October 2014 - Geneseo United Methodist Church

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10
Geneseo Voice
OCTOBER 2014
Geneseo United Methodist Church
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
BIRTHDAYS &
ANNIVERSARIES
2
OCTOBER FUN EVENTS
3
CHILDREN’S PAGE
4
PASTOR APPRECIATION
MONTH
5
COUNCIL SUMMARY &
STEWARDSHIP REPORT
6
FAITH WITH GENESEO
7
INGATHERING KITS
8
CALENDAR
9
SUNDAY SERMONS
Continuation of Sermon
Series: Wholeness Living
October 5
“The Isle of Someday”
Matthew 5:1-12
October 12
“Keeping Our Balance”
2 Kings 17:35-39
October 19
“Better Together”
Hebrews 10:19-25
Matthew 18:20
October 26
“Getting a Reputation”
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
LIVING IN WHOLENESS
WOW! What an Ice Cream Still others will help during the
Social!
auction in any number of ways. After
The food was incredible… the Lord’s Portion Sale comes
Thanksgiving, then decorating the
the Cedar Harmony Sweet
Adelines were amazing… church for Christmas and after that
the items brought in for the will be the Christmas program, Advent
and Christmas Eve. Whew!
country store reflected true culinary
and textile artistry!
We welcomed the biggest crowd that
I’ve seen yet for this event… the
parking lot was FULL pretty much the
whole afternoon. And we may have
broken a record with the amount
raised for two worthy projects: The
Dysart Community Building and Parks
renovations project and the Sing Me to
Heaven Foundation. (The exact total
will be shared as soon as we have
them.) The pride and joy that we take
in hosting this event for friends and
neighbors near and far is evident in the
enthusiasm, laughter and hard work
graciously shared by so many. It is
truly awe-inspiring to see God
powerfully work through all of you
and to feel the Spirit so mightily
present in this place. Thank you to
everyone who helped in any way!
Our Ice Cream Social kicks off a very
busy season at Geneseo UMC. School
activities and sports are swinging into
high gear. Many of our parishioners
will work in one way or another to
help bring in the fall harvest. The
Lord’s Portion Sale and Auction will
arrive before we know it – and many
people will prepare through baking,
handcrafting and treasure-hunting.
How do we live with wisdom and
balance in the midst of calendars
crammed with so many good things?
Our upcoming sermon series,
“Wholeness Living” will explore
rhythms and habits of heart and mind
that can help us maintain a balanced
faith life and experience the gift of
God’s “shalom.” Come and discover
how Jesus invites us to be profoundly
(and peculiarly) shaped as a people of
strength, courage and grace!
Your Sister on the Journey,
Pastor Christie
Thank you to everyone who expressed
best wishes on my recent birthday! I
am truly blessed to be in ministry with
you and to call Geneseo home.
GENESEO VOICE
PAGE 2
OCTOBER WORSHIP ASSISTANTS
More Greeters & a 2nd Acolyte
are needed for the months of
October, November, &
December. If you can help out for
a week or more, please contact
the church office or sign up at the
table in the fellowship hall.
Acolyte: (whole month)
Belle Weber & Alexa Olson
Instrumental Leaders:
5 - Anne Cook
Communion Assistants: (October 12 - LuAnne Prtichard
5th) Joe & Sheryl Brandt and
19 - Anne Cook
Heather Chingren
26 - Praise Band
Worship Readers
5 - Joe Brandt
12 - Norma Owens
19 - Pastor Christie
26 - Heather Chingren
Coffee Servers: (October 5th)
Deb Mumm - chairman
Kalyn Putz
LuAnne Pritchard
Song Leaders:
5 - Tony John
12 - Diana Sash
19 - Jamie Cook
26 - Praise Band
Sunday School Teachers: (whole
month)
Preschool-2nd - Kathy Koch &
Belle Weber
3rd-5th - Deb Weber
6th-9th -
Flowers: Beverly Baldwin
Ushers: (whole month)
Bob & JoAnn Higgins
Technicians:
5 - Dalton Adams/David Sash
12 - Anne & Jeff Salasek
19 - Dalton Adams
26 - Mike Chingren
OCTOBER CELEBRATION DATES
BIRTHDAYS
5 - Blake Miehe
5 - LuAnne Pritchard
8 - Bob Higgins
8 - Jammie Howard
9 - Teagan Prouse
13 - Christine Benham
23 - Brayden Ryan
23 - Larabeth Bader
24 - Anna Sash
24 - Holly Erbes
