February 2020

Messenger

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY OF FAITH IN MEDFORD AND RIB LAKE WISCONSIN

What is inside?

Pastor’s Message 2 Finance 3 Monthly Volunteers 4 Birthdays/Anniversaries Prayer List Prayer 5 Committee News 6 Community 7 SALT Board News 8 Calendar 9

Wednesday, February 5th [and continues on the first and third Wednesday of each month]

Join us for worship, song and prayer on Wednesday evening.

We will have coffee/juice in the fellowship hall at 5:30p.m.

The Prayer Service will begin@ 5:45 p.m.

The Lay Servants and members of the Worship Team have worked hard to plan a worship experience that will focus on the importance of prayer for our church, our community and for

us individually as Christians.

Please join us as we worship and Pray together.

Friday, March 6 @ 6:30 p.m.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Medford

Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk, prepared by the women of Zimbabwe

World Day of Prayer (WDP) is a worldwide ecumenical movement of Christian woman of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer and action each year on the first Friday in March. World Day of Prayer promotes

justice and equality for women through prayer, partnerships, service and celebration. [WDP Committee of Zimbabwe and WDP USA Committee]

Please attend this ecumenical worship service

in the Medford community.

What About Prayer?

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be

persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere” -Ephesians 6:18

Prayer is a vital sign for every Christian. It’s impossible to believe that someone can be a Christian for

many years and they still don’t know how to pray. There are 3 vital signs in the life of every Christian.

These are prayer, bible reading, and fasting. Without any of these, you cannot have a successful

Christian live. Prayer can be short and still be effective, but that does not mean that extended periods of

talking and listening to God are also necessary and valuable. In the verse above, Paul wrote to the

Ephesians telling them to put on the armor of God. Why do we need this armor? We can find the answer

in verse 11: “…so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil”. It’s easy, we

are fighting against Satan. The fight is not against the other fellow believers. If you are not covered in

prayer, knowledge of the word of God, and fasting, Satan will gain advantage, destroying you. So, what

is the armor of God? Paul makes a great analogy using the soldier’s garments to explain what the armor

of God is. We can summarize them as: Always going with the TRUTH, God’s righteousness, the peace

that comes from the Good news, faith, salvation and the bible.

Then, after you have what you need to stand firm, Paul requests that you “Pray in the Spirit at all times

and on every occasion.” This means pray when you are in trouble, when you are in need, when you are

happy, when things seem to go against you, when everything seems to go in your favor. But not just

pray, pray in the SPIRIT, wholeheartedly, not obligated but enjoying your time with God.

Prayer is as important as oxygen for your body. A Christian that does not pray is a spiritually dead

Christian. A church that does not pray is a spiritually defeated church. We at Medford and Rib Lake

United Methodist Church understand this and that is why the Lay Servants, together with the worship

team, created the Wednesday Night Prayer Service at the Medford Campus. This will be a time to share

in fellowship, carry each other’s burdens in prayer, and grow together in faith.

I encourage you to clear your schedule on the first and third Wednesday of every month starting in the

month of February and join us at the prayer night so we can grow a successful and vital church that

prays.

Pastor Angel Rosario

Pastor Angel Rosario

715-748-2165 or 715-748-0477

pastor@medfordchargeumc.com

PASTOR’S MESSAGE 2

FIN

AN

CE

S

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If you have an event or meeting that

you would like included on the

calendar, please contact the church

office with all necessary information.

715-748-2165 or

mcumc@tds.net

Weekly Volunteer Schedule

Worship Greeters February 2 (M) Shawn & Darci McDonnell February 9 (M) Ron & Muriel Isaacson February 16 (M) Lee & Jean Nuernberger February 23 (M) Marge Blair / Wendy Bockin

Worship Leaders/Liturgists February 2 (M) Cheryl Ketelhut (R) Dorathy Nelson February 9 (M) Crystal Ludwig (R) Deb Polacek February 16 (M) John DeBruyne (R) Carol Punzel February 23 (M) Eunice Mayer (R) Deb Lind

Coffee Fellowship February 2 (M) Shane & Crystal Ludwig February 9 (M) Ron & Sandy Breth February 16 (M) Dean & Carol Lietzow / Connie Braun February 23 (M) Pete & Diane Loniello

Counting Committee February Financial Secretary: (M) Jim Flood February 2 (M) TBD February 9 (M) TBD February 16 (M) TBD February 23 (M) TBD

Children’s Ministry February 2 (M) Cheryl (R) TBD February 9 (M) Wendy (R) TBD February 16 (M) Cheryl (R) TBD February 23 (M) Wendy (R) TBD

Slideshow February 2 (M) Shane Ludwig (R) TBD February 9 (M) Shawn McDonnell (R) TBD February 16 (M) Eunice Mayer (R) TBD February 23 (M) Jean Wimmer (R) TBD

*You are responsible for finding a replacement if you are unavailable on your day. You should have received a contact list. **Please contact Crystal or the office with any changes so the bulletin and slides are current and up-to-date.

