if you have any questions. Jesus Calling ~ Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young We invite you to join this informal group based on the Jesus Calling devotional. Our next meeting is Friday, February 13th at 7 pm at the Brick Arch Winery. Contact Sherry Kolpin (643-4099) for more information. Clue #1: We met playing for the Really Rottens. 2 February Activities at WBUMC! • • • • • • Sermons on Love, Relationships, and Intimacy Church Directory Photo Sessions Care Packages for Military and College Students Ash Wednesday and Season of Lent NOOMA Videos in the Seekers Sunday School Class United Methodist Women – “ Connection” Retreat More details about these and other ministries in this newsletter! Sermons on Love, Relationships, and Intimacy Based on Rob Bells' books Sex God and The Zimzum of Love *We will be dealing with adult content and concepts. We won't be going into too much detail but there may be some words used that your children don't know yet. Feb 1 - Lies Disney Told Us Feb 8 - Into Me You See Feb 15 - Let's Get Physical Lent Worship Service We begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, February 18. Connect with others at the ecumenical worship service @ Bethany Lutheran Church **Calendar Notes: at 7 pm. April 2 - Maundy Thursday Worship @ Springdale UMC 7:00 pm Lent Study Renegade Gospel by Mike Slaughter, Watch bulletin and e-mail for more details on this upcoming study lead by Rev. Alexis and others. April 3 - Good Friday Worship @ WBUMC 7:00 pm Our Lenten Mission Project will be collecting money for Church World Service blankets. Watch for more information during Lent - February 18 – April 2, 2015. 3 Orchard Place is a nonprofit organization in Des Moines that provides outpatient, inpatient & communitybased mental health services for children. In 2014, they provided care for nearly 10,000 Iowa children and youth. The children who are served in the inpatient facility often do not have the basic toiletries that they need. Rise & Shine is Orchard Place’s annual toiletry drive. From January 11 through February 15, you can bring toiletry donations to church, and we will deliver them to Orchard Place. The 10 most needed items are: □ □ □ □ □ Band Aids Body Wash Deodorant Facial Wash Feminine Products □ □ □ □ □ Liquid Hand Soap Nair SPF 45+ Sun Screen (spray) Tooth Brushes Toothpaste (trial size) A complete list of other toiletries needed is available on the Missions bulletin board. Please pick up a few extra items when you are shopping for your toiletries. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to the toiletry drive. Our collection container is almost too heavy to lift! Care Packages for WBUMC military and college students We will soon be sending our college students and military care packages. What we need from you: Feb.15th – names and addresses College and military life can be a transitional time – if you know someone who is in the military or in college who would like a touch of home from WBUMC, please give their name and current address to Lisa Kofoed or to Kristin in the office. Donations – the sky is the limit… Ideas for Donations: • • • • Clue #2: We were expecting when we moved to town and started attending WBUMC. Goodies Games Office/School Supplies $$ for postage Please bring your donations to the church on or before the morning of Sunday, February 22nd. The Care packages will be assembled after the 9:00 am worship celebration on that day. Please let Lisa Kofoed know if you would like to help with assembly or donations: [email protected] or 936-2051. 4 The Seekers Sunday School class, lead by Lucinda Harms, is using the Nooma videos during the Adult Sunday class which meets each Sunday at 10:15 am. NOOMA® is a series of short films that explore our world from a perspective of Jesus. NOOMA is an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion. The Seekers Jesus lived with the awareness that God is doing something, right here, right now, and anybody can be a part of it. He encouraged his listeners to search, to question, to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He inspired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to God's work in this world. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Jesus started discussions about what matters most, because for Jesus, God is always inviting us to open our eyes and join in. NOOMA films are created and produced by Flannel, a nonprofit organization committed to giving everyone a fresh and compelling look at the teachings of Jesus. We encourage you to come, participate in this ministry! Please contact Lucinda Harms ([email protected]) if you have any questions. The Homemakers Tuesdays - C.U.P.S. Looking for some daytime fun & fellowship? Would welcome the discipline of some devotional time? Feel compassion for those who are hurting? C.U.P.S. may be the place for you! Please note that CUPS is open to all, and several come and go for various study or times. Welcome! The C.U.P.S. Group meets at WBUMC, each Tuesday morning at 9:30 am, (February 3, 10, 17, 24). This gathering is intended to build caring connections and intentionally pray for those on the prayer list and one another. Connecting & coffee, Understanding faith & WBUMC news Prayer and Sharing fellowship This informal “coffee klatch with a purpose” welcomes all on an “attend when you can” basis and