UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF LE SUEUR 730 South 6th Street, Le Sueur, MN 56058 Phone: (507) 665-2314

We are a Christ-centered community, called to serve, where you can come as you are, share who you are, and experience the power of God’s love.

November 2016

Modern Times

Our world is one hot mess. We are polarized, captivated by our own

anger at one another. No one wins.

But, these words keep pushing me : “If my people who are called by my name humble

themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from

heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NRSV)

Humbleness… well that trait went out of style years ago, replaced by an insatiable appetite

about ourselves. We tuned into the station, WIFM-What’s In it For Me, pushing and shoving

our way through life just to get an edge up, a tiny piece of something more than the stranger

next door. We want it, therefore we take it. Nothing else matters but our own point of view.

We didn’t get here overnight, you know. It took time, well planned and orchestrated effort to

develop a nation of people primarily fixed on their own needs and desires. It took self-help books,

talk shows, slogans, and messages on our walls to create a world of takers instead of givers.

“Believe in yourself,” “fight for yourself” and “look out for number one!”

Somewhere in our effort to foster healthy self-esteem, we created a monster and

unleashed it across America. The beast invaded the presidential elections, the nightly news

and the streets of our cities. We felt a need to be right above all others, from city hall to our kids’

ball games, nothing was off-limits. Profanities, sarcastic humor, accusations, and bullish

behavior was not only condoned, it was exemplified. There was no filter, no attempt to be nice,

and no effort to be kind to one another, let alone be ‘humble’.

We lost the value in being humble, to lift up the soul of another person with equal honor

and respect. Humbleness underscores kindness, generosity, compassion and human

dignity.To humble ourselves is to stop pushing, shoving, and accusing; to let the other go first,

congratulate the winner, be a gracious opponent and put down the weapons of violence. It

allows us to be silent, to experience the moment and to recognize God plunked down in our

midst.

Humbleness changes our perspective on life. We discover that we are not center stage of

the universe, nor have we ever been. Life is not all about us! We have no choice

but to fall down to our knees, seek God’s favor and ask forgiveness of our selfish

ways. We admit that we are thirsty and hungry, compelled to drink in God’s

perfection like a beautiful wine and share in the holy bread. We long to

be refreshed, for the peace that fills our empty souls and heals our broken land.

God, in your mercy, hear us.

Pastor Terri

Administrative Council meeting

August 16, 2016 minutes

Present: Lori King, Darrel Coffelt, Darrell Kolden, MaryAnne Aufderhar, Pastor Terri, Betsy Breaker,

Cheryl Amundson, Vicky Yahnke

Absent: Greg Schwarz, Judy Johnson, Allison Schwarz (In Greg’s absence, Betsy led the meeting).

We discussed the on-going effort of defining our congregational missions and goals.

Education has worked extremely hard on developing JAM. They realized that Sunday morning was not

working to get families and teachers in (were down to one teacher). This is why they are trying Wednesday

night with the hope that it has better availability for families and teachers.

Pastor said that, in her discussions with community members, we are starting to be recognized as the

more progressive church; and with National Night Out (NNO), we are being noticed more (most likely by those

citizens newer to the community).

Old Business:

JAM – it is fully staffed with teachers; there are a couple more painting projects being completed, windows

washed. Thanks to Dan Heldberg for cleaning the prop room and stacking the stored pews more out of

the way. Currently, there are approximately 30 kids registered.

NNO – Next year, we will need to rediscuss the amount of food and menu. We need to have more shade tents

and signage for the different activities. Limit the drawing to those not already belonging to the church;

move the drawing to the front of the food line so they can sign up as they pass. Have helpers to assist

the elderly with food trays; having our people circulate was well received and helpful to see if someone

needed something. Possibly hold it on the east or south side of the building for better shade, cooler off

the parking lot.

Giant Celebration –

Giant Church – It will probably come back to us next year. Approximately 75 attended this year. The

pastors were discussing having it on Saturday. Pastor believes the service needs to be different than the

typical Sunday experience (musical, ??).

Parade – The float went well. The water stand used about 5 gallons of water and there was a rush for the

bathrooms about 30-40 minutes before the parade started.

