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A TRUE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH!

“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is

holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

– 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NLT)

Perhaps you’ve heard the old saying, “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.” This saying is sometimes used when speaking of those who attend a church, but haven’t shown any evidence of a transformed life. Today, I’m going to twist that saying just a bit: “Just because we have a building with pews in it … doesn’t make us a church!” For some, church is simply the name of another club. It’s a building where the club meets regularly. But, for those who know scripture and are familiar with the history of the Church, it is something quite different…

I read a very good article recently by Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church and he stated there that the Bible actually ‘provides us with a framework to examine’ ourselves as we profess to be a church—a Body of Christ right here in Southwest Wisconsin. As you might expect, his definition of a true New Testament Church didn’t have anything to do with the building. But, let me share with you what he did say by way of definition:

The church is made up of regenerated believers in Jesus. Church membership is to be reserved for those

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regenerated (transformed) in Christ (Acts 2:38-41). The process of examination to this end (though not perfect) is through our Essential Transformation (E.T.) class.

The Church is organized under qualified leadership. In Acts, we see the leadership roles of the Apostles, which includes their unique role of teaching (Acts 2:42), their receiving of spiritual gifts (Acts 4:35-5:2), and their leading the congregation in wise decision-making (Acts 6:1-6).

The Church gathers to hear preaching and to respond in worship. The Church is to be nurtured through the preaching of all of God’s word (Acts 20:27), which is the primary way the Church knows God and grows in its love for God.

The Church rightly administers the sacraments. As a United Methodist Church, we regularly administer the sacraments of baptism and communion.

The Church is spiritually unified. The Holy Spirit of God is the Unifier of the Church. And it’s only as God’s people open their lives up to God’s Spirit that New Testament Church unity is realized.

The Church is holy. All throughout scripture, we are called to be a Holy People—our lives set apart for the purposes of God. This doesn’t mean ‘better than you’; it means we are a people who regularly repent of our sins—regularly. (The unrepentant are reference in Matt. 18:15-20).

The Church is devoted to fellowship (koinonia). Here’s the Acts 2:42 that I’ve mentioned so much lately. If we are truly ‘in Christ,’ God will be propelling us to purposefully be involved with Christian community.

The Church is committed to Jesus’ mission. The Church is to be a ‘reaching-out community,’ committed to preaching the Gospel and making disciples ‘in a Spirit-empowered life of love’ (Acts 2:47).

So, how are we doing? I’m so thankful for pastors like Mark Driscoll who consistently lay it on the line. No, we are not just

Continued…

New Class Being Offered this Fall on…

“HEAVEN” NEW CLASS – NO HOMEWORK! That being said … one of the

most asked about topics today is … HEAVEN! As time goes by,

many of us watch more and more of our loved ones pass away, so it’s

only natural task questions about heaven. However, our

understanding of heaven is often limited to a few half-forgotten

Sunday school lessons or insubstantial images from popular movies

and television. Fortunately, we have better sources than that. Using

Randy Alcorn’s definitive work on this topic as our main source,

Pastor Rom and Gail will lead the class through a semester of in-

depth study on heaven. And with the help of God’s word, we’ll be

addressing our most serious questions about heaven. We’ll also do

our best to answer a few less serious questions as well. We’ll meet

Wednesday evenings (starting on Sept. 11) in two time slots: 4:30

PM (especially for parents with kids in All4One) and 6:30 PM. This

will be similar to past Lenten studies, if you’ve enjoyed those. All

you need to do is bring a Bible (or borrow one here) and a good

attitude! Leave the rest to us… Won’t you consider joining us for

this ‘heavenly’ adventure? Call the church office at 935-5451 or

speak to Pastor Rom or Gail Ray personally to let us know of your

interest. (This is a class you’ll be able to join when you’re able; each

week will be a lesson in itself…)

‘playing church.’ There are enough organizations out there doing that. As Jesus said (Matt. 20:26a), “But among you it will be different.” Are you ready to be the Church? What a great way to begin a brand new (school) year in Christ… See you as we gather to be the Church,

Pastor Rom

DODGEVILLE UMC WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS!

On Sunday, August 18, 2013, the Dodgeville UMC welcomed the following individuals into membership:

Spencer Godfrey - a freshman at UW-Madison Gene & Veronica Hollman - Transferred in from

Crossroads UMC in Waunakee (recently retired to the Dodgeville area)

Dianne Ray - a freshman at UW-Stevens Point

We welcomed these individuals, along with Ron & Edith Hunter who transferred into membership at Dodgeville UMC from Lancaster just a few months ago. (Ron is actually a P.K.--preacher's kid--if you want to know a little background...) Please join in welcoming these new members the first chance you get! We are fortunate to have each and every one of them on board!

CHOIR NOTES The Adult Choir will hold its’ first rehearsal of the year on Wednesday, September 4 at 7:00 PM in the music room

(chapel). We will sing at the 9:00 AM services on September 15th and 22nd and will rehearse at 8:15 AM on those Sundays.

