1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

June 2015
Monroe United Methodist Church
2227 4th Street, Monroe, WI 53566 • (608) 325-6700 · www.monroeumc.com · monroeumc@tds.net
Celebrating our Graduates
Our soon to be graduates are
counting down the days to that
long awaited graduation day.
On Sunday, June 7th we will
celebrate our members graduating
from high school and college and
wish them blessings for the next step.
We want to be sure not to miss anyone, so please let
us know if you are, or have a graduate who you would like
to honor on that day. We will be celebrating and
praying for their future plans, so please include that
information as well.
Church Clean Up Day
Join the Trustees on June 12 at
8:00am to spiff things up around
church. Bring things like vacuum
cleaners, cleaning materials for windows and woodwork, and at least a
small amount of elbow grease.
Food Fun and Fireworks
on the Lawn
Invite friends for our annual event as
we welcome the community to watch
the city fireworks here on the church lawn. We will
provide pop, popcorn and glow bracelets.
Information will be available about vacation bible
school and other events at church.
Cherie Norquay
will be at MUMC
on July 12
Cherie and her band will join
us to lead all 3 services while
Pastor Randy is out of town.
Mission Trip to Milwaukee
on July 2
Monroe UMC mission committee invites you to
explore two of our major mission projects: Northcott
Neighborhood House and UM Children’s Services.
We’re taking a bus to visit these ministries in
Milwaukee where we have sent thousands of dollars
over the years.
The bus leaves at 7:30
a.m. We’ll visit one of the
UM missions then head
off to lunch. Please bring a
lunch with you. We’ll also
go to a Farmers’ Market on
Fond du Lac Ave. After
lunch we’ll see the other
mission site before heading to Milwaukee Public
Museum to see a 45 minute film on Jerusalem. Then
we’ll stop at Copp’s for custard before returning to
Monroe.
There is no cost for the bus or the movie!
If you want to meet the group in Milwaukee, the
church can send you that information. Our trip is on
Thursday, July 2. Many people have Friday the 3rd
off because the holiday is on a Saturday. Start your
holiday weekend early and explore these vital United
Methodist missions.
LOOKING AHEAD
June 21 – 28 Family Promise at our church
July
4 fireworks, popcorn and pop on church’s front
yard for our neighbors
23 – 26 dipping ice cream at Green County Fair
for Monroe Kids’ Fund
August
2 – 7 Vacation Bible School
27 Concert on Square: need a team of 5 to sell
pizza to raise money for Family Promise
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Pastor’s Page
We’re finishing up the first half of reading the bible. And we’re still two and a half months from meeting
Jesus. The Old Testament is thorough in laying the foundation for the one man who changes history in just
33 years.
When we are reading the details of good and bad kings, it’s hard to see the big picture, or Grand Sweep,
of God’s work.
One author puts it this way: when we assume God has a plan, that the intelligent creator entertains
redemptive aims for his unredeemable creation, we see the big picture. In fact a story, by definition, implies
intentional behavior that is purposeful but not determined. [Philip Greenslade, A Passion for God’s Story, p 34].
In other words the Old Testament is a long history of God making promises that he will fulfil in Jesus in the
New Testament. About 40 passages in the New Testament speak of a promise fulfilled (more about this
in September newsletter). God initiates the promise, God keeps it alive, and God fulfills it. It’s all about God’s
work! We are the recipients. The beginning of the promise is God’s covenant; the end is God’s kingdom.
Yet with all God’s promises, people are still free to accept God’s design for history.
The joy of all this story-telling is that the Bible becomes our story, too. I can see myself like Abraham
whom God called to leave behind the old. I can see myself like Esther when God put me in the right place at
the right time so I could act on God’s behalf. I can see myself like Jesus’ disciples, wondering how the Lord
of life could be interested in a sinner like me.
The Bible is full of history; and it’s full of the present, too. The old stories are still fresh and apply to our
situation. Technology and travel might change, but our need for God does not. We connect to the spiritual
truths the bible contains. Yes, there’s plenty of history in those pages, but there’s plenty for us to connect to
here and now. Although our stories won’t be added to future publications of the Bible, our story can connect
us to God as it did so long ago.