25 - Donna Kersten
28 - Madyson Hill
30 - Keith Bader
ANNIVERSARIES
3 - Mike & Heather Chingren
11 - Dennis & Deb Reding
PRAYER REQUESTS
For God's Healing Touch
Dixie Christian, at home
Herald and Elsie Mitchell, for
good health and good rest
Continued Prayer Support
Dawn Bitter Champion,
diagnosed with Parkinson's
Sandy Boomer, living in Sunrise
Assisted Living
Doris Mitchell, living in
Friendship Village
Norman Mitchell friends and
family, on Norman’s passing
Prayer Map Area
Living With Cancer
Larry Parizek, father of Kalyn
Putz
Bill Wells, brother of Diana Sash
Betty Murphy, friend of Diana
Sash
Jordan Anderson, niece of Jean
Beenken
ADDRESS UPDATES
The following parishioners have
had a change of address in the
last few months:
Craig & Diane Mitchell
Bob & Linda Cline
596 - 83rd Street
916 Canterbury Lane, Apt. #1207
West Des Moines, IA 50266-8507
Prescott, AZ 86301
Phone #: 928-848-7478
PAGE 3
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY & CHURCH CLEAN UP
We’re doing our part to care for God’s creation in our
little corner of Tama County! For over 25 years,
Geneseo has faithfully cleaned Highway 21 as part of
the Adopt-A-Highway program.
us care for the “church on the hill” through cleaning
and maintenance projects. Stay for a light meal and
celebrate all that has been accomplished!
NOTE: This DOES count
Come to Geneseo UMC on Sunday, October 5th, at towards silver cord hours for
3:00 p.m. and help pick up along the highway or help students!
TRUNK OR TREAT
All children are invited to bring
their Halloween costumes to church
on Sunday October 26th and
change into them after worship.
neighbors.
While our kids are getting ready,
“Trunk or Treat-ers” at the back of
adults who wish to participate can
their cars. Think of it as a kind of
go out to the parking lot, get out
some treats and get ready to receive “Halloween tailgate!” Kids are
welcome to invite their friends and
“Trunk or Treat” provides a way
for children and adults to share in
the joy of trick or treating…
especially those of us who live in
the country and no longer get any
little ones knocking on our doors
on Halloween night.
NE DISTRICT YOUTH EVENT
UNI Panther Football!
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UNI vs South Dakota State
October 18 at 4:00 p.m.
Tickets are normally $15
Youth (grades 6-12) can get a free ticket by sending
a letter or e-mail to Chuck Norman, 1207 Kimball
Ave, Waterloo, IA 50702;
chucknorman1957@gmail.com explaining “Why
we go to church.”
 Youth who answer the question can get tickets for




their parents for $10
We have 60 tickets for the youth so send your
answers ASAP
You will be able to pick up the tickets on the 18th
between 2-4 p.m. at the Tree House (Wesley
Foundation) 2422 College St., Cedar Falls at the
corner of College & 25th St.
If you send your response by October 1, 2014, you
will receive a gift when you pick up your tickets.
If you have any questions, text or call Chuck
Norman at 319-230-9489
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES
Geneseo Sunday School for all ages has begun!

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teach each of the 3 classes. A volunteer will take 1
month at a time (1 month = 3 weeks because
Sunday school doesn’t meet the 1st Sunday of the
Three grade-school groups are meeting this year:
month). Lessons and materials will be provided for
Preschoolers –2nd grade, 3rd - 5th graders, and 6th teachers. There is a sign up sheet on back table of
9th graders.
fellowship hall.
Preschool thru 5th grade are going to grow their
 If there are any questions about volunteering you
faith by leaps and bounds with “Grow, Proclaim,
can contact Pastor Christie or Jodi Adams.
Serve!”
6th thru 9th graders are “Grappling” tough topics in  A High School and Adult Sunday school is being
taught by Pastor Christie.
meaningful ways so they can understand and own
their faith.
 A NEW young Adult Sunday school is also being
planned - to begin in October with Guy Mitchell
We are looking for many more volunteer teachers to
leading the way!
