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AUMC NewsletterAUGUST 2010
LEAHY AWARDS ISSUED This is the 20th year we have been able to offer scholarship awards to young people. It doesn’t seem possible but during those 20 years we have been able to offer 80 scholarships as well as assist other youth related programs. Our committee is happy with what we have been able to accomplish with the gift of Mildred Leahy. Our gifts are not huge amounts as some awards are but we know they are being used for the good of youth through the request of its donor. This year a scholarship was issued to Katherine Beauchamp, daughter of Terry and Rhonda Beauchamp. She will use her gift to complete her term at O’More College of Design in Tennessee. With her excellent work ethic and her outlook on the future she will make a good candidate wherever she decides to seek employment. We also were able to provide funds to the 2nd Saturday program here at Ashland United Methodist Church. Its education Committee is devoted to helping minister to the youth of the Ashland Community. Its program is open to any religious background. They are entering the 8th season of providing a Christian education for our youth and they are to be commended for their dedication. The Leahy Committee is greatly pleased with the benefits provided for the youth of the community. The Mildred Leahy Scholarship Committee Judy Cosner- Chairperson, Jean Briggs, Pat Houser, Marge Showalter and John Cosner.
The Pastor Parish Relations Committee met on Wednesday, July 15th to discuss concerns brought to the committee by several members of the church. Although details of the meeting cannot be discussed, the committee has been and will be working to try to solve some of these concerns. Another meeting along with a congregational meeting will be planned in the future. Watch the bulletin for more details. Members of the committee are Scott Boston, Joette Thornley, Grace Barnes, Yarvo Roberts, and Beth Cosner. TRUE REPENTANCE Friends, Webster’s Dictionary states the meaning of repent is “to feel regret for a deed or omission; to desire to change one’s life as a result of sorrow for one’s sin.” We are all sinners!!! We do so every day!!! Our first action is to KNOW that we have sinned. Knowing and repenting are not the same thing. Our next action is to REGRET. We should REGRET any sin we have committed or omitted. Regretting and repenting are not the same thing. Our next action is to desire a CHANGE in our life due to our sinning. We want to CHANGE and NOT RETURN to our old sinning ways!!! First, we must believe and acknowledge that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and on the third day rose again. Our equation now is: Believing + Knowing + Regretting + Changing = True Repentance Now, who do we repent to? If I had to repent to everyone in my life I’ve sinned against, that would take years! If I truly want to repent, I can repent to Jesus. Jesus can take all our sins to Him!!! What a cool plan!!! As we pray each day, we should always ask Jesus to forgive our sins. If we truly mean what we say – HE WILL!!! What an AWESOME GOD we have!!! I have several Bible verses listed below for you to read. Have a great month! See you in September! Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus! John 3: 16 Love, Romans 3: 24-25 John 6: 47 Bill Gruen Luke 11: 1-4 United Methodist Women News
Kaye has returned from the Conference Midwest Regional School in Fargo, North Dakota. I’m sure she will be reporting their activities to us at our upcoming meetings. We want to offer our congratulations to our Honor Pin recipient, Judy Mills. She is a respected member of our group and is always ready to help with programs and events. She is very deserving of this honor. Weekend School of Christian Mission will be coming up July 30 to August 2 and the Weekday School of Christian Mission will be August 1 through the 4th. Both of these events will be at Northfield Inn in Springfield. The theme of these events is FAITH-HOPE-LOVE IN ACTION. Conference Annual Meeting is October 2 at Fairview Heights Christ UMC. Bishop Gregory Palmer will celebrate communion and give devotions. His wife, Cynthia Palmer will be speaker. Personal & Spiritual Growth Retreat is Saturday, August 14th, at Paloma Community Center in Paloma, IL. The retreat will be divided into two parts with Kaye Parsons leading the personal growth session on “Racial Justice” and Lois Sorrill will lead the spiritual growth session on “Fruits of the Spirit.” Speak with Kaye or Pastor Pat if you would like to attend. LESSIE BATES Bill Kreeb from the Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House will be here on August 8th to talk to us about Lessie Bates and what all they do there. The Neighborhood House helps everyone from birth to the senior citizens and we did not leave them out. There is a Senior Day Care Facility also. It is in the same building as the Children’s Day Care. This is just some of the things that they do at Lessie Bates. Bill will fill us in on much more, so be sure to come on August 8th. And ladies of UMW here is the wish list for Lessie Bates for our Annual Meeting; Baby Lotion- Soap- Shampoo. CHURCH LIBRARY Well, when it’s too hot to be outside, why not select a book or two from the library, put your feet up and relax for the evening or more. Several books have been given to our library, so you need to check and see what ones would interest you. A couple of new ones are being added, “Too Many Irons in the Fire and They’re All Smoking.” To copy what the author’s description of the book is: In this little book Cynthia Bond Hopson, the author, offers a month’s worth of wisdom, advice and encouragement for women in the form of 31 short daily meditations. One of these is “I’m Not Fat, I’m Filled Out”, which I had to laugh about because the way I had heard it was (attached to a sheep) Ewe’s Not Fat You Just Fluffy. Whatever. Anyway I found this quite interesting along with the Bible readings each day. Another one is “Cecilia’s Year” which is a youth book. I find them very interesting, so you need to give them a try. Cecilia has a dream but her mother doesn’t seem to go along with her dream. This book is Latina fiction which was a winner of the Cinco Puntas Press. You’ll have to read it to find out her dream and her story. Since I seem to be behind in our books added for the women/men who are honored at the Mother-Daughter Banquet there will be a couple or more added to the library after the Honorees have read them. Please keep a check on that area of the library. ************************************************* CHOIR SEASON Vacation time is over and it’s time for choir practice to begin. The invitation is open to anyone high school age and older in our church. Our first practice is Wednesday, September 1st, at 7:30 P. M. Here’s hoping all of you will be there. Come one, come all to sing praises to our Lord. FRESH PICKED I picked up a red pepper from the grocery store pyramid. I needed it for some relish I was making…then I saw the price tag. Ninety-nine cents?! For one little pepper?! It made me wish I had grown some myself. I’m blessed to have a garden where I can harvest my own fruit and vegetables, but what about people who don’t? I bet they’d love some fresh-picked corn or just-ripe tomatoes. It got me thinking. My son, Jim, runs a pharmacy that sells almost everything, and I always have more than I can eat in my garden. A few months after my trip to the grocery store, I gathered up my extra tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers and laid out my spread in little baskets at the pharmacy. I charged half the price that was listed in the grocery-store flyer. People paid on the honor system. Any money I received I gave to the charities my church sponsors. This year I’m planting a larger garden. I’m 83 years young…why not share my harvest and my blessings with even more people? IRENE LYNN, SMITHFIELD, PENNSYLVANIA This was obtained from April 2010 Guideposts. ************************************ The number of people who, on Easter Sunday, will read, recite or sing the Lord’s Prayer across the globe. Answer: 2 BILLION!! This was obtained from April 2010 Guideposts. ************************************************** SACRIFICE By Edgar A. Guest When he has more than he can eat, to feed a stranger’s not a feat. When he has more than he can spend it isn’t hard to give or lend. Who gives but what he’ll never miss will never know what giving is. He’ll win few praises from his Lord who does but what he can afford. The widow’s mite to heaven went because real sacrifice it meant. Upcoming events
August 24, 2010 - September Newsletter DEADLINE
Please have your newsletter items to the church secretary or on the church secretary’s desk by the end of the day, August 24th. JULY 2010
From the Pastor How do you deal with a very bad day? Psalm 88, the first three verses in the Message Bible translation reads, "God you're my last chance of the day. I spend the night on my knees before you. Put me on your salvation agenda; take notes of the trouble I'm in. I've had my fill of trouble; I'm camped on the edge of hell." Most of the time we will admit our days aren't quite that bad. If they are we need to call out all of the prayer warriors. We need to get the preacher over to pray. We need to pray, pray, pray and fast. We need to read Scriptures back to the Lord and remind him that he is savior and Lord. But what about days that are miserable but unlikely to bring us to the point of death? In the book of Acts we read that Paul and Silas had been flogged and thrown into the deepest, darkest park of the prison. Rather than moaning and feeling sorry for themselves (as they had every right to do), they praised and sang hymns to God. They were listened to by the other prisoners. Doubtless those in other cells wondered at the any who could praise in prison. And an earthquake came to release them. Wow! No they didn't escape, they turned their pain into an opportunity to lead the jailer and his family to Christ.
