Growing in love of God and neighbor, Reaching new people, and Healing a broken world.
Outreach of the United Methodist Churches of Wells and Kiester, Minnesota OCTOBER 2017
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Wells Campus Service Groups: Ushers 1 Confirmands 8-29 Deb Lackey and TBD Communion Servers Preparer = Margaret Courrier 1 Hunter Bruckhoff, Lexi Johnson, Kori Elmer, RJ Fordham, Katherine Huper, Grace Mithun Greeters 1 Bob Clark, Betty Culbertson, Amber Cords, Mickey Ellsworth & Confirmands 8 Anne Feist, Don & Karen Gimberline, Kim Meyer 15 Mary Jacobsen, Deb Lackey, Joyce Frederick, Sarah Hankerson 22 Bev Niebuhr, Anita Petersen, Kristin Petersen, Bradley Remington 29 Jennifer Wedin, Jo Doolittle, Sue Schuster, Cari Stenzel
Acolytes 1 Nevaeh Roberts, Brooklyn Miller 8 Mariah Anderson, Oona Druckenmiller 15 Jaiden Gossen, Abby Wedin 22 Aaron Johnson, Kolt Bullerman 29 October Roberts, Alexis Musser Cross Bearer 1 Hunter Bruckhoff 8 Madison Meyer 15 Brooklyn Miller 22 Hunter Bruckhoff 29 Kolt Bullerman Liturgist 1 Makayla Knutson 8 Becky Woolverton 15 Mary Jacobsen 22 Makayla Knutson 29 Mickey Ellsworth Nursery 1 Jennifer & Faith Wedin 8 Pat Coy, Grace Mithun 15 Mickey Ellsworth, Makayla Knutson 16 Amber Cords, Lexi Johnson 29 Sherry Asmus, Kylie Fordham
Saturday, October 28 5-6:15pm Trunk or Treat 6:15-7:30 Games & Food Inside 2
Driver Dave Loveless Projection 1, 29 Trevor Kibler 8, 22 Kevin Stenzel 15 Karen Stenzel Audio/Video Technicians 1 Sarah Hankerson, Kaylynn Healey 8 Kaylynn Healey, William Healey 15 Trevor Kibler, RJ Fordham 22 William Healey, Sarah Hankerson 29 Sarah Hankerson, Kaylynn Healey Coffee Servers All Sundays are currently open. Please volunteer to serve! Coffee Treat Pot-Luck Bring a plate, a pan, or a container of any type of coffee treat you’d like to share. Could be cookies, bars, cheese & crackers, fruit, etc. This is an act of hospitality, so if you don’t bring something, that is fine. Everyone is welcome.
Fall is always one of my most favorite time of year. I love to see all the color changes in trees and across the landscape! It always reminds me of the magnificence of God’s splendor! God’s artwork that appears all around us surpasses our ability to capture it, even with the best cameras. I have found that the best is to just immerse one’s self into it! It is usually early to mid-October that Becky and I end up putting the boat in storage and pulling the lift and docks. As we make these transitions, we usually find ourselves raking leaves and having a great bonfire to wrap up the season at the lake. Neighbors gather and we sit around the fire after all the lake chores are finished, and we reminisce about the summer gone by as we toast Twinkies or hot dogs or just gaze at the fire. It’s curious how a fire can mesmerize you as you look into it. Something about how the fire dances around the logs – such energy! Starting this month I’ll be leading two discipleship opportunities – Tuesday mornings – a weekly men’s “Bible Breakfast” – 7:00-8:00 am at Kee Kafé in Kiester. Wednesdays – “Encounter the Spirit / Live Expectantly” – 3:45-4:45 pm at the Kiester site; 5:45-6:45 pm at the Wells site. Each of these experiences are open to anyone who wishes to grow in their faith and sharing good fellowship at the same time. Invite your neighbors and friends! It was earlier this summer one of our newer members asked if we had a men’s bible study. I took that as a sign from the Holy Spirit that it was time to start one! This study will be casual but informative as we share breakfast together. It was also while attending this year’s annual conference session in June, I found myself truly engaged in the theme: Encounter the Spirit / Live Expectantly! Throughout the conference, through the teaching sessions, the bishop’s address, and various TED talks, all focused on becoming an Acts 2 church, I could feel the Holy Spirit moving not only among our gathering, but through me, calling me to bring this to our church and share it with our people and all who would be willing to hear. So, on Wednesdays at each campus we will take this journey together. May we become truly caught up in the fire of the Holy Spirit like we do around a bonfire, watching the flames dance. May the Holy Spirit dance in our minds and hearts as we “Encounter the Spirit and Live Expectantly!
