The Joyful NoiseROCK RAPIDS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

302 SOUTH CARROLL STREET ~ ROCK RAPIDS, IOWA 51246PASTOR KATHY SIDES

kathysides@hotmail.comH: 712-472-2770C: 515-201-3634

Administrative Assistant, Amber Kooikerrockrapidsumc@premieronline.net

712-472-2324 www.rockrapidsumc.orgVolume 40, Issue 11 November, 2017

Last month I started to tell you about why I choose to be a United Methodist; what I appreciate most about Methodism in terms of what we believe, what we stand for, and how we do things. And, I promised that the first letters of the things I like most would spell a word. If you remember last month, you already know that the first letter of the word is G. G for Grace.

So, to continue on from there – besides Grace, another thing I like about being a Methodist is that Methodists value and appreciate Reason. We’re a tradition that values education, (that’s why there are so many Methodist colleges and universities) we value study and learning. We believe that God has given each of us a mind with which to think, and has given us the ability, with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, to understand Scripture and discern the answers to questions about God and God’s ways.

In other words, when you enter a Methodist church you aren’t asked to check your brain at the door. You’re not asked to accept or believe everything the pastor tells you as though he or she has all the answers and is the only person capable of understanding or interpreting God’s word and God’s will. I find it scary that there are some churches out there where the pastor sets themselves up as the ultimate authority and expects everyone to unthinkingly accept their interpretation of God and of Scripture without question, no matter how uninformed or sometimes downright wrong their interpretation might be.

Thankfully, that’s not the tradition of Methodists. As a Methodist you’re not only allowed to think, you’re encouraged to do so. It’s not about someone giving you the definitive answer to all your faith questions; it’s about struggling together with those questions. I like that we Methodists are thoughtful, reasonable, and rational. That’s not to say that emotion and mystery and wonder don’t play a part in our faith, but they are balanced with thinking, with reason, with using our God-given gifts and intelligence.

So, I like the Methodist tradition of an emphasis on Grace and on Reason, and the next thing I like is that Methodists think it is important to be Accountable. In the early Methodist movement people were organized into classes and societies; smaller groups of people who met together and held one another accountable for their faith walk. A question they asked one another was. “How is it with your soul?” People encouraged one another but they also loved one another enough to hold one another to a standard of life that glorified Christ and helped one another to grow; they took seriously the need to hold people accountable

I appreciate that as a clergy person in the United Methodist Church I am held accountable; to the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and other people in the church I serve, to my fellow clergy, to my District Superintendent, to the Bishop, etc. There may occasionally be clergy within the Methodist Church that are “rouge pastors” but it is rare. That’s because we are held to certain standards; educational standards, moral standards, standards of faithfulness. We are accountable, because we recognize that being accountable is part of being faithful.

After Grace, Reason, and Accountability, I appreciate that the Methodist Church is Connectional. Our church does not stand alone. We are connected to the larger church. Rock Rapids United Methodist Church is a part of the Northwest District, which is part of the Iowa Annual Conference, which is part of the North-Central Jurisdiction which is part of the General Conference. That may sound like a lot of levels, and therefore a lot of bureaucracy, but our connectionalism (a very Methodist word) enables us to be involved in mission and ministry all over the world in ways that no single church could.

That is what paying our local church Apportionments is all about. As reluctant as we in the local church might sometimes be to enthusiastically pay the amount the Conference assigns to us as our “apportioned” share, the share that we contribute to the larger church is what allows us to be a part of that connection and be involved in world-wide ministry and mission in the name of Jesus Christ. I’m proud of the fact that to a lot of people in

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need around the world, the word Methodist defines people who reach out in love in the name of Jesus, and I’m proud to be a part of the connectional church that makes that possible.

Well, you have all but the last letter, and most of you can probably guess what it is going to be. But, as I still have too much to say to finish in the next few sentences, I’ll have to continue this yet again. So, you’ll have to wait one more month to find out for sure. It’s a good thing that besides all of the things that are on my list, Methodists are patient. ☺

Pastor KathyPLEASE KEEP US INFORMED

If you have recently moved, changed your mailing address, your email address, phone number, or are only using cell phones, please contact the church office

with the current information. Thank you!

If you would like to be included in the Weekly Prayer Partner EMAIL which includes scripture readings, prayer requests, birthdays, and weekly reminders, please email or call the church; especially if you have not received these lately. If you have email, but do not receive information from the church this way, please give your email address to the office. We may not have it, and it’s important that we do going forward so you can stay updated. Thank you.

HOSPITALIZEDPlease contact the church office or Pastor Kathy if you know a member has been admitted to the hospital. With the new privacy laws being strictly enforced there are many times we are unaware of hospitalizations. We would rather get ten calls than none at all. Thank you. Prayer concerns can be called into the office (472-2324) or emailed to the office at rockrapidsumc@premieronline.net or Pastor Kathy at kathysides@hotmail.com and they will be sent out.