The “Women’s Chorus” will sing at the 9:00 AM service on September 29th.

Please join us—we welcome new members!!

All women of the church are invited and encouraged to attend

the following events. Local Unit Meetings and special happenings:

Our first meeting of the fall schedule for the UMW will be held in Fellowship Hall on Thursday, September 5 at 7:00 PM. The officers will meet at 6:30. The Grace Post circle will present the program and the Evening Star circle will serve refreshments.

The Evening Star circle will meet on Monday, September 9 at 7:00 PM at Gayl Stewart’s home. Jeanne Kapotas will serve as co-hostess and Robin Digman will lead the Bible Study.

Continued on following pate

Bible Study to Continue

The Thursday noon Bible Study will be restarting at noon

on September 4th.

Bring your lunch and join us in the church library…the

more the merrier.

ADULT FELLOWSHIP

Adult Fellowship will meet on Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall for a potluck dinner. Donna

Peterson will be presenting a program on Palestine and the olive harvest. All adults are welcome to join us.

The Grace Post circle will meet on Monday, September 16 at 1:30 PM in the church library. Lois Dobson will serve as hostess and Eunice Jewell will lead the devotions. The annual UMW Sunday celebration will be held on Sunday, September 29. Plans are being made to recognize the mission of the UMW before the congregation. Looking ahead to October—the annual Fall Rummage and Bake Sale is scheduled for Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12. The “set-up” dates are Wednesday and Thursday, the 9th and 10th. Please mark your calendars and consider helping as many workers will be needed. UMW District and Conference Events: Everyone is invited to the Coulee District Annual Celebration to be held at the Reedsburg UMC on Saturday, September14th. The registration fee of $10.00 and the registration form is due by Tuesday, September 3rd. For more information please contact Charlene Mingst at 935-5758 or Rosemary Edwards at 930-5955. Mark your calendar for the Annual Gathering of United Methodist Women of the Wisconsin Conference to be held on Friday and Saturday, October 18-19. This event will be held at the Madison Asbury United Methodist Church. The theme for the event is “Living the Heart of God”.

AUGUST UMW DONATIONS:

$800—to DUMC for General Fund $100—Stephen Ministry $100—Camp Scholarship to Alex Harman $100—Camp Lucerne $400—Madison Mission Chaplaincy Additionally—in April of this year we were able to fulfill our Pledge to the Coulee District UMW for Mission Work in the amount of $2,000, donate $100 to the Prayer Ministry for cards, and $100 to the Linden UMC Clock Fund.

Operation Christmas Child Project Shoe Box

Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing good news of Jesus Christ.

Items needed for each box:

Toys: such as small cars, dolls, balls, stuffed animals, kazoos, yo-yos, jump ropes, harmonicas, small etch a sketch, light up toys or toys that make noise (batteries), slinkies.

School supplies: pencils & sharpeners, crayons, markers, lined paper, stamps & ink pad sets, solar calculators, picture & coloring books

Hygiene: toothbrush, 3oz or larger toothpaste, combs, brushes, mild fragrance free bath size bar soap, washcloth

Additional items: individually wrapped hard candy, mints, gum, socks, T-shirts, sunglasses, hair clips, baseball caps, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (batteries)

$7.00 per box is needed for shipping

Please Do not include any of the following:

Used or damaged items Out-of-Date candy Chocolate or Food Liquids or Lotions Medications Aerosol cans Breakable items; i.e.; snow globes, glass containers War related items; i.e. guns, knives, swords, military figures

All4One! All4One! All4One!

We invite you to join us for our new and improved Christian education activities (All 4 One) during the school year. We are still finalizing our plans, but here is a sneak peek below. Who: All ages, infants to adults Where: Dodgeville United Methodist Church When: Wednesdays 2:30-4:30 Afterschool Program (tutoring, homework, completion, snacks and games) – not finalized: volunteers needed before we can offer.

Finalized Plans 4:30-5:30 Nursery – Grade 5 Christian Education Bible rotation stations (storytelling, games, crafts, science – like VBS, ect…)

4:30-5:30 Adult Group I

6:10-6:30 Family Devotion & Praise Time

6:30-7:30 Adult Group II + Middle School Youth Group Time

6:30-8:00 High School Youth Group Time We need your help (volunteers, donations…) with All 4 One, please call our church office at:

935-5451

*We would also like to offer a free meal at 5:30 in the future. If interested in helping, give us a call.

