The Key Newsletter June 2019
Volume 6 Issue 6
More details on page 7
Sunday Worship Emmanuel UMC Worship Adrian UMC Worship 9:00 a.m. First UMC Worship 10:30 a.m. First & Emmanuel United Methodist Churches 408 11th Street Worthington, Minnesota 56187 Phone: (507) 372-2939
Inside this issue... From the Pastor
2
Church News
10
June Worship Themes
3
Summer Camping Love Offering
11
May Highlight Reel 4-5 Holy Land Trip Twins Game Night Summer Study 6-7 Prayer Corner VBS Birthdays & Relay for Life Anniversaries Special Conference The Banquet June Calendar
8-9 June Calendar of Volunteers
Church office email:
[email protected] www.firstumcworthington.com
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15
June 2019 - The Key - page 2 One of the memories I have came to my mind when I was thinking about vacation Bible school. I can see our class outside of the church in Grand Rapids playing a game called “Jump the Brook”. It was a simple game - all you needed to do was jump over two long poles that were placed apart from each other. As long as you made it without getting “wet” by falling into the brook (which was sand) or touching the poles, you were still in the game. After everyone had a turn the poles were then moved farther apart, making it more difficult to make that jump as each time became successful. It was actually a standing long jump for kids. It’s funny - I remember the game but I have no idea of what the practical theological application might have been (or even if there was one). My best guess is that it was an exercise designed to help us diffuse some of our energy, giving the vbs teachers a much needed break. It might be true that everything that happens at vacation Bible school may not have a practical faith application right away, but if I think about it long enough, I’m certain I could come up with one. Especially for jumping the brook! Perhaps the best thing I could say about that simple game for kids is to take an example for us as adults and remember that sometimes we tend to take on more than we need to take on. I pray that this summer will be a time for rest and relaxation for you and your family. Make sure you take the time you need to gather yourself and recharge your spiritual batteries. Keep it simple. Mark’s gospel records a moment when Jesus invited the disciples to slow it down: “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” Mark 6:31. Make this summer memorable by resting and allowing your spirit to be refilled. That’s a good exercise to take!
Rev. Dr. Daren Flinck
June 2019 - The Key - page 3 “Worship the Lord with gladness...” - Psalm 100:2a
June Worship: “Come and worship the Lord!” Sunday, June 2 7th Sunday of Easter Holy Communion @ Adrian, First Video Message @ Emmanuel
“Shaking the Foundations” “Whenever God chooses to shake the foundations, lives are changed.” - based on Acts 16:16-34 Sunday, June 9 Pentecost Sunday Holy Communion @ Emmanuel Video Message @ Adrian
Sunday, June 23 Pastor Daren will be on vacation Video Message @ All Churches
“Summer Breeze”
“Running away from fear is never the answer - God calms the anxious heart.” - based on I Kings 19:1-15a
“Earth, Wind and Fire”
“The wind of God blows where it will are we prepared to let it blow upon us?” - based on Acts 2:1-21
Sunday, June 30 2nd Sunday after Pentecost Video Message @ Adrian
Sunday, June 16 Trinity Sunday - Father’s Day Video Message @ Emmanuel
“Called to F reedom”
“Text″ Lines”
“The founders of our nation called people to freedom. Jesus did that well before Independence Day!” - based on Galatians 5:1, 13-23
“When something is justified, everything lines up properly.” - based on Romans 5:1-5
First United Methodist Church Staff Pastor: Pastor Rev. Dr. Daren Flinck Office Manager: Manager Susan Noerenberg Custodian: Sarah & Chad Nickel
HS Youth Director: Sandi Mead MS Youth Director: Lisa Gerdes
Office: (507) 372-2939 Fax: (507) 372-2404 Address: 408 11th Street, P.O. Box 668, Worthington, MN 56187
[email protected]
www.firstumcworthington.com
June 2019 - The Key - page 4
