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The MethodistThe MethodistThe Methodist A Publication of The Seward United Methodist Church 1400 North 5th Street � Seward, NE � 68434 August 2011 � Vol. 7, Issue 8
Sunday School Rally Day August 28, 2011
10:30 a.m.
Children’s Choir
August 24, 2011
6:15 p.m. practice
7:00 p.m. ice-cream
bars of all kinds!!
Finished by 7:15.
Chancel Choir
August 31, 2011
Rehearsal: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Potluck Meal: 7:30 p.m.
Adult Bell Choir
September 11, 2011
12:15 p.m. Youth Bell Choir
September 11, 2011
11:45 a.m.
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Read about these items and more…….inside!
Radical Hospitality
Dear Seward UMC friends,
Thank you for the many
cards, hugs and prayers as we
struggle with the tragedy of
my brother’s death and sister-
in-laws injuries. We are blessed with the
many acts of kindness shown to us.
Sincerely, Jay and Tammie Ferris and family
Please remember to wear your
nametag on Sunday mornings.
If you need of a nametag, please
print your name on the paper
provided at the Welcome Center.
Check your calendars
from August through
December and pick a
date to host our fellow-
ship hour after the
10:30 service. The sign
up sheet is at the
Welcome Center.
Remember, you don’t
have to host it
alone...ask a friend!
The family of
Earl W. Stephens
wishes to extend
their heartfelt thanks to everyone at
Seward United Methodist church for
your condolences. A special thank you
to Rev. Griger, Virginia Fraser and all
the ladies who shared food and helped
with the luncheon. Your kindness is
greatly appreciated. God’s blessings to
you.
The family of Earl Stephens
Church music groups begin practicing in August! Please let the church office know if you are
interested in Chancel Choir, Adult or Youth Bell Choir or Children’s Choir. (402-643-4156)
Children’s Choir
Children’s Choir will start
August 24! Practice begins
at 6:15 (fellowship hall) and
will end with ice-cream bars
of all kinds!! We will be finished by 7:15 p.m.
Children’s Choir sings twice a month and has
an opportunity to help lead the liturgy at the
services we sing at. Please call the church of-
fice and let me know if you will be joining us!!
(402-643-4156)
Chancel Choir
August 31, 2011
Rehearsal: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Potluck Meal: 7:30 p.m.
Youth Bell Choir
September 11, 2011
11:45 a.m.
Adult Bell Choir
September 11, 2011
12:15 p.m.
Radical Hospitality
Marla Ritter Ben and Sarah Hanika Mike Flyr
Welcome to SUMCWelcome to SUMCWelcome to SUMCWelcome to SUMC
New
Members
John and Krystel Naber
Kathryn and Lily
Brandon Burianek
Caitlin Rosenberger
Madison
Thom and Jill Martin
Mckenzie and Zoey
Risk Taking Missions
Mission-Outreach needs your help. During July and Au-gust we will be col-lecting school supplies for the Seward Schools. We need boxes of crayons, school boxes, spiral notebooks (wide ruled), colored markers, #2 pencils, boxed colored pencils, glue sticks, black ink pens, safety scissors, rulers, pink erasers, pencil-tip erasers, book bags, lunch bags, Elmer’s school glue, mechanical pencils, 2-pocket folders and 3-ring paper. There is a table for your items by the church office. Thank you!
SchoolSchoolSchoolSchool SuppliesSuppliesSuppliesSupplies NeededNeededNeededNeeded
BLUE VALLEY COMMUNITY
ACTION PANTRY
Collection item for August 7
Tissue
UMW MISSIONS
WORKDAYS
August 20
8:30-12:30
If you can tie a square not, we need you!!
No machines are need for our August work-
day. We will be tying twin quilts and baby
quilts. If you have questions, please call
Phyllis at 402-643-6077.
Mission-Outreach School Project
2011 UMW Guest Day2011 UMW Guest Day2011 UMW Guest Day2011 UMW Guest Day
1111:30 p.m. Sue McLain ~ Speaker:30 p.m. Sue McLain ~ Speaker:30 p.m. Sue McLain ~ Speaker:30 p.m. Sue McLain ~ Speaker
Vintage Fashion Program featuring HATSVintage Fashion Program featuring HATSVintage Fashion Program featuring HATSVintage Fashion Program featuring HATS
Refreshments/Fellowship following Program
If you have a ‘favorite hat’, wear it proudly ~ we’re wearing ours!!!If you have a ‘favorite hat’, wear it proudly ~ we’re wearing ours!!!If you have a ‘favorite hat’, wear it proudly ~ we’re wearing ours!!!If you have a ‘favorite hat’, wear it proudly ~ we’re wearing ours!!!
