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TH
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NOVEMber
2015
FROM PASTOR JERRYS DESK
On Telling Familiar Stories
One of the challenges that we pastors face is that of finding new ways to tell
the same stories. Take Christmas for instance. There is probably no story in
all scripture that is more familiar than that of the birth of Baby Jesus in
Bethlehem, and yet every December we tell the story again. What else are we
going to do? Skip it? And so each year we face the task of somehow making
this loved and familiar story feel new. Its the same with Easter. Of course were going to tell the story of Christs resurrection again. Its who we are. But how do we keep the story from feeling stale? How do we repeat the old,
old story without sounding repetitious?
But you know whats even harder? Stewardship season. Every year about this time, as we prepare our budget for the following year and ask our
faithful to consider pledging their gifts to the church or increasing their pledge from last year we are faced with the same challenge. How are we going to say it this year? The Christmas and Easter stories are stories of
grace and hope, about what God has given to us. The stewardship story,
about giving back to God through the church, is a harder story to tell even
the first time. Telling it again and again . . . Well? How do we repeat this
story without sounding repetitious?
Theres actually a whole industry devoted to helping pastors tell the stewardship story. I get mail every week from some other business who has a
sure-fire way to ENHANCE YOUR CHURCHS GIVING THIS YEAR! Most are scams, promising immediate dramatic results. I sometimes feel that
that these offers should come with FDA-mandated disclaimers, like
prescription drugs do. (DISCLAIMER: Results not guaranteed. May cause
irritation of parishioners and temporary disgruntledness. If you have been
diagnosed with a shred of integrity, do not use this product. Talk to your
spiritual advisor to see if the Faith Power Spirit Other-Buzzword Giving Plan is right for you.)
But even if we reject the Madison Avenue approach to stewardship, with
implied false promises and manufactured enthusiasm, we still have to figure
out some way to talk about giving to the church, Here are the two major
options:
The Sober Assessment. Even as many individuals have increased their
giving over the past few years, our giving as a whole has not had a net
increase since at least 2006. In the years since then, we have cut staff and
operating budgets dramatically, but we are still struggling to keep up
with the decline, and we are still drawing from endowed funds to pay our
bills at the end of the year.
All of that is true, but theres a better way.
The Mission of Our Church. In the ten years since our last increase in
giving, we have started the Personal Needs Closet, the Homelessness
(continued on p. 10)
Sunday, November 22
8:00am - Morning Chapel
10:00am - Worship
The Opposite of Thanksgiving Matthew 21:33-44
The Season of Advent
Sunday, November 29 - First Sunday in Advent
8:00am - Morning Chapel
10:00am - Worship
Prophecy and Second Meanings Jeremiah 33:14-16
*We observe Open Communion. All are welcome at
Gods table.
Sunday, November 1 - All Saints Memorial Service 8:00am - Morning Chapel with Communion*
10:00am - Worship with Communion*
Remembering and Being Remembered Ezekiel 16:42-43, 59-63
Sunday, November 8
8:00am - Morning Chapel
10:00am - Worship
Grown Up Giving Exodus 36:20-29
Sunday, November 15
8:00am - Morning Chapel
10:00am - Worship
Grown Up Believing John 6:60-68
Church Purpose:Church Purpose:Church Purpose:
Live and Share God's LoveLive and Share God's Love
NON PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 542
WAUSAU, WI 54403
The Messenger First United Methodist Church of Wausau
903 Third Street
Wausau, WI 54403
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Phone 715 842-2201 Website: www.fumcwausau.org
STAFF
Pastor: Gerald Morris
Faith Formation/Music Coordinator Martie Pahris
Building Engineer: Andy White
Accounts & Records Supervisor: Karen Kellbach
Secretary: Arlene Trull
903 Third St; Wausau, WI 54403
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs - 9:00am-4:00pm
Web-site: www.fumcwausau.org
E-mail: [email protected]
November is full of wonderful worship opportunities. On November 1st we will be
observing All Saints Day and remembering those who have died during this past year. We will also have communion on that day and remember our Saviors death as well.
On November 8th, instead of the sounds of organ or piano, our music will be provided by
a string quartet made up of members of our church. The children that have been playing
bells on Wednesday evenings will also be playing for us.
On November 15th we will have a commissioning service for those who are going on a
mission trip to Guatemala during the week of the Thanksgiving holiday. This will be a
special time together as we send them off to a foreign country to share Gods love.
The holidays are almost here. November 22nd will be the Sunday before Thanksgiving,
when we will offer our thanks and praise to God for all that God has done for us. Then
November 29th is the first Sunday of Advent, and we begin preparing for the coming of
the Christ child. You are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to gather
with your church family to worship the Lord our God.
During the month of November, the
Jubilate Bells will rehearse at 6:15
until 7:10pm in the Bell Room.
The Chancel Choir will rehearse at
7:15 until 8:30pm in the Choir
Room.
Upcoming Dates to Remember:
December 13 - Lessons and Carols
There will only be a 10:00am worship service
on this day.
December 20 - Childrens Program
This will be during the 10:00am service only.
Celebrating Pastor Jerrys 10 years of ministries here
Love Hope UMW Circle made over 45 gallons of laundry detergent for the Personal Needs Closet
Page 10
Resources for Ministry Financial Update - September 2015 YTD
FUMC Wired
Website: fumcwausau.org
With links to the weekly sermon
(text and podcast)
facebook.com/WausauFUMC
WiFi Network: FUMC Public
(password: fumcpublic)
Revenue Expense
Pledged Offering $ 175,933.46 Salaries & Benefits $ 173,877.87
Non-Pledged Offering $ 33,574.90 Programming $ 18,344.96
Other $ 36,360.90 Apportionments to Conference $ 40,032.00
Building Operating Expenses $ 47,922.70
Total Revenue $ 245,869.26 Total Expenses $ 280,177.53
Net YTD $ -34,308.87
YTD 2015 Pledged & Non-Pledged Offerings compared to YTD 2014 8,414.22 lower
YTD 2015 Total Expenses compared to YTD 2014 8,883.69 lower
YTD 2015 Other Income compared to YTD 2014 2,813.09 higher
YTD 2015 Endowment Transfer compared to 2014 5,000.00 higher
Stories, continued from p. 1
Project with the United Way, the Downtown
Memory Cafe, and the partnership with the new
church sharing the building with us, New Life
United Methodist Church. We have renewed
ourselves by fostering community in small groups,
the new Mens Group, Family Camps, and by intentionally sending the church out to our home-
bound in the new Visitation Team. We have
reinvented Confirmation for our young people,
begun new retreats to foster their growth, planned an
overseas mission trip to Guatemala, and begun a
new Vacation Bible School plan in partnership with
North Central College.
