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Pastor's Corner

DO YOU KNOW THE POWER?

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 1:1-5 (NLT

So, Easter is over. Now what? This is where the history of the church and the ‘church year’ come into play. They continually help remind us of what comes next. It goes something like this:

• April 24, 2011 – Easter
• June 2, 2011 (Thursday) – Ascension of the Lord
• June 12, 2011 – Pentecost

40 days after Easter is always the celebration of Christ’s ascension into heaven (Acts 1:6-11). Here, Jesus’ disciples were still thinking that he was going to be some kind of a military or political king who would rule the world! It was as if he had to fight to get their attention to let them know something very important (as they still hadn’t a clue). Here’s what he had to tell them (Acts 1:7-8, NLT):

“He replied, ‘The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”

After saying this, Jesus was immediately taken up into heaven (ascension). And then two angels (kind of like the two that showed up at the empty tomb early on Easter morning) had to remind the disciples of what was happening here…

50 days after Easter is always the celebration of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13). This is what Jesus had told them to wait for (Acts 1:4-5, NLT). “Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, ‘Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit’”—two different baptisms being mentioned here.

On May 1, we have a baptism at the Dodgeville UMC. This will be the baptism of John—an infant baptism with the sprinkling of water. Since Pentecost is next month, I’ll be taking the time in our summer newsletter (June) to talk about this second baptism that Jesus speaks of. Have you received this gift? Do you know the power in your life to love others as Jesus would—even those who may be ‘unlovable?’ It’s this power of love that we’ll focus on next month. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on this very important teaching. It will make all the difference in the world to the future of the Church … and Jesus knew that!

See you in the house of worship,

Pastor Rom
 

INITIATION STATION

THE NEED FOR CHANGE IN THE AREA OF MEMBERSHIP
by Pastor Rom

Gail Sheehy, the American author and writer (b. 1937), was on to something when she said about human beings in general, “If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we are not really living.” Since the Church is a living, breathing organism (as opposed to an institution) the same could be said for the Church. If we don’t change, we won’t grow. And, if we’re not growing, we’re not really alive. Charles Wesley had already said as much in his own way back in 1749 when he wrote the words to the hymn, “And Are We Yet Alive.” The third and fourth stanzas are telling:

What troubles have we seen, what mighty conflicts past, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last!

Yet out of all the Lord hath brought us by his love; and still he doth his help afford, and hides our life above.

Charles Wesley could have been describing any number of Annual Conferences today, including the Wisconsin Annual Conference. And, as he so wonderfully states, it is by God’s grace that the Church was still there in his day. But, Wesley also knew that it was only by God’s grace that the Church would remain healthy … and what is healthy grows. He might also be one who would tell us today, very much like Bishop Wilke in his book with a similar title—And Are We Yet Alive, that if we don’t make some changes in the way that we make disciples—allowing God to lead our preparatory process for membership in the United Methodist Church, tomorrow may be a day we someday will not see. The answer to the question of the hymn and the book may be … ‘No!’

Perhaps some may feel like Fred Norwood did in 1958 (the year this author was born!). As he states in the introduction to his book on membership, “…we are startled to observe the strong contrast between the Wesley discipline of old and the Methodist discipline of these our days. We are particularly interested in the changes in the terms of church membership.” What is amazing is that this could be a contemporary statement of the 21st century as well! He goes on to claim this about our Wesleyan heritage: “…for Methodists the regulation of discipline and standard for church membership are based on central doctrinal interpretations of our Christian faith.” Yet, this is not what many are observing in the area of membership today, even from those of us called ‘Methodists.’

Generally, change takes place in the church as we begin to realize that methods used to achieve our purposes of making disciples for Christ for the past generation are no longer effective in working with the current generation. Or, change takes place when we realize that God’s purpose for the Church—to make disciples for Christ—has not changed, but
the Church’s purpose—shaped now by the culture around us—has changed over the years. In other words, are we on target with God’s vision for the Church and are we relevant to the current generation? Erwin McManus helps explain it in this way:

To become relevant is to catch up with the time in history you were intended to serve. Relevance is not about conformity; it is about clarity and connectedness. … Relevance is not about having everyone agree with you. It is about speaking the truth of Christ honestly and credibly into a person’s life. When we speak relevantly to the world we live in, there is a resonance of reality and authenticity. … It is waking up to the realization that the church isn’t here for we who believe, but rather that we in fact are the church, and we are here for a world drowning in disbelief.

So, are we relevant today? Does our process of preparation for membership hit home with those we are teaching and preparing to officially connect with the Body of Christ? Where do we see the need for change in the area of membership today?

Let’s begin the discussion here: As an active pastor, I cannot remember the last time that I was a part of a confirmation class and found the experience absolutely satisfying—everyone there for the right reasons and everyone participating as if their life depended on it … including the parents. How many times have you worked with a young person of confirmation age and you, without even having to ask, knew that the reason they were in the class was because their parents made them—a parental dictum had been issued? And, for many of those parents who directed their child to be in confirmation, it is not because they have a heartfelt commitment to what is being taught or the spiritual foundation being laid. Too often it is simply because … that is what is supposed to happen when their child reaches this age—nothing more. With that reality in mind, let me ask this: shouldn’t the confirming of our baptismal vows along with connecting to the Church in an official way mean more—be clearer—to both parties? And, shouldn’t what we are doing—by way of preparation for confirming baptismal vows and entry into membership in the Church—have more to do with transformation of both the student and the parents … than simply information given them? Because this process of preparation involves both, when dealing with our youth, we need to rethink how we approach this process of initiation. And that’s exactly what we are in the process of doing at the Dodgeville UMC. Following are some areas of change that need to be taken seriously if we are to be healthy congregations in the future:

1. Developing a clear definition of membership
2. Moving toward a more deliberate time of preparation for membership
3. Learning, once again, how to grow (transformation) through community
4. Encouraging loving accountability within the Body

This discussion of ‘change’ in the area of membership will continue next month…
___________________________

1 Anthony Robbins, American Advisor to Leaders quoted at ThinkExist.com.

2 The United Methodist Hymnal (Nashville: The United Methodist Publishing House, 1989), 553.

3 Frederick A. Norwood, Church Membership in the Methodist Tradition (Nashville: Methodist Publishing House, 1958), 11.

4 Ibid, 15.

5 Leonard Sweet, Gen. Ed., The Church in Emerging Culture: Five Perspectives (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003), 240-241.
 

Church Family News

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER OBSERVANCE

We will again be observing the National Day of Prayer – this year on Thursday, May 5. Our church doors and sanctuary will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is an opportunity to join with Christians across our nation in prayer for our country, our government, our churches & future. We are again reminded of 2 Chronicles 7:14 –

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves & pray, & seek my face, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins & heal their land”.

This suggests that we have not only a privilege & a promise, but also, as God’s people, a responsibility. Please take time to stop in and pray – or take a moment to pray for our nation, wherever you are. The theme of the National Day of Prayer this year is “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”.

Please dwell on this phrase and proclamation as we approach & observe this year’s National Day of Prayer.
In previous years we have had a sign-up sheet for individuals to commit to a half-hour of prayer in our sanctuary – the purpose being that we have the whole day from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. covered in prayer by someone but wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had the whole sanctuary full pf praying Christians all day long?

Just imagine what the result might be!

Pastor Charlene
 

VISITATION MINISTRY

To learn more about how you can get involved in the visitation ministry, mark your calendar for Wed May 18 - 6:30 pm for Reorganization & Revitalization of the Visitation Ministry & introduction of the book Study - "Christian Care giving - A Way of Life" See you there! -Pastor Charlene

THANK YOUS

Bonnie and I would like to thank everyone for their cards, prayers, and kindness during our ups and downs in recent months. It is so wonderful to know that people care. May God bless our church for all the ways it shows concern for its members.  Sincerely, Edgar Buckingham

Thank you so much for remembering us at my father’s passing. How comforting to see a palm plant from the Praise Band at the funeral home! A nice touch so close to Easter.  Family, friends, community, and church were all important values in Dad’s life, and he enjoyed serving all. He was a great father and role model. Your thoughtful gift was most appreciated! Very sincerely, -Robin Masters and Family

Thank you for letting our Relay for Life team use your church for our scrapbooking fundraiser day. We raised over $250 that day for the American Cancer Society. Thank you!

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!!

As the school year winds down, we think of graduation. We know there are proud parents anticipating the day when their child will walk proudly in cap and gown to receive that special diploma or degree. We are privileged to share in the joy of this wonderful occasion with several of our own church families.
On Sunday, May 22, we will be recognizing the following students, as they prepare to graduate:

• Doreen Dochnahl – Dodgeville High School
• Adam Gullickson – Dodgeville High School
• Alex Ray – Dodgeville High School
• Beau Smith - Dodgeville High School
• Avery Pustina – Dodgeville High School
• Alex Pustina – University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
• Allie Crowe – University of Wisconsin, Platteville
• Matthew Edwards – University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse
• Remington Huxtable – Edgewood College

Please plan to attend and invite family and friends, as we say congratulations and wish them well on a new and exciting chapter beginning in their lives.
 

LIVE IT!

"I believe it, but how do I live it?" Christianity is more than a set of beliefs; it is a way of life. If our beliefs do not affect our living, what good are they? So, how do we live what we believe?

DUMC is offering a new course that will address that question and help you find some answers, using the book Christian Caregiving - a Way of Life by Kenneth Haugk as our study tool. Dr. Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist, is the founder of the Stephen Series system of lay caring ministry.

The class will be taught by Gail Ray. Each session will be a combination of lecture, discussion, and practice of caring skills. The 20 topics to be covered will include such areas as:

• God, You and Me
• Why Care?
• Touching Spiritual Depths
• Servanthood vs. Servitude
• The Bible
• A Cup of Cold Water
• Celebrating Results
• The Thrill of It All

The course offers a rich mix of practical theology, psychology, and sociology that will help you live your Christianity fully – as a practicing, caring Christian.

Beginning on Wednesday, June 8th, the class will meet every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm for 10 weeks in the DUMC Library. There will be a registration fee of $15, which covers the cost of the book. Your registration indicates your commitment to attend all sessions. A sign-up sheet will be available in early May.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Love One Another As I Have Loved You . . .

In John 15:12, Jesus says, "'This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.'"

Loving and caring for one another is not just the pastor's job--it's something Jesus calls us all to do! Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which people with special gifts for caring ministry can put those gifts to use in an organized way, bringing Jesus' love and care to those who most need it.

If you or someone you know could use a Stephen Minister please contact the church office for Stephen Ministry Team information or Pastor Rom, Pastor Charlene, or one of our Stephen Leaders: David Olson or Gail Ray. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide you with focused, confidential, one-to-one Christian care and to help you experience the healing power of Christ's love in your life.

MISSION & OUTREACH

The goal of Cell Phones for Soldiers is to provide 750,000 communication tools in 2011 to troops stationed around the world, fulfilling a financial and emotional need of deployed armed forces.

The charity is calling on individuals and organizations to sponsor free p[hone calls home through cash donations and the donation of used cellular phones. Every dollar raised and cellular phone received will provide that precious connection to family for service men and women.

Proceeds raised from donations are used to purchase pre-paid international calling cards for troops around the world as well as fund new communication programs for troops in need.

The average roaming fees from Afghanistan are $3.99 a minute, making a call home a rarity for many military professionals. Help connect military families, donate today in the box marked “Cell Phones for Soldiers” in the fellowship hall. Tammy Steele is contact person if you have questions.

THE EYEWEAR BUCKET  is located on the mission & outreach display in the fellowship hall is a white bucket. The Lion’s and Lioness’ are collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids. Any questions on this project please see Roger Stewart.

LOOSE CHANGE FOR CHANGE

A massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake rumbled through northeast Japan on Friday, March 11, causing many injuries and fires. A 33 foot tsunami wave covered parts of the country's coastline just off of Honshu, Japan’s most populous island. On record, the earthquake is the strongest to hit Japan in the 140 years, and it replaces last year’s earthquake in Chile as the fifth strongest ever anywhere in the world.

HOW TO GIVE: Write check out to Dodgeville UMC with UMCOR written in the memo line (or on your offering envelope) and drop in offering box.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

MISSION TRIP STOCK SALE
Starting Sunday, May 1, the mission trip youth and adults will once again be selling shares of stock for their trip to Macon, Georgia this summer. The cost of each share will be $10.00. With each share brought , you will receive a stock certificate, a postcard from the mission site, and an invitation to the shareholder’s meeting this summer. All donations will offset the cost of the trip. (NOTE: The trip costs $460.00/person…and we have approximately 20 participating.) The sale will run through the end of May.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
Scriptures to be discussed Spring 2011
Study Guide: J. Ellsworth Kalas The Grand Sweep

Date/Coordinator Scripture Days covered in The Grand Sweep

May 1/Cathy Isaiah 30 - 39 Week 28 days 4 - 7
May 8/Roger Isaiah 40 - 51 Week 29 day 1 - 4
May 15/Cathy Isaiah 52 - 60 Week 29 day 5 -7
May 22/Roger Isaiah 61 - 66 Week 30 days 1 - 2

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN EVENTS – MAY 2011

All women of the church are invited and encouraged to attend.

We hope that many of you have made plans to attend Friends Night on Thursday, May 5, at 7:00pm at the church. Just as a reminder—the program will be presented by some of the participants of the recent Israel tour and music will be provided by the Gilbert family. Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall after the program.

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The Evening Star circle will meet on Monday, May 9th, at 7:00pm at Edna Dunham’s home. Martha Boyer will serve refreshments and Susan Dunham will give the devotions.

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The Grace Post circle will meet on Monday, May 26th, at 1:30pm at Eunice Jewell’s home with Marian Reynolds giving devotions.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS

Camp Scholarships are available for United Methodist Camps from the Dodgeville United Methodist Women. Contact Marilyn Liddle at 935-3674 and the Wills and Memorials Committee, Cathryn Tredinnick at 935-3248. Please remember that these scholarships are to be used specifically for United Methodist Church Camps. Thank you!
  

A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN NEEDED FOR VBS!

We are still in need of adults to help with our VBS program this summer. If you are interested in any ofthe following positions, please contact the church office at 935-5451.:

• Recreation Assistant - 1
• Registration Table - 2
• Puppeteer - 1

We will also looking for "floaters"...adults who don't mind changing jobs each day, if needed.
High school and middle school youth will be needed to be group leaders of the children. We try to place one middle school student with one high school student per group.
 

A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR YOUR CHURCH

Giving means thinking positively. “Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times.” (Ephesians 5:16 The Message)

Tornados in the Midwest, tsunamis and earthquakes around the world, spring floods on the East Coast and along the Mississippi River, state and national budget controversies, rising gas prices … the past few months definitely feel like desperate times.

The apostle Paul writes, “Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times.” How will we as United Methodists make the most of every chance we get during these desperate times? For one thing, we’ve just come through another tax season. I’m always amazed that no matter what kind of a year we’ve had – good or bad – we always find a way to pay our taxes.

If you examine your tax return and you wish you had given Jesus a bit more so that you could give Uncle Sam a bit less, we invite you to consider starting now for next year. “Resurrect your finances” during the Easter season. Here are some suggestions:

• Make the first check you write each pay period, or the first automatic withdrawal you make, be a “thank you” gift to God.
• Instead of buying your children or grandchildren candy and trinkets for Easter or graduation, consider a gift in their honor to help victims of a natural disaster through UMCOR or to your church’s portion of our shared mission (apportionments).
• Give at least 50% of the total you might spend on a vacation or special events during the summer to the ministry of Christ.
• Try tithing; i.e., giving 10% of your income to the church for 3 months during the summer or fall.
• See how quickly you can get out of debt under various repayment scenarios by going to www.moneypurposejoy.com, click on “resources,” “calculators,” and “accelerated debt payoff calculator.”
• Attend the “Freed Up From Debt” workshop at Pine Lake Camp on Friday, August 19. Register for the Stewardship Retreat at www.wiumcamps.org.

Helps for the Stewardship Chair

A Story of Two Seas

There are two seas in the Land of Israel. One is fresh and fish are in it. Splashes of green adorn its banks. Trees spread their branches over it, and stretch out their thirsty roots to sip of its healing waters. Children play along its shores.

The River Jordan makes this sea with sparkling water from the hills. So it laughs in the sunshine. And people build their homes near to it, birds their nests; and every kind of life is happier because it is here.

The River Jordan flows on south into another sea. Here there is no splash of fish, no fluttering leaf, no song of birds, and no children’s laughter. The air hangs heavy above its waters and neither people nor animals will drink here.

What makes this mighty difference in these seas? Not the River Jordan. It empties the same good water into both. Not the soil in which they lie; not the country “round about.”

This is the difference:

The Sea of Galilee receives but does not keep the Jordan. For every drop that flows into it another drop flows out. The giving and receiving go on in equal measure.

The other sea is shrewder, hoarding its income jealously. It will not be tempted into any generous impulse. Every drop it gets, it keeps.

The Sea of Galilee gives and lives.
This other sea cannot sustain life. It is named the Dead Sea.

There are two seas in the Land of Israel.
There are two kinds of people in the world.

From ”The New Mahzor " for Rash Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Compiled and edited by Rabbi Sidney Greenberg and Rabbi Jonathan D. Levine
Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation
750 Windsor Street Ste 305, P.O. Box 620
Sun Prairie, WI 53590-0620
1-888-903-9863

MARCH FINANCIAL REPORT

Monthly Income               $13,098.06
Monthly Expenses Paid   $12,024.17
Net Income for month        $1,073.89
Apportionments Paid $0 (figure included in Monthly Expenses Paid)
Unpaid Apportionments  $2432.00 (not included in Monthly Expenses Paid)

YEAR TOTALS THROUGH CURRENT MONTH

Years Income               $35,699.87
Years Expenses Paid   $45,478.95
Net Income for Year     <$9,799.08>
Apportionments Paid    $ 2,003.00 (figure included in Years Expenses Paid)
Unpaid Apportionments $ 5,293.00 (not included in Years Expenses Paid)

TOTAL APPORTIONMENTS DUE FOR YEAR: $ 29,184
APPORTIONMENTS DUE PER MONTH: $ 2,432

Lois McComish
Finance Chair

RIDGEWAY GRACE UMC

The UMW will meet at the church on Tuesday, May 3rd at 2:00 PM with a potluck program.

MAY BIRTHDAYS

• 1 - Allison Tiber
• 4 - Rick Beerkircher  
• 9- Kaitlinn Oxnem
• 10 - Ryan James
• 13 - Samantha Udelhoven
• 24 - Madison Berg
• 24 - Mary Berryman
• 24 - Brody Leahy
• 25 - Kaitlyn Berg
• 26 - Mary King
• 26 - Howard Rideout
• 28 - AJ Bandyk
• 29 Shirley Martell 

MAY ANNIVERSARIES

• 2 - Kevin & Jan Kirschbaum
• 13 - Jerry & Suzanne Tremelling 
• 18 - Matt & Beth Schlueter
• 30 - Kim & Cathy Bandyk
  

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

• Bill Lorenz
• Military
• Japan
• Wayne
• Greg Gorsline
• Charlie Kalbaugh
• Eliza Godfrey
• Dick Strutt
• Caryl Gempler

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
 

TORNADO WARNING SHELTER AT DUMC

Someone will open the North and East doors to allow residents to get to the basement or upstairs women’s bathroom for shelter. This is intended primarily for the residents of the mobile home community of Dodgeville, but is open to anyone.

_____________________

CONCERT FOR A CURE

An afternoon of imagination, wordplay, humor, melody, rhythm, juggling and energy

Featuruing:
Ken Lonnquist and the Kenland Band, Jacob Mills, Juggler & Comedian
Sunday, May 1st
1-3 PM
Verona Performing Arts Center
$6.00 per person
All proceeds go to the 2011 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes

___________________________
STEAK SUPPER
Monfort United Methodist Church
Wednesday, May 11th
5:00-8:00 PM
Tickets $10.00
For more info: 943-6823

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Pastor's Corner

OUR JOB!
“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples [italics mine] of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” – Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)

Here we are a few months into the New Year, now in the middle of that Holy Season of Lent! During this season, we are reminded that we are to have an intentional relationship with God through faith in his Son, Jesus the Christ. And, Jesus, if indeed he is our Lord and Savior, has called each and every one of us to a very important work—to continue his work in this world. And sometimes, we—as the Church—just need a good reminder of what we’re here for, what our lives in Christ (a part of his Body) are supposed to be all about. This is as good a time as any…

‘Making disciples’ is what Jesus has called us to. First, we have to be disciples—living out our faith through the local church, and then lead others into the faith, too. Not all have been called to be street-corner evangelists, but in our own special ways, we’ve been called to live out our faith before others in such a way as to draw others to Christ. Here’s some recent statistics about how this is going in Christendom overall:

• Ninety-five percent of all Christians have never won a soul to Christ.
• Eighty percent of all Christians do not consistently witness for Christ.
• Less than two percent are involved in the ministry of evangelism (making disciples).
•  Seventy-one percent do not give toward the financing of The Great Commission.

This does not bode well for God’s Kingdom on earth (including our churches) if we do not yet take seriously Jesus’ call to reach out and to continue to make disciples for him (again, a continuation of his ministry on earth). One Episcopalian bishop (the late Sam Shoemaker) has put the state of the contemporary Church this way:
In the Great Commission the Lord has called us to be, like Peter, fishers of men. We've turned the commission around so that we have become merely keepers of the aquarium. Occasionally I take some fish out of your fishbowl and put them into mine, and you do the same with my bowl. But we're all tending the same fish.

That’s certainly not what Jesus had in mind. So, here at the Dodgeville & Ridgeway: Grace UMCs, we’re not just going to be ‘keepers of the aquarium.’ If we are, the Church as we have known it will cease to exist! It’s only as we live out The Great Commission of Jesus, powered by His Spirit in our everyday involvement in that process, that we will be healthy—continuing to grow stronger and stronger as the years go by. This is why we are taking a very close and serious look at how we make disciples here at the DUMC—in every area of our ministry. ‘Not change for change’s sake, but change for the sake of souls that are still lost without Jesus…

Now, won’t you join me during this Season of Lent in taking a good look at your personal walk with Christ? How’s your part of The Great Commission coming? We all have a part in being the Church that Christ has called us to be!

See you in the house of worship,

Pastor Rom
 

INITIATION STATION

A VERY BRIEF HISTORY OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE METHODIST CHURCH
by Pastor Rom

EFFECTIVE CHRISTIAN living is the result of thorough preparation. The employer who deals justly with his employees, the neighbor who is kind to the stranger, the student who is gracious to the classmate of different color, is fulfilling the promise of good preparation. We do what we are prepared to do.

Jesus recognized the value of preparation in his training of the Twelve. He captured the imagination of Peter and Andrew, James and John, with a vision of the kingdom of God. He won them to this vision and committed them to this kingdom. These accomplishments, however, were but the
beginning of his work with the disciples. The major part of his ministry wasspent training them for living in the kingdom. It is true that “Jesus came preaching.” But he likewise came teaching, training, and preparing.

Simply being human is not a satisfactory prerequisite for membership in the Body of Christ. As a matter of fact, what Jesus found at times was that our humanity was a real deterrent to being who he was calling us to be and to do what he was calling us to do. That’s why it took at least three years of personal—much of it one-on-one—training with his disciples to make sure God’s Kingdom on earth (the Church) got off the ground, so to speak. Preparation was important then and preparation for life in the Church is important now. That preparation is for what we today call ‘membership’ in the United Methodist Church.

Membership and ‘Methodism’ have always gone hand-in-hand. It was John Wesley’s method of spiritual growth and accountability for those desiring to walk in a relationship with God and to do that through the Methodist movement in England. So, from the very beginning of our denomination, membership has been both vital and present in the life of the Church.

Historically, what does it mean to be a member of the Church and where did John Wesley get all of his ideas? John Wesley—the founder of Methodism—did not just pull his ideas about membership from the Church of England of which he was a part; he was a student of the Early Church Fathers (leadership of the first four to five centuries of the Church’s existence). Continually, throughout his written works, Wesley refers to ‘the Fathers’ or ‘the ancient Fathers’ (always capitalized) in reference to scriptural interpretations, Church life, or his own life. ‘The Fathers’ and what they taught John Wesley ended up being a part of who John Wesley was … and, therefore, in a sense, what Methodism came to be. So, Wesley’s understanding of church membership (really membership in the Body of Christ) was drawn from the first four to five centuries that the Church was in existence. Let me touch on what he had learned from these studies.

In the Early Church, there was certainly a different and higher view of baptism than what we experience in the Church today. The sacrament of baptism, rather than membership itself, was really the entry point into the life of the Church. So, the Early Church had requirements for admission to baptism in their day very much like we have requirements for admission to membership today. This is the way that initiation or becoming an official member of the Body of Christ (the Church) has evolved over history. What we are speaking of here is a ‘time of preparation’ for individuals in the Early Church—preparation for their baptism and, through that, entry into the Church as a participating member. Keep in mind, again, that this ‘time of preparation’ would closely parallel our time of preparation for membership (which requires baptism) today.
 

It has been noted that there are parallels that can be drawn between the days of the Early Church and our contemporary situation. Wesley also drew parallels between the Early Church and his day. “Wesley regarded all the members as, in effect, probationers. He called them ‘catechumens.’” He considered that he was following apostolic precedent in doing so. He organized them into a society of ‘catechumens’ called United Societies. Catechumens were those who were ‘in training’ to be a part of the Church. (Those who have grown up Catholic know all about catechism, etc.—the same idea.)

So, there has always been a process—historically—for preparing folks for baptism (and now that we have infant baptism, as opposed to adult baptism, we prepare people for membership—requiring baptism—as the connection to the local church). In other words, the process of preparation historically began with baptism. Today, we baptize infants (primarily). We confirm young adults (confirming the baptism vows that their parents took on their behalf when they were infants). And, when folks are ready to ‘live out’ their baptismal vows in the life of the local church, we offer membership. As my friend Taylor Burton-Edwards (General Board Of Discipleship, UMC) has often explained: “If you look at the function [italics mine] of the General Rules in the … Book of Discipline and compare them to the 1662 Book of Common Prayer—what Wesley would have used—the service of baptism in particular, you will see the similarities and that what Wesley really expected was a living out of the entire baptismal covenant [italics mine]. THIS IS WHAT METHODISM REALLY IS.…”

The process today, then, is infant baptism, to confirmation—confirming those baptismal vows made by parents, and finally membership—understood as discipleship or a living out of the baptismal vows. Clearly stated above from the Membership Manual of The Methodist Church for Pastors, “We do what we are prepared to do.” If we are to fulfill Jesus’ command ‘to go and make disciples,’ we need to have members who are prepared to do just that. If our members are prepared, they will be strong. If the membership is strong, it follows that the whole church—the local Body of Christ—will be strong!

W. Emory Hartman, Membership Manual of The Methodist Church for Pastors (Nashville: The Methodist Publishing House, 1951), 9.
2 To learn more about the history of the sacrament of baptism from the Early Church and how that ties into membership today, please read Dr. Leicester R. Longden’s book entitled: “How the Church Makes Christians: From Disciples to Members and Back Again.”
3 Frederick A. Norwood, Church Membership in the Methodist Tradition (Nashville: Methodist Publishing House, 1958), 30.
4 Taylor Burton-Edwards (Director of Worship Resources, GBOD), in discussion with the author, July 30, 2007.

Church Family News

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN EVENTS – APRIL 2011

All women of the church are invited and encouraged to attend.

The regularly scheduled meeting of the UMW is to be held on Thursday, April 7th at 7:00pm here at the church in Fellowship Hall. The Evening Star circle will present a Lenten program and the Grace Post circle will serve as hostess.
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The Evening Star circle will meet on Monday, April 11 at 7:00pm at the home of Marilyn Liddle.
Charlene Mingst will serve as co-hostess and Marilyn Liddle will give devotions.

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The Grace Post circle will meet on Monday April 18th at 1:30pm at thehome of Marian Reynolds with Ora Kasten giving devotions.

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The annual Spring Rummage Sale is scheduled for Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th. The set-up days are Wednesday April 27th And Thursday April 28th. We will need many helpers--sign-up sheets
will be available soon.

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Mark you calendars now for Friends Night scheduled for Thursday May 5, at 7:00pm at the church.
A program will be presented about the recent Israel tour, with several of the "travelers" taking part.
Special music will be provided by the Gilbert Family.

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A Coulee District Spring Spiritual Retreat will be held on Saturday, April 30th at the Midland United Methodist Church. The retreat will be led by Gwen Gibson who is a former Spiritual Growth Coordinator for the Wisconsin Conference.

The theme for the retreat is "Joy". The registration fee for the Retreat is $15.00 per person and is due by April 15th. The charge includes the cost of lunch. Child care is
provided.

If you are interested and would like more information please contact Marilyn Liddle or Rosemary Edwards.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS

Camp Scholarships are available for United Methodist Camps from the Dodgeville United Methodist Women. Contact Marilyn Liddle at 935-3674 and the Wills and Memorials Committee, Cathryn Tredinnick at 935-3248. Please remember that these scholarships are to be used specifically for United Methodist Church Camps. Thank you!
 

STEPHEN MINISTRY

WHAT IS A STEPHEN MINISTER?

Stephen Ministers are
faithful Christians sent by God
to help you through a life crisis.

They are filled with God's love
and knowledge,
which you will find quite priceless.

They'll walk closely
with you and be
your trusted friend.

Keeping everything
in confidence
until you're whole again.

Maybe you've lost
a loved one
or job on which you depend.

It could be a serious illness,
and you feel
you need a friend.

So you don't have to go it alone
when life's challenges
you must bear.

Just let them know of your need,
and a Stephen Minister
will be there.

Betty L. Delfosse, "What Is a Stephen Minister?" in Poems From The Heart: Simple Spiritual Messages to Live By (Kansas City, Missouri: Divine Rime Publications, 2004), p. 79. Used with permission.

If you or someone you know could use a Stephen Minister please contact the church office for Stephen Ministry Team information or Pastor Rom, Pastor Charlene, or one of our Stephen Leaders: David Olson or Gail Ray.
 

MISSION AND OUTREACH

LOOSE CHANGE GIVING REPORT  January - $221.79    February $424.96      March $130

Total loose change giving for January, February and March was $776.75 which is being sent to Interhope Grace Home Orphanage. Thank you for being a generous church!

Loose Change April through June Will Support UMCOR on behalf of Japan’s Earthquake & Tsunami Victims
 

Eyewear Bucket - Located on the mission & outreach display in the fellowship hall is a white bucket. The Lion’s and Lioness’ are collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids. Any questions on this project please see Roger Stewart.

