GN THE GOOD NEWS ! Community Church of Walker United Church of Christ P.O. Box 267 Hwy 371 & Tianna Drive Walker, MN 56484 (218) 547-1093 Rev. Lynn Strandt Our Mission To offer a welcoming church home to all, where friendships grow, spiritual needs are met, community concerns are addressed and where вЂњGod is Still Speaking...вЂќ OCTOBER 2014 Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship 11:00 a.m. The Good News!вЂ”October 2014 Page 2 A PASTORвЂ™S PONDERINGS вЂњInstead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. Adopt the attitude that was in Christ JesusвЂ¦.вЂќ Philippians 2:4-5 As weвЂ™ve been exploring what it means to be the church and how we might exhibit our beliefs through our actions and choices, I was reminded of this verse. We all have our particular wishes and preferences of how things should be, and thatвЂ™s normal. But, Paul reminds us here that being the church requires a different way of thinking and beingвЂ”decisions that enhance the whole church family. In that way of deciding and then supporting those decisions, we will often find that those choices actually may be more fulfilling than our own individual ones. As you may already know, we will be having the HunterвЂ™s Feast and I have agreed to chair this event. We will, however, be going about the decisions a bit differently: I have a team that will suggest, discuss and then vote (majority вЂ�winsвЂ™) on specifics. We are doing this first as a way of bringing community together to eat and if in the process we make some dollars for the church, great. So while IвЂ™ll be taking the вЂ�heatвЂ™ about decisions, they will really be the result of a team. I believe this is how Paul believes churches areвЂ”individuals coming together to come together and make decision for the good of the whole and then, whether we wanted it that particular way or not, we get behind it and support it. We hope that you will be willing to become a suppor ter in some way. Sometimes things go the way we like and sometimes they go differently, but the end result is the most important part, I believe I hear Christ and Paul saying by doing. So, please think about how you are comfortable being involved because we need everyone supporting the events of the church. Blessings and peace, Pastor Lynn BENEVOLENCE COMMITTEE REPORT Neighbors in Need is a special mission offering of the UCC that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. The NIN offering will start on October 5th as part of our World Communion Sunday observance. The 2014 theme for NIN is вЂњImagining Another World Where Literacy Is No Longer A Concern.вЂќ Be sure to read and enjoy our NIN inserts in your October bulletins. Support this worthy cause and donate in October. If you prefer to donate by mail, make checks payable to Community Church of Walker, United Church of Christ and mail to P.O. Box 267, Walker, MN 56484. Please wr ite NIN (Neighbor s in Need) on the check so it will be put into this mission. Thank you for your donations and support to this mission. Chris Kolp and Doris Johnson The Good News!вЂ”October 2014 Page 3 MODERATORвЂ™S NOTES We had another good council meeting on September 16th with 13 in attendance. It was nice to see all the different committees attending. Even with all the reports, old business and new business, we were done in an hour and a half. The guest pastor we had on Sunday September 7th had a very good message on forgiving and talking with each other face to face. I hope we can all remember this message as it makes things so much easier. I am enjoying working with everyone on the board and hope to do the same with the committees. So far we feel for Kerry who is the only man on this board. He is such a good help from the Trustees and we welcome him on our church council. IвЂ™m seeing a fun side of him that I never knew about and it is very refreshing! It was great to hear from Jo and know that the kids of our church are being taken care of