Newsletter

September 2010 Newsletter

“You did not receive a spirit that makes you slave, you received the Spirit that makes you family, and by that Spirit we cry out to God as parent” - Romans 8:15

Last month I told you that I would take these first few months in the newsletter to introduce myself. In August I shared with you my call and this month I want to share with you my vision. We all look at the world with a different set of eyes and see different places where we want to go. As pastor when I talk about vision, what I mean is the directional focus of the ministry to which God has called, is calling and continually leading my heart.

My vision for ministry is really quite simple – it is to lead the congregational life to live out the calling to be the family of God. I know people have quite different views and experiences when it comes to family life, but in the Good News of Jesus Christ we read about God as a parent who leads the “kids” to exceed and excel – not to master and rule over them. We see God as a parent who defines the family by grace, not by what we do or do not do -- yet at the same time beckons us into deeply committed loving relationships with God and with each other guided by God’s spirit of love.

Now the neat thing about families is that love and blood defines our relationship more than any of the differences that we may have. Still, healthy family life does not just happen. It happens because time is given to it, healthy conversations take place and there are times given to live out this “family life.” In the church healthy families revolve around worship as it is our table time in which we commune with God and each other. Yet, healthy families need more than table time, they also need relational time to understand how to live out our family life together. This happens in small group ministries where people learn each other’s stories, engage in our family story through the Word of God and seek out how to share love with others. When communication happens that centers on knowing God and each other, it is amazing how easy it is to embrace each other and those around us as our perspectives grow. This in turn leads us to living lives that not only love God and each other, but those around us as our vision of God’s family grow to those beyond our doors and into our neighborhoods and the world.

So when you enter these doors on Sunday morning, do you feel like family? Do you connect with God is such a way that it leaves you desiring to know you brothers and sisters in God more? How do you think the first time visitor feels? My vision is for us not only to feel like family, but make it a place where even a first time visitor can sense that spirit of family and easily connect to it. To lead the church body in forming deeply committed loving relationship with God, each other and all people. We are blessed to be called part of God’s family and the greatest love on earth we will ever get to share in is living this calling out. Hallelujah and Amen! - Greg Strunk

After worship, UMW members and other members from our congregation deliver the altar flowers to church members who are ill, shut-in, or are celebrating a special occasion. Thank you to those who deliver and those who give the flowers each Sunday.

Thank you to all who were praying for me and wishing me luck with my heart surgery. Also thank you to the Vacation Bible School for the nice card. Thank you Pastor Greg for calling the hospital.—Nicholas Plein

Thank you for the beautiful altar flowers we were given for our birthdays . . . And THANKS to Sal Baringer for her “fast delivery and song.” - Bev Warwick and Darlene Warwick

Thank you for the lovely August 8 altar flowers and to Lee and Mel Gernentz for bringing them to me. They were pretty for days.—Millie and Jerry Ketcham

September Birthdays

Sept. 2 Jane Baker

Sept. 3 Lila Rice, Joe Motz

Sept. 6 Ashton DeLeon

Sept. 7 Sherri Stensland

Sept. 8 Conner Zimmerman

Sept. 9 Barb Featherstone, Steve Murphy

Sept. 10 Joyce Roper, Janine Groehler, Jocelyn Griggs

Sept. 11 Linnea Horvat, Brianna Beck

Sept. 12 Grant Frost

Sept. 13 Beth Heber, Zachary Heber

Sept. 14 Marguerite Haugen, Dewey Baringer, Jordan Gernentz

Sept. 15 Josh Gernentz, Jerica Nelson

Sept. 16 Blaize Kaiser

Sept. 17 Margaret Foster, Hannah Bystrom

Sept. 19 Elmer Holmstadt

Sept. 20 Bette Lillico, Marilyn Ryan, Jean Arnold, Sumner Boldt

Sept. 21 Brad Weberg, Hailey McMahon

Sept. 22 Inez Chicquette, Eunice Lien, Josh Rikli

Sept. 23 Angie Harlow, Lester Boldt, Hanna Hill

Sept. 24 Dan Diercks, Lila Black, Danniel Black

Sept. 25 Eliza DiNatale

Sept. 26 Dustin Rassier

Sept. 27 Lisa Hanson, Carson Anway

Sept. 30 Al Thies, Bob Stroupe, Nina Nibbe, Lexi Rikli

Nursery Attendants Needed

People are needed to staff the church nursery during the worship service. As children grow and start sitting through the worship time, parents are no longer available to take a turn in the nursery. Two adults are needed for every Sunday. So if you have children under 5 years or you just like spending time with the youngest members of our family, we need your help. We are also looking for a person to coordinate the staffing of the nursery. Please call Cindy at the church office or Ann Frost (388-8791) to volunteer for this very important ministry.