bring a friend. Our devotional emphasis is currently using prayers and scriptures from the “Jesus Calling Devotional” by Sarah Young. Should you like your own copy one can be acquired @ WBUMC office or most book stores. Having your own is NOT required, although most are using it as a daily devotional and sharing what especially spoke to them The Homemakers Sunday School Class, lead by Bev Spencer, meets each Sunday at 10:15 am. This is an Contact Ruth Blayer, Care Ministries adult Sunday school group who focuses each (530-6648) if you have questions. week on the topic of the day’s sermon or series of sermons and how it can be applied to daily life. (Wed. & Thurs. Opportunities on page 5 6) Fresh Look for a Discipleship Tradition! The Wednesday evening discipleship continues to go well with many helping. Darci Miller, Jodi Yeggy and Deb Fiderlein coordinate this ministry, and many others regularly contribute to its ongoing energy and spread of Christ’s message. This month we highlight a few of our unsung heroes. Karen Rushton: teaches kindergarten students each week. Her student’s drawings were featured on Christmas Eve bulletins and in the January Newsletter; Ed Spencer has provided steady kitchen help for the weekly meals under the leadership of Karl Harms. Carolyn Harold has Dawn soft hands as she is just one of many who help man the dishwashing stations. And dinner is not complete without dessert; Jenni Herring has prepared cupcakes and other desserts which serve as a great enticement for kids to eat their green beans. Thanks so much to everyone who helps! Watch for future messages of appreciation. This weekly ministry utilizes many volunteers and continues to have opportunities to help in a variety of ways. Wednesday Nights! Discipleship Ministry Program 5:30-6:00pm (K4C) Preschool - 4th grade small groups 5:30pm Youth band practice This is also an informal time where those not teaching can come together to get to know one another. 6:00-6:45pm Meal for everyone! Karl Harms plans the menu and leads volunteers in food preparation 6:30-7:30pm J8:11 (5th-9th grade): Worship and Large group lesson in Sanctuary; youth small groups in classrooms 8:00 – 9:00pm J8:11 (10th grade –college) Those interested in helping with the meal are encouraged to contact Karl Harms (530-8103) and those interested in helping with the classroom/teaching are encouraged to contact Darci Miller (563-886-3384). WEDNESDAY SMALL GROUP: “Life’s Healing Choices” small group has begun and meets Wednesday evenings, 6:45 pm, WBUMC, (“Ruth’s office, aka “Seekers” room”) Note: this allows you to join us for a meal at 6 pm during the regular discipleship time @ WBUMC. Anticipated dates are January 14-March 18, 2015. Should you wish to join us please contact Ruth Blayer (530-6648) promptly as there are two materials reading assignments for ideal participation. 6 THURSDAYS - CHOIR Chancel Choir resumes in February under the leadership of Mark Johnson, Lisa Mysnyk and Tammy Mather. Practice is every Thursday evening at 7:15 pm. WBUMC Directory Sign up for a photo slot for our 2015 WBUMC church directory! You can sign up on our church website: WestBranchUMC.org or you may call the church office (6435489) to schedule a time. The photography dates are set for: Thursday, February 19th 2pm - 8:30pm Friday, February 20th 2pm - 8:30pm Saturday, February 21 10am - 2pm Jodi Yeggy (643-3261), is our WBUMC directory coordinator. United Methodist Women: UMW Retreat "CONNECT" Monday, February 9th at 7:00pm hosted by Bev Spencer Come together to experience a variety of casual activities to get to know each other better, share some worship time and focus on our spiritual connection with God and each other. You are invited to bring a childhood picture if you have one and/or some item from your childhood that has significant memories for you. 2353 Baker Ave, West Branch, 4 miles south of West Branch. Carpool 6:45 at church. Worship at Crestview: Clue #3: One of us had a part in community theater. Crestview Ministries WBUMC will host the worship time at Crestview, 2 pm on Thursday, February 5, 2015 led by Ruth Blayer. All are welcome. Crestview enjoys having guests and chances to visit. Musicians & singers appreciated. The anticipated March date is 2 pm March 5, 2015. Thank you to Mark Scharnweber who capably led the Dec. 31, 2014 worship when Ruth Blayer was ill. FYI: You may attend any of the Crestview worships each Thursday at 2 pm (area churches host.) WBUMC usually hosts the 1st Thursday. 7 “Coffee & Devotions” @ Crestview: The next Coffee & Devotions at Crestview is 3:30 pm, February 2, 2015. We especially need those who can assist with singing. You are welcome to attend and this is a good way to connect with the Crestview community. We enjoy a time with coffee, devotions and songs. The Crestview residents enjoy having guests and chances to visit. The March date is planned for 3:30 pm, March 2, 2015. Our initial proposal for the elevator addition has passed the District Committee on Building and Location. Here's what's next: We are here. 1) Technical drawings from Shive-Hattery, including some different options like a storage space 2) Another church meeting to vote on these plans 3) The launching of a formal capital campaign to start building up funds for this exciting change! 