Tornado Warning Shelter at the Dodgeville United Methodist Church

Someone will open the North and East doors to allow residents to get to the basement or upstairs women’s bathroom for shelter. This is intended primarily for the residents of the mobile home community of Dodgeville, but is open to anyone.
 

AN OPPORTUNITY!

Third Annual BMZ Leadership Summit - April 8-9, 2011
Last year many members of our church staff were able to attend this worthwhile event. Join with us this year as we carpool from DUMC to Boscobel again! Anyone from DUMC is encouraged to attend.  For fee information check out their website: bmzchurch.org or call the DUMC office for more info:  935-5451.

Adult Sunday School

The Adult Sunday School class will be studying the book of Isaiah during the months of April and May. Isaiah is often referenced in the New Testament and we will be looking at this major prophet’s contribution to our religious heritage. A class syllabus will be available the first Sunday in April.

 

PALM SUNDAY IS APRIL 17

A special part of Palm Sunday services is to have children, youth, and adults walk into the sanctuary, waving palms, during the opening hymn. Please consider being part of this tradition, as we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem…marking, for us, the beginning of Holy Week. Please contact Brenda Crowe, if you are interested in participating!

A RAINBOW OF PROMISE EASTER “SONRISE” SERVICE APRIL 24, 6:30 AM

With a beautiful visual, we will see how the colors of the rainbow reflect the Easter story. Using scripture and hymns, the Easter story will come alive, using the following colors: Green -- the palm branches of Jesus' Triumphal Entry, Blue -- sadness at Jesus' last supper with his disciples, Indigo -- the night sky as Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, Yellow -- the light from torches on the night of Jesus' arrest, Orange - the fire at high priest's courtyard that Peter stood by when he denied Jesus, Violet -- the robe placed on Jesus by the Roman soldiers and Red -- the blood Jesus shed at his crucifixion.
Please join the youth and adult mission trip participants, as they lead us to remember what Jesus did for us all! Praise his holy name!

An Easter Sonrise breakfast will follow the service in the fellowship hall from 7:00-8:00 AM, sponsored by our mission trip folks. A donation basket will be available at the meal. All money collected will offset expenses for the summer mission trip to Macon, Georgia.

There will be no Sunday school on Easter Sunday!

HOMEBOUND NEWS AND NUDGES

Did you know we currently have 26 individuals who, for various reasons, are unable to attend church? Eleven of these are in care facilities. While they are not being named here for privacy reasons, it might be a fun & inspiring exercise to see how many you can name, count on your fingers, or better still, make a list and then remind yourself to make a call, take a casserole or send a card. Think how rewarding it will be to someday hear Jesus say, "I was sick & you visited me". Aside from that you get blessed today!
In the meantime, send a card for these April (homebound) birthdays.

• April 2 - Sue Wanek, Bloomfield Manor, 3151 Cty Rd H, Dodgeville 53533
• April 9 Lillian Nye, Upland Hills Health, 800 Compassion Way, Dodgeville
• April 15 - Marjorie Hawkes, Upland Hills Health (aobve)
• April 24 - Jack Metcalf, 413 E Madison, Dodgeville

To learn more about how you can get involved, mark your calendar for Wed May 18 - 6:30 pm for Reorganization & Revitalization of the Visitation Ministry & introduction of the book Study - "Christian Care giving - A Way of Life"

See you there – Shalom.
-Pastor Charlene

A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN NEEDED FOR VBS!

We are still in need of adults to help with our VBS program this summer. We need a minimum of two adults at each station. If you are interested in any ofthe following positions, please see Brenda Crowe, Director of Christian Ed.:

• Director
• Music Directors - 2
• Recreation Assistant - 1
• Science Assistant - 1
• Registration Table - 2
• Puppeteer - 1

We will also looking for "floaters"...adults who don't mind changing jobs each day, if needed.
High school and middle school youth will be needed to be group leaders of the children. We try to place one middle school student with one high school student per group.

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

We are very fortunate to have a wonderful group of adults, who are in the process of developing a Safe Sanctuary Policy for our church. This kind of policy will protect our children, our youth, and all adults working with them. More detailed information will appear in the May and summer newsletters. If you would like to know more about this, please contact Brenda Crowe, Director of Christian Education at 935-5451 or brenda@dodgevilleumc.org.

 

A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR YOUR CHURCH

Giving means thinking positively. “Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times.” (Ephesians 5:16 The Message)

Tax time is upon us. Aside from the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, it can be one of the most stressful times of the year for many people. For many it means paying at least a bit more to pay that bill in full. Still others are excited to finish the task because they’ve been planning and looking forward to the “gift” they’re receiving with their refund.

The number one reason for marital breakdown is financial conflict. Therefore, tax time is also the time to take extra care in your relationships as you review receipts, checkbooks, and 1040 forms.

Even if you didn’t lose your job in the recession, chances are you’re worried about the economy and how it may affect you and those you love. What about your church? How are those in your church weathering the financial storm of the last few years? Has the recession provided new opportunities for spiritual growth and ministry? Or, has it encouraged conflict and “blaming” to run rampant in meetings and parking lot conversations?

Remember that when finances are tight, tempers tend to be short. How can we be care-full in our ministry? Let’s remember that the primary mission of the church is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Strive to proclaim the good news we proclaim on Easter Sunday, “He is Risen! Christ is risen indeed!”

Perhaps in these difficult times, we might do as Paul instructed the Ephesians to “make the most of every chance we get” to live the love that is ours through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These are “desperate times,” so let’s outdo one another in love when we’re tempted to give in to the “crabby bug.” Pastors and leaders can only work with the resources at hand. Whether you still have a well-paying job, you’re unemployed, retired, or you’ve settled for a lesser-paying job, together let’s find a way to give our time, talent, and treasures to say “THANK YOU” to God for the blessings we’ve received. Former Wisconsin Governor, Lee Dreyfus, carved in the shape of Wisconsin. The simple epitaph etched into the red granite stone is, “Tithe Your Time.” Dreyfus died on January 2, 2008.He was raised with the expectation of public service. In 1980 he said, “You gave time to the church, you gave time to the needs of the public. It was absolutely taught by my mother and father that you give, and if you had more capability, you were obligated to give more.” Many people ask how they might give in times like these when the giving gets tough. Some ideas for “tithing your time” include Offering the professional skills you’ve accumulated. If you’re an accountant, offer to help with the books or the annual audit.

• Offer to help in the areas of your interests. If you’re a scrap booking junkie, offer to help with bulletin boards.
• Offer to learn a new skill or try a new activity. If it’s been years since you helped in the nursery or with Vacation Bible School, try it again this year.
• Put on your walking shoes and get pledges for the CROP walk or any other philanthropic walk/run in your area.

For more year-round stewardship ideas, feel free to contact the Foundation at:

Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation
750 Windsor St. Suite 305, PO Box 620, Sun Prairie WI 53590-0620
Local:(608)837-9582, Toll Free:(888)903-9863, Fax:(608)837-2492
E-mail: wumf@wumf.org

FEBRUARY FINANCIAL REPORT

Monthly Income               $9,554.41
Monthly Expenses Paid $16,502.54
Net Income for month   < $6948.13 >_
Apportionments Paid $0 (figure included in Monthly Expenses Paid)
Unpaid Apportionments  $2432.00 (not included in Monthly Expenses Paid)

YEAR TOTALS THROUGH CURRENT MONTH

Years Income               $22,601.81
Years Expenses Paid   $33,454.78
Net Income for Year    <$10,852.97>
Apportionments Paid    $ 2,003.00 (figure included in Years Expenses Paid)
Unpaid Apportionments $ 2,861.00 (not included in Years Expenses Paid)

TOTAL APPORTIONMENTS DUE FOR YEAR: $ 29,184
APPORTIONMENTS DUE PER MONTH: $ 2,432

Lois McComish
Finance Chair

BREAKDOWN OF OUR CONGREGATION'S GIVING PATTERNS

Please find where you are on this chart:

LENTEN MEALS

Every Wednesday in Lent, different church groups will be providing a delicious meal at 5:30pm.  Please plan on joining us!

• April 6 – Baked Potato Bar
• April 13 – Mission Trip Folks – Lasagna Dinner

NOTE: The mission trip participants will be in charge of setting up, helping with meals, bringing supplies (if needed), and clean up. Please be at the church each Wednesday at 4:30 PM. Only those mission trip participants helping with the meal each week will get credit to their account.

Pastor Rom will be leading a study after the meal.

RIDGEWAY GRACE UMC

The UMW will meet at the church on Tuesday, April 5th at 2:00 PM with a potluck program.

PASTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND (PDF) IN DIRE NEED OF RE-FUNDING

Occasionally, people from our community who are in immediate need (i.e. medicine, gas, a night’s lodging, etc., would be just some examples) stop by the church office looking for emergency funds to help them out. This is one of those ministry opportunities that is not highly publicized, but is so necessary to us being the Church here in Dodgeville. If you would like to participate in supporting these funds (which would also be eligible as a tax write-off), please write PDF (Pastor’s Discretionary Fund) in the memo of your check and place in offering basket on Sunday mornings. Again, these contributions are tax deductable and would be greatly appreciated as the fund is quite depleted after the holdiay and cold winter season. Thank you for assisting the needs in our community!

CERTIFIED LAY SPEAKERS/SERVANTS AT THE DODGEVILLE UMC

I am very pleased to announce that as of 2011, the Dodgeville UMC now has 3 certified Lay Speakers who have attended at least the Basic Lay Speaking/Lay Servant class. They are as follows:

• Don Crowe
• Beth Schlueter
• Mary Ellen Schultze

We congratulate these three on their achievements in this area of service to the Church and are very thankful for their efforts on behalf of God’s Kingdom! Please make sure that you congratulate them, too, and thank them for serving in this area of leadership…

Pastor Rom

BISHOP’S TOWN HALL MEETING

Come join Bishop Lee, Conference Staff and your clergy and laity peers to share ideas, opinions and concerns, and ask questions about our Annual Conference financial vision and priorities. In this year of ‘Extravagant Generosity,’ people have asked for the opportunity to talk about our apportionments, financial challenges in the local church, how to cultivate a spirit of generosity, and how to shift from a scarcity mentality to a mentality that focuses on abundance. This is the chance to have those conversations in an open and informal way.

There are four complimentary sessions scheduled throughout the Annual Conference this spring—one being hosted by the Dodgeville UMC as follows:

• April 12th – Dodgeville UMC – 6:30 PM-9 PM

Register online at www.wisconsinumc.org or call 888-240-7328. (Or you can call your church office at 935-5451 and we can register you)

Live It!

"I believe it, but how do I live it?" Christianity is more than a set of beliefs; it is a way of life. If our beliefs do not affect our living, what good are they? So, how do we live what we believe?  DUMC is offering a new course that will address that question and help you find some answers, using the book Christian Caregiving - a Way of Life by Kenneth Haughk as our study tool. Dr. Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist, is the founder of the Stephen Series system of lay caring ministry. Beginning on Wednesday, June 8th, the class will meet every 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm for 10 weeks in the DUMC Library. More details and a sign-up sheet will be available in early May.
 

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

• 2 - Linda Marsh
• 2 - Sue Wanek
• 3 - Jessica Hazlett
• 3 - Kyle Trace
• 4 - Owen Beerkircher
• 5 - Kevin Kirschbaum
• 7 - David Olson
• 8 - Mary Berg
• 8 - Amber Price
• 9 - Chip Forrest
• 9 - Lillian Nye
• 11 - Aaron Athas
• 15 - Julie Athey
• 15 - Jeff Oxnem
• 17 - Ben Berryman
• 18 - Peggy Forrest
• 20 - Rick Gullickson
• 20 - Mackenzie Leitzinger
• 22 - Adam Gullickson
• 22 - John Houck
• 22 - Mike Weber
• 24 - Marilyn Liddle
• 24 - Karen (Oxnem) Pearson
• 24 - Maggie Piper
• 25 - Jan Kirschbaum
• 27 - Mary Ellen Schultze
• 27 - Scott Tolzman
• 27 - Alexis Udelhoven
• 29 - Maggie Godfrey
• 30 - Molly Weier

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

• 5 -George & Jeanne Kapotas
• 6 - Dick & Bev Strutt
• 7 - Don & Brenda Crowe
• 8 - Ron & Julie Symons
• 11 - Doug & Robin Digman
• 16 - Rich & Judy Strutt

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

• Bill Lorenz
• Bill Boyer
• Military
• Julia Harman
• Francis Fry
• Ann – Julie’s mom
• Court & Family
• Jack Schultze
• Dacotah Starr
• Rachel Reynolds
• Bob Terrill
• Japan
   

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
 

Dave Ramsey’s Entreleadership live
simulcast event
April 1, 2011, 8:45am to 4pm
At Hidden Valley
Community Church
Call 930-4822 to sign up
or for more info
__________

BMZ Leadership Summit
Boscobel Mt. Zion Church
April 8-9
bmzchurch.org

____________________

Relay for Life Crop for a Cause
Saturday, April 9
8:30 am - 5:00pm at DUMC
$25 Includes lunch, gift, make n take and space to work
Scrapbookers and
cardmakers welcome!
Call Laurie Montague at 574-2854 to register asap
_________________________
 

Calendar

• Click here for the printable calendar

Sunday Servant Schedule

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Formatted Printable Copy

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Pastor's Corner

LIKE LOOKING IN A MIRROR…
“This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God's nature. He holds everything together by what he says—powerful words!” – Hebrews 1:3a (MSG)

According to the words above, from the writer of Hebrews, when we look at Jesus what we are seeing is a perfect mirror-image of God. Jesus, the Son, reflected the very nature of God, the Father, in everything he said and did. And, in looking to the Trinity—Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we have the perfect example of how we too should look before the world that we live in. Some would call this reflection our ‘witness’ to the world.

Have you ever woke up in the morning, knew that you had to be somewhere soon, and went right to the bathroom to begin your morning routine of getting ready for the day? In doing this, there may even be a glance or two in the mirror involved (or three or four for some). Anyway, I’m just wondering if anyone else has ever had one of those mornings, where you go to your routine, take a look in the mirror and have a response like ‘Oh, my!’ I have. And some mornings—even though the outcome may not be real obvious to some, I know that I have more work to do on some days with regard to what I see!

It’s probably the same in our spiritual lives, if we’re really paying attention to our ‘spiritual mirror.’ Are we, in turn, reflecting Jesus’ nature in our lives in every way? In the way we speak to others? In the way we act in circumstances between Sundays? If we are truly allowing the Spirit of God (this is the Holy Spirit’s part) to live in and through us and fill us with God’s love for both Himself and others, then we will reflect the very nature of Christ (Jesus) in all that we do—including our weekly time of worship & celebration together…

To follow up on last month—from a different angle, our horizontal relationships with each other and our vertical relationship with God (imagine the intersected planes of the CROSS) are intimately connected. So, what is reflected in our spiritual mirror is usually what’s going on in both our relationship with God and with people. They are connected. These relationships are not mutually exclusive; that’s not the way God made us.

The apostle who first recorded the final prayer of Jesus is the same one who has clearly told us (1 John 4:20-21, NLT), “If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.” Especially when we walk into worship each week, what is our ‘reflection’ telling the world? Even more important, what is our ‘reflection’ telling God? Let’s agree, folks, to never let any kind of disunity hinder the worship of God at our church! We truly do need each other … in order to be that Holy Temple that God is building us into…

See you in the house of worship,
Pastor Rom

 

INITIATION STATION

Although a consumer-oriented church may intend to foster community, transform lives, and impact culture, the focus on production will never produce the intended results. … the focus remains inward, and creating community becomes something ‘we will get to.’ The fundamental relationships of those attending the church become twisted by the consumer church’s emphasis on production. … In a consumer-oriented church, a volunteer is a person needed to perform tasks in the production of a church’s programs and operations … with little or no focus on building community … [and they] will often end up feeling used and will disconnect from the church. In much the same way, the concept of ‘member’ has also been twisted by consumerism. In the New Testament, Paul used it to convey the reality of being a living part of an interconnected and dynamic body. But in a consumer culture, the meaning shifts from a shared responsibility to an individual entitlement. I pay dues for privileges….

These words come from Kevin Ford, author of Transforming Church: Bringing Out the Good to Get to Great. I’d like to take a moment, this month, to follow up on his words in beginning to describe the reality of membership in the United Methodist Church today. As a pastor, I continue to challenge the membership of the church to look at their relationship with God as one of privilege for being a part of God’s family. But, while about that work, a good majority of the church today continues to press for a relationship with God that speaks to their rights as members—period. For some, it is clear that the New Testament understanding of membership is truly an initiation into the living, dynamic Body of Christ; it is our life lived out as disciples of Jesus Christ—life being about God’s purposes, instead of our rights. Membership should be a reflection of that larger spiritual truth. However, for some, membership is something entirely different; it is no longer something that is noteworthy enough to invest energy in or something that is of eternal significance with enough integrity to take seriously. Could it be that we have, perhaps, moved far away from the original intent of initiation—to prepare persons to live out their Christian faith in a way that would witness to the world just who Jesus is? Jesus said clearly: “I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message. I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me. I gave them the same glory you gave me, so that they may be one, just as you and I are one: I in them and you in me, so that they may be completely one, in order that the world may know that you sent me and that you love them as you love me.” The message is clear; over and over Jesus emphasized that the distinct characteristic of his Body—the Church—is that there would be community amongst his Body—a direct reflection of the community seen in the Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Yet, instead of a true community of love where people would ask, “What can I do for you?” too often the question seems to be—reminiscent of the world we live in—“What can you do for me?” or “What do I get out of this?”

My personal experience with the current state of membership has been in local churches in the Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and it has mirrored much of what leaders like Kevin Ford have revealed to us. The church today seems to be a story about the Body of Christ—a living, dynamic organism—that has moved from being a selfless (Christ-centered) community of love in the early days of the church to being a self-centered ‘spiritual mall’—with a focus on consumerism—in our present day. Not to be an alarmist, but you do not have to look very hard to see that the church as many of us have known it—especially those of us with mainline backgrounds—will soon cease to exist (if it hasn’t already). Reggie McNeal, in his groundbreaking book The Present Future, sounds this alarm very clearly when he tells us: “A growing number of people are leaving the institutional church for a new reason. They are not leaving because they have lost faith. They are leaving the church to preserve their faith. They contend that the church no longer contributes to their spiritual development.” Since 2000, here in the Wisconsin Annual Conference, we are losing about 3,000 members annually, some apparently due to their disappointment in a lack of basic Christian teaching and preaching.

Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity is this: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. And, if this is true, then what is the Church doing? Why have we continued to do the same ol’ things … and expect that the church—instead of continuing to die—will somehow miraculously turn itself around and begin to be healthy and grow? God will surely do His part for His beloved Church. But, God also expects us to do ours. And much of what needs to change has to do with the foundation of the local church—its membership. The days of continuing to accept a lack of integrity in membership need to come to an end. The days of protecting those who at one time expressed a desire to be a member, but have somehow forgotten the privilege of membership and the responsibilities that go along with that commitment need to come to an end. If we want a healthy membership—the foundation of the local church, which will lead to a healthy local church, we need to take a serious look at our membership and make the changes necessary to be healthy once again.

So, what will it be for our future (if, indeed, there is to be one)? Will we be members of consumerist church—being molded and shaped by our culture over and above God’s ways, or will we be members of an interconnected and dynamic body, as Paul had in mind when he described a Church fueled by the Spirit of God? Think about it. The answer to these questions will have everything to do with our future together, with God and with each other…

Kevin G. Ford, Transforming Church: Bringing Out the Good to Get to Great (Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, 2007), 45.
John 17:20-23 (TEV).
Reggie McNeal, The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2003), 4.
Sam Royappa (District Superintendent, Capilee Region, Wisconsin Annual Conference) in a conversation with the author, October 14, 2008.

THANK YOUS

On behalf of Bishop Lee, Superintendent Sam Royappa, the Cabinet and the Council on Finance and Administration, we thank your congregation, the Church Council and the Finance Team for your generous support to both local and global missions through your connectional sharing/giving for 2010. You have been a channel of blessings to people and communities locally, nationally and globally. Your giving is a visible sign of sharing God’s unconditional love and compassion with people of all ages, races and nations. We encourage you to continue your commitment to connectional offerings. Thanks be to God for your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness this year and beyond!

Thank you, greeters!
Thank you to all of the greeters who were able to make it to our February 9th training meeting! We appreciate all of you braving the cold to come learn and share your ideas. We really appreciate all of the wonderful suggestions we received and your willingness to try new things! If you were unable to make the meeting, please look for the handouts from the meeting in your church mailbox.
Beth Schlueter, Bobbi Butteris, & Pastor Rom

Thank you from Clarice Brewer's nephew - Clarice was my mother’s youngest sister. As she got older again and again she told me how much it meant to her and how appreciative she was of members of your congregation who ministered to her. I wish I could recall some names, but unfortunately they escape; but you know who they are no doubt.

There was a man who came every Sunday after church with the bulletin and who had a simple but meaningful devotional with Clarice when she could not get to church. Then there was the woman who lived way out in the country who came and visited Clarice on Wednesday nights, I think it was when this woman’s kids had music lessons or something. This same woman stopped and picked Clarice up and took her to church. Clarice was appreciative of these regular acts of kindness shown to her after she got older and it was harder to get around and she gave up driving herself. Clarice was so pleased that year after year her biscuits were sold almost before they were set out for the bake sales you regularly had.

And so I want to personally thank you on behalf of my aunt Clarice for your friendship, your kindness and your ministry to her through the years. Clarice felt blessed. And I felt blessed too that she had people like you folks a part of her life. I love that phrase in the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in the communion of saints…” My personal translation is “I believe in the community of saints…” It is my prayer and hope that your ministry at your church will be a legacy that continues to provide for those in your midst.
Warm Greetings,
Bill Perkins
 

Church Family News

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN EVENTS – MARCH 2011

All women of the church are invited and encouraged to attend.

Our regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, March 3 at 7:00 PM in Fellowship Hall. As our February meeting had to be cancelled because of bad weather the officers that were to be installed at that time will be installed at this meeting. Following the installation the Grace Post Circle will present a "Prayer and Self Denial" program. The Evening Star Circle will serve refreshments.

The annual World Day of Prayer service will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on Friday, March 4, 2011 at 1:00PM. This year's theme is "How Many Loaves Have You?". Written by women of Chile it helps all of us explore how we can share what we have: whether it is our talents, food, prayers, wealth, ideas...however we might be moved.

Evening Star Circle will meet at 7:00 PM on March 14 at the the home of Charlene Mingst (622 W. Merimac St). Robin will provide the treats and Marilyn will have the devotion.

Grace Post Circle will meet 1:30 on March 21st at the home of Louise Price. Devotions will be by Rosemary Edwards

A Spring Cluster meeting of the Coulee District UMW will be held on Monday, March 28,2011 at 1:00PM at the Cobb United Methodist Church in Cobb. This year's theme is "Love, Hope, and Faith in Action". The emphasis for this meeting will be placed on learning more about the local goals of Food Pantry and Homelessness.
 

THE WORSHIP SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN!

For your information, the following statistics are the results from the worship survey we invited everyone to take in December. Pastor Rom and the staff will be using these results to make decisions regarding adjustments at Dodgeville UMC in the future. Decisions should be made by April 1. Please be praying for Pastor Rom and the staff as they work through this process. Thank you!

Beth Schlueter, Connections Coordinator

Age
Under 12: 5.2%
12-17: 5.2%
18-29: 12.1%
30-45: 24.1%
46-64: 36.2%
65+: 17.2%

Which style of worship is most likely to help you connect with God?
Traditional (structured order, responsive readings): 39%
Contemporary (relaxed, less-structured style): 61%

Which worship time on Sunday would work best for you?
8:00 AM: 29%
9:00 AM: 28%
10:30 AM: 43%

Which style of worship music is most likely to help you connect with God?
Traditional (organ, hymns): 30%
Contemporary (praise band, contemporary praise): 70%

How would you rate the user-friendliness of Dodgeville UMC?
Excellent: 29.3%
Good: 36.2%
OK: 24.1%
Needs Help: 10.3%

I would like my child(ren) to attend Sunday School or Children’s Church:
While I am in worship: 36%
Before or after worship (as currently done): 64%

Having a nursery/childcare available for the following activities is important to me (check all that apply)
Worship: 83%
Small Group Events: 78%
Adult Educational Opportunities: 83%
Meetings: 61%
 

CAMP NEWS

Camp Scholarships are available for United Methodist Camps from the Dodgeville United Methodist Women. Contact Marilyn Liddle at 935-3674 and the Wills and Memorials Committee, Cathryn Tredinnick at 935-3248. Please remember that these scholarships are to be used specifically for United Methodist Church Camps. Thank you!
 

STEPHEN MINISTRY

IT’S FOR YOU!!

Are you still wondering what Stephen Ministries is all about – who it is for and what it has to do with you, anyway? It’s for you if you just need someone to talk to – someone to listen – someone to come along side in a crisis – to be there for you in a one-on-one confidential relationship as long as needed. It’s for you if you’re wondering what your role in the church is- what God wants from you or what you can do for him. It’s all about lay people – the people in the pews – disciples – (Woops – you talking about me?) Yep – must be if you’re in the pews on Sunday morning – or if you should be. It’s all about loving God, loving people and serving God by loving and serving others. The idea was introduced into the church some 2000 years ago (see Acts 6:1-7a) and is embraced by churches all over the US and some in Canada. Talk to your pastors (Rom or Charlene) or Stephen Leaders, Jessica Hazlett, David Olson or Gail Ray. This ministry is for You and needs You.

Stephen Ministry Fundraiser at Culver's

Mark your calendar! On Monday, March 28th from 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM come on out to Culver’s in Dodgeville for lunch or dinner to help raise funds for our Stephen Ministry!

 

MISSION AND OUTREACH

Cornerstone Luncheon - Valentines Day is always an excellant time to share time with someone special. This year Dodgeville UMC invited the Cornerstone clients to a special lunch a couple days late but still a day to enjoy a meal, a chance to dance and to receive a valentine card prepared by the Sunday School. Special thanks to Mary Barryman, Ivy Wilson, Donna & Earl Welsh, Charlie & Louise Price, Gayl Stewart, Brenda Crowe, and Cathy Bandyk for preparing and serving the meal. As always is the case the highlight of the event is 45 minutes with Al and his band. They were a little short on instruments but enthusiasm is what counts and everyone was on their feet enjoying the music. Our next event will be in July and I am sure that the clients are already asking when they can come back.

Food Pantry - Our current needs are Toilet paper, laundry detergent, pudding, jello, mashed potatoes, rice, egg noddles, cake mixes and brownie mixes.

Loose Change January through March Will Support InterHope Grace Home Orphanage - During the months of January, February and March our Loose Change for change offering is being sent to Interhope Mission. Thad & Sally Wilkinson are our missionaries in the field who work with Interhope in saving and providing homes for children in several countries around the globe. In a recent newsletter they shared the following information about their work in Cambodia:
"Christians are not the only religious workers in Cambodia. Muslims are also constructing mosques and building their institutions. It is amazing to see the dramatic shift and collison of cultures that will ultimately define the nature of this country in the future. So who is funding Cambodia's revival? Is it the United Nations or the US government? Is it Coca-cola, Microsoft, or McDondald's? Is it he American Cancer Society, Natioanl Public Radio, or UNICEF? Certainly not, it is none of these. The revival in Cambodia is being funded by a church in Wisconsin that had a loose change drive, a family in Michigan who gives $50 per month, a Sunday School class in Georgia that takes up a collection every Sunday, a 22 year-old, just starting out, who gives when he can and many more similar examples. A small army of God's people who send what they can and do what they can are shaping the destiny of Cambodia. The prayers and gifts of God's people avail much!"

Your loose change is appreciated and if you wish to do more please designate an amount you wish to give with your regular offering and the church will send that on to Interhope.  January’s loose change giving was $221.79. Thank you!

Cell Phones for Soldiers - Cell Phones for Soldiers recently announced its commitment to provide 750,000 communication tools in 2011 to troops stationed around the world, fulfilling a financial and emotional need of deployed armed forces.

To reach this goal, Cell Phones for Soldiers needs your help. The charity is calling on individuals and organizations to sponsor free p[hone calls home through cash donations and the donation of used cellular phones. Every dollar raised and cellular phone received will provide that precious connection to family for service men and women.

Proceeds raised from donations are used to purchase pre-paid international calling cards for troops around the world as well as fund new communication programs for troops in need.

The average roaming fees from Afghanistan are $3.99 a minute, making a call home a rarity for many military professionals. Help connect military families, donate today in the box marked “Cell Phones for Soldiers” in the fellowship hall. Tammy Steele is contact person if you have questions.

Eyewear Bucket - Located on the mission & outreach display in the fellowship hall is a white bucket. The Lion’s and Lioness’ are collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids. Any questions on this project please see Roger Stewart.

The Mission and Outreach Committee is asking other committees to communicate their individual projects to their committee as soon as plans begin. Our committee is excited that other committees feel empowered to lead a project. We would like to have the opportunity to adjust what we are planning on doing and or assist in making your committee project known to others. Please contact Juanita Starr with your plans at 574-4591.

New Beginnings - New Beginnings is looking for: beds, cribs, pac n plays, microwaves, kitchen tables, kitchen chairs, VCR/DVD players - these items we are completely out of. Our non-profit corportation assists struggling individuals and families with household necessities at no cost to the recipient. We helped 100 families in 2010, over 50% were Iowa County residents. Contact Juanita or Jeff Starr 574-1138. We are also looking for rubber bands, yarn/string (to tie/bundle blankets, comforters, etc.), strapping tape permanent markers, masking tape, buckets with or without lids.

AN OPPORTUNITY!

Small Group Study - Each Thursday, beginning March 10, from 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM, we will be studying and discussing the book of John. “John’s Gospel reveals the wonder of Christ, as seen through the eyes of a close friend. As we study the book of John, we will develop a deeper, more personal understanding of our Savior. We will come to know his thoughts and character. We will see Him in His glory…marvel at His beauty…be changed by His wisdom…and discover the riches of following Him closely and knowing Him well.”You are encouraged to bring your Bible and bring your lunch! Please sign-up for this small group in the fellowship hall. The group is limited to 12 individuals. Pastor Charlene and Brenda Crowe will be the group leaders.

Third Annual BMZ Leadership Summit - April 8-9, 2011
Last year many members of our church staff were able to attend this worthwhile event. Join with us this year as we carpool from DUMC to Boscobel again! Anyone from DUMC is encouraged to attend.  For fee information check out their website: bmzchurch.org or call the DUMC office for more info:  935-5451.
 