THE STANDARD
What is right from wrong – how you treat people – what you do when no one of authority is looking over your shoulder … What is the standard YOU use to live by? Where did that standard come from? If you were blessed enough to have parents which taught you right from wrong, you have a standard to live by. We all have a heavenly Father who takes care of us and He has a book we all should read called the Bible! Even our parents who taught us their standard had to get that standard from somewhere. Let’s hope they got their standard from the Bible. Dr. Charles F. Stanley, minister of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Ga., states: “We need to personalize and apply the Bible to our lives, and not only once but repeatedly, day in and day out… Allow the Word of God to persuade you. Allow the word of God to influence your thinking. Allow the Word of God to alert your perspective and change your behavior. No matter what any human being may say to us, if any part of that message does not line up with the Word of God, it needs to be dismissed. The Word of God is the standard by which all instruction should be evaluated.” Our standard needs to be the Bible. If you haven’t read the Bible yet COVER TO COVER, please do so. Each time before you read the Bible pray that God will open your heart and mind to His wisdom. YOU WILL NEVER MAKE A BETTER DECISION THAN TO READ THE BIBLE. Please read the Bible verses I have for you which are connected to this article; but don’t stop there. Start at Genesis and proceed all the way through Revelation!!! See you in August! Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus! Love, Bill Gruen Psalms 119:161-175 Nehemiah 8: 1-6 2 Kings 22: 8-20 Deuteronomy 4: 1-6 Luke 4: 14-21 HAPPY BELATED FATHER’S DAY
It was an impressive Father’s Day story in the 10/20 Journal Courier about a Father and Daughter. Mark Patton, from Pawnee, has a daughter, Valerie Lines of Williamsville. She told a story which had a lasting impact on her about her dad. She had an appointment with the eye doctor and after eating their lunch her dad drove down an alley and gave $20.00 to a homeless man. Sensing her confusion he said “That man sat behind us at the restaurant and ate ketchup. It takes a very hungry man to eat ketchup. We don’t have much, but no mater how little it seems, remember that there’s someone who has less.” I’m sure all of us have a story about our Father which has had a lasting impact on us. I know Valerie’s story affected me! HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO OUR OFTEN OVWERLOOKED FATHERS!!!! **************************************** WHAT MAKES A DAD God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle’s flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece complete, And so He called it DAD. Unknown A BIBLE STORY
by Elizabeth Donovan taken from THE SUNBEAM dated 7/21/1912
“Why? Asked her mother, looking up in surprise from the box of sandwiches she was packing. “I never heard of a little girl who didn’t like picnics.” “I do like picnics,” answered Sarah, “but I don’t want to go this time because the girls all want to play things that I can’t, and then they don’t like me.” “What do they do? asked her Mother.
“This time they’re going to wade in the creek. It’s awfully deep in places, but they say their mothers don’t care; and I know you wouldn’t want me to do that. Then they always tease the boys, and the boys chase them and they get so rough and rude.” Sarah looked worried, and her mother listened thoughtfully, for the little girl was not a talebearer and was telling what she did now only because she needed her mother’s help.
She never had played much with other children, and the ten girls who were in her Sunday-school class were most of them from homes very different from Sarah’s. They had been less carefully trained than Sarah, and what to them was fun was wrong to her. She was to be with them in school next year, too, and she could not bear to think of it.
The next day was Sunday. In the afternoon Sarah carried her mother off to the grape arbor to tell her a secret. “I want to know if you and I may have a club,” she said. “We’ll call it the W and T Club.”
“All right,” said her mother; “but what does W and T mean?”
“Wheat and Tares,” said Sarah promptly.
Her mother tried hard not to smile as Sarah eagerly explained, “We had the wheat-and-tares story today and our teacher said that we ought to be like the wheat and keep on ding right, no matter what people around us did, just as the wheat kept growing in among the tares. And I thought if we had a club and I wore the badge all the time it would help me to remember.” She drew out to tiny bows of blue ribbon, one of which she pinned on her mother and the other on herself.
So the queer little club was started. It met every Sunday Afternoon and at the first meeting even the grown-up member reported that it had helped. “Since all our neighbors stay at home from praise meeting I was going to do it too this week, but I happened to look at my badge and it seemed to say, ‘Take care or those roots will loosen your wheat roots,’ so I went.”