Mustard Seed Groups – Still having trouble getting us used to signing up for the groups. No adult Sunday

School teacher. We had discussion on the length and timing of the adult Sunday morning class but no

decision was made.

Confirmation – Lydia will be confirmed in September.

Capital Improvement Plan – Tyler Sunderman will chair the group.

New Business:

Discussion on what to do with the names obtained from the NNO drawing. Thoughts on sending a ‘Thank you’

postcard with the schedule of upcoming activities.

Our month manning the food shelf is coming up.

Leadership => Teams v. Committees - teams are more action oriented, specific work areas, hopefully getting

members more excited with new areas of service

Values Statement – This group met and discussed expanding our current mission statement into a set of brief

Vision, Mission, Faith, and Supporting Value statements. Each one being brief and to the point. The

discussion will continue into September.

The July minutes were approved : (1) Mary Anne Aufderhar, (2) Darrell Kolden

Intern Review – She did fine knowing it was a short-term commitment and had no intention of going into

ministry. She worked on JAM curriculum, painting chairs, getting faith statements on line, and a bit of

work on the web page.

Monthly Reports:

Finance – $1,200 in the red after a strong month of giving. Vanco (on-line giving) is ready to be published to

the congregation and we will include the announcement in the next newsletter. Started discussion on

stewardship.

SPPRC – No meeting.

Trustees – A giant “Thank you” to everyone who helped paint the Sunday School rooms; cleaned window

wells; installed safety strips on stairs; negotiating a new contract with Waste Management. New

business areas of concern include: tree branches touching the parsonage roof; lack of church wing air

conditioning and the windows don’t open (it gets very hot in the children’s Sunday School rooms and

there is no emergency escape route). Delegated actions: repaint parsonage garage door; see if Ney

Center would like to purchase additional older pews; potential update of the building’s wifi system.

Motion to adjourn: (1) Cheryl Amundson, (2) Darrell Kolden; passed Lord’s Prayer

Next meeting: September 19, 2016, 7:00 pm, Tabor Room

Submitted by Lori King

2016 Poinsettia Orders

Large (6”) $10 each Color choice: _____ red _____ white

TOTAL ORDER $10 x _______ = $ __________

Name: _________________________ phone # ______________________

In Memory or in Honor of: _______________________________________________________

From:

Orders are due by November 13th. Please contact Doreen if you have any questions 665-3691.

You may take your poinsettia home after the Christmas Eve service. (please indicate)

Will pick-up ______ Will leave______

Sharing Jesus!

We are on a mission and it’s not

about us, but Jesus!

MUSTARD SEED GROUPS

“Half Truths - God Helps Those Who Help

Themselves and Other Things the Bible

Doesn’t Say” Host: Margo Bjork. Sundays

7pm thru Nov. 6 in the Tabor Room

Adam Hamilton in explores popular sayings that

miss the point. "God helps those who help

themselves," "Love the sinner, hate the sin," and

others. Discover the whole truth by comparing

common Christian clichés with the wisdom found

in scripture.

Sunday Morning

Tailgating at the UMC café

Tables. Coffee and

conversation between 9 &

10am. All are welcome.

Journey through the Bible

Sundays at 9am. This fall, the

Book of Romans thru Philippians.

Join in at any time.

Sign up for all groups at lesueur.umc@q.com

or www.lesueurumc.org or call the church

office 507-665-2314.

Missions updates:

On Saturday, November 12th we will serve

the Mankato Salvation Army Meal. A

sign-up sheet is in the narthex or call Janet

Dickinson (665-2330). A box

is in the library for caps,

socks and gloves to take with

us. Monetary donations, personal care items

and toiletries are also appreciated.

J.A.M. Wednesdays

If you have not been to JAM yet

it’s not too late. Join us any

Wednesday night at 6pm.

5:30pm – Casual Communion

6pm - Family supper

6:30-7pm- Youth and Family Worship

7-7:30pm - Bible school for 3 yrs -12th grade.

Register on-line at lesueurumc.org

Parents—need to wait? Hang-out in the

Upper Room with Wi-Fi and comfy seats!

