1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED to:
Box 171, Medford, MN 55049
THE BLOOMING GROVE VISITOR
Blooming Grove United Methodist Church
Waseca County 43089 180th Street
P.O. Box 171, Medford, MN 55049-0171
Part of the
PRAIRIE LAKES PARISH
Charge Pastor:
Cindy Kennedy, Waterville (507) 362-4379
February 2015
God’s Valentine Gift
By Joanna Fuchs
God’s Valentine gift of love to us
Was not a bunch of flowers;;
It wasn’t candy, or a book
To while away the hours.
His gift was to become a man,
So He could freely give
His sacrificial love for us,
So you and I could live.
He gave us sweet salvation, and
Instruction, good and true—
To love our friends and enemies
And love our Savior, too.
So as we give our Valentines,
Let’s thank our Lord and King;;
The reason we have love to give
Is that He gave everything.
Prai ri e L akes Pari sh Acti vit ies
Waterville Evangelical
Worship ......................
February 2015
8:45 am
1
Blooming Grove
Worship .………….….. 10:30 am
Sunday School ……….. 9:45 am
2
3
1 pm GH ABIDE Study at WV
4
5 6 7 11:30 am Worship Service Steele Co. Detention Center
1-3:45 pm Art Class at SCDC
6:30 pm WV PPRC Pastor Cindy’s Day Off
8 9 10 6:30 pm WV
Management
15 16 17 11 1-3:45 pm Art Class at SCDC
5:00 pm Spaghetti Supper at WV
7:00 pm Reach, Renew, Rejoice Presen
-tation at WV
18 12 13 11:30 am Worship Service Steele Co. Detention Center
10:30 am Book Study at Tena Harren’s
6 pm Worship Service at Rice County Jail
19 Pastor Cindy’s Day Off
20 1-3:45 pm Art Class at SCDC
Transfiguration Sunday
14 21 11:30 am Worship Service Steele Co. Detention Center
Bingo at WV Care Center
5:00 pm GH ABIDE Study at BG
Pastor Cindy’s Day Off
22 Confirmation at WV
March 1
Confirmation at BG
23 24 25 2
6 10:30 am 1-3:45 pm Art Book Study at Class at SCDC
Tena Harren’s
Pastor Cindy’s Day Off
27 B LOOMING G ROVE U NITED M ETHODIST C HURC H
THE VISITOR
Volume 79, Issue 2
THE TWO STEEPLED CHURCH ON THE PRAIRIE
vice and our witness. Come and find out how we can be part of living out God’s call in our part of the world. Scriptures and Readers
Feb 1 Isaiah 42: 1-9 and Matthew 2: 13-15
Reader: Theresa Riecke
Feb 8 Isaiah 42: 1-9 and Matthew 2: 19-23
Reader: Cindy Saufferer
Feb 15 Isaiah 42:1-9 and Luke 2: 39 – 52
Reader: Linda Danks
Feb 22 Matthew 13: 1-23 Reader: Carolyn Kanne
Thursday Adult Book Study Continues
Conversations have been open and enlightening as we continue our book study and accompanying DVD Making Sense of the Bible by Adam Hamilton. On February 12, we will discuss chapters 27-29, addressing such topics as women’s place in the church, tattoos and homosexuality. On February 26, we will conclude the book chapters 30-32. We will share treats and coffee, open discus-­
sion and exploration. We meet at Tena Harren’s home at 51308 State Highway 13 and she can be reached at 507-384-2612 if you would like to share treats during the class.
Greeters and Treats
February 1
February 8
February 15
February 22
February 2015
Eleanor Saufferer
Brad and Cindy Saufferer
Chuck and Linda Danks
Faye and Harold Kanne
Reach
Renew
Rejoice
You say: ‘I can’t forgive myself’
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
Join us for a great Spaghetti Supper at Waterville February 11 from 5 – 6:30 pm, then stay to hear how you can participate in the statewide effort to Reach Out and Renew:
Behold: I am doing new thing – Feb. 11 at 7 pm
The•Blooming•Grove•Visitor
Since 1936
Blooming Grove United Methodist Church
43089 180th Street, Waseca County
Mail to: P.O. Box 171
You are invited to be part of the Minnesota Annual Conference’s vision for all congregations to live out God’s call to grow in love of God and neighbor, reach new people, and heal a broken world. Join us on The Minnesota Conference’s seven-year plan for congre-­
gational development has two components. Medford, MN 55049-0171
(507) 835-8726
Www.bloominggroveumc.org
Check us out on Facebook!
