From the Pastor’s Heart         

 From the Heart

  November 2007

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you.  2 Timothy 1.5

I have been thinking lately about a bit of prose by Robert Noel Test (1926-1994), a passionate and vocal advocate of organ and tissue donation, entitled To Remember Me.  His rumination begins: The day will come when my [lifeless] body will lie upon a white sheet neatly tucked under four corners of mattress…  After a litany of bequests by which others’ lives might be saved or significantly improved by use of what he has left behind, he addresses a spiritually important issue: If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and all my prejudice against my fellow man.  Give my sins to the devil.  Give my soul to God.  If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you.  If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.

            What I have been thinking about is how my life is answering the question of what kind of faith legacy I will be leaving behind.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  This is not some morbid mental exercise or pre-occupation with death – not at all.  I have no desire to hasten my exit from this world.  Likewise, I entertain no premonitions of personal gloom and doom.  What I do have is a healthy understanding that the legacy we leave behind is determined, in large part, by how we live today.

            For discussion’s sake, let us agree that a faith legacy has two basic characteristics – those being a spiritual legacy and a stewardship legacy.  Leaving behind a spiritual legacy is a lifelong process by which we share with others the inward and spiritual grace God has given us as believers.  Our spiritual legacies become gifts to our children and to others – gifts that acknowledge God as a loving and forgiving Father, Jesus as a loving and compassionate Savior and the Holy Spirit as a loving and personal companion in life.  Our spiritual legacies become invitations to an active faith life, participants in truth-telling and experiencing life as a spiritual journey.  This spiritual legacy may be summed up in a Last Will and Testament of Faith, but the foundations of such a declaration can only be built upon a lifetime of claiming Jesus as Savior and Lord.

            A stewardship legacy, while it often is a result of a lifetime commitment to sharing God’s daily blessings, can also be the result of a believer’s decision to share a wealth accumulated over a lifetime.  This legacy then, is the outward and visible sign of the inward and spiritual grace we as believers possess.  A stewardship legacy often is an expression of thanksgiving coupled with a desire to provide ongoing support for ministry programs and projects that have been important to the person leaving the legacy.  For some, this type of legacy is a final chance to tithe to the church (biblically understood to be 10%)…or to give significantly beyond their normal giving percentage.

            As we pass through the stages of life, we become ever more aware of our mortality and our wish to “leave our mark” in the community of believers as well as in the secular community.  We become mindful that (and this may sound cold) few will remember us two generations into the future.  What then is to be our response to this sobering reality?  The answer to that question is to continue to work on leaving a faith legacy that is worthy of God’s love and grace in our lives.

Combining a spiritual legacy and a stewardship legacy will create a future for our children and our church in which they can be primary witnesses to the love and grace God holds for all people.  If you would like to learn more about creating a faith legacy with strong spiritual and stewardship characteristics, give me a call.  I would love to visit with you about the importance of celebrating your faith both today and tomorrow as your faith legacy continues to grow in form and function. 

For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you…   2 Timothy 1.6a

                                           HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Our Mission Moment for November 25^th will be Habitat for Humanities.  Many exciting things are going on at Habitat this year.  I am going to touch on just a few of the many projects they are working on as we will have a speaker that day inform you about the rest.

They have built 5 new homes this year plus the youth are working on their second home.  Habitat asks the youth in confirmation classes at local churches to get involved building these homes.  They are looking for more youth to help with these projects and plan on coming to Stewartville soon.

Last year Habitat gathered 2 groups of youth and sent them Trick or Treating on Halloween night.  They all had proper ID and collected $2,500.00 for Habitat.

They are in the process of organizing a group of women builders and are working on getting a couple of women to be the Forman (Forwoman?) or whatever their title should be.

Much more interesting work is going on in trying to make life better for some of the less fortunate.  There is a long list for families in need of homes.

My wish is that you will be generous with your donations when the Black Bags come your way.  This is a local mission to help the less fortunate have a home of their own.  God Bless.

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Early Disaster Response Team (EDRT) Training, Nov. 16-17
Want to help those facing the affects of a disaster? You may qualify to become part of the Minnesota Conference Disaster Early Response Team. First, attend a training session from 5 p.m. on Nov. 16 through 3 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Ironwood Springs Ranch (www.ironwoodsprings.com), Stewartville. The training will explain how disasters affect the victims emotionally and spiritually, from the time a disaster hits through long-term recovery. Participants will learn how to work together as a team and more about the work the team will be called upon to perform. Fee for the training is $75 for those who register before Nov. 1 and $80 thereafter. Scholarships may be available. For more information contact Cindy Anderson at donderson@msn.com or (507) 645-4720, Florence Bonkowske at fbonkowske@aol.com or (218) 728-3549 or Anne Harvell at agharvel@ties2.net or (612) 925-2715. Find more information and a registration form by visiting www.minnesotaumc.org, clicking on "calendar," and choosing the November view.

