Our website has a new look!

If you haven’t seen our website after May of this year, you may want to check out the new design which makes navigating through the site easier.

The calendar was just enhanced so that you can change the view to daily, weekly, or monthly with all the details.

Under Connections you can listen to sermons, view the newsletter and bulletins, weekly prayer guide, or see LIFE Tracks.

If there’s something you don’t see on our website, please contact Kristy Schneider in the church office.

www.valpofumc.org

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Jesus and the Gospels will begin September 8th with an hour long orientation session at 6:30 p.m. in the library. On subsequent Tuesdays the class will meet from 6:30 until 9:00 p.m. This intensive 30-week examination of what we learn

about Jesus from the four gospel writers still has room for a few more registrations.

If you’re interested, call Pastor Lloyd Miller, 465-7349 before September 8th.

Beginning Sunday, September 13th, the Franklin Street location will have two worship services. Traditional Worship will be offered at 9:00 a.m. and a blended service with a variety of music and weekly communion will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Children’s Sunday School and nursery care will be available at both services. “Coffee Hour” will be from 8:30-11:00 a.m.

New Song Fellowship, a ministry of Valpo Methodist, currently has a contemporary worship service on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at 212 E. Lincolnway; below Buffalo Wild Wings.

z New Service Times zVA L P A R A I S O F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

CONNECTIONS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 9

Monthly Newsletter

Sunday Morning OpportunitiesThe Story of the

Bible The Story of the Bible Class will resume its regular class schedule on Sunday, September 13, at 10:30 a.m.                       

This class will meet on the second and fourth Sundays of each month in the Music Rehearsal Room. For further information, call Tom Oakwood at 462-5235.

Christian History Class

The Christian History Class will resume its regular schedule on Sunday, September 20th, at 10:30 a.m.

Beginning in October, this class will meet on the first and third Sundays of each month in the Library. For further information call Dr. James Chiu at 464-1972.

Vice Chancellor of Africa University to speak September 20thWe are honored to have the current Vice Chancellor of Africa University, Fanuel Tagwira, and his wife Margaret with us on September 20th for all services at the Franklin Street facility. Tagwira has been on the faculty of AU since the opening in 1992 teaching in the School of Agriculture. Margaret has been doing some interesting research on nutrition and HIV with mothers and children in the Mutare area and she will share the exciting things that are happening in her work.

In years past Valparaiso United Methodists have supported Africa University by providing $20,000 to build a dormitory to help alleviate the housing problems at AU. A team of volunteers went from our church in 2000 to the University and have since maintained contacts with those they met. We have assisted with students such as Bonaventure Dusabimana and Tatenda Katzidzira and provided school supplies and tuition support for other students. We are blessed to have this opportunity to receive a first hand update on what is happening at Africa University by hosting the Vice Chancellor Tagwira and Margaret in our church. Please welcome them by your

presence.

Margaret will be presenting at the 8:00 a.m. Adult Forum held in the Parlor. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear how Africa University has empowered her.

CommunionCommunion will be offered on the first Sunday of each month at the 9:00 a.m. service and every week at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Donut Donations DwindlingOur weekly cost for donuts and refreshments during coffee hour is more than donations collected. The average weekly cost to provide donuts is about $100. If your group would like to sponsor coffee hour, please contact the church office. Baskets are provided during coffee hour for a free will offering.

United Methodist WomenUMW TEA OCTOBER 22ND

Cookies and tea will be served by the women of Deborah, Elizabeth, and Wesleyan Circle. A fun program will follow presented by the women who attended the School of Christian of Mission. The UMW Tea will be in Tower Chapel at 1:30 p.m.

WOMEN’S RETREAT OCTOBER 2ND AND 3RDThe Sweet Life Cafe women’s retreat at Camp LRCA will be held on Friday evening, October 2nd and on Saturday, October 3rd. The $50 fee includes food, lodging and materials. Sign up forms are available on the bulletin board as you enter Wesley Hall or on-line at our website under Calendar and Events/Women’s Retreat. Scholarships are available. Contact Karen Kraft at 477-4522 if you have any questions.

“NEW” CIRCLE BEGINS SEPTEMBER 13THThe “New” Circle of United Methodist Women will be studying the book of Romans. The first meeting is in the Parlor at FUMC from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. New attendees are welcome! For more information or if you need childcare to attend this circle meeting, contact Karen Kraft at 477-4522 or karenk1452@comcast.net.

We extend our love and sympathy to the families of:

Congratulations! Scott and Dawn Thomas on the birth of their

son Caleb Joseph Thomas on June 10th, 2009.

Jim and Denise Lipka on the birth of their

son, Talan James Lipka on August 9th, 2009.

Jeremy Taylor & Alex Tompi married May 23rd.

Chet Takarski & Elizabeth Stanley married June 26th.

Bill Calhoun & Kim Langohr married August 1st.

Tom Westfall & Amy Pivovarnik married August 8th.

Dorian Williams who passed away May 4th.

Sarah Evans who passed away May 28th.

Ruth West who passed away May 30th.

