From the Pastor’s Heart                                                          From the Heart

September 2008

 “Look Who’s Talking!”

A 1989 movie called “Look Who’s Talking!” captured the public’s heart by allowing the audience to hear a newborn’s thoughts.    It was entertaining to hear a baby make a running commentary on the adults’ decisions and actions.     

Kids have a way of cutting through the façade, seeing right through all   showmanship, and pointing out when our words don’t match our actions.   It was a big laugh in the movie, but in real life it spells responsibility.   God has entrusted children, a most precious gift, to us and we have them for only a short time.   What will they remember about us?    Will they see that our words are consistent with our actions?

They are watching.   Kids are watching their parents, kids are watching their grandparents, kids are watching their pastor, kids are watching their Sunday School teachers.   They are watching you.  

I remember when this first hit me as a parent.   I wish I could think of a specific story but I have conveniently blocked all memory.   It usually happens around age two or three when sentences begin flowing … there is comes … a real zinger … that little one who has always adored you points out a mis-match between actions and words.   Oooops.

As we look toward another year of Sunday School let’s be especially aware of the little eyes that are upon us.  Let us allow their presence to call us to accountability in our vows of baptism and church membership.   In so doing, we will not only be blessed but we will have given our children a great gift.

See you Rally Sunday September 14!

Pastor Linda  

Heifer Project International

Give the gift that keeps on giving.  This slogan is popular with magazine gift subscriptions and similar gifts.  This slogan can also apply to our giving to this month’s Mission Moment.  The concept behind Heifer Project International is that gifts of animals are given to families, usually in third world countries.  But there is a string attached to these gifts.  The family receiving the animal or animals must promise to give the first born progeny of the gift animal as a gift to another family who must in turn promise to give the first born to another family in a chain that continues.  If it is a gift of a heifer cow, this becomes the start of a herd of cows for each of the families.  If it is a pair of rabbits, you know what happens with rabbits.  Each of the many families receiving the passed on gift will gain nourishing protein from the rabbit meat thus produced.  This then truly becomes the gift that keeps on giving.  Heifer Project is involved in hundreds of countries around the world.  In the desolation of Southern Africa, one of the priceless gifts that Heifer Project distributes is trees and the instruction on care to bring an oasis to a desolate land.  In South America, the gift may be Llamas to be used for wool, milk or meat.  Water Buffalo may be distributed in India and Pakistan for milk, and beasts of burden to till the fields.  Your gift will be multiplied many times to improve the standard of living of poor people in so many impoverished countries.  Our congregational gift to Heifer Project can even be the start of community herds of animals, goats, pigs, cows, or chickens that can be used not only to feed the families, but to provide them the means to earn income through the sale of surplus animals, or the milk from a herd of cows that can provide cash to improve housing, pay for schooling for the children.  The herds started by Heifer Project and continued as each family gives starter herds to another family can help these people improve the standard of living of the whole community.  Yes this is truly the gift that keeps on giving.  Our Lord says that as we do to the least of these, we do unto Him.  The scripture is certainly carried out by this program. Please be generous on September 28th when the Black Bags are passed for the second offering.  As you give to Heifer Project you give to the poor of the world, these children of God that Christ has told us that we must help.  The five, ten, or twenty that you drop in the bag will not make that big a dent in you budget, but it could mean actual survival for innocent children and the families struggling to support them.  To make your gift go further, the Eternal Faith Fund will match our gifts up to a total of $300.00.  If you are not in church that day, send your gift to the Church Office or bring it the next Sunday.  Let’s all do our part to give a gift that will change lives, even save lives as the work of Heifer Project fulfills the mission of Christ in the world.

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Don’t forget to check the Produce Table in the Narthex to get some wonderful fresh vegetables.  All proceeds go to UMCOR World Unger Relief.  If you have a garden, remember to bring any surplus produce to the Produce Table.

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RALLY SUNDAY

Rally Sunday will be held on September 14. Please note that it is being held one week later than usual.  The back-to-Sunday school celebration theme will be "Creation", and the Education MT will be hosting "create your own sundae", with a soft-serve ice cream machine and yummy toppings. The kids will meet their teachers and shepherds, and will participate in some fun activities and games that pertain to the Creation theme.