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Weather Related Announcements
It may be Fall, and we may hope snow and such is later in the season, however, we all know it is possible for wintery weather to happen in October. If worship or other church-related activities need to be canceled because of weather, they will be announced on the following radio stations:
Confirmation
KBEW: 1560 AM; 98.1 FM KJLY: 104.5 FM KATE: 1450 AM
On October 1, 12 youth proclaimed their belief and faith in Christ. Hunter Bruckhoff Kylie Fordham William Healey Lexi Johnson Grace Mithun Lydia Niebuhr
Kori Elmer RJ Fordham Katherine Huper Makayla Knutson Grace Niebuhr Ashlyn Petersen
And announced on www.opendoorsumc.org and Facebook, or call the church office at 553-5453 & listen to the recorded message.
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Wednesdays – Generally, if school is canceled or let out early due to weather, church activities would be cancelled as well. Feel free to call the church to be sure.
October Worship Calendar
Worship times & locations: 9:00 am–Wells; 10:30 am–Kiester
October 8 October 15
October 22 October 29
October 1 Pentecost 17 – Communion (Green) Confirmation Sunday / World Communion Sunday (and offering) Scriptures: Exodus 17:1-7 / Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 / Philippians 2:1-13 / Matthew 21:23-32 Sermon: “Confirming Our Faith” Pentecost 18 (Green) Scriptures: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 / Psalm 19 / Philippians 3:4b-14 / Matthew 21:33-46 Sermon: “Producing Fruit” Pentecost 19 (Green) Scriptures: Exodus 32:1-14 / Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 / Philippians 4:1-9 / Matthew 22:1-14 Sermon: “Chosen by God” Pentecost 20 (Green) Scriptures: Exodus 33:12-23 / Psalm 99 / 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 / Matthew 22:15-22 Sermon: “Living into the Fullness of God” Pentecost 23 (Green) Scriptures: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 / Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 / 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 / Matthew 22:34-46 Sermon: “Love the Lord with All that You Are”
CABLE TV Worship Times (Wells service)
Every Monday: 11am & 6pm – Bevcomm Ch 7 Every Tuesday: 8:00 pm – Bevcomm Ch 7
ON-LINE VIEWING – Find a direct link on the “Ministries”
page of www.wellsumc.net; or go to www.bevcomm.net and hover over Bevcomm TV and then select On Demand Video. 4
Awesome Adults Octoberfest
Beck Russell Koerner Born August 26, 2017 8 lbs. 1 oz. Son of Lindsay & David Koerner of Denver, CO. Grandparents are Larry & Nancy Hummer.
12:00 pm, Thursday, October 12 Everyone is invited to join the Awesome Adults as they celebrate October at the monthly pot-luck dinner in the Fellowship Hall of the Wells Campus! A special treat after the meal will be entertainment by Connie and Friends. Connie accompanies her Friends on the piano as they sing a mixture of sacred and secular songs. Thanks to your donations, we are able to bring in entertainment from time to time for your enjoyment. So, load the car up come on over for a good meal, music and fellowship!
Asher James Hagen Born May 26, 2017 Baptized September 17 2017 Son of Andy & Amanda Hagen, grandson of Bob & Jan Ostrowski of this congregation. Gerald Frederick Born March 19, 1936 Died September 29, 2017, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Funeral October 3, 2017. Interment will be at Rosehill Cemetery at a later date. Dorothy Miller Balder (94) Died July 8, 2017, in Mason City, IA. Word was received at the church office of the death of Dorothy from her daughters, Dianne Stoltenberg and Joan Crenshaw. They wrote saying that their parents, Cliff & Dorothy Miller farmed south of Wells from 19511955. During that time, the Wells Methodist church was an important part of their lives and their social life revolved around the Methodist Couples Club. A $1000 memorial was given in Dorothy’s name. A full obituary, photos, and the daughter’s letter are posted on the Wells Campus bulletin board.
Diaper Mission Work Day Tuesday, October 10, 2:00-5:30 pm Meet in the lower level of the Clothes Closet. Come and go as you are able.
2018 Budget Planning A reminder to all ministry areas and teams that your funding requests for the 2018 ministry year need to be submitted into the church office by October 15 so a preliminary budget can be put together by the first part of November. This is important as it will need to be part of our Church Conference business which happens on Saturday, November 18 at Redwood Falls UMC. Budgeting forms can be picked up in the church office. Thank you.
Thank You
to the two individuals who directed their Choice Dollars through Thrivent Choice to our church last summer. $168 has been received! It’s so simple! If you are a Thrivent customer, go online and indicate Wells United Methodist Church as the nonprofit you would like your Choice Dollars to be directed to. Or call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” after the prompt.