with Sunday School and Release time - thank you Jo and the teachers. The council decided to have the HunterвЂ™s Feast. Pastor Lynn came forward to head up this committee, and it will go back to the way it was with just a dinner to make it easier, so look to do sign up for helping with this event. It is fun when we can all work together as a team and a church. (We wonвЂ™t see the old pickup out there this year because Lindy sold it, but Alice said they will come up with something.) Several things were decided at our church council meeting which you can read about in AliceвЂ™s minutes. Deb Farrell is going to be the third person on the Minister of Church Relations so now our slate is complete. Dick Stilson stepped up to be on the Board of Trustees, and Darlene Stilson is now chair of the Music Board. Many thanks to all of you who are serving on a committee - your help is greatly appreciated. As we come into fall, everyone is getting ready for winter, as is this church - Advent and Christmas are being looked into already. You are always free to attend a council meeting if you like. If you want something on the agenda let me know by the Friday before our council meetings and I will be include it on the agenda. So as we go into fall with a great appreciation of the fall colors and the season, remember you are a member or friend of this church and you do have a say in what happens and we are always going to listen to any suggestions you may have. Our church family is important to all of us as well as this church. Your Moderator, Pat Finney GROUP LEADERS WANTED!! We have so many great folks who are interested in growing in their faith. I have some resources available and would very much welcome individuals who would like to lead a 5-6 week study of some kind. My experience is that the teacher usually ends up learning the most so please donвЂ™t feel that you must be an expert in the subjectвЂ”you just are willing to be one who brings the group together so we can all learn together. So, whoвЂ™d like to be the pioneer group leader? (I will do whatever I can to help you, so youвЂ™re not in this alone!) Pastor Lynn The Good News!вЂ”October 2014 Page 4 FINANCIAL SECRETARYвЂ™S REPORT Pledge/Giving Analysis: 08/01/2014 - 12/31/2014 Summary - Non-Pledged 1 - Pledges 4,835.00 10 - Fund Raisers 2,761.00 2 - Regular 1,560.00 3 - Plate 336.98 4 - Rent 300.00 8 - Outreach & Missions 717.00 9 - Gifts 50.00 Grand Total $10,559.98 Count: 49 Giving selection: Only those who gave Pledging selection: All. Accounts selected: All accounts People where: Excluding terminated/inactive. Also includes: donations individuals, donations groups, membership groups. Thank you for your continued support of the Community Church of Walker UCC. Vera Demars, Financial Secretary and Ruth Niedermann, Financial Secretary Vera mrd@arvig.net Ruth rnieder@arvig.net Home Phone 547-3390 Home Phone 547-1656 UCC COMMUNITY CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES September 16th, 2014 Attending: Pastor Lynn, Vera Demars, Deb Farrell, Pat Finney, Jo Horak, Alice Johnson, Doris Johnson, Marge Koch, Ruth Niedermann, JoAnn Rand, Doris Splichal, Darlene Stilson, Kerry Swenson. Moderator: Pat opened the meeting with a prayer. The August minutes were read and a motion was made by Jo to approve, seconded by Doris J., ayes all. Pastor Lynn: Youth meetings will be on Wednesdays after school from 4:00-6:15 p.m. She would appreciate donations of snacks for them, preferring things like crackers and cheese, etc., instead of snacks containing sugar. Confirmation classes will also begin and four, possibly five, youth will be attending. They will be using a study Bible. Treasurer: Deb passed her report around and discussion followed. A motion by Ruth to approve, seconded by Darlene, ayes all. Financial: Vera reported a total of $2,761.00 for the Fish Fry and $667 for One Great Hour of Sharing. A motion by Deb to approve, seconded by JoAnn, ayes all. Memorials: Ruth made no report. Continued on Page 5 The Good News!