If you know any families who are looking for a church home, or children who would like to attend Sunday school, please invite them to Rally Sunday.  We are always happy to welcome new families and visitors. 

If you would like to help with set up on Sept 13 or help with the activities on Rally Sunday, please sign up on the sheets in the Narthex area. If you have any questions, contact Becky Kidd.

                            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 ~

                       September

                 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 ~

                                      September

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.

SERMON THEMES   SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008

                   “Treasure Hunt”

September 7                 “Guarding Our Greatest Treasure”                   

Unity                            Matthew 18:15-20

September 14               “Our Entrusted Treasure”

Children                       Matthew 18:21-35

September  21              “Never Too Late for Treasure”

Purpose                        Matthew 20:1-16

September 28             “One Treasure God is Looking For” 

Obedience                    Matthew 21:23-32

October   5                  “World Treasure Hunt”        WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY

Jesus                            Matthew 21:33-46

October    12               “Ignoring the Treasure”   

God’s Invitation            Matthew 22:1-14        

October 19                  “Choosing Your Treasure”        SPECIAL GUEST:  Betsy Singer

Priorities                       Matthew 22:15-22

October 26                  “Treasure Invested”                 MINISTRY FAIR

Service                         Matthew 22:34-46

                     PRAYER PAGE/ANNOUNCEMENTS

 ANNOUNCEMENT:

 Volunteers are needed for the next Feed My Starving Children on September 27^th in Eagan from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.  Children and adults welcome.  Please sign up at the missions table.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

     Basic school supplies, such as 70 count notebooks, rulers, 24-count crayons, pencils, pens and erasers are needed for the annual OC Ministry drive. There is a collection box in the narthex by the missions table along with school bag patterns and list of other items needed.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

     Thank you to all of you who sent cards, visited me, and/or brought food following my recent surgery.  Special thanks to Pastor Linda for her visits.  May God bless each of you. Wilma Menshik.  Also, many thanks to the Health and Wellness Ministry Team for the Prayer Shawl that was given to me following my knee surgery.  The prayers that were said when this was being knit certainly will help in my recovery. God Bless all of you.  Wilma Menshik.

ANNOUNCEMENT: 

     The open office hours for the church are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until noon.  On Friday’s the office is closed, but Pastor Linda is available by phone or appointment and Monday’s are her scheduled day off.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

     Choir rehearsal will start up again on Wednesday, September 3^rd at 6:30 p.m.  Thank you.

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Happy Birthday to the following church members and friends who celebrate September birthdays! Do YOU have a September 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! 

Health and Wellness: Steps for getting started in a wellness plan 

Have you considered starting a wellness plan?  For some people, this means shedding a few pounds, for others, it may mean eating healthier, or maybe you’d like to start exercising regularly.  Whatever your goal, starting a wellness plan can be a daunting task.  Here are a few ideas for taking some small steps to start you on your goal. 

1.     Try a short workout. Even five minutes is better than nothing.

2.     Try a new recipe. Cooking healthy foods can be fun and it never has to be bland.

3.     Eat a healthy breakfast. Your morning meal sets the stage for the rest of your day, so start if off right!

4.     Drink your water. Try to aim for 8 cups each day and you’ll feel the difference!

5.     Take a walk. Don’t worry about how long or far you go—just get out there!

6.     Find a buddy. Get support from friends, whether you need someone to listen or a mentor to give you ideas and encouragement.

7.     Work in the yard. Gardening and yard work is a great way to add activity to your day.

8.     Listen to an inspirational song. Better yet, make a playlist of them so you can turn to it whenever you need a boost.

9.     Slow down during meals. You’ll be less likely to overeat and more likely to enjoy your meal.

10. Play! What kids call “play,” we often call “exercise.” Play a sport, a game, or use the playground equipment to bring the fun back into fitness.

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After some thirteen or fourteen years of lawn care at the church, a lawn mower fund has been started. It is off to a very good start and the trustees don’t want to leave anyone out that would like to contribute to the fund. We have looked at some mowers and have a good idea of what we think would be a good unit for church work. We agreed to put the purchase off and give everyone a chance to contribute. The purchase will be made late this fall or early next spring. The more contributions we get, the better mower we get, and the longer it will last.

We would like to say Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far and a big Thank you to the people that have offered their mower, their time, and their gas to keep the lawn looking so nice.