Produce Table in Bloom

The produce on the Mission Market table has changed from spring green to the multiple colors of summer. From vegetables only to fruits, flowers, and the many rainbow colored veggies. Recently we've seen the beginning of the tomato season along with eggplant, peppers, red, and onions. Even some house plants have appeared on the table. As September arrives fresh summer items will be joined by the ornamentals of fall.

Produce is donated by member gardeners and if you have produce to share just bring to the table in the Hamline Commons. Donations received for produce are sent to McCurdy School in Espanola, N M. This United Methodist related Pre-school to 12th grade is supported in many ways by United Methodist churches through out the United States. Their support comes from cash, Campbell UPC labels, and Boxtops for Education. Funds raised as of August 22 total $528.50.

If you haven't seen the table in the Hamline Commons, check it out each Sunday to see what's available. – Mardell Bartlett

Diversity Festival

Our Church Council voted to have a booth in the City of Red Wing's Diversity Festival on Saturday, September 18.We plan to have activities for both adults and children. Help is needed to staff the booth from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m., hopefully in two-hour shifts. Please contact Jane Stone at 388-2113 or janestone1125@msn.com you can help. This is a great opportunity to promote our church, and it will be lots of fun!

River Valley District United Methodist Women

Annual Meeting

Evangel UMC

2645 N. Broadway, Rochester, MN 55906

507-298-4817

FAITH—HOPE—LOVE IN ACTION

September 11, 2010

8:30 am—3:00 pm

Registration 8:30—9:15 am

Cost: Registration, coffee and lunch $8.00

Keynote Speaker: Naomi Yeager

UMW Greener America Team

Delegation report on Assembly Ubunto experience and

Assembly Meeting

Books, Displays, Emma’s pins, Worship, Singing, Videos, Memorial Service, Pledge Service, Election of Officers, Annual Meeting, Fellowship.

NOTE: Supplies for Emma’s Residence and Emma’s Place are needed. Please bring them to the Annual Meeting.

————————————————————————————————————

Please send in at least one week prior: REGISTRATION FORM AND $8.00 to:

Joanne Hebrink

1525 5th Ave. NE, Rochester, MN 55906

507-288-1158

NAME: _________________________________PHONE & Email ________________

_______________________________________ __________________________

Church and town: _______________________________________________________

UMCOR News

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is aiding people who are devastated by the floods in Pakistan. Once again our support of UMCOR is helping people in need. If you are able to and wish to help relieve efforts in Pakistan, please give to UMCOR and mark your donation for UMCOR. Walk money also aids those in need after disasters. Church World Service and UMCOR work together to bring relief in times of disaster.

UMCOR is assisting in Iowa and Tennessee after recent flooding and still is working tirelessly in Haiti. You may go to learn more about UMCOR and its many programs to assist in cases of disaster at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/

Christie Brown

Outreach Chair

Notes From Nicole

Another New Beginning is right around the corner. Sunday school will be starting on September 12. Sunday school starts at 10:15am and ends at 11:00am. We will be meeting in Wesley Hall for our Group time. Students will then proceed to their class after Group time. Classes are held in the basement of our Church. Parents are reminded to come to their child’s class at 11:00am to get their children. We do not wish to leave any child unattended. Some of the classroom locations have changed. Please look for the grade levels written on the door.

In order to give everyone an opportunity to participate in Sunday school we are asking for volunteers to assist our teachers. There will be sign up sheets located in Hamline Foyer with specific dates and classrooms listed. If you feel the need to share your time and experiences with our children please sign up.

As always I am interested in your feedback, comments and suggestions. Please feel free to email me at christianed2@q.com or call me at church and leave a message. We are looking forward to another wonderful Sunday school program.

Warm Wishes,

Nicole Schmidt

Sunday School Coordinator

Lay Speaking

As Christians, we are all called to ministry. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us that we are “…a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people called to proclaim the mighty acts of God who brought us out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Each of us has been given gifts for ministry in the church and in the world.

Lay speaking classes help prepare church members for that ministry. Lay speaking focuses on Leading, Caring, and Communicating. There is no requirement or expectation that you will preach. Instead, the goal is to enhance communication skills in order that we can better lead others and share our faith stories.

Our River Valley District Lay Speaking Committee will next offer lay speaking classes on Saturday, November 13 at Christ UMC in Rochester. Time is 8:30-4:30. I will help teach the basic class again, and the advanced class will be “Grow Spiritually through Daily Discipline.” If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please contact me, talk with Pastor Greg, or take a look at the “Lay Ministry Equipping Resources Catalog 2010.”

Jane Stone

District Lay Speaking Committee

Praying With the World

Almighty and everlasting God,

we fervently lift up our hearts to you,

searching for help and guidance

in the midst of very many problems.

Come and show us how to serve

the refugees and the oppressed,

how to stand alongside those that

struggle for social justice . . .

Give us a will to love and serve you

Through loving and serving others.