Caramel Apple Sale Sunday, October 10 After worship. This is a fundraiser for the mission activities of Open Doors UMC. 5
The Walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation like no other. Basically, it is a three-day short course in Christianity, with relationship building, introspection, prayer, laughs and tears, and a few surprises. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers. The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip the local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, communities and places of work – to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled lives to be lived and shared with others. Now is the time to register! The Walk to Emmaus begins with the pr ayer ful invitation from someone who has previously gone on a walk who becomes your sponsor. If you would like to go, we have several in our congregation who are ready to be your sponsor! The Women’s Walk is getting filled up, so hurry! There’s lots of room left on the Men’s Walk, but those reservations must be in by October 26. If you have a desire to attend or to find out more of what goes on during and after a Walk to Emmaus weekend, talk to Pastor Paul or anyone else who has been on a “Walk” – Jan Johanson, Diane Viesselman, Sarah Hankerson, Becky Woolverton, Sandy Youngblom, Cari Stenzel, Wendy Nickel, or Deb Lackey; or go to www.mnemmaus.org. The dates for the next Walks are: Men’s Walk: Thursday night, Nov. 9 thru Sunday afternoon, Nov. 12 Women’s Walk: Thursday night, Nov. 16 thru Sunday afternoon, Nov. 19 Both are held at Good Council in Mankato, the first time for the Walks to be held so close to home. The next ones will be at Koronis April 19-22, 2018, for the men and April 26-29 for the women.
Dinners for 6 (D46) UP AND RUNNING! We had our chur ch-wide potluck on September 17 at the Wells site. Great food was shared, and everyone had a fun time playing games! GROUPS OF 6 HAVE BEEN FORMED! Small gr oups of 6 have been for med and now need to make plans among each other regarding who will be the first “host” in the group, where and when your group will meet, what the others in the group should bring, agree on what your group will be doing for the socializing/fun part of the evening. When you meet, be sure to decide who will be the host next time, along with where and when to meet. This happens each time your group meets. The groups will meet once a month during October, November, and December. REMEMBER—Dinners for Six is a fellowship program that helps create a climate of Christian love and acceptance within our church, especially for new folks, by organizing a monthly fellowship event. The goal is to strengthen relationships within our church by helping people get acquainted with each other in a short time. Another goal is to have fun! The only purpose of each gathering will be to have a good time and get to know one another. Each group sets their own menu, date & time to meet. (Continued on next page.) 6
Dinners for 6 (continued from page 6)
A REMINDER OF WHO BRINGS WHAT? At each dinner : the host (the initial two people) prepares the main dish; the second two people the salad & vegetable; the third two people the appetizer & dessert. As the place of the dinner rotates, each group of two will prepare different foods. The dinners usually take place in homes; each group of two will take a turn to host. Six is not too many to get around a typical dinner table.
All District Church Conference Sunday, November 18, 2017 at Redwood Falls UMC
Our District Superintendent, Rev. Fred Vanderwerf, is inviting all the churches in his district (Southern Prairie) to what he hopes will be an exciting experience for all churches and their leadership. We will be having one district-wide church conference this fall – as opposed to cluster conferences or at your local church. The business and worship will happen from 1 to 3 pm. All clergy and a minimum of five of the lay leadership of each church should expect to make the trek. Because of this format we will need all the necessary Church Conference forms completed before this conference. We will vote on all materials in one fell swoop – so we are asked to have any debates resolved before coming to the church conference as there will not be time to debate one specific church’s matters on the floor. He wants us to know that this event is less about business and more about worship. In addition, from 10:30am to noon there will be three pre-conference workshops. Lunch will be offered for those interested. With all of these logistical pieces we will need everyone to register prior to the date of the conference. More details will follow as available. Schedule for the day is as follows: 10:00 am Coffee 10:30 am-12 pm Workshops 12:00-12:45 pm Box Lunch 1-3 pm Worship with Church Conference business God is on the move! What a joy to see the excitement and energy that the children are bringing to Pioneer Clubs this year! We have more than DOUBLED the number of participants from last year – 37 in total! They didn’t all fit on the town bus, so USC is providing us our own bus on Wednesdays! During a nature hike last week, Pathfinders Join us on Wednesdays to lend a hand in the classroom are collecting bugs to observe in their insect or come for supper and meet the kids and their families! viewers they made. 7
Sanctuary Upgrade The Wells campus has been blessed to have received a generous gift in memory of a loved one from our congregation. The memorial money will be used to purchase new modular cushioned pews to replace the wooden pews, several of which are showing their wear and need to be bolted together. The pews will be wooden with an upholstered seat and back. Modular means that they come in shorter sections that can be connected to each other and can be reconfigured into different arrangements if ever needed or desired. One 10-person pew would be made up of two 3-seat and two 2-seat sections. But in the style we’re getting, there is no uncomfortable crack between sections, just a smooth-looking comfortable seat. The pew backs will be padded also. Hope UMC in Blue Earth has the same type of modular pew. With new modular pews, we have the opportunity to replace the sanctuary carpet as well. The church trustees have been working on this to secure a bid and have ordered carpeting that matches the carpet tiles in the entryway. The carpet tiles will cover the entire sanctuary floor, while a coordinating solid color will be used for the chancel area. After the carpet and modular pews have been installed, the sanctuary walls will get a fresh coat of paint. This big project will take place over several weeks. We will make plans for beginning when we have a firm delivery date, 9-10 weeks down the road.