I hope you’re enjoying reading the bible through. Don’t forget to stop and look at the big picture once in
a while.
Annual Conference
June Worship Schedule
Don Amphlett and Pastor Randy will represent
our church at annual conference the second weekend
of June. It will be held in Middleton.
Conference is a meeting of all the pastors and an
equal number of lay people from all the United
Methodist churches in Wisconsin. They meet to
approve the budget and set goals. One major change
expected to be enacted is changing the conference
from eight districts to five.
The highlight for many is the ordination ceremony.
It will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 3:30 p.m. Six
workshops will be taught on Monday, June 15. They
include “answering a call to ministry,” “spiritual
formation,” and “improved youth programming.”
Pastor Randy will carry our donation to Imagine
No Malaria. In years past we have provided health
kits and flood kits. This year it’s just a financial
donation.
We will have communion three times in June. On
the first Sunday (June 7) we celebrate communion
with cups at the altar rail at the 8:00 worship service.
On June 14, we will have communion at 9:30, and on
Father’s Day (June 21) we will have communion at
the altar rail at the 10:45 service.
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Out and About with Randy
Pastor Randy will preach at the Monroe Manor
(10:00) and Aster (11:00) on Wednesday, June 17.
These events are open to the public, so if you know a
resident at either location, plan to join him or her for
church.
New Members’ Class is on Sunday, June 7. The
class will meet in the church library at 1:00.
If you’re unable to make that date, let Pastor Randy
know and he’ll make other arrangements with you.
Overlapping Books: The Hard Part of Grand Sweep
One of the strengths of the Grand Sweep is that we are reading the bible straight through.
This is also one of its frustrations. The Old Testament is divided into three distinct groups:
history, wisdom, and prophets. We read each section in its entirety. The truth is that the
prophets and some of the history books cover the same time periods from different perspectives.
Reading straight through separates the parts that connect historically.
Here are two examples: the prophet Hosea was active during the reign of King Hezekiah.
Hezekiah’s story is told in 2 Kings 18 – 20. These books overlap, yet there is a separation of
16 books between them – and in Grand Sweep time, they are 17 weeks apart. In Amos 6:14 we read a prophecy
about Syria which probably connects to 2 Kings 14: 25- 27.
This makes the bible have major sections of overlap and repetition.
Perhaps you have read many books about an interesting topic like your hobby, the history of a place, or a
particular historical era. The Bible contains that same kind of duplication. By reading the same story from
different perspectives, we can learn more than one lesson. The Gospels in the New Testament contain many
reiterations, too.
Guest Teacher for June Grand Sweep Classes
The Tuesday classes for Grand Sweep will meet three times in June.
On June 9 they will meet to study the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Exile. The stories are told in the
books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
On June 16, guest teacher Vicki Brantmeyer will teach about Esther. Vicki is the pastor in Juda and Oakley.
She will teach both the morning and evening classes. This class is open to all, even if you don’t otherwise
attend on Tuesdays. Vicki hopes to bring people from her churches, too.
On June 30 we will study Job, a book addressing suffering and God.
The Tuesday classes meet at 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Pastor Randy is the teacher.
Thanks for Praying
Katie Griepentrog and Matt Carter represented our church at the National Day of Prayer at Peppercorn
Banquets on Thursday, May 7. The event had a great breakfast and time to pray for 40 local leaders. Matt
prayed for Mike Valentino, the president of Industrial Combustion. Katie prayed for Rick Gleason, the
executive director of Family Promise. Pastor Randy served as a table host.
Changes in Area United Methodist Churches
Three pastors from our area are receiving new appointments from Bishop Jung beginning next month.
Pat Soddy in Albany is starting a one-year leave of absence.
Larry Hakes is moving to West Virginia. He has served in Darlington and Fayette for ten years. Before
that he was the pastor in Albany. His wife Elizabeth has taught at St Victor’s School. In West Virginia, they’ll
be closer to their daughter in Pittsburgh and about the same distance to their daughter in Indianapolis.