Malawi: Women students in the Pan African leadership course in Kitwe, Zambia.

Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc.

Dear Friends:

On behalf of Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, thank you for your donation in support of our Adopt-A-Bird Program. Our mission is to achieve excellence in the rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, and oiled native wild birds, with the goal of returning healthy birds to their natural environment. We have 34 years of experience in providing life saving service to compromised wildlife and being an invaluable resource for people who care about animal welfare.

Your gift of $336 will help support our important work, which includes caring for over 3,000 wild birds every year in our clinic, responding to the tragic consequences of oil spills nationally and internationally, and helping us make advances in the field of wildlife rehabilitation.

While our direct expenses for the current oil spill response on the Gulf Coast will be covered as part of our contract with BP, your donation to Tri-State will help ensure that we can continue our programs for years to come. We were prepared and able to quickly respond to this recent disaster because people like you, who care about wildlife, contribute to us each year.

Thank you so much for your generosity!

Sincerely,

Rebecca Elzey

Director of Development

(NOTE: Because of the generosity of our VBS children, families, and all of you, we were able to help rescue 3 pelicans.)

LAY LEADER LEARNINGS

A few weeks ago I was doing laundry—a common activity a couple times a week. When I went to remove the first load of clothes from the washer, I found the clothes were wet—not spun-out wet but dripping wet. Apparently, the spin cycle no longer was working, and we had no idea if the agitator was operating or if the clothes had actually been cleaned. It seemed that our 17-year-old washer needed to be replaced, and since the dryer had been taking longer to dry the clothes as well, we went shopping for both a new washer and dryer.

We bought a new pair, both front-loading. Our previous washer was top-load with an agitator. The new washer has no agitator, uses less water, and is supposed to be more economical.

So, is an agitator necessary? An agitator stirs things up; in a washer, it stirs up the soap and water with the clothes to get them clean.

What is the agitator in our lives? What stirs things up in our spiritual lives and motivates us to do the things we ought to do? The Holy Spirit! It brings the voice of Jesus to our hearts, telling us that we should volunteer, help others, and give of ourselves. It’s our conscience, whispering in our souls that we need to do God’s work.

It seems that our agitators here at church are working quite well! Members have been busy with Vacation Bible School, the River City Days Pie Social, Habitat for Humanity, and many other activities. The Holy Spirit has certainly played a role in those things taking place. As Pastor Greg and I heard at a “Mission-Centered Ministry” workshop on August 13, the Holy Spirit brings us the power to be witnesses for Christ. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells his disciples, “…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” So…we start witnessing within the church (Jerusalem), then to our friends and neighbors in our community (Judea), then to those we don’t want to be associated with (Samaria), and finally out into the world (the ends of the earth). The focus should always be outward.

Let the Holy Spirit be your agitator, spurring you on to do God’s work!

Jane Stone, Lay Leader

Handcrafter’s Group

Come and join us on the second Thursday of every month—this month on September 9 at 10:00 am for crafting, needlework, knitting, crochet, etc. We’ll have the coffee pot on and a treat. Come with a current project, one you need help with, or something you’d like to share with the group. We enjoy each laughing together, talking together, and working together. Hope to see you there!

Breakfast Group

The Breakfast Group is open to everyone. Please join us on the fourth Wednesday of the month—September 22 at 9:00 am at Liberty’s restaurant. This is a great group and we enjoy the food and fellowship. It’s a perfect way to get to know your church family better!

Confirmation Sunday on September 26th

One of the greatest moments in anyone’s life is when they personally come to realize the grace of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit for themselves. It is an amazing and life transforming moment and experience that happens as a community nurtures and teaches people about God’s glory. Confirmation is an exciting time in the life of the church for it is a time where our youth are nurtured and taught and given an opportunity to experience God in a very personal and life transforming way and share that experience to their church community.

I hope you all plan on being there that Sunday to honor not only how God has been at work in the lives of these youth, but also to remember your baptism. In their stories I hope it will connect with your own and lift your hearts in affirmation of what God is doing in and through you as part of the First United Methodist Church of Red Wing. We each play an important role in each others lives as no one ever gets to where they are alone. So come and participate in this wonderful celebration of transformation and grace.—Greg Strunk

World Communion Sunday

Changing the World, One Life at a Time.

Sunday, October 3

When Dr. Dennis Marke graduated from Loma Linda (Calif.) University last summer, he knew he had received the training he had come to get. Along with strengthening his skill in community-based health care, he focused on maternal and child health. Dr. Marke came to the United States from Sierra Leone. That West African nation has the highest maternal and infant mortality rate on Earth. To many of us, Dennis’ accounts of young mothers and the babies who die are tragic stories, but to Dennis, they are the realities Sierra Leoneans face daily. Dr. Marke is committee to turning around these tragedies and to helping communities empower themselves to deal directly with problems.