Getting As we begin preparing for some significant changes in the sanctuary at the Ready Wells campus, we wanted to let everyone know about some important details: for our All existing pews will need to be removed. Anyone who would like to have a pew is welcome to make their claim anytime between now and Sanctuary the time we will be moving them out. There is no set price, because we Upgrade
really want them to have a place to go if possible. Some are not in the best shape as they’re being held together with hardware or glue. They are able to be shortened, but that will be your responsibility if you want a pew. Let the office know if you want one, and which one you want, and it will be identified for you when it’s time to have them moved. Thanks. When it is time to prepare the space to receive the pews (a couple weeks in advance), we will need helpers to unbolt the current pews and carry them out to be taken to wherever we’ve identified as their retirement place. Then, we’ll need helpers to help take up the carpeting and carry it out to be taken to its final resting place. When the new modular pews arrive, the installers will need about 3-4 helpers from our church to assist them with placement and such. Please consider if you’d be willing and able to assist in this project and let the office know. We will notify you as the time approaches accordingly. Thank you. 8
9 Hebrews 4:16
30 Sharon Parriott
Ephesians 6:10
Matthew 20:28
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Anne Feist Will Petersen
John 4:24
Don Frederick Steven Miller
God, create pure hearts and renew steadfast spirits within our pastors.
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God, reveal new ways our pastors can bring hope to a hurting world.
Ephesians 6:14-17
Philippians 4:7
Philippians 4:13
God, remind our pastors they can do all things through Christ.
2 Timothy 4:2
Philippians 4:8
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Jen Krosschell Ali Ramsley
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Ephesians 6:19
Sharon Miller Joel Thisius Kylin Cords
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Psalm 23:3-6
1 Thessalonians 5:12
Dear Brothers and Sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work, They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.
Galatians 5:22-23
1 Timothy 2:1-2
God, raise up prayer teams who will pray for our pastors.
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Sat
God, may good- 14 God, give our ness and mercy pastors insight to follow our pastors make known the Gospel whenever they speak.
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James 1:12
Layna Bathke
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Fri
God, fill our 26 27 God, guard our pastors with love, pastors hearts with joy, peace, patience, Anita Petersen your peace. Claire kindness, faithfulChristianson ness. Johnathan Bathke
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God, draw our pastors near to the throne of grace.
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2 Timothy 4:7-8
2 Timothy 4:5
Psalm 25:9
Isaiah 40:31
Cheryl Minse Hayley Wedin
Andrew Mersman Kim Meyer
Brenda Wittmer
Caryn Mithun Jeremy Schuster
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God, help our pastors be instruments of healing in our churches.
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Matthew 7:33
Proverbs 3:5
Proverbs 4:20-27
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1 Timothy 4:12
Jeremiah 29:11
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1 Samuel 25:6 God, enable our 12 pastors to trust you Merlin Schuster and lean not on their own understanding.
Psalm 91:1-2
1 Timothy 5:17
Ephesians 3:8
God, we pray for 5 the spiritual, emotional, and physical Betty Olson well-being of our pastor.
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Thu
God, give our 10 pastors wisdom and Ryder Anderson courage to speak Juliet Bachelder truth. Luke Miller
Sherry Asmus Renae Sundberg John Steckelberg
Martin Healey
JoAnn Stensrud
Wed
Aurora Blank
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Tue
Mon
Sun
BIRTHDAY AND PRAYER CALENDAR
OCTOBER 2017
W =Wells Campus; K =Kiester Campus; All other events at10 Wells Campus unless designated otherwise.