Love, God, Love People, and Serve Others

CURRENT MONTH JULY 2013

Monthly Income $9,772 Monthly Expenses Paid $ 8.775

Net Income for month $ <997>

Apportionments Paid $0 (figure included in Monthly Expenses Paid)

Unpaid Apportionments $2,176 (not included in Monthly Expenses Paid)

YEAR TOTALS THROUGH CURRENT MONTH

Years Income $ 72,262

Years Expenses Paid $ 94,040

Net Income for Year $< 21,778>

Apportionments Paid $ 6,528 (figure included in Years Expenses Paid)

Unpaid Apportionments $ 8,704 (not included in Years Expenses Paid)

TOTAL APPORTIONMENTS DUE FOR YEAR $ 26,112

APPORTIONMENTS DUE PER MONTH $ 2,176

OTHER INCOME/EXPENSE (OUTSIDE OF BUDGET)

2012 Trustee loans: Two $5,000 loans totaling $10,000 to pay expenses 2013 Music Fund Loans: Two $5,000 loans totaling $10,000 to pay expenses

Scott Godfrey, Finance Chair

YOUR GENEROUS OFFERINGS TO MISSION & OUTREACH MINISTRY FOR 2013

Jan-March: Uganda Wells $ 213.35

April-May-June: USA Tornado Relief $ 1,506.45

July-August Shoebox Postage $ 315.45

Baby Victoria $ 247.00

Boscobel Flood Relief $ 735.00

VBS – Boscobel Flood Relief $ 965.75

Total Mission & Outreach Giving: $ 3,983.00

A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR YOUR CHURCH

#293 The grass withers, the flower fades; But the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 – NRSV)

Edna loved children, yet she was never blessed to become a mother. Instead, she taught children all her life and cared for each one of them as a gift from God. As she prepared her will, Edna spoke with her pastor about leaving a portion of her estate to the church to be used for children’s or youth ministries. Pastor Phil suggested she make her gift available to provide seed money to start new ministries that might emerge during the program year, outside of the normal budget cycle. He pointed out that often there’s no money to even try some new and creative ideas for reaching out to children and youth, when they come up in the middle of the year. Edna was excited about that possibility and included a paragraph in her will stating that a percentage of her estate would be sent to First Church to establish a Ministries Fund. When she died in 1997, $20,000 came to the church and an account was established with the Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation. Every year 4% of the market value of the fund is sent to the church to be used for developing program ministries. Shortly after Edna’s gift established the Ministries Fund, another estate gift came to First Church from her friend, Mae and was added to the fund. Mae and her husband, Bill, were also committed to caring for the children and youth of the church. Before he died 10 years earlier, Bill had named the church as the beneficiary of a Certificate of Deposit. He knew that if Mae needed it after he died, the money would be available to her first. But, if she didn’t need it, they both had the assurance that a significant gift would be given to the church at the time of her death. If you have questions about how you might leave a legacy gift to your church, please call us or visit our website listed below.

Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation 750 Windsor Street Ste 305, P.O. Box 620

Sun Prairie, WI 53590-0620 1-888-903-9863 or wumf@wumf.org

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PLEASE PRAY:

Bill Brown Ben Berryman

Holly Keyl Marie Wenger-Rowe

Mary Dunn Joy Peterson Monica Olday

Ernie Aschliman Christine Mason

Derek Lindowski Family Family of Bill Steil

Alice Terrill

1 - London Starr 10 - Austin Berg 15 - Doug Digman 16 - Klinton McCutchin 16 - Nancy Mortimer 17 - Marion Schreihart 18 - Diane Ray 19 - Terry Edwards 20 - Jack Martell 20 - Charlie Price 20 - Angela Schlueter 21 - Kasey Puckett 23 - Akayla Schultze 23 - Beth Schlueter 25 - Maddie Olson 25 - Dean Terrill 26 - Ora Kasten 27 - Louise Price 28 - Drew Piper 29 - Sandra Alexander 30 - Darlene Dochnahl

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

SEPTEMBER Anniversaries

7 - Chip & Peggy Forrest 8 - Klinton & Wanda McCutchin 15 - Terry & Penny Edwards 20 – Russell & Lois Nelson 21 - Dave & Sandy Huxtable 29 - Steve & Julie Colden

FOOD PANTRY

The food pantry is in need of non-perishable food items. Please place your donations on the bakers rack

in fellowship hall.

Thank you!

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD ____________________________

Wyoming Valley Church Hymn Sing Schedule September 1, October 6 Time: 2 Pm to 3:30 PM

Church is located on state Hwy 23 Five miles south of Spring Green, Ten miles north of Dodgeville

_____________________________ Angels Across The USA Tour 2013 Tuesday, September 17, at 7:00 PM

Grace Lutheran Church Contact Ron 935-2693 for more information

___________________________ Friends of the Dodgeville Library

BOOK SALE September 5-7

_________________________ Monfort United Methodist Church

PANCAKE BREAKFAST Sunday, September 8

8:30 AM-12:30 PM $8.00

__________________________ Chicken Barbeque Supper

Cobb United Methodist Church Wednesday, September 11, 4:30 PM

$10.00 for half chicken, potato salad, coleslaw, rolls beverage and pie

___________________________________ Upland Hills Health presents

Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Fall Dance Jamboree

Dodger Bowl October 17th, 6-9 PM

Music by The Dodgeville German Band

Donations at the door greatly appreciated. Proceeds go to scheduling a leading expert on cardiac rehabilitation and managing health with

lifestyle and Nutrition. All gifts can be made to the UHH Foundation in care of Cardiac Rehab.

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