Qu`e Pasa?October 2014 Qu`e Pasa? Well we’ve finished our first year together and the Nekoosa UCC...
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The Word The Nekoosa United Church of Christ “God is Still Speaking” October 2014 Qu`e Pasa? Well we’ve finished our first year together and the Nekoosa UCC has finished its 120 th year of being a church and doing ministry in the Nekoosa community and beyond. That’s quite the accomplishment! Think about it; what else has endured and prospered in the community for 120 years? When I look at pictures of the church from long ago I notice that it looks different now than it did back then. Almost everything looks different now than it did back in its first years. For one thing the building itself is different. The parsonage is different, and the pictures of the pastors sure look different. The membership is no longer in the 400 to 500 range and there isn’t Sunday school attendance in the hundreds anymore; things change. I remember a quote that I heard, “the only thing constant in life is change”. How true is that. I know that I don’t look or act like I did back in my late teen years; other than weighing 150 pounds. I am glad that I have evolved since then. I’ve looked at pictures from earlier pictorial directories and noticed that many of you have changed as well. I have done some research, trying to figure out who we started out as and what our beliefs have been as a church throughout the years. The results have been fairly consistent. We’ve been the church that welcomed those who have been kicked out of their childhood churches, those who have no church, those who weren’t accepted elsewhere, and those who dared to question what they were told. We are the church that honestly and bravely follows Jesus’ example of how to live. The slogan a few years ago for the UCC was, “our theology may be 2000 years old…but our thinking is not.” The UCC has evolved over time but its dedication to seek the truth has never changed. This is why I love this denomination so much. You may notice several improvements happening around here in the coming year. Some are small and hardly noticeable like new bathroom signage and visitor parking spaces. Look closer and you’ll see new elevator signs, better handicap accessibility, wheelchair friendly pews, hearing aids, hand railings up to the pulpit, ramps up to the choir loft, and many other little things to enable more people enjoy our services of worshipping our God. We want to be the church where all people feel comfortable and safe while learning more about God and about what Jesus taught us to do. We want people to build and strengthen their relationship with God and one another, and then work as a faith community to “be the fragrance of Christ to all that we meet”. This is no easy task. We are thankful for our diversity and for the encouragement to think for ourselves. As beautiful as this makes us, it casts a wide net. In our efforts to be a church that is for all people, we need to take the next step and “live the life we say we do”. I mentioned in the last few sermons that it is easier to say that you forgive people than it is to actually forgive. We are all
Transcript of Qu`e Pasa?October 2014 Qu`e Pasa? Well we’ve finished our first year together and the Nekoosa UCC...
The Word
The Nekoosa United Church of Christ
“God is Still Speaking”
October 2014
Qu`e Pasa? Well we’ve finished our first year together and the Nekoosa UCC has finished its 120th year of being a church and doing ministry in the Nekoosa community and beyond. That’s quite the accomplishment! Think about it; what else has endured and prospered in the community for 120 years? When I look at pictures of the church from long ago I notice that it looks different now than it did back then. Almost everything looks different now than it did back in its first years. For one thing the building itself is different. The parsonage is different, and the pictures of the pastors sure look different. The membership is no longer in the 400 to 500 range and there isn’t Sunday school attendance in the hundreds anymore; things change. I remember a quote that I heard, “the only thing constant in life is change”. How true is that. I know that I don’t look or act like I did back in my late teen years; other than weighing 150 pounds. I am glad that I have evolved since then. I’ve looked at pictures from earlier pictorial directories and noticed that many of you have changed as well. I have done some research, trying to figure out who we started out as and what our beliefs have been as a church throughout the years. The results have been fairly consistent. We’ve been the church that welcomed those who have been kicked out of their childhood churches, those who have no church, those who weren’t accepted elsewhere, and those who dared to question what they were told. We are the church that honestly and bravely