This story is true, too, but this story matters more. In
the past decade, which has been a hard decade for
churches all over America, our church has responded by
reinventing itself, reclaiming its mission, and
rediscovering our calling to our community. And the
fact that weve done all this in a time of financial strain is an even greater testimony to the people that we are.
Thats our story. This month, as you receive mailings about your pledge, as you hear sermons about giving,
remember this second story. There is a reason that we
are here. There are lives that God is changing through
the ministry of this church. Thank you.
Page 3
Savvy Seniors will meet at
11:30am at on Monday, November
2, at the 2510 Restaurant on
Stewart Avenue.
Milestones
Deaths: On All Saints Day, in our Memorial Service, we will
remember the members and close
family of our members who have
died in the year since All Saints Day, 2014. At that service, there
will be a time when you may light a
candle for anyone for whom you
mourn whose name we have not
read.
Birth: Sullivan Reid Harris,
grandson of Bruce and Ann Chopp,
was born on October 1.
Baptism: Charlotte Eve Hassberg,
daughter of Zach and Danielle
Hassberg, and granddaughter of
James and Carla Wadinski, was
baptized in worship on October 18.
* Signifies an honored elder who cannot be at church regularly. Remember these members in your prayers.
1 Ricky Surprise Bryce Vannes Lauren Atonio Leisha Krahn Kyle Goertz 2 Tom Kelley Haley Fons 3 Brian Smith Lisa Riehle Susan Hamilton Carole Machek 4 Norma Volkman Jake Grant 5 Ella Weiland Michael Del Conte 6 Leroy Schoepke Bonnie Horban 7 Alberta Cunningham* Jessie Stange 10 Janet Lamont Matthew Carlson
11 Kay Zuleger Gerald Gisselman 12 Mary Virginia Quarles 13 Thomas Davis Steven Lindsley Chad Schepp 14 Thomas Lahren Buck Sutton 15 Jill Daubert 17 Stephan Ebert 18 Vicki Swanson 19 Linda White 20 Robert Gebhardt Timm Fischer Marilyn Zahn* Lincoln Larson Maria Jauch
21 Joan Harvey Marlaine Moede Emma Allen* Lennon Volkaitis 23 Peter Johnson Danielle Taylor 24 Paula Hauber 25 Virginia Day Joel Del Conte Rachael Del Conte Allen Stamp Chris Del Conte 26 Charles McCrory 27 Janet Schlueter* 28 Dave Decker Janet Stroik 29 Bob Firary Debra Schoepke 30 Sue Surprise Carla Wadinski
CARE and COMMUNITY
The Guatemala Mission Trip is paid for!
But keep bringing your aluminum cans to
the church!
All proceeds will support our churchs outreach projects.
CARE / OUTREACH
UNITED
METHODIST
WOMEN
Circle Meetings
November 11 - Mary-Faith Circle
9:30am - Church Parlor
November 12 - Love-Hope Circle
5:30pm - The Mandarin Restaurant
7:00pm - Church Parlor
Other Upcoming Events
November 4
Sunshine Gals:
9:30am - The Gardens
10:45am - Mount View Care Center
November 5
6:30pm - Executive Committee
November 12
10:30am - Sunshine Gals - Riverside
Terrace
November 17
6:30pm - Unit Meeting (Pledge
Service & Thank Offering)
- Parlor
November 22
8:30-11:30am - Chili Sunday
(Fundraiser) - Parlor
Page 4
Prayer Shawl Ministry Mary Ann Dykes
Each month on the 4th Tuesday a group gathers at the church to knit and
crochet prayer shawls. We share prayers and thoughtful readings during
our time together. The shawls are available to anyone who would like to
share the love and care of this congregation as they present a shawl to
someone they care about. There are many times of transition during our
lifetime, like marriage, new births, celebration of milestones, facing
chronic illness, surgery, or end of life.
A shawl is a reminder that we do not travel this life journey alone and
symbolically wraps one in the love of God. We have received many thank
you notes from those who have received the fruit of our labors. In August,
we sent a shawl with Pastor Jerry to his father, who had recently had
surgery. I would like to share the poem we received from him.
Dear Ladies,
Youve sent a very precious gift This is a lovely shawl
It doesnt come from one of you I hear it comes from all
I received it from your messenger
When he arrived in town
He gave it to me right away
He didnt let you down This year, in the cold of winter
Ill be warm and merry Thankful to the Prayer Shawl Group
Also to your Pastor Jerry
THANK YOU SO MUCH, Russell (Buddy) Morris (Luke 18:27)
On November 8, 2015, the Prayer Shawl Group will be hosting Coffee
Hour. Any donations on that day will support the purchase of yarn for this
ministry. Please join us as we Live and Share Gods Love.
When a Church Program Becomes Something More
By now, if you read this newsletter at all, you know
that weve begun a new Visitation Team in which volunteers make contacts or visits with those of our
church who arent able to be here in person any more. We have designed report forms and track our visits on
a spreadsheet.
All this is good, of course. We need records, even if
they can sometimes feel mechanical. And sometimes
people can make it even better. A month or two after
we started, one young family in our church came to
Arlene and Pastor Jerry, saying they had been hearing
about our visitation focus and wanted to be a part of it.
They couldnt make many visits, but could we connect them to just one person (who wouldnt mind two small
children) that they could visit?
We did. They have now visited several times. The
woman they visit now keeps track of the childrens birthdays. Both the young family and their new
adopted grandmother have written to thank the church
for the relationship they have discovered.
Programs are useful. Family is even better.
Page 9
Growing up, I learned a lot about Jesus. As an adult,
Ive learned even more.
One of the common threads that has been part of my
journey was the idea that Jesus is sufficient or what is sometimes called the sufficiency of Christ. In my fundamentalist world, the sufficiency of Christ was a
theological descriptor relating to the issue of salvation,
and simply meant that what Christ accomplished
through his life, death, and resurrection, was sufficient nothing more needs to be added to it. All these years
later, I still believe that to be true.