GENESEO VOICE
CHILDREN’S PAGE
PAGE 4
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10
PAGE 5
SPECIAL SUNDAY OFFERING: WORLD COMMUNION
World Communion
Sunday
on October 5th.
preparing for the vocation God has
given them, especially youth and
young adults. For ethnic students
World Communion who will be the first generation in
Sunday is one of the six their families to attend college, or
church-wide Special for those people of color who
Sundays of The United haven’t historically had access to
resources that make higher
Methodist Church.
education possible, the road toward
Around the globe, countless gifted education has often been unwieldy.
and qualified people face financial
On World Communion Sunday
obstacles that hinder them from
your giving provides scholarships
for U.S. racial- and ethnic-minority
students and international students,
on both undergraduate and graduate
levels.
This special Sunday offering is
celebrated on the first Sunday in
October, so we will join in the
giving with the other United
Methodists around the world on
October 5th.
PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH
Does your pastor know you
appreciate them? Now’s your
chance to let them know! October is
Pastoral Appreciation Month, when
churchgoers are encouraged to give
thanks for their pastors.
take the lead on countless church ministries, and in
many cases, manage staff and tend to the countless
little details that keep your church running smoothly.
We, as a church, want to let Pastor Christie know how
much her work, efforts, and ministry are appreciated.
Feel free to share your expressions of how Pastor
It’s easy to take your pastor for
Christie's ministry has impacted you. So, commit this
granted, not noticing, or bothering to find out, the
month to encouraging your pastor in some concrete
amount of work that goes into their everyday ministry. manner, the internet is full of ideas, and of course a
Pastors don’t “just” prepare sermons and lead
simple letter, e-mail, phone call, or text message are
worship—they visit the sick, counsel the struggling,
all welcome. (Hallmark even has cards for it!)
SAVE THESE DATES!
November 16, @ 10:30 a.m. - Geneseo UMC’s Annual Charge Conference—our annual “all church
meeting.” We will adopt our 2015 ministry goals, elect and affirm church leadership for the coming year,
decide on 2015 pastoral support as recommended by the SPRC and receive reports from administrative
committees. Please plan to come and celebrate all that God has done and look forward to what God may have
in store for the coming year!
November 22, @ 9:30 a.m.—Lord’s Portion Auction—Everyone is invited to join Geneseo UMC for our
Lord’s Portion auction and a light meal. More information to come in the next newsletter.
November 23—Hanging of the Greens—after Sunday worship (No Sunday school that day) — All are
invited to stay after worship and prepare God’s house for the Advent and Christmas seasons! This is a fun way
to help Geneseo create a warm Christmas welcome and remember the “Reason for the season!”
November 23, @ 5:00 p.m.—Community Thanksgiving Worship and Dinner—This year Zion Lutheran
Church in Dysart will be hosting and Pastor Christie will be preaching. I know this is the same day as the
Hanging of the Greens, but we should be done in plenty of time! Thanks, Pastor Christie
December 8th—Geneseo’s Christmas Dinner—Plan to enjoy an amazing dinner, good conversation, and
music. This is a great even for sharing the love of God and warmth of Geneseo UMC with your family,
friends, and neighbors! Reservations are necessary, more information to come!
GENESEO VOICE
CHURCH
COUNCIL SUMMARY - SEPTEMBER 9, 2014
Church Council
Summary –
September 9th
basis for three age groups preschool through middle school.
Pastor Christie is organizing a
Pastor Christie and Confirmation class to meet midweek. There will be a small group
eight members
adult education class to meet on
attended. Deb
Mumm presided. Sunday led by Pastor Christie.
Companions in Christ Bible Study
There was consensus that the
sessions will be available on
Meeting Night was productive.
Wednesday evenings and Saturday
About 18 committee members
mornings.
gathered for the meal at 5:30 prior
Board of Trustees: Metal siding
to the worship and committee
meetings. Nine people attended the will be applied to the barn. Scott
Neuendorf has volunteered to
Council meeting at 7:30.
provide the labor to apply the
Pastor's Report: Jodi Adams is the siding. Brian Weber will organize
Christian Education leader.
a group to gather at the church to
Volunteers are accepting
apply a seal to the wooden
responsibility to teach on a monthly playground structure.
PAGE 6
Ministry Work Areas: The Lord’s
Portion Auction is scheduled to
occur on Saturday, November 22.
David Sash will make the
arrangements for the auction
portion of the day.
Lay Leader: Tony John will be the
speaker on Laity Sunday, October
19. Marlys Mitchell will present
the Children's Sermon. Heather
Chingren will give the Council
HSCI review.
