August 21, 2012

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a season, a time for everything, every activity under heaven. Peter Seeger adapted Ecclesiastes to write his song Turn Turn Turn (to Every Thing There is a Season) putting it to music in 1959. It was one of the top songs after being released in late 1965 by the folk rock band The Byrds. The seasons are turning for us again. The “lazy days of summer” are coming to a closure and many of us are returning to the routine of school schedules, activities that were put on hold for awhile, and finishing all those projects that have to be done before winter. Sunday school will be starting and some activities at church will be winding down, others beginning. In Ecclesiastes we are told that there are many different seasons, seasons which overlap each other. At times they may seem overwhelming as many different things demand attention at the same time. “Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” (Matthew 11:28 NLT) Jesus said he would give rest to us as we become weary and our burdens heavy but he did not make a passive statement. Jesus said he would give rest to those who come to him. It requires action. We must seek Jesus with our burdens and while we are weary. In many ways the action of seeking appears to be adding one more burden on top of our already busy, often overscheduled day. If seeking time with Jesus is treated like all of our other activities, written into our schedules just as we do other things we need to do and places we need to be, seeking Jesus/God becomes part of our routine. If we treat seeking Jesus/God differently, trying to add it where we can find time to fit it in, it becomes a burden and we do not receive the rest Jesus has said will be given to those who come to him. I would encourage you to me in scheduling time to seek God and for worship as you “get your schedules together” for the coming months, the new season we are entering. If you do, you may be pleasantly surprised at the rest which comes with seeking God. I will be putting time with God in my schedule because if I do not I become too busy filling the time with other things and find that my burdens are heavier and I become even more weary.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you in this time of changing seasons.   Pastor Shannon

kris:

kris:

October 2012•October 7th

Greeters/Ushers: LaNita & Brad Richardson

•October 14th

Greeters/Ushers: Ken & DelMae

Gifford•October 21st

Greeters/Ushers: Luanne & Janice Kopp

Saueressig•October 28th

Greeters/Ushers: Pete & Karla

Steele

October 31st

**************************************************

********

Ad. Council Mtg. Oct. 3rd •

September 2012September 2nd Greeter/Usher: Donna Hoyt &

Maxine Maxwell

September 9th Greeter/Usher: Margie & Mike Sweeney

September 16th Greeter/Usher: Marlene & Bill Baker

September 23th Greeter/Usher: Rhonda & Troy Gansluckner

September 30th 150th Anniversary Greeter/Usher: Sandy and Diane

Kopp Johnson

******************************Sept. 5th Ad. Council Mtg.Sept. 22nd All Church Rummage Sale Sept. 30th 150th Anniversary

A STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE FOR YOUR CHURCH (September)

******************************************** #281 The grass withers, the flower fades; But the word of our God will stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8 – NRSV         As I drive through the countryside, I’m amazed at how differently the corn crop is responding to the drought.  The grass has dried up and leaves on the trees are falling prematurely.   When the Gerbera daisies in my flower boxes need water, they wilt so pitifully I can almost hear them whining for water!  Instead of withering, drooping and giving up, so to speak, the corn plants are stretching up as high as they can.   Their leaves are curled toward the middle as their defense mechanism against the lack of rain.  Driving by, it appears that they are reaching toward the sky.  Many are still trying to tassel out and pollinate in order to produce cobs.         I think we could learn some lessons from the corn plants that are reaching toward the sky.  They are standing as tall as they can in the midst of adversity.  The difficulties they face are not going to get them down.  In theological terms, we could say that the difficulties they face are also not going to keep them from being focused on God.        They continue to grow straight and tall, trying their best to give all they can.  The cobs they are able to grow this year will be small and much lower in essential nutrients.  But those who are able will give as much as possible.        It’s written in the scriptures, “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.”  (Isaiah 40:8)  In the midst of the drought this year, we are beginning a new approach to discipleship and giving here in Wisconsin called “Think Greater!”  Let’s “Think Greater” together as we give thanks for all God has given us and offer a portion of our gifts back to God.   What is God calling you to give of your time, your talents and your treasures? Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation or wumf@wumf.org

A number of authors have shared the idea of encouraging children and youth to divide their allowances and other financial gifts into three categories:   

Sharing - Saving – Spending         They suggest that parents use a visual of 3 different cups or jars, labeling each one.   Each week when the child receives their allowance a formula is followed.   Sample formulas are: 

10% Sharing (Giving) – 10% Saving - 80% Spending10% Sharing (Giving) – 40% Saving – 50% Spending25% Sharing (Giving) – 25% Saving – 50% Spending