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Sandy Youngblom Youth & Family Ministries
[email protected] 507-525-2401
OCTOBER NEWS Thrive Youth – Wednesdays 6:15-8:00 pm
Thrive youth group for grades 7-12 will meet at 6:15-8:00 pm on Wednesdays. There will not be class on Wednesday, Oct. 18, because of the football game and MEA weekend. Hayride and Bonfire – Saturday, Oct. 14, 5:00 pm There will be a hayride and bonfire at Bill and Linda Kalis’ farm (51400 170th St., Wells) on Saturday, October 14.We will be serving taco in a bag and hot chocolate at 5:00 pm, with the hayride to follow. Dress warm, bring a snack to share. Friends are welcome to come!!! If you need a ride, I will be leaving from church at 4:20 pm. Call if you need a ride. Parents are encouraged to stay and have fun along with the youth!! Gourmet Caramel Apple Sale – Sunday, October 8 The Jamaica team will be selling their delicious gourmet caramel apples on Sunday, October 8. The cost is $4 or $5 a piece. Jamaica team members should meet at the church kitchen at 8:00 am on Saturday, October 7, to make the caramel apples. Parent Chat – Sunday, October 15 Calling all parents and young adults, we will be having our monthly Parent Chat meeting on Sunday, October 15, after church. Bring your coffee into the library. We will be putting finishing touches on the Trunk or Treat event! We’ll share news and ideas. See you there. Mission Kids – Tuesday, October 17 Mission Kids will meet on Tuesday, October 17. We will be making some Random Acts of Kindness bags and sewing some tote bags for Operation Christmas Child boxes. Come right after school 1st–12th graders. There will be a snack for you and we will be done at 5:00 pm. Trunk or Treat – Saturday, October 28, 5:00 pm We are doing a fun night for all families on Saturday, October 28, from 5-7:30 in Wells. Adults or families have fun decorating their car or van trunks for Halloween, dress up, and hand out Halloween candy to kids that go trunk to trunk. The road in front of the church will be blocked off during that time, so we can park our vehicles on the street and the kids can come and trunk or treat in safety. It is a lot of fun for all. Inside the church will be a hot meal, games, and pumpkin carving. Fun for all ages!!! Thank You I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped with the children’s part of Rally Day, prepared snack, was in charge of the bouncy house, helped with the craft, played games, did bubbles and sidewalk chalk! Thanks for having fun with the kids and making the day special for them!! ~ Sandy 12
Christmas Program Practice for the 1st through 6th grade Christmas program will begin this Sunday, October 1, and continue each Sunday through December 3. There are only ten weeks to practice the music and drama (less time than in previous years), so it is very important that each child is present these Sunday mornings. Pre-school & kindergarteners will begin learning their pieces in November. The program will be presented on Sunday, December 10 at the 9:00 am worship service. The one and only practice in the sanctuary with scenery and props will be Friday, December 8 at 3:30. Mar k your calendar s and save the date!
Wanted: We are in need of pumpkins for carving at the Trunk or Treat night. Does anyone have any extra ones in their garden we could have? Contact Sandy Youngblom at 507-525-2401. Thanks!
Looking for Fabric Donations The Mission Kids and adult sewers are making busy bags to put in Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. We are in need of light-weight corduroy, flannel, or light-weight denim. If you would like to donate some material, you can put it in the OCC tub in the hallway by the offices. Thank you so much! ~ Sandy
Thank You for the Kindness To the members of Open Doors UMC: What a pleasant surprise I had one day last week when I found a bag of goodies on my car. I’ve truly enjoyed them and the special thought that came with them. Am trying to remember to pass on an act of kindness each day to others – we need to pass it on. God bless all of you – Myrna Sorenson, Kiester Myrna received a RAK bag (Random Act of Kindness), that our youth assembled and distributed around Kiester on a day in August. She has the right idea. The hopes and dreams of RAK bags are that it will start a ripple effect of kindness to others. Do a RAK to someone today!