Paige Boyer is finishing her student appointment in Lamont and Blanchardville. She’ll return to the East
Ohio Conference; her passion is urban ministry.
Inwha Shon at Staver and Clarno churches has transferred his membership from the Korean Methodist
Church to the Wisconsin Conference of The United Methodist Church. It’s only his conference membership
that has changed. He will continue his ministry in Green County.
Scott Carlson begins as our new District Superintendent on July 1. He replaces Sam Royappa who
becomes the Conference Director. Also, our district is being renamed the South West District. We used to be
the Coulee District. A celebration for Scott’s new ministry will be held at Dodgeville UMC on July 19.
In July 2015, Pastor Randy begins his eighth year of ministry in Monroe.
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Fellowship
Health, Holiness & H2O
water aerobics class
We have a great time with water
aerobics at the Super 8 pool.
We meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00am.
Following aerobics we relax in the hot tub with a time
of devotion. New members are always welcome.
Call Lillian Falk for details 325-1370.
Morning Light Circle meets Wednesday April 8th
at 9:00am in the library. Contact Barb Ingebritsen,
325-6919 for details.
Peace & Friendship Circle will meet at 9:30 a.m.,
on Tues., June 16th at Swiss Alps for breakfast.
All ladies are welcome. Contact Barb Bartsch for
more information at 325-2995.
Preplanning Seminar
On Tuesday, June 9 at 2:00 pm Craig Newcomer
will host a preplanning seminar here at church.
Speakers will include attorney Amanda Montgomery
of Kittelsen, Barry, Wellington, Thompson and
Schluesche Law Firm who will talk about estate
planning and Cassandra Steinhaus, Pre-Need Specialist
at Pekin Life Insurance Company.
Craig Newcomer of Newcomer Funeral Home and
Cremation Service will be available to answer any
questions. Refreshments will be served.
Reservations are appreciated but not required.
Call 608-325-4634 or email cwnewcomer@tds.net.
Come join us for this fun,
interactive worship service.
Saturday Night Alive meets
every Saturday night at 6:30
in the church chapel.
Summer Music Notes
Please contact Julie Shipe McClain at
608.219.9158 or juliesm@uwalumni.com if you have
questions or are interested any of these opportunities
to share music.
Special Music
Would you be interesting in providing special
music during worship this summer. Julie can help you
choose what to share if you aren’t sure.
Men’s Ensemble
A men's choir is being organized to sing Sunday,
June 28. We hope to sing at all three services if it
works into our schedules. We will rehearse on
Wednesdays, June 10th, 17th, and 24th at 6:45 in the
choir room.
Women’s Ensemble
A women's choir is being organized to sing in
August. More details to follow in the July newsletter.
Summer Handbells
A couple more ringers are needed for a summer
handbell group. Rehearsal times will be determined
once we have enough ringers. If you have never rung
bells before, this would be a great time to learn.
Israel Trip
Pastors Randy and Karen are planning a trip to
Israel in March of 2016. Details of the trip are falling
into place. Travelers will enjoy 11 days in Israel.
The cost of the trip is $2,784 which includes
airfare, accommodations, most meals, ground
transportation and entrance fees.
Check out the itinerary and more information at
https:\\boothisrael2014.wordpress.com
New Grief Support Group Starting
Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, June 3 - Elder Council 1:00
Monday, June 8 - Trustees 6:30
Finance 7:30
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The Monroe Clinic Hospice is starting a new grief
and education group. They will meet on Wednesday
evenings starting June 3. The meetings start at 6:00pm.
and run for about 90 minutes. Contact Hospice for
more information (324-1230). These groups are
offered throughout the year without cost.
Grand Sweep 2015
June
Monroe United Methodist Church
Week 22
The Assyrians conquered and assimilated the northern kingdom in 722 BC.
The Babylonians conquered Judah in the south and destroyed the temple in 539 BC.
Now the Persians have conquered the Babylonians; the Persians release the Jews to return to Israel.
Ezra tells the story of the Jews’ returning with many of the original furnishings from the Temple. But the rebuilding is fraught with red tape and resistance.