Rev. Cindy Kennedy
219 Green Street West, Waterville, MN 56096
(507) 362-8260 - - Church Phone: (507) 362-4379
Cell: (612) 239-0247
[email protected]
Revitalizing Existing Churches
Creating New Churches
The conference goal is to start 1 new church per year for seven years and revitalize 20 churches per year for seven years. We are asked to participate in this effort through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our ser-­
Chery Southworth, Visitor Coordinator
26651 Elmore Avenue, Morristown, MN 55052
(507) 339-3534 [email protected]
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The Blooming Grove Visitor
We pray to see life as it is, to under-­
stand it and to make it better than it was. We pray so that reality can break into our soul and give us back our awareness of the Divine Presence in life. Jan Chittister, OSB Wisdom Distilled from the Daily
I have most likely mentioned before that I love Lent as a time to be open to letting go of what gets in the way of my connection to God and doing some discernment for the coming year. This year, however, I was very hard pressed to find a guide through the Lenten season. Most years, I get a book, DVD or other tangible resource to help guide me in this time of discernment and letting go. But this year, that resource was eluding me and it seemed that Lent planning was coming on quickly. Until my searchings brought me to a resource titled “Parables and Possessions”, created by the Church of Scotland and sponsored by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. Now, I know that the Protestant church in those countries is struggling as much as our American churches so I was intrigued...what do they focus on as Christians in a post-modern Western world? They focus on some of the classic parables that we all know and love. They focus on the Parable of the Sower, the Prodigal Son, the Rich Fool, the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin, the Good Samaritan and the Wicked Tenants. They focus on what the story meant then and what it means to us today. They offer reflection questions to deepen our understanding of God’s call in the scriptures and they challenge us to take action based on what we have heard in that scripture call. So we will journey with them during our time of Lent. We will focus on the familiar stories and see what new God has to say to us. We will reflect and act. We will become, once again, the body of Christ in the world, open to the divine all around us. So I encourage you to get ready to be surprised, delighted, challenged and changed as we travel though this Lenten journey together....to the cross, yes, and to the empty tomb beyond. Amen.
Past
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The Blooming Grove Visitor
FEBRARY CALENDAR
Sunday Morning Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School at 9:45 a.m.
December 29—January 26, 2015
Income
11 Wed 5:00 pm Spaghetti Supper at WV
Followed by Reach, Renew,
Rejoice Presentation
12 Thurs 10:30 am Adult Book Study at Tena’s
26 Thurs 10:30 am Adult Book Study at Tena’s
Expenses
Salary
Pension
Health Insurance
Water for Parsonage
Electric for Parsonage Parsonage Filters
Internet
Cell Phone
Cable TV
Telephone
Waste Management
Centerpoint Energy
Parsonage
Copier
Cleaning
Eventis
Excel Energy
Insurance
Lawn Mowing
Total Expenses
Cleaning
February 8
February 22
Nancy/Susan
Nancy/Susan Parament Colors
2/1
2/8
2/15
218
2/22
Green
Green
White
Purple (Ash Wednesday)
Purple
Happy February Birthday
1
6
11
13
15
16
16
16
22
24
24
25
General Budget
$6,303.05
1,705.25
329.72
297.40
15.61
28.68
57.39
17.50
35.00
11.43
29.24
19.69
38.80
50.00
234.35
96.00
70.91
65.81
3,175.00
200.00
6,509.78
(Net Income: - $206.73)
Jake Full
Kristin Nagel
Kristin Spinler
Amanda Riecke
Linda Morgan
Ivan Buchholz
Katie Martin
Kendra Yule
Leighton Nicholson
Deanna Kanne
Tracie Spinler
Ben Full
Other Income Received
Restoration
Visitor
Study Books
200.00
25.00
15.00
Confirmation
We are pleased to be confirming four young people this year from the two churches. Join us to support our young people as they take this next step in their faith journey.