Church Charge Conference: The
Council will be completing the
Mission and Ministry Plan for 2015
at the October 14 meeting. Charge
Conference is scheduled for
November 16, 10:30 a.m.
JULY 2014 STEWARDSHIP REPORT
August Stewardship Report
$25,370 General Fund Balance—7/31/14
+ 141 Special giving receipts
+ 6,153 Operating revenue/offerings
-0 Special giving disbursements
- 10,252 Operating expenses
$21,412 General Fund Balance—8/30/14
Average Sunday Attendance—56
As we approach another harvest, we
are reminded of God’s abundant grace
and our many blessings. Thank you
for continuing to reflect the
generosity of our Lord through your
prayers, presence, gifts, service and
witness!
You are welcome to pick up a more
detailed financial report from the
church office or contact Finance
Chair Dennis Mitchell if you have
any questions or concerns.
SHARE THE TREASURE
LAST MONTH for the Treasure Table!
This is a great way to share extra garden produce,
delicious baked goods, handcrafted items, or any
lovely thing that needs a good home.
Each year the Outreach & Witness Committee
traditionally asks ladies of the church to furnish items
for the Treasure Table beginning June 15 and running
through October. If you would like to participate, you
are especially invited to bring items each Sunday of
your designated month (below) - although everyone is
encouraged to contribute to the Treasure Table at any
time!
Everyone is also welcome to browse the Treasure
Table, and take what they would like. All we ask is
that you leave a free will offering in place of whatever
is taken, and all proceeds will go to a local charity
designated by the Outreach & Witness Committee.
Thank you for helping us share the bounty of God’s
blessings!
OCTOBER—Tammi Neuendorf, Lora Olson, Pat
Peckham, Kalyn Putz, & Delores Reints.
GENESEO VOICE
PAGE 7
GROW DEEPER IN FAITH WITH GENESEO UMC
Companions in Christ is a small group Bible
study for spiritually hungry people who seek
a deeper experience of God in company with
others in the Christian community. It is for
people who do not think they have all the
answers, who are willing to hear scripture in
new ways, and who acknowledge their need
to grow in God’s grace.
Women’s Study is also a small group Bible
study which meets in homes to encourage
one another and grow in faith.
Companions in Christ will be held at
the Church on Wednesday nights at
6:30 p.m.
Women’s Study will be held at the
parsonage on Saturday mornings at
9:00 a.m.
Let Pastor Christie know or sign up in
the fellowship area if you would like
to attend either .
THANKSGIVING INGATHERING KITS
Geneseo UMC will now begin collecting Thanksgiving Ingathering Kits.
In previous years we have collected items for 4 different kits: health, sewing, layette, and
school. Again, we will be collecting items for all of these kits.
UMCOR Supply kits help to care for the most vulnerable people during times of crisis.
They also help to sustain everyday life by providing basis necessities to people who lack
ready access to essential supplies. These kits provide vital support for the work UMCOR
does throughout the world. By donating kit supplies or financial gifts to purchase the supplies, you make a
direct and tangible difference in sustaining people’s lives.
Supply Lists can be found on the Geneseo UMC website or on the missions table in the fellowship hall. You
can purchase all the items needed for one or more kits and place them on the mission table in the fellowship
area before November 1st. Thanks for helping God’s people all over the world!
ROMEO & JULIET: TWO LOCAL CHURCHES OFFERING SHOWS
WATERLOO, IA – Mt. Carmel
Baptist Church and Jubilee United
Methodist Church are offering an
opportunity to see a live production
of Romeo & Juliet. The Black
Hawk Children’s Theatre, under
the direction of Anita Ross, will be
performing an adaptation of
William Shakespeare’s Romeo &
Juliet as part of the theatre’s
Drama to Go outreach program.
Romeo and his crew are up to no
good when they crash the party of
their rivals, the Capulets. Little
does he know that one escapade
leads to love with Juliet. This
meeting sets up a series of events
that leads to a tragic ending for this
star-crossed pair. With passion and
poetry, we share Shakespeare’s
timeless tale of young love that
brings unity to fighting factions.
The first performance will be a
staged reading at Mt. Carmel
Baptist Church, 805 Adams Street,
Waterloo on Saturday, October 25
at 5 pm. The second performance
will be at the Jubilee United
Methodist Church, 1621 E 4th
Street, Waterloo on Sunday,
November 9 at 1pm.