They did not allow it to become a fault-finding club to make them feel that they were better than those about them, but they made it help them to go quietly, patiently on, day after day doing what they thought was right. Upcoming events
Friday, July 16, 2010 – 6:30 pm - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lunch at the Pastor’s Sunday, July 18, 2010 – 12:30 pm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Vacation Bible School
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The pastor will be on vacation from July 26th through August 6th. # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # We recently deposited $232.70 from our “Pennies for Hunger” fish tank. A finance meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 8th at 7:00 pm – meet in the church basement. ============================== A PPRC meeting will be scheduled in July. Please watch the bulletin for date and time of the meeting. ============================== JUNE 2010
July 27, 2010 August Newsletter DEADLINE Please have your newsletter items to the church secretary or on the church secretary’s desk by the end of the day, July 27th. GAME DAY This is a note to let you know that the Game Day that was planned for the 30th of May has been changed. Since it is Memorial Week-End we thought it best to change the day so that we might have more people there. The date has been changed to Sunday, June 13th right after church. We will be eating inside the church, but after we eat we will go outside to enjoy games and fellowship. The cost of this will be donations. Anyone who has a fun game that you would like to bring to share, please do so. Bring lawn chairs and your appetite. This will be a great way to kick off the summer. Hope to see you all there!!! The Nurture Committee ***************************************** Congratulations to Our Graduates!!! This year AUMC has three graduates. Ms. Phoebe Katherine Betters, who is graduating from A-C Central High. If you see her please congratulate her as she goes off to college. The other two graduates are Ms. Cerys Louise Boston and Ms. Kaitlin Ashley Thromorton, who are both graduating from A-C Central Jr. High. If you see them please congratulate them as they venture into high school. FORGIVING Friends, Which comes first, love or forgiveness? Which comes first the chicken or the egg? One extremely important question; one question fun to kick around in conversation. 1 Corinthians 13 tells me that love is the most important thing in the world! Do we need love before we can forgive? I would have to say yes. So how can some people who don’t have love – learn to love?! Can forgiveness teach them how to love?! It certainly can – if nothing else, your forgiveness can be a great example and testimony to that person and to others! If you are at odds with a person and there is too much pride and stubborn-headedness in both of you to resolve the struggle – what do you do? If there is no “give” to this battle – YOU be the one to make the first move – you give in, don’t wait for the other party to do so. You be the one to FORGIVE!!! Many wars have been fought throughout history – what could have prevented ALL those wars?? – love and forgiveness or forgiveness and love. It makes no difference which one you put first – they will work hand in hand to stop any conflict!!! I have a few Bible verses for you to read which are connected to this article. See you in July!! Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus! Love, Bill Gruen Matthew 18: 21-35 Matthew 5; 43-48 Galatians 5: 22-23 Mark 12: 28-31 Ephesians 4: 32 Congratulations!!! Congratulations go out to AUMC member Cerys Boston who with her partner and classmate Parrish Smith made it to the State Science Fair! Their received a silver rating on the project. If you see Cerys congratulate her on her hard work. AUMC CHOIR PRESENTS SEASON FINALE
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER Several people attended the May 6 National Day of Prayer offered to the community by Ashland United Methodist Church. National Day of Prayer is the First Thursday in May each year. Thanks to those who gave their time and prayers to aid our nation. The American people believe in prayer and believe that prayer changes things. We choose to use all means at our disposal to change the conditions in our own nation. Thanks to the children of the church who made pictures of the things for which they prayed. They were displayed at the altar of AUMC along with the sign, “OUR CHILDREN PRAY TOO! – FOR THIS IS THEIR WORLD – AND THESE PICTURES ARE THEIR PRAYERS.” **************************************** VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION
Last fall I wrote requesting that your local church include a line item in its 2010 budget to help underwrite costs of construction materials. At the close of this letter I have indicated your church’s fair-share goal is $230 as part of the district goal of $25,000 for this project. This is a letter from Rev. Randy and at the last board meeting we decided that we would take a collection. Keep a close eye on your bulletins for more info on when we will be taking up this collection. MOTHER/DAUGHTER BANQUET Around 70 guests attended the Mother/Daughter Banquet on 5/15/10. The meal of fried chicken, cheesy potatoes, many salads, veggies and desserts were consumed and were followed by a much-enjoyed program. Jill Layne and guests put on a program filled with hand clapping music and humor that we all delighted in. The ever-dependable men of the church helped serve, do dishes and clean up afterward. Of course they were rewarded for their efforts by a delicious supper! We thank them so very much. Thanks also to the Jennie James Circle members who planned the event. Judy Mills is Woman of the Year!
************************************************* A MOTHER’S DAY GIFT
Asbury United Methodist Church Re: Children’s Supper Hour
Because children are close to a mother’s heart and because you come to the aid of children, in honor of the mothers of Ashland United Methodist Church we are sending a donation of $50.00 to you. Our Sunday School children have been to visit you and have adopted you as their project; we too, as mothers, want to be of help to you also. May our gift be of aid to you in helping the children. In Jesus name,
NEW WINDOWS! On May 24, 2010 the AUMC Trustees Committee replaced the two worst kitchen windows of the church. Here are before and after pictures of the windows. Upcoming events On Monday June 7 there will be a graduation party for Cerys Boston. The party will be held at the Yatesville School House following the 8th graduation, which begins at 7 pm. The School House is located on Yatesville Rd, just West of Prentice. Hope to see you there! Don’t forget that the Ashland Summer Days are coming up. They will be held from June 25 to June 27 with various activities at James Park. As part of Summer Days the church’s annual chicken and noodle dinner will be held on Sat. June 26 at 11 am, just after the parade. Coming in the month of July Vacation Bible School will be held at the First Baptist Church of Ashland beginning on Sunday July 18 and finishing on Thursday July 22. There will be a light supper served at 5:30 pm with the program going from 6 to 8:30 pm. Volunteers are still need! Please see Julie Hultquist for more information.
MAY 2010 MOTHER – DAUGHTER BANQUET May 15 at 5:30 PM is the date for the Mother/Daughter Banquet being held in the church basement. The evening will be hosted by the Jennie James Circle with the theme of FILL MY CUP, LORD. Remind your Mother or Daughters, or those to be your guests, to keep this date open. If your Mother or Daughter is not able to attend, adopt one for the evening, or bring a friend. We’d like to know how many people to expect so please make your reservations by Sunday, May2, with any of the Jennie James Circle members. The cost is $7.00 per person and children under 3 are free. Les and Kim Hultquist would like to thank everyone who helped financially and kept us in their prayers during our recent trip to Guatemala. It was our second trip to help build homes with Habitat for Humanity. Once again it was an awesome adventure and one that we wish everyone could experience first hand. This year we added a couple of days after the work week to visit some other areas of the country. It was good to see some additional parts of the culture of Guatemala. We hope to be able to share MORTGAGE BURNING
The church recently paid off their parsonage mortgage and the loan for roof repairs on the church. Watch for information about a celebration!
GUATEMALA TRIP
Les and Kim Hultquist would like to thank everyone who helped financially and kept us in their prayers during our recent trip to Guatemala. It was our second trip to help build homes with Habitat for Humanity. Once again it was an awesome adventure and one that we wish everyone could experience first hand. This year we added a couple of days after the work week to visit some other areas of the country. It was good to see some additional parts of the culture of Guatemala. We hope to be able to share some of our pictures and stories with you in the future.
Did Hitler Go to Heaven? Friends, How could Adolph Hitler go to heaven?! He had to be one of the worst sinners in the world!!! No – I’m the worst sinner in the world, and I’m going to Heaven!!! Those of you who had the chance to attend the Community Good Friday Service at Richland Creek Baptist Church heard Rev. Terry Beauchamp ask the same question; could Hitler be in Heaven? Are there any sins too terrible to exclude you from heaven? No!! If you believe in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and you believe that Jesus now sits at God’s right hand in Heaven, you will see me in Heaven also!!! In John Chapter 8: verses 1-11, Jesus deals with several people who felt they had no sins, and that stoning another sinner was the correct thing to do. When he asks for the person who has no sins to throw the first stone – no one does!!! We are all sinners!!! Could Judas Iscariot the betrayer of Jesus be in Heaven? In the April edition of the Upper Room, Mike Ripski states, “After Judas betrayed Jesus, he was filled with remorse and went out and hanged himself. Judas’ greater betrayal, however, may have been that he apparently could not believe that Jesus would forgive him and that the Holy Spirit would help him forgive himself.” As Rev. John Sheppard said in the April edition of The Scoop, “JUDAS SURE MISSED THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME!” Will you miss the opportunity of a lifetime??? It makes no difference what you have done in the past, Jesus can and will forgive you!!! We are all children of God – what a shame if you don’t spend eternity with Him!!! Please read the Bible verses I have for you this month. See you in June!!! Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus!