____________________________________________ A men’s ministry reaching out to all men.
October 21 7:30 am At Kee Kafe A hearty breakfast, devotions, prayer, comradery
Ruby’s Pantry
Saturday, October 7, 10:00-11:30 am $20 cash donation for 2 baskets of food (bring your own baskets) No income or residency requirements. Albert Lea Assembly of God 1540 S. Shore Drive, Albert Lea Call 373-7989 for more information. Upcoming dates: November 4, December 2 ____________________________________________ 13
Pack your box for
Operation Christmas Child What is Operation Christmas Child? The Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child collects shoebox gifts—filled with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items—and delivers them to children in need around the world to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, has collected and delivered more than 146 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 160 countries and territories. In 2017, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach another 12 million children in countries like Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda and Ukraine. Process: Anyone can pack a shoebox. J ust fill an empty shoebox with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys, such as dolls or soccer balls. Learn how to pack a shoebox, and view gift suggestions, at samaritanspurse.org/occ. items Do Not Include candy; toothpaste; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; seeds; chocolate or food; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable, such as snow globes or glass containers; or aerosol cans. Par ticipants can donate $9 per shoebox gift online through Follow Your Box and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Shoebox gifts are prepared for overseas shipment at eight major processing centers across the U.S.— Minneapolis is one of the eight. Scope: Shoebox gifts ar e collected in the U.S., Canada, and nine other countr ies. Nearly 500,000 volunteers worldwide are involved in collecting, shipping and distributing shoebox gifts. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse headed by Franklin Graham. Samaritan’s Purse currently works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine. Eternal Impact: Deliver ed into the hands of childr en thr ough local chur ches, every shoebox gift is an opportunity to share about Jesus Christ and God’s love. Since 2010, more than 11 million children who have received a shoebox gift have participatOperation Christmas Child ed in The Greatest Journey—a 12-lesson Packing Party discipleship program. Children learn from Over the last several months we have trained, local volunteers what it means to been collecting for OCC. and the Vacafollow Jesus and share their faith with tion Bible School kids brought in donafriends and family. tions, too. We are getting together after Open Doors UMC will be collecting Sunday School on October 22 to pack the the filled shoeboxes and delivering them to boxes with the items we have collected. the regional drop-off location at Hilltop We still need some WOW gifts. UMC in Mankato. Please have them to The whole church family and friends church by November 19. The box labels and are invited to help back boxes on Sunan example of a filled shoebox will be in the day, October 22 right after Sunday narthex on a table. If you have questions, School. Come and have lunch and let’s you can ask Sandy Youngblom. Thanks for have a party packing the boxes!! donating so a child can know the love of Christ and hear the Gospel! 14
WEDNESDAY “GROW” GROUPS
Opportunities for Discipleship Growth
ENCOUNTER THE SPIRIT / LIVE EXPECTANTLY (Acts 2 GROW Group) Led by Pastor Paul – Beginning October 4, 2017 Kiester – 3:45-4:45 pm – Basement Fellowship Area (Supper at the Wells site – 5:00-6:15 pm everyone is invited!) Wells – 5:45-6:45 pm – Hospitality Room The theme of our Annual Conference session this past June was: “Encounter the Spirit / Live Expectantly!” This was one of the most engaging and exciting themes I’ve experienced in several years! “Being an Acts 2 Church” was the thread that tied together everything we did, everything we discussed, and everything we are challenged to at Annual Conference! - Bishop Ough’s Episcopal address – “Acts 2 Congregations: Live Expectantly” - Teaching Sessions with Rev. Junius B. Dotson, General Secretary, Discipleship Ministries - “Remembering Your Why” - 4 different TED-style talks – - Failure - Discipleship Today - Bendiciones (Blessings) - Pulling on Loose Threads In addition, there were living examples shown in videos – - Forward in Faith at Hilltop UMC - Momentum at Minnetonka UMC We will be exploring the Acts 2 Church from our bibles as well as from the video clips of the above presentations from Annual Conference. Let’s explore ways we can put our faith into action in exciting ways! You won’t want to miss this opportunity!
Sunday Bible Studies Kiester Campus: 9:30 am “The Mayberry Bible Study” Wells Campus: 11:00 am “The Beverly Hillbillies Bible Study”
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Rally Day Celebration A HUGE thank you to all who contributed the products of their time, talent, gardens, and creative thinking to the Country Store. We had an amazing assortment of items for sale, confirming that everyone can be a part of the fun. Also, we had many people who stepped up to help in the kitchen, in setting up and pricing the items for sale, and all those who helped with sales in the store. None of the fun and excitement, not to mention the money that came in, would have been possible without all that everyone contributed, and all that everyone bought. The whole weekend was exciting, with the store opening on Saturday for the first time. The people who took advantage of this sale day were largely from the community, and it was good to see them come to check things out. Karen Stenzel prepared a terrific lunch, if only there hadn’t been so many leftovers. (Some changes are being considered for next year.) Sunday was the big day of celebrating. Worship started the day with the focus on our Lord, Jesus Christ. When worship was over, the kids had a terrific time playing in the bounce house, and with sidewalk chalk, games, craft and snacks. They were well looked after by a team of adults who kept everything fair and organized. Everyone came in smiling as they picked up a delicious lunch of Sally Musser’s meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn, with pumpkin bars for dessert. Thanks to Ben Jr. and Sally for sharing your time and talents in the kitchen. The planning team had set three goals for Rally Weekend and we’re happy to say all three goals were met: 1. Create a space for people to share their talents; 2. Arouse excitement for fall ministry start-ups in a celebration atmosphere; and 3. Raise $1500 for Reach•Renew•Rejoice. A total of $3,604 was raised after expenses were paid. We not only are able to fulfill our year’s commitment for Reach•Renew•Rejoice, but can put $2,104 toward our apportionments. Rally Weekend, including all the parts, was a high-energy day, celebrating who we are and all that we have to look forward to in the new year as Sunday School, groups, choirs, etc. begin their schedules for the fall. 16
Wells—The Open Doors United Methodist Women Wells campus will meet on Wednesday, October 4, in the Hospitality Room behind the sanctuary. Fellowship time is 1:30 pm with lesson and business meeting to follow at 2 pm. Ruth Roesler will lead us in our Pledge to Mission Service. The lesson is based on Matthew 25:35,36. Jesus is teaching the people and in verse 35 Jesus says, “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” Jesus continues in verse 36 and says, “I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” In 2015 United Methodist Women raised $13 million for mission with women, children and youth around the world. Thanks be to God! Be on the look out! The new books have been ordered! In the meantime, the Reading Program reports will be due December 1. Finish your list and turn in to JoEtta. And remember, our library is full of good books to read and ponder. And don’t forget those study guides from previous classes we have had here at Wells. Always good for thought provoking ideas. District/Conference UMW—Conference United Methodist Women Annual Gathering is October 7 at Vineyard UMC in Hutchinson. Guest speaker will be Bishop Bruce Ough sharing information about “A Way Forward” a special commission looking at the challenges the UMC faces on LBGTQ as well as other cultural differences. JoEtta Doolittle and Wendy Nickle will be attending. Ask them for a recap.