Happy Anniversary on February 4th to Mike & Jenny Nicholson.
Waterville Confirmation Class of 2015: Alexis Morsching and Hannah Petry
Celebration: February 22 at the 8:45 service.
Kids are funny!
In my religious education class, I was teaching my students about blessings. One morning I asked, “How many of you say a prayer before eating?” Some of the kids raised their hands. But one child replied, “I don’t have to, Ms. Sands. My mom is a good cook!”
Blooming Grove Confirmation Class of 2015: Jacob Gasner and Cody Kosel
Celebration March 1 at the 10:30 service. 5
The Blooming Grove Visitor
Prayer Requests
Caregivers of persons with medical concerns, that they too, may find support, care, and compassion in their own journeys. Lynn Stern whose husband died recently. Lynn is the daughter of Phyllis Otterness, sister-in-law to Eleanor Saufferer. Jeanne Michel who is having problems with her sciatica.
Carrie VanZuilen who continues to live in pain and is anticipating another surgery this spring.
Tena Harren’s relative, Helen, whose daughter just passed away at age 51.
Lori Huisenga and her family and the one-year anniversary of her mother’s murder in Iowa nears.
Ken Wagner, a friend of the VanZuilen family, who suffered a serious stroke in November and continues to need rehab services and on-going healthcare services. Persons with unspoken health concerns.
For all of us to remember we are all a part of the community and body of Christ in the world.
All other persons who have been lifted in prayer this past month, both aloud, and silently.
Please remember the following people in your prayers.
Ken Dinse (from Meriden), father-in-law of a co-worker of Marlis Mahler, working through difficult rehabilitation from severe head trauma resulting from a semi-truck accident. Pastor Elden Eklund, of Peace UMC (Morristown), who was diagnosed with an ag-­
gressive form of cancer. The good news is that it is contained and will have surgery to remove it.
Andrea Stockdale, who seriously injured her feet and will be in a wheelchair during recovery.
Tom VonRuden, struggling with brain cancer, and facing a very difficult treatment. Jim Southworth’s mother, Glorene, who has been diagnosed with cancer and is now residing at St. Lucas Nursing Home in Faribault.
Hjordi Churchill’s father, Claire, working to regain his strength after being hospitalized for pneumonia. The family and friends of Harold Jesse, Deecy (Brisel) Jesse’s father-in-law, who passed away in January.
John LaDue, the young man from Waseca who was discovered last year collecting weapons, allegedly to do harm in the public schools. His case is now under additional review. Also pray for his family.
Pastor Cindy’s mother, and Pastor Cindy’s broth-­
er, both of whom were dealing with health con-­
cerns in January.
Prayers of thanks for the joy of family time together during wedding preparations for Patti Ellingson’s son, Fred, and his fiancée!
The brother-in-law of Linda Danks, diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, who goes in February for continued testing to determine if he is healthy enough to undergo surgery.
The brand-new baby grandson of BGUMC neighbor, Howard Schoenfeld, who is recovering from surgery to address a bowel obstruction. Prayers for safety and well-being of children in the midst of concerning family situations.
Prayers of support for persons with whom we connect through our Gathering House ministry – and prayers of thanks for one of the gentlemen who led a Threshold Ministry worship service, and did a phenomenal job!
Thoughts from Mother Teresa of Calcutta, taken from her book “Life in the Spirit”…
Often you see small and big wires, new and old, cheap and expensive electric cables up – they alone are useless, and until the current passes through them, there will be no light.
The wire is you and me. The current is God. We have the power to let the current pass through us and use us to produce the light of the world or we can refuse to be used and allow the darkness to spread.
My prayer is with each one of you, and I pray that each one of you will be holy, and so spread God’s love, everywhere you go. Let his light of truth be in every person’s life so that God can continue loving the world through you and me.
Put your heart into being a bright light!
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The Blooming Grove Visitor
Prayer Shawl Ministry: Thank You From Marie Loverink
Support Like a Net Made Dear Members of the Congregation of BGUMC:
Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawl that was given to me. I immediately put it over my shoulders and felt God’s love and care. Thanks again for thinking of me.