Bill Bright has ten questions in four topics to help us understand the Scripture.
Then:
1. Perspective: What is the setting and background?
2. People: Who are the principal characters? What problems did they encounter?
Timeless:
3. Preview: What is the main focus of this chapter?
4. Principles: What are the most important lessons to be learned?
What do they teach about God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
5. Priority: What is the key verse? Memorize it.
Today:
6. Purpose for today: How do the timeless truths apply to today’s society?
7. Pattern: How are the people/situations the same today as in Bible times?
To Me:
8. Promises: Are there promises for me to claim?
9. Practical application: Is there an example for me to follow? Is there sin for me to confess?
Is there an attitude or a behavior for me to correct?
10. Prayer: Is there a prayer for me to echo?
May 31
June 1
June 2
2 Chronicles 29, 30, 31, 32
2 Chronicles 33, 34; Psalm 89
2 Chronicles 35, 36; Psalm 90
June 3
June 4
June 5
Ezra 1, 2, 3
Ezra 4, 5, 6
Ezra 7, 8; Psalms 91, 92
June 6
Ezra 9, 10; Psalm 93
The Sum of It All
Ezra 6: 14
And the elders of the Jews build and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai and prophet and
Zechariah the son of Iddo. The finished their building by decree of the God of Israel and by the
decree of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes king of Persia…
Week 23
The book of Ezra details the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The book of Nehemiah provides an account of
the rebuilding of the walls around Jerusalem. It is unusual because it is mostly a first-person narrative, like a
memoir. This is the only book in the Bible that’s a memoir.
Esther, on the other hand, tells a story of persecution. Even though the word “God” is not mentioned nor
does God speak, God is still very present. How many co-incidences are really God-incidences for Esther?
June 7
June 8
June 9
Nehemiah 1, 2, 3
Nehemiah 4, 5, 6
Nehemiah 7, 8; Psalm 94, 95
June 10 Nehemiah 9, 10; Psalm 96
June 11 Nehemiah 11, 12, 13
June 12 Esther 1, 2, 3; Psalm 97
June 13 Esther 4, 5, 6
The Sum of It All
Nehemiah 13: 11
So I confronted the officials and said, “Why is the house of God forsaken?” And I gathered them
together and set them in their stations.
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Week 24
Job is a sad and difficult book. Job loses so much – family, wealth and health – so we see his loss in every part of
his life. His friends intend to comfort him by explaining God’s work in suffering. We alternate between Job and
each friend.
We can certainly connect with Job and his losses. We have suffered, too: physical pain like cancer, broken
bones, or illness; emotional pain like depression, fear, or abandonment; relational pain like broken relationships
or not accepting yourself.
We also have to ask, “What kind of suffering have you caused because of the suffering you have received?”
Look for Job’s friends’ explanations: It’s God’s fault! It’s the sufferer’s fault! It’s nobody’s fault!
June 14
June 15
June 16
Esther 7, 8, 9, 10 June 17 Job 7, 8, 9
June 20
Job 1, 2, 3 June 18 Job 10, 11, 12
Job 4, 5, 6 June 19 Job 13, 14, 15; Psalm 98
Job 16, 17, 18
The Sum of It All Job 1: 8
And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on
the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”
Job 1: 20- 21
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And
he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The L ORD gave, and the
LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
BLESSED BE YOUR NAME
Matt and Beth Redman, © 2002 Thankyou Music
Blessed be your name in the land that is plentiful,
where your streams of abundance flow, blessed be your name.
Blessed be your name when I’m found in the desert place,
though I walk through the wilderness, blessed be your name.
Every blessing you pour out I’ll turn back to praise.
When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say:
Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be your name.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be your glorious name.
Blessed be your name when the sun’s shining down on me,
when the world’s ‘all as it should be,’ blessed be your name.
Blessed be your name on the road marked with suffering,
though there’s pain in the offering, blessed be your name.
You give and take away, you give and take away. Still my heart will say, “Lord blessed be your name.”
Week 25
Job continues. His friends continue to ‘explain’ God’s purpose in suffering based on what we can see from
our side. How does the story change when God comes to Job and responds to Job but still gives no explanation?