Save the Date!
Cookie Sale Saturday, December 2 Open Doors UMC, Kiester Campus
Tuesdays – 7:00am – Kee Kafé Starting on Tuesday, October 3 – 7:00-8:00 am at the Kee Kafé in Kiester – we will be sharing breakfast and God’s Word together. This is open to everyone who wishes to attend, not just those from Open Doors UMC. Invite friends and neighbors. A great way to start your day! 17
How You Can Help with Hurricane Relief Efforts 1. Open Doors–Kiester Campus is taking a “Noisy Offering” through October 15. The goal is to collect enough for three flood bucket kits. 2. Donate money for UMCOR: US Disaster Response Advance # 901440. 100% of all funds are used directly for disaster relief. Checks should be made out to Open Doors UMC. 3. Donate items for a truck shipment to Houston, TX, leaving Wells on October 7. The 53’ trailer and fuel are being donated by Dart Transit and Nick Dallman will be driving it to Lakewood Church in Houston. Drop-off locations are Legion Post 454 in Kiester, the Courier-Sentinel office in Wells (rear door of Magnuson Chiropractic office building), or call GeDee Feist at 507-383-7392. Items being requested are: General Needs: Sheet r ock, totes & stor age tubs, bottled water , soda pop, bug spr ay, tar ps, coolers, 5-gallon buckets, box fans, extension cords, contractor trash bags, diapers, baby wipes, formula, hygiene products, feminine products, pillows, pet supplies. Cleaning Supplies: Lysol, bleach, Clorox wipes, toilet wands, mud-out supplies, scrub brushes, push brooms, mops. Tools: Backpack spr ayer s, scoop shovels, flat shovels, har d r akes, squeegees, power tools, cr owbars, hammers, ladders, 5-lb & 8-lb sledge hammers, 52-pc tool kits, tile scrapers, pinch bars, wheelbarrows, hand trucks/dollies, halogen work lights. Misc.: Rubber gloves, latex-free rubber gloves, safety glasses, N95 masks, Tyvek suits, work gloves. Please NO clothing.
APPORTIONMENTS
Church Leadership Meeting Minutes
The minutes of the church leadership meetings are published in the OneWay. They will be subject to approval at the next month’s meeting. Meeting packets of Open Doors UMC are located at the back of the sanctuary (W&K) and are available for taking.
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Ministry Council Minutes – September 11, 2017, 6:30 pm
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Members Present: Karen Stenzel, Jan Johanson, Sarah Hankerson, Deb Lackey, Sandy Youngblom, Sherry Asmus, Diane Viesselman, Pastor Paul Woolverton. Karen Stenzel opened with devotions “The Life of a Leaf.” Minutes: M2P Sandy/Diane to appr ove the August 7, 2017, minutes as written. The recent events were evaluated. –Kernel Day church food booth: Star t ear lier in year to plan. K.D. attendance in general was down, as was evident in the youth food booth and along the parade route. Goal was met – we had a presence. Float was full, music and banners good. Discussed how to get “in-charge” people. Try to use team approach and start talking in April. –Country Store: Goals wer e met. Pr ovided space for people to shar e their talents; $1500 was raised for Reach-Rejoice-Renew; and there (Continued on page 19)
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Thank You!