Growing up, we seemed to believe it. Countless times
Ive looked across a room and seen hands raised toward the heavens as people sang lines such as, youre all I need as an affirmation that Jesus is all we need. Theo-logically Christ was sufficient. Christ was a sufficient
object of worship. Sufficient to save. Sufficient to
follow. He was all we need or so I thought.
As an adult, I was confronted with a paradigm shift
where I left my old faith community and the worldview
they had given me. It wasnt that I didnt believe in God or Jesus anymore I simply became dissatisfied with
life, and realized there had to be something more.
I had been a Christian for a solid 20 years before I found
Jesus, but when I rediscovered him (a story I tell in my
book, Undiluted) I was hooked. It was as if I had spent
the majority of my life worshipping someone I didnt even know, and when I met him, it was like meeting a
stranger.
Yet, Jesus quickly became a really fascinating stranger
who invited me on a journey to follow him an invitation I accepted. Instead of trying to pattern my life
in accordance with a theological label, instead of view-
ing the world through a filter of historical dispensations,
or instead of trying to figure out what to make of so
many difficult parts of the Bible, I just started over.
I hit the reset button on my faith. I began studying what
Jesus said, the example of how he lived, and let his
words and example become the gospel truth. If Jesus is sufficient for all my needs, the very thing I
was taught growing up, surely he should be sufficient
for defining what it looks like to be a Christian or so
I thought.
As it turns out, the community from whence I came all
of a sudden didnt believe in the sufficiency of Christ. Teaching folks to love your enemies like Jesus taught and did, all of a sudden became an area of the
Bible that couldnt be accepted at face value. Instead of accepting it, believing it, and obeying it, Jesus
needed to be filtered through the Old Testament to
such a degree that loving enemies didnt really mean anything. The same community that insisted the earth
was only 6,000 years old, that God created everything
in 6, 24 hour days, and that Jonah really lived in the
belly of a whale all based upon the premise of taking the Bible the most literal way possible all of a sudden had a thousand reasons why love your
enemies doesnt actually mean love your enemies.
The folks who taught me that Jesus is sufficient became the people who insisted that I needed to look
to Old Testament law or the examples set by OT fig-
ures, in order to understand how we should live. In the
end, I found that one of the best ways to avoid doing
what Jesus taught, and one of the easiest ways to find
excuses for why we shouldnt live the way he
lived, was to use the Bible to do it.
Using the Bible to run from Jesus is surprisingly
easy and becomes a way of doing what many non-believers do, while feeling morally superior as you
do it.
But today I have returned to the question of my youth the same question that was presented to me as a
fundamentalist. Is Christ sufficient? Is Jesus really all
we need?
And, all these years later, I still answer yes but in a
new way.
Connections We recently finished a whole sermon series on how to use the Bible, with all its different voices and traditions,
some of which seem very strange to us. I concluded that in weighing the voices, we need to listen first to the voice
of Jesus. In the same vein, here is an essay from Benjamin Corey, author of Undiluted, who writes the blog
Formerly Fundy.
Using the Bible To Run From Jesus (What If Jesus Actually Is Enough?)
October 9, 2015
FAITH FORMATION
Page 8
FAITH QUEST Faith Groups: 8:459:45am
Worship at 8:00 and 10:00am
DAVID
October 18 - November 15 Grades 2 through 5
For the Lord does not see as
mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. -- 1 Samuel 16:7
Confirmation Calendar
Keep these dates open!
Jan 15, 7:00pm - Community Shabbat at Mt Sinai Synagogue
March 4-5 - Wesleyan Retreat, Camp Lucerne
Coming later this month in FAITH QUEST
The Gift of Jesus
November 22 - December 20 Grades 2 through 5
But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for seeI am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 And suddenly there was with the angel a mul-titude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those whom God favors! Luke 2:13-14
The Wednesday evening activities for the
months of September and October were a time
of fellowship and learning. Adults had an
opportunity to take a class about Dementia in
the Church during September and the
Scripture Core class was offered both months.
Meanwhile, the children were upstairs
learning about God through music. We learned
new songs; one of which discussed the Bible
being a lamp to my feet, which tied in with our sermon series, Problems with the Bible. We learned about hymns and the hymnal, and
those hymns were sung in worship services.
We played rhythm instruments and learned
about string and brass instruments. And we
played bells and learned a little about how to
read music.
Volunteers Still Needed
Do you like spending time with children?
We still need volunteers to be in the nursery
on Sunday mornings during the 10:00am
worship service. If you would be willing to
give of your time in this way, please
contact Martie at the church, 715-842-
2201. Thank you.
OUTREACH Guatemala Mission Trip is Here!
It almost seems impossible. Weve been planning this mission trip for almost a year, and this month it happens. From the perspective of, well,
most of us, it has been a year of reminders and fund-raisers. We have
bought pecan rolls from the Guatemala Team, had our cars washed by
the youth, and in many cases donated directly to the Guatemala fund.
From the perspective of those who are going, in addition to planning
and administering the fund-raisers, it has been a year of going to extra
meetings, getting vaccinations, and even studying some Spanish with
our own Margaret Getzin.
And now the planning is done. On November 20, they will drive to
Milwaukee, spend the night there, then on the 21st they will fly to
Guatemala City, from which a bus will take them up into the mountains,
where they will spend a week working with Mission Guatemala. They
will not know all that they will be doing until they get there, but
Mission Guatemala runs medical and dental clinics, a school, and
several feeding centers. Guatemala has the highest rate of childhood
malnutrition in Central America.
On November 15, in worship, we will be commissioning these five
members as our representatives to Mission Guatemala:
Wes Ebert, Chlo Larson, Jennifer Marzu,
Sara Roquemore, John Willems Van Dijk
As a part of that worship service, you will be challenged to join these,
our missionaries, by praying for them daily. But theres no reason not to start now. This trip may change many lives - among the people in
Guatemala, among these who are going, and maybe even right here in
our own family.
November Mission Offering
The Neighbors Place
In November, our mission offering
will stay closer to home, supporting
the many different ministries of The
Neighbors Place. These range from a Food Pantry, to a free clothes and
furniture shop, to adult education, and
a community garden.