follows Jesus’ example of how to live. The slogan a few years ago for the UCC was, “our theology may be 2000 years old…but our thinking is not.” The UCC has evolved over time but its dedication to seek the truth has never changed. This is why I love this denomination so much. You may notice several improvements happening around here in the coming year. Some are small and hardly noticeable like new bathroom signage and visitor parking spaces. Look closer and you’ll see new elevator signs, better handicap accessibility, wheelchair friendly pews, hearing aids, hand railings up to the pulpit, ramps up to the choir loft, and many other little things to enable more people enjoy our services of worshipping our God. We want to be the church where all people feel comfortable and safe while learning more about God and about what Jesus taught us to do. We want people to build and strengthen their relationship with God and one another, and then work as a faith community to “be the fragrance of Christ to all that we meet”. This is no easy task. We are thankful for our diversity and for the encouragement to think for ourselves. As beautiful as this makes us, it casts a wide net. In our efforts to be a church that is for all people, we need to take the next step and “live the life we say we do”. I mentioned in the last few sermons that it is easier to say that you forgive people than it is to actually forgive. We are all
God’s children and I believe it is time not only say we accept all of God’s children, but to actually accept all of God’s children. I have encouraged others to think about this and to come up with a statement that will show this community that our church is indeed a place where all people can feel comfortable and safe. A statement that we practice daily and truly believe in. Once again this was no easy task. I am very pleased to announce that we came up with a statement that reflects Jesus’ teachings so closely. This statement is one to be proud of. Our church is a church to be proud of. We don’t just say we are the church that accepts all people…we actually do it! Please take the time to thoroughly read this Open and Affirming statement. Read it over a few times. Talk to me if you don’t agree with any part of it or if you think we are not including one of God’s children. All conversations in my office will be confidential. My hope is that in the near future we can adopt this open and affirming statement and add it to our constitution as one of our core beliefs and missions as God’s church in this community; and then live it! Thank you for reading this, praying on this, discussing this, and being a part of this United Church of Christ! I await your thoughts.
Rough draft of the Open and Affirming Statement
For Nekoosa UCC
In John 15:12 Jesus tells us to “Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” Therefore in following the teachings and life of Jesus and with God’s grace, the United Church of Christ in Nekoosa, Wisconsin declares itself to be an Open and Affirming community. As a congregation we acknowledge that all people are created in God's image, and in doing so, embrace diversity and affirm the dignity and worth of every child of God. Everyone is welcome regardless of age, physical ability, economic circumstances, sexual orientation, race, gender identity, relationship status, ethnicity, or mental ability. We seek to grow together in faith and love inviting all to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, and sacraments of the church. The congregational family of the Nekoosa United Church of Christ will embrace all of God’s children with loving and accepting arms and will always be a safe place to worship God. Peace and Love, Pastor Tim
BIRTHDAYS 2 – Vicki Dean 3 – Taylor Sorenson 9 – Dan Forbes 12 – Jessica Buehring 14 – Sue Heller-Walrath 15 – Kevin Clark 17 -- Donna Simon 17 – Barb Fischer 21 – Charles Schauer 23 -- Mary Roberts 24 – Donette Krcmar 26 – Josh Becker 26 – Kathryn ‘Kate’ Murray 26 – Linda Mueller 29 – Cole Williams 29 – Rose Ann Boardman 31 –Adam Buehring 31 -- Mike Kumm
ANNIVERSARIES 3 - Jon and Tina Krummel 16 – Dan and Terre Forbes 21 – Jim and Kim Becker 21 – Mike and Stacie Kleifgen
If you would like to have your birthday or anniversary listed during the year, or there is an error in the date, please contact the church office at 715 886-3371.
A baby girl , Aleena Mae
was born to Seth & Lindsey Schider on August 15th. She weighed 6 lbs 15 oz and was 20 ½ inched long. Proud
grandparents are Tom and Montese Schider.
It is through the generosity of many people in the church that our Wish List needs have been and continues to be met. At this time we are in need of the following items:
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Thank you to everyone in our church family who has donated requested supplies over the many years. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.