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION HAPPENINGS

Elementary class – On March 20, we will be starting a new unit in the elementary class. “The Odyssey of Tiny Pirate” will model the values of acceptance, responsibility, friendship, and respect from a Biblical perspective. The Fantastic World curriculum will include our two favorite guys, Bill and Charles, as they help us understand what it means to accept everyone, what it means to be respectful in all situations, what it means to be a good friend, and what it means to be responsible.

Middle school class – The middle school students will continue in the Cokesbury “Faith in Motion” curriculum, with a unit entitled, “School Dazed.” From a Biblical perspective, they will participate in discussions and projects around the following key points:
• Clubs: Where Do I Belong?
• Not Pictured: Who's Left Out?
• Honors: Making the Grade
• Activities: Too Much to Do-
• Athletics: And the Winner Is-
• Favorites: Where's Your Spirit?-
• Ads and Autographs: But Everybody Else Is

High School class – Parents, teachers, and pastors would like to think they are the most influential people in a student’s life, but students spend more time interacting with their friends than with anyone else. Friends influence every part of a student’s life – how they act, what they wear, what they say, and most importantly what they believe.
In a DVD-based curriculum entitled, “Friends,” Biblical insight will be given into the most common issues students are facing in their friendships:
• loneliness
• peer pressure
• comparisons
• identity
 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE

Shake it Up Café…Where Kids Carry God’s Recipe VBS is being planned for August 1-5, from 5-8 PM daily. Children, ages 4 through completion of grade 5, are invited to participate and invited family and friends!
There are several adult positions, which need to be filled. It is important to have 2 adults at each station, as well as adults to work as floaters and Bible characters. Here is a list of open positions to date:

VBS Director
Puppeteer
Music Leaders
Discovery Time (science) Assistant
Recreation Leader
Middle and High School Group Leaders
Adult Floaters (to be used wherever necessary..registration, counting money, etc.)
Bible Story Characters
If you feel God speaking to your heart and would like more information about one of these areas, please talk with Brenda Crowe in person or e-mail brenda@dodgevilleumc.org.

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

Parents of elementary children: Your child will not be allowed to leave the building after Sunday school, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you are not staying for church, please make sure you come into the building to pick up your child. Children will be in the narthex (lobby) with a teacher. Thank you so much for helping us keep all our children safe! 
 

A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR YOUR CHURCH

“Give each what would keep (them) above want, and bestow all the rest in such a manner as would be most for the glory of God.” - John Wesley

Don’t let this happen to you!

A few years ago Karen inherited shares of stock from the estate of a family friend. All the paperwork was completed by the estate lawyers and Karen received notice when the shares had been transferred to her name. When her church was in the process of a building campaign, Karen entered on her pledge card that she had stock she would like to redeem in order to pay her pledge. No one from the finance committee or church office contacted her to help her gift the stock to the church!

She didn’t know who to contact in the secular world either so she left the stock invested. Years later she read in her church newsletter that the Wisconsin U.M. Foundation could process gifts of stock, which meant she could avoid paying capital gains taxes. She also could avoid paying a selling fee or commission. She was amazed! By following the Foundation’s simple procedure, she could actually make a larger gift to her church than if she had sold the gift of stock herself and written a check to the church for the proceeds.

In 2010, the Foundation assisted 73 people in giving $529,811 in stock gifts to 42 different churches and ministries. That’s an average gift of $12,614 per church, or over $1,000/month! By making these gifts through the Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation, these individuals made sure that 100% of the proceeds from the sale were used for ministry.

For more information on how you can make a gift of appreciated stock to your favorite church or United Methodist ministry, please find the most current securities processing form on our website at http://www.wumf.org/assets/ProcessingStockGifts.pdf. Be sure to call us or send us a copy of the form so that we can process your gift as quickly as possible.

HELP FOR THE STEWARDSHIP CHAIR

Giving for the Glory of God

“Imagine the President of the United States and the Committee on Ways and Means sending out jugs, mugs, boxes, barrels, eggs, and buttons with their pictures on them to catch pennies to meet the fiscal needs of the great government of the United States!

Imagine the different states and counties holding fairs, festivals, concerns, and ice cream socials. With women cooking, sewing, and acting so that each community may meet its apportionment!

This would disgrace any earthly government in its own eyes and the eyes of the nations. Yet this is what Christians are doing year by year to finance the Kingdom of God!”

-from Gems of Thought on Tithing, published 1911
By George W. Brown, a Presbyterian layman
-----------------------------------------------------
The early Hebrews mentioned only crops and herds in their base for a tithe. Later when the people settled and started raising olives and grapes, products such as oil and wine were included in the base. A generation or two ago people could not conceive of anything but cash as the base for a tithe. But with more people investing in the stock market, and in real estate, people can now consider tithing other assets as well.

For more information on giving with assets other than cash, visit our website at www.wumf.org or contact us at:Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation,750 Windsor Street Ste 305, P.O. Box 620
Sun Prairie, WI 53590-0620
1-888-903-9863
 

JANUARY FINANCIAL REPORT

Financial Status as of January 31, 2011
                       Needed*           Received**
01/31/2011      $ 15,542             $ 13,047
YTD Totals       $15,542             $ 13,047

*Needed is average per month based on budget needs for basic church operation.
**Received does not include designated giving such as mission giving.
Apportionments
Paid as of 1/31/2011: $2003 Unpaid as of 1/31/2011: $429
 

LENTEN MEALS

For the 5 Wednesdays after Ash Wednesday (March 16, 23, 30, April 6 and 13), the mission trip participants will be serving Lenten meals from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, with the help of various committees and individuals. A basket, for donations for the meal, will be available at the serving table. A tentative schedule of meals is as follows:

March 16 – Deb Short (meal to be determined)
March 23 – Trustees – Pancake Supper
March 30 – Don Crowe and Church Council – Pulled Pork
April 6 – to be determined
April 13 – Mission Trip Folks – Lasagna Dinner

NOTE: The mission trip participants will be in charge of setting up, helping with meals, bringing supplies (if needed), and clean up. Please be at the church each Wednesday at 4:30 PM. Only those mission trip participants helping with the meal each week will get credit to their account.

Pastor Rom will be leading a study after the meal.

RIDGEWAY GRACE UMC

The UMW will meet at the church on Tuesday, March 1st at 2:00 PM with a
potluck program.

DUMC Cancellation Policy:

All events involving youth will follow the Dodgeville schools cancellation schedule. If school is cancelled, all DUMC Youth events will be cancelled that same day. Adult events will be at group leader’s discretion.

PASTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND (PDF) IN DIRE NEED OF RE-FUNDING

Occasionally, people from our community who are in immediate need (i.e. medicine, gas, a night’s lodging, etc., would be just some examples) stop by the church office looking for emergency funds to help them out. This is one of those ministry opportunities that is not highly publicized, but is so necessary to us being the Church here in Dodgeville. If you would like to participate in supporting these funds (which would also be eligible as a tax write-off), please write PDF (Pastor’s Discretionary Fund) in the memo of your check and place in offering basket on Sunday mornings. Again, these contributions are tax deductable and would be greatly appreciated as the fund is quite depleted after the holdiay and cold winter season. Thank you for assisting the needs in our community!

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

2 - Phil Udelhoven
7 - Julia Harman
7 - Linda Reger
8 – Stu Miller
13 - Greg Gorsline
14 - Margaret Humbert
15 - Dallas Starr
16 - Preston Phillips
16 - Tammy Steele
24 - Kevin Weier
29 - Kyle Reger
30 - Jeff Athey
31 - Autumn Bell

NO MARCH ANNIVERSARIES

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

Bill Lorenz
Bill Boyer
Bev Strutt
Military
Julia Harman
Jonna Heins
Dick Anderson
Josh
Denise Hanson
Francis Fry
Sandy Jonen
Rick
Arlene Paynter
Mary – knee surgery
Jennifer Crowe
Mary Dunn
Mike Brokish
Marie Wenger-Rowe
Katie Klessig’s Aunt Donna
 

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

__________

Waldwick Community Church Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, March 6th
8:00am to 12:30pm
Dodgeville Masonic Lodge pancakes, scrambled eggs,
sausage, applesauce, milk and coffee. $6.00 for adults/$3.00 for
children 5 and under.
__________
Dave Ramsey's Entreleadership live simulcast event

April 1, 2011 from 8:45AM to 4:00PM at Hidden Valley Community Church

For more information or to sign up, call Hidden Valley Community Church at 930-4822
____________________
Stephen Ministry Fundraiser
Culver’s Restaurant
March 28, 11-7PM
_________________________
BMZ Leadership Summit
Boscobel Mt. Zion Church April 8-9

for more info: bmzchurch.org
______________________

 

Calendar

• Click here for the printable February calendar

Sunday Servant Schedule

• Download

Formatted Printable Copy

• Download

Pastor's Corner

Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. 23 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship
in spirit and in truth.”
– John 4:21-24 (NLT)

Worship. It’s really a matter of the heart, isn’t it? So often we want to make worship about other things—temporal things or tangible things, only what we can see or hear or touch. But, according to Jesus, worship is about much more than geography or architecture or style. Author Tom Kraeuter (“The Missing Element of Worship”) describes many people’s reaction to worship in this way:

More frequently we tend to consider all of the other possible reasons why something might be wrong with worship. For example, if the corporate worship for a given service seems to us to be flat—as though something is wrong or missing—our first tendency is to think, “Well, I guess the person(s) leading worship didn’t hear from God this week.” Or perhaps we wonder if they really should be leading at all. However, our first course of action should be to look into our own hearts and
consider our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The connection between earthly relationships and our relationship with God is a recurring theme all throughout the Bible. That’s what Jesus was getting at in the passage above. And Jesus is still calling us today to a deeper understanding of worship. He’s calling us to worship that’s reflective of our life in him! ‘Not so much about the outer things of worship. It’s about what’s inside—where our heart is as we come to worship.

As we will discuss more as we move through our current sermon series “Wired for Worship,” the attitude that we enter into worship with is usually reflective of where we are at in our relationship with God and others, too (the flip side of the coin). Is God really NUMBER ONE in our lives? Are people—all people—as important to us as God wants them to be? This is what worship is really all about—the heart.

The next time you’re tempted to criticize or complain about external elements of worship, ask yourself how the item you’re concerned with is eternally significant. Will it really matter in 100 years? Will it matter for eternity? It’s only what matters for eternity … that is eternally significant. Let’s stick to that. Let’s make sure that worship in our lives is really a matter of the heart. And, let’s make sure that our heart is lined up with where Jesus wants us to be. Love God. Love People. Both! That’s what’s eternally important to God, as we come together to worship him…

See you in the house of worship,
Pastor Rom

INITIATION STATION

INTEGRITY IN MEMBERSHIP
by Pastor Rom

From the Abstract of my recent doctoral work (Membership: Transforming the Church through Initiation) comes this summary of why membership is so important to me as both a pastor and as a follower of Christ. As I begin to unfold the importance of membership with this column, thought the year, this seemed a good place to begin—to allow you a look into the mind of your pastor and into the reasons why reform in this area of the Church is vitally important. Let’s begin here:

Mainline churches in America continue to decline in numbers, including the United Methodist Church. One of the reasons for this decline could be the gradual downturn in the strength and integrity [italics mine] of membership in the Church. This Doctor of Ministry project is a combination research paper and contextual project that uses research gathered to help evaluate the reality of what has taken place in membership in this context. With this combined approach, this project aims to test the feasibility of early Methodist practices for membership preparation—specifically spiritual formation through a small group setting—in the church today. These practices will resemble early Christian initiation through the catechumenate [Early Church process of training for baptism and entry into the Church] rather than the more modern practices of simply shaping denominational loyalty or beliefs.

If there is still any doubt, the context that is being spoken of here is the Dodgeville United Methodist Church. One of my main concerns about membership in any church today—including this one—is the idea of integrity. So, where do we begin in talking about the integrity of membership? In the introduction to “Membership,” I share this very personal insight.

It has been said that ‘we are products of our past.’ And, I find myself as no exception. I grew up as a P.K. or “Preacher’s Kid”—the second child of a United Methodist minister, Rev. R.A. Pegram. One of my lingering memories of childhood was the deep desire to be just like my father … in so many ways. One of the specific characteristics I have admired is his very powerful gift of leadership … and, along with that, his integrity when it came to all-things-pastoring. He was one who believed that if you made a promise, you should keep it—especially if it was made to God. The basis for that belief, of course, comes directly from God’s nature; it is God’s nature to always follow through on the promises made to us—always has been. In Genesis 17:7 (TEV), God says: "I will keep my promise to you and to your descendants in future generations as an everlasting covenant. I will be your God and the God of your descendants.” God then spends the remainder of scripture showing us just what this means. So, we—as God’s people—should respond in kind. For my father, it was always just that simple—especially for those who made promises to God when joining the church. If you make a promise—especially to God, you need to keep it!

That’s where I am coming from. Unfortunately, my experience has shown me that this very simple understanding (making a promise = keeping a promise) has been diluted and, in many cases, lost to more recent generations. Why? It’s all about the example they’ve witnessed. If membership is not important to Dad and Mom, for instance, why should it be important to me? That seems to be a common attitude today. If breaking the promises of membership is O.K. according to those who are most significant in our lives, then it should be an O.K. way of life for me too! Who can really blame our younger generations if there is a lack of commitment to membership? I once had a boss who always told me, “Do as I say, not as I do.” I didn’t buy into that either.

Just for the record, the United Methodist Church—being true to scripture—has some very important things to say about all of this, too. Let me end there this month. I offer this as a solid example of where our church (United Methodist Church) is in the area of membership:

Faithful membership in the local church is essential for personal growth and for developing a deeper commitment to the will and grace of God. As members involve themselves in private and public prayer, worship, the sacraments, study, Christian action, systematic giving, and holy discipline, they grow in their appreciation of Christ, understanding of God at work in history and the natural order, and an understanding of themselves. - ¶ 218. Growth in Faithful Discipleship

Christianity is not a solo endeavor. It never has been. Our Christian faith is to be lived out in community. And, surrounded by that loving community, those making promises of membership need to be lovingly held accountable. As a leader in the Church, if this is not taking place, I am not doing my job—what God has called me to be faithful to in the Church. Next month, we’ll move into the reality of where membership is today in the United Methodist Church. Until then…
 

Church Family News

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR CONCERT

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 4:00 PM
Beat the January blahs and join us for a wonderful afternoon of music by our own bell choir, our own senior choir, and other talented musicians and groups. Master of ceremonies for the event will be Mr. Dan Roble.

A lasagna dinner, by the summer mission trip youth and adults, will be held immediately after the concert. The meal will include salad, garlic bread, dessert, and beverage.

Freewill offering baskets will be available. All monies donated will go directly to the mission trip to Macon, Georgia.

UMW NEWS

The first UMW meeting for 2011 will be on February 3 at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Church
in the Fellowship Hall. Program is the Installation of the 2011 Officers with Brenda Crowe doing the installing.

Prayer Blankets - The UMW has been delivering Prayer Blankets to some of the Shut-ins. In this cold weather the shut-ins can wrap up all snug.

Evening Star Circle - The February 14 meeting will be at the Church with Mary Berryman as the hostess. Mary will also have the devotion.

Special Events Coming in March World Day of Prayer and Cluster Meetings.

SCOUT SUNDAY FEBRUARY 13

Scout Sunday will be observed on February 13. Scouts from local boy scout troops, cub scout packs, and girl scout troops will be joining us for worship. A scoutmaster minute will be given by Don Crowe. Please plan to join us for worship, as we support wonderful youth programs in our community. (ATTN scouts: Please wear class A shirts or uniforms to worship.)

CAMP NEWS

Camp Scholarships are available for United Methodist Camps from the Dodgeville United Methodist Women. Contact Marilyn Liddle at 935-3674 and the Wills and Memorials Committee, Cathryn Tredinnick at 935-3248. Please remember that these scholarships are to be used specifically for United Methodist Church Camps. Thank you!
 

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Are you going through a hard time?
Do you need a listening friend?
Consider asking for a Stephen Minister.

What is Stephen Ministry?
Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives, such as:
• Loss of spouse
• Retirement
• Loneliness
• Unemployment
• Despair
• Childbirth
• Hospitalization
• Grief
• Separation and divorce
• Terminal illness
• Going through difficult times and needing someone to care, listen and share God’s love with you, on-to-one and confidentially

What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is
• a Christ-follower who walks beside a hurting person
• a caring Christian who really listens and supports
• a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide compassionate care

A Stephen Minister is not…
• a counselor, therapist, or mental health professional
• a person who will solve all your problems

How can I receive care from a Stephen Minister?
Please contact the church office for Stephen Ministry Team information or Pastor Rom, Pastor Charlene, or one of our Stephen Leaders: Jessica Hazlett, David Olson or Gail Ray.

I know someone who could use a Stephen Minister. How do I handle it?
Go to the person in need and let them know about Stephen Ministry. Pray with them about it. Encourage them to discuss it with a Stephen Leader. It is important that they make the decision to ask for help and make the first contact.

MISSION AND OUTREACH

Loose Change January through March Will Support InterHope Grace Home Orphanage
How my heart reaches out to you, our faithful compassionate senders who have brought the Lord’s Hope and Destiny to hundreds of formerly abandoned and orphaned children. You rise above the base vulgarity and hopeless cynicism that pervades popular culture. While so many are content to allow the routines of life to consume all, your hand reaches out to comfort, your heart reaches in prayer and you act on behalf of the least of these for His glory. Every day I am humbly and joyfully confronted with the eternal good that has been accomplished by the love of Christ within you. Thank you for giving to the Lord. Because of you and others who have responded, many tiny hearts sleep in peace tonight. Your gifts have meant everything to them.

For the Least and the Lost,

Thad Wilkinson
Executive Director – InterHope Grace Home Orphanage

CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS
Proceeds from donated old cell phones will be used to purchase calling cards for our troops so they can stay connected with their families. Just drop your old phones in the red and blue box on the Mission & Outreach bakers rack in the Fellowship Hall.

THANK YOU FROM THE IOWA COUNTY FOOD PANTRY
Your special ways and generous heart make a beautiful difference. Thank you so much.
[We were able to give them a check for $213.85 from the ecumenical Thanksgiving service offering.]

LIVING WATER INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING A HUGE SUCCESS
I am so proud to announce the results of the incredibly generous giving for the Advent Conspiracy project this first year that we’ve participated in it. The total amount taken in, toward the digging of wells for those who need clean water was $3085.00. What an incredible outpouring of love! Our personal thanks to all who have taken part in any way!
Pastor Rom & Lois McComish, Finance Chair
 

IOWA COUNTY FOOD PANTRY
Thank you so much for your support and donation’s to the SW CAP Iowa County Food Pantry in Dodgeville. We served 1,422 families in 2010. We received 84,044 lbs of food that was either donated or purchased with donated money. It’s people like you caring about your community, that we are able to fill the needs of Iowa County Families.

The pantry is staffed by volunteers and over seen by Michelle Friedrich Special Service Coordinator at SW CAP. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact her at 608-935-2326 ext. 213. If you would be interested in volunteering please call Michelle. The hours of the pantry are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 to 3:00.

Our current needs are Toilet paper, laundry detergent, pudding, jello, mashed potatoes, rice, egg noddles, cake mixes and brownie mixes.

THANKS TO THE DUMC KITCHEN TEAM
Mark and I and family would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped serve the meal for Pat Buckinham’s funeral luncheon. Your act of kindness is very much appreciated. It was so wonderful to know the meal was taken care of and that we had a place to
gather after the funeral.
Love – Mark and Nancy Anderson

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION HAPPENINGS

Elementary class – During the month of February, our elementary students will be visited, once again, by Bill and Charles (from the Fantastic World Molly Pickens series). Over the course of five weeks, we will be talking about “values.” We will be learning what it means to have patience, compassion, and courage, as well as being encouraging to others and being honest.

Middle School class – As the students finish talking about “Walking the Talk” series, they will be introduced to the next Faith in Motion series…”School Dazed Leader.” Keeping their faith in the forefront, the students will be discussing the following topics:
Clubs: Where Do I Belong?
Not Pictured: Who’s Left Out?
Honors: Making the Grade
Activities: Too Much To Do
Athletics: And the Winner Is
Favorites: Where’s Your Spirit?
Ads and Autographs: But Everybody Else Is

High School class – We will be continuing our discussion of “A Christmas Carol.”

Adult Class – Please join us as we make our way through the Bible, “The Grand Sweep – 365 Days From Genesis Through Revelation.”

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MEETING -

Monday, January 31st, at 6:30 PM.
If you are interested in helping this year, please plan to attend. An introduction to this year’s theme,
“Shake It Up Café – Where Kids Carry Out God’s Recipe,” will be presented, as well as discussion of VBS dates, etc. Questions? Contact Brenda Crowe

A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR YOUR CHURCH

#275 Giving is an act of Love. Protect yourself against the least little bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” Luke 12:15 The Message

Welcome news for those age 70-1/2 and older!

The new Tax Reform Act that was just signed into law on December 17th restores the IRA Charitable Rollover through December 31, 2011.

If you own an IRA and are over age 70-1/2, you may transfer up to $100,000 from your IRA, directly to your local United Methodist Church or any United Methodist ministry because they are all qualified public charities. This qualified charitable distribution will also qualify for your annual required minimum distribution. What is the benefit? Your distribution goes directly to the church or charity and is not included in your gross income for tax purposes.

What types of IRA’s qualify? Only Traditional and Roth IRA’s.

When? Now through December 31, 2011.

Where can I make Qualified Charitable Distributions from my IRA? Only to qualified public charities. All United Methodist Churches and United Methodist ministries are qualified public charities - UMCOR, any of our Health and Welfare Ministries, UM Camps, or Advance Specials.

Why make an IRA Rollover gift to my church? First, there are tax advantages. If you make a gift directly from your IRA to your church or another UM ministry, you do not pay income tax on the withdrawal. Second, you may be able to use money from your IRA to support your local church or another ministry you are passionate about, at a level you are unable to reach simply by making gifts from ordinary income. Third, you may wish to make an outright gift or a gift that establishes a permanent endowment fund. For more information, contact:
Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation
750 Windsor Street Ste 305, P.O. Box 620
Sun Prairie, WI 53590-0620
1-888-903-9863 or wumf@wumf.org

HELP FOR THE STEWARDSHIP CHAIR

Keeping What Matters

Then the king responded, ‘Give the first woman the living boy; do not kill him. She is his mother.” (1 Kings 3: 27, full story 1 Kings 3: 16-28)
It was close to Valentine’s Day and the confirmation class was tittering. To cut through the silliness I invited them to go around the circle and share a scripture about love to the best of their memory. I was impressed by how many “love passages” they knew, more than – love one another … neighbor … stranger.
Andy’s unique choice was the story usually called Solomon’s choice.
Two women with newborns shared lodging. One infant died in the night and both claimed the living child. They screamed at each other. Solomon suggested the baby boy be bisected and each woman be given half. One woman said, “Fine.” (Can you hear the teenaged boy say it?) The other said, “Give her the baby – don’t kill him.” Solomon gave this woman the child. Whatever the biological truth was – this was the mother!
“So how is this a love story,” I asked?
“Well, if you really love something or someone, you know that cutting it in half will kill it,” said Andy. A young woman (soon to get her driver’s license) picked up the thought. “Also, if you really love something, you’re willing to let it go.”
These wise confirmands suggest some Solomon-stewardship for our churches. In a difficult budget time – cut, cut, cut is frequent advice. But there is much precious and vulnerable programming that won’t survive the knife. Keeping what matters in our faith communities alive often requires personally sacrificial gifts – gifts without strings, ownership or naming rights – gifts of love.

Maren C. Tirabassi is Pastor of Union Congregational UCC of Madbury, NH.
Her most recent book is God in My Life: How and Why We Share Faith Stories.

NOVEMBER FINANCIAL REPORT

Financial Status as of December 31, 2010
                  Needed*              Received**
01/31/2010 $ 14,912             $ 9,331
02/28/2010 $ 14,912             $13,196
03/31/2010 $ 14,912             $14,718
04/30/2010 $ 14,912             $14,264
05/31/2010 $ 14,912             $15,165
06/30/2010 $ 14,912             $12,405
07/31/2010 $ 14,912             $11,398
08/31/2010 $ 14,912             $13,223
09/31/2010 $ 14,912             $11,819
10/30/2010 $ 14,912             $12,916
11/30/2010 $ 14,912             $14,466
12/31/2010 $14,912              $21,756

YTD Totals $178,944            $167,610

*Needed is average per month based on budget needs for basic church operation.
**Received does not include designated giving such as mission giving.

Apportionments
Paid as of 12/31/2010: $24,036 Unpaid as of 12/31/2010: $0

- Lois McComish, Finance Chair

Upcoming Opportunities

LET'S GO SKIING!

ATTN: High school and middle school students!!
Wanna play in the snow for an evening? Plans are in the works for a ski/snow boarding night at Tyrol Basin on Friday, February 25. More details will be available soon. Parents or other adults interested, we will need drivers and chaperones for the evening. Please contact Don Crowe will any questions or to
volunteer to help.

A SPECIAL GIFT TO LAST A LIFETIME

What could be a better gift for your spouse than the gift of yourself? Be it a gift you give each other for Christmas, Valentine's Day, a birthday, Wedding Anniversary, or other special occasion, the gift of a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend-United Methodist will keep giving your whole lives through. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is a gift that you and your spouse will remember, treasure and benefit from forever!Sometimes the thing we really need is to just get away from the rest of the world for a couple of days and just really focus in on each other. As simple as that sounds, it can be a bit of a trick to arrange sometimes. Worldwide Marriage Encounter can provide the structure and the unobtrusive "tour guides" you need for a romantic, intimate getaway adventure.Choose from the following dates: February 18-20, 2011 Holiday Inn; Fond du Lac, WI; October 21-23, 2011 Rader Retreat Center; Pine Lake, Westfield, WI. For more information: Go to www.encounter.org or w1marriage@gmail.com
Call toll free 1-866-633-3862; or Ron & Sharon Morishita 262.554.0369

VALENTINE PARTY FOR CORNERSTONE

The February Valentine Party for Cornerstone Clients will be held February 16 during the noon hour at the church. Watch for a display in Fellowship Hall for food items that you can donate. If you wish to help serve and clean up contact Roger Stewart (345-5895). Back by popular demand will be our Praise Band to provide musical entertainment.

GREETER MEETING

There will be a Greeter Training Meeting on Wednesday, February 9 at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary. We will go over the greeter “job description” and discuss scheduling. We hope to see you there!
Bobbi Butteris, Beth Schlueter & Pastor Rom

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR CONCERT

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 AT 4:00 PM

BELL CHOIR
SENIOR CHOIR

MUSICAL SELECTIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS AND OTHER GROUPS

Beat the January “blahs” with wonderful music, under the direction of our own Dan Roble!

A lasagna dinner will be held immediately after the concert in the fellowship hall. Baskets will be available for a freewill offering. Monies collected will go to the youth and adults participating in the summer mission trip.

INVITE FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR AN AWESOME EVENING OF GREAT ENTERTAINMENT AND OUTSTANDING FOOD
 

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

1 - Jacob Athey
1 - Gerald Fingerson
1 - Ron Symons
1 - Carissa Tolzman
2 - Bonnie Oxnem
6 - Dorothy Leffler
9 - Spencer Godfrey
9 - Tom Harman
10 - Jeff Starr
12 - Terry Olson
13 - Mary Jean Thomas
14 - Hannah Colden
14 - Isaac Colden
14 - Brenda Crowe
19 - Dee Dochnahl
22 - Lindsey Hazlett
23 - Bill Boyer
26 - Eliza Godfrey
26 - Karen Miller
26 - JoAnn Myers
27 - Don Smith
28 - Robyn Huxtable
28 - Carol Thomas

NO FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

Bill Lorenz
Michelle Jewell-Smith
Bill Boyer
Rachael Peot
Donna Welsh
Paul Martin
Bev Strutt
Jim Middagh
Military
Allie Crowe
Julia Harman
Jonna Heins
Dick Anderson
Josh
Denise Hanson
Bonnie Buckingham
Francis Fry
Sandy Jonen
Rick
Arlene Paynter
Mary – knee surgery
Alycia Hathaway
Jennifer Crowe
Ora Kasten & Family
Family of Willis Legler
Families of Anna Shoemaker & Elizabeth Burns

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

Monfort UMC Chicken Noodle Soup/Chili Supper
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
4:30-7:00 PM
Adults: $5.00
Children 3-12: $3.00
Under 3: Free
____________________
GriefShare
New session begins Tuesday’s at 7:00, February 8
Spring Green Community Church
151 E Bossard St
Spring Green
www.griefshare.org
____________________
Bloodmobile
Friday February 4th
11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Dodgeville UM Church
______________________
Cornerstone Party
February 16th
11:30 – 1:00 PM
 

Click here for the printable February calendar

Sunday Servant Schedule

Download

Formatted Printable Copy

Download

Pastor's Corner

It may seem a bit odd to spend the first newsletter of the New Year still talking about Christmas. However, this may be the perfect time to talk about this particular topic since it’s still fairly fresh on people’s minds. And, what I am going to share with you is simply this pastor’s perspective—how I was raised and how strongly I feel about this particular subject in relation to the world we live in. The topic that I want to address is … SANTA CLAUS. I’ve had a few people share with me this Christmas season about how horrible believing in Santa Claus is. So, here’s my take. Let me begin with an excerpt from a very thorough article that I was handed recently (http://www.stnicholascenter.org):

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna,formed in his grave. This liquid sub- stance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th (December 19 on the Julian Calendar).

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

Celebrating the St. Nicholas that is now often referred to as Santa Claus, my father used to have Santa come and join him for a conversation each year at Christmas at whatever church he was appointed to. This is how I came to believe in and love Santa Claus—because no matter what the costume looked like and no matter what the world said about Santa, I knew that he was really a representation of one St. Nicholas. My folks went so far as to tell us that whenever we quit believing in Santa Claus (and we understood this to be the Spirit of St. Nicholas), that’s when Santa would quit coming at Christmastime! (Needless to say, our belief just kept growing deeper and deeper!)