вЂ”October 2014 Page 5 Continued from Page 4 Trustees: Pat gave the 2014-2015 budget (pencil copy). Trustees will meet after church on Sunday as they didnвЂ™t meet before Council. Benevolence: Doris submitted a letter that requested a contribution of CUE (Chicago, Unite & Eden). The funds are used to support the seminaries for these three schools. The committee will be promoting вЂњNeighbors in NeedвЂќ in October. Pamphlets will be inserted in the bulletins each Sunday in October. Each pamphlet is different and explains the needs and uses of the funds collected for the mission. The collection envelopes will be placed in the pews. History: No report. Christian Ed. Jo has a person to teach Release Time which will begin October 1. Amber McAllisterвЂ™s contract must be presented to Trustees. They also need a donation of healthy snacks and anticipate the same number of children as last year. They will be posting a sign-up sheet for snacks. Spiritual Life: Special bulletins are being planned, four for Advent and one for Christmas Eve. They are looking for donations of $8.00 per Sunday for the special bulletins. Music: Darlene reported a meeting between Luke, Nancy and herself to discuss the budget and salary for Luke. They are trying to stay under the budget. A set salary was established. Darlene would like to thank Ruth and Earl for cleaning the cupboards. WomenвЂ™s Fellowship: Marge said they need more help for Country Store which is from on Saturday, September 20th, 11:00 a.m.вЂ“ 2:00 p.m. There will be a sign-up sheet for kitchen clean up on the day. Old Business: Pat found one more person for the Minister/Church Relations Board - Deb did volunteer for this. Pat showed the new vacuum and has tried it out herself. She says it will work between the pews. Darlene will order the new plaque for the piano. New Business: 1 Pat asks if you have a church key not registered, you need to get your name on the list. 2 She also needs five people for a committee to look into the Policy Book rules. 3 The Conference has requested only Church designated individuals contact them with complaints and 4 concerns. The Moderator and Vice-Moderator are the designated individuals. If anyone has a concern, they should go through them. 5 The HunterвЂ™s Feast will be held on Saturday, November 8th. Pastor Lynn has volunteered to chair the dinner. There will be no Silent Auction this year. A motion by Vera to approve, seconded by JoAnn, ayes all. Pastor Lynn asked for her 4th wee vacation for year ending October 22nd, 2014 will be paid versus taken. A motion by Kerry to approve, seconded by Ruth, ayes all. Jo reviewed a list made for the Chamber to publish the dates of yearly church events as follows: Plant Sale in May, Fish Fry in August, Country Store in September, HunterвЂ™s Feast in November. A motion by Kerry to approve, seconded by JoAnn, ayes all. Our next council meeting will be October 21st. A motion by Vera to approve, seconded by Ruth. Alice Johnson: Clerk 8:20 p.m. The Good News!вЂ”October 2014 Page 6 WOMENвЂ™S FELLOWSHIP New Officers for the coming year will be Jo Horak, (current Vice Pres.), as President, Vera Demars as Vice President, Sue Standeven as Treasurer, and the secretaryвЂ™s position yet to be filled. Anyone? Anyone?? The ten women attending made final plans for the September 20th Country Store. The various items for sale will be consolidated into the Fellowship Hall, except for a fresh produce area in the hallway near the check-out tables. There will be a leader for each area, instead of a single event chair person, (although Jo H. did lots of the extra work needed). вЂњThanks Jo!