4) Seeking other sources of funds like grants; any ideas would be very helpful. Elevator Project We are already accepting donations for this project, if you are ready to give. Inventory Help Requested Trustee Happenings We are actively looking for volunteers to help inventory the church belongings – for the purpose of maintaining proper insurance coverage. If you are willing to help with this project, please contact Phil Rushton, Trustees Chair at (6433564). Anyone who wants the church organ, please speak up! We have tried to sell it, we have tried to give it away, but we have not found a home for it. We are on the verge of throwing the organ away. Please contact Phil Rushton right away if you would like to give the church organ a home. Thanks! Calendar Notes: Saturday, March 7 – 2nd Round of Kitchen Clean UP Saturday, April 11 church cleanout day – Watch for details. Thank you from your Church Staff! Carol and I want to thank the congregation for you gifts, comments and support this past season and year. We’ll return for Easter and hope to continue our service to WBUMC. I know you’ll support Mark Johnson, Lisa Mysnyk and Tammy Mather as they direct the choir members in our absence. We would like to thank everyone Dale and Carol Thomas for the gifts for Christmas. The Corr family 8 We welcome our newest members of Christ’s holy church! Ryne Nicholas Rushton, baptized on January 18, 2015. Robert Russel Keeler, baptized on January 25, 2015. RECIPES NEEDED FOR TASTING BEE 2015! We still need recipes for Tasting Bee 2015. The date set is April 22, 2015 - Earth Day -- and its theme is "The Global Gourmet". Please give your recipe to Denise Verlo or Gina Cousins. Both of these women are eagerly waiting to get them! In fact, the sooner you turn them in, the better. Submitting a recipe does not automatically commit you to preparing it for the Tasting Bee. Of course, if you are willing to make a recipe it would be delightful to have you participate!! A big thank you from Denise and Gina, chair and co-chair for the 2015 Tasting Bee. Clue #4: One of us has gone back to school. WBUMC Library Book: The WBUMC Library has added another useful book. Thank you to the donor who found it helpful, has shared it, and it now can be shared again. I Wasn’t Ready to Say Goodbye: Surviving, Coping & Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One, by Brook Noel & Pamela D. Blair, offers a compassionate, spiritual, and valuable resource for those experiencing this unique grief. Use it with love and care from this congregation. Books in the library are often donated or made available as a ministry of WBUMC. Use them for information, support, guidance and even healthy entertainment. Included are several Christian fiction novels which can make entertaining reading while also inspiring. Book donations should go to Becky Knoche as she is responsible for reviewing our collection. Thank you. This year’s statistics: Week Attendance Giving 1-4-15 1-11-15 1-18 -15 1-25-15 50 80 90 87 $2287 $3994 $2411 $2873 YTD AVG Last year’s statistics for the same weeks: Week Attendance Giving 1-5-14 1-12-14 1-19-14 1-26-14 79 119 77 59 $3567 $3538 $2888 $3706 77 $2891 YTD AVG 84 Remember, we need $4133 per week to meet our ministry needs. $3425 9 February Worship Leaders Acolytes Fellowship 1st: Josh & Nick Heilmann 1st: tbd 8th: Ted Bridges & Ben Colbert 8th: Nancy Lathrop & Pam Hinkhouse 15th: Kelby Burger & Jack Dragovich 15th: the Homemakers class 22nd: Gabe Knoche & Cael Fiderlein 22nd: tbd Ushers Worship Leaders Offering Counters 1st: tbd 1st: Rhonda Myrvik 1st: Carol Jones & Margaret Wick 8th: the Harold Family 8th: Emily Harold 8th: Margaret Wick 15th: the Nalan Family 15th: Carolyn Anderson 15th: tbd 22nd: tbd 22nd: Jim Searson 22nd: tbd WBUMC Prayer Ministry Thank you to those who have kept the church informed of prayer concerns and provided updates and kept us aware of hospitalizations. Please know we would rather have three calls from family/caring friends than miss a need. Compassion Connection is the prayer chain ministry with folks who have committed to be in prayer. Please contact the church office (643-5489 or [email protected]) with prayer requests or to join the prayer chain. Each week the entire congregation views the printed prayer list. Thank you to everyone who continues to keep us informed about the various ministries at WBUMC. You may submit information via email, a written note, or a phone call to Kristin in the church office: 643-5489 or [email protected]. For best communication, please follow these guidelines: 1) Weekly announcements - submit information by Tuesday each week 2) Monthly newsletter – submit information by the 20th of the month. Weather Advisory Please note that if West Branch schools and/or events are canceled or let out early due to inclement weather, activities at WBUMC are canceled as well. Sunday Worship will continue as scheduled, but we ask that you make safe choices regarding attendance. NEWS CLUES is BACK! Put clues together – and the first person to contact Kristin Nalan via email, phone or in person with the correct identity of the mystery guest/couple who fits these clues – wins a prize!!! Answer from November was Audrey Kofoed. Ruth Blayer put the clues together and got it right! Good luck to you this month! Clue #5: We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary this past year. 10
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