Here are the highlights from the Covenant Council meeting held on May 16th, 2019: Celebrations: The Missions Team has paid the covenant missionary support for 2019 $1500 (one can look up “New Life Center in Zambia” for more details on their ministry). We celebrate Lisa Gerdes and Heidi Klingenberg (who volunteered to help Lisa with vacation bible school - we do need a few more volunteers to help). Thanks Lisa and Heidi! Our worship attendance has been very good the past few Sundays (Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, Confirmation Sunday). Finance team is grateful for the consistent giving of the congregation. The outdoor lights in the south entrance are working again! We confirmed eight young persons at First last month, plus we welcomed three new members to First UMC last month as well. The youth are planning an end of the year festivities (Black Hills trip for high school - middle school is planning a closer trip and both are planning for a water fun day). Foundation has supported one camper with a campership and invite members of the congregation to submit applications for college scholarships by mid-July. It is a bittersweet announcement that we share the news that Galen Benton has stepped down from being the Worship Team chairperson. We are eternally grateful for his devoted service to that team since 1986! Thank you, Galen, for your many gifts and using them to glorify the Lord! Challenges: The Trustees report that parts of the air conditioner experienced damage this winter (several coils had frozen and burst). The damage estimate to replace the coils is $11,560. The ac will be out of order until the coils are repaired. Someone fell in the chapel (the entrance to the back choir room) - we have now placed a reflective strip on both ends of the chapel front area to help identify the different levels that are there. (There has also been a hand rail installed into the choir robe area). Current Focus: The Missions Team announces the participation in the Annual Conference’s Love Offering. The offering will be taken in early June
June 2019 - The Key - page 5 via an envelope request. The three ministries that the offering will support are the Lao United Methodist Church, Volunteer Lawyers Network and the Volunteers in Mission. Watch for more information or go the Minnesota Annual Conference website. We are preparing for Vacation Bible School on Monday, June 10th – Thursday, June 13th from 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.. Remember to save the date for helping at The Banquet in Sioux Falls on Monday, July 29th. The Exploratory Team has presented the proposal for what the One Church might look like and invite everyone to the Town Hall meeting this coming Sunday, May 19th following worship. The Trustees are planning to clean the front sanctuary carpeting, replace the areas where the carpeting is frayed and place a molding over the top of the area where the carpet meets the tile. Cutting Edge Issues: Item #1: Live Streaming We had discussed this ministry opportunity at our last meeting and the item was tabled until this meeting. Live streaming would allow us to broadcast our worship live to various internet outlets at the same time: YouTube, FaceBook and our website. The Council passed the live streaming option ($99 per month) to begin as early as it can be determined. Item #2: One Church Exploratory Team Update We discussed areas of the One Church proposal - and again, invite everyone to come to the informational Town Hall meeting this Sunday, May 19th at 11:30 a.m. or next Wednesday, May 22nd at 6:00 p.m. at First UMC. Item #3: 2019 Financial Report Ellen Hoefker (church treasurer) reported that we are in good position with all financial obligations being met year to date. Apportionments are up to date through April and we anticipate being able to send the May apportionment later this month. As mentioned earlier, we are grateful for the generous giving of the members and friends of the congregation. The next council meeting is set for Church Meeting Night, Thursday, June 13th at 6:30 p.m..
(Note: all Council meetings are open for members and friends of the congregation to attend.) Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Dr. Daren Flinck
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Colossians Summer Series: What we think about Jesus matters. Our perception of Him shapes us - what we say, how we treat others, even what we think. If we paint Jesus as any less than who He is as supreme over all creation and savior of the world, not only does our theology slip, but the working out of our faith also suffers. In this 8session series, Louie Giglio will take us through the book of Colossians to help us form a complete picture of Jesus. What we believe about Him influences everything from our corporate worship to our relationships to our attitude toward sin. Now alive in Christ, we can live a life worthy of God instead of falling back into the ways of the world. Contact Pastor Daren at the church office to learn more about this summer study series that will begin Sunday, July 7th. We will be using the Right Now Media Library from our church to learn more about Paul’s letter to the believers in Colossae. If you do not have access to the church’s Right Now website, contact Susan in the Church Office to get connected.