On Sunday’s there is Kid’s Church for those

that are age 3 to 10. This is part of the

regular Church service so come to 10:15am

worship then send the kids for their own

lesson after the Children’s time

Important Dates: * Sunday, November 20th JAM kids sing

during Worship

* attend the Ecumenical Thanksgiving

Service on Tuesday, Nov. 22nd at 7pm with

your family. NO JAM on Wednesday the 23rd

* Sunday, December 18th JAM kids will

present a Christmas Program during

the Worship service.

It is with great excitement that I report on JAM.

We have now completed our 6th week and

increased the number of kids that are attending

to close to 40 kids per night. There are several

adults that join the kids for the meal and

worship including parents and grandparents and

those who just love kids.

Come see firsthand what all “the buzz” is about.

Worship is very spirited and lively with kids

being the characters and acting out our bible

stories. The songs that we sing (or shout) hold

lots of action and dance. The walls of our UMC

are filled with energy thanks to all of you!! You

are always welcome to join us to provide that

intergenerational support to the kids in our

midst.

There is no way to thank everyone but there are

so many of you that are contributing in special

ways. I hope you know that you are appreciated!

You are helping kids know Jesus. Bless you all.

Choir The choir rehearses at

7pm on Wednesday

nights. We meet in the choir room in the

lower level directly below the church office.

Our non-auditioning, all-volunteer choir

participates in Sunday services at 10:15 AM

with special services during Christmas, Lent

and Easter. New members are welcome!

Interested? Contact Cheryl Amundson, at

camundson@mchsi.com or 507-665-2743.

Food Drive:

YUM will trick-or-treat for the

Le Sueur Food Shelf on

Monday, October 31st. Leave

from the church at 5:30pm.

Adult drivers with pickups are

also needed for each group,

call Sue Bienfang 507-995-4108.

Thanksgiving Worship

The Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service will be held at the United Methodist Church on Tuesday, November 22nd at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to stay after worship and enjoy pie and fellowship. Please bring a pie to share.

Harvest Table

If you would like to share

your harvest decorations,

please put your visuals (canning, fruit and

vegetables, mums etc...) on the front steps of

the sanctuary with your name attached by

November 1st. Please pick up your items

after the Thanksgiving Eve service.

Advent Readers

Families or small groups of 3 or 4 are needed for December 4th , 11th, 18th and for Christmas Eve

on Saturday, December 24th. Contact Pastor Terri or the

church office 665-2314.

Christmas Boxes

Help is needed to pack & deliver the Christmas Food Boxes for local families on Saturday, December 17th starting at 9am. If you know of a family in need, please provide the name and address to the church office before Dec. 12th.

Opportunities to Serve

Meetings are usually held monthly unless

otherwise notified. Contact the church office or a

member of Nominations if you are interested in

serving.

Education, Missions, Trustees, Go & Grow and

Memorials & Gifts meet at 7pm on the 2nd

Tuesday. We meet in the Chapel for Devotions

first then meetings which should last no more

than 1hr.

Finance meets at 8pm on the 2nd Tuesday.

The Administrative Council meets at 7pm on the

3rd Tuesday.

Worship Design meets monthly or as needed.

Staff/Pastor/Parrish Relations meets as needed.

Leadership (Nominations) meets 3-4 times a year

This month we put the spotlight on:

MEMORIALS & GIFTS: Reports to

Stewardship and Finance, handles all the

memorial gifts which the church receives,

including the Baringer Scholarship and

assists with annual memorial services.

EDUCATION: This team helps all disciples

grow deeper in the Christian faith including

Bible studies, small groups and JAM.

Education directs all children and adult

programs, develops strategies to carry these

out; and identifies, recruits, and supports

volunteers to help with this effort.

TRUSTEES: Trustees oversee and care for

building and property related to the church,

parsonage and 2 rural cemeteries. They also

assist with capital expenditure plans to cover

future large expenses outside of the normal

budget.

Daylight Savings Time Ends on Saturday night, November 5th.

FROM THE CHURCH

OFFICE

THE DEADLINE FOR THE

NEXT NEWSLETTER IS:

Monday, November 21st

Church Office Phone #: 507-665-2314

Pastor’s Phone#: 507-593-0006

Church Website: www.lesueurumc.org

Office e-mail address: lesueur.umc@q.com

Pastor’s e-mail address: umcpastor@q.com

Pastor’s office hours: W & Th 9am-12pm or

call the church office to make an appointment.