         Parents and students decide where the Sharing/Giving portion will go.   This allows the students to give their own offerings to the church and other charities, which begins to foster good giving habits.           The Saving portion is intended to be for long-term savings – a college fund, a car fund, a Christmas gift fund or whatever the parent(s) determine is acceptable.         The Spending portion is just that, the amount that can be spent.   If it’s not enough to buy a certain item in one week, then there’s another element of saving involved.        For more information on how to implement this simple money management system in your household, go to http://www.churchleadership.com/leadingideas/leaddocs/2012/120201_article2.html 

Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation750 Windsor Street Ste. 305, P.O. Box 620

Sun Prairie, WI 53590-06201-888-903-9863 or wumf@wumf.org

Growing in Generosity with Children and Youth

September scripture readings will follow

the Revised Common Lectionary.

"September and October"Scripture Readings

2-Sep-12 Song of Solomon 2:8-13 James 1:17-27 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 

9-Sep-12 Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17 Mark 7:24-37 

16-Sep Proverbs 1:20-33 James 3: 1-12 

23-Sep Proverbs 31:10-31 James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a 

30-Sep 150th Celebration 

 September 30 is the 150th celebration at

Ono and scripture readings are being

determined.

October scripture readings will be chosen

from the following.

7-Oct-12 Job 1:1; 2:1-10 Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 Mark 10:2-16 

14-Oct-12 Job 23:1-9, 16-17 Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 10:17-31 

21-Oct (Laity Sunday)Job 38:1-7 (34-41)Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 10:35-45 

28-Oct Job 42:1-6, 10-17 Hebrews 7:23-28 Mark 10:46-52 

Laity Sunday scripture readings may change.

Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries Do you want to grow as a follower of Jesus and better

understand how to use your gifts in ministry?

       We are all called to be the body of Christ, the church, God’s hands and feet on earth, proclaiming God’ wonders and works.  Carrying out the mission and purpose of the church is dependent on Laity.        The Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries “is the foundational course” that lays the framework for Lay Servant Ministries.  Information from this course may be used as you work in your local church and beyond.       In the basic course topics such as servant and spiritual leadership, caring ministries, basic communication skills, sharing your faith, and leading meetings will enhance your knowledge and skill as a leader.  This does not mean that you will be asked to be a committee chair and although the book we use is called Lay Speaking Ministries, the course in NOT designed to prepare you to preach.  There is an advanced course on preaching.Pastor Shannon will be leading a two session Basic Course in Lay Servant Ministries.

Please see Pastor Shannon if interested in attending. Dates:  Saturday October 13 and Saturday October 27Times: 9:00-3:00Place: Durand UMCCost: $11.00 plus free will offering for lunch if eating at Durand            UMCMaterials: Book Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course Participant’s Book 

Announcing... Ono's new website!We now have a website for our church at www.onounitedmethodistchurch.org The site features a calendar, other church information, and links to other church and community related websites. Let Pastor Shannon or Kraig Krueger know of any suggestions for the site, as it is a work-in-progress! Also, don't forget that Ono has a Facebook page – just search "Ono Church“ in Facebook and make a comment.

That’s right it’s time for Sunday School!

            Sunday school with be starting                back up again the weekend                after Labor day on Sept. 9!!  

We would like to welcome old and new children, 3 years and up to join us right after children’s time during the church service.  To kick off Sunday School, we will be having Sundae Sunday following church during fellowship time.          Margie and Jill

Unfortunately, as funerals do happen, we have recognized that we need to make a few changes.  As all members of the church, we are part of the very important ONO/PC family and want to be there for each other during these difficult times. In the case of a funeral, we will be asking all members to contribute occasionally by  furnishing cakes and/or salads or by helping in the kitchen. We realize all have busy  but we are never to busy to help each other during these hard times.  We care for each other and must take care of each other.  We will be making a list and tryour hardest to rotate through the list.  Should we make funeral committees?  This could be an item for discussion during our UMW meeting even though we realize this is a full membership issue.  Thank youin advance!If you feel that you would like to contribute more- please talk to Marlene Baker, Jill Bechel, Donna Hoyt, Maxine Maxwell or Janice Saueressig.

Pizza and ConversationYouth grades 7 and up please join Pastor Shannon in the Ono Church

dining room on September 16 at 5:00 pm for Pizza and conversation about

Youth activities and confirmation. 

New Bishop Appointed for Wisconsin Annual Conference

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung has been appointed bishop for Wisconsin Annual Conference 

for the next four years.

Funeral Help Committees

TID

BITS!