June 21 Job 19, 20, 21
June 22 Job 22, 23, 24
June 23 Job 25, 26, 27, 28
June 24 Job 20, 30, 31
June 27: Job 38, 39, 40, 41
June 25 Job 32, 3, 34
June 26 Job 35, 36, 37, Psalm 99
The Sum of It All
Job 23: 8-10
Job said about God: “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him;
On the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him,
he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.
But he knows the way I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”
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Christian
ChristianEducation
Education
Summer Sunday School
is just around the corner.
Summer Sunday School will start on May 31st.
Students are encouraged to attend the beginning
of the 9:30 service with their family and then we
will go to Fellowship Hall after Children’s Moments.
Summer Sunday School is for children age 3 years
old and up.
This year we will spend the summer learning
more about prayer. This will lead us into Vacation
Bible School, House of Prayer.
Upcoming topics:
May 31: Introduction to Prayer
June 7: Jesus is the Good Shepherd
June 14: Zacchaeus
June 21: New Heaven and Earth
June 28: Feeding 5000
July 5: Ask, Seek, Knock
Noah’s Ark Spring Concert
and 4K Graduation
Wednesday June 3, 6:30pm
in the Sanctuary
Please join us for a time of singing
and fellowship.
Ice cream social to follow the concert.
Noah’s Ark Wish List:
teethers (freezer type)
sheets for Pack N Play
C-batteries for baby swings
walk behind toys
toddler size forks &spoons small area rug
storage bins
dump trucks
Duplo Legos
pony bead Kits
iron beads do it yourself kits
ice packs for toddler boo boo’s balls
dolls & accessories
Games:
card games (Uno, Phase 10, etc)
Any Preschool Memory Game
I Spy—Preschool Game
I Spy—Bingo
Checkers
Twister
Battleship Operation
Mancala
Dominoes Trouble
Master Mind
Giant Spoons Scrabble Junior
Vacation Bible School
August 2 -7
6:00 - 8:15 pm
Dinner at 5:30
Everyone is invited!
Mark your calendars now for this year’s Vacation
Bible School: House of Prayer, The Lord’s Prayer.
We will meet Sunday, August 2 through Friday,
August 7 from 6:00 - 8:15 pm. We will have something for every age group from the nursery for our
littlest ones, activities for kids and youth in school
and classes for the adults. This is such a fun
spirit-filled week!
This year we will be learning more about the
Lord’s Prayer. We will break the Lord’s Prayer
down into nightly sections and will associate a Bible
story with each part. Each nightly theme will be
addressed through interactive story telling, crafts,
games and much more!
Daily Themes are:
Sunday: Our Father in heaven
Monday: God’s Name is Holy
Tuesday: Let Your Kingdom Come
Wednesday: Give us our Daily Bread
Thursday: Forgive Us; Forgive Them
Friday: Power and Glory are Yours
Supper will be served each night at 5:30, family
style. This is open to the entire family! Our menu
will include: hot dogs, spaghetti, BBQ, sandwich
loaf, walking tacos, and pizza.
Each year the majority of our food is donated by
church members. This is an amazing blessing thank you to all of our previous volunteers and to
those that will help this year. Please be watching
for registration forms and for sign up sheets with
supplies we would love and appreciate to have
donated, including items for supper each night.
If you are interested in helping in any way, please
let Renee Blum know.
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Band - Mondays 5:45
Youth Fellowship
will meet for special events during
the Summer
Special this month will be helping with
Family Promise
June 7th is a Big Day
on June 24th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Don’t miss our field trip to St Victor’s church on
June 7th when we will meet at 12:45 to visit Garret’s
sister, Mary Kate who founded Hosea’s Heart.
Don’t miss it!!
We will also be meeting for our final “official”
Youth Fellowship from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Junior
High. Parents can pick-up at Sandi Nelson’s house
1403 – 17th Avenue.
New Life
New Life Band will be practicing
with Divine Intervention over the
summer months so we’re ready to
help with all that singing at
Vacation Bible School.