Wednesday, September 7. 2011
Seward United Methodist Church
RSVP’s Requested by August 31st to: Jeannie Jeary (402-643-2344)
Jeanne Gee (402-643-6878)
Risk Taking Missions
Saturday, November 19
For over 50 years we have had a bazaar in this church. Though sponsored by the United
Methodist Church Women, it is an all church bazaar.
The Chapel-parlor becomes the Coffee Shop, the Fellowship Hall becomes the Gift Shop
and the Kitchen becomes the Kountry Kitchen.
Items with a suggested price are brought on Friday. Suggested items are:
• Coffee Shop...to be announced
• Gift Shop...afghans, quilts, baby items, crafts, thanksgiving items, Christmas gifts,
ornaments, etc.
• Kountry Kitchen...cookies, candy, breads, muffins, pickles, jams, jellies, cakes, etc.
Start your projects now and wait for announcements. For questions call Virginia Cattle at
402-643-4155
Our adult fellowship group, JUST4THEFUNOFIT!,
has planned an exciting gathering at The Pour House in Friend, NE.
Join us there from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 28th.
We will meet first in the new art gallery~look for
“Mary, Mary Quite Contrary” a few steps from the Pour House entrance.
Directions and map are on the www.visitthepourhouse.com
and posted on the events bulletin board.
Spread the word and join us for gourmet snacks/meals along with NE handcrafted
Wines and craft brews or your favorite soft drink, all in unique atmosphere of the
125-year old Warren Building, home of the San Carlo Room and Historic Warren
Opera House. Tours of the renovated upstairs will be offered.
Please RSVP or sign up on the clip board at the Welcome Center!
For questions, contact Jeanne Gee at [email protected].
JOYS AND CONCERNS
Please remember those with on-going health concerns through the month of June: Ruth Wehrs, Dale Borcher, Pete Yost, Connie Atkinson, Wanda Miers, Jim Henry, Roger Hans, Shirley Herrold.
Please call the church office if you have a prayer request. (643-4156) Prayer requests will be left on for two weeks and added to the monthly newsletter.
Please join us in expressing Christian sympathy for the family and friends of Earl Stephens who pass away July 15, 2011. Services were held at Seward United Methodist Church on July 20, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Susan Smith who was called to be with her Lord July 15, 2011. Services were held at the Seward United Methodist Church on July 21, 2011.
Prayers go out to the family and friends of Harold Williams who passed away July 22, 2011. A graveside service was held July 25, 2011.
My computer has been in the shop for most of the past week...and
frankly8.it’s driving me crazy. Ok, to be honest, it’s probably driv-
ing Cindy more crazy than me...as I’ve been trying to use the com-
puter in Julie’s office...and am not as far removed as I usually am!
How quickly our routines can be interrupted when things don’t go as planned, or when the
things we tend to rely on, and ultimately take for granted, are no longer there, or are not func-
tioning the way they once were. This is true of computers, cars, relationships, and even our
health. What a gentle reminder that God will always be there—no matter what!
Even though we can easily take God for granted, we will never be alone...God will
never let us down! With that knowledge—let us go bravely into the future relying
on God’s providence to see us through! See you at church!
WHAT’S NEW IN BRIGHT BEGINNINGS??
Bright Beginnings has had a flexible summer but now we
are about to get into the swing of a busy school year. We
will be crawling with little ones starting this month. We now
have 6 infants enrolled and 6 toddlers and preschoolers enrolled. If
anyone would like to volunteer please contact the daycare at 402-643-
2141 and let Shannon know so she can get you playing!
Phone: 402-643-4156; Fax: 402-643-4159 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sewardumc.org Doug Griger, Pastor; Every Member, Minister
REMEMBER…Call
the Church (643-4156) or Pastor Doug if you are going to be hospital-ized and wish to have the Pastor visit. Due to privacy laws, hospitals cannot disclose information.