It’s a choice that every household has to make, but as for me and my house, we refuse to let the world steal what is and always has been innately Christian—a remembrance of an incredible saint of God. So often the world wants to steal what is of God and make it their own. You’ve heard me say time and again that anytime we take what is God’s and try to make it our own, we’re in trouble! It’s the same with Santa Claus for me. St. Nicholas, you see, represented Christ in his life; that’s what his life stood for. And, scripture tells me (John 1:4-5, NLT): “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” So goes the Spirit of St. Nicholas. It’s always terrible when the world tries to take what is God’s. But, that should never stop us from keeping the flame (of God’s Spirit) burning … in any way we can! For what it’s worth, that’s this pastor’s perspective…

New Year’s Blessings,
Pastor Rom
 

INITIATION STATION

What Church Membership Really Means

Over the past few years, it has become more than apparent that most local congregations—generally speaking—seem to lack a solid biblical, theological and/or historical understanding of what it means to be a member of the Church. This in turn affects the living out of our faith through the local congregation in significant ways. Living in the western world, it is so easy to think of membership as just another membership. In other words, the thinking goes that if we understand membership in any local organization or club, then we should also understand membership in the Church too. But, that is just not so—biblically, historically or theologically. So, for 2011, this column will appear in our newsletter with the hope of gaining a better understanding of what it means to belong to the Body of Christ through a local congregation. With a solid understanding of what membership in the Church really means biblically, theologically and historically, greater health as a local Body of Christ will always be the outcome!

In this column, I’ll be sharing excerpts from past work in the area of initiation (membership) into the Church. Again, the hope is that through a better understanding of what it means to be a member of the Body of Christ—committing to live out our discipleship through a particular local congregation, we will begin to strengthen our foundation for ministry (membership) which will then make stronger all that we do together. In striving toward this goal, please look to February’s newsletter for the first installment.

Your resident ‘initiation’ guru,
Pastor Rom
 

A Note from Santa…

I wanted to personally thank each and every one of you for your prayers, your donations, your wonderful cookies, and your valuable volunteer efforts to make last month’s Santa Secret Shop a success! I was told, by my elves and Mrs. Claus, that the weather didn’t cooperate like I requested…I think I’ll speak to Mother Nature for next year’s event. I don’t get the opportunity to come to my shop…way too busy in December…however, I did get information that I think you should know:

*248 children participated

*Dodgeville High School Key Club, Barneveld High School National Honor Society, Girl Scout Troops, Boy Scout Troops, UW Platteville Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity, church family, and community members volunteered their time and talents.

*A total of $2400 was brought in over the two weekends.

*$800 was given to the 2011 mission trip folks.

*$150 was given to Sigma Alpha Iota for Music Scholarships.

*$100 was given to the Missions and Outreach folks to supply items from the giving tree.

*The remaining monies will be used to restock for next year and to help folks, where needed.

My elves have already started preparing for next year! Mark your calendar for December 3 and 10, 2011! My prayer for you for 2011 is one of peace, joy, and God’s blessings for you and your family. Keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year, and keep your focus on God! If you do that, there will be nothing you can’t handle…His grace and love will see you through the year!

See you in December!
Santa
 

THANK YOU...

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO THE DODGEVILLE & RIDGEWAY: GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES!

Many thanks to all who have so generously blessed us—in many ways—during this past season of Advent and Christmas! The love and support that Jane and I have felt has been incredibly encouraging. We truly do love you all very, very much and look forward to doing the work of God’s kingdom together in the New Year!

Blessings,
Pastor Rom & Jane

Thank you to everyone who helped make the appreciation book project a success!

It took all of us working together to pull it off. Pastor Rom & Pastor Charlene were very touched and…surprised! I’m so excited that we all managed to keep it a secret the whole time! If anyone still wants to add a note to the book but didn’t get a chance to do so, I’m sure Rom and Charlene would love to receive notes of appreciation at any time. Just put them in their mail slots by the church office (then they can be added to the books, too).

Beth Schlueter, Connections Coordinator

Thanks to the UMW for the cheerful visit and thoughtful gift. I’m enjoying the throw. It warms my heart as well as my body. God bless you all!
Eddis Olson

Church Family News

2011 CHURCH LEADERSHIP

2011 Church Leadership

Chairperson………………………………….Jeff Athey [12]
Recording Secretary ……………………….Sandy Alexander
Lay Leader…………………………………..Julie Piper [13]
Lay Member to Annual Conf………………Beth Schlueter [11]
SPRC Chair..………………………………..Terry Edwards [11]
Trustees Chair…………TBA (always elected Jan. of New Year)
Finance Chair………………………………..Lois McComish [12]
Treasurer…………………………………….Bill James
Financial Secretaries..……………Diane Barney, Sandy Alexander
Wills & Memorials Chair…………………...Cathryn Tredinnick [13]
Interim Membership Secretary……………Lois McComish [11]
Connections Coordinator...……………….Beth Schlueter
Website Administrator……………………..Matt Schlueter
Director of Christian Ed……………………Brenda Crowe
UMW President……………………………..Marilyn Liddle [11]
High School Youth Leader.…………….….Don Crowe
Middle School Youth Leader.……………..Don Hazlett
Youth Representative……………………...Alex Ray

Members at Large:
Bill Van Schyndel/2011; Karl Lasse/2012; Steve Alexander/2013

BOARDS/COMMITTEES

Staff-Parish Relations Committee: Terry Edwards, Chair
Terry Edwards/2011 TBS/2012
Francis Fry/2013 Julie Colden/2012
Russell Nelson/2011 Julia Harman/2013

Julie Piper/2013, Lay Leader (D)
Leroy Strutt//2011, Lay Leader (R)
(Beth Schlueter/2011, Lay Member to Annual Conference)
Melva Phillips, Ridgeway Representative
Twila Thomas, Ridgeway Representative
2011 Church Leadership (continued)

Board of Trustees: Jan Aschliman, 2010 Chair
Doug Digman/2011 Jan Aschliman/2012
Kevin Kirschbaum/2013 Jeff Starr/2011
Steve Colden/2011 Chip Forrest/2013

Stewardship & Finance Committee: Lois McComish, Chair
Mary Jean Thomas/2011 Lois McComish/2012 TBS/2013 Stu Miller/2011 Jane Pegram/2012 TBS/2013

Bill James/2011, Treasurer
Diane Barney & Sandy Alexander, Financial Secretaries
Cathryn Tredinnick/2013, Wills & Memorials Chair

Wills & Memorials Committee: Cathryn Tredinnick, Chair
Rosemary Edwards/2011 Charlene Mingst/2012 Cathryn Tredinnick/2013 Bill James/2011
Mary Jean Thomas/2012 Mary King/2013
Ken Dobson/2013

Committee on Lay Leadership (formerly Nominations):
Pastor Rom Pegram, Chair
Dale Mortimer/2011 Patty Steil/2012
Carol Thomas/2013
Beth Schlueter, Connections Coordinator

GENERAL OR MISC. LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

Pastor……………………………………………………….Rom A. Pegram

Office Manager/Administrative Assistant…………..………Carla Pustina
Director of Christian Ed/Office……….…………………….Brenda Crowe
Youth Ministry…………………………Don Crowe (HS)/Don Hazlett (MS) Librarians………………………………………………Rosemary Edwards ……………………………………………………………_______________
Historian…………………………………………………_______________

NOTE: All positions marked ‘TBS’ (to be supplied) are currently in the process of being filled by the Committee on Lay Leadership.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION HAPPENINGS

Elementary class – Through the month of January, we will be extending Christmas, as we learn about the “Stars of Christmas.” This curriculum will emphasis different “stars” in the Christmas story each week – Mary, The Shepherds, the Wise Men, and even terrible King Herod. In the end, the children will learn that there is truly only one star of Christmas…Jesus, the Christ child. We will be meeting in our regular classroom, as we did before the musical.

Middle School class – Allie and Al are preparing to show their students what it truly means to be bold in Christ. “Walk the Talk – In the Steps of the Soul Man” will feature discussions on the following: Walk Humbly; Walk in Love; Walk in the Light; Walk in Darkness; Walk to Emmaus; Walk as He Walked; and Walk in Newness of Life. The class will meet in their regular room.

High School class – Just like the elementary class, the high school class will be extending their Christmas. Around the world, two Christmas stories are most beloved. The first if the sacred birth of Christ. The second is Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Through the actual original movie and discussions, the youth will focus on the following:

*Scrooge - Bah Humbug! (“What good is it for man to gain the whole
world, yet forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36)

*Marley and the Ghost of Christmas Past - A Past of Regret (“Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.” Ecclesiastes 3:15)

*Ghost of Christmas Present - A Present Repentance (Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to Salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10)

*Ghost of Christmas Future – The Salvation of Scrooge (“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord
Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9)

Adult Class – The adult class will be continuing their study of the Bible, using J. Ellsworth Kalas’ “The Grand Sweep – 365 Days From Genesis Through Revelation.” The class meets in the library each week and will be starting with 1st Thessalonians and spend the next couple months studying the letters of Paul. All are invited to join us!

NOTE: Please remember our wonderful Sunday school outreach. Through our offerings each week, we are sponsoring “Hari” and “Rosie,” two orphaned and abandoned children, who were rescued by Interhope and are being cared for in Grace Home Orphanage in India. The money our children/youth/adults bring each week helps to supply an education, medical supplies, clothes, etc. Interhope is a “saving grace” to many children around the world. Thad Wilkinson, a dear friend of the church, is our connection to Interhope. Remember Thad and his family in your prayers, as well…what an awesome responsibility they have. God is truly blessing their ministry! 

ATTN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION STAFF: As we strive to keep our youth and children safe and secure, we will be developing a “Safe Sanctuary” policy over the next few months. Please plan to attend a training and discussion session with Pastor Rom and Brenda Crowe on Wednesday, January 26, at 6:30 PM.

Welcome news for those age 70-1/2 and older!

The new Tax Reform Act that was just signed into law on December 17th restores the IRA Charitable Rollover for 2010 and permits its use through December 31, 2011.

If you own an IRA and are over age 70-1/2, you may transfer up to $100,000 directly from your IRA directly to your local United Methodist Church or any United Methodist ministry because they are all qualified public charities. If you have not taken the 2010 required minimum distribution from your IRA, you may instruct your IRA custodian to send your RMD directly to the church – because we are a qualified charity! Even if you have taken your required IRA distribution for this year, you still may find the IRA charitable rollover a very convenient way to make a gift this year. Qualified charitable distribution (QCD) rollovers to the church (or another charity) may be made anytime before January 31, 2011 to qualify for a 2010 gift.

An easy way to start an IRA Charitable Rollover is to send an email or a letter to your IRA Custodian. The reverse side of this note includes the wording for a sample email or letter. Please be sure to enter your IRA account number in the blank provided.

The following is also a link to an informational video on the 2010 IRA Rollover:
http://www.crescendointeractive.com/marketing/ira_rollover_vid.html

For more information, contact:
Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation
750 Windsor Street, Suite 305
PO Box 620
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
1-888-903-9863 or 1-608-837-9582
Email wumf @ wumf.org

Sample Letter/Email to IRA Custodian

Date
Name of IRA Custodian
Address
City/State/Zip

Dear IRA Custodian,

The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 201, effective from Jan. 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2011, permits a rollover directly from an IRA to a qualified public charity. As the owner of IRA account #_______________________ that is in the custody of your organization, I request that you transfer from that account the sum of $____________________ to
__________________________________United Methodist Church located at
Address ____________________________________________
City/State/Zip _______________________________________
The Treasury Tax ID Number for ________________________ United
Methodist Church is __ __ - __ __ __ __ __ __ __.

It is my intention to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to ____________________ United Methodist Church from my IRA. It is also my intention that this distribution ___ will / ___ will not (choose one)
fulfill part or all of my IRA required minimum distribution for this year.

This letter is sufficient authorization for you to make this QCD gift. However, if you require any further documents, please promptly send those to me.

Cordially yours,

Name of Donor
Address
City/State/Zip

Cc: Name of Church Treasurer or Financial Secretary

 

NOVEMBER FINANCIAL REPORT

Thank you for allowing me to serve as the Finance Chair in 2010. Looking back on the year, I believe we had a very good year. We were able to pay all bills, which includes paying apportionments in full for the year. This is remarkable since in 2009 apportionments were paid at 40%. As a church, we need to look at apportionments as another bill that needs to be paid (of which the majority is truly joint ‘mission giving’ through our Annual Conference). Due to a surplus in the 2009 budget we have been able to stay current.

The Finance Committee needs each of you to pray that we will be able to continue to meet all obligations for 2011. Look at where you are in your personal giving and see how you may be able to help out if necessary.

My wish for each of you is that you will open your hearts and experience all the love, joy and peace God has in store for you in this coming year.

Lois McComish, Finance Chair

Financial Status as of November 30, 2010
                  Needed*              Received**
01/31/2010 $ 14,912             $ 9,331
02/28/2010 $ 14,912             $13,196
03/31/2010 $ 14,912             $14,718
04/30/2010 $ 14,912             $14,264
05/31/2010 $ 14,912             $15,165
06/30/2010 $ 14,912             $12,405
07/31/2010 $ 14,912             $11,398
08/31/2010 $ 14,912             $13,223
09/31/2010 $ 14,912             $11,819
10/30/2010 $ 14,912             $12,916
11/30/2010 $ 14,912             $14,466
YTD Totals $164,032            $145,854

*Needed is average per month based on budget needs for basic church operation.
**Received does not include designated giving such as mission giving.

Apportionments
Paid as of 12/31/2010: $24,036 Unpaid as of 12/31/2010: $0

- Lois McComish, Finance Chair

A Special Gift to last a lifetime

What could be a better gift for your spouse than the gift of yourself? Be it a gift you give each other for Christmas, Valentine's Day, a birthday, Wedding Anniversary, or other special occasion, the gift of a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend-United Methodist will keep giving your whole lives through. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is a gift that you and your spouse will remember, treasure and benefit from forever!Sometimes the thing we really need is to just get away from the rest of the world for a couple of days and just really focus in on each other. As simple as that sounds, it can be a bit of a trick to arrange sometimes. Worldwide Marriage Encounter can provide the structure and the unobtrusive "tour guides" you need for a romantic, intimate getaway adventure.Choose from the following dates: February 18-20, 2011 Holiday Inn; Fond du Lac, WI; October 21-23, 2011 Rader Retreat Center; Pine Lake, Westfield, WI. For more information: Go to www.encounter.org or w1marriage@gmail.com
Call toll free 1-866-633-3862; or Ron & Sharon Morishita 262.554.0369

A DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Invitation to all clergy and laity: Thursday, January 6, 9:30 AM-3:00 PM at DUMC
RSVP to Sherry at 608-837-0056 to participate at the church. No reservations necessary to participate on your own. Everyone is encouraged to take part!

Attention Greeters:

We wanted to give you a “heads up”…There will be a Greeter Training Meeting on Wednesday, February 9 at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary. We will go over the greeter “job description” and discuss scheduling. We hope to see you there!
Bobbi Butteris, Beth Schlueter & Pastor Rom

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR CONCERT

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 AT 4:00 PM

BELL CHOIR
SENIOR CHOIR

MUSICAL SELECTIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS AND OTHER GROUPS

Beat the January “blahs” with wonderful music, under the direction of our own Dan Roble!

A lasagna dinner will be held immediately after the concert in the fellowship hall. Baskets will be available for a freewill offering. Monies collected will go to the youth and adults participating in the summer mission trip.

INVITE FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR AN AWESOME EVENING OF GREAT ENTERTAINMENT AND OUTSTANDING FOOD
 

BISHOP LINDA LEE TO PARTICIPATE IN PRAYER BREAKFAST FOR SCOTT WALKER’S INAUGURATION

MADISON, WI – Bishop Linda Lee of the Wisconsin Council of Churches and the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church has been selected to offer words of welcome at a prayer breakfast as part of the inaugural ceremonies for Governor-Elect Scott Walker.

Lee was recently named president of Wisconsin Council of Churches, a community of Christian denominations that convene to serve Wisconsin’s residents and congregations. She also serves as Bishop for the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church, a role for which she was elected at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference on July 14, 2000. She was the first African-American woman Bishop elected in that jurisdiction, and was assigned to the Michigan area in 2000; then to the Wisconsin area in 2004.
The prayer breakfast will take place on Monday, January 3rd, from 9 - 10 a.m. at the Monona Terrace, Madison Ballroom. It will be a sit-down breakfast with coffee, tea and milk.
The prayer breakfast is part of a lineup of activities, including the Inaugural Kick-Off Rose Bowl Tailgate Party, A Wisconsin You Can Believe In Celebration Fundraiser, Official Inaugural Ceremony of Governor Scott Walker, and the Inaugural Ball.
Tickets cost $17, and can be purchased online or by phone. Participants are asked to dress in business attire. The Monona Terrace is located at One John Nolen Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53703. For more information, visit http://www.scottwalkerinaugural.com/.
The Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church, with headquarters located in Sun Prairie, is a connection for ministry linking all United Methodist clergy and the 480 congregations in Wisconsin. For more information, contact Michele Virnig, Director of Communications, at mvirnig@wisconsinumc.org or 888-240-7328.

 

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

1 - Nicholas Houck
2 - Paige Berg
2 - Mark Butteris
4 - Lois Dobson
4 - Chris Ley
4 - Charlene Mingst
4 - Lois Wieland
6 - Ria Arndt
6 - Betty Richmond
8 - Shane Carroll
9 - Bobbi Butteris
9 - Alex Harman
10 - Steve Colden
11 - Dale Mortimer
12 - Dacotah Starr
19 - Jerry Tremelling
20 - Cory Berg
21 - Zach Tolzman
22 - Penny Edwards
24 - Nathan Edwards
24 - Christine Schlueter
25 - Julie Udelhoven
27 - Kelsey Forrest
28 - Judy Strutt
29 - Sandy Huxtable

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

12 - Ron & Bobbi Butteris

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

Our Military
Shut In’s
Carissa Tolzman
Merlin Gorsline’s sister
Marianne Gooden
Dan
Allison J
Carol Phillips
 

Click here for the printable January calendar

Sunday Servant Schedule

Download

Formatted Printable Copy

Download

Pastor's Corner

What if…?

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them. They were terribly afraid, 10 but the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people. 11 This very day in David's town your Savior was born—Christ the Lord! 12 And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
– Luke 2:9-12 (TEV)

On that day, over 2,000 years ago, the world was changed … forever. Today, our world can continue to be changed (God’s way), but we are the ones that God now uses for that purpose. Jesus was on this earth for but a time. Then, he sent his Spirit to live in us that we might continue his work in this world from that time on. That’s the way that God gets his Kingdom work done today. And it’s that work that the Advent Conspiracy is all about! That’s the series that we’re going to be in for the season of Advent—a movement started by one church (and spread to many, many more since its inception)—a church that decided that Christmas could still change the world today, just as Jesus’ birth did 2010 years ago. Here’s what the authors share with us:

“What if Christmas was no longer about stuff? What if, this Christmas, we could spend less, give more, worship fully, and love all? What if we did that all year long?

Then we would raise our glasses high, filled to overflowing with the Living Water that is Jesus, and worship our God who covers all need. Our lives and houses would be full—not of stuff, but of substance, of divine presence, of life!

What if we vowed to do this together? What if God’s conspiracy began to transform people from every tribe, tongue, and nation? This is our invitation. This is our prayer. What if we vowed to do this together? What if God’s conspiracy began to transform people from every tribe, tongue, and nation? This is our invitation. This is our prayer.

To the glory of God—Loving Father, Incarnate Son, Holy Spirit—Christmas can still change the world.” So ends Advent Conspiracy by Rick McKinley, Chris Seay, and Greg Holder. And so begins our adventure….

This year, we—as the Dodgeville/Ridgeway: Grace UMC Charge—will be participating in the Advent Conspiracy. We’ll learn more about what it means to spend less (on us) and give more (to what matters to God). We’re going to be talking about the water crisis in the world. I can’t think of another natural resource that is so taken for granted today as is water. Yet, as the research for Advent Conspiracy tells us, ‘Hundreds of children die simply because they don’t have access to clean drinking water.’ Partnering with Living Water International, we’re going to be a part of the solution—God’s solution—this season. And this tangible process of representing Christ in the world will help us to return to the stable … in Bethlehem! God-willing, by Christmas Eve, our lives will be rid of good deal of the ‘stuff’ that usually stands between us and the manger in the stable—keeping us from worshipping fully. And, we can get back to worshipping the Christ-child just as God desires of us. Won’t you join me in praying for this season of Advent—that God would fully have his way with each of us? Pray that we can all get back to the stable and worship the Christ-child once again…

Lookin’ forward to the Conspiracy,

Pastor Rom 

Upcoming Opportunities

SANTA SECRET SHOP

Dear family and friends of the Dodgeville UMC, 

HO HO HO and Merry Christmas to all! I see my elves have been busy over the past few months…buying, tagging, and organizing all the items that children can purchase for their family and friends. What a joy it is for me to see the smiles on faces of all the children as they watch those special gifts being wrapped and tagged for them. I can hardly wait!

My Secret Shop will be open December 4 and December 11 from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Many of my very special elves and reindeer will be available to help each child browse through the shelves and tables to select THE perfect gift for mom, dad, brother, sister, etc. Gifts will range in price from $1.00 to $10.00. After all gifts have been selected and wrapped, the children may watch a holiday movie or cartoon and munch on homemade Christmas cookies. A very dear person, who is close to my heart, will be greeting the children both days of the sale.

Parents, we didn’t forget you! While the children are busy, I invite you to browse the Tables of Opportunity in the fellowship hall. There will be wonderful gift items from Norwex Cleaning Supplies, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Longaberger Baskets, Home Interior, Miche Bags, Scentsy Wickless Candles, Creative Memories Scrapbooking, Mary Kay and others.

The United Methodist Women will be serving a BBQ lunch for a great price! On December 4, they will be having a wonderful bake sale. Stock up on yummy goodies for the holidays.
 

I want to thank members of this congregation for your very thoughtful donations and for the time you spent making my Secret Shop a magical place for children. Since I cannot be everywhere at once, I depend on individuals, filled with the love of God, to take over some of my jobs. You see, there is nothing more precious than putting a smile on the face of a child. I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude and inspired by your unselfish commitment to my Santa Secret Shop. May you truly be blessed this holiday season and always remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

Very humbly yours,
Santa

PS. If you still want to help, just put your name on the volunteer sheets in the fellowship hall. All are welcome!!

Operation Christmas Child Thanks

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Thanks to all who so generously contributed to the Shoe Box (Samaritans Purse) effort.  We were able to send eightythree (83) boxes to be distributed to children around the world who otherwise would not experience the love, joy and meaning of Christmas. A special Thank You to the Middle & High School Sunday School Classes for their enthusiastic
support and help with packing & preparing the boxes for shipment ;
also for the contribution of extra funds needed for shipment & to Don Crowe for transporting the boxes to Fennimore for the beginning of their journey.

Thank You again & may you be richly blessed.
Sunday School & Prayer Team Ministry

PASTOR RECOGNITION THANK YOU

THANK YOU also for the most wonderful surprise and blessing of the clergy recognition on Sunday November 7th. I still get weepy and overwhelmed with humility and thankfulness any time I think of all the kindness & effort involved. A special "Thank You" to Beth, who I suspect was the instigater & engineer of the whole project. Again, God Bless You all.

Pastor Charlene
 

Is God calling you to grow deeper in your faith?

 Do you have questions about becoming a Stephen Minister? Then attend the last 2010 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) session, on Tuesday, 12/07/10 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm in the Library. Ron Butteris and Julie Athey, who are currently Stephen Ministers, will briefly share their experiences, followed by a time for open discussion. Please join us and learn how YOU, as a Stephen Minister, can actively share the love of Jesus. 

A Special Gift to last a lifetime

What could be a better gift for your spouse than the gift of yourself? Be it a gift you give each other for Christmas, Valentine's Day, a birthday, Wedding Anniversary, or other special occasion, the gift of a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend-United Methodist will keep giving your whole lives through. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is a gift that you and your spouse will remember, treasure and benefit from forever!Sometimes the thing we really need is to just get away from the rest of the world for a couple of days and just really focus in on each other. As simple as that sounds, it can be a bit of a trick to arrange sometimes. Worldwide Marriage Encounter can provide the structure and the unobtrusive "tour guides" you need for a romantic, intimate getaway adventure.
Choose from the following dates:

• February 18-20, 2011 Holiday Inn; Fond du Lac, WI
• October 21-23, 2011 Rader Retreat Center; Pine Lake, Westfield, WI

For more information: Go to www.encounter.org or w1marriage@gmail.com
Call toll free 1-866-633-3862; or Ron & Sharon Morishita 262.554.0369
 

Church Family News

UMW NEWS

Dec. 2 at 6:00 PM – Christmas Potluck. All women are welcome. Evening Star will not meet in December. Next UMW meeting will be installation of officers in February.

RIDGEWAY GRACE UMC

December 4th is our next Pasty Sale. Please pick up your orders by 9:00 AM and no later than 10:30 AM. The UMW will meet on Tuesday, December 7th at 2:00 PM. We will be putting our fruit baskets together for the shut in’s and other people we can serve. Our sympathy goes out to the families of Elvira Paull and Diana O’Neill. When people know that you believe in them, wondrous things begin to happen in their lives. If you can withstand the hard times and not lose your mind, and enjoy the good times without becoming a jerk, life will be good. You can change your life, change your dynamic and change the next generation by what you do… “Commit thy way unto the Lord. Trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:5.

TOP TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A STEPHEN MINISTER

Reason #10: You will learn to turn danger into opportunity.

The Chinese word for crisis is made from a combination of two other characters: danger and opportunity. Every crisis, whether it is a divorce, the loss of a spouse, sudden unemployment or even a much-desired pregnancy provides both an opportunity for growth as well as a danger of choosing destructive solutions. The care of a dedicated, trained, Christ-centered Stephen Minister can help a person in crisis find equilibrium and wholeness.

Reason #9: Stephen Ministers are skilled caregivers

Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training before they are commissioned and assigned to care receivers. They learn skills such as listening, identifying and expressing feelings, setting boundaries, and being assertive. They also learn about specific challenges such as hospitalization divorce, grief, and depression. Stephen Ministers feel well prepared to walk alongside people in crisis, whether it is with an assigned care receiver, or in their own relationships with family, friends and coworkers.

Reason #8: Stephen Ministers experience the joy of fellowship with one another

Stephen Ministers meet about an hour a week with their care-receivers, but they also meet twice a month in small groups with other Stephen Ministers. Here, in a confidential manner, they share the joys and challenges of their caring relationships, pray for one another, offer encouragement and practical help, and relate to one another in a deep and spiritual way. The bonds of friendship and commitment are strong and positive.

Reason #7: Stephen Ministers learn to listen

Most people think of listening as a simple, natural, and passive activity, but it is actually a powerful caregiving tool. Using Jesus as our model, Stephen Ministers learn the skill of active listening, which involves commitment, patience, and attention to body language. Stephen Ministers learn to listen for more than just words. They seek true understanding and empathy.

Reason #6: Stephen Ministers are assertive caregivers

Stephen Ministers are trained to "speak the truth in love." Christian assertiveness is a positive and constructive way of relating that respects others and ourselves. Stephen Ministers learn to recognize and avoid aggressive behaviors such as belittling and manipulation, and to avoid passive behaviors such as withdrawing and relinquishing rights. By learning to behave assertively, Stephen Ministers become more aware of God's will for their lives and more aware of the needs of others.

Reason #5: Stephen Ministers are caregivers, not curegivers

Stephen Ministers are not therapists or problem solvers; they are caregivers. Only God can bring about healing, forgiveness, and hope. Stephen Ministers are trained to listen and pray, to be reliable and non-judgmental, and to help care receivers express their feelings. Focusing on caring and not on curing means Stephen Ministers never pressure a care receiver to "get better." Stephen Ministers are there for as long as the process takes, and trust that God works in His own time to provide wholeness.

Reason #4: Stephen Ministers feel needed (because they are!)

Stephen Ministry was created by a minister named Kenneth Haugk who realized that there are not enough pastors available to provide patient, long-term care to people in crisis. By training lay ministers in his congregation, he was able to ensure that the newly widowed, those going through divorce, people with chronic or terminal illness, and many, many others were able to meet regularly with a compassionate listener. Stephen Ministry benefits our pastors, our congregation, and our community.

Reason #3: Stephen Ministry skills apply in other relationships

Stephen Ministers are trained to listen, to recognize, accept and express feelings, to behave assertively, and to depend on God for healing and change. They often find themselves using these skills in dealing with spouses, children, coworkers, clients, and in-laws. Imagine how a work place could be transformed by a single person who has learned to listen without judgment!

Reason #2: Stephen Ministry is a life changing experience

Have you ever avoided approaching a person who was hurting because you "didn't know what to say?" We all have. But Stephen Ministers know what to say and how to act. They are trained to respond compassionately and respectfully when others need them, and they feel confident in their caregiving skills. Stephen Ministers are the first to respond when neighbors, family members, and coworkers need someone to talk to.

Reason #1: Jesus commanded it

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." We are called to "bear one another's burdens," and to "accept one another." Jesus wanted us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. Stephen Ministers are in the trenches every day, caring for those who are hurting, bringing warmth and kindness to those who feel alone, creating an atmosphere where trust and respect can lead to wholeness. Stephen Ministers answer the call of Jesus.
 

We are all called to care! Stephen Ministry classes start January 12, 2011. Attend the Stephen Ministry FAQ meeting on Tuesday, November 16th at 6:30 pm or contact the church office for more information.
 

“The Third Page,” a book by Terry Edwards, available December 1

“For 12 years, church member Terry Edwards submitted monthly columns to the Dodgeville United Methodist Church newsletter that were printed on page three. “The Third Page,” is a collection of 52 touching, amusing and thought provoking stories featuring Terry’s family, pastors who have served our church, church members and the community of Dodgeville. 

“The Third Page” takes the reader on a reflective journey with additional subjects ranging from famous marathoner Grete Waitz, to a homeless man, to a Bible reading challenge, to climbing to the crown of the Statue of Liberty.

If you like small town values and people, you’ll enjoy Terry’s take on his family, church and our community.

Excerpts from “The Third Page:”

“I chose to read the Good News Bible, which has been translated into easy reading English. I’m sure it helped my understanding, but there are times they should have left well enough alone. The 23rd Psalm reads, “The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need.” It doesn’t have the same ring as “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Same goes for the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us today the food we need.” Personally, I’ll take the “daily bread.”

“When a father holds a newborn son in his arms, somewhere in the back of his mind he knows there will come a day when he will have to let go. But that day is always a long way off. Now it’s bearing down on me like a freight train.”