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RIDES TO CHURCH If you are unable to get to Church on Sunday, we have a list of people willing to pick you up. Please contact one of the following people to
coordinate a ride for you. Ellen Osborne 715-886-4008,
Lynette Hilgers 715-886 4189, and Cindy Dorr 715-887-3702.
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October 4 & 5 – Pumpkin Fest
October 7 - Missionary Mark Behle Program
October 12 - Heritage Sunday
October 19 - WEG Chicken Dinner
October 24, 25, & 26. All Church Retreat at Moon Beach
November 6, 7, & 8 –Fall Rummage Sale
December 7 –Women United Christmas Bake Sale & Lunch
Volunteers are needed to work at SWEPS (Food Pantry) the week of October 6 - 10 from 1:00 pm until 3:30
pm . Three workers are needed each day. If you can help, please call Barbara Schauer at 715 886-3213.
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The Christian Education Committee Needs Your Help!! We are happy to report that we currently have need for nursery help. This also provides a problem for us which we hope you will help us with. Just sign up to sit in the
nursery one Sunday every few month and we will have the problem solved. We need to keeps the youngsters happy. They are our future. Also, Mrs. Schauer is hoping we can find someone to help her in her Sunday school room on a regular basis. Perhaps someone who enjoys being a grandma could adopt her classroom. If you are interested in helping out, see one of the Christian Education Committee Members. Joyce Murray, Barbara Schauer, Deb Martin, Cindy Saylor, Marcia Kumm or Vicki Nehring.
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Want something fun to do on a Friday night??? Come
to Family Game Night. We have scheduled the next one for Friday, October 17. Come down to the Fellowship Hall where we will
have popcorn, cool-aid and an assortment of games. If you would like, bring your own favorite game, snack or soda.
Prayer shawl group will not be meeting the month of October. We will resume on the first Tuesday of November.
We will be having a FALL SERRV catalog sale from October 5 to October 26, 2014. SERRV is a non-profit organization with 60 years of fair-trade and development experience. SERRV’s mission is to eradicate poverty where ever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers world wide in 32 countries. By helping these people earn an income, they can send their children to school, build wells, and other needed community projects to better their lives. SERRV provides training, grants, emergency assistance and other resources. Please look at the SERRV catalog located on the table in the narthex for many unique jewelry items, hand woven baskets, home décor, gifts, coffee and garden items. Maybe you can find a unique gift for a family member or friend. Or get a start on your Christmas shopping. If you would like to order, fill out the order form in the catalog and leave it in the narthex. I will collect all the orders on October 27, 2014. No money is due until the products come in. Please leave the catalogs in the narthex, so that all may have a chance to look at them. This is not a fund raiser for the church. All money goes to SERRV so that they can help the artisans and farmers who made the products. If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Dorr at 715-887-3702
P lease join us in welcoming Mark Behle, missionary working in Lesotho on October 7th . There will be a potluck at
6pm. He will have a program about his work there immediately after the meal.
Sit and Stitch group will be meeting October 11th. All are welcome to come and work on any kind of project. Doors open at 9am.
Friday evening, October 24
through Sunday, October 26, 2014
Marcia Kumm, Melody Moody-Zuege, Kaitlyn Kouba, Ellen Osborne, Cindy Dorr and Lynette Hilgers have organized and planned a fun and unforgettable experience at Moon Beach Camp. Price per person which includes three meals on Saturday and brunch on Sunday and lodging for two nights:
Adults 12 and over $115.50 Children 4-11 94.50 Children 2-3 21.00 Children 0-1 21.00
Scholarships forms are available in the church office. They need to be turned in four (4) weeks before camp.
SCRIP UPDATE REMEMBER - NO WAITING!!
We have more than doubled our SCRIP card inventory. In addition to the Piggly Wiggly, Kwik Trip and Wal-Mart SCRIP Cards we usually have on
hand, we now have Applebees, Shopko, Subway, Walgreen, Bath & Body Works, Copps and Home Depot. AND now Kohls has also been added to the mix.