Dorie BeBio who passed away June 25th.

Mike Haddad who passed away June 26th.

Music It’s hard to believe that summer is over, school is back in session, and we are beginning a “new year” in ministry. I hope that this summer you were able to take time to sit with God’s Word, to rest (to cease from labor!), and to play (whatever that means for you!). This summer, I spent a lot of time contemplating worship through the lens of the Psalms. “Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!” (Psalm 147:1) Psalm 150 is a command to praise God with the trumpet, the harp & lyre, with tambourine & dancing, with strings & flute, with the clash of cymbals. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” (Ps. 150:6) Do you sing? Do you play an instrument? Do you have a heart that longs to praise & worship our Almighty God? Then, please prayerfully consider sharing the gifts & talents God has given you to help lead God’s people in worship. I am praying that as you settle into a Fall schedule you will be certain of where God is calling you to serve in our church, and that you will “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Col. 3:23) See you in worship! I am… Joyfully in His Service! Esta Rosario, Director of Music

Music Ministries Fall Rehearsal ScheduleCHOIR REHEARSAL TIME START DATE

Children’s Choir Mondays after school until 4:30 p.m (began 8/24)

Joyful Ringers -(3rd-5th chime choir) Mondays, 4:30 – 5:00 p.m (began 8/24)

Exaltation! (Youth Choir) Senior High - Sundays, 4:30 – 5:15 p.m (began 8/30)

Middle School - Sundays, 5:40 – 6:30 p.m. (began 8/30)

Asbury Ringers (Youth Handbell Choir) Sundays, 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. (began 8/30)

Hosanna! (adult choir for 9:00 a.m. worship)

Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m (began 8/27)

Praise Team Mondays 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in Sanctuary (year-round)

Worship Choir (for 10:30 a.m. worship) last 2 Sundays of the month 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.; will sing the first Sunday of the month.

begin Oct. 18.

Women’s Chorus Thursdays, 9:15-10:00 a.m (begins 9/3) (fellowship at 9 a.m.)

Men’s Chorus 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month, 7:45 – 8:30 a.m begins 9/20

Wesleyan Ringers (adult handbells) *** Volunteer director needed.

(All rehearsals will be held in the Music Rehearsal Room, unless noted otherwise.)

Help needed to hand out purple helium balloons on September 12th at Popcorn Festival!

We will begin filling the balloons at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12th. We will need people to help fill the balloons with helium and to hand out the balloons in the morning until about 11:00 a.m. The purple

balloons will have our Valpo Methodist logo, our church contact information, and our new service times

printed in white.If you have some time on Saturday to help, contact Kristy Schneider in the church office.

Community Life Center UpdateThe Building Committee reports that through June 30th, 2009 we have received $79,790 which is $23,030 above the projection.  In addition, a second Barnabas Group family has donated its interest in the land to the Church.   Assuming that pledges continue to come in as projected, this $50,000 gift will mean that the Barnabas Group property can be purchased without a loan.  The Building Committee wishes to thank everyone for their generous giving to date.  As the economy turns around, the Committee encourages you to make or increase your pledge to the Community Life Center.  Dick Wathen, Building Chair Committee

Notice From TrusteesAnyone interested in salvageable items such as doors and millwork,

at the 207 Franklin St. property, please contact the church office no

later than Sept. 11, 2009.

Popcorn Festival ParkingYouth are selling parking spaces for Popcorn Fest until September 6th.  A spot is $10.00 and the lot opens at 7:00 a.m. on the 12th, but you can come

and leave whenever. Contact DJ Murvine at 465-1661.

District NewsRev. Jeanty is pastor at Cayes, Haiti, of the Methodist Church. Two weeks ago he developed a severe headache and was rushed to Port-au-Prince, going blind before reaching the hospital. He was then transferred to a neurologist in San Domingo where he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The recommended treatment is the Gamma Knife which cannot be done there but requires referral to the U. S.  Jim Guylley, an UMCOR consultant, contacted Carolyn Ellis, who has played a major part in developing a plan and making arrangements.

The current plan calls for Mission Aviation to transfer him to Miami where the Doctors Hospital has agreed to do the Gamma Knife procedure for $19,725 (normally in excess of $70,000). Arrangements have been made with a local and nearby Methodist church to assist and provide his wife’s need. His need is urgent to save his life. The need is for the funds to be raised immediately. Donations may be sent to UMCOR, 475 Riverside Dr., NY, NY, 10115, Room 330, with checks marked “Pastor Jeanty Medical”. Timing is critical and all help appreciated.

You can register now for these September workshops. More information and registrations can be found at www.centerforcongregations.org or info@centerforcongregations.org. Creating Congregational Cultures of Generosity - William Enright and Richard Klopp -Thursday, September 10, in Griffith Transform your congregation into a culture of generosity. William Enright and Richard Klopp, leaders at the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving, discuss congregations, stewardship and giving as a way of life rather than an annual campaign.