John 3: 16-17 John 8: 1-11 Matthew 2: 16-17 Isaiah 44: 22 Jeremiah 31: 34 Bill Gruen
United Methodist Women News
Discussion and vote for the person to receive the honor pin for 2010 was held. Our Mother and Daughter event will be May 15th at 5:30. Jennie James Circle is hostess. Kim did devotions from Women of the Bible. She asked us to think about the mast on a ship. How strong winds and storms affect the growth of a tree to be used to form the mast and how adversity affects us in our growth. God uses these things to help make us to grow strong. Eleanor and Nance did our program. They used articles from the Response Magazine to show that around God’s Table there is always room for one more. Jesus would want us to make room for others in our hearts and to spread our arms, just as he would, to make room for all without being judgmental. Refreshments of different kind of bread, along with butter, butter, were served by the Dorcas Circle, representing the body of Christ, as we use at God’s Table. Weekend School of Christian Mission will be from July 30 to August 2 and Weekday School of Christian Missions will be August 1 through the 4th. Both will be at Northfield Inn in Springfield. Personal & Spiritual Growth Retreat is Saturday, August 14 at Paloma Community Center in Paloma, IL. The retreat will be divided into two parts with Kaye Parsons leading the personal growth session on “Racial Justice” and Lois Sorrill will lead the spiritual growth session on “Fruits of the Spirit”. Let Kaye or Pastor Pat know if you would like to attend. There will not be another UMW Meeting until September 14 with Dorcas Circle as hostess. The M&D event will be our May meeting and on August 10th there will be a UMW Board Meeting. HAVE A NICE SUMMER!!!! UMW DONATIONS WENT TO … Cunningham $430.96
Lessie Bates 415.00 Kumler 100.00 Asbury Supper Hour 100.00 Midwest Distribution Center 100.00 Chaddock 100.00 Salvation Army 75.00 Red Cross 75.00 Cass County Hospice 75.00 Cass County Visiting Nurses 75.00 Cass County Transportation 75.00 Cass County Human Resources 75.00 Prairie Council on Aging 75.00 Ashland E. M. T. 75.00 Red Bird 75.00 McCurdy 75.00 Baby Fold 75.00
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
The first call to prayer was in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a notion. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared and annual, Nation Day of Prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Regan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May where the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups and as individuals.
APRIL 2010 Coming Youth Event Agapefest is a huge three day Christian Concert at Greenville, Illinois, Bond County Fairgrounds. Pastor Dave and Pastor Pat, Wendell and Missy Lauer plan to take youth and anyone else wishing to go to the event. Dates are Friday and Saturday April 30 and May 1. Dave and Pat are taking their camper and we'll set up tents unless someone else has a camper they would like to share. Additional transportation might be needed. Additional information available at agapefest.com. Pastor Pat # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # Ladies Prayer Breakfast Men’s Prayer Breakfast Saturday, April 3, 2010 Saturday, April 24, 2010
GOD: OUR CREATOR, OUR FATHER, OUR SAVIOR!!! No doubt visiting the Creation Museum left a lasting impression on me, and I feel everyone who had a chance to join us feels the same way. Thanks to the Boston’s for “sharing” the museum with us!!! I was left with 3 strong impressions from this trip. The first was of the intricate ways our Father made HIS world and universe in such a loving manner! No doubt we have a loving and AWESOME God!! The second impression left on me was of our caring and loving Father. How He cared so much for us to make us in His image and turn the world over to us to be in charge of. Although we have not been good”managers” of the world – our God, our Father still loves his children. The third impression left on me was of our Father through His Son Jesus, being our Saviors! When I watched the video at the Creation Museum called “The Last Adam”, I was struck with how Jesus loved us so much to go through such pain and suffering for us to be included in his Kingdom. Jesus endured so much physical pain, but also so much emotional pain for us!!! It is not surprising to me that Jesus before his last breath said, “It is finished”. His life wasn’t finished, his mission was. He now waits for us in heaven with our Father, and all the other saints and angels. The important question: is your life finished, or is it just beginning? Let it be a beginning with Jesus. Please read the Bible verses I have for you this month. I hope they bless you on your spiritual journey. See You in May!!! Keep your Eyes Fixed on Jesus!!! Bill Genesis 1: 1-25 Genesis 1: 26-31 John 1: 11-13 1 Peter 2: 24-25 United Methodist Women News General Meeting was held on March 9. Since our February General Meeting was cancelled because of weather we held Call to Prayer and Self Denial as our program. Peter Cartwright UMW ladies joined us for our program, which was put together by Kim Beckett. Attending were 10 Ashland members and 4 PCUMW members. The offering gathered at the meeting will be used for mission projects in the U. S. and around the world to support building improvements. Many of the buildings housing our mission projects are in dire need of repairs to make them habitable and safe. With the increasing costs of utilities and repairs for these programs our funds are greatly needed. They will be divided between the U. S. and foreign needs. Thanks to the PCUMW for their help and support. The April General Meeting will be in Tuesday, April 13 with Dorcas Circle as hostess. Please keep in mind that the Spring District Meeting will be held at Pittsfield UMC on April 15 at 9:00 AM. Your love gifts for Cunningham Children’s Home and Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House will be taken to this meeting. Cunningham has requested Women’s Hair Gel (NO hair spray) as well as Wal-Mart, McDonald’s and Subway gift certificates. Lessie Bates has requested Feminine Hygiene products, Soap and Hand Towels. Also turn in your Box Tops for Education to your circles before 4/15, as they will be taken to the meeting. UMW ASSEMBLY will be held at St. Louis, Missouri from April 29 through May 2. I am told it is one of the greatest experiences you will ever have and that it will probably never be any closer. If you are interested in attending get in touch with your District representatives. The purpose of Untied Methodist Women is helping those less fortunate so that they too may have food to eat and once again have dignity restored to them as brothers and sisters in Christ. If any of the women from our own church are interested in participating in these goals, please come and take part in our local UMW. FOR ONE MINISTRY PRESENTS:
THE COUNCIL
A PASSION PLAY
Some of Jesus' greatest opposition hosted by Ashland Church of Christ
came from the Sanhedrin, also known
as the 'Council,' which included the
highest political and religious leaders of the time. Saturday, April 10 at 7:00 PM
See the struggles and choices faced by some of
its members, including Nicodemus and Joseph Presentation to be held at
of Arimathea, who were determined to A-C Central High School
know the truth. Hear Peter tell of his 601 Buchanan St, Ashland, IL
journey of faith and experience a Passion
Play that will take you on an unforgettable
journey past the cross and to the presentation is free to all who attend
heart of God. www.foroneministry.org
JENNIE JAMES CIRCLE EYE-GLASS PROJECT
Since 2/27/09 we have collected 26 pairs of glasses and 14 cases. This does not seem like many, but if you are one of the persons who need them to be able to see, it will seem like a miracle. If you were unable to see and were given a pair of glasses that helped you, wouldn’t you feel blessed? Since we began the project, we have collected 273 pairs of glasses, 90 eyeglass cases and 36 pairs of lenses. Thanks to all of you who provided those blessings!!