In his experience in the countryside, Dr. Marke realized treating the community conditions that lead to disease was just as important as treating actual illnesses. “I wanted to go and meet people in their communities and empower them with knowledge and programs to help prevent the diseases killing them,” he explained. He vowed to focus on “safe drinking water, good sanitation, immunization, family planning and good maternal care.”

To bring solutions to his home country, Dennis knew he needed more training in public health. He came to the United States as a World Communion Scholar, studying maternal and child health, as well as health education and promotion.

Because caring United Methodists gave generously on World Communion Sunday, Dennis had the opportunity to study in the United States. In today’s economy, everyone is making sacrifices. Yet, aspiring students need our contributions now more than ever. Our gifts help racial– and ethnic-minority students in the United States as well as international students. Like Dennis, they want to serve God in life-changing ministries.

To read additional stories of lives transformed by World Communion Sunday and to donate online, go to www.umcgiving.org/WCS.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) Recap

July 26—30

Praise God! I have just completed my first VBS and am hooked! This week has been such a great joy; from the people I worked with to the children that laughed and sang and grew closer to God.

Our theme this year was Galactic Blast and it proved to be true. We not only learned about God but the solar system too. The children loved interacting with Commander Greg and his trusty side kick Galileo; a gorilla who turned green while making a mess in the cafeteria. Commander Greg sent the students home each day with a lesson to bring them closer to God and Galileo sent them with an idea of how to keep our earth healthy.

Monday we learned God created everything and that our God is Wonderful! Tuesday we learned God is near us all the time and that our God is Incredible! Wednesday we learned God knows us by name and that our God is Amazing! Thursday we learned that when we have faith in God, God gives us what we need and that our God is Magnificent! Friday we learned to share the glory of God with others and that our God is Awesome!

We chose to adopt a pelican from the coast as our mission this year and the students took that on with gusto! It cost $100 to save one bird and our students donated $172! With the added donation from the congregation ($164) we were able to save three birds! Look at the pictures on the chest in Hamline Foyer.

I have too many people to thank but I want the congregation to know that we have many, many generous, talented, and overall awesome people in this parish!

Lisa Hanson

Co-Director

WILL YOU WALK WITH US?

Crop Walk is Sunday October 3rd. We are once again recruiting walkers. If you walked last year you know it isn't a difficult walk. We will be following the same walk as last year. I hope that each of you will walk so that others will not need to walk for food and water. We are walking so others do not have to walk.

Your Crop Walk money helps to fight hunger.

Did you know?

· Over 1 billion people are hungry worldwide. That is one out every seven people in the world.

· Each day almost 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes - one every five seconds.

· People are hungry in the United States, too. If all 36.2 million Americans with food insecurity stood in line at a food shelf in New York the line would stretch to Los Angles and back. Twice.

· Our local Crop Walk gives 25% of the money raised to the local food shelf. Last year CROP Hunger walks provider over $4 million dollars to some 3,000 soup kitchens and food shelves across the U. S.

Please walk if you are able or give to the walkers from our church that are able to walk.

ENDING HUNGER ONE STEP AT A TIME

CROP HUNGER WALK

OCTOBER 3, 2010

Prayer Chain

If you have any prayer concerns and/or if you would like to be part of the prayer chain, please call Marilyn Josephson at 388-2050, Donna Dummer at 388-6998, or the church office at 388-3262.

THE TRUST FUND HOSTS A SEMINAR SEPT. 19

Recently, First United Methodist Church has established a Trust Fund by which we can support the religious, charitable, educational, capital, or benevolent missions of our church.

The Trust Fund is a perpetual fund, with the earnings of the fund and some of the principal to be used for missions not within the Church’s usual budgets. The intent of the Trust Fund is to provide a revenue source that will be usable far into the future to serve the spiritual and social needs of our community.

Gifts to the Trust Fund may be made at any time, but many gifts to the Trust Fund come by way of estate plans and wills. A bequest in your will to our Trust Fund can make the church that you love be just as important in the lives of generations to come as it is to you.

In order to help you better understand how to plan for your estate and assist your church, the Trust Fund Committee invites you to a seminar after church on Sunday, September 19, in the Friendship Room. Allan DeBoer, attorney at law, will make a presentation on estate planning, wills, and the means by which you can help your church. Mr. DeBoer will answer your questions on wills, trusts, and charitable giving. Please join us.

First United Methodist Church Red Wing Trust Fund Committee—Bob Lewis, Muriel Copp, Gary Fridell, Pastor Greg Strunk, Paul Karlen, Cindy Johnston, and Kirsten Fridell.

Rule of Christ Training

There will be Rule of Christ training at the church on Monday September 20. There will be a potluck at 6:00 and the training will start at 6:30. The training is about resolving conflicts. This training is for all leaders of the church but is open to the entire congregation.