The Neighbors Place food pantry is the busiest in Marathon County, the
first resource for those who are
hungry.
For more information on The
Neighbors Place and these programs, check out their websi te at
www.neighborsplace.org.
Bring 4th Food
On November 22
remember to bring non-
perishable food items for
our 4th Sunday collection.
This month the food will be
donated to the food pantry
run by
Wesley United Methodist.
Page 5
5th Sunday Mission Offering
On Sundays with five Sundays, like
this month, our Mission Team has
designated the mission offering for
that last Sunday to our own Personal
Needs Closet.
And Another to India!
Rev. Sam Royappa, of the Wisconsin Conference, is leading a mission
team to Southern India this month. You may recall David Gnaniah's visit
to our church in July, when he talked about the school he had started at the
Philip & Timothy Stains Memorial Children's Home. He talked
about plans to expand the program to include more grades. The team has
been challenged to purchase and install playground equipment, complete
some maintenance projects, fund student scholarships, tutor students,
provide teaching resources, and school supplies. Mike and Sara Koss and
Sharon Gisselman from our congregation are part of this team. However,
there is an opportunity for mission supporters at FUMC to help. Financial
contributions can be sent to the church office and marked India Project.
Philip and Timothy Stains Memorial Children's Home is also an Advance
Special (#7940 India). Your contributions will not be used for travel
expenses. Your contributions will be used for the supplies and equipment
the team purchases. Of importance to Mike, Sara and Sharon is your
prayers for safe travel and successfully completing the team's challenge.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 ALL SAINTS' DAY
8:00am Morning Chapel - Communion
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship - Communion
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
2
11:30am Savvy Seniors - 2510
3:00pm Communion, The Gardens
6:00pm Yoga
3
10:00am Program Staff
1:00pm Visitation Team
2:00pm Mt. View Worship
3:00pm Kennedy Park Worship
4
9:30am Sunshine Gals
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
5
8:30am AA
10:30am PNC Steering Committee
6:30pm UMW Executive
Committee
6
Office Closed 7
8
8:00am Morning Chapel
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
9
6:00pm Yoga
10:30am Circuit Pastors Meet
10
10:00am Full Staff
1:00pm Personal Needs Closet
Open
5:30pm Board of Trustees
11
9:30am Mary Faith
UMW Circle
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
12
8:30am AA
10:30am Sunshine Gals
2:00pm Worship - Forest Park
5:30pm Love Hope UMW Circle
- The Mandarin
Restaurant
13
Office Closed 14
15
8:00am Messenger Articles Due
8:00am Morning Chapel
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
16
6:00pm Yoga 17
10:00am Program Staff
6:00pm Staff-Parish Relations
Committee
6:30pm UMW Unit Meeting
7:00pm Finance Committee
18
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
19
8:30am AA
10:30am Downtown Memory Cafe
6:00pm Missions Team
6:30pm Worship Design Team
20
Office Closed 21
22 BRING 4th FOOD SUNDAY 8:00am Morning Chapel
8:30am Chili Sunday (UMW Fundraiser)
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
23
6:00pm Yoga
7:00pm Ministries Council
24
1:00pm Prayer Shawl Gathering
6:00pm Care Council
7:00pm Welcome and
Communications
25 26 THANKSGIVING DAY
Office Closed
8:30AM AA
27
Office Closed 28
29 1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT
8:00am Morning Chapel
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
& Fellowship Meal
30
6:00pm Yoga 1
10:00am Program Staff
1:00pm Visitation Team
6:30pm Women's Advent
Gathering
2
9:30am Sunshine Gals
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
3
8:30am AA
10:30am PNC Steering
Committee
6:30pm UMW Executive
Committee
4
Office Closed 5
10:00am Leave for Clausen
Family Christmas
Show
Page 6
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 ALL SAINTS' DAY
8:00am Morning Chapel - Communion
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship - Communion
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
2
11:30am Savvy Seniors - 2510
3:00pm Communion, The Gardens
6:00pm Yoga
3
10:00am Program Staff
1:00pm Visitation Team
2:00pm Mt. View Worship
3:00pm Kennedy Park Worship
4
9:30am Sunshine Gals
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
5
8:30am AA
10:30am PNC Steering Committee
6:30pm UMW Executive
Committee
6
Office Closed 7
8
8:00am Morning Chapel
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
9
6:00pm Yoga
10:30am Circuit Pastors Meet
10
10:00am Full Staff
1:00pm Personal Needs Closet
Open
5:30pm Board of Trustees
11
9:30am Mary Faith
UMW Circle
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
12
8:30am AA
10:30am Sunshine Gals
2:00pm Worship - Forest Park
5:30pm Love Hope UMW Circle
- The Mandarin
Restaurant
13
Office Closed 14
15
8:00am Messenger Articles Due
8:00am Morning Chapel
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
16
6:00pm Yoga 17
10:00am Program Staff
6:00pm Staff-Parish Relations
Committee
6:30pm UMW Unit Meeting
7:00pm Finance Committee
18
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
19
8:30am AA
10:30am Downtown Memory Cafe
6:00pm Missions Team
6:30pm Worship Design Team
20
Office Closed 21
22 BRING 4th FOOD SUNDAY 8:00am Morning Chapel
8:30am Chili Sunday (UMW Fundraiser)
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
23
6:00pm Yoga
7:00pm Ministries Council
24
1:00pm Prayer Shawl Gathering
6:00pm Care Council
7:00pm Welcome and
Communications
25 26 THANKSGIVING DAY
Office Closed
8:30AM AA
27
Office Closed 28
29 1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT
8:00am Morning Chapel
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
& Fellowship Meal
30
6:00pm Yoga 1
10:00am Program Staff
1:00pm Visitation Team
6:30pm Women's Advent
Gathering
2
9:30am Sunshine Gals
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
3
8:30am AA
10:30am PNC Steering
Committee
6:30pm UMW Executive
Committee
4
Office Closed 5
10:00am Leave for Clausen
Family Christmas
Show
Page 7
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 ALL SAINTS' DAY
8:00am Morning Chapel - Communion
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship - Communion
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