If you would like to contribute to the mower fund, put your check or money in an envelope and mark it to go to the lawn mower fund, or see a trustee.

                                 The Trustee Ministry Team

SUMC entertains at Care Center

          Kim Whiting delighted the Stewartville Care Center residents and their guests at the Aug. 12 birthday party.

          Serenading with piano and voice, Kim performed melodies from the decades, beginning with the 20’s. Pastor Linda Grounds, introduced by Kim, thanked the guests for coming to the party and gave a special greeting to the 10 residents celebrating August birthdays.    Stewartville United Methodist Church (SUMC) traditionally entertains for the annual August event.

          Hosts for the event were Evie Hintz, Norm and Ann Stevenson and Jan Durbahn.  A decorated birthday cake with ice cream was served to the birthday people.

          The party attendees were served angel food cake and ice cream provided by SUMC Gifts were given to the honored guests.

          In previous years, Paul Durbahn organized the August party.

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 The Stewartville Senior Center located in the Civic Center invites all people age 55 and older to visit us anytime Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 3 pm or Friday from 8 am to 1 pm.  We not only offer a delicious daily lunch for $3.50 at 11:30 am, but we also offer a variety of fun activities.  Included in these activities are morning and afternoon coffees, walking, gentle fitness, bowling, cards (500), needles club, art class, cribbage, bridge, toenail clinic, blood pressure clinic, Afternoon at the Movies, AARP Driver Safety Refresher course, and occasional day trips or special speakers.  We also will be starting a new Bible study group at the Center.  Finally, we have a fun, once-a-month birthday celebration with special music while we dine. 

Menus/activity sheets are available at the Center, weekly in the Stewartville Star, on Channel 19, or mailed to you by request.  In addition, we invite you to call us for more specific information about the Center or if you need assistance on any problem.  We, or our senior advocate/social worker, would be happy to help you whether the problem be medical, financial, or whatever.

Hope to see you at the Center, visit with you by phone, or respond via e-mail!

Shirley Hinze, Stewartville Site Coordinator, 120 City Center, Stewartville

507-533-4787 --  coordinator@stewartvilleseniorcenter.org

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 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19    SPECIAL GUEST:   BETSY SINGER

We are excited to announce that Betsy Singer, former anchor for KTTC, will be our speaker for Sunday, October 19.   Read below!

From the Devoted Hearts website:

“Betsy Singer is a storyteller who started with a career in television news telling people's stories in a compelling and compassionate way.  In July of 2007 she changed careers and went to Faith Sound Incorporated, a Christian radio station in Rochester, MN. She says this move allows her to use the talents God has blessed her with to be a blessing to others.

Betsy has worked as a reporter/anchor in newsrooms in Columbus, Mississippi; La Crosse,  Wisconsin; Tallahassee, Florida;  Memphis, Tennessee; and most recently Rochester, Minnesota. God used her news background as training for this new ministry.”

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.   Proverbs 22:6

August 17, 2008

  Dear Parents,

We hope you have had a fun, safe, and blessed summer.  Although it hardly seems possible, summer is quickly slipping away, and Sunday school is right around the corner!

We hope you take the time to read the attached article.  Is it really too good to be true?  Can active church participation really change the lives of families?  We believe it does. As parents we have both the privilege and responsibility to pass the gospel of Jesus Christ to our children. Whether we like it or not, we are their most influential teachers!  When parents take active roles in faith formation, their families reap the benefits.    We all lead very busy lives- but our children’s faith formation should be a high priority. When we lead our children to a relationship with Jesus Christ we give them the promise of eternal life, as well as many life blessings, several which were mentioned in the previous article.   What could be more important than that? 

You are invited to play an active role in your child’s faith formation. There are many opportunities for you to be involved in your child’s faith formation.  There are various opportunities for teachers, shepherds, special event coordinators & helpers, as well as leadership roles.  There is something for everyone!  Please take time to prayerfully consider your level of participation.  Men- our children, particularly boys, are in need of positive Christian male role models-please consider this invitation, also. You are invited to be involved in the Education Ministry Team, as well.  Please sign up on the poster in the narthex area or see Becky Kidd if you have any questions about the various opportunities. 