Secretary’s office hours: M-F 8:30am-12:30pm

Find us on Facebook. You can watch

our worship services on YouTube.

Keep in contact… If you have dropped your

land line and are now using only a cell phone,

please call the church office and let us know your

number. If you have a child in college, please let

the church office know their address.

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

David and Calvin's Cub Scout Arrow of Light den is

looking for help in completing the Adventure in Science

and Engineering adventures. If you are an engineer or

scientist, or just find these interesting fields of study, and

are willing to help five fifth grade boys in their

adventure, please let Lori King know. She would be

more than thankful of your help and can be reached

at 665-6263 or 507-479-0751.

In our thoughts and prayers: We have

telephone and e-mail Prayer Chains for anyone

wanting prayer support. If you or a loved one

is hospitalized and wishes a visit from the

pastor or would like to be included in the

prayer chain, call Frances Schwarz (665-2873)

the church office (665-2314) or e-mail at

lesueur.umc@q.com. If you wish to be a

prayer companion for those on the prayer

list contact the church office.

Food Shelf Thank you: for your July donation to the Le

Sueur Food Shelf. Our mission of

feeding and giving hope to hungry

families was greatly aided.

Memorials & Gifts Committee:

The All-Saints service will be

November 6th. If you have

someone you would like to lift

up during the service contact

Judy Dahn. (665-2139)

United

Methodist

Women

UMW Circles meet monthly at the church or in

members’ homes.

Rebekah Circle: meets on Tues, Nov.15th

at 7pm

at the home of Marie Sunderman.

Ruth Circle: Next meeting is on November 15th

.

Serendipity Circle of Friends: Bingo at Nursing

Home at 6pm on Monday, November 21st.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

UMW Fall Harvest Dinner

November 13th

11:30am-1:30pm

November Birthdays

1 – Don Becker

3 – Bridgett Karels

Morgan Schwarz

4 – Mary Studer

5 – Marie Sunderman

7 – Ken Schultz

6 – Duane Swenson

9 – Olivia Chandler

10 – Joan M. Schwarz

11 – Dan Heldberg

12 – Mary Michaelson

14- Molly Sullivan

16 – Pat Baringer

17 – Bill Brosz

18 – Judi Evans

19 – Chris Plonske

20 – Dick Pedersen

21 - Jennifer Carlen

23 – Trent Edberg

25 Nicole Bateman

28 –Alexis Ewanga

29 Mary Andresen

Greg Schwarz

Volunteers are needed

Contact the church office or

Margo Bjork (665-3981) if you

can commit to serve for any of

the following:

Greeters and Ushers: If you enjoy meeting

people, especially newcomers, consider serving

as a Sunday Greeter or Usher

Coffee Host: Coffee is provided by the UMW.

Simple after worship snacks can be home-

baked or purchased.

Worship Assistant: Reading scriptures and

assisting the Pastor with the worship service.

Nursery Attendant: Contact Peggy Sullivan.

Worship Tech Team: Recording our services

for CATV#7, Facebook and You Tube is an

important ministry to our homebound.

Those serving in November

Greeters

Nov. 6 Reiter family

Nov. 13 Judy Dahn

Nov. 20 Agnes Milam

Nov. 22 Sue & Paul Jacobson

Nov. 27 Larry & Nancy Hylarides

Worship Assistant Nov. 6 Mary Michaelson

Nov. 13 Sue Jacobson

Nov. 20 Allison Schwarz

Nov. 22 Pastor Carl preaching

Nov. 27 Peg Edberg

Coffee Host

Nov. 6 Janet Dickinson

Nov. 13 Brandy Schilman, Alice Coffelt

Nov. 20 Lori King

Nov. 27 Blake & Cheryl Edmondson

Nursery Attendant:

Nov. 6 Nicole

Nov. 13 Joan

Nov. 20 Cheryl

Nov. 22 Rachel (Thanksgiving service 7pm)

Nov. 27 Jeanne

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Blood Drive: Monday, November 7th 1-7pm at

1st. Lutheran. Call Kay at 612-298-3478 for an

appointment. Walk-ins welcome.