вЂќ The new leader for the Prayer Chain will be Ruby Haugen, 547-3472. You may be called by Betty Fisher to help with Sunday morning Greeters. In fact, maybe you could call her and volunteer a possible Sunday that would work for you!!! LetвЂ™s give Betty a bit of help! Other items on the agenda were: The new вЂњbullet-proofвЂќ vacuum cleaner is especially appreciated by Pat F. (ItвЂ™s like the one at the SherriffвЂ™s Dept.) Barb B. and Jo H. will review and update the churchвЂ™s Wedding reception policies. Darlene reported that the order of 2,000 table placemats purchased from Precision Printing, Detroit Lakes (approx...$130) have arrived. On Thursday Oct 2nd at 9am we will all вЂ�gather in the church kitchenвЂ™ for our annual вЂ�scrubby-dubbyвЂ™ time. Please join us. WF will be checking on the coffee hour sign-up sheet and try to fill in as needed. HunterвЂ™s Feast will be held on the first Saturday in November. Pastor Lynn has offered to chair this event. Ruby H. will represent WF on the planning committee. Thank you Pastor Lynn. A heartfelt вЂњThank YouвЂќ to all members and friends of WomenвЂ™s Fellowship for the extra time and energies you have shared with our church this past year! Thank you also for the kindness and support you have shown me during these past two years. It has been sincerely appreciated. May God bless and protect you always. ~ Marge Next WomenвЂ™s Fellowship meeting will be November 19th at 1:00 p.m. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BOARD We met on Sunday, September 21st, during Fellowship Hour to finalize Release Time Materials to be used for Elementary and High School youth. Sunday School materials chosen at an earlier meeting are in use and have been well received by both teachers and youth. We are excited to have an opportunity to offer brand-new items for the Release Time Classes. We welcome Amber McAllister as Lead Teacher with support staff (TBA). All of us can, however, be involved in educating and interacting with our youth. Youth Group meets every Wednesday after school, but Release Time meets on selected Wednesdays during school hours. Release Time for the High School begins October 1, and for the Elementary School October 22. See the Release Time sign-up sheet for dates. Please sign up to offer assistance with refreshments, transportation or special skills. DonвЂ™t miss this chance to be a part of a childвЂ™s life! Both groups welcome your support! Other upcoming Christian Ed. events are the Advent Workshop and Christmas Program. Dates are being confirmed. Respectfully submitted, Jo Horak, Chair, Melanie Wolfe, Laramie Kalli, Bev Lloyd (ex-officio), Pastor Lynn (ex-officio) The Good News!вЂ”October 2014 Page 7 th 8 ANNUAL HUNTERвЂ™S FEAST Saturday, November 8th 5:00-7:30 p.m. All-You-Can-Eat RIBS & FRIED CHICKEN Scalloped Potatoes Hot Vegetables and Salads Rolls Desserts Beverages Community Church of Walker United Church of Christ located at the corner of Hwy 371 & Tianna Drive, Walker The Good News!вЂ”October 2014 Page 8 WORSHIP MINISTRY ~ OCTOBER USHER SOUND SYSTEM Doug Olson Karen Compton and Pat Finney GREETERS October 5 October 12 October 19 October 26 Nancy Jacobson Sue Standeven Bruce & Ruby Haugen Meryle OвЂ™Connor LITURGISTS Vera Demars Chris Kolp Warren Wulfekuhler Beverly Jorland COMMUNION ASSISTANTS October November December January February Earl Niedermann Steve Bilben Barb Brownlow Don & Doris Splichal Vera Demars The Good News!вЂ”October 2014 Page 9 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Let us pray together for: п‚· All the natural disaster victims worldwide. п‚· The victims and their families lost to acts of violence. п‚· Peace in the Middle East and all over the world. п‚· The men and women in the Armed Forces and National Guard who have been called to active duty. We pray for the health of our members, friends and loved-ones: Yvonne Ahles, Ruth Aksamit, Gene Alderson, The Family and Friends of Bill Alderson (GeneвЂ™s Brother), Tammy Artley, Kathy Austreng, Dale Boone, Lois Caldwell, Jim Canada, Rev. Milan and Joan Davig, Ardith Fischer, Penny Fisher, Vida Fuller, Virginia Hallett, Emma Halverson, Dick Hein, Ed and Betty Hopps, Georgie Howard, Bill Koch, Jerome Markel, Loretta Mayclin, Kristy Meyer, Pat and Bob Moore, Kent Olson, Arthur Reese, The Family of Carol Smith, Bob Stonebraker, Chris (Joanna AamodtвЂ™s sister-in-law) OCTOBER DATES TO CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS 1 8 9 11 13 14 19 21 25 26 29 31 Kim Puffer Shirley Smith Paul Artley Jo Horak Kerry Swenson Bob Horak Pat Finney Cheryl Hamlin Norma Knight Warren Wulfekuhler Evelyn Matson Emily Paul Lori Koch Heather Felix Lisa Fisher ANNIVERSARIES 2 4 17 22 Jack and Drea Gyldenvand Kris and Sarah Koch Kam and Lori Koch Gene and Beth Alderson The Good News!