Relay for Life: Madonna Carlson will be selling Luminaires on Sunday, June 9th before and after the service to support Relay for Life. The Relay For Life movement is American Cancer Society’s signature fundraiser dedicated to helping communities attack cancer. From team members to volunteers, we all want to remember those we’ve lost, help those affected today, and give us a home team advantage against cancer. Through funds donated, time given, or awareness raised, our communities are teaming up to make a difference. When we rally together in the fight against cancer through this fun and inspirational event, we can accomplish anything. Please help support this important cause.
Mobile Meals: Thank you everyone who signed up to help with mobile meals in July. Sally Hibma will provide more information near that date.
Flowers around First″ Church: We are looking for someone who is willing to plant and nurture flowers around the grounds at First Church. If you are willing please contact the church office.
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To Mars & Beyond Vacation Bible School: Hey kids come blast off with us to Mars on June 10, 11, 12 and 13th from 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Vacation Bible School will be taking a voyage through space, exploring where God’s power can take you. We will be lifting off to distant planets on special missions to collect power sources. Along the way you’ll learn how God walked with heroes of the Bible and that God is always with you, too. "Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us." - Ephesians 3:20. Please tear apart the sign up sheet and keep the info part for your reference. Place the sign up part in the offering plate, or you may give it to Lisa Gerdes or Heidi Klingenberg or please deliver it to the church office. Thank you!!
Special Church Conference… The Special Church Conference has been set for Sunday, July 21st follow ing w orship at 12:00 p.m . at First UM C. P lease make a note of this important date! All three congregations will be asked to vote on the One Church proposal that was shared via mail and discussed at two different Town Hall meetings in May. Each church will have separate ballots and vote on the proposal as a church congregation, requiring 2/3 vote of those who are present. There will not be any opportunity for absentee ballots, according to the Book of Discipline - a 2/3 vote for those who are present is required. A reminder that members and non-members have voice at the church conference, but only members are able to vote (members are all persons who have been received into full membership of the church).
Save the Date - The Banquet: The date for serving at this year’s Banquet in Sioux Falls is Monday, July 29th at 5:00 p.m.. Please save this date! Adrian, First & Emmanuel are invited to serve the meal at The Banquet. The Banquet’s mission is to provide a welcoming place where people can gather, receive nourishment and experience love in action. The First Church bus will take anyone who needs a ride. Watch for sign up sheets in the Narthex at First Church with all the details or contact the church office for more information.
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High School Grad Scholarships: The First UMC Foundation once again is offering scholarships for young people who are considering entering college or tech school. The awards are $600.00 for the first year, $800.00 for the 2nd year and $1,000.00 for the third year. Emmanuel & First UMC students may apply. Applications may be picked up in the church office. The deadline for submitting applications is July 31st.
Missionaries Update: Delbert & Sandy are commissioned Global Ministries of United Methodist missionaries and members of the Florida UMC Annual Conference. Founders of the United Methodist New Life Center in Zambia, the Groves have been serving in Zambia since 2000. They have four sons now residing in the USA. The Groves love the work God as called them to and they’re deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve God, the church, and the people of Zambia, Africa. First UMC supports the Groves ministry in a covenant relationship (meaning that we have committed $1500 per year in support of their mission. The website for our covenant missionaries Delbert and Sandy Groves is: www.newlifezambia.com/Home.html
June Church Challenge!: "Enjoy your summer travels and attend a church wherever you are."
Deborah/Elisabeth Circle: The Deborah/Elisabeth Circle is looking forward to spending time with Julane Coyer, Marge Wendt and Anne Doeden at South Shore Care Center on June 20th at 2:00 p.m. Dorothy Sietsema will be serving goodies.
Past″or Daren on Vacation: Pastor Daren plans to take a week of vacation beginning on Thursday, June 20 until Friday, June 29th. Pastor Daren will provide a video message for all the churches on June 23rd and will return to the pulpit on June 30th.
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2019 Summer Camping - Foundation Camperships! A camping experience with your Minnesota United Methodist Camps has been part of countless people’s faith stories for generations. Each camping event provides children, youth, families and adults with an opportunity to learn, play, experience God’s love in the outdoors, grow in faith in a safe atmosphere, and to reach their personal best! Lives are changed forever! The 2019 summer camping brochures are in the narthex. Please sign up in the church office or visit the website at: www.campminnesota.org. In addition, there are also summer jobs at camp (check out the postings on the church bulletin board outside the church office). Finally, please note that the First UMC Foundation has provided campership assistance for any campers who have signed up for a camp! Contact Susan in the church office for more details (507.372.2939).