          The committee for our 150th celebration 

  met August 15th.  Our invitations will be ready next week to address and mail soon.  

Please pick up extras for your family and old friends of Ono so they can be informed also.  We will contact the local newspapers to print an article to update the area.  If someone would like to help stamp and address the invitations, let Janice know.        Margie has put much work and thought into providing  "classic" clothing for anyone to borrow for the party if you are interested.  We hope some of the children will find some "historic" outfits too if they wish. The suggestion was made to have someone taking photos during the day and maybe putting together a folder of the 150th party to be available later this year. Sandi will contact people later about helping with the lunch.  Have you checked out the website that Kraig K. put together? It is really fantastic!        We want to get our musicians together soon to go over some special music for the morning and afternoon service.   Would a Sunday after church work for the "singers"?  I know we have some good High School voices too.  Let Janice know when we can do this before long. Luella Dettling said she will play for us that day so all our singers can join in the songs. There are some neat old hymns in the hymnal too which would make it easier. Hoping too for a solo or duet here and there.

        We are glad to announce that Chuck and Sharon Wendt, Pastor Hazen and the District Supt. will be with us to share the "Past, Present and Future" of Ono. Pastor Shannon will share her joys as our "present" pastor. Let us know how your ideas can be shared too. It will be a wonderful gathering to look forward too. Be sure to SAVE THE DATE! September 30th, gathering at 9:30, worship at 10:00 A.M. then lunch and a program to follow. 

The following is a recipe taken from the recipe book of the late 1930's when the UMW was called: The Ladies Bible Class of the ONO COMMUNITY CHURCH.

MUSTARD PICKLES By Matie Betterly

1/2 cup of ground mustard1 cup of salt 1 gallon of vinegar

This will make a 3 gallon jar full of pickles.Wash cucumbers as picked and fill the jar. Cuta horseradish root into small pieces and mix withpickles. When jar is full, cover with grape or horse-radish leaves. These will keep in an open jar until used!!

DON'T YOU JUST LOVE THIS??

150th Anniversary Update!

ONO UMW NEWS!On August 8th, a delicious roast beef dinner was served to about 117 guests. The reports were: "how wonderful this meal was AGAIN!" Diane, Kris, Karla, Molly and Janice were the servers! Thanks to the rest of the ladies for their pies and extras. We were a little down in getting extras as there were only 3 pieces of pie left! Whew…we made it though! Also, Thanks to Brad , Jim, Jill, Donna, Pastor Shannon and Mikinzie and Isaac for the extra help! We desperately need dish washers as the committee is always pretty weary after the cooking and serving. Last Noon Meal: September 12th – Roast Pork! Please come and pitch in. The cooks are: Marlene, Sandie, Lanita & Brad and Jill. Don't forget to bring pies and extra veggies and salads to help out the committee. The committee isn't expected to do it alone. Lots of help encourages us to continue this tradition. We don’t want to lose any of our servers!

*********************************************************Short, but IMPORTANT meeting after church on

SEPTEMBER 16th . Please Attend!We have a couple of small items to discuss, before we get into 

the busy fall and then the holidays are already here.  

********************************************************

ONO UPDATES!The new carpet at Ono, will be laid beginning the 17th of Sept and finished before the Sunday worship. WE NEED MAJOR HELP moving everything 

that is now sitting on carpeting. The organ, piano, pulpit, rail etc. I hope we can move all the pews together and put the heavy things on the wood floor. They also would like the folding doors taken down. Could our strong men do this after church on Sunday the 16th? Some other minor things, bookcase etc. could be moved elsewhere before the 16th. No reason why the folding doors couldn't come down anytime also. Jill thought we could use the back Sunday School room temporarily too. 

The ONO/PC Rummage Sale Is set for Sept. 22 at the Legion Park in Plum City. Start getting your “treasures” together! Please think of donating items, making a pie or baked item and/or helping out! We would like as much help as possible to make this sale another success. Please drop off items that morning; set-up will start soon about 7:00. A group of us might be calling around to ask for help with any of the above mentioned. Call with questions- Donna Hoyt, Maxine Maxwell, Margie Sweeney, or Jill Bechel. Thanks in advance.

FUN STUFF! The UMW ladies and several "guests" went to see the OTHER "Church Basement Ladies" at the Plymouth Playhouse on the 19th. What a riot that was! We laughed till we hurt. It was hilarious. Thanks to our trusty drivers for getting all 18 of us there safely. 

Coffee Break at Maiden Rock UMC

We have continued our Monday morning coffee break through the summer by request, and we all enjoy the fellowship, treats, and coffee around the tables.  We will continue this thru the fall and winter.