Check in the Church Office.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE TAKE SCRIP ORDERS FOR OTHER
MERCHANTS ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH:
Questions: Call Chris Turok -- 886-5952
Or Marcia Kumm -- 886-3940
Or contact the church office
THANK YOU!!!
CHANGES ARE HAPPENING WITHIN OUR CHURCH!
We have an Ad-Hoc committee that is working with the Trustees Committee and the Mission and Outreach committee. The purpose of the Ad-Hoc committee is to take a good look at our church and determine what could be done to update our church facility, making it more current and functional. Here are 5 items that we are currently working on:
1. New signs in our church to mark the bathrooms and the dining/fellowship hall. (these are already in place)
2. Greeters will have new and helpful duties. Greeting at the parking lot door, helping with the elevator and handing out bulletins.
3. Updating the church facility maps.
4. Refreshing the bell tower of the church. New paint and lighting have already been finished. Look at the bell tower day or night!
5. The lighted outdoor sign on the lawn will have a good cleaning and refresh the paint.
There are other items on our "to do list"! We will continue to tell you about them as they are about to happen or...you might just see them completed! Keep your eyes open!
Mission and Outreach Board thanks those who volunteered Saturday September 6th, to work on the Habitat
for Humanity House in Wisconsin Rapids for the Denise Jolly family. The Nekoosa UCC was represented by 16(14 members and 2 friends). Hanging drywall was the main project. A lunch was provided by M & O to feed the workers. Your time and work is so appreciated!
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For years our church has been collecting pop top tabs for Ronald McDonald House in Marshfield. Last year the House received a total of $10,179.87 from recycling. The money from the
aluminum tab recycling program goes to pay for general operating expenses for the House. Please continue to save your pop top tabs and be part of “The House that Love Built.” You may drop them off in the church office
Neighbors in Need (NIN) offering, which we will receive on October 5th, supports the UCC’s ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. Through UCCTakeAction.org, our national Justice and Witness Ministries office offers resources, news updates and action alerts on a broad spectrum of justice issues. Working with members of the UCC Justice and Peace Action Network ( a network of thousands of UCC justice and peace advocates), Justice and Witness continues its strong policy advocacy work on issues such as the federal budget, voting rights, immigration, health care, hate crimes, civil liberties, and environmental justice. Neighbors in Need also supports our American Indian neighbors in the UCC. One-third of the offering supports the UCC’s Council for American Indian Ministries(CAIM). Historically , forebears of the UCC established churches and worked with Lakota, Dakota Nakota, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arickara, and Hocak in the North and South Dakota, Wisconsin and northern Nebraska. Today there are 20 UCC congregations on reservations and one urban, multi-tribal UCC congregation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. These churches and their pastors are supported by CAIM. CAIM is also an invaluable resource for more than 1,000 individuals from dozens of other tribes and nations who are members of other UCC congregations in the U.S. You will find an offering envelope in this newsletter and one will also be provided in the October 5th worship bulletin
Neighbors in Need helps make another world possible.
It Needs your support. Please give generously.
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Keep Your Body Movin’ Just a reminder that our exercise class still meets every Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9:00. Low impact exercises
for all ages and we wind down with some simple and relaxing Tai Chai moves. Besides being good for your physical health, our chat sessions afterward can be good for your mental health. They say laughter is the best medicine!!