“I know I wasn’t prepared for our encounter. In my day-to-day world no one is hungry and no one is homeless. In my world we often complain about having to go to work on Monday mornings, forgetting how fortunate we are to have a job.”

Terry will have the book available and do signings prior to and after church services through Christmas. Or, for a copy you can e-mail Terry (contact office for email address) or write him at 318 W. Chapel St., Dodgeville, WI 53533. Cost of the book is $12.00. Any profits from the book will be donated to the church.

ANGELS:  MISSION POSSIBLE - YOUTH HOLIDAY MUSICAL

Sunday, December 19, 1:00 PM

The angel Gabriel has a very important job that God has given him. His mission is to deliver messages concerning the birth of Jesus. Even though Mary is quite surprised by Gabriel's message, she yields to God's message right away. Joseph, with some helpful persuasion from Positive and some not so helpful ideas from Negative, also decides to follow God no matter what the cost. This humorous program is highlighted with imaginative original songs as well as traditional Christmas carols arranged with a twist.

Mark your calendar and invite family and friends to this wonderful Christmas presentation by our elementary and middle school children!

A birthday party for Jesus will immediately follow the musical in the fellowship hall!

OCTOBER FINANCIAL REPORT

Giving Statements:

The amount pledged on the giving statements recently mailed out is inaccurate as it contains the pledges for 2009; however, the year-end statements will be updated showing the pledges for 2010.

Anyone who believes their giving statement for the 3rd quarter contains any other discrepancies, please contact the Church office and Carla will be more than willing to assist you.

The following chart has been developed to show where we are in our giving through October 30, 2010.

Financial Status as of October 30, 2010:

*Needed is average per month based on budget needs for basic church operation.
**Received does not include designated giving such as mission giving.

Apportionments
Paid as of 10/30/2010: $18,027 Unpaid as of 10/30/2010: $2,003

- Lois McComish, Finance Chair

A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR YOUR CHURCH

#273 Give to Focus on God – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33)

Robert and Janice pondered their annual dilemma of what to give their mother, Florence, for Christmas. With no increase in Social Security and a decrease in her monthly payments following her husband’s death this year, they knew Florence was going to be struggling financially. Yet she definitely didn’t want help from her kids to make ends meet.

Robert attended a Charitable Gift Seminar at church one day and learned they could establish a Charitable Gift Annuity for their mom. At age 82, her annuity rate is 7.5% -- five times the income on some of her Certificates of Deposit. When he told Florence about it, she decided to use her own money to transfer $10,000 from one of her maturing CD’s to establish a Charitable Gift Annuity at the Wisconsin UM Foundation. Florence was relieved to know she could receive additional income now, and the assurance that when she dies 80% of the remainder in her Charitable Gift Annuity will be distributed to her church and any other charitable beneficiaries she names.

She said, “What a relief! I’ll get more income now and when I die I know for sure the church will get a nice gift. With the high cost of my new medicines, I was feeling guilty about having to cut back my pledge next year. This will help me continue to be as generous as I really want to be for years to come, without relying on you kids.”

If you or someone you love might benefit from a Charitable Gift Annuity, please call the Foundation for a sample illustration. Charitable Gift Annuities can be established with gifts of as little as $2,000. Examples of current single life rates are:

Age      Rate        Age       Rate         Age     Rate        Age    Rate
54-56    5.0        65-66       5.5             75     6.4           85      8.1
59-61    5.2        69-70       5.8             80     7.2           90+    9.5
 

Want to inspire your kids or grandkids?

Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation
750 Windsor Street Ste 305, P.O. Box 620
Sun Prairie, WI 53590-0620
1-888-903-9863 or wumf@wumf.org

Ways to Grow in Generosity with Children

During Advent, give them each a “charitable certificate” for a certain amount per day ($1.00/day = $25, $2.00/day = $50), or whatever sum feels right, and ask them to decide by Christmas what good cause to give it to. Then give it in their names. You get the deduction, but they get the thank-you note. It could help them to see how fortunate they are – and spark in them the joy of giving.

WORLDWIDE CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Compassionate Friends will be holding a Candle Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 12th at 6:00 PM at DUMC. During the ceremony our memory Quilt as well as a power point presentation of photos of our children will be displayed. For more info call Bobbi 341-9650.

UMW BAKE SALE

UMW is seeking donations of Christmas baked goods for December 4th Bake Sale. Baked goods may be dropped off at the church Friday, December 3rd between 10-12, or Saturday morning.

WORSHIP SURVEY

In an effort to better understand our congregation, we have made a worship survey available on our website: www.dodgevilleumc.org. The information we receive will be reviewed as we consider what worship will look like here in the future. We are looking for input from everyone…if you don’t have access to a computer, contact the church office (935-5451) or stop by the information counter in the lobby for a paper copy. The survey deadline is December 19. If you have questions, please see Pastor Rom.

WHAT IS A COVENANT ANYWAY?

If you’ve been around Dodgeville UMC this fall, you’ve probably heard something about covenants. But, what is a covenant and why have one?

According to Webster’s dictionary, a covenant is “a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action.”

We make covenants because the Church is the Body of Christ and we serve a covenant God. In the Old Testament, God made a covenant with Abraham (later the Israelites) and in the New Testament, Jesus ushers in the “new covenant” through his death on the cross (check it out in Genesis and the Gospels).

At Dodgeville UMC then, in a biblical pattern, we have been slowly transforming into this reality—the reality of becoming a covenant people in what we do. For several years now, all new members have been required to sign covenants before joining. In these covenants, members agree to live up to the expectations placed on church members with God’s help (and they expect to be lovingly challenged by the pastor if they don’t –part of a pastor’s job as spiritual shepherd).

Most recently, we have asked those who serve on our hospitality teams (Café, Greeters, Connections), to sign a covenant—an agreement with God in the middle that says we want to be a part of this particular team. We started with these teams because they are usually the upfront folks—the first to interact with guests who come to Dodgeville UMC. The purpose of the “Hospitality Covenant” is to have all team members working toward the same goal (helping guests and members feel welcome) and lays out some simple guidelines for accomplishing that goal. Covenants are also another way of practically working toward the biblical unity that Jesus prayed for and expects in his Body.

So, there you have it. Blessings to you and your families as you celebrate the Christ of the new covenant!

Beth Schlueter, Connections Coordinator

Missions

FOOD PANTRY

Non-perishable items like canned soup, fruit and vegetables, cereal, crackers, pancake mix, macaroni & cheese, peanut butter & jelly are needed to restock the Iowa County Food Pantry. Items can be brought to the church and placed on the shelves in the fellow-ship hall.
 

HOLIDAY COMMUNITY DINNERS

The Christmas Community Dinner will be at Culvers from 12:00-1:30 on Christmas Day. The Mission and Outreach Committee is looking for someone to help lead the Christmas Dinner. My daughter Rachael is having a baby, due on Christmas Day. I will be in Minnesota and will not be able to commit to that day. Our church continues to be a large part of both of these events. If you have time in your holiday this year and can help, let Juanita Starr know at 574-1138.
-Roger Stewart

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

3 - Scott Godfrey
4 - Keith Bowers
4 - Nancy Wepking
5 - Ken Dobson
5 - Mylee Mulder
8 - Mary Terrill
9 - Kaitlin Strutt
12 - Denise Tolzman
13 - Matt Schlueter
13 - Earl Welsh
14 - Kevin Houck
14 - James Short
19 - Lucile McIntosh
20 - Mary Wilson
22 - Robin Digman
22 - Dawn Van Epps
23 - Rosemary Edwards
23 - Noah Gochenaur
25 - Quintin Puckett
28 - Elijah Jacobson
28 - Dick Strutt
29 - Mary Lou Oxnem
31 - Julie Colden
31 - A.J. Smith

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

13 – Dean & Mary Terrill
21 – John & Donna Jewell
29 – Dale & Nancy Mortimer
31 – Art & Margaret Humbert
 

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

Our Military
Shut In’s
Bill Lorenz
Carissa Tolzman
Merlin Gorsline’s sister
Marian Schriehart’s sister
London Star
Rick
Justine Ley
Bev Digman
Ada
Ali Edwards
Barbara Brashear & Family
Kristi Donahue (Potterton)
Margaret James

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

A FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS
Joyful candlelight service on December 12 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 403 High St., in Mineral Point. Musical prelude: 4 p.m.; service: 4:30. Traditional service tells the Christmas story with hymns, carols, and readings from the Old and New Testaments,

UNITED FUND OF IOWA COUNTY
BOWLING, FOOD & FUN COUNTRYSIDE LANES, HOLLANDALEDecember 10 & 11
PIZZA HUT BUFFET Monday, Dec. 13, 4:30-8:30 PM

DONATE CHRISTMAS TREES
Bethel UMC’s Home and Community Education group is sponsoring a Christmas tree decorating contest, and is accepting Christmas Tree donations of all sizes and shapes. All proceeds from the contest will go to a local Hollandale project. To have your donated tree picked up, call Jeanne Massey at 608-445-4730. [That is my work/personal number so you will hear a work related message.]

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER
Saturday, December 25th, 12:00-1:30 PM at Culver’s.
For reservations for a delivered meal or to eat at Culver’s, call Mary King at 935-5386 by Sunday, December 17th. This dinner is made possible through Dodgeville Churches and the generous contributions of United Fund of Iowa County, Culver’s and other Iowa County Businesses, individuals, and civic organizations. Monetary donations accepted at the door will be used for the cost of the meal.

ANNUAL PIZZA HUT FUNDRAISER
Iowa County Chapter of WI Right to Life
December 6th, 5-8 PM

“CLUELESS AT CHRISTMAS”
Montfort United Methodist Church Dinner Theatre
Friday and Saturday December 3 and 4 @ 6 PM
Tickets: $5.00

Calendar

Click here for the printable December calendar

Sunday Servant Schedule

Download

Formatted Printable Copy

Download

Pastor's Corner

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR…AGAIN!

“The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. 2 Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. 3 This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. 4 He wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we've learned….”
- 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (MSG)

It’s November. Do you know what that means? Well, if you have your television on for at least two minutes, you’ll know. It’s election time, isn’t it? And, why is Pastor Rom talking about politics? I’m not. I’m talking about our responsibility as followers of Jesus Christ at times like this. I’m talking about prayer … before the voting begins.

I don’t know about you, but in all of the political ads that I’ve seen this year, it strikes me that we have progressed to an all-time new negative low! It’s almost like you go to the polls to vote against somebody now, not for anyone! Every ad seems to talk about what’s wrong with those who are running for office, instead of what’s right with them (at least the main focus)—what they stand for. Am I the only one who feels that way? Instead of feeling like I’m so much on the defensive when I do my duty as a citizen of this country, I’d love to just feel like I’m on the offense—like I know who I’m voting for and, in line with my prayer life and personal walk with God, I can vote for someone, not just against someone.

Let me suggest a couple of things, prior to going to the polls this year:

1. Let your life as a voting American be informed through prayer (see 1 Timothy 2:1-4 above)!
2. Use the technology we have today to be better informed about those who are running for office; in other words, get onto websites like www.Judeo-ChristianVoterguide.com and educate yourself about the candidates … prior to going to the polls.

Apparently, how we pray for those in leadership and our desire for them to lead well has everything to do with our being able to continue to live in this world as God desires for us to live—to be free to worship, to serve God, and to live our lives as Christians on a day-to-day basis. Prayer is a gift from God. Now is a great time to put this gift into practice.

With great hope of seeing us all on our knees (and at the polls),
Pastor Rom

Upcoming Opportunities

SANTA SECRET SHOP

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…Santa Secret Shop time, that is! There’s lots to do between now and our first day (December 4), and we could use some elves to get Santa’s shop ready. Starting Tuesday, November 2 (and every Tuesday in November) from 5-8 PM, a few Sunday school rooms and the hall will be transformed into a special place for children. Here is just a small list of what needs to be done…

• Tables need moved and shelving set up
• Decorations and lights need to be put everywhere
• Trees need decorated….
• Store prices need removed from gifts
• New prices need to be displayed on all gifts
• Gift baskets need made
• All gift items need to be displayed
• Dates need to be changed on the outside banner
• Gift bags need to be decorated

Sign-up sheets will be placed in the fellowship hall for volunteers to work the actual event on December 4 and December 11. The hours of the Santa Secret Shop are 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM…we are asking for volunteers to work a 2-hour shift (or more, if you want)..8-10, 10-12, or 12-2. Sheets will also be available for cookie donations.

The Santa Shop is always in need of tape, kitchen-size garbage bags, empty boxes, scissors, gift labels, pens, and tissue paper. Would you like to donate actual gift items? The items need to be new or “like new.” Please place all donations in the Christian Ed. Office.

This is a wonderful outreach for the children in the Dodgeville and surrounding areas. Last year, over 300 children participated. Volunteers included church and community members, scout troops, mission trip participants, and fraternities from UW Platteville.

We hope to see you for one or more work nights. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Brenda Crowe, Head Elf, at http://www.dodgevilleumc.org/contact/email or by calling the church at 935-5451. More info regarding the actual event will appear in the December Newsletter.

Operation Christmas Child

A Ministry of Samaritan's Purse

The Prayer Ministry team, along with the Middle & High school students invite you to join us in sharing Christmas blessings to children around the world. Treats, toys, personal care items & school
supplies can be brought to the church up to Sunday, November 7th. Shoe boxes
Can be picked up at the church if you wish to pack your own – other-wise items may be brought to the church by Nov-ember 7th.
A packing & Pizza party will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov-ember 7th at the church to finish packing & prepare the boxes for shipping. Cash donations ($7 per box for shipping charges up to Nov. 14) will be much appreciated also. Please consider helping us with our goal of 125 boxes. May you
know the joy of giving this Christmas.

The Southern Ten Commandments

 The Southern Ten Commandments
This is much easier to remember !!!
(1) Just one God
(2) Put nothin' before God
(3) Watch yer mouth
(4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'
(5) Honor yer Ma & Pa
(6) No killin'
(7) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal.
(8) Don't take what ain't yers
(9) No tellin' tales or gossipin'
(10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff
Now that's plain an' simple..

 Y'all have a nice day now ya hear!

And bless your little ole heart.

Church Family News

FOUNDATION LEAF RAKING THANKS

We are sending along a Big, Happy Thank You! to the Leaf Raking Crew that came to our house to rake and haul away all of the autumn leaves that were there. This act of kindness was much appreciated. We believe that it was another of God's Blessings! -Ora Kasten

A Big thank you to the Foundation Youth Group for surprising me with a wonderful gift of raking leaves at my house. –Marily Liddle

RIDGEWAY GRACE UMC

• The UMW will meet on Monday, November 1st at 2:00 PM because of election on Tuesday.
• Pasty sale is Saturday, November 6th. Please pick up your orders by 10:30 or earlier.
• The Church Council will meet on Tuesday, November 9th at 3:30 PM.
“God’s Promises”
Anxiety and Worry: “Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.” Philippians 4:6-7
“Let not your heart be troubled…I am the way, the truth, and the life…” John 14:1,6
“Fret not thyself because of evil doers. Trust in the Lord, delight thyself also in the Lord, commit thy way unto the Lord. Trust also in Him, and he shall bring it to pass.” Psalms 37:1,3-5
 

Building The Foundation - Sunday Night Program

Building The Foundation - Sunday Night Program

An hour of high energy Christian rock music, guest speakers, videos, small group discussions, games, good times and of course food.

Don and Jessica Hazlett will be leading this program.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out directly to Don or Jessica at 574-8773 or send an email to don.hazlett@verizon.net

When: Every Sunday Night
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm

TOP TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A STEPHEN MINISTER

Reason #10: You will learn to turn danger into opportunity.

The Chinese word for crisis is made from a combination of two other characters: danger and opportunity. Every crisis, whether it is a divorce, the loss of a spouse, sudden unemployment or even a much-desired pregnancy provides both an opportunity for growth as well as a danger of choosing destructive solutions. The care of a dedicated, trained, Christ-centered Stephen Minister can help a person in crisis find equilibrium and wholeness.

Reason #9: Stephen Ministers are skilled caregivers

Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training before they are commissioned and assigned to care receivers. They learn skills such as listening, identifying and expressing feelings, setting boundaries, and being assertive. They also learn about specific challenges such as hospitalization divorce, grief, and depression. Stephen Ministers feel well prepared to walk alongside people in crisis, whether it is with an assigned care receiver, or in their own relationships with family, friends and coworkers.

Reason #8: Stephen Ministers experience the joy of fellowship with one another

Stephen Ministers meet about an hour a week with their care-receivers, but they also meet twice a month in small groups with other Stephen Ministers. Here, in a confidential manner, they share the joys and challenges of their caring relationships, pray for one another, offer encouragement and practical help, and relate to one another in a deep and spiritual way. The bonds of friendship and commitment are strong and positive.

Reason #7: Stephen Ministers learn to listen

Most people think of listening as a simple, natural, and passive activity, but it is actually a powerful caregiving tool. Using Jesus as our model, Stephen Ministers learn the skill of active listening, which involves commitment, patience, and attention to body language. Stephen Ministers learn to listen for more than just words. They seek true understanding and empathy.

Reason #6: Stephen Ministers are assertive caregivers

Stephen Ministers are trained to "speak the truth in love." Christian assertiveness is a positive and constructive way of relating that respects others and ourselves. Stephen Ministers learn to recognize and avoid aggressive behaviors such as belittling and manipulation, and to avoid passive behaviors such as withdrawing and relinquishing rights. By learning to behave assertively, Stephen Ministers become more aware of God's will for their lives and more aware of the needs of others.

Reason #5: Stephen Ministers are caregivers, not curegivers

Stephen Ministers are not therapists or problem solvers; they are caregivers. Only God can bring about healing, forgiveness, and hope. Stephen Ministers are trained to listen and pray, to be reliable and non-judgmental, and to help care receivers express their feelings. Focusing on caring and not on curing means Stephen Ministers never pressure a care receiver to "get better." Stephen Ministers are there for as long as the process takes, and trust that God works in His own time to provide wholeness.

Reason #4: Stephen Ministers feel needed (because they are!)

Stephen Ministry was created by a minister named Kenneth Haugk who realized that there are not enough pastors available to provide patient, long-term care to people in crisis. By training lay ministers in his congregation, he was able to ensure that the newly widowed, those going through divorce, people with chronic or terminal illness, and many, many others were able to meet regularly with a compassionate listener. Stephen Ministry benefits our pastors, our congregation, and our community.

Reason #3: Stephen Ministry skills apply in other relationships

Stephen Ministers are trained to listen, to recognize, accept and express feelings, to behave assertively, and to depend on God for healing and change. They often find themselves using these skills in dealing with spouses, children, coworkers, clients, and in-laws. Imagine how a work place could be transformed by a single person who has learned to listen without judgment!

Reason #2: Stephen Ministry is a life changing experience

Have you ever avoided approaching a person who was hurting because you "didn't know what to say?" We all have. But Stephen Ministers know what to say and how to act. They are trained to respond compassionately and respectfully when others need them, and they feel confident in their caregiving skills. Stephen Ministers are the first to respond when neighbors, family members, and coworkers need someone to talk to.

Reason #1: Jesus commanded it

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." We are called to "bear one another's burdens," and to "accept one another." Jesus wanted us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. Stephen Ministers are in the trenches every day, caring for those who are hurting, bringing warmth and kindness to those who feel alone, creating an atmosphere where trust and respect can lead to wholeness. Stephen Ministers answer the call of Jesus.
 

We are all called to care! Stephen Ministry classes start January 12, 2011. Attend the Stephen Ministry FAQ meeting on Tuesday, November 16th at 6:30 pm or contact the church office for more information.
 

Café Ministry

You may have noticed some new titles around the church. The Café Ministry is the new name for what has been our Hospitality Ministry. Hospitality will now be an umbrella covering all of our ‘Sunday Servants’ (i.e. Café Ministry & Greeter Ministry). The name Café was chosen to reflect the relaxed, welcoming feeling you would have when you go to your favorite coffee shop. We want people to come in for refreshment and fellowship, to visit with old friends and meet new friends. That’s the idea behind ‘Café.’

This ministry has been going for about five years now! We’ve had a few founding members retire this year, so we’re now looking for new Café Ministry Team members. If you would be interested in providing some refreshments and/or serving food & beverages on a Sunday morning, please contact Beth Schlueter (beth@schlueterfam.com or 608-319-2047), Jane Pegram (jpegram@mhtc.net or 608-935-2557), or the church office. The commitment would be for one Sunday every other month (a total of 6 per year). Currently, it requires about 2 hours on a Sunday morning. Thanks for your time…

See you at the Café! Jane Pegram 

PRAYER CHAIN CONTACT

To connect with the prayer chain, contact Ora Kasten at 341-8020.

FINANCIAL REPORT 

The following chart has been developed to show where we are in our giving through September 30, 2010.

Financial Status as of September 30, 2010
Needed*         Received**
01/31/2010    $ 14,912 $ 9,331
02/28/2010    $ 14,912 $13,196
03/31/2010    $ 14,912 $14,718
04/30/2010    $ 14,912 $14,264
05/31/2010    $ 14,912 $15,165
06/30/2010    $ 14,912 $12,405
07/31/2010    $ 14,912 $11,398
08/31/2010    $ 14,912 $13,223
09/31/2010    $ 14,912 $11,819
YTD Totals   $134,208 $115,519

 *Needed is average per month based on budget needs for basic church operation.
**Received does not include designated giving such as mission giving.

Apportionments

Paid as of 9/30/2010: $18,027 Unpaid as of 9/30/2010: $0.00
The chart above clearly indicates we are falling short on our financial needs to support the ministries of the Dodgeville United Methodist Church. Due to a surplus in the 2009 budget (apportionments only by at 40%) we have been able to stay current. Things are starting to catch up and the Finance Committee needs each of you to pray that we will be able to continue to meet all obligations for 2010. Look at where you are in your personal giving and see how you may be able to help out if necessary.

Are you ready to join me in taking the plunge of automatically saying “thank you” as the first gift you make every month or every pay period? I know I can do it through my online banking or by EFT through the church, which is a service will be available January 1, 2011. God promises to automatically love and care for us winter, summer, spring and fall. Let’s find ways to give our thanks by offering our prayers, presence, GIFTS, service and witness consistently too.

Lois McComish, Finance Chair

A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR YOUR CHURCH

#272 Giving breaks the temptation of greed. “The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7a)

Sherry often walked away from a night of volunteering at the Food Pantry wondering why she had given up such precious time to deal with such difficult situations. Then there were nights like last night, when the people were so very appreciative and thankful for what they received. She pulled out her calendar and automatically planned to be there again in two weeks. Whether it was a good night or a challenging night, she was always reminded of what a difference this ministry makes in the lives of real people, and she was happy to volunteer.

As we journey through the holiday season, we tend to focus primarily on the material gifts we can give one another. Yet we are also reminded that as disciples, we are called to give of ourselves – our time and talents, not just our treasures.

When we think about the gifts we can bring to the church, it is important for us to remember the value of our time. And it is important for us to give thanks for the time that some of our members give to the church. Without the precious volunteers who give so many hours of labor to the church, we would fail! We could not afford to buy all the good will, the energy, the creative talents, and the hard work that many of our members freely give to the church. Our volunteers give critical support to our ministries by teaching classes and leading youth groups, singing and playing in various choirs, cooking and serving meals, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, working in the nursery, assembling newsletters, and so much more!

Take a moment during the season of Thanksgiving to say “thank you” to the men and women who share the most precious gift of all in the name of Christ. For the gift of time is priceless!

Want to inspire your kids or grandkids?

• During the season of Thanksgiving, find a time each day to “give thanks” for the blessings you’ve received. Have each person in your family (or at your lunch table at school or work) share something they are thankful for in the last 24 hours. You decide how often to do it – every day, every other day, every time you have a family meal with those who define “family” for you.

• This year Thanksgiving is on November 25th, and of course Christmas Day is December 25th. Why not use these 50 days of preparation as a time of Thanksgiving for the gift of Christ’s love? The money given to support the missions and ministries of our church world-wide, or our “apportionments,” total approximately $100 per member.

Put a special bowl in a prominent spot in your house. Ask the children in your life, “How can we save $2.00 a day this holiday season, to give thanks for all the blessings we’ve received?” Then save the money each day, and put it in an envelope marked “apportionments” when you’re ready to place it in the offering plate at your church.

The apportionments are actually mission giving that strengthens the whole church. For this small sum of money, we are able to do amazing ministry in our communities, our state, our nation, and our world. For more information on apportionments, go to www.umcgiving.org.

 

Missions

FOOD PANTRY

Non-perishable items like canned soup, fruit and vegetables, cereal, crackers, pancake mix, macaroni & cheese, peanut butter & jelly are needed to restock the Iowa County Food Pantry. Items can be brought to the church and placed on the shelves in the fellow-ship hall.
 

BIRTHDAY BAGS

Start with a colorful bag and add a cake mix, frosting, candles and other items to make it fun. Balloons, stuffed toys, decorations, colors or books are all great ideas to help make make certain all children associated with the Iowa County Food Pantry have a Happy Birthday!

HOLIDAY COMMUNITY DINNERS

This year our church will be hosting the Thanksgiving Community Dinner. We will be making preparations on the evening before Thanksgiving, and the meal on Thanksgiving day from 12:00-1:30. The Christmas Community Dinner will be at Culvers. The Mission and Outreach Committee is looking for someone to help lead the Christmas Dinner. My daughter Rachael is having a baby, due on Christmas Day. I will be in Minnesota and will not be able to commit to that day. Our church continues to be a large part of both of these events. If you have time in your holiday this year and can help, let Juanita Starr know. 574-1138 -Roger Stewart

CORNERSTONE HALLOWEEN LUNCHEON

The Cornerstone Halloween Party was a great success. Sixty people were fed a fall chili lunch and entertained by our own Praise Band. A special thanks to Mary Berryman, Louise and Charlie Price, Donna & Earl Welsh, Ivy Wilson, Jessica & Lindsey Hazllett, London Starr and Cathi Bandyk for setting up, preparing, serving, and cleaning up. This very reliable crew can always be counted on for their assistance and their interest in joining with the Cornerstone Clients in an hour of food and fellowship. However, the crew
always knows that they play second fiddle to the entertainment! Al and his supporting crew are ever a big hit as they provide the music which gets the gang up and moving. Cornerstone Luncheons no matter what is served for food would not be as popular if the country side of our Praise Band didn't share their time and music. A BIG THANK YOU to the band and their contribution. We look forward to their next performance in February and we will see if we can get the chili a bit more spicy to match their talents!!

Roger Stewart

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

3 - Eunice Jewell
3 - Jase Mulder
4 - Michael Beerkircher
4 - Nolen Weier
5 - Melanie Forseth
11 - Megan Weier
12 - Lee Oxnem
14 - Merlin Gorsline
15 - Ashley Bell
15 - Lois Nelson
22 - Karl Lasse
23 - Thomas Steil
24 - Bev Strutt
25 - Cathryn Tredinnick
25 - Suzanne Tremelling
26 – Justin Athey
27 - Mckenzie Forseth
30 - Jade Udelhoven

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

Miller’s Son’s Father in Law—stroke
Cort Campbell & Family
Dr. Ed Lindner
Nancy Mortimer’s daughter, Tammy
Julia Harman
London Starr
Mary Ellen Schultze
Grayling Shields
Brett Slaney
Meg Drolet
Our Military
Bill Lorenz
Shut Ins
Michelle Jewell-Smith
Bob Willie
Ed Jewell—hospice
Allie Crowe—voice problems

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

 THE EKATERINBURG TRIO [KAT TRIO]
Joyful is the word the audiences use to describe the music of the Violin-clarinet-piano ensemble that we have the pleasure of hosting here at DUMC on Sunday, November 14 at 4:00 PM. A free-will offering will be taken

 PASTY SUPPER AND BAZAAR
Thursday, November 4th
4:30PM-8:00 PM
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Edmund, WI

UNITED FUND OF IOWA COUNTY
PIZZA HUT BUFFET
Monday, November 1, 4:30-8:30 PM

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DAY DINNER
Thursday, November 25, 12:00-1:30 PM
Here at DUMC. Reservations for a delivered meal or to eat at the church, call Mary King at 935-5386 by Thursday, November 18th

ANNUAL PIZZA HUT FUNDRAISER
Iowa County Chapter of WI Right to Life
December 6th, 5-8 PM
 

Calendar

Click here for the printable November calendar

Sunday Servant Schedule

Download

Formatted Printable Copy

Download

Pastor's Corner

TAKING IN THE WHOLE SERIES!    

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (TEV)

As I begin this month, I want you to notice the very first word of the scripture listed above! It says ALL scripture … is inspired by God and is useful. What that says to me is that we probably need to take in the whole series—from Genesis to Revelation, if we’re to truly understand the word of God and connect with it in a useful or fruitful (to use a biblical term) way…

I love movies. Maybe you do, too. I especially love movies that have good sequels and have a story so big that it cannot be told in just one movie or in one setting. I’m thinking of The Lord of the Rings series as I write. Things like common themes begin to come out, even in the first movie. You get character development in each one of the movies, as time goes on. You get an idea of the general plot as each movie is released. However, you cannot understand the whole story if you

see just one of the movies. (This doesn’t hold true for all movies with sequels, but it certainly does for quality series.) Well, thank heavens if there is a great trilogy like The Lord of the Rings series of movies, many times your local library will have them so that eventually you can take them all in and understand all that the writer of these stories had in mind.

It’s kind of the same thing when it comes to sermon series, like the one that we’re in right now (Essential Church). I can almost see the frustration on some individual’s faces as they come to worship, yet don’t seem to be tracking with the message of that particular day. Very much like movie series, there will probably be something important that you get out of each message. But, you will not be able to understand all that the pastor has in mind when developing a sermon series if you do not … take in the whole series. Well, I’m very thankful that we have a wonderful website that can direct you to either printed or audio copies of the sermons so that, if you have to miss a particular message for any reason, you can go back and catch up—making sure that you take in the entirety of the message as its laid out over a series of weeks. (You can also request a printed copy from the church office, if that would be easier for you.)

The concept I’m speaking of should also be our approach to God’s word. From Genesis to Revelation, it is the entire story of God and God’s people—from creation through the apostolic age. You may have your favorite book of the Bible; for many people (as one example), it may be the Gospel of John. But, if all you ever read or studied was The Gospel of John, there is no way you could ever understand the whole story. You get the idea. So, here’s to taking in the whole series and continuing to grow together…
 

See you in the pew,
 

Pastor Rom

 

Upcoming Opportunities

2011 YOUTH MISSION TRIP FUND RAISER

They were such a hit last year we brought them back!  The youth and adults going on mission trip next summer are selling 2011 spiral-bound, heavy card-stock calendars in the lobby each Sunday. The cost is $6.00/each. There are breath-taking photos each month, along with a wonderful scripture. You will have plenty of room to write important appointments, events, etc. The calendars make wonderful holiday gifts or gifts for any occasion. Thank you, in advance, for supporting our youth and adults, as they prepare to be God’s hands and feet on another unforgettable, life-changing mission trip.