If you are not familiar with the time and format, our Sunday worship service starts at 9:00 am, which is followed by fellowship/coffee time.  Children’s Choir begins around 10:15 am, for 20 minutes, followed by Sunday school. Sunday school concludes at 11:30 am. Preschool classes are for ages 3-5 (children must be potty trained).  We offer workshop rotation Sunday school for grades K-5, which uses a multimedia teaching approach- children experience the Bible stories through workshops such as art, drama, computers, video, or Bible games. Middle school classes are also offered. The Sunday school year kicks off this fall on September 14^th with Rally Sunday.

If you know any families who are looking for a church home, or children who would like to attend Sunday school, please invite them to our services and Sunday school.  We are always happy to welcome new families and visitors. 

We thank you in advance for your participation- and trust many of you will respond to the call to strengthen our families and Sunday school program. Working together we can create a nurturing atmosphere in which our children can learn about the love and grace of Jesus Christ, and reap the countless blessings of that relationship.

We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

God Bless,

Becky Kidd, representing the Education Ministry Team

Too good to be true (but it is)

--The life benefits of regular church attendance--

An article by Neil MacQueen

What if I told you there was a well-researched and statistically proven program that can:

          o increase the average life expectancy of your children by 8 years

          o significantly reduce their use and risk from Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs

          o dramatically lower their risk of suicide

          o help them rebound from depression 70% faster

          o dramatically reduce their risk for committing a crime

          o improve their attitude at school and increase their school participation

          o reduce their risk for rebelliousness

          o reduce the likelihood that they would binge drink in college

          o improve their odds for a "very happy" life

          o provide them with a life-long moral compass

          o and get them to wear their seatbelts more often

    Is there such a program?  

          Yes, there is.

        And it is supported by research from Duke University, Indiana University, The University of Michigan, The Center for Disease Control, Barna Research Group, and the National Institute for Healthcare Research.

    How much would a program like this be worth to you?

    What if I told you it was free, and only took about 2 hours a week.

    Take a look at the list again.

    It's not a dream.

    The program is called "active church participation."

    In study, after study, after study, children who actively engage in a faith community on a regular basis are rewarded with SIGNIFICANTLY reduced likelihood of problems and risks, and significantly improved odds of a happier, healthier, longer life. These studies show the same results for adults as well.

    To increase the odds of receiving these results, you can't wait. According to a Barna Research Group study, adults who attended church regularly as children are nearly three times as likely to be attending a church today as their peers who avoided church during childhood (61% to 22%, respectively). In other words, parents who truly want the best for their children should get their children involved at church now and regularly.

    Our secular culture has taken up preaching "parents (as) the anti-drug," promoting D.A.R.E. programs, school uniforms, after school programs, and athletics as solutions to various ills. And yet, a whole host of problems plaguing young people have only become worse over the last 30 years. Perhaps not so coincidentally, Sunday School attendance has fallen over that same period. The latest tremor to rock the "what works" lobby has been several studies that indicate D.A.R.E. and its 700 million dollar budget doesn't work.

    In a search for "what works," researchers keep turning up "active participation" in a "faith community" as the one consistent potent factor in raising up children in the way they should go. It's time for the Christian Church to speak up on this matter, beginning with our own Christian parents.

    To paraphrase Jesus,

             "What parent, knowing that it is bread that really works, would give their child a stone?"

    To view the sources of these statistics, visit www.sundaysoftware.com/stats.htm

    Neil MacQueen is a Presbyterian minister, Christian education consultant, and Christian software designer.

    This article may be reprinted provided that the author and website source of the statistics (www.sundaysoftware.com/stats.htm) are included.

                                                              Youth Page/News

CONFIRMATION BEGINS  SEPT.  10 

All nine confirmation students, their parents, and mentors are invited to a kick-off dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the church on Wednesday, September 10.   The dinner and “The Journey Begins” lesson will last until 7:00 p.m.    Students who haven’t been to an orientation meeting with Pastor Linda are welcome to attend but please call the church ASAP to get preliminary info.  

          Students are encouraged to participate in the “Feed My Starving Children” event on September 27 as a part of their confirmation experience.     We will leave the church at 7:15 a.m. … sign up at the Missions Table!  

WANTED!    Somebody who loves 8^th graders!