Strong by Many Strands
Thank you from the family of Ken Dinse Thank you for the beautiful prayer shawl. Here is our message to all in Ken’s prayer/support network:
Thank you from the family of Jonathan Zierdt
Thanks from the family of Jonathan Zierdt sent via Car-­
ing Bridge to all in his prayer/support network during his battle with aggressive prostate cancer. “Our families would like to thank you for all the prayers sent heaven-bound to bring about a miracle of healing for Ken. And that is exactly what the head neurologist called Ken’s waking up and responding to commands a week after his accident. ‘Brain inju-­
ries for a younger person – chances of a full recovery are pretty good, but for someone Ken’s age, not so much’. When the doctor said regaining conscious-­
ness was miraculous, I did have to tell him Ken was German! Ken is making progress, taking baby steps, every day. On December 16th, he walked (with lots of help) for the first time since the accident. He is now in rehabilitation in Rochester. He has a very busy schedule and has to work harder than he ever did throwing hay bales. We want to let you know how much we appreciate your love and concern shown to us through Ken’s accident and his hospital stay. Keep him in your prayers for the hard work he has ahead. Ken – the Christmas miracle. Thank you God.” Jan 23, 2015 9:59 pm
Photo courtesy of Mankato Free Press John Cross, Photographer
“Today's ‘Bell Ringing’ experience not only signified the conclusion of 38 radiation treatments, but gave Jona-­
than and I such an amazing opportunity to be thankful and grateful, an opportunity to praise Him who continues to take the yoke of cancer's heavy burdens. We reflected today about the remarkable advances in oncology radiol-­
ogy, the treasure our community has in the Mayo Clinic Health System - Andreas Cancer Center in Mankato, and especially the brilliantly skilled and compassionate med-­
ical staff who have cared for Jonathan since the begin-­
ning of December. The ringing of the bell is not only a triumphant expression of "a milestone achieved" but a jubilant declaration of thanks and gratitude to all who have assisted in completing the milestone. We just know that God heard the bell at Andreas today, the bells across the CaringBridge Community, and the ‘clapping...and shouting with cries of joy’ - expressions of love and sup-­
port for Jonathan, and signals of thanksgiving to God for watching over him over these past months and carrying him onward through some very hard days and nights. Thank You from the Family of Matt Ashland
Thanks sent via Christmas Greetings from the Ashlands:
“Thank you for the emotional and spiritual support you poured out for our family this year after Matt’s fall and brain injury. On particularly hard days, I have wrapped myself in the prayer shawl and found comfort in the love woven there. There are many ways we could describe the past year. Tragic. Mirac-­
ulous. Hopeful. Inspiring. Prayer-filled. Harrowing. Blessed. Strengthening. But now, nearly a year after it all started, we both feel a strong sense of grati-­
tude... for life, for each other, for our children, and for those around us. This time has enabled us to see more clearly what we value. As 2014 comes to a close, we want to send out a message of thanksgiv-­
ing. We had no idea our support system reached so far and so deep. Our supporters showed how the goodness in each of us can light the way for others when it looks and feels incredibly dark.”
Many have asked, ‘So now what?’ 3 little words that when coupled together provoke vast reflection, and yet, not entire certainty. What we do know is that Jonathan will continue with the anti-hormone therapy for another two months. He will have his first PSA test in early June, but depending on the results, may not have a true picture of the success of the treatments for at least one year. But....for now...we remain hopeful and confident that this round of treatment WILL bring about no evi-­
dence of disease!”
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The Blooming Grove Visitor
Special invitation
to Transfiguration Sunday February 15th.
Blooming Grove UMW Minutes
January 21, 2015
This year we will have a special celebration on Sunday, February 15th to mark the transition from the light of the Divine Jesus to the play of light and darkness in the very human Jesus. As we prepare to study the parables that Jesus used to teach important lessons about God’s grace, we will make a symbolic transition during our February 15th Sunday service between the seasons of light and shadow.
The UMW met at Cindy Saufferer’s Jan. 21st. Tracie gave the lesson on handling stress –letting go and turning it over to God.