LifeTree Café – Thursdays at 7pm at 206

Valleygreen Square Mall. A coffee house style

discussion about today’s issues.

MVHC Nursing Home Fall

Festival: Thurs. November 10th

Donations of baked goods and

canned items before the 10th. Gift

baskets needed by Nov. 1st. Call

Heidi at 665-8693 with questions.

Donations to the Le Sueur Food Shelf can be

made at the “Turkey Trot” on Thurs. Nov. 24th

starts at 8am at the Community Center.

St. Peter Regional Treatment Center:

Holiday Cheer program. Please remember

those without family or friends during the

holidays. A gift, regardless of size, shows that

someone cares. Suggestions: (must be new)

* Toiletries - personal grooming items

* Clothing – Men’s XL to 5XL sizes.

* Fun – current books, DVDs, music.

* Writing & art supplies – no wirebound

* Gift Cards – Target, Barnes & Noble,

Best Buy, Dollar Tree, Wal-Mart.

100% of the gifts and monies donated to this

project go directly to the patients and

outpatients. Please send checks to SPRTC,

Holiday Cheer, Volunteer Services 100

Freeman Dr. St. Peter 56082. We ask that

gifts be delivered by December 1st to Trinity

Lutheran Church in St. Peter or the SPRTC

Volunteer Services, Old Center Building, call

Angi at 507-985-2249 with questions.

Santa Anonymous:

Provides gifts to Le Sueur County children of low

income families, ages newborn to 18yrs old. Cash

donations may be made at local

banks. Items needed (new): toys

(no stuffed animals), socks, hats,

scarves & mittens, baby things,

electronic toys, quilts, blankets,

stocking stuffers. (Donations due by Dec. 12th).

Drop off unwrapped gifts in designated boxes at

local businesses and banks.

November 2016

Sunday Mornings: Tailgaiting – at the UMC café tables. Coffee and conversation between 9 & 10am, drop in for a chat. Adult Bible Studies: Sundays at 9am JAM Wednesdays – Jesus and Me - casual Communion at 5:30pm. Family meal at 6pm, Worship 6:30 and Class time 7-7:30pm. Free meal, singing, learning, sharing. “Half Truths” 7pm Sundays at UMC, hosted by Margo Bjork. Discover the whole truth about Christian clichés.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Fr iday Sa turday

Oct 31

5:30pm YUM Trick or Treat for Food Shelf

1

2 5:30 Communion 6pm JAM 7pm Choir

3

4

5 Daylight Savings Time Ends

6 9am Tailgaiting/Bible Study 10:15 All-Saints service Kid’s church/Communion 1pm Church Conference 7pm Book Study

7 7pm Bird club

8 7pm Education, Missions, Trustees 8pm Finance, Memorials mtg.

9 5:30 Communion 6pm JAM 7pm Choir

10

11

12 9am-2:30pm Salvation Army Food for Friends

13 9am Tailgaiting/Bible Study 10:15 Worship/Kid’s church 11:30-1 UWM Harvest Dinner 6:30pm Scouts 7pm Book Study

14

15 2pm Ruth Circle 7pm Rebekah Cir 7pm Adm. Council

16 5:30 Communion 6pm JAM 7pm Choir

17

18

19

20 9am Tailgaiting/Bible Study 10:15 Worship/Kid’s Sing

21 6pm Serendipity Cir. Bingo at Nursing Hm

22 7pm Ecumenical Thanksgiving service

23 NO JAM

24 Thanksgiving

office closed

25

office closed

26

27 1st Sunday of Advent

9am Tailgaiting/Bible Study 10:15 Worship/scholarships Missions/Kid’s Church

28

29 9am UMW Exe.Bd.

30 5:30 Communion 6pm JAM 7pm Choir

Dec. 1 Noon- UMW Gen. mtg. & potluck

Dec. 2

Dec. 3

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

OF LE SUEUR U.S. POSTAGE PAID

730 SOUTH 6TH

STREET PERMIT NO. 6

LE SUEUR, MN 56058 LE SUEUR, MN

TIME DATED MATERIAL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

November 2016

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

Tuesday, November 22nd at 7pm

United Methodist Church

730 South 6th Street

Ecumenical Choir

Pie Social in Fellowship Hall

All are welcome