 9:00-10:30 AM at Maiden Rock UMC.

Bring your friends. September Coffee Break: Monday

Sept. 10th.October Coffee Break: Monday Oct.

8th.  New BiblesWe are very thankful to have             some new large print pew                  Bibles for our church as a memorial to Marie Schoeder, given to us by her daughters, Lorna and Betty.  

Maiden Rock United Methodist Church

Maiden Rock UMWOur August UMW meeting was held at the Plum City Care Center on August 23, at 1:30 with Jean Clark.  

Landscaping              We have been given bids for 

the landscaping in front of our church.  

            The work will be done this fall.  We are looking forward to having this finished.         

Thanks so much to all the UMW noon meal SERVERS and WORKERS! It is getting hard to do the cooking and then the clean-up too. I

am really hopeful that others will step forward and join a committee.. The funds we raise are always put to good use in the community and

to missions elsewhere.            Here is a BIG THANK YOU in preparing            for the 150th ANNIVERSARY.   I know many of our members (Janice, Diane, Kraig, Sandie & Margie) put in a great deal of extra work to make the anniversary day a success.

I just need to lift of Jill Bechel and Diane Johnson and thank you for all that you do. Your hubby’s help is also so appreciated! At this time it seems you are forever being called upon and you always answer that call! Thanks

Thanks Kraig for building a WEBSITE for the ONO church! It’s awesome!

The information contained in this newsletter about the Back Pack Program for the Plum City School is our chance as Ono United Methodist members to do what we can for this worth while program and our community.  Our church council decided not only to contribute food items and money, but to go further and volunteer our time to the actual packing of these items for delivery to the school.  We will be packing the back packs at the Food Shelf in Plum City on Thursdays.  (Time is yet to be determined.)  We do need volunteers to make this work for the children of OUR community.  We would need 6 volunteers each                week and this could be done on a rotating basis               once we have volunteers in place.  We would               certainly accept help from others in the                   community also so SPREAD THE WORD!  

It has been decided that we will have two back packs here at ONO on the 4th Sunday of each month for food donations.  We believe this will be a wonderful way for us to show our discipleship and love for our community and our Lord.  A sign up sheet for volunteers will be on the front pew at church.  If you missed sign-up sheet -contact Diane Johnson at 715-647-2186 the or e-mail her at bjjohnson@ centurytel.net

Thanks for reading this and considering this worthy cause.

What We Can Do for the Back packing for the Weekend Program

YOU CAN HELP!

The problem of childhood hunger is not simply an education or a health issue. It is a moral issue. Child hunger hampers a young person’s ability to learn and he or she becomes more likely to suffer prom poverty as an adult.

Scientific evidence suggests that hungry children are less likely to become productive citizens.

The Weekend Backpack Program is designed for OUR children, here in the Plum City School District, Wisconsin—not children living in a third world county. This is the USA and we believe our children should not go hungry!

Please make a monetary dona-tion, food donation or volunteer to help support this vital program.

THIS PROGRAM IS FUNDED BY:

The Plum City Food PantryUnited Way

For more information, contactJoan Nabbefelt, Coordinator

715-797-2493

THE WEEKENDPACKPACK PROGRAM

FEEDING HUNGRY CHILDREN ON THE 

WEEKENDS

This program is available to all students in the Plum City Elementary School who are eligible for free or reduced school lunches.

A collaborative effort on the part of the Plum City Food Pantry, the Plum City School District, the ONO Methodist Church and United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha and Pierce Counties.

What is the weekend backpack program?

This is a program that is designed to feed children who do not have reliable access to food on non-school days. For many children, school breakfast and lunch are the only meals they can count on.

Each family involved in the Weekend Backpack Program will receive a backpack of food each Friday during the school year that will help feed the number of children in their household for the weekend.

Although special dietary needs cannot be accommodated, attention is given to ensure the meals have nutritional value, are easy to prepare, and can be carried home in a backpack provided by the program.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Packing the backpacks

Delivering the backpacks

Fund raising/food drives

Promotion

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Make a tax-deductible donation to:The Plum City Food Pantry

PO Box 23Plum City, WI 54761

OR

Donate food—we need the following:•  Cereal (smaller boxes)•  Peanut butter•  Canned tuna or chicken•  Mac & Cheese Mix•  Granola bars•  Graham crackers•  Dried fruit•  Fruit cups•  Apple sauce cups•  Dry soup mix•  Canned spaghetti sauce•  Spaghetti