The Secretary’s report was accepted as read. The Sunshine sec. sent out Christmas cards to shut- ins and one get well card.
The Treasurer reported $1,349.36 in the scholar-­
ship fund, and a checkbook balance of $288.16 in the general fund.
Carolyn received info from the Medford scholar-­
ship secretary. They would like to have our scholar-­
ship money by April 17th. We will need student applications by mid March to decide how many scholarships to give out depending on their qualifi-­
cations. Carolyn will get further information.
We received a form to apply for the District Project of the Year Recognition. Theresa will supply pictures of our Tractor Pull event and Carolyn will do the paper work and submit.
The Trustees will have to remove the church basement wall between the kitchen and stage area because of mold. We suggest replacing it with a counter-top height half- wall to retain our storage and work area.
Char suggested having a program centered around her doll stories and a bible study on Lydia given by Ruth Wiertzema of Faribault. We would invite surrounding UMW’s and perhaps have the program in the church basement after the wall is finished.
Upcoming dates:
Mission U – July 18, 19 at St. John’s University
District Spring Gathering – April 24 at Slayton and April 25 at LeSueur. The theme for this years’ gathering is Challenge for Mission.
Note: We will not have a traditional Ash Wednesday service on February 18th. Benefit for Ken Wagner
Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction
February 28, 2015
4:30—7:30 pm
Elks Club in Owatonna
123 E Vine Street
Ken suffered a serious stroke on November 30th and had significant blockage in his right carotid artery. After surgery, he continues to need outpatient rehabilitation services and on-going healthcare services. Purchase tickets in advance at the Sportsman’s Grille in Owatonna, the Elks Club or by contact-­
ing Sue Williams at 1-507-330-1381. The UMW schedule for the remainder of the year:
March 18th Hostess: Char
May 13th Hostess: Carolyn
Sept. 16 Hostess: Faye
Nov. 18 Hostess: Tracie
Advance tickets (until February 24) $10.00 for adults, $6.00 12 years and younger. At the door, $12.00 for adults, $8.00 for 12 and younger.
Lesson: Cindy
Lesson: Theresa
Lesson: Carolyn
Lesson: Char
Donations are also being accepted at 1st United Bank in Faribault.
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The Blooming Grove Visitor
Volunteer Appreciation Sunday
Sunday, January 18th was celebrated as “Volunteer Appreciation Sunday”. Pastor Cindy asked everyone to let her know the people they thought should be mentioned for their volunteer ac-­
tivities in the church so they could be recognized during church. Our church is so small in number that everyone has to pitch in to keep the church running. Many of the jobs they do aren’t noticed until some-­
one else has to take over the job. That’s when we realize how important the tasks they did were.
Below is a list of the comments Cindy received as well as people who were brought up during the church service and the people who brought their name forward. Marvin & Ardis Sutter One feature that I particularly appreciate is the regular and faithful expertise that Chery brings to the Visitor. (I did it for a number of years—I know!) I believe that it is an exceptional newsletter for a small church and the history is mind boggling!!! There were several years when her mom (Vida Wendt) offered leadership in getting thepaper pub-­
lished while she and LaVern were youth counselors. There are a few of us (members and faithful readers) still alive who remember the beginning of the Visitor under the leadership of Rev. Charles Crouch. It was done by the youth of the two churches (remember—
there is a reason we have two steeples!) getting to-­
gether to type and mimeograph the pages. Now there was amateurism at its peak!
Marvin and I appreciate Dave Brisel’s recent work on getting the shelterbelt well established so that it will furnish both protection from the weather and visual enjoyment for many years to come.
We enjoyed reading about the tractor pull activities headed by the Spinler clan, and the Run activity that the Saufferer’s keep going. And then we remember their ancestors, Jess and Nora Saufferer and their contributions. We always enjoy reading about Judy’s contribution to music and other children’s activities. Of course, we remember her mom (Dallas Mahler) and her past contributions also.
We are not personally involved with the prison work, but realize that these volunteers carry real impact to the outside world from our little corner on the prairie.
These and other volunteers I have mentioned are essential to what makes BGUMC relevant in today’s world — and it evolves from a precious heritage.