Operation Christmas Child

A Ministry of Samaritan's Purse

An opportunity to bring Christmas blessings to children around the world again this year, brought to you by the Prayer ministry, Middle and High school students.

Shoe boxes, treats, toys, personal care items, school supplies can be contributed up to November 7th. Cash to help with shipping can be given up to November 14.

Share the love of Jesus to the “uttermost parts of the earth.”

Marriage Encounter Weekend

Caring, Respect, Commitment, Forgiveness, Communication, and Covenant
These are words that describe what we all want in our marriage. A Marriage Encounter-United Methodist Weekend is designed to help you keep or achieve these valued qualities for a lifetime. Every marriage can be strengthened – your communication, your ability to talk about everyday problems, and your commitment to your marriage.

We invite you to attend the October 22-24, 2010 Marriage Encounter Weekend at Rader Retreat Center, Pine Lake, Westfield, WI. For more information and to make your reservation online go to www.encounter.org

Church Family News

RIDGEWAY GRACE UMC

We had our Saturday night services the following Sunday, September 26th at Simpson Chapel at 2:00 PM. What a nice day it was.

Lois Powell, Betty Johnson and Anna A. Lynch attended the UMW Coulee District Annual Celebration at Peace UMC in Richland Center Saturday, September 9th.

October 2nd will be our Pasty Sale. Please pick up your orders by 9:00 AM.

October 13, at 6:00 PM is our Friends Night Fall Gathering with music by Tom Bedtka.

The UMW will meet on Tuesday, October 5th at 2:00 PM with potluck program. Church Council will meet at 4:00 PM following the UMW.

Our sympathy goes out to the Russell Forbes families and Larry Wagner families (Audrey Wagner’s son).
God’s Promises, Your Inheritance
“Temptation”
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations.” 2 Peter 2:9

Submitted by Anna Lynch

CONNECTIONS - SIX HINTS

I have been researching hospitality and what it takes to attract new people and keep them coming back. It’s a part of what Jesus has called us to do when He told us to “go and make disciples of all nations…” in Matt 28:19. Here are some tips we can try to implement every time our church doors are open.
6 Hints for Welcoming New Guests to Your Church By EvangelismCoach.com

• 1. Understand the mind of a guest. They want to be welcomed. They want to observe our church service and be provided an easy opening if they choose to come again. Most of all, they don’t want to be pressured.
• 2. Welcome everyone. Not only do newcomers need your warm welcome, regular attenders also need a friendly greeting. Develop a good handshake. Be enthusiastic - about the day, the worship that is about to take place, about Christ.
• 3. Anticipate the newcomers. When people enter the door that you do not recognize, approach them by saying something like, “We’re glad to have you here today. I don’t recall meeting you before. ”Avoid “Is this your first time?” You might embarrass yourself or offend a regular attender.
• 4. Help newcomers connect. While you are getting to know them, introduce guests to another regular attender who walks in and suggest they sit together, or feel free to invite first time guests to sit with you.
• 5. Say goodbye with warmth. After the service, bid farewell to guests, inviting them to return next week. Ask them if they have any questions. Introduce them to other members and to the pastor. After guests are gone, feel free to visit with people.
• 6. Avoid Church Business. Avoid using pre or post service activities to conduct church business that could be done over the phone during the week. Focus on guests.

*NOTE: This article originally used the word “visitor,” but since we are trying to think of all of our visitors as guests, I thought it would be more effective to change it to “guest.”
Written by Dawn Kvigne, Merge Ministry BMZ Church
Submitted with permission by Beth Schlueter, Connections Coordinator

HOSPITALITY TEAM COVENANTS

Thank you to everyone on the Greeter and Café (formerly Hospitality) teams who have signed and returned their Hospitality Team Covenants! Thank you to those who have served on one of these teams in the past, but have decided to serve in another area in the future!
If you are on one of the Greeter or Café teams and have not turned in your Hospitality Team Covenant yet, you may still do so. We have extended the deadline for current team members to October 20, and any changes to the teams will be reflected on the December 2010 schedule.
Forgetting how busy September can be for everyone, we miscalculated the amount of time it would take for everyone to receive the materials to be reviewed. (As was mentioned during the training meeting, when we try new things, we’re going to make mistakes and have to try again…this includes all of us!)
Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to working with you in the future! If you have any questions at all, please contact your team leader: Greeter Ministry Team = Ron & Bobbi Butteris; Café Ministry Team = Jane Pegram

Beth Schlueter, Connections Coordinator

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION HAPPENINGS

 A big THANK YOU is extended to all the adults and youth, who made our first B.A.R.F. (Bring A Real Friend) Day a success! We had 42 children attend this event, along with a few parents. The love of God was certainly shown to everyone that day. The children left this place with a big smile, a “barf bag” filled with goodies, a full stomach, painted faces, and, in some cases, a few new friends. Our own Sunday school children liked it so much, they want to have another one this winter. Keep watching for more information…. 

Our fall Sunday school classes are off to a wonderful start! There are 23 children participating in our “Molly Pickens and the Rainy Day Castle” class. The middle school class has 13 active youth, and the high school has 12. Our adult class has a faithful group of 10-12, who meet each week in the library. If you are inter- ested in any of these classes, please talk to Brenda Crowe, Director of Christian Education or
e-mail her at brenda@dodgevilleumc.org

Building The Foundation - Sunday Night Program

Great News Foundation Students. We are starting a new program just for you on Sunday evenings. Be prepared for an hour of high energy Christian rock music, guest speakers, videos, small group discussions, games, good times and of course food. Don and Jessica Hazlett will be leading this program.

If you have any questions you can call the church 935-5451. Also feel free to reach out directly to Don or Jessica at 574-8773 or send an email to don.hazlett@verizon.net

When: Every Sunday Night Starting On October 3
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Bring a friend.

POLKA SUNDAY SCHEDULED AGAIN FOR 2011

Every year (for the past several), we have looked forward to worshipping with Gary (Brueggen) & The Ridgeland Dutchmen—usually in October—for Polka Sunday. This year, however, the band is going through some serious personnel changes and they are in the midst of those changes right now. They have asked if they could take a year off from leading worship at the Dodgeville UMC due to this time of transition. We have let Gary know how much we will miss them, but have asked that they keep us on their calendar for 2011. Our thanks to all supporters of this very special worship service each year. We will look forward to next year together…

Pastor Rom

TRICK OR TREAT!!

If you have even glanced at your October calendar, you probably noticed that Halloween falls on the 5th Sunday of the month. Hey kids… here’s your chance! If it is ok with mom and dad, we are inviting you to dress in your favorite costume for Sunday school! We want to see children and youth, along with your awesome teachers, parade the halls in character. There are a couple restrictions, however…

1. There can be no costumes involving weapons or gore. If we see you in a costume like that, we will ask your parents to take you home.
2. This is not a contest…it is just a fun time, as we study our lesson.
3. There will be no making fun of another person’s costume. We will treat each other with respect and will say a kind word to encourage each other. (Remember, we talked about this in one of our Molly Pickens lessons.)

We hope all children, as well as middle and high school youth (and teachers) will participate! If you do not have a costume, we can probably find one for you! (All church costumes worn must be returned before you leave the building.)
Questions? Talk with Brenda Crowe or e-mail her at brenda@dodgevilleumc.org.
 

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Fall Rummage Sale

Start collecting reusable itmes such as clothing, toys, kitchenware, and small appliances. Set up will begin on October 14.

PRAYER CHAIN CONTACT

To connect with the prayer chain, contact Ora Kasten at 341-8020.

THANK YOU!

 Alice Griffiths, Charlie Price, Betty Larson, Rosemary Edwards, Gayl Stewart, Marilyn Liddle, Lois Dobson, Charlene Mingst, Mary Berryman, and any other helpers…Thank all of you so much for serving the Luncheon for the funeral of Russell C. Forbes.
– from the Forbes Family.
 

FINANCIAL REPORT

• BUDGETS: All Team Leaders need to submit an itemized budget to the church by October 15, 2010.

• The current “Profit & Loss” Budget is posted on the bulletin board. Take a few minutes to look it over and become familiar with the financial business of the church.

• Exciting News: Electronic Giving contributions will be in place beginning January 1, 2011. Everyone will have the opportunity to utilize this service. Frequency of giving can be personalized to meet the needs of everyone. Additional information will be forthcoming.

The following chart has been developed to show where we are in our giving through August 31, 2010.

Financial Status as of August 31, 2010
Needed*         Received**
01/31/2010    $ 14,912 $ 9,331
02/28/2010    $ 14,912 $13,196
03/31/2010    $ 14,912 $14,718
04/30/2010    $ 14,912 $14,264
05/31/2010    $ 14,912 $15,165
06/30/2010    $ 14,912 $12,405
07/31/2010    $ 14,912 $11,398
08/31/2010    $ 14,912 $13,223
YTD Totals    $119,296 $103,700

*Needed is average per month based on budget needs for basic church operation.
**Received does not include designated giving such as mission giving.

Apportionments
Paid as of 8/31/2010: $16,024 Unpaid as of 8/31/2010: $0.00

Lois McComish, Finance Chair

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT CHRISTMAS!

It will be here before you know it...Christmas that is! Along with your early planning, please remember the Santa Secret Shop, which will be held at the church on December 4 and 11. We are always looking for donations of gifts for men, women, teens, and children. There never seems to be enough tape, tissue paper, name tags, or large white kitchen garbage bags. It you would like to donate items, please just place them in the Christian Ed. Office, clearly marked for the Santa Shop. Questions? See Brenda Crowe or e-mail at Brenda@dodgevilleumc.org.

 

Missions

FOOD PANTRY

Non-perishable items like canned soup, fruit and vegetables, cereal, crackers, pancake mix, macaroni & cheese, peanut butter & jelly are needed to restock the Iowa County Food Pantry. Items can be brought to the church and placed on the shelves in the fellow-ship hall.
 

BIRTHDAY BAGS

Start with a colorful bag and add a cake mix, frosting, candles and other items to make it fun. Balloons, stuffed toys, decorations, colors or books are all great ideas to help make make certain all children associated with the Iowa County Food Pantry have a Happy Birthday!

HOLIDAY COMMUNITY DINNERS

This year our church will be hosting the Thanksgiving Community Dinner. We will be making preparations on the evening before Thanksgiving, and the meal on Thanksgiving day from 12:00-1:30. The Christmas Community Dinner will be at Culvers. The Mission and Outreach Committee is looking for someone to help lead the Christmas Dinner. My daughter Rachael is having a baby, due on Christmas Day. I will be in Minnesota and will not be able to commit to that day. Our church continues to be a large part of both of these events. If you have time in your holiday this year and can help, let Juanita Starr know. 574-1138 -Roger Stewart

CORNERSTONE HALLOWEEN LUNCHEON

A spooky Halloween Lunch will be served to the Cornerstone clients on October 27. There are at least two ways that you may help with this very popular event. You can pick up a treat in the Fellowship Hall and return a trick (food items requested on the treat). You can also come and help set up, serve and/or clean up. Assistance is needed from about 9:30 in the morning until 1:30 in the afternoon. If you can help out on October 27th contact Roger Stewart.

HOMELESS SHELTER UPDATE

During the past three months our church has donated over $500 towards the Iowa County Homeless Shelter. Over half of the funds came from donations that were made to the Shanty Town activity in August. The balance of the funds were from the Loose Change offerings July through September. Thank you from the Iowa County Homeless Shelter.

If you would be interested in helping maintain or clean the shelter, contact Mary Berg. If you are interested in working on issues surrounding homelessness contact Roger Stewart. A special thank you goes to Nancy Mortimer for her contribution of time and energy managing the shelter for the past 2 years.

CONGRATULATIONS!

To Marily Liddle who is Great Grandma again! Alana Bradley was born on September 20th to proud parents Stacey and Eric
 

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

1 - Chris Beerkircher
1 - Kory Beerkircher
2 - Jeanne Kapotas
3 - Heather Gullickson
5 - Nicole Wieczorek
6 - Deb Short
7 - Steven Strutt
9 - Colleen Gullickson
9 - Ann Portzen
11 - Olivia Steil
12 - Thomas Hazlett
13 - Jan Aschliman
13 - Remington Huxtable
13 - John Oxnem
14 - Larry Forseth
16 - June Jewell
17 - Tonia Puckett
23 - Shianne Carroll
24 - Sarah Godfrey
25 - Jim Middagh
26 - Cathy Bandyk
28 - Jessica Gorsline
28 - Rebecca Gorsline
30 - Renee Weber

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

10 - Josh & Alycia Hathaway
11- Laverne & Dorothy Leffler
12 - Ben & Mary Berryman
15 - John & Bonnie Oxnem
19 - Mike & Renee Weber
20 - James & Deb Short
21 - John & Lesley Houck
25 - Don & Dee Dochnahl

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

* Jack Metcalf
* Our Military
* Bill Lorenz
* Shut Ins
* Bart Brewer
* Ed Jewell
* Peter Steinmetz
* Michelle Jewell-Smith
* Helen Klein
* Larry Wagner
* Trapped Miners in Chile
* Bob Lily
* Richard Aurit
* Ed Jewell—hospice
* Allie Crowe—voice problems
* Trapped miners in Chile
* Tammy - surgery recovery
* Sue Olstead’s brother
* Larry Wagner—hospice
* Jim Middagh
* Lorna Sullivan

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

MONFORT UMW SALAD LUNCHEON
Wednesday, October 6th
Serving 12:00 PM; Program 1:00 PM
“The Glory Singers”

SPRING GREEN COMMUNITY CHURCH GRIEFSHARE
Participants have come from within a 30 mile radius of Spring Green Meetings are on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM through December 7th.

DIVORCECARE
Monday evenings at Spring Green Community Church beginning September 13th at 7:00 PM.

“PIECES OF THE PAST” QUILT TOUR
Hosted by Upland Hills Auxiliary October 2 and 3 at Upland Hills Rehab Center, Sienna Crest, Mineral Point Care Center, CrestRidge and Bloomfield Healthcare
Also, a Quilt Retreat at the House on the Rock Inn October 22, 23, and 24th

Calendar

Click here for the printable October calendar

Sunday Servant Schedule

Download

Formatted Printable Copy

Download

Pastor's Corner

COMING BACK HOME … TO REST!

"Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. 30 For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light." – Matthew 11:28-30 (TEV)

Jane and I had a great vacation this summer! The vacation was much anticipated … and long-awaited. I can’t remember the last time we waited to take vacation at the end of a summer. But, that’s the way that it worked out this year. Now, I’ve heard that some people have what they call their ‘dream vacations.’ This probably wasn’t one of them…

We knew that visiting our daughter, Rachel, in Nashville was a definite stop on this vacation (since we only get to see her maybe two times a year). For the rest of our time away, we really had to pray about and schedule our time away as we felt God was leading us. As we did that, we both felt strongly that we needed to visit both of our parents, as well as some other very precious relatives this year. So, that’s what we did.

With our parents ranging in age from 79-85 and experiencing a variety of health/life issues, we knew that visiting them—spending some quality time with them—was the right thing to do. That meant we’d begin with a couple of days in Indianapolis to see Jane’s folks. Though her parents are doing O.K., they’ve had some health or age-related issues that have made life more of a challenge these days. So, we spent time with them; then, it was on to Hopkinsville. (Yes, on the way to Nashville, we spent one night in Hopkinsville, Kentucky—our mission destination for the past two summers. This was for two reasons: 1) I wanted to share with Jane some of what was accomplished in that city the past two summers and 2) We needed to deliver some much-coveted Wisconsin cheese to some of those we have worked with there and now call ‘friends,’ as well as collect some hugs along the way.)

We then spent several days in Nashville with Rachel; from there we drove east to the Smoky Mountains. By this time, we were totally exhausted from visiting Rachel & her friends, meeting new people (Rachel’s boyfriend & family), and taking in every activity we could during our time with Rachel. So, we spent two nights at Lake Junaluska (United Methodist Retreat Center) near Ashville, NC. This gave us a little break to recoup before moving on to Greensboro to visit my side of the family. There, we visited with my folks, two aunts, an uncle, and several cousins and their families. Needless to say, after a couple of days in Greensboro, we were pretty tuckered out once again!

We hoofed it home from Greensboro (921 miles) in two days, giving us one day to recuperate before having to go back to work … and I’ve just got to tell you: was it ever great to be back home! As I told several people, we had to come back home … to rest!
If you’ve had anywhere close to as busy a summer as we’ve had, maybe you know what we mean when we say that we came back home … to rest. Or, we get back into fall routines … to rest.
Getting back home and into familiar routines is something I look forward to every single year! School starts. College students return to their campuses. Football gets underway. And, all who’ve had a hectic or chaotic summer … begin to drift back to those routines, including coming back to God’s home.

I just want to remind you that Jesus says coming back to him … means rest (see Matthew 11:28-30 above). When life seems like it’s been just a bit too much to handle, God’s home is the place we need to come back to! It’s there we get re-centered. It’s there we get re-charged. And, it’s there that we get re-filled with the Life that only God can give! Remember, as your fall routine begins, make worship a part of that very important routine; come and worship with us, make yourself at home, and find your rest in Christ!
See you in the pew,
Pastor Rom
 

Upcoming Opportunities

B.A.R.F. (Bring A Real Friend) Day

Is Wednesday, September 8, 4-7 PM for children Pre-K through Grade 5!  Expect:  Games, Prizes, Face Painting, Moonwalk. Music, Cupcake Decorating, Food, Snow Cones, Much More!!! Invite everyone you know! The purpose of this event is to show God’s love to ALL children and to encourage them as they start a new school year. Adult, high school, and middle school volunteers are needed! We need as many able bodies as possible to help! Please let Brenda Crowe know if you are interesting in helping.

Adult Small Group

“YOU’RE ONE STEP AWAY FROM THE ADVENTURE OF YOUR LIFE”…

Beginning Wednesday, September 15, you are cordially invited to participate in an adult small-group study of John Ortberg’s insightful book, If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. “John Ortberg invites you to consider the incredible potential that awaits you outside your comfort zone. Out on the risky waters of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you in ways that will change you forever, deepening your character and your trust in God. The experience is terrifying. It’s thrilling beyond belief. It’s everything you’d expect of someone worthy to be called Lord.”

The small group will continue for 10 consecutive Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 PM, ending November 17. Childcare will be provided. The cost of the book is $12.00. Checks can be made to “DUMC.” The group is limited to 12 individuals. A sign-up sheet for the class is located in the fellowship hall. Questions? See Brenda Crowe, Director of Christian Education, or e-mail at Brenda@dodgevilleumc.org.

Marriage Encounter Weekend

Take a new look at your marriage, priorities and lifestyle during the Marriage Encounter Weekend at Pine Lake, Westfield, on October 22-24, 2010.  For more information go to www.encounter.org or call 1-866-633-3862 toll free.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child
A Ministry of Samaritan’s Purse

Known more familiarly to us as “Shoe Boxes”, the prayer ministry, Middle and High school students are excited to share intentions of contributing Christmas blessings to children around the world through this ministry again this year.

Shoe boxes, treats, toys, personal care items, school supplies and cash to help with shipping can be contributed up to mid-November - exact dates to be announced.

Share the love of Jesus to the “uttermost parts of the earth.”

Golden Rules for Living

*If you open it – close it
*If you turn it on – turn it off.
*If you unlock it – lock it.
*If you move it – put it back.
*If it belongs to someone else – get permission to use it.
*If you borrow it – return it.
*If you don’t know how to operate it – leave it alone.
*If you use it – take care of it.
*If you break it – admit it.
*If you can’t fix it – call someone who can.
If you mess it up – clean it up.
*If it’s none of your business, don’t ask questions.

COULD STEPHEN MINISTRY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

“My Stephen Minister listened to me as no one else could at that point in my life. He was always there – listening, sharing Scriptures, praying with me. That was when I realized that God was still working in my life, Jesus was still saying ‘yes’ to me, and I was going to be okay.”
These are the actual words of Scott Robeson, who received care from a Stephen Minister when he was going through a divorce and who gave us permission to quote him by name. He resisted asking for help at first, but “a voice deep inside” challenged him to ask others for help.
• Do you feel a loss of God’s presence?
• Do you question how God is working in your life?
• Are you experiencing a life situation that leads you to question whether or not you’ll be okay?
Could you benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister?
Contact: David Olson 935-7528 or Pastor Charlene Bennett 935-9230

Church Family News

MISSION TRIP THANK YOU

On behalf of the Durrett Avenue Neighborhood Association of Hopkinsville, KY, we would like to thank you for the hard work and a job well done in this community this past summer.

Your kindness and generosity are most appreciated. However, your greatest gift comes to us time and time again – your friendship, wrapped in warmth, laughter, and love. You cannot do better than that!

Your interest in the Hopkinsville Community and the courtesy and cooperation you have extended is sincerely again appreciated. Thank you again, God bless you all.
-R. L. Jones, President, D.A.N.A.

RIDGEWAY GRACE UMC

The UMW will meet on Tuesday, September 7th at 2:00 PM with potluck program. The first Pasty sale of the fall will be on Saturday, September 11th. Orders can be picked up by 11:00 AM or earlier.

God’s Promises - “Troubles”
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” Psalm 138:7

“When he giveth quietness; who then can make trouble?” Job 34:29

“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

PRAYER CHAIN CONTACT

To connect with the prayer chain, contact Ora Kasten at 341-8020.

ESSENTIAL TRANSFORMATION

Essential Transformation (E.T.) is a 13-week class for those desiring to explore the basics of the Christian faith. This class is also for any sophomore (or up) who desires to be confirmed, for those exploring membership at the Dodgeville UMC, or for anyone who is simply interested in growing in their knowledge of the Christian faith. We will be having an informational meeting on Wednesday, September 8, at 6:30 PM. (High schoolers must bring their parents with them to the informational meeting!) Regular classes will be Wednesday evenings beginning on September 15, from 6:30-8:00 PM. (Nursery care is possible by prior arrangement.)

For all who have ever felt that the Bible or Bible study is intimidating, this is the class for you! We start at the beginning: We start with how to get around in the Bible itself. Then we start with basic beliefs of our faith - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and how God works in and through our lives in special ways. Along with that, we hope to answer your questions about things like "Why the church?" Won't you pray about joining Pastor Rom and Beth Schlueter as they prepare to lead E.T. this fall?

If interested, please contact the church office at 935-5451 as soon as possible! Also, if you will be bringing children with you during these Wednesday evening classes, please let us know that too. We hope to see you there!

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Evening Star Circle meeting on September 13 at the home of Gayl Stewart, 4240 Military Ridge Road. Jeanne will bring refreshments and Robin will share a devotion

Coulee District Annual Celebration is Saturday, September 18 at Peace UMC in Richland Center. The $10 registration fee is due by September 8th.

Fall Rummage Sale
Start collecting reusable itmes such as clothing, toys, kitchenware, and small appliances. Set up will begin on October 11.

THANK YOU!

Food Pantry - Thank you so much for your donation of 95 pounds of food to the SW CAP Iowa County Food Pantry in Dodgeville this summer given through the Vacation Bible School program participants.

Connections - Thank you to everyone who took the time to come to the Sunday Servants meeting! I hope you were blessed by Dawn, Holly and the Purple People from BMZ Church. I’m looking forward to working more closely with all of you as we do “whatever it takes” to help people feel welcome and at home at Dodgeville UMC.
Beth Schlueter, Connections Coordinator

HOW WELL DO WE WELCOME OUR GUESTS?

*The following is an excerpt from Rachel Willoughby’s interview with Charles Arn, President of Church Growth Inc. As we read this, let’s challenge ourselves to evaluate how we’re doing. The entire article can be found at if you’d like to read more!
~Original article from Dawn Kvigne at BMZ Church,
Submitted by Beth Schlueter, Connections Coordinator

In your research, have you found that there's one specific reason that visitors come to church? The friendship factor. We've asked more than 50,000 people over the last 10 years why they came to church, and between 75% and 90% of respondents say, "I began attending because someone invited me." Those friends and relatives are critical to the growth of churches. They far outweigh factors like the facilities, music, preaching, or children's ministry—people may stay because of these things, but they come because someone they knew invited them.
Once visitors come, how do you engage them in a way that's genuine? Make conversations happen. In the focus groups we've conducted, most visitors said that their decision to come back was based on the friendliness of the church. The words "friendly" and "friendliness" kept coming up, much more so than "theology," "location," "preaching," or anything else. So we asked, "How did you decide that this was a friendly church or not?" And they said, "The number of people who talked to me."
So if you want to write it in an equation:

friendly church = many conversations
unfriendly church = few or no conversations

That's probably reliant upon the congregation themselves… It's 95% reliant upon the congregation. A good church will have greeters at the front door, and they'll smile and give a bulletin or a handshake, which is nice. But I was reading a book the other day—Attracting New Members by Bob Bast—where he makes an interesting comment. He says:
Greeters fill an important function before the service. Even so, their friendliness is seen as part of their job. The welcome of one individual member who comes up to the visitor to greet him or her on their own can have more impact than the most gracious welcome of an official greeter.
So it really is up to the folks sitting in the pews to take the initiative and go up and introduce themselves to newcomers.
We also asked the focus groups when they decided that the church was friendly or not… And it wasn't the 10 minutes I expected. I thought they would say it was right after they got out of the car and walked into the building, but more than any other time, folks said, "I decided this was a friendly church in the 10 minutes following the conclusion of the service." Many feel that that is the first time people are free to be themselves. Up until that point, you go through the routine and enter the sanctuary and follow the directions. But when the last song is sung and the last prayer is prayed, then it's a free-for-all, and in the minds of the visitors, they're asking, "Will these people really go out of their way to welcome newcomers like me?"
*http://blog.buildingchurchleaders.com/2009/03/3_questions_for_charles_arn.html

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION HAPPENINGS

“Train a child [no matter what age] in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Our vision for this year is to make sure that youth and adults have the opportunity to learn as much about the Christian faith as possible, so all can have a solid foundation in which to grow spiritually. There is nothing more important in life than to have that close personal relationship with God. It can start right here. The seed of God’s love will be planted in the hearts of all. The staff asks for your prayers and God’s wisdom and guidance as we become His voice to bring all to a saving knowledge of Him.

The first day of Sunday school is September 12, 9:15 to 10:15 AM.

ARKY ARKY NURSERY - Newborns through age 4

Our Arky Arky Nursery is at the end of hall way on the main floor (across from the kitchen). Our certified Nursery Mom and assistant will care for your child, so you can attend church services with peace of mind. This is not just a babysitting service…the Word of God is “taught” in many ways, whether it be through songs, DVDs, crafts, or, more importantly, by loving your child as Jesus would!

Parents should “sign in” their child when entering the nursery each week. At that time, you will receive a pager. Should there ever be an instance where the Nursery Mom needs your assistance, your pager will vibrate, and you can leave the service quietly.

The child will not be allowed to leave the nursery, until a parent or guardian returns to get him. Your child will not be released to anyone under the age of 18.

As we start a new Sunday school year, we are asking that all parents remember to get a Nursery Information packet and fill out a registration form. Packets and forms are located in the Arky Arky Nursery or beside the Christian Education office.

We love your child(ren) and want to make sure they are safe and protected. If you have any questions, please contact Allie Crowe, Nursery Mom, or Brenda Crowe, Director of Christian Education. E-mails can be sent to brenda@dodgevilleumc.org.

Elementary – Pre-K through Grade 5

For the first 10 weeks, we will be using a DVD-based curriculum entitled, “Molly Pickens and the Rainy Day Castle.” We will be unlocking the mysteries of Jesus’ love. “After a mysterious box transports young Molly Pickens to the Fantastic World, she learns she is the last hope for the fading land. The wise Box Maker knows that only a love like Jesus’ can save the beloved home from the clutches of Rainy Day, the not-so-kind ruler who seeks to end happiness in not only the Fantastic World, but in Molly’s world as well. The Box Maker teams Molly up with a crazy cast of unforgettable characters, including the always hilarious and unpredictable Bill and Charles Peterson, an ill-tempered buy lovable plant named Cranky Cactus, and Mr. Face, a silly clock that never knows the time. Molly’s new friends will teach her what it means to love like Jesus and help her save the Fantastic World.”

This curriculum will make it easy for children to grasp and participate in the changing power of Jesus’ love. Through strength, faith, encouragement, humility, service, sharing,
honesty, empathy, sacrifice, and forgiveness, Jesus shows us a better way.

All children will meet in the former BLAST video room.

Teachers – Brenda Crowe, Julia Harman, Julie James, Juanita Starr, Gayl Stewart

Middle School – Grades 6-8

The middle school students will get a taste of a new curriculum this year. The Faith in Motion series by Cokesbury offers the opportunity for “tweens” to study and act on a variety of Biblical and life application lessons, with a concentrated subject area lasting about 6-7 weeks. The first unit is entitled, “Surviving Life’s Jungle, Depending on Grace.” Sessions include the following topics:

When the Vine Breaks
Hanging from the Vine
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Voted Out of the Jungle
Safari Snafu
It’s a Jungle Out There
Lost in the Jungle

The middle school class will meet in the former BLAST science room.

Teachers – Allie Crowe, Al Piper

High School – Grades 9-12

”Prayer? Reading the Bible? Serving? How we decide to express our faith is up to us. The power of choice is one of the most important elements of our spiritual journey.”

This DVD-based curriculum will include practical, uplifting material with real-life interviews of students across the country. Also included will be music by a Christian crossover rock band from Atlanta, Georgia…Family Force 5. Students are constantly faced with life-changing decisions in their relationship and faith. Over the next few months, Marcus Goodloe (who serves under Erwin McManus as a leader at Mosaic, a diverse congregation located in Los Angeles) will introduce Biblical principles to help students make wise choices in a chaotic culture.

The high school class will meet in the youth room.