           Pastor Linda is looking for someone to serve as a “Confirmation Assistant and Snack Coordinator” for this year’s Confirmation class.   If you love kids, have a servant’s heart, and can be available after school on Wednesdays, you are a GREAT candidate.   This is a fun way to get to know the youth as well as listen in on the lessons.   You will help with things like snack & project preparation and cleanup, as well as serving as another adult for this group of nine students.  

SUPPORT A YOUNG PERSON!

MAKE A FRIEND!   EAT DELICIOUSLY! 

          During the month of September there will be a SILENT AUCTION display in the narthex for “meal experiences” designed by members of the youth group at Stewartville UMC.   Bidding for these culinary delights will begin on Sunday, September 7, and close on Sunday, September 28 at Noon.    Meals will vary … some will be delivered, others will be shared at the host home.    

Take this opportunity to support a young person!     Proceeds will be kept in each student’s youth account and can be used for JUMY’s, TEC, a mission trip, a Christian camp, or other church-related activity.     Bid generously!   

UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS!

Sunday,  September 7                Meal auctions begin!  Be sure to get your poster in the week prior

Sunday, September 14               JUMY’s (November 7-9 for grades 5-8) Registrations are due.

                                                See info in narthex for sign-up information

Saturday,  September 27                          Feed My Starving Children trip to Eagan. 

We leave the church at 7:15 a.m.

Sunday, September 28               Ditch Pick-Up!   Fun prizes, and food at the Lee’s following.

                                                This will also be our Youth Group meeting time for September.

                                                Meal auction ends this day so we will have results!

                                                3-5 p.m.

Sunday, October 5                    Butter Braid sales begin!                       

Friday, October 10                    Youth Lock-In!   Back by popular demand!  Details to come.

Friday, October 16-19               TEC, Teens Encounter Christ, weekend in Albert Lea at Grace Lutheran Church.   This is for 10-12^th graders.  If you are interested contact Kaela or Pastor Linda!

Sunday School Registration Page here.

SUMC

Leadership Council Meeting

April 30, 2008

7:00 PM

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Jerry Hildebrandt, Chair.  Clair Mrotek opened with prayer.

Jerry thanked everyone for coming and asked everyone to confirm their membership by signing the check in sheet. Jerry also asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the March 26, 2008 meeting.  Motion passed.

 The format of the meeting was discussed:

• Jean Schendel suggested that reports from the ministry teams should be received at this meeting.
• This group should look forward to what is coming up in future months so there is not duplicate work in other ministry teams.
• If the chair can’t make it to the meeting to give their report, they should send a representative.

There was good representation from each ministry team at the meeting this evening.

Frequency of the meetings was also discussed:

• Kaela Koalska made a motion that we meet every other month for the adjustment period.  Mark Warren seconded.  There was no discussion.  Motion was carried.
• If there is a need for a special meeting – it can be called.
• We will meet on the 4^th Wednesday of the month.

One of the main topics for the evening was to discuss the Family Life Director position.  Personnel will be developing the position description, but have asked for our input so it can be incorporated into the job description.  The job description should encompass as much as possible, with the main focus being youth ministry, as it will be hard to add items after someone has been hired.

Jaymi Wilson asked if youth will be involved in the selection process.  It was decided that youth would have input, but not necessarily involved in the decision.

Kayla asked if we had someone in mind or if there was an ad out.  Pastor Jef said no, not for a few months.  An ad will be placed as soon as the Personnel Ministry Team creates the job description.

Beth Thompson asked how much would a reasonable salary be for this person.  Jaymi thought $20,000 - $25,000 for a 1/2 time position.  There was a limited discussion about this, but no decision was made.

Clair Mrotek asked if the Trustees have looked into space for this new person.  Pastor Jef said the Trustees are working on it. 

The Church Leadership Council will take the place of Common Table and will create unity of purpose for other Ministry Teams.  Another issue brought to the table was what area of responsibility will this group entertain?  (i.e. As a group are we going to let the Trustees make decisions and move forward?  Or should they have to come to the Church Leadership Council meeting before decisions are made?) No decision was made and this  issue will continue to be discussed at upcoming meetings.

Pastor Jef mentioned that the Leadership Council responsibility and focus is for strategic planning to direct, not dictate.

Jerry thanked everyone for attending the meeting.  Pastor Jef closed with prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 9:03 PM.

Next meeting will be on Wednesday, July 30^th @ 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tara Keane, Recorder/Communications Coordinator