SEPTEMBER MAILBOX DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER MAILBOX DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER MAILBOX DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER MAILBOX DEADLINE IS Monday, August 29Monday, August 29Monday, August 29Monday, August 29
Submit your news by Monday, August 29. You can e-mail articles to the church at [email protected] or call Cindy , office administrator, at 643-4156.
Local Church Activities
Chair persons for August are:
Diane Clark (646-2267)
Nita Goings (643-3173)
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage Paid
Seward, NE
Permit No. 62
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
Seward United Methodist Church
1400 North 5th Street
Seward, Nebraska 68434
The earth is the Lord’s and
everything in it, the world,
and all who live in it;
Psalm 24:1
Thank You
A special thanks
to those who helped deco-
rate, the floats, ride, walk,
donate candy & water and
those lining the streets on the
4th of July cheering!
The Bright
Beginning Float
and the
Church Float
tied for first place,
the “Mayor’s Award”
which is the best entry
following the parade
theme for July 4, 2011.
Congratulations!
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Seward United Methodist Church
Environmental Stewardship Statement
Monthly tips on how we can continue to
meet our stewardship responsibilities
toward god’s creation.
♦ Recycle bulletins, office paper, catalogs, and other
paper received in the church offices.
♦ Turn off lights when an area is not in use.
♦ Encourage members to donate clothing and house-
hold items to those who could use them, rather
that throwing them away.
How long has it been since you updated your will? Does it carry out your wishes? Does it leave any gift to the church to carry on its ministry after your death. Did you know that there is no limitation on the size of a charitable gift that may be given to the church at the time of your death. No matter how large, the gift is deductible for federal estate purposes. Con-sider naming the church as a beneficiary of your life insur-ance or retirement plan. If you have named other beneficiar-
ies, consider naming the church as a secondary or back up beneficiary in the event the first beneficiary is deceased at the time of your death. If you are inter-ested please call the church office, noting your wish to learn more from the Foun-dation. Then, a Foundation board member will call and arrange a time to visit and answer questions.
July - BY THE NUMBERS Offering Received through July 24 for General Funds:$22,730.78
Trustees Funds: $1,245.00
Average Worship Attendance for July: 220
Mission Share/Apportionments remaining in 2011: $21,941.55
Gracious Generosity
Food Net is all about keeping edible food out of the dumpsters. That was what Frank Marsh, former Secretary of State, and Rev. Lin-coln Justice, a United Methodist pastor, had in mind when they came up with the idea of Food Net.
Food Net uses food that has met its shelf life but is still edible, or uses left-over foods that have been properly refrigerated or frozen. So here are some ideas that are acceptable to what Food Net can use.
♦ Home food in the freezer that needs to be cleaned out8.FOOD NET. ♦ Had a celebration of gathering with leftover food that has been properly
refrigerated8.FOOD NET. ♦ Have a loved one’s pantry that needs to be cleaned out, even if out-
dated8.FOODNET. Food Net has volunteers who will decide if something is unusable.
♦ Have excess garden produce8...FOOD NET.
To anyone who has anonymously donated to Food Net8..THANK YOU!
Vital Faith Formation
SMALL GROUPS FORMING SOON!
In the coming weeks our church will be forming small groups. Starting in September, these groups will meet twice a month to learn, grow, and share as they journey together through the book "Parables from the Backside." This book offers a new understanding of twelve of Jesus' parables by viewing them through the eyes of a minor or un-sympathetic character. Each group can be from 8 to 12 people. There will be sign-ups available at the welcome center, so that you may sign up for the day & time which works best for your schedule. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Doug.
LADIES?Come and join us for a fantastic study by Beth
Moore! We will travel together through "Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent." We will take a look at the pilgrim-age theme found in Psalms 120 - 134 and explore the major feasts of Israel. For the ancient Israelites, pilgrimage was a three-times-per-year journey to the temple in Jerusalem; for New Tes-tament believers all of life becomes a journey together toward the new Jerusalem. This study will meet during the Sunday School hour beginning September 11th, 2011. Space is limited - so sign-up early to reserve your spot. If you would like to register, or if you have questions, contact Alicia Griger at 643-4490 or [email protected]. Please call by August 20.
UMYF NEWS..12 Hour Famine.. August 6-7, 2011..7 p.m. at church
Kids need to eat well before coming - only water will be available until 7 a.m.