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY

February 1 (M) Davian Rosario

February 2 (M) Gaige Ingersoll

February 3 (M) Jim Flood

February 5 (M) Jerry Hubbard

February 7 (M) Aren Kirkeeng

February 10 (R) Don Warner

February 11 (M) Jean Flood

February 15 (R) Dorathy Nelson

February 16 (R) Don Hoefferle

February 1 (M) Kaena Farris

*Please submit corrections to the church office by calling 715-748-2165 or emailing mcumc@tds.net

PEOPLE SERVING, LEADING, PRAYING, LISTENING, & CELEBRATING 4

Prayer Requests

Health Concerns: Ruth Smith; Brenda Clark; Craig Butor; Dennis Lind; Deloris Lansing; Hal Swenson; Paul Johnson; Pamela Schwippert; Holly Butler Mission/Missionary/Community: “Beds From Christ” volunteers and recipients; the Medford Charge as we reach out to our communities; the United Methodist Church as our leaders make difficult decisions regarding our future Others: The Rosario family; Bishop Jung and the Cabinet; DS Tsuker Yang;

PRAYER 5

Some Personal Thoughts on Prayer

– Jean Nuernberger, Lay Servant

Can you imagine a life without prayer? I know that I can’t, but have to confess that I did not always appreciate its importance. As a child I remember praying at church and before every meal but I don’t remember personal prayer. I don’t remember learning about prayer and a relationship with God until I was much older. Today, my prayer life evolves every day, many mornings are spent reading Bible verses, a short devotional and writing in a prayer journal. Most days prayer is throughout the day in an ongoing conversation with God. The current Life Group, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver talks about our relationship with God. She writes:

PRAYER + the WORD + TIME = INTIMACY with GOD

I might substitute the word “relationship” for “intimacy” but whatever word you choose, PRAYER clearly is a part of drawing close to God. I believe that is what each of us is searching for in our faith walk. Mrs. Weaver goes on to say,” prayer is simply talking to God.” I can’t imagine my days without talking to God. Relief washes over me when I pour out my troubled heart to God in prayer, it calms my spirit, but I still have a lot to learn about patience as I wait for God’s reply and I know that I am a work in progress. Prayer can come in many different forms; verbal or written, short or long. I don’t believe God is looking for fancy words, but instead is looking at what is in our hearts. I remember in October 2018 after the sudden death of my brother-in-law, how prayers, sent by text to my sister first thing in the morning, helped her as well as me. The grief was so raw, so fresh, and those short prayer texts provided some comfort. That’s what prayer can do, provide peace, comfort, relief and draws us closer to God. What about you? How is your prayer life? Are you satisfied? John 15:4 says “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” Prayer is one part of how we can remain in Christ. Another part is in worship on Sunday and in midweek services. On Wednesday, February 5th we will resume the midweek Prayer service. We will worship with songs of praise, a scripture reading, a short devotional and of course PRAYER. Together lets pray, please join us! 1 Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World Joanna Weaver Page 77 2 Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World Joanna Weaver Page 77

COMMITTEE NEWS WHAT’S HAPPENING? 6

Rib Lake

Food Pantry: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 9:00-11:00am. Contact: Karon Dallmann 715-427-3563

Medford

SALT Board: Meeting 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm. Contact: Jean N. 715-748-4217 *Next Meeting will be Tuesday, February 18.

Afternoon Circle: Meetings 1st Weds each month, 1:30pm, Fellowship Hall. Open to all women. This group will assemble Welcome Bags as needed. Contact: Jill P. 715-678-2418 ALIVE Youth Group: Contact: Pastor Angel 715-748-0477 Beds From Christ Contact: Jerry H. 715-965-3046

Building Maintenance Team: Meet the last Tuesday of every other month. Contact: John D. 715-748-5765 Church Directory: Tentative Fall 2020 Contact: Jean W. 715-560-9001

Community Connection Team: Contact: Jean W. 715-560-9001 Finance Department: Contact: Kristi D. 715-748-5765, or SALT for over-budget planning requests.