2
11:30am Savvy Seniors - 2510
3:00pm Communion, The Gardens
6:00pm Yoga
3
10:00am Program Staff
1:00pm Visitation Team
2:00pm Mt. View Worship
3:00pm Kennedy Park Worship
4
9:30am Sunshine Gals
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
5
8:30am AA
10:30am PNC Steering Committee
6:30pm UMW Executive
Committee
6
Office Closed 7
8
8:00am Morning Chapel
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
9
6:00pm Yoga
10:30am Circuit Pastors Meet
10
10:00am Full Staff
1:00pm Personal Needs Closet
Open
5:30pm Board of Trustees
11
9:30am Mary Faith
UMW Circle
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
12
8:30am AA
10:30am Sunshine Gals
2:00pm Worship - Forest Park
5:30pm Love Hope UMW Circle
- The Mandarin
Restaurant
13
Office Closed 14
15
8:00am Messenger Articles Due
8:00am Morning Chapel
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
16
6:00pm Yoga 17
10:00am Program Staff
6:00pm Staff-Parish Relations
Committee
6:30pm UMW Unit Meeting
7:00pm Finance Committee
18
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
19
8:30am AA
10:30am Downtown Memory Cafe
6:00pm Missions Team
6:30pm Worship Design Team
20
Office Closed 21
22 BRING 4th FOOD SUNDAY 8:00am Morning Chapel
8:30am Chili Sunday (UMW Fundraiser)
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
23
6:00pm Yoga
7:00pm Ministries Council
24
1:00pm Prayer Shawl Gathering
6:00pm Care Council
7:00pm Welcome and
Communications
25 26 THANKSGIVING DAY
Office Closed
8:30AM AA
27
Office Closed 28
29 1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT
8:00am Morning Chapel
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
& Fellowship Meal
30
6:00pm Yoga 1
10:00am Program Staff
1:00pm Visitation Team
6:30pm Women's Advent
Gathering
2
9:30am Sunshine Gals
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
3
8:30am AA
10:30am PNC Steering
Committee
6:30pm UMW Executive
Committee
4
Office Closed 5
10:00am Leave for Clausen
Family Christmas
Show
Page 6
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 ALL SAINTS' DAY
8:00am Morning Chapel - Communion
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship - Communion
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
2
11:30am Savvy Seniors - 2510
3:00pm Communion, The Gardens
6:00pm Yoga
3
10:00am Program Staff
1:00pm Visitation Team
2:00pm Mt. View Worship
3:00pm Kennedy Park Worship
4
9:30am Sunshine Gals
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
5
8:30am AA
10:30am PNC Steering Committee
6:30pm UMW Executive
Committee
6
Office Closed 7
8
8:00am Morning Chapel
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
9
6:00pm Yoga
10:30am Circuit Pastors Meet
10
10:00am Full Staff
1:00pm Personal Needs Closet
Open
5:30pm Board of Trustees
11
9:30am Mary Faith
UMW Circle
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
12
8:30am AA
10:30am Sunshine Gals
2:00pm Worship - Forest Park
5:30pm Love Hope UMW Circle
- The Mandarin
Restaurant
13
Office Closed 14
15
8:00am Messenger Articles Due
8:00am Morning Chapel
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
16
6:00pm Yoga 17
10:00am Program Staff
6:00pm Staff-Parish Relations
Committee
6:30pm UMW Unit Meeting
7:00pm Finance Committee
18
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
19
8:30am AA
10:30am Downtown Memory Cafe
6:00pm Missions Team
6:30pm Worship Design Team
20
Office Closed 21
22 BRING 4th FOOD SUNDAY 8:00am Morning Chapel
8:30am Chili Sunday (UMW Fundraiser)
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
23
6:00pm Yoga
7:00pm Ministries Council
24
1:00pm Prayer Shawl Gathering
6:00pm Care Council
7:00pm Welcome and
Communications
25 26 THANKSGIVING DAY
Office Closed
8:30AM AA
27
Office Closed 28
29 1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT
8:00am Morning Chapel
8:45am Education Hour
10:00am Worship
10:00am New Life UMC Worship - Chapel
11:00am Coffee Hour
1:00pm Grapevine Faith Alliance Worship
& Fellowship Meal
30
6:00pm Yoga 1
10:00am Program Staff
1:00pm Visitation Team
6:30pm Women's Advent
Gathering
2
9:30am Sunshine Gals
6:15pm Jubilate Bells
7:15pm Chancel Choir
3
8:30am AA
10:30am PNC Steering
Committee
6:30pm UMW Executive
Committee
4
Office Closed 5
10:00am Leave for Clausen
Family Christmas
Show
Page 7
FAITH FORMATION
Page 8
FAITH QUEST Faith Groups: 8:459:45am
Worship at 8:00 and 10:00am
DAVID
October 18 - November 15 Grades 2 through 5
For the Lord does not see as
mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. -- 1 Samuel 16:7
Confirmation Calendar
Keep these dates open!
Jan 15, 7:00pm - Community Shabbat at Mt Sinai Synagogue
March 4-5 - Wesleyan Retreat, Camp Lucerne
Coming later this month in FAITH QUEST
The Gift of Jesus
November 22 - December 20 Grades 2 through 5
But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for seeI am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 And suddenly there was with the angel a mul-titude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those whom God favors! Luke 2:13-14
The Wednesday evening activities for the
months of September and October were a time
of fellowship and learning. Adults had an
opportunity to take a class about Dementia in
the Church during September and the
Scripture Core class was offered both months.
Meanwhile, the children were upstairs
learning about God through music. We learned
new songs; one of which discussed the Bible
being a lamp to my feet, which tied in with our sermon series, Problems with the Bible. We learned about hymns and the hymnal, and
those hymns were sung in worship services.
We played rhythm instruments and learned
about string and brass instruments. And we
played bells and learned a little about how to
read music.
Volunteers Still Needed
Do you like spending time with children?
We still need volunteers to be in the nursery
on Sunday mornings during the 10:00am
worship service. If you would be willing to
give of your time in this way, please
contact Martie at the church, 715-842-
2201. Thank you.
OUTREACH Guatemala Mission Trip is Here!
It almost seems impossible. Weve been planning this mission trip for almost a year, and this month it happens. From the perspective of, well,
most of us, it has been a year of reminders and fund-raisers. We have
bought pecan rolls from the Guatemala Team, had our cars washed by
the youth, and in many cases donated directly to the Guatemala fund.