The Love Offering for the Conference: Each year, churches in the Minnesota Annual Conference take a Love Offering for missions. The offering is brought to annual conference session - a gathering of United Methodist clergy and laity from across the state. The theme of the 2019 Annual Conference session taking place June 18-20 in St. Cloud - is “Dare to Reach - Love Boldly!” This year’s Love Offering will include two parts - a financial offering and an offering of names. The funds from this year’s financial offering will to go three projects: Lao Samphan Methodist Church (60 percent), Volunteer Lawyers Network (20 percent), and Volunteers in Mission Scholarships (20 percent). Please return your donation in the provided envelopes on or before June 16th. The second part of the Love Offering involves giving to God names of acquaintances who do not know Christ, for whom we are committed to “dare to reach” through our prayers and our witness of compassion, love, and hope. The conference invites you to offer God the name of at least one acquaintance, who does not know Christ, for whom you are committed to “dare to reach.” Take one of the cards provided and pray for that person daily.
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Journey to the Holy Land: One of the most rewarding trips you could ever take is to travel to the Holy Land. Tour host Vicki Tiede (daughter of Gary and Sally Hibma) is inviting us to join her on a learning trip to Israel in March 27 - April 7, 2020. A number of persons have taken this trip (or have taken other trips) and would love to give you a first hand account of what this trip might mean to your faith journey. This includes the very exciting day on Palm Sunday, walking with thousands of other Christian pilgrims down the Mount of Olives to the Holy City of Jerusalem. Are you interested? We are looking forward to hearing more from Vicki on Palm Sunday or you may contact Sally or Pastor Daren for more details. There is still plenty of time to register for this once in a lifetime opportunity - it’s never too early to start to prepare for such a trip. Think about it - pray about it and find out about it! You will not be disappointed!
First″ UMC Twins Game Joe Mauer Night! Twins Fans from First and Adrian United Methodist Church will travel by bus to watch the Twins take on the Kansas City Royals. Game day is Saturday, June 15th at 6:10 pm. This is a special night at the ballpark because the first 20,000 fans will receive a Joe Mauer cap - it’s Joe Mauer Night at Target Field! We are taking a charter bus to make the entire trip enjoyable (the bus will leave from the front of the church at 12:00 p.m. - thanks to the First UMC Foundation for funding the cost for the bus!) Our reserved seats will be in Section 126 and Section 227 don’t forget to bring your glove! Go Twins!
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Please pray for: Students, teachers, and administrators for local schools and college Men & women in the military & families For those who are dealing with health concerns: Logan Julie Kurt Diane Barrie Sharon Boltjes Gabby Brown Dwaine Clayton John Clease Julane Coyer Miriam Cunningham Anne Doeden Kris Doeden Bob Emary’s brother Weston Erlandson Gerald Fisher Matthew & Tyson Phil Glembin LaDee Grant Dan Harrington McKhia Hasty Nan Hoffenkamp Robie Horsman Casen Hotzler Margaret Janssen Mark Janssen Melvin Janssen Sally Ann Johnson Pat Karl Mike Kaufman Marilyn McDowell Mike Miller Colleen Potts Aiden Remme Steve Rubis Emma Schnyders Arlene Schlichte Kathy Steffl Monica Veil Alma Weick Walter Willey For those experiencing grief or loss:
Please send requests to our email or phone prayer chain:
Our Care Center Residents: Crossroads Care: Dorothy Lease Myrtle Klumper Colleen Potts
[email prayer chain] Bob & Judy Emary
[email protected] or (507) 376-6895
South Shore Care Center: Marge Wendt Julane Coyer Anne Doeden
[phone prayer chain] Janelle Johnson (507) 376-5479.