NURTURE meeting 7:30 pm – Mon April 12th # # # # # # # # # # # # # CHURCH WEBSITE meeting 7:30 pm – Mon April 5th
April 2, 2010– Terry Beauchamp preaching Good Friday service – 7:00 pm Richland Creek Baptist Church
Easter Sunrise service – 6:30 am Ashland United Methodist Church
MARCH 2010
ADORNING THE ALTAR FOR EASTER I order them from Roseview Flowers at Petersburg and they always contribute 10% of the cost of the lilies back to the church. That is a big encouragement for ordering from them and is a kind and generous thing to do. The flowers are beautiful and last for quite a while. They deliver them directly to the church as well, so that’s another advantage. Order forms will be in your bulletin as soon as the cost is established. Please let Judy know by March 21. THANK YOU. Grace Barnes no longer has a land line phone. Her cell phone number is: 217-473-8842 LET THE BIBLE DO THE TALKING!!! Fellow Christians, Deb and I were doing our daily devotions on Thursday, February 18th and we came across three readings that made me cry!!! That’s right – men cry!!! I’m going to share these three Bible readings with you today! Please read them over and over again! They are three of the most powerful; loving Bible readings I’ve read this year. Let The Bible Do The Talking!!! Keep your Eyes Fixed on Jesus!!! Bill John 1: 1-5 Ephesians 1: 3-14 Isaiah 49: 14-16 United Methodist Women News The February General Meeting was cancelled because of weather. The “Call to Prayer and Self Denial” with PCUMW as our guests will be held on our regular General Meeting night of March 9 with Jennie James as hostess. Remember that World Day of Prayer will be on Friday, March 5th, 1:00 PM, at New Beginnings Church. This program is sponsored by Church Women United. Vacation Bible School cooperating churches presents “All About Easter” 3:00 pm – Sunday, March 28th Ashland First Baptist Church Community Lenten Service schedule Sunday services start at 5:00pm-refreshments follow March 07, 2009 – Dave McHenry preaching Pleasant Plains Church of Christ March 14, 2009 – John Sheppard preaching New Beginnings Christian Fellowship (SBA) March 21, 2009 – Keith Masten preaching Peter Cartwright United Methodist Church March 28, 2009 – Pat Hutton preaching Ashland Church of Christ April 2, 2009 – Terry Beauchamp preaching Richland Creek Baptist Church GOOD FRIDAY – 7:00pm April 4, 2009 – Wayne Mollohan preaching Ashland United Methodist Church EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE – 6:30am April Newsletter DEADLINE - March 25, 2010 Please have your newsletter items to the church secretary or on the church secretary’s desk by the end of the day, March 25th. FEBRUARY 2010
One Call Now If you missed a call from One Call Now (the church’s phone message system) or just need to hear it again, follow the directions below. Dial 1.877.698.3261
LENTEN SEASON The Lenten Season starts with Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00pm on February 17th United Methodist Church - Youth Sunday School Giving a report on the Mission Project the Youth Sunday School did in the year 2009. Again they decided that they wanted to adopt another family from Asbury Children Supper Hour. In 2008, they adopted a family with 2 children; in 2009 they decided to adopt a family with 4 children. In both years our children had enough money saved to buy these two families everything on their lists. Our family number was 42, while delivering our gifts to Asbury; I learned that #42 was 142 families being adopted in 2009. Samantha Boston and Kim Beckett did the shopping in 2008 and in 2009; they decided that we should take some of our youth with us. This past year we were joined by, Will, Frankie and Addie Boston. Kim was to meet up with them after work and by the time I got with them at Toy’s R Us, they had the majority of the shopping done. We should be proud of the youth of our church. Even though they are few, they are mighty and aim to finish what they have started. We should be proud of them enough to attend any activity that they put on and support them regardless of our own demeanors. We need to put aside our anger and disappointments and support them. There are so many times that I wanted to quit what I was doing with Sunday School, Second Saturday and other things that I am active in, but the Lord spoke to my heart and said, if you do this to the least of these, my children, you have done it unto me. So guess what I’m doing? I’m sticking by our youth, Sunday School, Second Saturday and my Church. My dream in the next year is to do a mission trip with our youth. So support them in any and everything. Kim Beckett Adult Confirmation classes Thursdays 4:30pm-5:30pm all are welcome if you want to fine tune your faith PLEASE join us on Thursdays United Methodist Women News
SAVE YOUR OLD GREETING CARDS 2009 REPORT Many of you gave me your old greeting cards. THANK YOU SO MUCH. The number of cards received during 2009 from all of you good people was 3, 369. I received 11 calendars, which I also use to make those handy dandy little boxes! In return for people giving me their cards and calendars, I make them a couple of boxes. Cards I cannot use to make boxes, I often use to make postcards. The remaining cards that I cannot use I take to Walker’s Nursing Home and they use them for crafts. Of those 3, 369 cards and 11 calendars, I gave away 61 boxes, plus 13 boxes (filled with candy) to the kids at church for their birthdays. (They seem to really enjoy them, though I’m not sure if it’s the boxes or the candy.) Of the postcards, I, myself, used 38 to send for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Even at $1.00 per card (and we all know cards are much more expensive than that) I saved $38.00! In postage I saved $6.08. Of the little boxes and postcards, plus a few crocheted items, I sold $107.75 worth, which I turned in to our Jennie James Circle. Some would say I have too much time on my hands – but it keeps me busy and it keeps me sane! (Some would argue with me about that!) It also increases our giving to missions. All the money we earn from selling pecans also increases our mission giving. Help keep me busy in2010! SAVE YOUR OLD GREETING CARDS!!!!!!!!!! Judy Cosner Super Bowl Party! Sunday February 7th at the Boston’s Devoted game-watching room in basement for all die-hard gamesmen (and women) Bring food, friends, family and fellowship! Come anytime in the afternoon. Game starts around 5pm. Please RSVP to enable refreshment planning 217-886-2039 or 217-491-1267 Are Christians As Needy As Everyone Else? Fellow Christians, When we are saved and Christ becomes part of our lives, we then have it made!!! Right? No!!! When we become Christians we realize how needy we are!!! What makes our lives different from other needy people is that we know where to go to get our needs met!!! It could be said that Christians are the most needy people in the world; or at least we are more readily able to admit that we are needy!!! Our Heavenly Father not only gave us His son to rely on, but also the Holy Spirit, Angels, and our families and church families to rely on to meet our needs! I’ve heard it said, that humans are not perfect, because if we were we wouldn’t need God. Well, I need my Heavenly Father – because I am the most imperfect person I know! I personally feel that not only do we need God – But God also needs us – that’s what makes His love so great for us!! God doesn’t need us to supply any of His daily needs like we need Him to do for us, but God needs us to need Him. Quite a plan – don’t you think? Here are two Bible verses for you to read this month. Have a great month – see you in March!!! Keep your Eyes Fixed on Jesus!!! Bill Psalms 23 Psalms 139 Dave Hutton will present a pre-lent evening education service (UMC 101) 5:00 pm – Sun February 14th Ashland United Methodist Church. Community Lenten Service schedule Sunday services start at 5:00pm-refreshments follow Februrary 21, 2010– Ed Moretto preaching Ashland First Baptist Church February 28, 2010 –Howard Chartier preaching Berea Christian Church March 07, 2009 – Pat Hutton preaching Pleasant Plains Church of Christ March 14, 2009 – John Sheppard preaching New Beginnings Christian Fellowship (SBA) March 21, 2009 – Keith Masten preaching Peter Cartwright United Methodist Church March 28, 2009 – Dave Mc Henry preaching Ashland Church of Christ See March newsletter for remainder of schedule March Newsletter DEADLINE Please have your newsletter items to the church secretary or on the church secretary’s desk by the end of the day, February 25th. ********
JANUARY 2010