Congregational/Clergy Disaster Preparedness Training, Nov. 16
A disaster can hit any community and at unexpected times. Your church can be prepared to respond and help its community taking Disaster Preparedness Training, Nov. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ironwood Springs Ranch (www.ironwoodsprings.com) in Stewartville. Participants will learn how to develop a disaster preparedness plan. Pastors, trustees, and interested lay people from the same church are encouraged to attend. Fee is $30 for those who register by Nov. 1, and $35 thereafter. For information contact Cindy Anderson at donderson@msn.com or (507) 645-4720, Florence Bonkowske at fbonkowske@aol.com or (218) 728-3549, or Anne Harvell at agharvel@ties2.net or (612) 925-2715. Find more information and a registration form by visiting www.minnesotaumc.org, clicking on "calendar," and choosing the November view.

                            NEED A RIDE?

Would you like to attend Sunday morning worship, but do not have transportation? If so, please call the church office (533-4625) and someone will return your call to make arrangements to provide transportation to church.

Children's Time ~

                          November

If you are unable to serve as scheduled, please find a substitute and call the church office by                                                                                                                                                          

                                    Wednesday at 533-4625 or call Barb Warren at (507) 867-3006.

Lay Readers ~

                                        November

If you are unable to serve as scheduled, please find a substitute and call the church office by Wednesday at 533-4625 or call Wilma Menshik at 533-9591.  

Gifts and Memorials Ministry Team Meeting Minutes – September 20, 2007 7:00 p.m.

Present:  Donna Babcock, Stacy Harreld, Vickie Howard, Russ Kidd, Dave Serrano, Jean Schendel, Deb Wempen, Stephanie Wheeler, and Pastor Jef Olson.

Absent:  Marcus Warren

Quorum was met and the meeting was called to order by chair, Stacy Harreld.

Dave opened with a prayer.

Stacy welcomed everyone to the third and final Dickenson session.  There were 22 people in attendance.  Everyone was invited to give their thoughts and suggestions to how they think the Dickenson gift of money could be used.  Pastor Jef informed everyone that Dale Arendt will be attending one of our future meetings to gather our ideas and will work with us on prioritizing these to best suite our church needs.  All ideas from this session were added to the previous Dickenson suggestion list.

The treasurer’s report was handed out by Stephanie and reviewed by committee members.  Stacy made a motion to approve the minutes, Vickie seconded the motion and motion was carried.

The secretary’s report was handed out and reviewed.  A motion was made by Stephanie to approve the minutes and seconded by Deb, motion carried.  There was no thank you notes sent out.  We received a thank you from Isaac and Chloe Kidd for the money they received for camp. 

There were three requests for funds:

1.      A request was submitted by George Menshik for $2,500 for SE Minnesota flood relief support.  This is a request to match the congregation’s donations up to $2,500. 

2.      A request was submitted by George Menshik for $5,000 in matching grant for monthly mission moments outreach programs.  These funds are not needed until March 2008.  A motion was made by Russ to table this request until February 2008.  Donna seconded motion.  Motion carried.

3.      A request was submitted by Pastor Jef Olson for $2,500 for an Audio upgrade of the sanctuary sound system and wiring.  A benefactor of the congregation has offered to purchase an $11,000 sound system for the sanctuary.  The additional expenses that SUMC must pay for are new wiring, additional microphone inputs, and installation of the system.  These expenses have been estimated to be $4,500.

Jean made a motion to approve the money for #1 SE MN flood relief support and the #2 Audio upgrade request.  Deb seconded the motion.  There was discussion that we did not have enough funds this year to pay the entire amount from both requests.  An amendment was made to the motion by Dave to approve $1,250 for the #2 Audio upgrade request and $1,000 for the #1 SE MN flood request.  Motion amendment was carried.  Russ will inform George M. of the decision.

Stacy went over the G&M section of the 2007 strategic planning for the church conference.  We also went over our goals for this committee.  Dave made a motion to approve these updates and goals.  Russ seconded motion.  Motion carried.

Our next meeting will be on November 13^th at 7 p.m.

Meeting adjourned.

Submitted by,

Vickie Howard, secretary

                              PRAYER PAGE

  MMDC TRIP:

      Please mark your calendars for the MMDC trip next year on March 30^th through April 5^th, 2008.

 UMW MEETINGS:

      The UMW-SE Leadership Training that was set up for November 13^th, 2007 has been rescheduled to February 9^th of 2008 from approximately 9:00-3:00 p.m.   

 ANNOUNCEMENT: 

     School supplies and medical supplies /vitamins are needed by OC Ministries.  There is a collection box in the Narthex.        Supplies are also needed for teams rebuilding in SE MN.  Please see the complete lists on page 3 or at the Mission Table in the church Narthex.

ANNOUNCEMENT: 

     It’s that time of year again and we are in need of volunteers to help out with our Sunday School program.  We are in need of teachers, helpers, shepherds, and special event coordinators.  Please sign up at the back table in the Narthex.    