Beginning June 1st practices will be at 5:45 in the
church sanctuary. C U there!
- Serving dinner to the confirmands and their mentors
- Making numerous get-well and thank-you cards
- Folding 150 origami butterflies for nursing
home residents
- Enjoying an Ecumenical Lock-In with our friends
from other churches
◦ AKA eating all night
◦ AKA midnight “gym nite”
- Singing at church
- And we still had time for some game-playin’
June Birthdays:
Nick Borowitz
Skylar Mulligan
Max Patterson
June 5th
June 8th
June 20th
Mitch Keith
June 21st
Braedon Klemm June 24th
Aaron Smith
June 25th
Monroe High School Graduates from MUMC
Alex Borowitz is heading to UW LaCrosse to study pre-med.
Kira Briggs plans to study accounting at UW – Eau Claire. She has operated our PowerPoint and worked in
the nursery throughout high school.
Joel Frankford plans to study at Cornell University to be a physicist. Joel received the National Merit
Scholarship Award. He has been active in our youth group.
Rhett Katzenberger is headed to Highland College on his way to a degree to help him in ag-engineering or
wind turbine technology. He plays drums in the praise band and won the Neuschwander Band Scholarship
as a drummer in the high school.
Myles Polacek is graduating from high school in Black Earth. He is the son of Hailey and Brian Lamont.
Paige Prien is heading to Drake University in Des Moines.
Tristan Tackett will study biology when he starts at UW-Rock County in the fall.
Logan Weckerly will continue his studies at UW – Platteville to study criminal justice. Because of his high
GPA, good leadership and citizenship, he was awarded the Abbott Scholarship
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Friends in Faith Ministry
Annual Picnic
Please look for more information about our “Friends In Faith”
picnic and band concert at Twining Park on Monday, June 22nd.
The meal will be catered by Anne Bauman at 5:30pm. After
the picnic everyone is invited to stay at the park to enjoy the
Monroe City Band concert at 7:30pm.
Lunch and Garden Inspiration at April Event
Linda Ahrens was our speaker for April’s “Friends In Faith”
event. After a delicious offering of soups, grilled sandwiches and
fruit, we settled down to receive the latest tips on planting, fertilizing
and plant selection.
We also learned that Ahren’s Acres has been in business for almost
thirty years. For the first ten years the geranium was their staple
flower. But with families on the go these days, young people prefer
plants with less maintenance. Perennials that come up year after year
and new hybrids that don’t need “dead-heading” are easy-care and hearty. Linda suggested
planting some of our vegetables in pots to avoid weeding, and recommended starting with
soft, light potting soil. She introduced us to new hybrid plants that offer different colors and
textures, explaining those best suited for planters or borders.
To my surprise I learned that Ahren’s Acres always opens in the spring on April 1st or the
week before Easter. Next year that will be in March. They offer early plantings for spring,
Mums and Asters for fall and continue with garlands, wreaths and poinsettias in December.
They close only the week between Christmas and New Year, after which they begin to plant
their new starts for the coming spring.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit Ahren’s Acres, they are located at W2176 Greenbush
Road between Juda and Brodhead. I know I’m eager to get there. And if that’s not possible,
take a stroll through one of the many garden centers located in our local stores. It’s sure to
put a smile on your face.
Homebound members with June Birthdays:
Lillian Trickel - 87th Birthday on June 15 2311 – 18th Avenue, Monroe
Beatha Dimmer - 93rd Birthday on June 20 903 – 17th Street, Monroe
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Missions
Imagine No Malaria - Final Push for 2015
Family Promise Hosting Starts June 21
Have you seen the mosquito netting over the bed in
the center of the narthex?
No, it’s not for sleepy worshipers or the pastor’s
weekday nap. It’s a mosquito net to show what our
money can buy with the Imagine No Malaria
campaign.
The Missions Committee is making a special
push to raise money for Pastor Randy to take to
Annual Conference June 12.
In Wisconsin we may not have deadly mosquitos,
but ours are as bothersome as any mosquito in the
world. We may not need netting over our beds, but
we like to have screens on the open windows.