Teacher – Don Crowe
Assistants/Subs – Bridget Hageman, Tonia Puckett, Scott Tolzman

Adult Sunday School

During the Sunday School hour adults are invited to attend a class held in the Library. The class is open to any adult who wishes to know more about the book we call the Bible. It is not necessary to be a Biblical scholar, in fact it is probably better if you have much to learn because that describes all of the current participants. The class is using J. Ellsworth Kalas The Grand Sweep 365 Days from Genesis through Revelation as a guide to study the Bible. We will be starting our fall study in Deuteronomy and during the first 8 weeks of the Fall we will read and discuss the books of Deuteronomy through Ruth. In November we will jump to Ecclesiaste3s and Song of Solomon. During Advent we will do a parallel study of the Christmas stories in Matthew, Luke and John. Sunday School is truly for all ages, so join us and learn more about the Foundation of your faith.  The adult class will meet in the library.

Teachers – Cathy Bandyk, Roger Stewart

** Our Sunday school offering will, once again, be sent to Interhope, as we continue to support our two orphaned and abandoned children, Hari and Rosie.

Building The Foundation - Sunday Night Program
Great News Foundation Students. We are starting a new program just for you on Sunday evenings. Be prepared for an hour of high energy Christian rock music, guest speakers, videos, small group discussions, games, good times and of course food. Don and Jessica Hazlett will be leading this program.

If you have any questions you can call the church 935-5451. Also feel free to reach out directly to Don or Jessica at 574-8773 or send an email to don.hazlett@verizon.net

When: Every Sunday Night Starting On October 3
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Bring a friend.

FINANCIAL REPORT

We often feel the temptation to use all the blessings that come to our own lives for our own benefit. Jesus calls us to TITHE, SHARE, and SACRIFICE from all our blessings. How will you use your time, talents, and treasures to share the love of Christ?

The following chart has been developed to show where we are in our giving through July 31, 2010.

Financial Status as of July 31, 2010
                     Needed*     Received**
01/31/2010   $ 14,912      $ 9,331
02/28/2010   $ 14,912       $13,196
03/31/2010   $ 14,912        $14,718
04/30/2010   $ 14,912       $14,264
05/31/2010   $ 14,912       $15,165
06/30/2010   $ 14,912       $12,405
07/31/2010   $ 14,912       $11,398
YTD Totals  $104,384      $90,477

*Needed is average per month based on budget needs for basic church operation.
**Received does not include designated giving such as mission giving.

Apportionments
Paid as of 7/31/2010: $12,662 Unpaid as of 7/31/2010: $1089

Lois McComish, Finance Chair

Galactic Blast Vacation Bible School Wrap-Up
 

We started planning our Vacation Bible School, not knowing how well it would be received this year…especially with the time change from 8:30-11:30 AM to 4:00-7:00 PM. As it turned out, we had nothing to worry about…God had it all under control! BOY, did he EVER have it under control! 

We planted the seed of God’s love and wisdom in the heart of 82 children this summer! The Mission Commander and his trusty sidekick, Galileo the Green Gorilla, took the children on a journey through the Bible each day, with the help of our daily Bible stories, crafts, science, recreation, and music. The children shouted and sang God’s praises each day, made new friends, had wonderful hot meals instead of snacks, and even learned some crazy dance moves…anyone remember “The Techno Dance?” 

We supported two mission projects this year. Our local project was the Birthday Bags for the Iowa County Food Pantry, with a mind-blowing 42 completed bags! Holy birthday cake!! The children were asked to bring in money to help support Hari and Rosie, our two “orphaned and abandoned” Interhope children. The children got to drop their change into buckets with the leader’s faces on them. The leaders with the most money got a yummy pie in the face! WELL…including the freewill offering we collected at the closing program, over $800 was collected! PRAISE GOD!! There were several leaders, who got the well-deserved pie in the face, with the top two being Allie Crowe and Maggie Piper! I have to say…they never looked better!

Preliminary plans are in the works for next year’s adventure…

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO THINK ABOUT CHRISTMAS!

It will be here before you know it...Christmas that is! Along with your early planning, please remember the Santa Secret Shop, which will be held at the church on December 4 and 11. We are always looking for donations of gifts for men, women, teens, and children. There never seems to be enough tape, tissue paper, name tags, or large white kitchen garbage bags. It you would like to donate items, please just place them in the Christian Ed. Office, clearly marked for the Santa Shop. Questions? See Brenda Crowe or e-mail at Brenda@dodgevilleumc.org.

 

Missions

SHANTYTOWN

The second annual Shantytown was held at our church on August 14-15. Our mission was to make the community aware of the homelessness in Iowa County and to experience firsthand what it is like to be homeless. We had a total of 12 individuals stay the whole night in a cardboard box. The ages were 9 to 49 years old. Many others stopped by throughout the day and night giving us support. We had a young lady who was due to have a baby in one week stop. She stayed for about an hour, holding signs and walking for awareness. She said she felt empowered to come and represent all the women who are pregnant and homeless. We had a gentleman stop around suppertime. We invited him to stay for supper. He told us of his story of being homeless for two years. There were many others who stopped to donate money, or ask what we were doing. One gentleman walked down to us, gave us a fifty dollar bill, said this should help with your supper, and turned around and walked away. I’m sure there was a story behind that. We raised $220 through Shantytown. This money will be put with the loose change for July, August and September. Our church has committed $500 to the homeless shelter this year. There are approximately 780 families in Iowa County that are BELOW the poverty level.

FOOD PANTRY

Non-perishable items like canned soup, fruit and vegetables, cereal, crackers, pancake mix, macaroni & cheese, peanut butter & jelly are needed to restock the Iowa County Food Pantry. Items can be brought to the church and placed on the shelves in the fellow-ship hall.
 

BIRTHDAY BAGS

Start with a colorful bag and add a cake mix, frosting, candles and other items to make it fun. Balloons, stuffed toys, decorations, colors or books are all great ideas to help make make certain all children associated with the Iowa County Food Pantry have a Happy Birthday!

HOLIDAY COMMUNITY DINNERS

This year our church will be hosting the Thanksgiving Community Dinner. We will be making preparations on the evening before Thanksgiving, and the meal on Thanksgiving day from 12:00-1:30. The Christmas Community Dinner will be at Culvers. The Mission and Outreach Committee is looking for someone to help lead the Christmas Dinner. My daughter Rachael is having a baby, due on Christmas Day. I will be in Minnesota and will not be able to commit to that day. Our church continues to be a large part of both of these events. If you have time in your holiday this year and can help, let Juanita Starr know. 574-1138 -Roger Stewart

CORNERSTONE PICNIC

Lessons learned: You need a fire to grill and you need propane to fuel the fire. It’s 10:45 and there are 6 half cooked burgers on the grill and the food needs to be ready in 45 minutes. To the rescue comes Julie Piper – “Put your hamburgers and hot dogs in my car and we’ll cook them at my house.” Fifty minutes later we deliver 48 burgers and 24 hot dogs. Thank you Julie. Besides that one crisis the picnic was a great success. Thank you to Sanctuary for providing the music and as always the very dependable kitchen crew. Rumor has it that the Cornerstone clients are asking when the next lunch will be served!

HOMELESS SHELTER UPDATE

We have reached a crossroads in providing shelter for homeless families in Iowa County. We have had a shelter for the past two years but the situation could be changing. We are now in need of someone to manage the shelter inventory and insure that it is cleaned between each client. The Iowa County Homeless Taskforce has also been asked to purchase the shelter. These are two very big issues and the current taskforce members are going to the community to ask for assistance in evaluating and setting the direction that will be taken. We are asking those in the community to come to a meeting on September 14 at 2:00 PM in the County Court House Board Room. There are many needs besides those mentioned here so if you feel a call to help in this area, please plan on attending. If you have questions or wish to help out but cannot make the meeting, contact Roger Stewart at 608-345-5895.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 - London Starr
10 - Austin Berg
14 - Karen Trace
15 - Doug Digman
16 - Klinton McCutchin
16 - Nancy Mortimer
17 - Marion Schreihart
17 - Ivy Wilson
18 - Diane Ray
19 - Terry Edwards
20 - Jack Martell
20 - Charlie Price
20 – Angela Schlueter
21- Kasey Puckett
23 - David Blume
23 - Beth Schlueter
24 - Donna Jewell
25 - Maddie Olson
26 - Martha Boyer
26 - Ora Kasten
27 - Louise Price
27 - Joey Recob
28 - Drew Piper
29 - Sandra Alexander
30 - Darlene Dochnahl

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

7 - Chip & Peggy Forrest, 24 years
8 - Klinton & Wanda McCutchin, 58 years
15 - Terry & Penny Edwards, 30 years
10 - Kevin & Megan Weier, 10 years
21 - Dave & Sandy Huxtable, 24 years
29 - Steve & Julie Colden, 30 years

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

Jack Metcalf
Our Military
Bill Lorenz
Shut Ins
Local family
Bart Brewer
Ed Jewell
Peter Steinmetz
Brenda & Allie Crowe
Donnie & Courtney Crowe—safe travel to Ireland
London Starr
Michelle Jewell-Smith
Helen Klein
Larry Wagner
Trapped Miners in Chile

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

PIZZA HUT FUNDRAISER
Monday, September 13 from 5-8 PM at Pizza Hut in Dodgeville to benefit “New Beginnings of Southwestern WI, Inc. Money will be used to continue to help individuals and families in southwestern Wisconsin with household necessities at no charge to the recipient.

GRIEFSHARE
Anyone who is experiencing grief due to the recent death of a loved one is invited to attend. Meetings are on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 PM beginning August 24.

COBB UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CHICKEN BBQ SUPPER
Wednesday, September 15th 4:30-until gone
Tickets $10.00

ALZHEIMER’S WALK
Sunday, September 19, at Grace Lutheran Church, Dodgeville. Registration 2 PM, Welcome/Walk 3 PM
For more info: 888-308-6251

DIVORCECARE
Monday evenings at Spring Green Community Church beginning September 13th at 7:00 PM.

“PIECES OF THE PAST” QUILT TOUR
Hosted by Upland Hills Auxiliary October 2 and 3 at Upland Hills Rehab Center, Sienna Crest, Mineral Point Care Center, CrestRidge and Bloomfield Healthcare
Also, a Quilt Retreat at the House on the Rock Inn October 22, 23, and 24th
 

Calendar

Click here for the printable September calendar

Sunday Servant Schedule

Download

Formatted Printable Copy

Download

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER … IN CHRIST!

“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer."

- Hebrews 10:25 (TEV)

Summer is an exciting time to look forward to, isn’t it? It’s not just that kids are out of school for the summer either. It’s about family—something that is near and dear to God’s heart. We get so wrapped up in making a living during the rest of the year, sometimes, that we forget to actually live. We’re so pre-occupied with our own goals in life that the family (i.e. marriage relationships & parent—anyone who ‘parents’/child relationships, etc.) gets put on the back burner. Summer is a time to re-prioritize—a time to get what’s most important put back at the top of our ‘to-do list.’

No one applauds the summer months more than I do! I want you to know that (and my family can attest to that)! I love the weather (especially, the older I get). I love the sports that go with summer. I love Governor Dodge State Park and all of the outdoor stuff that goes with this wonderful opportunity … right outside of town. I love this time of year when my wife goes nuts planting flowers in our yard; I am the happy recipient (or one of them) of all of her hard work. Especially, I love cooking outdoors—grilling, etc. And, I love it when a summer mission trip with our youth (and adults) is finally executed after working on this one week of ministry for the entire past year. All of these things are important to me. And, these are the days of the year that are my personal preference!

But, speaking of summer priorities, one thing that is so easy to let ‘slip by’ during these months … is being a part of Christ’s Body. (Actually, if we are followers of Jesus Christ, we are a part of the Body wherever we are, but I’m specifically speaking of the ‘local body’ that we are an integral part of the rest of the year.) This past Sunday, we recognized the Church Staff—those who week-in and week-out serve the congregation in a number of ways. During the summer, we’re here to continue to serve and to plan for the upcoming year to the best of our ability. This includes Sunday worship; we’re here every week (with extended staff, sometimes)—even during the summer—to serve you in this way. Let me just remind all of us one more time: Just because we’re on summer vacation (or in that mind-set), God isn’t on vacation. Let’s not forget about our faith for this period of time … or the need to worship as Christ’s Body right here in Dodgeville.

If the importance of what I’m talking about still escapes you, let me try this perspective. It’s kind of like a parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle who just loves to see those they love—even if occasionally; and, if they begin to rarely see them—their relationship becoming less and less a priority, it hurts. We’re created in the image of God; if we hurt … so does God. ‘No guilt trip, folks! This is just to say that if your relationship with God matters, don’t let it ‘slip by’—even for a time. Actually, summer is a wonderful time to dig deeper into our faith and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ together. We might consider that…

See you in the SUMMER pew,
Pastor Rom

Upcoming Opportunities

WORSHIP/COOKOUT AT TOM’S CAMPGROUND

A gathering with worship and a hotdog cookout for the Ridgeway and Dodgeville United Methodist Churches will be held on Saturday, August 28th at Tom’s Campground (2751 Cty Rd BB). Worship will begin at 5:00 PM with a potluck and fellowship to follow. Bring your own hot dogs, buns, dish to pass and table service. Lemonade and coffee will be provided along with condiments. All are invited to join us for this time of worship and fellowship!

For more information contact Bobbi Butteris at 935-2693.

ADULT FELLOWSHIP

Thursday, June 17 at 6:00 PM everyone is invited to join together at the home of Charlie and Louise Price
for a potluck supper.  Guests are always welcome.  If you would like more info, please call Charlie or Louise
at 935-7224. 

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

“Potluck Brunch at The Barn” Thursday, August 5th at 9:30AM at the home of Martha Boyer. Everyone welcome!

FAMILY CAMP AT PINE LAKE

Summer isn’t complete with out a weekend spent with church friends at Pine Lake. The United Methodist Church maintains a beautiful facility on Pine Lake northwest of Westfield Wisconsin. Not only do they have week day camping programs for all ages, they have a very secluded tent and trailer campground that has all of the amenities you would expect at a private facility. Dodgeville UMC has 6 sights reserved, with three of the sights taken. You and your family could claim one of those 3 sights and have a weekend you will long remember and cherish. Please join with the Stewarts, Digmans and Orfanos, July 16- 18 for a weekend of food, fun and fellowship. For information call Roger 345-5895.

FIRESIDE TRIP

On Thursday, November 11th we will again be renting a bus to go to the Fireside at Fort Atkinson to enjoy their Christmas show. Act II will be a performance of “The Child”— the story of the birth of Jesus as seen through the eyes of Joseph. This show is written by the same people who brought us “The Rock and the Rabbi” two years ago—the story from Peter to Jesus and also last years show, “The Witness”—a story about Peter and Paul. Please save the date and don’t miss out on this opportunity. For reservations or more information, call Carol Thomas 935-3041 or Cathryn Tredinnick 935-3248.

Church Family News

RIDGEWAY GRACE UMC

Our Mother’s Day Potluck was a big success—no black outs! Over 70 guests came to enjoy the food, fellowship and music by JAR Trio. On June 1st our UMW will meet at Belmont Truck Stop and then proceed to Sienna Crest assisted Living in Platteville to play Bingo with residents, and the Cookies & Coffee. The rest of the summer our UMW will meet the first Tuesday of the month.
The funeral for Marie Buckingham was held at our church. She was a member of the Primitive Methodist Church which was closed. Our next Pasty Sale is planned for September 11th (the second Saturday because of Labor Day).
May the Lord bless and keep you, and have a wonderful summer! -submitted by Anna Lynch

A “Heart-felt” thank you...

To all who by thought, word, or deed, remembered me during and after my bypass surgery.
It was and is most appreciated. -Earl Welsh

The United Methodist Women would like to thank everyone who helped make the Spring Rummage, Plant and Bake Sale a success! See you in the fall!

Thank you to the UMW for the contribution of $100 to the Grief Book Ministry. This is an outreach of Stephen Ministries and has been a blessing to many folks already, while we have been busy preparing for one on one encouragement and support of those who
are hurting.

The Stephen Ministry team would like to thank all who supported our Culvers and Pizza Hut Fundraisers this past year. Blessings to you all!

STEPHEN MINISTRY ALIVE, WELL & READY

A Stephen Leader is a person who has taken intensive training to teach Stephen Minister classes. Those in our congregation who have been trained to be Stephen Leaders are: David Olson, Jessica Hazlett, Charlene Bennett, Gail Ray and Pastor Rom. A Stephen Leader can become a Stephen Minister after teaching Stephen Minister classes. Nine people from our congregation have completed 50 weekly sessions of Stephen Minister training and will be commissioned as Stephen Ministers on Sunday, June 27th. They are: Julie Athey, Ron Butteris, Jeanne Kapatos, Gail Ray, Gayle Stewart, Mary Jean Thomas, David Olson, Jessica Hazlett & Charlene Bennett. Let’s celebrate their accomplishment!
 

SUMMER MISSION TRIP

Thank you for your continued support, through prayers and donations as we prepare for our trip to Hopkinsville, KY, July 17-24. Youth and adults participating in this mission trip are Alex Ray, Diane Ray, AJ Bandyk, Spencer Godfrey, Quintin Puckett, Kasey Puckett, Kaise Aschliman, Alex Steil, Jan Aschliman, Charlene Mingst, Don Crowe, Tonia Puckett Gail Ray, Jim Steil and Pastor Rom. The date of the shareholders meeting is to be determined. Please keep these individuals in your prayers. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. [Hebrews 13:16]

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Galactic Blast—A Cosmic Adventure Praising God is the theme of this year’s VBS program, running August 2nd through August 6th from 4:00 to 7:00 Pm. Children ages 4th through the completion of 5th grade are invited to attend. A light supper will be served to the children each evening, during their snack—refreshment time slot. Please register your child early, so we can start preparing for the meals, craft projects, goodies, etc. Registration forms are available throughout the church. Invite your family and friends to this AWESOME “out of this world” experience!
Is anyone wondering who the mascot will be this year?

VBS Dedication-On Sunday, August 1 at both services VBS dedication will take place. Special music, the mission projects, mission control folks, and the Galactic Blast mascot will be introduced.

FINAL VBS MEETING - The final VBS meeting and pizza supper will be held Sunday, August 1 at 6:00 PM. EVERYONE helping with the week’s activities is encouraged to attend! Final instructions will be given, as well as time sheets, name tags, etc.

WORKNIGHTS FOR VBS - Vacation bible School work nights will be held every Wednesday until August, starting June 16, from 5-8 PM. Props, decorations, signs, posters, etc., will be made to make the children feel like they are actually in part of “Mission Control” or maybe even walking in space! We welcome EVERYONE to come and lend a hand!

DECORATING AND CRAFT ITEMS NEEDED - Please help!
The following is a list of general items needed for our summer VBS program. Donations may be placed in the Christian Ed. Office. If you need anything returned, please make sure your name is on the donation.
Thank you!

• Old CDs (need 100)
• Chenille Stems (need 400)
• Jingle Bells (need 800)
• Star Stickers (need 1,000)
• Gold Spray Paint
• Tacky Glue bottles (any size)
• Glitter Glue
• Aluminum Foil
• $$$$
• Black Plastic Sheeting
• White and Colored Mini Lights
• Black Lights
• Lava Lamps
• Silver Disco Ball
• Telescopes
• Foil Starburst Table Decorations
• Star Confetti
• Star-shaped Foil Balloons
• Styrofoam Balls
• Inflatable Planets
• Video Game Seats of Bar Stools
• Dryer Vent Hoses
• Aluminum Pie Plates
• Plastic Tablecloths

ESSENTIAL TRANSFORMATION

Essential Transformation (E.T.) is a 13-week class for those desiring to explore the basics of the Christian faith.  This class is also for any sophomore (or up) who desires to be confirmed, for those exploring membership at the Dodgeville UMC, or for anyone who is simply interested in growing in their knowledge of the Christian faith.  We will be meeting on Wednesday evenings, starting in September, from 6:30-8:00 PM.  (Nursery care is possible by prior arrangement.)
 
For all who have ever felt that the Bible or Bible study is intimidating, this is the class for you!  We start at the beginning:  We start with how to get around in the Bible itself.  Then we start with basic beliefs of our faith - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and how God works in and through our lives in special ways.  Along with that, we hope to answer your questions about things like "Why the church?" Won't you pray about joining Pastor Rom and Beth Schlueter as they prepare to lead E.T. this fall?
 
If interested, please contact the church office at 935-5451 as soon as possible!  Also, if you will be bringing children with you during these Wednesday evening classes, please let us know that too.  Further information will be available in August.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Please be aware that giving to the church is often heavier during certain months of the year than others; however, in the end we need to meet our monthly goals.

Remember, God doesn’t take vacations from us! If you’re heading out on a special vacation – enjoy! Give thanks for the memories you’ll make by signing up for online bill pay through your bank. Then your offerings will be sent to the church automatically whether you’re on vacation or in your regular pew each week.

The following chart has been developed to show where we are in our giving through April 30, 2010.
1st Quarterly Financial Status:

                  Needed*      Received**
01/31/2010   $14,912        $ 9,331
02/28/2010   $14,912       $13,196
03/31/2010   $14,912       $14,718
04/30/2010   $14,912       $14,264
YTD Totals   $59,648       $51,509

*Needed is average per month based on budget needs for basic church operation.
**Received does not include designated giving such as mission giving.

Apportionments

• Paid as of 4/30/2010: $3,935
• Unpaid as of 4/30/2010: $4,077

Lois McComish, Finance Chair
 

Missions

THE IOWA COUNTY FOOD PANTRY

Is located at SW CAP offices in Dodgeville, and serves about 100 families a month. Our church makes regular food donations as a part of church community outreach. About 210 pounds of food has been donated so far in 2010. Schools will soon adjourn for the summer which means that demand for supplies will increase. Children of many families in need that now receive breakfast and lunch at school will be home during the day. Donations of breakfast cereal, peanut butter, jelly, pudding and snacks are especially needed. Donations can be dropped off in the fellowship hall.

CORNERSTONE SUMMER PICNIC

The mission and outreach committee will be hosting a summer picnic for the Cornerstone clients July 14th. We will be serving all of the traditional picnic foods - hamburgers, hot dogs, beans, chips and our famous blue angel food desert.  Watch the church bulletin for ways to help or call Roger Stewart 345-5895 and volunteer your services.

CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS

Dodgeville United Methodist Church is the only official drop of site in Iowa County for this valuable program. Phones can be dropped off in the red collectionbox in the fellowship hall. Thank you for supporting our troops!

LOOSE CHANGE

Homelessness is a problem in Dodgeville! This is evident since our shelter is always in use and often we must turn families away. Our church along with other churches and civic organizations help meet this need by funding the shelter. Absolutely no tax dollars are available to pay rent, utilities or other expenses to maintain the facility. During July - September all of the loose change for change offerings will be going to help support the shelter.

SHANTYTOWN

The second annual Shantytown event will be held starting at noon, Saturday, August 14th and running until noon, Sunday, August 15th. Again cardboard boxes will be stretched across the front of our church lawn. The experience of living in boxes for 24 hours not only brings awareness to the community, but also gives the participants a much better understanding of what others have to go through. This opportunity is open to the public. For more information, contact Juanita Starr at 574-1138.

INTERHOPE

Dear Friends, May 20, 2010
I have included in this letter the testimony of Oun “Paul” Sothee. His parents were killed by Kmer Rouge soldiers after the fall of the regime as an act of retaliation. He grew up in one of the first Christian orphanages in Cambodia. He has been called to the ministry and received from Interhope a scholarship to attend seminary in Asia. Here is his brief testimony in his own words.
My country is in bondage. The Cambodian people, a beautiful and sensitive race, have been robbed of the knowledge of the true God by the atheists Kmer Rouge. Under the savage rule of the Marxists millions were murdered outright, among them my parents. The churches were burned—every single one of them — pastors were killed and congregants were forced to denounce Christ or be killed themselves. When Satan’s army had performed his bidding throughout the length and breadth of my country and when every rice paddy and village flowed with blood the Church ceased to exist in the land of Cambodia.
But the dawn of a new day breaks over Cambodia and the Lord speaks with the tongues of thousands whose lives have been redeemed in a voice that cannot be silenced: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, and to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.” This is my dream—my hope and desire to be one of those voices. I seek to gain knowledge so that I can promote the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the hearts of the people of Cambodia. -Paul Sothee
Pray with us for Paul Sothee and the many other bright young men and women being prepared by God for His work in Cambodia. Thank you for giving to make this possible. You make things better. You build His Kingdom in foreign lands. You rescue His children and comfort them in their distress. Many will be blessed for generations to come by those you have blessed. Thank you for giving to the Lord.

Thad Wilkinson
Executive Director, InterHope Missions

June Birthdays

• 1 Diana Dochnahl
• 2 Diane Barney
• 2 Lois McComish
• 3 Susan Dunham
• 4 Charlene Bennett
• 5 Allie Crowe
• 5 Alycia Hathaway
• 5 Don Hazlett
• 6 Zoie Weber
• 8 Dave Huxtable
• 10 Kyle Fitzsimmons
• 12 Matthew Butteris
• 13 Kerry Beerkircher
• 13 Margaret Humbert
• 13 Tom Thorison
• 14 Emily Prochaska
• 15 Bridget Beerkircher
• 18 Nikki Biddick
• 22 Monica Digman
• 22 Ken Jewell
• 23 Gabe Helmich
• 25 Russell Nelson
• 26 Richard Steele
• 27 Alex Steil
• 28 Derek Jacobson
• 30 Bill Baebler
• 30 Greg Oxnem

July Birthdays

• 1 Rich Strutt
• 2 Karlie Cushman
• 7 Judy Halverson
• 7 Lesley Houck
• 7 Alex Ray
• 7 Zackery Weber
• 8 Rom Pegram
• 9 Jack Jewell
• 13 Juanita Starr
• 14 Wanda McCutchin
• 14 Donna Welsh
• 15 Laverne Leffler
• 16 Emma Blume
• 16 Mary Dunn
• 19 Julian Scratch
• 19 Zena Weber
• 23 Jacob Recob
• 24 Tina Smith
• 25 Dennis Trace
• 28 Chelsea Kirschbaum

August Birthdays

• 1 Camryn Leitzinger
• 2 Jacob Colden
• 3 Jean Leigh
• 5 Katie Cushman
• 6 Courtney Cushman
• 7 Isaac Moen
• 8 Jane Pegram
• 9 Devin Blume
• 11 Catherine Blume
• 12  Doreen Dochnahl
• 12 Taylor Prochaska
• 14 Gail Ray
• 14 Sandy Recob
• 17 Don Crowe
• 17 Virginia Gorsline
• 17 Mark Wepking
• 21 Alex Forseth
• 21 Shawn Phillips
• 23 Michael Digman
• 25 Bethany Harman
• 26 Beau Smith
• 27 Ron Butteris
• 27 Scott Recob
• 29 Emily Forrest
• 29 Bill James
• 31 Lori Jacobson

KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

• Shut ins
• Bill Lorenz
• Keith Bray
• Julia Harman
• Linda Whitlock
• George Kapotas
• Jamie Forseth
• Mary Rowe
• Wanda McCutchin
• Cheryl Fry
• Paul Gianfrancesco
• Bob Terrill
• Bill Potterton
• Rose Timbush
• Terry Voegeli
• Carissa Tolzman
• Court Campbell
• Dave Dorota
• Military

Community Bulletin Board

Bloomfield Healthcare’s 23rd Annual Balloon Fest

Balloon Fest to honor “Older Americans” at 3151 County Rd CH, Dodgeville. Events include 25-foot “Hollywood Wizard” cold-air balloon, parade, events for children, famous crème puffs, delicious food, and live entertainment for all ages. Event is held rain or shine.

Relay for Life of Iowa County

Harris Park, June 4th-5th For more information: www.relayforlife.org/iowacountywi

26th Annual Iowa County Dairy Breakfast

Saturday, June 5th, 6:30-11:00 AM - Free parking at Dodgeville Middle School, Handicap Parking at 3725 Reynolds Rd. Watch for Signs

LifeLine Screening Preventive Health Tests

Thursday June 24, 2010 at DUMC. Stroke, Vascular Disease and Heart Rhythm Package—All 4 screenings for $149.00, Save $51.00. Add Osteoporosis Screening for only $10 more. Call 1-877-792-8480 or see the bulletin board at church for more information.

Wyoming Valley Hymn Sings

The first Hymn Sing of the 2010 season at the Wyoming Valley Church will be held Sunday, June 6, from 2 PM to 3:30 PM. It will be lead by Patrick Gilbert of Mineral Point, his wife Sue will play the organ and their sons Dan, Travis and Carson will play trumpet for selected numbers. Hymn Sings are held the first Sunday of each month from June through October. They are nondenominational and without admission charge. The church is located on State Hwy 23 about 10 miles north of Dodgeville. Refreshments are served and the public is cordially invited.

Calendar

• Printable June calendar
• Printable July calendar
• Printable August calendar

Sunday Servant Schedule

Download Summer Sunday Servant Schedule (say that three times fast!)

SERVING GOD BY SERVING OTHERS

 “This, however, is not the way it shall be among you. If one of you wants to be great, you must be the servant of the rest; ²⁷ and if one of you wants to be first, you must be the slave of the others—²⁸ like the Son of Man, who did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life to redeem many people."

- Matthew 20:26b-28 (TEV)

For the past couple of months, we’ve been reminded of the purpose (God’s vision) of our church. First, we talked about what it meant to LOVE GOD—to really put God’s will above our own … in every area of our lives. That’s what it means to LOVE GOD. The second part of our purpose, as a church, is to LOVE PEOPLE—something learned over time by the grace of God. It’s the love for God—purposefully moving away from a natural self-centered life (and, let’s face it, we’re all born that way) to a God-centered life—that’s being extended to others … when we LOVE PEOPLE. The truth is, if we love God, we’ll also love those whom God has created. That would be the next step—never possible if we continue to selfishly hang onto the promptings of our own wills, not being willing to surrender our will to God’s. Then, the final part of God’s vision for our church is this: SERVE GOD BY SERVING OTHERS. This has always been the way that God’s love manifests itself—plays itself out, in other words—in the lives of those who love God and have learned to love others. So, with SERVING OTHERS being a part of God’s vision or purpose for our church, what’s it going to look like in the future?

When I counsel couples who are preparing for marriage, one of the things I do my best to stress to them is that they need to be open to loving one another like Jesus did. (Jesus is our Lord and Savior first, but he is also a great example of what God’s love in action looks like!) In all my years of study of the Gospels—the life of Christ, I have never once seen an example of someone asking Jesus for something—sharing their need—and Jesus responding with, “Well, what’s in it for me?” If it came from anyone else in this world of ours, that may not be surprising! That question … seems to be the world’s way. But, no, that wasn’t Jesus’ way; nor should it be our way, as followers of Christ. In all of the examples that come to mind in the 33-year-span of Jesus’ earthly life, his response to those in need was always more like, “What can I do for you?” Can you imagine waking up next to someone every day of your life who is all about asking that question? Yes, that’s what marriage should be like! That’s also the question we need to be asking consistently, as disciples of Jesus Christ; it’s what the Church should look like too!