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Open auditions for the 2008 PROMISE  are being held on October 6, 8, and 9^th at Bethel Lutheran.  For more information contact Paul Mainz at 507-951-1540.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER:

     Tickets are now on sale in the church office for the Dinner on November 4^th, which starts at 4:30 pm at Grace with a Band Concert and Hors d’oeuvres at 5pm, main course at 6pm at Zion(SUMC helping) & dessert at St. Bernards at 7pm.

THANK YOU for your faithfulness and extra-mile giving.  The parking lot seal-coating (a non-budgeted expense) was expertly applied by Rochester Services, Inc. on September 3rd for a bid price of $6595.00.  When we received the bill RSI's manager, Craig, had graciously deducted $595.00 off the total to make the amount due $6000.00.  By the generousity of the UMW and many other donors, the money to "pay the bill" was raised in full by September 30th.  Thanks be to God!

The landscaping around the church building looks great.  Family Tree Landscaping Nursery, Inc. was recently contracted by Norm and Ann Stevenson to give us a "fall trim" and the crew did an excellent job.  Doesn't it feel good to park your car in front of the church and see everything looking neat and tidy?  Of course it does, so thanks be to God!

Hats off to Paul Durbahn and Jerry Lecy for keeping the lawn in tip-top shape this summer.  We are blessed to have a couple of dedicated fellows who bring their own mowers and gas cans every Friday and make our three acres of lawn so pleasing to the eye for us.  Also, a thank you to Jim Norman for providing last week his John Deere 322 lawn tractor with a mounted sprayer, and the herbicide as well, so we can keep our dandelions and creeping charlie under control.  Thanks be to God!

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     NEEDED:

Animal costumes are needed for the upcoming Sunday School Christmas Program.  Any animal and any size can be used, the script will be written around whatever you bring in.  I “herd” it is going to be a fun party!!  Call Del at 533-4652 for more info.

THE FAMOUS COOKIE SALE:

     Every woman in our congregation is asked to bring 3 dozen Christmas Cookies on Saturday, December 8^th to the church.  At 1:00 pm the doors open to the community and the treats quickly disappear.  Be a part of this get-together by baking and by attending.

     Lucille (the pin lady) will have a table full of the hand crafted pins made by a former homeless lady.  She is so thankful for the help she received, she has been making pins and selling them for 20 years.  A total of $7.50 of the $15.00 price for the pins goes to the Emma Norton Home.  Support our Minneapolis based Methodist supported home for 40 women and also the town-homes for families.  Learn more at our Cookie Sale.

EDUCATION:

     Wednesday, October 17^th the Education or Faith Formation team met, present were Laura Renken, Sue Warren, and Del Jahns.  The agenda was one important item, the Christmas Program for our Sunday School students.  Laura will direct the music.  Sue will organize and fill the gift bags for all children and Del will oversee the program which will be Sunday, December 16^th in the evening.  Be prepared to help Saturday the 15^th and/or Sunday.  This year I plan to put the parts on magnetic strips so the children’s parts can be put onto the refrigerator at home and memorized.  ~~~~~     Del Jahns.

             SE MN Rebuilding Supplies Needed

Sheetrock squares                                 Utility Knives

Chalk Lines                                           Hole Saws

Carpenter Pencils                                  Sharpeners

Tape Measures                                      Regular Staplers—T50 Staples

Dimplers                                                           Sheetrock Screw Guns

Portable Drills                                       Rechargeable Batteries(for drills)

25 Foot Extension Cords                       Sheetrock Lights

4,6, 10 Inch Blades                                4 Inch & 2 ½  Inch Tapered Paint Brushes

Paint Rollers(3/8 inch nap)                     Roller Handles and Trays

Refill Blades for Utility Knives    Gloves

Tubs                                                                 Chalk—Pint & Gallon Containers

60 Watt Bulbs                                       ¾ Inch and 2 Inch Masking Tape

The need for supplies continues, so items can still be placed in the box at the mission table.  Thank you.  Complete lists available at the mission table.

Health Kit supplies needed: hand towels, wash clothes, combs, fingernail clippers, 3 oz. or larger soap bars, toothbrushes, toothpaste (3.5 oz or larger) and bandages.
  
Flood Bucket Supplies needed:  5 gal. bucket with re-sealable lid; 1/2 or 3/4 gal. bleach; liquid laundry detergent-50 oz.; 12 oz- liquid Lysol cleaner concentrate; antibacterial dish soap 28 oz. approx; air freshener 9 oz.; insect repellent 6 oz.; scouring pads; scrub brush; cleaning towels--reusable (Easy Wipe, etc); sponges; clothespins (snap); clothesline 100 ft 3/16"; dust masks; latex gloves; work gloves; trash bags 30 gal. or larger.

            Happy Birthday to the following church members and friends who celebrate

November birthdays!  Do YOU have a November birthday?  Is YOUR name on the list?  If not, please call or drop a note to the church office to let us know. We don't want to miss the opportunity to wish you a very Happy Birthday!!