Compare your screens with the net over the bed.
How much would you be willing to donate for
bed nets based on the number of screens you have?
Is each screen worth $1? Or perhaps $5? Or quite
generously $10? Think about it; pray about it; and
give. Mark your donation “Imagine No Malaria.”
This is a deep passion of our bishop. He and his
wife have pledged $10,000.
In 2009 we supported Nothing but Nets. This
program is a follow up to that successful program.
Although 655,000 people die on the African continent each year, that’s about half the death rate in
2006. We are making a difference!
Check out ImagineNoMalaria.org.
Our second of three weeks to host Family Promise
will begin on Father’s Day, June 21.
As usual, we need 14 people to sleep overnight
with the guests. We need volunteers to prepare
dinners for seven nights. We need people to provide
companionship between dinner and bedtime.
Throughout May, the program had at least ten
people.
There will be online sign up. You can access it
through the church web site. If you have volunteered
before, you’ll be sent an email about this week.
Talk to Linda Nack if you want to get involved
(325-3286).
Our next week to host begins September 27.
Food Pantry News
The Post Office Drive was generous with 9,000
pounds of food given. We received 133 pounds from
MUMC in March. Please continue to give as we are
serving many families and it goes fast.
Thanks for everyone’s help! Keith is currently
picking up our government commodities in Monticello.
Thanks to Keith, Paul, James, Bob , Bill, Maynard
and Art for all their help. We could use some men
who could be available to help on short notice. If you
would like to help at the Pantry once in a while,
please call 325-5734.
We wish to give our sympathy to Daryl Miller
who lost his wife. Get well wishes to Mike and Al
who are recuperating.
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Family Promise Offers Big Pay Out
The second annual 10 Grand in Your Hand is
scheduled for Thursday, June 11. It benefits Family
Promise of Green County. Only 250 tickets are sold
and first prize is $10,000. Second prize is $3,000 and
third place is $1,000. Jim Roidt won the second
prize last year.
The event is held at the Roller Den and includes
dinner. Tickets are $100.
Last year all 250 tickets were sold and it’s the
biggest single source of income for Family Promise.
Get tickets from Bob Beck, Steph King, Rick
Gleason or Pastor Randy.
Thank you!
Thanks to your generosity we were able to send
$3,800 to UMCOR for Water and Sanitation projects,
$577 for Amigos for Christ , and so far we have
raised $1,020for Mountain T.O.P. Mission where
Ericah Johnson will be working for the summer.
Your heart for mission giving is touching lives all
over the world.
Sunday, May 24 &
Sunday, June 28
4:00 - 6:00pm
Grace Lutheran Church
This is a free meal to nourish the community both
in body and spirit. Please join us!
Membership News
On May 3 we celebrated the baptism of Levi Prechel, son of Nick and Kelly Prechel. Nick and Kelly joined
church that day as well. Congratulations!
We mourn the death of Kathryn Pierce who passed away on April 27. She was the beloved sister of Del and
Joy Rohde and equally beloved volunteer in the church office for many years. Joy and Del are very grateful
for everyone’s support.
Our deepest sympathy to Joanne Albright and her family. Bernard Albright passed away unexpectedly on
May 7 and his service was here on May 12
Jerry Schmitt died on May 17. His funeral will be at Newcomer Funeral Home in Brodhead on Friday. Our
sympathy to Kay and their family.
Thirteen students confirmed the promise their parents made at their baptism and became full members of the
church. On May 10, those students were: Alisha Bennett, Matt Carter, Jocelyn Douglas, Katie Griepentrog,
Laurel Houston, and Braedon Klemm and on May 17, they were Heath Bear, Heather Rose Burkhalter,
Michael Kundert, Scott Navarro, Stewart M. Sathoff, Cheyenne Shager, and Megan E. Wunschel. We
celebrate their commitment and welcome them as full members of the church.
Hannah Apold, granddaughter of Marcia and Doc Davis is finishing her freshman year at UW Eau Claire.
College has been wonderful new and has been challenging at times. Receiving care packages from the church
is a great reminder of home and people who care about and support her.