Mary Jane Brown Center: Mary Prins
Prayer Chain
Also watch for prayer updates in the Prayer Corner of the
Minnesota Veteran’s Home: Marvin Klooster Sibley Nursing & Rehab Center: Mark Janssen
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Happy Birthday! FIRST UMC 1 2 3
5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14
Stacy Lee Brooklyn Bretzman John Soderholm Lorraine Carstensen Jim Pierce Rick Bretzman Beth Habicht Doris Palmer Lois Carlberg Joan Moore Austin Steinle Ryan Hill Chris Nelson Amy Oberloh
17 Shelby Rivera 19 Angela Bui Jeffrey Horne 21 Anita Carlson Robert Emary Justin Steinle 22 Jeremy Steinle 23 Tucker Klinkenborg Hannah Hill Rod Behrends 26 Pam Soderholm Tim Tripp Eunice Behrends 27 Kristin Jaycox 28 Ben Spiegelhoff
EMMANUEL UMC 5 Jeremy Roelfs Jim Shore 9 Hannah Barrie ADRIAN UMC 1 Christopher Reisdorfer 6 Ken Elsing 7 Mary Prins 8 Zachary Hendel 9 Kristi Franken 13 Preston Vortherms 14 Larry Heidebrink 18 Dan Harrington 27 Rilee Heidebrink Mark Zebe
Happy Anniversary! First 10 Larry & Nancy Hyink 16 Rick & Dianne Dalrymple 22 Khanh & Colleen Bui 24 Lowell & Anita Carlson 28 Micah & Alyssa Hietbrink God’s Blessings on your special day!
Adrian 1 Ken & Kathy Elsing 9 Ray & Bonnie Hokeness 11 Jason & Carissa Spaar 21 Scott & Shelley Klooster 22 David & Linda Reese 23 Willie & Rose Homan 25 James & Kim Ruppert 27 Dan & Caryn Harrington 30 Walter & Alice Kellen
June 2019 - The Key - page 15 First Ministry Helpers:
Sound
Calendar of Volunteers:
Tech
Bus
Nursery
Greeters
Ushers
2
2
2
2
2
2
Kari Meyer
Jeff Ludes
Clyde Scheevel Burdell Kuhl
Amy & Kylee Shirbroun
Walter & Katherine Willey Jim Nickel
Dick & Denise Schlichte Randy & Marjo Taarud
9
9
9
9
9
9
Rick Dalrymple
Kip Jenson
Eldon Bents Larry Hyink
Kari Meyer Claire Meyer
Melissa & Kurt Geertsema Marlene Miller
Elizabeth Bushard Craig & Madonna Carlson Julie Hohensee
16
16
16
16
16
16
Deb Steinle
Ben Lope
Rick Dalrymple
Jill & Liz Spiegelhoff
Mike & Janelle Johnson Galen & Sherry Benton
Clyde Scheevel Merle Belz
23
23
23
23
23
23
Kari Meyer
Liz Spiegelhoff
Trevor Nickel Dana Oberloh
Ellen Hoefker Ashley Hoefker
Lowell & Anita Carlson Gordon & Jane Moore
Rick & Dianne Dalrymple Randy & Amy Shirbroun
30
30
30
30
30
30
Rick Dalrymple
Davis Moore
Deb Horne Scott Belz
Lisa Gerdes Jeff Ludes
Leola Weets Chris & Diane Dybevick
Steve & Anita Leach Tim & Thelma Yager
Emmanuel Ushers:
Adrian Ushers:
Communion Helpers:
2 Kevin DeSmith
2 Wayne & Susan Jones
9 Jason Barrie
9 Don & Robin Erlandson
First:First:-2nd Julie Hohensee
16 Kevin DeSmith
16
23 Jason Barrie
23 Mark & Ceta Zebe
30 Kevin DeSmith
30 Rose Homan & Elaine Mess
Acolyte Lighters: Adrian: Ty & Keyona Klingenberg
Video Camera: Adrian: Preston Vortherms
Emmanuel:Emmanuel:-9th Jean Doeden Adrian:Adrian:-2nd Kal & Ann Solomon
Return Service Requested
Susan Noerenberg, Editor Published monthly by First & Emmanuel United Methodist Churches 408 11th Street, P.O. Box 668 Worthington, MN 56187-0668