Prayers~ Pastor Kathy (going through chemo) Barb Fegan- recovering from cancer surgery Becky Rydell- fell, broken hip & broken arm Our daughter having to make a life threatening

decisionA family member going into Hospice careGary Taylor- eye surgery on Oct. 23rdDorothy McCormackTom Vinson- recovering from surgeryKen Barker’s brother-in-law, Fred Hendrickson passed

away.

Praise God~~Gable Sieperda and Bailey Herman- King & Queen ~College Care packages~Pumpkin Auction & Bake Sale ~Larry & Shawn Wibben- new grandparents- Ellis Jude. Parents- Erin & Travis; Sister Hadley~Terry Van Berkum was inducted into the

Educator’s Hall of Fame for ABOTA. ABOTA is an American Attorney group which oversees

theNational Mock Trial Program.

~ Altar flowers for Phyllis’ Birthday ~Congrats to the boys Cross Country team for qualifying state, and to Gable for placing first, Makayla Witt qualified for state from the girls team. ~Boys Cross Country Team winning State 2A

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meet; Gable Sieperda placing first ~High School Musical Shrek ~Girls Volleyball Team

02~ Tom Vinson 18~ Kyra Van Berkum 26~ Matt Schar03~ Connie Boeve 20~ Jenessa Herman 28~ Ethan Selken03~ Bobbie Kracht 20~ Toby Lorenzen 28~ Preston Selken04~ Carl DeJongh 20~ Lance Schlumbohm 29~ Lisa Rockhill09~ Harlan Pals 23~ Mary Maxwell 29~ Kaycie Docker15~ Hazel Berg 23~ Melinda

Waagmeester29~ Larry Holland

16~ Dennis Patton 23~ Dave & Mary Fields 30~ Jennifer Miller18~ Al TeSlaa 25~ Viktorija Stubbe*We apologize for any omissions or incorrect information. Please contact the office with the correct/missing information. Thank you!

Community Bingo will be held the 1st Friday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Rock Rapids Health Centre. All are welcome.

Third Avenue Youth went grocery shopping for the Central Lyon Backpack Program on October 25th and donated $663.41 of non-perishable food items. The food was dropped off to the school the next day by the youth. One of the important items that the youth bough for the program was 50 Turkey and Dressing Compleats. These will be given to Children when they go on Thanksgiving break.

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4th Sunday/Sunday, November 26th Sunday School Offering & Food Collected for the

Central Lyon Backpack Food Program

The offering collected from the Sunday School classes on each 4th Sunday of the month (Sept.-May) will be donated to the Central Lyon Backpack Food Program. Students can also donate food items for the program. The school supplied a list of needed items, and that info is printed below. There is a backpack as you enter the Sunday School hallway. Any food items that the Sunday School students bring for donation can be placed in that backpack (4th Sunday or any time).

Donations from non-Sunday School students are welcome too J.  We will have a collection in the fellowship hall.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support of this program that makes a difference to kids right here at home.

Here are a few items that are used frequently with the backpack program.Individual servings of:peanut butterRamen noodlesany type of Chef BoyardeeEasy Macs100% juice boxesfruit snacksRice Krispiesgranola barsoatmealNutri Grain bars

Also used are a few items that are kept frozen or refrigerated until bags are packed.  Those items would be:Uncrustablesany flavor muffinsmini muffinsstring cheesebeef sticksGogurts

Tuesday, November 7th, at 7:30 p.m. Annual Charge Conference in Fellowship Hall

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Everyone is Invited to theHOLY NAME SOUP & PIE SUPPER

Wednesday, November 15th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.Serving Homemade Soup, BBQ, hotdogs, creamed chicken

sandwiches, pie, cheesecake & barsFreewill donation

Raffle Items!Holy Name Catholic Church

1108 S. Carroll St., Rock Rapids

A GriefShare “Surviving the Holidays” seminar will be offered at First Reformed Church, Rock Rapids on Monday, November 13, from 6:45-8:45 p.m. This seminar is helpful and encouraging for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. It features practical suggestions and gives reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts, and other people who

have experienced the holidays after their loved one’s death. Topics to be discussed include dealing with hard-hitting emotions, what to do about traditions, how to survive social events, and where to find comfort and strength. For more information and/or to register contact Sue at First Reformed Church (472-3729). There is no charge for this seminar, and participants will receive a helpful booklet about the information shared.

There will be a FREE Community Thanksgiving Dinner served for anyone who would like a traditional meal, but has nowhere to go or no one to share it with. Please join us at the First Reformed Church on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2017 at noon. All you need to do is call for a reservation by Friday, November 17th. You can call either

the Rock Rapids Chamber of Commerce (472-3456) or the First Reformed Church office (472-3729). If you need a ride, please provide your address and phone number, so someone can pick you up! Home delivery is also available. Dinner will include turkey & stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry & jello salads, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, buttered corn, rolls & butter, various pies and coffee, milk & ice water.