вЂ”October 2014 Page 10 The Good News! is a monthly newsletter publication of the Community Church of Walker United Church of Christ located at the corner of Highway 371 & Tianna Drive Walker, MN 56484 Mailing address: P.O. Box 267, Walker, MN 56484 Phone: (218) 547-1093 Email: commchurchucc@ar vig.net Web Site: www.uccwalker.com Rev. Lynn Strandt (218) 547-6413 pastorlynnucc@arvig.net Secretary: Mar ina Lovell Email: commchurchucc@ar vig.net Office Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 1:00-4:00 p.m. Music/Choir Director: Luke Bar nar d Bell Choir Director: Heidi Hoppe Custodian: Pat Finney Email: l.bar n@hotmail.com Email: bbking456@yahoo.com Email: pat57@ar vig.net Church Moderator: Pat Finney Vice-Moderator: JoAnn Rand Clerk: Alice Johnson Treasurer: Deb Farrell Financial Secretary Co-Chairs: Vera Demars and Ruth Niedermann Historian: Darlene Stilson Chair, Board of Trustees: Kerry Swenson Chair, Board of Benevolence: Doris Johnson Chair, Board of Christian Education: Jo Horak Chair, Board of Memorials: Ruth Niedermann Chair, Board of Music: Darlene Stilson Chair, Board of Spiritual Life: Seasonal Co-Chairs Barb Brownlow & Doris Splichal WomenвЂ™s Fellowship President: Jo Horak Minister/Church Relations Board Members: JoAnn Rand (Vice-Moderator), Deb Farrell, Marge Koch, John Thompson Materials for the November Newsletter need to be in the office by 9:00 a.m. Thursday October 23rd, 2014. SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 1 2 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Release Time High Sch. 1:00-4:00 p.m. Office Hours 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Office Hours 1:00-4:00 p.m. Recycled Cards FRIDAY SATURDAY 3 4 10 11 17 18 24 25 4:00-6:15 p.m. Confirmation 5 6 7 8 9 8:30 a.m. Choir Practice 10:00 a.m. Worship and Communion 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Fellowship 6:00 p.m. Boy Scouts 3:00-6:30 p.m. Weight Watchers 1:00-4:00 p.m. Office Hours 1:00-4:00 p.m. Office Hours 4:00-6:15 p.m. Youth Group 1:00-4:00 p.m. Recycled Cards The Good News!вЂ”October 2014 OCTOBER 2014 7:00 p.m. Faith Circle at Meryle OвЂ™ConnorвЂ™s 12 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Choir Practice Worship Sunday School Fellowship 13 14 15 16 6:00 p.m. Boy Scouts 3:00-6:30 p.m. Weight Watchers 1:00-4:00 p.m. Office Hours 1:00-4:00 p.m. Office Hours 4:00-6:15 p.m. Confirmation 1:00-4:00 p.m. Recycled Cards 1:00 p.m. Esther Circle at May Creek 19 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Choir Practice Worship Sunday School Fellowship 26 Choir Practice Worship Sunday School Fellowship 21 22 6:00 p.m. Boy Scouts 3:00-6:30 p.m. Weight Watchers 8:40 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 1:00-4:00 p.m. Release Time Elem. Sch. Office Hours 23 6:00 p.m. Committee Meetings 1:00-4:00 p.m. Office Hours 1:00-4:00 p.m. Recycled Cards 7:00 p.m. Council Meeting 4:00-6:15 p.m. Youth Group 9:00 a.m. Deadline for November Newsletter submissions 27 28 29 30 6:00 p.m. Boy Scouts 3:00-6:30 p.m. Weight Watchers 1:00-4:00 p.m. Office Hours 1:00-4:00 p.m. Office Hours 1:00-4:00 p.m. Recycled Cards 31 Page 11 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 20 Community Church of Walker United Church of Christ P.O. Box 267 Walker, MN 56484 Return Service Requested The Good News! Community Church of Walker United Church of Christ 2014 Place Postage Here