****A CAROLING WE DID GO****
At 3:30 in the afternoon on December 12 we set out to go Christmas caroling. First thing we did was go to Walker’s Nursing Home in Virginia. We had a pretty long string of vehicles as we traveled down the road. We followed the sections around at the Home, occasionally stopping for individual visits with people we knew, and singing lustily to all the residents. They all seemed to enjoy our singing and visits. When we started out, there were 27 of us, so we did make a pretty good impression. This year the Catholics, Baptists and the Methodists banded together to go singing. We sounded pretty good (if I do say so myself) with Tom Kelly accompanying us on his guitar. As we progressed, a few dropped out, and as we finished the list of people whom we were scheduled to sing to, there were 21 of us. We also made 21 stops (that’s a lot of getting in and outs – ups and downs or just plain walking). At the end of the evening we were not singing quite as lustily. It had turned quite cold, the wind had gotten up and we were growing tired so, we may have croaked out the last few songs but we had a good time. We ended up at the Baptist Hall where everyone brought food to share. The food, the hot chocolate, coffee and good home made chili thawed us out somewhat. We had a wonderful, jolly time and we hope we made the good feelings abound. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!!! By Judy Cosner United Methodist Women News The General Meeting for December was opened by reciting The Purpose on 12/8/09. Attending were seven women and one guest. The secretary’s report was read and approved. The treasurer read a letter of thanks from Cunningham who thanked us for supporting their ministry. Thank you letters were also received from Salvation Army and ILCAP. Cynthia advised the amount of money we should use to reduce our balance by the end of the year. A motion was made, seconded and approved to divide the monies equally among eight missions. Pastor Pat made a donation to increase the amount we could use and we were able to support four additional missions. She felt it was going to a good cause. Judy Mills did devotions and proceeded to do the program by continuing with the study of Miriam from “Women From the Bible”. This has proven to be a very interesting study. Eleanor thanked the women for helping with the Senior Citizen Dinner. This is the 31st year the UMW has been providing this dinner for the Senior Citizens. It was well attended and, as usual, was a delicious meal. The entertainment following the dinner was wonderful. Three high school students sang several songs and they were extremely good. We do thank them for providing their music for us. Our thanks are also extended to the Catholic Church for providing the use of the Hall and the Cass County Health Dept. for their services in providing blood pressure checks for everyone. Martha Vache, the LaMoine River District Vice President, preformed the Installation of Officers for 2010. She asked each one of us how and when we had become United Methodist Women. The answers were quite varied and interesting. The first meeting of the New Year will be on 1/12/ 10 at 7 PM with Jennie James Circle as hostess. We invite all the women in the congregation to make a pledge to begin the New Year by joining the UMW and sharing with our mission supporting organization!! It gives you a very good feeling!! We wish each one of you a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!! By Judy Cosner One Sacrifice!!! Fellow Christians, As we begin a new year, let us focus on the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. In the Old Testament as we read, we find out the many sacrifices that people made to God. Many daily and weekly sacrifices were made to God by our ancestors to keep them free from sin. In the New Testament we read of NO sacrifices made by any of Christ’s followers. This of course is because of the one sacrifice Jesus made for us!!! This wonderful gift God gave to us – His son, born in a stable – died on a cross – so that, - for those of us who believe – ALL of our sins are wiped away – AMAZING!!! Let me leave two Bible verses for you to read this month – the first one has to do with Jesus’ sacrifice for us – and the second verse has to do with Jesus’ love for us. Have a great month – see you in February!!! Keep your Eyes Fixed on Jesus!!! Bill Verse 1: Hebrews 10: 5-10 Verse 2: Romans 8: 38-39 DECEMBER 2009 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Thursday, December 24th – 7:30 p.m. Spiritual and Inspirational Candle Light Service Ashland United Methodist Church
CAROLING We will be going Christmas Caroling on Saturday, December 12th. All of you are invited to go and bring your friends and/or relatives with you.
We will meet at the church at 4:00 p.m. to begin our evening. After caroling we will gather at the Baptist hall for food and fellowship. This year we will be combining with the Baptist & Catholic churches for our caroling fun. CONFIRMATION WHY CONFIRMATION? We are called to make disciples and confirmation is one very important way to do so. Many were baptized as infants and promises were made on their behalf. Through confirmation, decisions can be made for oneself. All churches wish people were well prepared for full membership in church. Understanding the faith and the church is also what confirmation is all about. Parents—if you have seen to baptism of your children, now see to their confirmation. (Pastor’s Plan) Confirmation will begin January 6th, 2010 and run until Palm Sunday, 2011. We will meet at 5-6:30pm at the Ashland Church. We will prepare an easy meal together (we have to clean up after ourselves) and then study confirmation materials. Everyone needs a Bible and a notebook. I would prefer students have a NIV or NRS of even a NKJV Bible. These Bibles combine good scholarship with readability. We are accepting everyone from 7th grade through adult. In the spring of 2011 we will attend a confirmation retreat that will further reinforce decisions. If you need confirmation and the plan doesn’t work out, let me know so that we can see if something else can be worked out. Pastor Pat MEMORIAL COMMITTEE
The Memorial Committee has received money in 2009, in honor of Tom Clemons, Tom Beckett, Betty Lockett, Gene Clark, and Cora Stockton. Those funds total $1,090.00 of which $25 was designated for the Wireless Microphone, $20 to Building Fund and $25 to Music Fund. A wireless microphone was purchased with Memorial Fund money for $425. Thank you for your contributions to the Methodist Church. THANKSGIVING BASKETS 26 Thanksgiving Baskets were prepared and delivered. Thanks to all who donated and helped! The baskets were much appreciated by those receiving them. January Newsletter DEADLINE - December 24, 2009
Please have your newsletter items to the church secretary or on the church secretary’s desk by the end of the day, December 24th. CHRIST''S BIRTHDAY PARTY Sunday December 20th – 5:30 pm Ashland United Methodist Church UNITED METHODIST WOMEN NEWS Eleven women attended the November 10, 2009 General Meeting. After reciting The Purpose, the minutes of our last meeting were read and approved. Cynthia gave the treasurer’s report and ready many thank for the missions we had supported before the end of 2009. Their letters were beautiful and gave us a good feeling for having helped so many. Kim gave devotions from Walking With Women in the Bible. They were very meaningful. Thanks were received and read for our World Day of Prayer collection taken at our 2009 meeting. In 2010 World Day of Prayer will be on March 5, (the first Friday in March) at New Beginnings Church, with a theme of “Let Everything that has Breath Praise the Lord.” Cynthia presented our Thank Offering Service called “Thanks Singing, Thanks Giving.” It was a lovely service and Cynthia always does a nice job in presenting it. Kaye announced the global need to help women more. There will be an Assembly at the Ashland High School on November 11, (tomorrow) at 8:30 AM to honor our Veterans. The public is invited and we are all encouraged to share. The combined group of the VFW and American Legion will present the program. Judy Mills continued our study on Miriam for our program. Judy puts a lot of work into preparing for these programs and they are quite interesting. Thanks Judy, we appreciate you! Our next General Meeting will be on Tuesday, December 8, with Jenny James Circle as hostess. I BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS! Fellow Christians, Do you believe in Christmas? These people do: Soldiers serving our nation overseas and anywhere around the world! *** The Mom or Dad who hangs the stockings and ties all the bows for Christmas without the loved one they lost in Iraq or Afghanistan! *** A young expectant mother named Mary who was about to deliver the Savior of the World! *** The Steven Curtis Chapman family who now will celebrate their second Christmas without their small child! *** The little boy from the story “Christmas Shoes” who wants to buy his dieing mom the best shoes in the store so she will look her best when she sees Jesus in Heaven! *** Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who wrote the words to the song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” even though his wife had just died and his son was suffering crippling injuries during the Civil War, he wrote “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep – The wrong shall fail and the right prevail – with peace on earth, good will to men!” *** The shepherds and the Wise Men knew what was happening. Humanity had not heard from God in 400 years – but now one silent night our Savior Emmanuel was now among us, in us, and for us!!! Do I believe in Christmas – YES YES YES!!! Love, Bill Gruen Jesus loves you – Pass it on!!! NOVEMBER 2009 Hanging of the Greens