Thank you for your generous donation towards our backpack program! It will be very helpful to our program. Thank you very much! ~ Bergin DeBruin, Student Council

Faithful:   Christmas through the Eyes of Joseph We're not all that different from Joseph.  We've encountered circumstances that we'd never chosen for ourselves.  Joseph provides an example of humbly obeying God even when we don't understand, faithfully moving forward in the strength that only He can provide. Join us for a short-term Advent DVD study on the Joseph's life, as taught by Pastor Adam Hamilton.  Sessions will be held in the church library for 4 weeks, starting Wednesday   Nov. 29th,  8:05-9

pm.  Participant books will be ordered through the office at @$14/book.  Please have your order in to Amber by November 12th.  

Come help us ring in the Advent season with our Rhythm of Bethlehem celebration on Sunday,

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December 3rd at 6:30 p.m. Come check out the wonderful performers. Apple cider will be served!

There will be no Sunday School held December 24th or December 31st!

Poinsettias are for sale again! Red or white for $10 per plant. Order due by November 19 th . Order forms are available at the church (narthex table).

If you are on Facebook, make sure you “like” the Rock Rapids Methodist Church page.

Please be sure to check out our website at www.rockrapidsumc.orgYou can find our monthly calendar with events and church activities under

the news/events tab.

2017 ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL ROCK RAPIDS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

September 20, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.Members of Ad. Council: (Names of Absentees underlined) Randy Waagmeester – chairperson; Al TeSlaa – Member at Large; Jill Schlumbohm – Christian Education; Shawn Wibben- Treasurer; Rhonda Menning – Evangelism & Lay Member to Annual Conference, Evelyn Baldwin – Financial Secretary & Stewardship/Financial; Dave Fields & Mary Fields – Lay Leaders; Judy Griesse –Memorial Committee; Kelli Docker – Missions; Tom Vinson– S/PRC; Kim Waagmeester – SS Superintendent; Heather Heimensen- Youth; Lainn Menning – Trustees; Kathy Van Berkum – Worship; Kathy Sides – pastor; Sonya Peterson- Communications. Mary Peterson, Member at Large.

CALL TO ORDER / PRAYER Randy opened with prayer.

MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING Motion to approve: Evelyn Baldwin2nd: Al TeSlaa

OLD BUSINESSChurch start time was voted on by the congregation and determined to start at 9:30 a.m. year round.

REPORTS: EDUCATION/Jill: No report.

THIRD AVENUE YOUTH UPDATE/Heather: Successful kickoff of youth group on September 13. 25 youth. Pastors of 3 churches were

present at the opening. Youth received a 30-day devotional Would like to have the pumpkin auction on October 15 Activities this fall: Corn Maze and Escape Room

THIRD AVENUE SQUARED UPDATE/Kathy: No report.

EVANGELISM & WORSHIP/Rhonda & Kathy: No report. September 27 at 5:00 p.m. Bread of Life. Wear your t-shirts. Church directory update.

TREASURER/Shawn YTD balance -$11,337.85.

FINANCE SEC/Evelyn: 2018 Stewardship Sunday – November 19

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Discussion regarding a Silent Auction. LAY LEADER/ DAVE & MARY – No report.

MEMORIAL/Judy: Received donations for the Gift that Keeps on Giving and funeral donations. Donation of a book from Jackie Austin. (Please find out the title).

MISSION/Kelli: October 1 – Patty will present Mission Minute (green) during worship.

SPRC/Tom: No report.

TRUSTEES/Lainn: No report.

PASTOR/Kathy: The Church desktop computer is having issues. Amber visited with Scott Heibult and it was his recommendation to replace the current computer. He estimates the current model to be 7-8 years old. Scott provided his recommendations and prices (see attached).Motion to approve to buy computer for office from WebClimber Services: Al TeSlaa, second by: Kelli Docker. Shawn Wibben will follow up with Scott.

Charge Conference – Tuesday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. District Superintendent Tom Carver will be present.

Membership letters will be mailed.

Visioning Sunday on All Saints Sunday. Pastor Kathy will be meeting with committees for goal setting.

Confirmation classes will starting. Discussed having a confirmation retreat at Okoboji UM Church Camp on October 20 and 21. There is a $175 fee for use of the camp facilities.

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE/Sonya

Notify Heather Heimensen of any church event to add it to the church website and Facebook page 

Volunteer section of bulletin – add the PowerPoint volunteer.  Suggestion – have 2 printed bulletins in each pew on the north side of church. It is hard to

see the print on the wall. 

NEW BUSINESSCement step needs to be brightened up on the NW entrance of the church. This will be shared with Lainn Menning and the Board of Trustees.

Next Meeting – October 25 at 6 p.m.

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