From the perspective of those who are going, in addition to planning
and administering the fund-raisers, it has been a year of going to extra
meetings, getting vaccinations, and even studying some Spanish with
our own Margaret Getzin.
And now the planning is done. On November 20, they will drive to
Milwaukee, spend the night there, then on the 21st they will fly to
Guatemala City, from which a bus will take them up into the mountains,
where they will spend a week working with Mission Guatemala. They
will not know all that they will be doing until they get there, but
Mission Guatemala runs medical and dental clinics, a school, and
several feeding centers. Guatemala has the highest rate of childhood
malnutrition in Central America.
On November 15, in worship, we will be commissioning these five
members as our representatives to Mission Guatemala:
Wes Ebert, Chlo Larson, Jennifer Marzu,
Sara Roquemore, John Willems Van Dijk
As a part of that worship service, you will be challenged to join these,
our missionaries, by praying for them daily. But theres no reason not to start now. This trip may change many lives - among the people in
Guatemala, among these who are going, and maybe even right here in
our own family.
November Mission Offering
The Neighbors Place
In November, our mission offering
will stay closer to home, supporting
the many different ministries of The
Neighbors Place. These range from a Food Pantry, to a free clothes and
furniture shop, to adult education, and
a community garden.
The Neighbors Place food pantry is the busiest in Marathon County, the
first resource for those who are
hungry.
For more information on The
Neighbors Place and these programs, check out their websi te at
www.neighborsplace.org.
Bring 4th Food
On November 22
remember to bring non-
perishable food items for
our 4th Sunday collection.
This month the food will be
donated to the food pantry
run by
Wesley United Methodist.
Page 5
5th Sunday Mission Offering
On Sundays with five Sundays, like
this month, our Mission Team has
designated the mission offering for
that last Sunday to our own Personal
Needs Closet.
And Another to India!
Rev. Sam Royappa, of the Wisconsin Conference, is leading a mission
team to Southern India this month. You may recall David Gnaniah's visit
to our church in July, when he talked about the school he had started at the
Philip & Timothy Stains Memorial Children's Home. He talked
about plans to expand the program to include more grades. The team has
been challenged to purchase and install playground equipment, complete
some maintenance projects, fund student scholarships, tutor students,
provide teaching resources, and school supplies. Mike and Sara Koss and
Sharon Gisselman from our congregation are part of this team. However,
there is an opportunity for mission supporters at FUMC to help. Financial
contributions can be sent to the church office and marked India Project.
Philip and Timothy Stains Memorial Children's Home is also an Advance
Special (#7940 India). Your contributions will not be used for travel
expenses. Your contributions will be used for the supplies and equipment
the team purchases. Of importance to Mike, Sara and Sharon is your
prayers for safe travel and successfully completing the team's challenge.
CARE / OUTREACH
UNITED
METHODIST
WOMEN
Circle Meetings
November 11 - Mary-Faith Circle
9:30am - Church Parlor
November 12 - Love-Hope Circle
5:30pm - The Mandarin Restaurant
7:00pm - Church Parlor
Other Upcoming Events
November 4
Sunshine Gals:
9:30am - The Gardens
10:45am - Mount View Care Center
November 5
6:30pm - Executive Committee
November 12
10:30am - Sunshine Gals - Riverside
Terrace
November 17
6:30pm - Unit Meeting (Pledge
Service & Thank Offering)
- Parlor
November 22
8:30-11:30am - Chili Sunday
(Fundraiser) - Parlor
Page 4
Prayer Shawl Ministry Mary Ann Dykes
Each month on the 4th Tuesday a group gathers at the church to knit and
crochet prayer shawls. We share prayers and thoughtful readings during
our time together. The shawls are available to anyone who would like to
share the love and care of this congregation as they present a shawl to
someone they care about. There are many times of transition during our
lifetime, like marriage, new births, celebration of milestones, facing
chronic illness, surgery, or end of life.
A shawl is a reminder that we do not travel this life journey alone and
symbolically wraps one in the love of God. We have received many thank
you notes from those who have received the fruit of our labors. In August,
we sent a shawl with Pastor Jerry to his father, who had recently had
surgery. I would like to share the poem we received from him.
Dear Ladies,
Youve sent a very precious gift This is a lovely shawl
It doesnt come from one of you I hear it comes from all
I received it from your messenger
When he arrived in town
He gave it to me right away
He didnt let you down This year, in the cold of winter
Ill be warm and merry Thankful to the Prayer Shawl Group
Also to your Pastor Jerry
THANK YOU SO MUCH, Russell (Buddy) Morris (Luke 18:27)
On November 8, 2015, the Prayer Shawl Group will be hosting Coffee
Hour. Any donations on that day will support the purchase of yarn for this
ministry. Please join us as we Live and Share Gods Love.
When a Church Program Becomes Something More
By now, if you read this newsletter at all, you know
that weve begun a new Visitation Team in which volunteers make contacts or visits with those of our
church who arent able to be here in person any more. We have designed report forms and track our visits on
a spreadsheet.
All this is good, of course. We need records, even if
they can sometimes feel mechanical. And sometimes
people can make it even better. A month or two after
we started, one young family in our church came to
Arlene and Pastor Jerry, saying they had been hearing
about our visitation focus and wanted to be a part of it.
They couldnt make many visits, but could we connect them to just one person (who wouldnt mind two small
children) that they could visit?
We did. They have now visited several times. The
woman they visit now keeps track of the childrens birthdays. Both the young family and their new
adopted grandmother have written to thank the church
for the relationship they have discovered.
Programs are useful. Family is even better.
Page 9
Growing up, I learned a lot about Jesus. As an adult,
Ive learned even more.
One of the common threads that has been part of my
journey was the idea that Jesus is sufficient or what is sometimes called the sufficiency of Christ. In my fundamentalist world, the sufficiency of Christ was a
theological descriptor relating to the issue of salvation,
and simply meant that what Christ accomplished
through his life, death, and resurrection, was sufficient nothing more needs to be added to it. All these years
later, I still believe that to be true.
Growing up, we seemed to believe it. Countless times
Ive looked across a room and seen hands raised toward the heavens as people sang lines such as, youre all I need as an affirmation that Jesus is all we need. Theo-logically Christ was sufficient. Christ was a sufficient
object of worship. Sufficient to save. Sufficient to
follow. He was all we need or so I thought.