This year the Hanging of the Greens is on Nov. 28th. We are going to do things different this year. We will start at 4:30 PM, and then at 5:30 PM we will stop to enjoy soup and sandwiches, and then we will finish. Also this year we are asking that you bring a special ornament from home that is special to you and share it with us. This will be given back after the holiday. When you put your ornament on the tree we are asking that you share with everyone the story of why it is so special. This will help us all feel that the tree is more of a family tree. Also we will be having colored lights on the tree to go along with the liturgical colors for the season. We are looking forward to seeing you there. This promises to be a very interesting year. The Nurture Committee ORDER YOUR PIONSETTIAS It seems early but we need to let our supplier know how many we need. Please let Judy Cosner know if you’d like to donate in memory of someone. Her phone # 476-3615. How Relevant Is The Bible? One comment I’ve heard concerning the Bible is that it is not a relevant book. I could not disagree more – there is not a book more relevant found anywhere in the world!!! God’s word is infallible, inerrant, inspired and ALIVE!!! Let me share a few words from one of my favorite songs from “Casting Crowns”: Looking out form His throne, the Father of light and of men – Chose to make himself known and show us the way back to him – Speaking wisdom and truth into the hearts of peasants and kings – He began to unveil the Word that would change the course of all things – With eyes wide open, all would see – The Word is Alive – And it cuts like a sword through the darkness – With a message of life to the hopeless and afraid – Breathing life into all who believe – The Word is alive – And the world and its glories will fade – But His truth, it will not pass away – it remains yesterday and forever the same – The Word is alive – Simple strokes on a page – Eternity’s secrets revealed, carried on from age to age – it speaks Truth to us even still – And as the rain falls from Heaven, feeds the earth before it returns – lord, let Your Word fall on us and bring forth the fruit you deserve – With eyes wide open, let us see – The Word is alive. (From “The Word is Alive” by Mark Hall and Steven Curtis Chapman) Reading the Bible can make a huge difference in your life!! I like to call the Bible “God’s love letters.” I don’t think we as humans can ever fully understand how deeply God loves us – but reading the Bible can help us start. Jesus loves you – Pass it on!!! Bill Gruen
United Methodist Women News
The General Meeting held Tuesday, October 13, was opened by reciting the purpose. There were nine women present. The minutes were read and approved and also the Treasurers report. Judy Mills did the devotions from the book, “Prayer Through the Eyes of Women of the Bible.” She also did our program, “A Study on Miriam.” Miriam was the sister of Moses. Her name means “bitterness”. It was an interesting study as the life of Miriam is quite fascinating. The Fall Luncheon, which is being held Saturday, October 24, was discussed. The “White Elephant” and “Bread for the World” sales will not be held this year. Lack of donations is part of the problem. We’ll see if we might be able to do better next year. The Senior Citizen Dinner, sponsored by United Methodist Women, will be on Thursday, November 19 at Noon at the Catholic Hall. The Jennie James Circle was asked to bring Angel Food cakes. The Lessie Bates Neighborhood House, which is one of our missions, is holding its 100th Anniversary celebration and fundraiser with a Dinner and Silent Auction at the Gateway Center at Collinsville. Tickets are being sold for $40 each or a table for 8 for $300. It is at 5:30, November 14th and Bishop Gregory V. Palmer is its featured speaker. Since this is one of our missions we support, it was suggested that we purchase a ticket for $40 as our contribution. A motion was made seconded and passed that we do this and the secretary was instructed to do so. The program for United Methodist Women’s Sunday was discussed and practiced. It will be this coming Sunday, Oct.18th. Our theme is “Faith and Food”. It will be fun and informative. The next General meeting will be November 10th. The program will be our Thank Offering Service; so don’t forget to bring your Thank Offering which goes to World Service. Dorcas Circle will be hostess. The evening closed with good food and fellowship. Church Library Well, here I am again folks. I thought I’d purchased all the books I was going to for this year, but I went to the Conference UMW meeting. The books were on display, as usual, and this one for youth seemed to “pop out” at me. Thus I purchased it and I’ve read it. Youth and children’s books have at least two advantages for adults: (1. the reading goes fast and (2. there always seem to be a core point of loving and caring for others. That’s important for all of us as our lives go along. SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT is the first book this author, C.C. Payne, has written. It’s about the fear of bees by a ten-year-old girl, Jamie Jo, the affect it has on her life and her families’ life. Also she would prefer living her life being unnoticed and this flowers out into a delightful story. Their church explodes which also shows to all the miracles God perform to wake us up. Do hope you enjoy this book! U. M. W. SUNDAY It was a pleasure to celebrate United Methodist Women’s Sunday on Oct.18th. All United Methodist Women present were involved in the service, which was based on ‘Faith, Food, Love and Fellowship, Our Touchstones.’ The special music by Kaye Parsons and by Cerys Boston added to the service. Thank you, also, to the children who passed around the ‘Touchstones.’ Nance Bryant – UMW President NOTICE JENNIE JAMES CIRCLE MEMBERS Remember to bring you Thank Offerings to our November meeting on Thursday, Nov. 5th and also be prepared to complete your Pledge. Kaye will be offering the program which is the “Pledge and Thank Offering Service.” NOTICE – ASHLAND SENOIRS Don’t forget the Senior Citizens Dinner sponsored by the Ashland United Methodist Women. It will be on Thursday at noon, the 19th of November, at St. Augustine Hall. This is the 31st year we have been able to offer the dinner as a gift to the Seniors of the community. (Seniors serving Seniors.) Reservations are not necessary but are requested. Please call Pat Houser at 476-3460 or Eleanor Cosner at 452-3409. Carry our service is available if you are unable to come to the hall. If a ride is needed ask when you make your reservation. The Cass County Health Dept. will be there again this year to do blood pressure checks. We want to thank them for the services they provide and thank the Catholic Church for the use of the Hall. WORLD WIDE COMMUNION SERVICE Thanks to everyone who participated in our World Wide Communion Service. Thanks if you helped, thanks if you donated, thanks if you partook of the elements and were one of the ones joining in prayer with others all over the world! The first World Communion Sunday was held during the Great Depression at a Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania on Nov. 1st, 1936. Today, churches all over the world are participating. Keep on praying! OCTOBER 2009 ASK FOR WHAT YOU NEED!!!