Jesus’ disciples—those who walked with him during his lifetime—seemed to have some problems with this new way of thinking. The question they seemed to be asking wasn’t far from what many in this world would ask: “What’s in it for me?” There were some who wanted to make sure that they had a good seat in eternity—that they could be the one who would sit at the right side of their Master. Jesus’ response came in the scripture listed above: “This, however, is not the way it shall be among you.” In other words, the disciples need to follow their Master’s example … in every way. We need to always ask the question (no matter who it is we’re dealing with in our life): “What can I do for you?” That would be Christ-like behavior. And, this is the future that God is calling us to—not to put our personal preferences above all else, but to put God’s will and God’s ways above all else. This is the way that we will become the church that God is calling us to be. This is our purpose: LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE, SERVE GOD BY SERVING OTHERS… What an incredible world that will be … when everyone is asking, “What can I do for you?”

See you in the pew,
Pastor Rom

National Day of Prayer Observance
Thursday, May 6 from  7:30AM - 6:30 PM

We are encouraged to spend some special time in prayer for our nation on Thursday May 6th.  As has been our custom, the sanctuary will be open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM for all who would come and pray for our church, our country and our world.  Please mark your calendar to remind yourself to say a special prayer that day.  If your schedule permits, please consider spending some time in the sanctuary.  Our goal is to have someone praying in the sanctuary for 30 minute increments from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.  Our dream is to have many people praying in the sanctuary during those hours.  To insure that we do have at least one person praying at all times, we have prepared a sign-up sheet (see fellowship hall).  Please plan to spend some time that day praying for our nation wherever you may be.  Remember the promise of 2 Chronicles 7:14:  If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.

Stephen Ministry Pizza Hut Fundraiser

On Monday, May 3rd from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, please come out to enjoy the Pizza Hut buffet and support our Stephen Ministry.  Remember what a good time we had last year?  Someone said it was just like a reunion.  We so appreciate your support and want you to know that the Stephen Ministry program is alive and well.  We sent two more people to train as leaders this year and have six in training as Stephen Ministers.  Our three leaders will qualify as Stephen Ministers once the training is complete.  Trained Stephen Ministers will be prepared to come along-side persons in crisis situations and will be guided by the four points of the Caregivers Compass:  Trustworthy, Full of Faith, Compassionate, and Skilled.

A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR OUR CHURCH

God owns everything. “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

Did you ever experience the serendipity of cleaning out the attic? Much of the joy of that task occurs as we stumble upon long forgotten treasures, many of which bring back special memories of yesterday.

It is important for each of us to sift and sort through our many possessions from time to time. What we often discover are items which we no longer need but which could be transformed into marvelous “charitable gifts.”

Perhaps you have stocks purchased long ago which have increased in value but don’t provide much current income. Perhaps your family has property or real estate bought long ago but now it just takes energy and money to maintain. Perhaps you discover an old insurance policy which was paid up long ago but is no longer needed for its original purpose.

All of these “treasures” can be transformed into wonderful charitable gifts. With the help and guidance of the Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation your church can do many good things right now! Take a look in your attic … and call us if we can help you! That’s what stewardship is all about.
-Rev. William F. Helwig

P.S. Did you know we can help you liquidate shares of stock or shares of a mutual fund to make a special summer gift to help your church get through the summer months? Call us today for more information and to receive the most recent forms. What’s even better is that we can do this for any United Methodist Church or ministry at no selling fee or commission. Call or email us today.

Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation

A Note from the Stewardship and Finance Chair

In order to provide better communications regarding the church finances, the following chart has been developed to show where we are in our giving for the 1st quarter of 2010.

Please be aware that giving to the church is often heavier during certain months of the year than others; however, in the end we need to meet our monthly goals. Please continue to pray for the financial support of our church as we continue to allow Christ to guide us.

Lois McComish, Finance Chair

1st Quarterly Financial Status   Needed*        Received**
01/31/2010                              $14,912         $ 9,331
02/28/2010                              $14,912        $13,196
03/31/2010                              $14,912        $14,718
1st quarter totals                      $44,736        $37,245

*Needed is average per month based on budget needs for basic church operation.
**Received does not include designated giving such as mission giving.

Submitted by:  Lois McComish, Finance Chair

Garrison Keillor on "Those People called Methodists"

'Methodists believe in prayer, but would practically die if asked to pray out loud. I remember a Thanksgiving dinner when my Dad was suddenly asked by Aunt Harriet to say the blessing.  Flustered and unprepared, he said "Dear Lord, please pardon this food and bless our sins, in Jesus' name.  Amen"  Well Aunt Harriet never let him live that one down, having spent so many hours in the kitchen fixing the meal!'

"Methodists will usually follow the official liturgy, and will feel it is their way of suffering for their sins...You know you are a Methodist if when you watch Star Wars and they say 'May the Force be with you', you instinctively respond 'And also with you.'"

Worship in the 21st Century

One of the things that age & experience have taught me, especially as a leader in the Church, is that if something is working for others and their churches are growing … we probably need to pay attention and learn…

The truth is no one likes furniture rearranged any less than I do; I’m kind of stubborn when it comes to that kind of change. After all, it’s my home—the place where I dwell day after day. I have my reading chair (yes, I’m spoiled). I have all of my reading materials nicely arranged. I have the light just right, so that reading is very enjoyable. But, sometimes I’ve learned that change is necessary—yes, even rearranging the furniture … if you want to accomplish a desired outcome (or your spouse’s desired outcome, like having room for the Christmas tree).

All of us have grown up in the church with the furniture being arranged a certain way—a certain way of doing things that means that it is ‘church.’ Otherwise, it’s not church—at least that’s what it feels like sometimes. But, is that true? Or, are we just so caught up in how things have always been done … that we’re not open to doing things differently, even if it means reaching some who have never known Christ before?

John Wesley was a pragmatist; whatever was the most practical, that’s what he was all about … regardless of how the Church of England had done things in the past. If Wesley were alive today, I don’t think that his approach would be any different. Having a great respect for John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, I have to take the same approach … if it might mean souls saved (which is what we are supposed to be here for). What am I getting at? The way we have moved to take up our offering lately…

Let me share with you some words from a very successful pastor (and church) in our area who has experienced nothing but growth in the past several years—now branching out to start satellite congregations from their main one. Just listen to Chris Dolson of Blackhawk Church:

Our mission is building a loving community that follows Christ in order to reach a community that is lost without him. … So we decided since most of the people we are trying to reach think that churches are all about getting your money – we intentionally counter that by the way we take up the offering. Now that we are in this huge building; first time visitors would assume that we would be all about pressuring people for money. When they find that we don’t even take up a traditional offering, it kind of blows them away and their stereotype is busted. … We teach stewardship as an act of discipleship and following Christ. We talk about Electronic Fund Transfers (EFTs) and other ways to give. We have a class (seminar) called ‘Freed Up’ that also focuses on the biblical responsibility [of giving]. We are not shy about teaching stewardship from the front. We make it about following Christ. … The downside is that giving can and should be an act of worship. So removing that formal part from the service is a downside; but the upside of busting stereotypes is greater than the down side [italics mine]. There are gives and takes to everything. (A few families actually pray when they stand next to the [offering] box and have the tradition of having their children put their offering in the box.) … I hope that this explanation has helped. We have been doing this for about 15 years now and it is definitely a part of our DNA…

To be honest with you, as I’ve spoken to pastors from other area churches that are doing similar things and the response has been the same; the downside—although we recognize that—is never greater than the upside! Anything we can do to attract those who do not know Christ—to come and hear his word—is worth doing. Rearranging the furniture so that those lost without Christ have a chance at getting to know him and gaining eternal salvation along the way … is always worth it! That’s what God has called us to do. That’s what God is calling us to do. So, sometimes rearranging the furniture … is getting that job done! Knowing that several long-timer church-goers have questioned this recent change, I hope and pray that this explanation helps. It really is about loving people like Jesus would…

Blessings,
Pastor Rom

 

Ridgeway Grace UMC News

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

• May 4th at 2:00 PM:  United Methodist Women with potluck program
• May 5th at 6:00 PM:  Mother's Day potluck with J.A.R. Trio
• May 20th at 6:00 PM:  Fellowship at the Dodgeville UMC with hostess's Lois Wieland & Anna Lynch
• June 1st at 3:00 PM:  United Methodist Women will play Bingo with residents at Sienna Crest in Platteville

The annual Coulee District UMW Cluster meeting was held at Grace UMC on April 14th.  The theme this year is "Expanding Mission through Education and Action", focusing on the national goal of Environmental Conservation with the main focus on "Water Issues".

Pastor Rom did a renewal of wedding vows on April 24th for Heather (Jungbluth) and Brian West.

Our prayers go out to George Reeson, Susie Williams, Twila Norman, the disaster victims and especially our men and women who are fighting for peace.  Welcome back Melva Phillips.  You were gone far too long and greatly missed.  We wish you good health from now on.

Pasty Sales will continue in September.

God's Promises Continued...Lonely or Forsaken

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Hebrews 13:506Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God.  I will strengthen thee; yea, I will yelp thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10

God is love.  The God of love and peace shall be with you.  Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. 

1 John 4:8; 11 Corinthians 13:11; Song of Solomon 8:7

Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Jeremiah 31:3

Submitted by Anna Lynch

United Methodist Women

• May 6th - Friends Night 7:00 PM at the Church - Bell Choir will perform and refreshments will be served after the program
• May 10th - Evening Star Circle at Edna Dunham's at 7:00 PM.  Co-hostess is Martha Boyer, devotions by Susan Dunham
• May 14th & 15th - Spring Rummage Sale: Bake sale items for Saturday, May 15th may be dropped off Friday before 5:00 or Saturday before 8:00. Rummage and plant sale items may be brought to the church Wednesday, May 12th 9:00 AM-4:00 PM and Thursday, May 13th 9:00 AM-8:00 PM.
• May 17th - Grace Post Circle at Eunice Jewell's at 1:30 PM

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION HAPPENINGS…

The Sunday school year is coming to a close, and it has been a God-filled blessing to all participating. There are wonderful and exciting activities and recognitions this month, so please mark your calendar!

• May 9 – Mother’s Day – We will be honoring all the women attending services for your love, your Christ-like example, your wisdom, and your strength. It doesn’t matter if you are a mom, an aunt, a grandmother, a sister…a teacher, a friend…you are like “moms” to all of us, and we appreciate it!
• May 16 – A Time of Recognition – We will be recognizing and honoring our graduating senior, Steven Strutt. The Christian Education staff will be recognized for their faithfulness this year, as well. We will also recognize our 5th-grade students, as they leave our BLAST program and advance to the middle school class, as well as our 8th-grade students, as they prepare for the high school class.
• May 16 – Our annual spring BAKE SALE will be held from 7:45 AM to 11:45 AM. We encourage families to bring cakes, pies, breads, cookies, brownies, candies, cupcakes, etc. to this fundraiser. Please bring your items ready to sell, with the price marked clearly on the package.
• May 16 – LAST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL – Have a wonderful summer and remember to include church in your plans!!
• May 24 (Monday) – Christian Education Meeting – 7:00 PM
• August 2-6 – Galactic Blast VBS – 4-7 PM (4-8 PM Friday, August 6) Registration forms are located in the fellowship hall and on tables in the narthex. Registration forms will also be sent home. VBS is for children from Pre-K through completion of grade 5. Questions?? Contact Brenda Crowe, Director of Christian Education.

LET’S PLAY THE STOCK MARKET!!

Our mission trip youth and adults will be selling share of stock, during the month of May, to raise funds for their trip to Hopkinsville, Kentucky in July. Shares of stock will be available each Sunday during May. The cost of each share will be $10.00. Upon purchase, you will be guaranteed the following:

• A postcard from the mission site
• An invitation to the shareholder’s meeting (date to be determined), where information and testimony about the trip will be shared, as well as photos, etc.

This will be our last fund raiser this year. Your support is greatly appreciated!!
 

Aluminum Can Donations

It appears that some church members have forgotten that aluminum cans are a small but not insignificant part of our church income. Can donations have fallen off considerably in recent months. Although industry reports indicate carbonated soft drink consumption fell 2.1% in 2009, 9.4 billion cases were sold. This equates to an average consumption of 736 eight ounce servings per person per year.

Please do not delegate your aluminum cans to a landfill resting place. Save your aluminum and bring them to our collection location next to the Union Street door on the main floor. Loose cans are to be placed in the lined garbage can and bags of cans left at that area are picked up for recycling weekly. Please make sure that bags are not leaking.

This month the can picker award goes to Merlin Gorsline whose roadside excursions have resulted in a donation of at least 10 bags. Please note that other solid aluminum such as pots, pans, lawn chairs and pipe (not foil) is also worth money. Think of the church during your Spring clean-up. Call Charlie Price (935-7024) if you need a pick-up.

Recycle!!!

Iowa County Food Pantry

The Iowa County Food Pantry, Located at Southwest CAP offices in Dodgeville, serves about 100 families a month. Our church makes regular food donations as a part of church community outreach. About 210 pounds of food has been donated so far in 2010.
Our food contributions have significantly reduced in recent months to less than one delivery per month. Schools will soon adjourn for the summer which means that demand for food pantry supplies will increase. Children of many families in need that now receive breakfast and lunch at school will be home during the day. Donations of breakfast cereal, peanut butter, jelly, pudding and snacks are especially needed.
I hope that our church members will be able to step up and increase our support for the food pantry. Our collection point is in fellowship hall. Just drop off your donation and I will see that delivery is made.
 

URGENT REQUEST FROM INTERHOPE….

Emergency Medicinal Supplies Needed!
For the first time in 5 years, Interhope did not receive an important corporate donation of medicinal supplies for this year. Many corporate donors have turned their attention to the tragedy in Haiti and redirected (temporarily, we hope) their established aid channels. The particular shipments in question are of great importance to Interhope’s orphanages, and, at this moment, they are in desperate need of the specific items listed below:
• Band-aids – Assorted sizes
• Benadryl Liquid for Children
• Acetaminophen Tablets (Adults)
• Acetaminophen Liquid (Children)
• Acetaminophen Liquid (Infants)
• Ibuprofen Tablets (Adults)
• Ibuprofen Liquid (Children)
• Ibuprofen Liquid (Infants)
• Cough and Cold Liquid (“Robitussin-type” for Adults)
• Cough and Cold Liquid for children
• Desitin/Balmex Diaper Cream
• Q-tips
• Neosporin Ointment for cuts
Any generic brands or similar products can be substituted.
Interhope was completely caught off guard by this situation, as they were not notified of the redirect ahead of time. For any who choose to participate in meeting this need, please know that you send comfort to a sick child in Jesus’ name.
There are two donation bags in the fellowship hall, specifically for this emergency. Please place your donated items in the bags by Sunday, May 23. The donations will be taken to the Boscobel United Methodist Church, where they will arrange for shipment of all medicinal items. May God bless you for your compassion!
“…He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25
 

Loose Change continues May and June for Health Kits

The Mission/Outreach committee project for this Spring is UMCOR Health Kits. The news headlines of earthquakes in Haiti and Chile are a reminder of the ongoing needs for UMCOR to be there when disaster strikes. Health kits are always needed. All of the completed kits will be taken by Pastor Rom to the collection at Annual Conference in May.
Donations for this project may be in the form of individual health items from the list, complete kits or cash.
Health Kits:
1 Hand Towel (not finger-tip or kitchen size)
1 Wash Cloth
1 Comb (regular size, no rat-tail, no barber combs)
1 Fingernail Clipper or File (no emery boards)
1 Bar of Soap (3oz. or larger in original wrapper)
1 Toothbrush (in original wrapper) (no multiple packs)
1 Tube of Toothpaste (3.5 oz. or larrger, in original wrapper.
Check expiration dates--must be at least ONE YEAR ahead.
6 Adhesive Bandages (Bandaid: no pictures or colors,
regular size and wrapped in a rubber band)
Wrap the items in the hand towel. Items will be placed in a one gallon plastic zip
closure bag. All new items please. Please make sure all items are correct sizes.
If they are not the correct size they are unusable.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
 

Summer Camping is Just Around the Corner!

For a relaxed weekend at Pine Lake Camp near Westfield, WI, plan now to join friends from the church. Besides all of the great camping opportunities that the Conference provides for youth and adults, our church has several sites reserved for family camping the weekend of July 16-18. If you are interested, contact Gayl or Roger Stewart at 345-5895. Tina Orfanos, or Doug or Robin Digman.
 

Prayers for Homes, Families & Friends

• Shut-ins
• Jenni (Suzanne Tremelling’s daughter)
• Betty Richmond
• Michael Aschliman
• David Tremelling
• Bill Lorenz
• Keith Bray
• Ethan
• Haiti Earthquake victims
• Harold Halverson
• Julia Harman
• Eric Blabaum
• Roger Oxnem
• Linda Whitlock
• George Kapotas
• Rick Starr
• Jamie Forseth
• Brenda Crowe
• Mary Rowe

May Birthdays!

• Allison Tiber May 1
• Rick Beerkircher May 4
• Clarice Brewer May 9
• Kaitlin Oxnem May 9
• Ryan James May 10
• Samantha Udelhoven May 13
• Madison Berg May 24
• Mary Berryman May 24
• Brody Leahy May 24
• Kaitlyn Berg May 25
• Mary King May 26
• Howard Rideout May 26
• Todd Biddick May 27
• AJ Bandyk May 28
• Shirley Martell May 29
• Caitlyn Blume May 30

Calendar

Click here for the printable May calendar

Sunday Servant Schedule

Download

LOVING PEOPLE

 

"Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them!

– Matthew 5:7 (TEV)

HOLY WEEK SERVICES AND ACTIVITES

Tenenbrae Service with Communion - Thursday, April 1, 7 PM

Good Friday Service - Friday, April 2, 7 PM

Easter "Sonrise" Practice and Breakfast Set-Up - Saturday, April 3, 9-11 AM

Easter "Sonrise" Service - Sunday, April 4, 6:30 AM

Easter Breakfast - Sunday, April 4, 7-8 AM

Easter Worship Services - Sunday, April 4, 8 AM and 10:30 AM   (No Sunday School) 

"The Stones of Passion" - Easter "Sonrise" Service

As part of our Easter celebration, the mission trip participants will be leading our Easter "Sonrise" service on April 4 at 6:30 AM.  The entire service will be centered around what might be termed "if these stones could talk."  You will be introduced to the Stone of Jubilation, the Stone of Anger, the Stone of Self-Righteousness, the Stone of Anguish, the Stone of Rejection, and the Stone of Death and Resurrection. Please plan to walk with us from Palm Sunday to the empty tomb, stopping along the way to hear what a few "stones" have to say.

Immediately following the "Sonrise" service, an Easter breakfast will be held from 7-8 AM in the fellowship hall.  Please join us for pancakes, sausage, casseroles, fruit, cheese, sweet breads, and other treats!  A basket will be available for any offerings, with all monies going to the mission trip to Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR OUR CHURCH

Giving means thinking positively. “Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times.” (Ephesians 5:16 The Message)

Tax time is upon us. Aside from the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, it can be one of the most stressful times of the year for many people. For many it means paying at least a bit more to pay that bill in full. Still others are excited to finish the task because they’ve been planning and looking forward to the “gift” they’re receiving with their refund.

The number one reason for marital breakdown is financial conflict. Therefore, tax time is also the time to take extra care in your relationships as you review receipts, checkbooks, and 1040 forms.

Even if you didn’t lose your job in the recession, chances are you’re worried about the economy and how it may affect you and those you love. What about your church? How are those in your church weathering the financial storm of the last few years? Has the recession provided new opportunities for spiritual growth and ministry? Or, has it encouraged conflict and “blaming” to run rampant in meetings and parking lot conversations?

Remember that when finances are tight, tempers tend to be short. How can we be care-full in our ministry? Let’s remember that the primary mission of the church is to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Strive to proclaim the good news we proclaim on Easter Sunday, “He is Risen! Christ is risen indeed!”

Perhaps in these difficult times, we might do as Paul instructed the Ephesians to “make the most of every chance we get” to live the love that is ours through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These are “desperate times,” so let’s outdo one another in love when we’re tempted to give in to the “crabby bug.” Pastors and leaders can only work with the resources at hand. Whether you still have a well-paying job, you’re unemployed, retired, or you’ve settled for a lesser-paying job, together let’s find a way to give our time, talent, and treasures to say “THANK YOU” to God for the blessings we’ve received.

Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation
750 Windsor Street Ste 305, P.O. Box 620
Sun Prairie, WI 53590-0620
1-888-903-9863 or wumf@wumf.org

A note from the Stewardship and Finance Chair

As the new Chair of the Finance Committee, I am eager to get started and begin familiarizing myself with the responsibilities of the position. I want to thank everyone for allowing me to serve the church in this capacity. Working together as a team, I see us moving forward in a positive direction.

One goal the committee set for 2010 is to pay more towards apportionments than last year. Apportionments were only paid at 40% in 2009 as compared to 100% paid in 2007 and 2008. I am confident we will achieve this goal as we allow Christ to work in our hearts and guide us.

Financial Summary as of 2/28/2010:
Year to date Income: $22,527.37 Apportionments paid: $ 160.00
Years expenses paid: $24,565.03 Unpaid Apportionments: $3846.00
Net Income for year: <$ 2,037.66>
Money needed to pay Apportionments each month: $2003

Respectfully submitted,

Lois McComish, Finance Chair
 

Ridgeway Grace UMC News

Our Pasty sale will be Saturday April 3rd.  Please pick up your order by 9:30 or 10:00 AM. 

The UMW will meet on Monday, April 5th at 2:00 pm because Election Day falls on our regular day.  (Some of our members work at the polls).

The Coulee District UMW Cluster meeting will be held at Ridgeway United Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 14 at 1:00 PM.  Mission team are Carol Lange, Rosemary Edwards and Dee Gray.  A light lunch will be served.

Mother's Day Potluck will be held on Wednesday, May 5th at 6:00 PM with the J.A.R. Trio performing for entertainment.

May UMW will meet on Tuesday, May 4th at 2:00 PM.

Continuing last month's promises of God:

"The Torment of Fear"

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound (disciplined) mind."

2 Timithoy 1:7

"Have not I commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:  for the LORD thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." 

Joshua 1:9

"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleaseure to give you the kingdom."

Luke 12:32

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:  because fear hath torment."

1 John 4:18

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:  for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

Psalm 23:4

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Meeting on April 8
6:30 PM Exec. Board meeting
7:00 PM Easter
Program: Grace Post Circle
Hostess: Evening Star Circle

Upcoming Events
April 12-13 Coulee District Cluster Meeting at Ridgeway UMC
May 6 Friends Night
May 14-15 Spring Rummage Sale

Evening Star Circle
The April 12 meeting will be at the home of Marilyn Liddle
(514 W. Washington) Charlene Mingst will bring treats and
Jeanne Kapotas will share a devotion.
 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Join us at VBS from August 2-6, from 4-7 PM, for a Galactic Blast adventure praising God! Children from Pre-K through completion of grade 5 will connect with a powerful but personal God, a creator whose acts resonate throughout the universe and a friend who touches our lives in small, intimate ways.

During the week, the children will “spacewalk” with their mission pilots to meet mission specialists trained in the following outer-space adventures:

• Mission: Creation of the Universe
• Mission: Elijah at Mt. Horeb
• Mission: The Woman at the Well
• Mission: A Blind Beggar in Jericho
• Mission: Two Disciples in Emmaus

Registration forms are available in the fellowship hall or from Brenda Crowe, Director of Christian Education. You can also register online at www.dodgevilleumc.org.

More information will be coming in the months ahead!

(Note: The times of VBS have been changed due to the summer school schedule at Dodgeville Elementary.)

MISSION AND OUTREACH NEWS

During January, February and March our loose change for change offering went to support Grace Mission in Cheni, India. This mission rescues orphans from the streets and provides them an opportunity to become productive citiizens of their city. This is accomplished by regular meals, shelter and education (secular and religious). As of March 14th, Dodgeville UMC will be sending $473.35 to Interhope and the Wilkinsen's to support this important mission work.  Thank you for your generosity!

Summer Camping

For a relaxed weekend at Pine Lake Camp near Westfield, WI, plan now to join friends from the church. Besides all of the great camping opportunities that the Conference provides for youth and adults, our church has several sites reserved for family camping the weekend of July 16-18.   If you are interested, contact Gayl or Roger Stewart at 345-5895.  Tina Orfanos, or Doug or Robin Digman.

Cornerstone

The Cornerstone lunch held on St Patrick's Day was a roaring success. Green desert and that swinging music from our own church priase band had everyone going well past 12:30. About 50 Cornerstone clients were served and the 20 or so people who helped put the dinner together and the world famous band even sat down and enjoyed corned beef sandwiches and green desert!!! Thanks to all who helped by bringing in food, serving, and cleaning up.

Loose Change for Change Offerings for April May and June will be for Health Kits  

The Mission/Outreach committee project for this Spring will be UMCOR Health Kits. The news headlines of earthquakes in Haiti and Chile are a reminder of the ongoing needs for UMCOR to be there when disaster strikes. Health kits are always needed. All of the completed kits will be taken by Pastor Rom to the collection at Annual Conference in May.
Donations for this project may be in the form of individual health items from the list, complete kits or cash.

Health Kits:

1 Hand Towel (not finger-tip or kitchen size)

1 Wash Cloth

1 Comb (regular size, no rat-tail, no barber combs)

1 Fingernail Clipper or File (no emery boards)

1 Bar of Soap (3oz. or larger in original wrapper)

1 Toothbrush (in original wrapper) (no multiple packs)

1 Tube of Toothpaste (3.5 oz. or larrger, in original wrapper.

Check expiration dates--must be at least ONE YEAR ahead.
6 Adhesive Bandages (Bandaid: no pictures or colors,
regular size and wrapped in a rubber band)

Wrap the items in the hand towel. Items will be placed in a one gallon plastic zip
closure bag. All new items please. Please make sure all items are correct sizes.
If they are not the correct size they are unusable.

Stephen Ministry

ALIVE & WELL!
In case youre wondering, it's a process - there are 9 of us (including leaders) working very hard on a weekly basis to develop the skills involved in 1-1 ministry with individuals who are in crisis situations. Thanks to a grant we are able to send 2 more people (including our pastor) to a week-long trainig session. We have heard from other churches involved in the program that it is very important that the pastor be informed and invloved.  Our goal is to be commissioned and ready to go at least by July. Your prayers are appreciated.
 

Visitation Ministry

New Address for Helen Seton is: Bethany Home B9,1226 Berlin St.Waupaca, WI 54981
Phone (715) 256-0204   Her daughter writes, Helen still enjoys mail and phone calls at age 100. She is doing amazingly well for a woman 100 years old!

April Birthdays:

• 2 - Sue Wanek - Bloomfiled Manor - 3151 Cty Rd CH - Dodgeville, WI 53533
• 9 - Lillian Nye - Upland Hills Health - 800 Compassion Way - Dodgeville, WI 53533
• 15 - Marjorie (Peg) Hawkes - Upland Hills Health (above address)
• 24 Jack Metcalf - 413 E Madison St - Dodgeville, WI 53533
• 29 - Ed Jewell - 4050 u.s. Hwy 18 - Dodgeville, WI 53533

Hoping you will take a moment and send a card, phone a greeting pay a visit.
 

April Birthdays

• Linda Marsh April 2
• Sue Wanek April 2
• Jessica Hazlett April 3
• Kyle Trace April 3
• Owen Beerkircher April 4
• Kevin Kirschbaum April 5
• David Olson April 7
• Mary Berg April 8
• Amber Price April 8
• Taylor Biddick April 9
• Chip Forrest April 9
• Lillian Nye April 9
• Aaron Athas April 11
• Brian Arndt April 13
• Julie Athey April 15
• Jeff Oxnem April 15
• Ben Berryman April 17
• Peggy Forrest April 18
• Rick Gullickson April 20
• Mackenzie Leitzinger April 20
• Adam Gullickson April 22
• John Houck April 22
• Mike Weber April 22
• Marilyn Liddle April 24
• Karen Oxnem (Pearson) April 24
• Maggie Piper April 24
• Jan Kirschbaum April 25
• Mary Schultze April 27
• Scott Tolzman April 27
• Alexis Udelhoven April 27
• Maggie Godfrey April 29
• Alisa Helmich April 29
• Edward Jewell April 29
• Molly Weier April 30

Prayers
for Homes, Families, and Friends

• Shut ins
• Jenni (Suzanne Tremelling’s daughter)
• Betty Richmond
• Michael Aschliman
• David Tremelling
• Bill Lorenz
• Keith Bray
• Ethan
• Haiti Earthquake victims
• Harold Halverson
• Julia Harmon
• Eric Blabaum
• Roger Oxnem
• Harold Halverson

Future Events

UMW Rummage Sale May 14th and 15th

Galilean Service, August 8, 2010 at 10:30

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

• A Free Showing of "The Jesus Film" will be held at the Dodge Theater on Saturday, April 3rd at 11:00 AM.
• Family Advocates Annual Dinner and Silent Aucition Fundraiser, Friday, April 23, 2010 from 6:00-9:00 PM at the Arthur Haus just north of Platteville on Hwy 80.Dinner $15.00 per adult, $12.00 per student, $7.00 age 12 and under.  Auction only: Free Admission.  For dinner reservations, please call: 608-348-5995 ext. 225 by Friday, April 9th.
• Life Line Screening will be here offering potentially lifesaving screenings for the community in the fellowship hall June 24, 2010, 9:00-5pm. 
• US Census 2010 Walk-in Questionnaire Assistance Center Sites:  Dodgeville City Hall and Farmers State Bank, Mineral Point
• Dodgeville School District Early Learners' Welcom & Registration Days - April 28, 29, 30.  For more info call 935-3307 option 2.
• "The Gospel Messengers" concert - Satuday, April 17 at 2:00 PM, Wiota Lutheran Church, Wiota, WI
• Spaghetti Night Fundraiser to benefit UNITED FUND OF IOWA COUNTY, Pointer Cafe, Mineral Point, WI, Wednesday, April 7th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• "Lyle Foley's Jokers Wild Review - Saturday, April 24 at Belmont Convention Center; dinner at 6:00 PM with show to follow. $25 per person

Calendar

Click here for the printable April calendar

Sunday Servant Schedule

Download the Sunday Servant Schedule