As an adult, I was confronted with a paradigm shift
where I left my old faith community and the worldview
they had given me. It wasnt that I didnt believe in God or Jesus anymore I simply became dissatisfied with
life, and realized there had to be something more.
I had been a Christian for a solid 20 years before I found
Jesus, but when I rediscovered him (a story I tell in my
book, Undiluted) I was hooked. It was as if I had spent
the majority of my life worshipping someone I didnt even know, and when I met him, it was like meeting a
stranger.
Yet, Jesus quickly became a really fascinating stranger
who invited me on a journey to follow him an invitation I accepted. Instead of trying to pattern my life
in accordance with a theological label, instead of view-
ing the world through a filter of historical dispensations,
or instead of trying to figure out what to make of so
many difficult parts of the Bible, I just started over.
I hit the reset button on my faith. I began studying what
Jesus said, the example of how he lived, and let his
words and example become the gospel truth. If Jesus is sufficient for all my needs, the very thing I
was taught growing up, surely he should be sufficient
for defining what it looks like to be a Christian or so
I thought.
As it turns out, the community from whence I came all
of a sudden didnt believe in the sufficiency of Christ. Teaching folks to love your enemies like Jesus taught and did, all of a sudden became an area of the
Bible that couldnt be accepted at face value. Instead of accepting it, believing it, and obeying it, Jesus
needed to be filtered through the Old Testament to
such a degree that loving enemies didnt really mean anything. The same community that insisted the earth
was only 6,000 years old, that God created everything
in 6, 24 hour days, and that Jonah really lived in the
belly of a whale all based upon the premise of taking the Bible the most literal way possible all of a sudden had a thousand reasons why love your
enemies doesnt actually mean love your enemies.
The folks who taught me that Jesus is sufficient became the people who insisted that I needed to look
to Old Testament law or the examples set by OT fig-
ures, in order to understand how we should live. In the
end, I found that one of the best ways to avoid doing
what Jesus taught, and one of the easiest ways to find
excuses for why we shouldnt live the way he
lived, was to use the Bible to do it.
Using the Bible to run from Jesus is surprisingly
easy and becomes a way of doing what many non-believers do, while feeling morally superior as you
do it.
But today I have returned to the question of my youth the same question that was presented to me as a
fundamentalist. Is Christ sufficient? Is Jesus really all
we need?
And, all these years later, I still answer yes but in a
new way.
Connections We recently finished a whole sermon series on how to use the Bible, with all its different voices and traditions,
some of which seem very strange to us. I concluded that in weighing the voices, we need to listen first to the voice
of Jesus. In the same vein, here is an essay from Benjamin Corey, author of Undiluted, who writes the blog
Formerly Fundy.
Using the Bible To Run From Jesus (What If Jesus Actually Is Enough?)
October 9, 2015
Page 10
Resources for Ministry Financial Update - September 2015 YTD
FUMC Wired
Website: fumcwausau.org
With links to the weekly sermon
(text and podcast)
facebook.com/WausauFUMC
WiFi Network: FUMC Public
(password: fumcpublic)
Revenue Expense
Pledged Offering $ 175,933.46 Salaries & Benefits $ 173,877.87
Non-Pledged Offering $ 33,574.90 Programming $ 18,344.96
Other $ 36,360.90 Apportionments to Conference $ 40,032.00
Building Operating Expenses $ 47,922.70
Total Revenue $ 245,869.26 Total Expenses $ 280,177.53
Net YTD $ -34,308.87
YTD 2015 Pledged & Non-Pledged Offerings compared to YTD 2014 8,414.22 lower
YTD 2015 Total Expenses compared to YTD 2014 8,883.69 lower
YTD 2015 Other Income compared to YTD 2014 2,813.09 higher
YTD 2015 Endowment Transfer compared to 2014 5,000.00 higher
Stories, continued from p. 1
Project with the United Way, the Downtown
Memory Cafe, and the partnership with the new
church sharing the building with us, New Life
United Methodist Church. We have renewed
ourselves by fostering community in small groups,
the new Mens Group, Family Camps, and by intentionally sending the church out to our home-
bound in the new Visitation Team. We have
reinvented Confirmation for our young people,
begun new retreats to foster their growth, planned an
overseas mission trip to Guatemala, and begun a
new Vacation Bible School plan in partnership with
North Central College.
This story is true, too, but this story matters more. In
the past decade, which has been a hard decade for
churches all over America, our church has responded by
reinventing itself, reclaiming its mission, and
rediscovering our calling to our community. And the
fact that weve done all this in a time of financial strain is an even greater testimony to the people that we are.
Thats our story. This month, as you receive mailings about your pledge, as you hear sermons about giving,
remember this second story. There is a reason that we
are here. There are lives that God is changing through
the ministry of this church. Thank you.
Page 3
Savvy Seniors will meet at
11:30am at on Monday, November
2, at the 2510 Restaurant on
Stewart Avenue.
Milestones
Deaths: On All Saints Day, in our Memorial Service, we will
remember the members and close
family of our members who have
died in the year since All Saints Day, 2014. At that service, there
will be a time when you may light a
candle for anyone for whom you
mourn whose name we have not
read.
Birth: Sullivan Reid Harris,
grandson of Bruce and Ann Chopp,
was born on October 1.
Baptism: Charlotte Eve Hassberg,
daughter of Zach and Danielle
Hassberg, and granddaughter of
James and Carla Wadinski, was
baptized in worship on October 18.
* Signifies an honored elder who cannot be at church regularly. Remember these members in your prayers.