Leadership Meeting Minutes (continued from page 18) definitely was a celebration atmosphere. Saturday attendance was low though, but they were mostly community people, so that was good. Suggestions for next time: Open earlier on Saturday and serve coffee & rolls, not lunch. Have some sort of outdoor welcome sign, balloons. –Rally Day: Suggestions: change the date and delay Sunday School til the four th Sunday; do blessing of backpacks. Sunday School: Fir st day is Sept. 17. Adult classes will star t on Sept. 24, using TV show bible studies. Teaching staff is ok for elementary. No teacher yet for Jr. Hi. Possibly invite them to attend the adult class. GROW Groups: Pastor Paul will lead “Being an Acts 2 Church,” using material he got at Annual Conference. Two classes will be held on Wednesdays beginning October 3, 3:45-4:45 in Kiester and again in Wells 5:45-6:45. Dinners For 6: Plans for the fir st All Chur ch Family Night Pot-Luck will be dinner, explanation of D46, and play table games. Reese Druckenmiller, coordinator, will then take all those that turned in sign-up forms and make up the groups of six. Flat Screen for Kiester: Discussed getting a flat scr een Smar t TV for Kiester wor ship-related things and study group visuals. One similar to what Wells has in the Hospitality Room that has a computer with it. Sherry motioned and Sandy seconded that a recommendation be made to the trustees to purchase a flat screen TV for the Kiester building with funds from Kiester’s Parsonage Fund. Passed. Trunk or Treat: Sandy will be doing Tr unk or Tr eat this year . Will ask City if we can block the street off. Tentative date is Saturday, Oct. 28. Emmaus: Pastor Paul will be gone Sunday Sept. 24. We will have a speaker on Walk to Emmaus. Pastor Paul will be the music director at the Men’s Walk Nov. 9-12. On Nov. 12, Gordon & Ardell Graner will be here and will lead worship in Wells & Kiester in Pastor Paul’s absence. 12/24: Christmas Eve is Sunday this year. A normal year would have 3 evening services, 4:00, 5:30 & 7:00, but having 5 services would be insane. Pastor is thinking about possibly designing the 9:00 am more like the usual 7:00 pm service. The choir is looking at a “lessons & carols” cantata which would be presented at 9am. We discussed ideas for Christmas Eve evening services and how to cut back. Nov. 18 will be district-wide Church Conference at Redwood Falls, as opposed to “cluster conferences” of the past. Clergy and a minimum of 5 lay people should attend. This will be less about business and more about worship. Morning will have workshops and afternoon will have the conference/worship. More details coming mid-Sept. “A Way Forward” Oct. 24, 6:30-8:30 in Mankato. Bishop Ough wants to meet with local leadership about how to stay a united UMC with all the homosexuality issues. He’s looking for local church input. Contact Pastor Paul and he can register you. Next meeting: Monday, October 12, 6:30 pm. Pastor closed with prayer. Adjourned at 8:08 pm. Recorded by: Sarah Hankerson
Administrative Council:
In September, the Finance and Trustee teams met individually to work on current projects and business for their areas. The Administrative Council will schedule a spur of the moment meeting in October as weather and harvest allows. 19
OPEN DOORS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
OCTOBER 2017
In this issue:
WELLS CAMPUS: (Central Office) 595 1st Ave SW, Wells, MN 56097 Office Phone: 507-553-5453 Fax: 507-553-6370 E-mail:
[email protected] Web Site: opendoorsumc.org Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m. / Coffee Fellowship 8:30 & 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. (Sept-May) KIESTER CAMPUS: 116 North 3rd St., PO Box 369, Kiester, MN 56051 Phone: 507-294-3300 Sunday School 9:30-10:15 a.m. (Sept-May) Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. / Coffee Fellowship 9:45 a.m. STAFF Ministers ......................................... People of the Congregation Pastor ...................................................... Rev. Paul Woolverton Office Manager ............................................... Sarah Hankerson Music Ministries Coordinator ................................ Jan Johanson Youth & Family Ministries Coordinator. ......... Sandy Youngblom Custodians ............. LaMar Johnson (Wells); Priscilla Holst (Kiester)
OPEN DOORS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Central Office 595 1ST AVE SW WELLS MN 56097
Volunteer Schedule / Trunk or Treat.............. 2 Pastor’s Message ....................................... 2-4 Worship Calendar / Confirmation ................. 4 Bits & Pieces................................................. 5 Walk to Emmaus / Dinners for 6 .................. 6 All District Church Conf. / Pioneer Clubs ....... 7 Sanctuary Upgrade ....................................... 8 October Prayer Calendar .............................. 9 October Events Calendar......................... 10-11 Youth News ................................................ 12 Christmas Program...................................... 13 Operation Christmas Child ...........................14 GROW Groups / Sunday Bible Studies .......... 15 Rally Day Celebration .................................. 16 UMW News / Men’s Bible Breakfast ............. 17 Hurricane Relief Efforts ...............................18 Leadership Meeting Minutes ....................18-19
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PERMIT #15 U.S. POSTAGE PAID WELLS, MINNESOTA 56097-1397
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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