We will take a nice long walk to get our night’s supply of water - watch a couple of videos on kids in 3rd world countries and participate in lots of fun activities.
Kids can sleep (or not). They should bring sleeping bags and pillows.
Breakfast will be prepared and served at 7:00 - 7:30 a.m. and then we will attend the 8:15 a.m. worship service together.
Open to all last year’s UMYF kids. For more information you can contact Gus and Amy Miller at 402-642-9456.
CONFIRMATION MEETING Wednesday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the church.
There is a Confirmation meeting for all 8th graders (or older, who haven’t been confirmed) and their parents. Please plan on attending.
Vital Faith Formation
Heartwarming Worship
Worship Schedule
Sundays at 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. Fellowship following the 10:30 service Sunday School following the children’s message at the 10:30 service.
CAN’T BE IN WORSHIP?
Watch us on Cable 13 at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday and 10:00 a.m. on Thursday
mornings.
JOIN US FOR RALLY SUNDAY!JOIN US FOR RALLY SUNDAY!JOIN US FOR RALLY SUNDAY!JOIN US FOR RALLY SUNDAY!
Rally Sunday will be held on August 28, 2011!!Rally Sunday will be held on August 28, 2011!!Rally Sunday will be held on August 28, 2011!!Rally Sunday will be held on August 28, 2011!!
Sunday School Kickoff!!Sunday School Kickoff!!Sunday School Kickoff!!Sunday School Kickoff!!
During the 10:30 service, Sunday School students will meet their teachers for the new year, and join them for some brief get acquainted and “team-building” activities. To finish off Rally Sunday we will come together for a potluck fellowship following the service.
Ladies - Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 5, 2011. We will have the very
special opportunity to enjoy a workshop led by Valerie Jackson and Andriette Fields - Co-
Founders of Triple Threat Ministries from Denver, Colorado. Their mission and passion is
to educate, equip and empower women and young ladies to honor their divine voices
and identities, dream big and live their lives beyond barriers!!!.
Our time together will in-
clude a fantastic seminar
and lunch. More informa-
tion about specifics will be
coming....but save the date
NOW! You will NOT want
to miss out on this great
experience!
Andriette
Val
Miscellaneous On June 28 our District Superintendent, Rev. Galen Wray, pre-sided over a specially called Church Conference. The purpose of the conference was to receive the report of a Study Group. The Study Group was authorized by the Administrative Council this spring to do a study of our community and church's growth - to see if there was sufficient reason to establish a building commit-tee. Their work was much like a grand jury - whose job it is to see if there is enough evidence to warrant a trial. In building the re-port, the study committee received feedback from the committees, boards, and groups within the church about our current facility and
any limitations they face. The church conference received the report and voted to establish a Building Committee. The job of the Building Committee is to do the 'leg work' about what our needs are and to propose a plan for how those needs might be met. The Building Committee is not authorized to spend any money or make any decisions for the church...they may only make recommendations. Members of the Building Committee are Sue McHugh, Terri Siebert, Jim Lee, and John Moody. Their first agenda item is to visit with two pastors that Rev. Wray referred them to within our district - Rev. Dr. Al Winseman, and Rev. Jim Keyser. Both of these pas-tors have recent experience with church growth and building committees. In the fu-ture, it is likely that the Building Committee will need to grow in very specific direc-tions. As those needs arise, they will recruit members of the congregation who they believe are well-suited to the needs at hand. Please continue to be in prayer for the Committee and our Church as we move into the future building with God's love.
The vision team of our church-Maxine Moore, Lindsay Hast-ings, Lauren Shepherd, Jed Rojewski, and Wess Robotham -has been working for a few months trying to discern what the core values of our congregation are. We asked you all to complete a survey answering a few questions about our church. In looking through the responses of those surveys, we were able to identify eleven values that are important to our church, or important for our church's future. Those eleven were then presented to the congregation on two separate occasions, and members were asked to 'vote' for the two values that they valued most for our congregation's future. After that process, three values came decidedly to the top of the pack. Those values are Di-versity, Spiritual Growth, and Family. The vision team is now using these three core values as a starting place for a vision statement for our church. Once we have a vision statement in place, we can begin working on measurable outcomes and a strategic plan for the future. All of this will be presented to the Administrative Coun-cil for further discussion, amendment, and hopefully adoption.