1 Ricky Surprise Bryce Vannes Lauren Atonio Leisha Krahn Kyle Goertz 2 Tom Kelley Haley Fons 3 Brian Smith Lisa Riehle Susan Hamilton Carole Machek 4 Norma Volkman Jake Grant 5 Ella Weiland Michael Del Conte 6 Leroy Schoepke Bonnie Horban 7 Alberta Cunningham* Jessie Stange 10 Janet Lamont Matthew Carlson
11 Kay Zuleger Gerald Gisselman 12 Mary Virginia Quarles 13 Thomas Davis Steven Lindsley Chad Schepp 14 Thomas Lahren Buck Sutton 15 Jill Daubert 17 Stephan Ebert 18 Vicki Swanson 19 Linda White 20 Robert Gebhardt Timm Fischer Marilyn Zahn* Lincoln Larson Maria Jauch
21 Joan Harvey Marlaine Moede Emma Allen* Lennon Volkaitis 23 Peter Johnson Danielle Taylor 24 Paula Hauber 25 Virginia Day Joel Del Conte Rachael Del Conte Allen Stamp Chris Del Conte 26 Charles McCrory 27 Janet Schlueter* 28 Dave Decker Janet Stroik 29 Bob Firary Debra Schoepke 30 Sue Surprise Carla Wadinski
CARE and COMMUNITY
The Guatemala Mission Trip is paid for!
But keep bringing your aluminum cans to
the church!
All proceeds will support our churchs outreach projects.
STAFF
Pastor: Gerald Morris
Faith Formation/Music Coordinator Martie Pahris
Building Engineer: Andy White
Accounts & Records Supervisor: Karen Kellbach
Secretary: Arlene Trull
903 Third St; Wausau, WI 54403
Office Hours: Mon-Thurs - 9:00am-4:00pm
Web-site: www.fumcwausau.org
E-mail: [email protected]
November is full of wonderful worship opportunities. On November 1st we will be
observing All Saints Day and remembering those who have died during this past year. We will also have communion on that day and remember our Saviors death as well.
On November 8th, instead of the sounds of organ or piano, our music will be provided by
a string quartet made up of members of our church. The children that have been playing
bells on Wednesday evenings will also be playing for us.
On November 15th we will have a commissioning service for those who are going on a
mission trip to Guatemala during the week of the Thanksgiving holiday. This will be a
special time together as we send them off to a foreign country to share Gods love.
The holidays are almost here. November 22nd will be the Sunday before Thanksgiving,
when we will offer our thanks and praise to God for all that God has done for us. Then
November 29th is the first Sunday of Advent, and we begin preparing for the coming of
the Christ child. You are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to gather
with your church family to worship the Lord our God.
During the month of November, the
Jubilate Bells will rehearse at 6:15
until 7:10pm in the Bell Room.
The Chancel Choir will rehearse at
7:15 until 8:30pm in the Choir
Room.
Upcoming Dates to Remember:
December 13 - Lessons and Carols
There will only be a 10:00am worship service
on this day.
December 20 - Childrens Program
This will be during the 10:00am service only.
Celebrating Pastor Jerrys 10 years of ministries here
Love Hope UMW Circle made over 45 gallons of laundry detergent for the Personal Needs Closet
TH
E M
ES
SE
NG
ER
FI
RS
T U
NI
TE
D M
ET
HO
DI
ST
C
HU
RC
H O
F W
AU
SA
U
NOVEMber
2015
FROM PASTOR JERRYS DESK
On Telling Familiar Stories
One of the challenges that we pastors face is that of finding new ways to tell
the same stories. Take Christmas for instance. There is probably no story in
all scripture that is more familiar than that of the birth of Baby Jesus in
Bethlehem, and yet every December we tell the story again. What else are we
going to do? Skip it? And so each year we face the task of somehow making
this loved and familiar story feel new. Its the same with Easter. Of course were going to tell the story of Christs resurrection again. Its who we are. But how do we keep the story from feeling stale? How do we repeat the old,
old story without sounding repetitious?
But you know whats even harder? Stewardship season. Every year about this time, as we prepare our budget for the following year and ask our
faithful to consider pledging their gifts to the church or increasing their pledge from last year we are faced with the same challenge. How are we going to say it this year? The Christmas and Easter stories are stories of
grace and hope, about what God has given to us. The stewardship story,
about giving back to God through the church, is a harder story to tell even
the first time. Telling it again and again . . . Well? How do we repeat this
story without sounding repetitious?
Theres actually a whole industry devoted to helping pastors tell the stewardship story. I get mail every week from some other business who has a
sure-fire way to ENHANCE YOUR CHURCHS GIVING THIS YEAR! Most are scams, promising immediate dramatic results. I sometimes feel that
that these offers should come with FDA-mandated disclaimers, like
prescription drugs do. (DISCLAIMER: Results not guaranteed. May cause
irritation of parishioners and temporary disgruntledness. If you have been
diagnosed with a shred of integrity, do not use this product. Talk to your
spiritual advisor to see if the Faith Power Spirit Other-Buzzword Giving Plan is right for you.)
But even if we reject the Madison Avenue approach to stewardship, with
implied false promises and manufactured enthusiasm, we still have to figure
out some way to talk about giving to the church, Here are the two major
options:
The Sober Assessment. Even as many individuals have increased their
giving over the past few years, our giving as a whole has not had a net
increase since at least 2006. In the years since then, we have cut staff and
operating budgets dramatically, but we are still struggling to keep up
with the decline, and we are still drawing from endowed funds to pay our
bills at the end of the year.
All of that is true, but theres a better way.
The Mission of Our Church. In the ten years since our last increase in
giving, we have started the Personal Needs Closet, the Homelessness
(continued on p. 10)
Sunday, November 22
8:00am - Morning Chapel
10:00am - Worship
The Opposite of Thanksgiving Matthew 21:33-44
The Season of Advent
Sunday, November 29 - First Sunday in Advent
8:00am - Morning Chapel
10:00am - Worship
Prophecy and Second Meanings Jeremiah 33:14-16
*We observe Open Communion. All are welcome at
Gods table.
Sunday, November 1 - All Saints Memorial Service 8:00am - Morning Chapel with Communion*
10:00am - Worship with Communion*
Remembering and Being Remembered Ezekiel 16:42-43, 59-63
Sunday, November 8
8:00am - Morning Chapel
10:00am - Worship
Grown Up Giving Exodus 36:20-29
Sunday, November 15
8:00am - Morning Chapel
10:00am - Worship
Grown Up Believing John 6:60-68
Church Purpose:Church Purpose:Church Purpose:
Live and Share God's LoveLive and Share God's Love
NON PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT NO. 542
WAUSAU, WI 54403
The Messenger First United Methodist Church of Wausau
903 Third Street
Wausau, WI 54403
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Phone 715 842-2201 Website: www.fumcwausau.org
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