When I had my stroke in 2004, I didn’t know how much my life had changed. My physical abilities had not changed at all – but my thought process had changed dramatically. When I realized I knew who all the people in my family were, but not their names, I knew that we, (God & I), had work to do! I was told by doctors at that time that what I learned in the first year after my stroke would be about all my mind could learn; I thought “All right – let’s go – I have a time limit!” This is not true because with prayer, a faithful wife, a supportive family and church family, and lots of work, I am still building on what I have already learned. One thing I have learned most recently is to ask EXACTLY for what you need form God. Eleanor has always said ask specifically for what you need when you pray, and she is correct! When I need God’s strength, I now ask for God’s strength, not mine!!! Every time I ask for one of my needs from God like patience, or strength, or keeping my mouth closed, AND I listen to Him, I have always received God’s help!!! Just remember, when we need something, God is ALWAYS there to help us; if we ask AND listen to Him!
Love, Bill Gruen Jesus loves you – Pass it on!!!
Leahy Committee Report To The Administrative Council
This report was given to me back in June for the July Newsletter and I did not have room for it then, and was going to put it in the next month and I forgot. My apologies to everyone. Here it is now. The Leahy Committee met at the church at 1:00PM on Monday, June 29,2009. Chairperson Judy Cosner, Jean Briggs, John Cosner, Pat Houser and Marge Showalter, being the entire committee, were present. The meeting was opened with the reading of our prayer/motto (1st Peter, Chapter 4, Verse 10: Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Amen.) Minutes from our last meeting, July 28, 2008, were read and approved. Thank you notes were dispensed with as they were previously published in the church newsletter. This, the 18th year of the Leahy Committee, we have two applicants for scholarships and two requests for financial assistance. Katherine Beauchamp reapplied and Emily Thornley was a new applicant for Scholarships. Each of them were granted $850.00. The 2nd Saturday program was awarded $300.00 again this year. In addition to theses other gifts, we are pleased to be able to offer support to Phoebe Betters who plans to prepare for her future by taking two college-level classes even though she is only entering her senior year in high school. Our committee felt that by assisting with the tuition expense we would be upholding the desires of Mildred Leahy in promoting education. Phoebe said that this will help her to better prepare for the classes she plans to take in college. We congratulate her for thinking ahead in being prepared for the future. $2,636.92 was available to use and we awarded $2,600.00. This leaves $36.92 in our savings account. The amount of money earned for this year’s interest was $1,566.43. $1,070.49 was brought forward from last year to make the available amount. We ask God’s Blessing on these recipients of the Leahy Awards. All of us serving on the Leahhy Committee are greatly pleased with the benefits provided for the youth of the community. Judy Cosner, Chairperson United Methodist Women News
The September General meeting on the 14th was attended by 9 members and was opened by reciting the UMW Purpose. Minutes of the April 14 meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer's report was also read and approved. Devotions were given by Kim Beckett called “The Old Fisherman.” Even though he had a deformed face that turned people away, he had a kind and generous heart. The Lord looks at the heart and not the appearance. Kaye Parsons has been nominated to serve as a Conference Officer by serving as Spiritual Growth chair. Plans for UMW Sunday on October 18 were completed. District Fall Meeting will be on Sept. 18. Gifts for Cunningham Children’s Home, of Men’s body wash and Men’s shampoo as well as gift cards will be taken to the meeting. Gifts for Lessie Bates Davis House will also be taken to the meeting and they are requesting soap and hand towels. Women of the congregation are asked to continue saving box tops for education and can give them to any UMW member. In the past we have saved Campbell’s labels for Cunningham and they no longer want them. BUT – keep on saving them, as Redbird Mission will be able to use them. Keep in mind the Senior Citizens Dinner, which will be on November 19. The program was given by Judy Mills and was on Miriam from the Bible. She was very important in the history of Israel and in Moses early life. Refreshments were served by Dorcas Circle and were followed by fellowship with each other. SEPTEMBER 2009 2011 District Liberia Project
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: In January 2011, the La Moine River is planning a second volunteers in mission work trip to Tubmanburg, Bomi County, Liberia in order to complete our work on the A. B. Anderson United Methodist Church which we began this past January, and also to refurbish the church’s parsonage and to complete a classroom building which stands as a shell on the campus of Anderson-Weamah United Methodist school. It is our Spirit-inspired vision that the La Moine River District will be able to complete the church, restore the parsonage, and finish the classroom building in the Tubmanburg community. I write requesting your help. Would your local church be willing to include a line in its 2010 budget for this important district mission project? I am keenly aware of the challenges our local churches face in theses tough economic times. I am also keenly aware of the promises of God: “give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6: 38-39. If you church cannot include a Liberia line in its 2010 budget, perhaps it could sponsor a fund-raising event, devoting the proceeds to this major mission undertaking. However and whatever you are able to give, we believe that God will bless both gift and giver. In the fall of 2010, funds will need to be gathered and sent so as to secure materials in advance of the team’s arrival in January 2011. Thank you for your time and willingness once again to consider the stark challenges and great opportunities that face our United Methodist brothers and sisters in Liberia. May God richly bless you. Rev. Randall L. Robinson SANCTUARY CHOIR HALLELUJAH! Come one, Come all! It’s choir season again and all who wish to sing are invited to Sanctuary choir practice. We begin on Wednesday, September 2, at 7:30 p.m. Remember God said we only had to make a joyful noise, so all of us can join our voices together to worship God with song. Come sing together and fellowship together as we practice. We Are Commissioned!!! As born again Christians we have been commissioned to extend God’s territory; to be evangelists for him!!! During the Commission and Blessing part of our Sunday Service, we have been told: 1/4/09- You are commissioned and empowered to serve; 2/22/09 – It is an Awesome responsibility to reflect God’s Glory; 5/3/09- We have been equipped to help others on their journeys; 6/7/09- We need confidence to pass on the joy; 6/14/09- Share your mustard-seed faith with the world; 6/28/09- We are eager to reach out helping hands; 8/23/09- All of us are Ambassadors for Jesus Christ. We have been told and we have repeated these vows in our Sunday Services. Let us look to Kim Beckett as our example; and share the love Christ has given us with others!!! We need to make sure we are “doers” of the Word and not just “readers” of the Word! Love, Bill Gruen Jesus loves you – Pass it on!!! CHURCH LIBRARY P. S. from last month’s write-up in the Newsletter. I have added 4 more books in the library. I read these before adding them to our library. This one is THE MAKING OF ISAAC HUNT. Part of it seemed strange to me, but it finally all came together for me. This is just a story, not a true story, but this young man becomes determined to find out the truth about his birth mother. He was quite shocked to learn he was adopted, so you can see there’s much to look for in this book. Two of the books are for youth, but I have read them, too. MAMA’S WINDOW is a story, which takes place in the Mississippi Delta area. A boy whose Mama died is sent to live with his uncle along the bayous. His adventures and his experiences make for a very interesting story. The second youth book is: A LITTLE PIECE OF GROUND. This is an extraordinary book about war and peace through the eyes of a young Palestinian boy. He’s living in oppression and fear due to Israeli occupation. The author has lived in the Middle East, so she understands what is happening. Get involved in this book. Last, but not least is a study book: GIVING OUR HEARTS AWAY, which is about the Native American survival. This is full of information and ideas. I do hope you find books, which are interesting to you and appealing to you. Come and enjoy your library. Vincent Beggs Vincent Beggs has recently given the church a very generous gift of money from his Living Trust. This was given in memory of his parents, John and Josephine Beggs. The church will put this money to good use in work for the Lord. |