Shrines’ Hospitals for Children thanks the Nekoosa UCC for the gift of money to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children-Twin Cities. Shriners
Hospitals for Children is a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric special care, innovating research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay. “Your generosity is deeply appreciated and will make a positive difference in the lives of the children that come to us for help.” (This was an offering taken at the August potluck/prayer service.) *************************************************
2014 Fall Spaghetti Dinner
October 18 – 4:00pm to 7:00pm Joseph J. White American Legion Post 442
10929 State Highway 73 South Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Adults - $8.00 Children 6-10 - $3.00
5 and under – Free Included: Spaghetti w/meat sauce
Salad Bar – Bread Beverage & Desserts Carry Outs Available
The Youth Group is back in session. We meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 5:00pm. Planning for the coming year is always a challenge. The kids have so many ideas about what they want to do. So far we are planning a Halloween party for the little kids after worship on November 2. Games, prizes, fun for all. Bring a friend. Plans are also in the works for a lock-in, tubing, chili cook-off, chicken soup, and many more.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2014
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
At the
Nekoosa United Church of Christ 205 Market Street
Nekoosa 715-886-3371
ADULT DINNER……………………$8.00
CHILDREN (12 & under)......$5.00
Includes: Chicken, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy,
Vegetables, Rolls, Dessert, Beverage
Sponsored by: Nekoosa UCC Women’s Evening Group
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
[Closed Sundays & Most Holidays]
TELEPHONE NUMBER: 715-886-3371
If you are moving, have a change of
address or, planning a temporary
address change, please contact the
Church Office. Did you know
returned mail is an additional
expense to our church? Call 715-
886-3371
Please remember to contact the Church Office when there is an illness, concern, hospitalization or, you would like a call from Pastor Tim. The hospital will not inform us without your permission!
CHURCH EMAIL ADDRESSES:
Does the Church Office have your email address? Please contact Vicki with this information.
www.nekoosaucc.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nekoosa-United-Church-of-Christ/153330554707594
BULLETINS & NEWSLETTERS
Would you like an Announcement
made in a Sunday Bulletin? Please
contact the Church Office NO LATER
than 10:00 AM, THURSDAY’S.
Articles for the ‘The Word’ must be
submitted by NO LATER than 10:00 AM,
the 3rd FRIDAY of every month. The
Church Office can’t guarantee late
articles will be put in the newsletter due
to time and space constraints!
THE NEKOOSA UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
205 Market Street, Nekoosa, WI 54457
715 886-3371…[email protected]
Minister: [email protected]
Webpage: www. nekoosaucc.com
October 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Church Office Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Closed Weekends &
Most Holidays
1 9:00am Women United Prepare for Pumpkin Fest 6-7:30pm…Confirmation
2 9:00am …Exercise
3 4 9am-5pm
5 – –
9am-4pm
9:30 Worship w/communion 9:45 Sunday School 10:30 Coffee &Fellowship 10:30 Scrip Sales
6 5:30pm…Choir Practice 7p.m. AA Meeting
7 9:00am …Exercise 6:00pm…Pot Luck & Mark Behle Program
8 5:00 pm… Youth Group 6-7:30pm… Confirmation 6:00pm…Ad Hoc Cmte
9 9:00am …Exercise
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11 9:00am Sit “n Stitch
12 – Heritage Sunday- 9:30 Worship 9:45 Sunday School 10:30Coffee & Fellowship
13 5:30pm…Choir Practice 7p.m. AA Meeting
14 9:00am …Exercise 6pm…M&O Mtg
15 6:00pm Trustees, Christian Ed 7:00pm Church Council
16 9:00am …Exercise
17 6:00pm…Family Game Night
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19 - 9:30 Worship 9:45 Sunday School 10:30Coffee&Fellowship WEG Chicken Dinner
20 5:30pm…Choir Practice 7p.m. AA Meeting
21 9:00am …Exercise
22 5:00pm Youth Group
23 9:00am …Exercise
24
*ALL CHURCH
RETREAT*
25
*ALL CHURCH
RETREAT*
26 9:30 Worship 9:45 Sunday School 10:30Coffee & Fellowship
*ALL CHURCH RETREAT*
27 5:30pm…Choir Practice 7p.m. AA Meeting
28 9:00am …Exercise
29 6pm…Prayer Service & Confirmation
30 9:00am …Exercise
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“God is Still Speaking”