Maynard Heins wrote to thank those who kept him in their prayers, sent cards and called during his treatment
and surgeries. He is now cancer free!
The family of Beverly Gebhardt wrote to thank everyone for their prayers and support during Beverly’s
struggle with cancer and in her passing. Your support has been a blessing.
Applying Bible Principles
“Strategic planning” is a two-word term that can best be described as a “buzz word.” It’s in vogue. It’s trendy
for businesses (and churches) to talk about and engage in strategic planning.
Frequently, when quizzed about why they should engage in strategic planning, business owners and managers will
respond with a host of reasons and yet miss the basic benefit that comes from planning: Businesses which plan are
more profitable than those which do not. In other words, those who aim at something are more likely to hit it than
those who aim at nothing.
Similarly, when it comes to giving, Christians are to develop a “strategic plan.” We are instructed to set aside funds
systematically, regularly, for support of the Lord’s work. In that way, when we come to worship each week, we’ll
be prepared to give. We will have “planned” our giving under the divine leadership of the Holy Spirit. Then, by
giving that which we have set aside, we will put our plan to work as the offering is received.
Yes, the Holy Spirit can and sometimes does lead us to give gifts in a spontaneous manner without planning. But as a rule, spontaneous, unplanned giving is the exception. Last month we had two unannounced donations – for a bake sale on Mother’s Day and Ericah Johnson’s camp/mission opportunity in Tennessee. But most of
the time, God wants his people to give systematically and to respond to his direction in their lives by careful planning.
Speaking of consistent givers (the kind who generally plan their giving), Randy Alcorn described them as the
“backbone of the church.” Such people do not miss giving to the Lord’s work, even when they are unable to attend.
Just because they are not physically present when the offering plate is passed does not mean that they skip a Sunday or two in supporting the life and ministry of the church.
Be ready to give as the Spirit of God leads, even on a moment’s notice. Be ready to give when a special need
arises. But most of all, develop a “strategic plan” to give by seeking God’s direction concerning your giving and by
putting aside funds in preparation for giving. Then “work your plan” by giving those funds as you gather at Monroe
United Methodist Church with other Christians each Lord’s Day. And when you can’t be present for worship, plan
carefully to be sure that your giving follows your plan. Remember, the work and ministry of Monroe United Methodist
Church go on week after week, even when you are unable to be present.
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Good News!
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
2227 4th Street, Monroe, WI 53566
PERMIT NO. 56
MONROE, WI
53566
(608) 325-6700
monroeumc@tds.net
www.monroeumc.com
Return service requested
Pastor: Randy Booth - 325-8561 mumcpastorrandy@tds.net
Education Director: Renee Blum - 325-8567 mumcce@tds.net
Elder Ministry Director: Jane Gaulrapp - 325-8563 mumcfriends@tds.net
Financial Secretary: Lorie Kline - ext. 564
Choir Director: Julie Shipe McClain juliesm@uwalumni.com
Office Manager: Terry Tackett - monroeumc@tds.net
Treasurer: Anita Best - ext. 564
Youth Director: Jane Gaulrapp - 325- 8563 mumchsyouth@tds.net
Custodians: Fred &Anne Bauman
Ad Council: Brian Keith
Evangelism & Membership:
Finance: John Daane
Missions: Tana McCabe
Noah’s Ark Preschool: Ruby Clark
Prayer: Randy Booth
SPRC:
Family Promise: Linda Nack
Trustees: Mark Janssen
June 2015
Contents
Pastor’s Page
2
Grand Sweep
3
Fellowship
4
Grand Sweep
5,6
Christian Ed.
7
Youth
7
Friends in Faith
9
Missions
10
Member News
11
Worship Schedule
Sunday 8:00, 9:30 & 10:45 am
Sunday School begins at 9:15
Summer Office Hours
beginning June 1
8:30 am - 2:00pm
The next Good News
deadline June 21
Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
John 14:6
Our church exists so that all people might find the Way, know the Truth, and experience the Life!”
Through discipleship, ministry, fellowship and worship we strive to bring the joy of knowing Christ to our members and community.
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