Children and Youth MinistriesCHILDREN’S MINISTRIES NEW

SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM STARTS SEPTEMBER 13TH

Empowering Kids is the new curriculum chosen by a committee of parents and teachers. In addition to fun video lessons and small group discussions there is a Family Enter Action Guide filled with fun ideas and activities for each family to take home and “enter into action” at home. Turn in a new Sunday School Registration form for your family and pick up your copy soon.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the

LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Come join us as we learn how to Loosen the FEAR KNOT. September 13th through November 8th.

During the 9:00 a.m. Worship Service, Sunday school will be offered for children 2 years old and potty trained as of 8/l through children currently in 5th grade. Toddlers through kindergarten meet on the first floor and elementary classes meet on the second floor.

During the 10:30 a.m. Worship Service, Children & Worship (a children’s worship service for preschool – 1st grade) will meet in WH 109. For elementary aged children, 2nd – 5th, a repeat of the 9:00 Sunday school program will be offered on the 2nd floor of Wesley Hall. For safety purposes, children participating in children’s studies will start in Wesley Hall.

Families are encouraged to attend a worship service together.

Learning to Use My Bible class will be offered during the 9:00 hour 1st semester. This class is open to all 3rd graders and any 4th & 5th grader that have never received a Bible from the church. Come and explore the Bible. Upon completion students will choose one of three translations of the Bible courtesy of the Children’s Ministry Team. See you September 13th.

YOUTH MINISTRIES (6-12TH GRADES)

The youth are kicking off their fall schedule once again! We have a few very exciting items in the mix for teens this coming year. The youth discipleship initiative entitled, "The Core" is kicking off on Sunday mornings at 9:00 in Asbury on Sunday, September 13th. 6th (room 203), 7th, & 8th grade (room 201/202) meet on the 2nd floor. 9th-12th meets downstairs in Asbury Centre.

This hour takes Middle School students through the Bible in three years. The high school students will begin a three year process as well that looks at how the scripture speaks to how they should live in specific areas of their lives.

Our teens will be launching an initiative called Water First. This is an opportunity for teens to raise awareness about the necessity of clean water in third world countries. The students are working toward a goal of raising $5,000 to build a fresh water well overseas.

Our fall youth group schedule begins on August 30th so we are ready to see God work! For more information go to: engagevalpo.com or impactvalpo.com. Contact Youth Pastor DJ Murvine at 465-1661.

Our Life TogetherSEPTEMBER’S MISSION FOCUS: BIRTHING KITS

September’s mission focus is birthing kits that enable those in areas with

no facilities and deliveries are made by midwives to have the supplies

needed for a safer, healthier birth. Your contributions will be used to purchase supplies and shipping expenses to Haiti or wherever current need is.  Our UMCOR mission team will deliver them to the distribution center in January.  Thank you for your support. 

BLOOD DRIVE SUCCESS!The recent blood drive held in Fellowship hall was a resounding success. Many thanks to those who donated blood, and for the volunteers who helped with the set up of equipment. A special thanks to those who offered their time and talents to make sandwiches and bake cookies for the donors.  82 pints of blood were donated, far above the number the Red Cross was expecting. Tom Neff 

Pray the Devil Back to Hell chronicles the remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country.  You won't want to miss this amazing story of ordinary women who do extraordinary acts to bring peace to their nation.  This film will be shown at Valparaiso University Student Union on September 21, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in Ballrooms A and B.

METS: MEET EDUCATE TRAVEL SERVE

TOUR MEMORIAL OPERA HOUSE AND JAIL:   On Friday September 18th METS will tour the Memorial Opera House and the old Porter County Jail Museum.  You will  get a behind the scene look at what goes on before and after a performance and learn some interesting history of Porter County.  Meet at the Welcome Center at 9:30 a.m. for the 10 o’clock tour.  Cost is $5.   Sign up at the Welcome Center and pay Sandi at the church office.  For more information contact Lois Smith 462-2081 loisjs2@comcast.net  or Mary Lou Rainford 462-1553 gglou@verizon.net.

AMISH ACRES THEATRE TRIP:  The annual Amish Acres Thrasher Dinner and Theatre trip will be Thursday October 8th.   This year after we enjoy a senior thrasher dinner, served family style, we will see the Gilbert and Sullivan musical comic opera “The Pirates of Penzance.”  Cost is $42 which includes the meal, show and transportation.  We will leave from the Welcome Center at 9:30 a.m. and return at approximately 5:00 p.m.   Deadline for tickets is October 1st.  This is a very popular trip so please sign up at the Welcome Center and pay Sandi at the church office as soon as possible.  For more information contact Wayne and Joann Weaver 462-7771. wjweaver@verizon.net.    

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 9

CONNECTIONS Monthly Newsletter

MARK YOUR

CALENDAR

SEPT 7Church Office

Closed

SEPT 13New Worship Service Times

9 & 10:30

SEPT 19Sewing Circle

in Tower Chapel

SEPT 22Rays of Hope

Dinner in Fellowship

Hall

Submit items for the October 2009 newsletter by Monday, September 21st to Kristy Schneider in the church office. 465-1661 or kristy.schneider@hotmail.com

103 Franklin St. Valparaiso, IN 46383