There is a history of outreach, too. Henrietta Sauffer-­
er established and supported a girl’s school in China in memory of her husband J.L. Saufferer until the political climate in China caused it to be shut down. BGUMC is located on the corner of their original homestead.
There are many other volunteers from older families and precious new families who add rich strands to the tapestry of BGUMC. These volunteers are essential to what makes BGUMC relevant in today’s world. This framework evolves from a precious heritage and continually adds new layers.
Char Frankenberry
I really appreciate Faye Kanne. Her knowledge of Art has been a tremendous help to me and the men and women who are incarcerated in SCDC. Her gen-­
tle, kind spirit and accepting everyone for who they are at the moment, has put everyone who comes to class at ease. She is very helpful to anyone who asks for help or needs something special copied. She is always interested in their projects and always giving out complements. She is the face of Christ at SCDC.
Tracie Spinler and Carolyn Kanne
For Dave Brisel and Ken Harren for their work in updating the kitchen. Come downstairs and admire.
Judy Mahler
I won't be in church on Sunday, but wanted to tell you about the folks that I’m the most appreciate of for Sunday’s service...so very many people bring tal-­
ents/gifts to our community—most generally in very quiet ways that are the most important to all—ways that connect people to one another and make people feel like they belong to this local community called BGUMC and to the larger community of the family of God. The Blooming Grove Visitor
Brian Kanne
Thanks to Judy Mahler, Chery Southworth, Faye & Harold Kanne and Connie Goslar for sharing their music talents in playing the organ or piano, leading our singing. Thanks for all their hours of practicing!
Carolyn Kanne
Judy Mahler, who always is open to inspiration for Christmas programs, Advent Adventures, Easter An-­
gels, and whatever interesting idea God plants in her head!
Michael Kanne
I’m grateful to the members for keeping the church going.
Carol Karsten
Candace Karsten (deceased) who did communion for many years and washed those tiny glasses and now Hjordi Churchill who does communion.
Other people/activities mentioned:
I would like to lift up all the greeters and bakers who show up early with smiles and warm hearts—
and great goodies!
Brian Kanne and Tracie Spinler for their 15+ years of service (each) as church treasurer and church financial secretary. They have kept the expenses and income straight and are always ready to do the work of the financial health of the church. They have both been very accessible for taking care of the business of the church. For Brad Spinler who gets all the phone calls to come to the church for water checking, light prob-­
lems, turning the heat off and for special services and all the other times quietly responding to the physical needs of the building. For leading the men’s breakfast and removing snow from the parking lot.
For Marlis Mahler who makes sure each pew has donation envelopes and pens—as well as serving as a Sunday School Teacher.
Hjordi Churchill for her years of service as Ad Council Chair, PPRC Chair and Lay Leader. She is taking a much deserved year off of service to care for her father.
Persons in the pews who share broad smiles of greeting on Sunday mornings, looking directly into someone’s eyes, expressing true welcome—
makes me feel like someone really knows that I’m there and might miss me if I’m not.
All of the adults, youth, and children boldly diving in together to put up Christmas Decora-­
tions—working side-by-side to hold ladders, hand each other ornaments and decorations, and help each other reach in high places.
The members of each committee as they make plans for special services, Sunday music, con-­
firmation gifts, church repairs, etc. Adults who were willing to jump in and put on costumes and join right in all the action with our students in all the Advent Sunday pro-­
grams.
All the persons who share of themselves when they read scripture...each voice brings a differ-­
ent story to the message.
Adults who are attending the Sunday Morning Class, and come out grinning from ear-to-ear, saying “wow, what a good day—really made me think!” Cindy Saufferer for leading the adult study group who creates a setting in which it is ok to think and to ask questions.
Parents who make the time to bring their chil-­
dren to Sunday School and adults who give of their time and caring in their role as Sunday School teachers.
People who remember prayer requests from one Sunday to the next and stop to ask others how things are going for them or for the per-­
son for whom we are praying.
All the ladies for fill the tote with prayer shawls to send to those we say special prayers for.
People who say “we’ll be there for you” when life is tough.
Cindy Saufferer who is willing to step in when Pastor Cindy is away, lead service and give the message.
Thank You One and All for All You Do!
to run a church.