Food Donations: Non-perishables, egg cartons, clean bread bags. Put in basket/box under table in lobby. Thank you. Contact: Glatha S. 715-748-3355

Keenagers: Meet 2nd Wednesday of each month for activity followed by a meal. Open to all 50 years and older. Contact: Barb S. 715-748-6001 *On break until April 2020

Lay Servants: Meet monthly with Pastor to plan sermon series, Life Groups, Wed. Night Prayer Services, and Intentional Faith Development. Contact: Jean N. 715-965-4403 Leadership Development: Contact: Pastor Angel 715-748-0477

Library: Meet every other month. Contact: Jean W. 715-560-9001

Life Groups: Watch for information about upcoming Groups. Contact: Jean N. 715-965-4403

Membership: Those interested in becoming a member attend “Coffee with the Pastor” Contact: Pastor Angel 715-748-0477 For Membership Records: Contact: Eunice M. 715-748-3835.

Memorial: Contact: Mary Lou C. 715-748-2154

Special Events Coordinator: Do you have something planned or an idea for an event? Contact: Jean W. 715-560-9001

SonShine Kids: children’s ministry program during Sunday Service. Contact: Wendy Bockin 715-560-8020

Worship Design Team: plans and coordinates Sunday services. Slideshow Training to be held January 2020. Contact: Crystal Ludwig. 715-965-4006

COMMUNITY REACHING BEYOND OUR WALLS

Rib Lake UMC Community Food Pantry (open every third Wednesday at 9 a.m.)

1. Dry cereal 2. Canned fruit 3. Juice - frozen/canned 4. Canned tuna - preferably “in water” 5. Jelly 6. Canned vegetables 7. Spaghetti sauce 8. Hamburger Helper - Tuna Helper 9. Peanut Butter - Creamy / Crunchy 10. Chef Boyardee/Franco canned pasta dinners 11. Canned soups: Cream soups, chicken, tomato 12. Toilet tissue & Paper towels Please do not donate damaged or expired food.

7

Ruby’s Pantry is brought to Medford by our friends at the River of Hope Church. This once-a-month pop-up pantry grocery distribution will be held at the National Guard Armory at 10am to 12pm on February 22nd, or on the 4th Saturday of each month. For a cash donation of $20, you will receive a generous amount of groceries. Bring your own containers to carry your groceries (two 18oz totes or two banana boxes per share). There are no income requirements - everyone is welcome! For more information or to register as a volunteer, please phone 715-965-8768.

At Rib Lake and Medford UMC, we feel that teaching

our children about the love of Jesus Christ is very

important. One way that we help them grow in His love

is with our Children’s Ministry programs on Sunday

mornings. School-age children from pre-kindergarten

through sixth grade are welcome to join us. In Rib Lake

our children’s ministry is called Children’s Church, and

in Medford it is called SonShine Kids. Both take place

on Sunday during regular service times.

(M) Keenagers

Keenagers is a social group for members and friends of the Medford congregation

who are 50+ years old.

Keenagers is on break until April 2020

Please call Jean Wimmer at 715-560-9001 for more information.

(M) Afternoon Circle

Afternoon Circle meets the first Wednesday of every month

at Medford UMC fellowship hall.

All women are welcome.

Please come and join us at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5th

WHAT: Movie Night

WHERE: Medford UMC

WHEN: Wednesday, April 29

Movie night will be held on the 5th Wednesday of the month. Watch the announcements and newsletter for more info!

SALT BOARD NEWS FROM THE LEADERS OF MEDFORD UMC 8

Our Mission: To make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our Vision: By the grace of God we reach out to all those who need hope, comfort, support, and the love of Jesus Christ.

Greetings from SALT (Simplified Accountable Leadership Team). This comes to you following the first meeting of the new year. A big thank you to Brad Kalmon for his term. Last month Jean reported the we had one vacancy on our team. SALT voted to temporarily have eight members for six months. Jim Flood and Steve Mayer both agreed to temporarily stay on the team for six months until a new member is added to our team. Thank you to both. Are you the person we are looking for? Is God asking for your service on this team? SALT asks for your prayers as we listen for the Lord’s guidance for HIS church. All are welcome to attend the SALT meetings, held the third Tuesday of each month. Our next meeting is February 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. In a few months there is a Worldwide meeting of the United Methodist Church called the General Conference which meets every four years. It is a time for our bishops, lay members and delegates to make decisions regarding changes To the Book of Discipline. Various committees meet to discuss education, mission, discipleship and other topics. The General Conference is in May and will be held in Minneapolis. Following this meeting, the Wisconsin Conference United Methodist Church will hold its Annual Conference, to be held in Green Bay. Please pray for those attending these important meetings as that they listen for God’s will when making decisions. Lastly, I am humbled by SALT asking me to chair this team. I have big shoes to fill following Jean Nuernberger’s term. Please help me in thanking Jean for the hours of time she has given. I and SALT ask for your prayers in the upcoming year. Please contact myself or another SALT Member if you have questions or concerns. Your SALT members are:

Cheryl Ketelhut, SALT Board Chair

Sandy Breth (715) 748-6760 Shane Ludwig (715) 560-2439

srbreth@gmail.com sludwig98@yahoo.com

Jim Flood (715) 748-4531 Gwen Thomas (715) 965-9113

jflood@tds.net gwen.thomas@co.taylor.wi.us

Dean Lietzow (715) 965-6489 Cheryl Ketelhut (608) 485-2459

c-dacres@msn.com c_ketelhut@yahoo.com

Steve Mayer (715) 482-1313 or Jean Nuernberger (715) 748-4217 or

(715) 748-3825 (715) 965-4403

seamayer@tds.net jnuerny@charter.net

MEDFORD and RIB LAKE EVENTS of FEBRUARY 2020

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Office closed

1

2 4th Sunday after

the Epiphany

Holy Communion

(R) 8:15 am Worship

(R) 8:15 am Children’s Church

(M) 10:15 am Worship

(M) 10:15 am SonShine Kids

3 Office closed

(M) 5:30 pm

Prayer Service

Planning

4

(M) 5:30 pm

Lay Servants

5

(M) 1:30 pm

Afternoon Circle

(M) 5:30 pm

Prayer Service

6

(M) 9:00 am or

6:30 pm

Life Group -

“Having a

Mary Heart...”

7 Office closed

8

9 5th Sunday after

the Epiphany

(R) 8:15 am Worship

(R) 8:15 am Children’s Church

(M) 10:15 am Worship

(M) 10:15 am SonShine Kids

10 Office closed

11

12

13

(M) 9:00 am or

6:30 pm

Life Group -

“Having a

Mary Heart...”

14 Office closed

15

16 6th Sunday after

the Epiphany

(R) 8:15 am Worship

(R) 8:15 am Children’s Church

(M) 10:15 am Worship

(M) 10:15 am SonShine Kids

17 Office closed

18

(M) 6:30 pm

SALT

19

(R) 9:00 am

Food Pantry

(M) 5:30 pm

Prayer Service

20

(M) 9:00 am or

6:30 pm

Life Group -

“Having a

Mary Heart...”

21 Office closed

22

23 Transfiguration

Sunday

(R) 8:15 am Worship

(R) 8:15 am Children’s Church

(M) 10:15 am Worship

(M) 10:15 am SonShine Kids

24 Office closed

25

26

(M) 2:00 pm

Nursing Home

Service @ Aspirus

Ash Wednesday

@ Rib Lake UMC

27

28 Office closed 29

1 1st Sunday in Lent

(R) 8:15 am Worship

(R) 8:15 am Children’s Church

(M) 10:15 am Worship

(M) 10:15 am SonShine Kids

2 Office closed

3

4

(M) 1:30 pm

Afternoon Circle

5

6 Office closed 7

9

The Event Calendar is subject to change. Watch the weekly bulletins for updates.

February

Newsletter

Pictures and

Articles Due

Pastor Angel’s Office Hours:

Tuesday - 8:00 am - Noon

Wednesday - 8:00 am - Noon

Thursday - 8:00 am - Noon

Pastor’s office is located at Medford UMC.

If you would like to schedule an appointment,

please call 715-748-2165 or 715-748-0477.

Address label

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 287 E ALLMAN STREET MEDFORD WI 54451-1122

Medford Charge Office Phone 715-748-2165 Fax 715-748-9719 mcumc@tds.net www.medfordchargeumc.com www.facebook.com/medfordwisconsinumc

Rib Lake UMC, Sunday Worship / Children’s Church at 8:15am 1300 Church Street Rib Lake, WI 54470 Phone 715-427-3670

Medford UMC, Sunday Worship / SonShine Kids at 10:15am 287 E Allman Street Medford, WI 54451

Angel Gabriel Rosario, Pastor 715-748-0477 Crystal Ludwig, Connectional Ministry Coordinator 715-965-4006 Dawn Kasper-Harder, Charge Treasurer / Office Manager

The mission of Medford UMC is to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

By the grace of God we reach out to all those who need hope, comfort, support, and the love of Jesus Christ.

The mission of Rib Lake UMC is to help all people to know and grow in Jesus.

Our vision is to build a church family by providing opportunities to worship God, connect with others, and serve the community.