For more information about these
performances, contact Mt. Carmel
at 319-230-0312 or 233-9482. For
the performance at Jubilee, contact
at 319-504-0081.
SALVATION ARMY
Volunteers are needed to help serve the noon meal at the Salvation Army in Waterloo on
Wednesday, October 15th at 9:00 a.m. If you can help with this worthwhile project please let
Jean Beenken know.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10
PAGE 8
HELP US PREPARE
Geneseo UMC member Mercedes Morris is
completing her Bachelor of Science degree
in Emergency and Disaster Management and has
agreed to be our church’s Disaster Coordinator.
be good stewards of our property; protect and care for
the people we welcome into our building and grounds;
and assist our neighbors in time of need. There will be
much more information to come in the upcoming
Mercedes will use her strengths in this area to help our weeks.
church and our parishioners prepare for and respond
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor
to disasters. There is a growing focus on the ability to Christie at pastorchristiejohn@gmail.com or
be ready for an emergency in our communities, our
Mercedes Morris mercedesmorris2011@hotmail.co
workplaces and our churches. Preparedness helps us
Fire Prevention Week: October 5th - October 11st
Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Test Yours Every Month
A fire is an emergency that is almost always unexpected. Are you and your family
prepared for a fire? The two best things that individuals or a family can do to prepare are;
make an evacuation plan (and practice it) – including a meeting place outside of the home,
and make sure the smoke alarms have quality batteries and have been tested.
Remember Everyone – Prevention and Preparation are the best methods.
THANK YOU!
A GIANT thank you to all who helped with the Ice
Cream Social and Country Store in any way!
Thank you to all who baked, made ice cream,
provided supplies, set up, served, and cleaned up!
entertainment, and of course, all who came and shared
in the fun and fellowship of this great Geneseo
tradition.
Especially thanks to our Committee Leaders—Joe and
Thanks to all who invited friends and neighbors or put Sheryl Brandt and Mike and Heather Chingren for
their willingness to take the lead and get everyone to
up posters at work or around town.
“JUST SAY YES!” God bless you all!
Thank you to the Sweet Adelines for their sweet
CHURCH CHRISTMAS CARDS
Each Christmas, Geneseo UMC
reaches out to our neighbors with
God’s love by mailing handmade
Christmas cards to every family in
our prayer map area.
All materials for making our annual Christmas cards
and Christmas Dinner invitations will be available at
the church soon! Therefore, this preparation work can
be done at a time and place that is convenient for you.
No experience is required and you are welcome to
come and go as you need.
If you don’t feel comfortable working
on your own or you enjoy fellowship
with your family, friends and
neighbors of Geneseo UMC, be on
the look-out for a special group
workshop at the church!
More information will be coming soon, so please be
on the look-out! Contact the church office if you’d
especially like to be included in the planning and prep
of this special gift during the holiday season!
HARVEST PRAYER LIST
During the months of October and November we will
be praying for the farmers and their families during
the harvest time. If there is a special person not on the
current list that you would like us to pray for, please
call the church office to let us know.
The prayer list can be found (during the months of
October and November) on our website at
geneseoumc.org and in our weekly Sunday bulletin
inserts.
7
13
Pastor’s Day off
20
Pastor’s Day off
27
Pastor’s Day off
12
9:15 a.m. - Worship
10:30 a.m. - Sunday School
for all ages
19 Laity Sunday
9:15 a.m. - Worship
10:30 a.m. - Sunday School
for all ages
26
9:15 a.m. Worship
10:30 a.m. - Sunday School
for all ages
3:00 p.m. - Adopt-AHighway
Clean Up
7:00 p.m. - Praise Band
6:30 p.m. Companions in Christ
22
5:30 p.m. Confirmation
6:30 p.m. Companions in Christ
5:30 p.m. Confirmation
15
9:00 a.m. - Salvation
Army Volunteering
6:30 p.m. Companions in Christ
28
29
7:00 p.m. - Worship 5:30 p.m. Team
Confirmation
21
14
5:30 p.m. - optional
light meal
6:00 p.m. “Meeting Night”
6:30 p.m. Companions in Christ
8
5:30 p.m. Confirmation
6
Pastor’s Day off
Wednesday
5 World Communion
Sunday
9:15 a.m. - Worship/
Communion
Tuesday
1
Monday
Church Office Hours:
Mon/Wed/Fri
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Sunday
Important Dates:
Sunday, October 5th—Adopt-A-Highway Clean Up
Tuesday, October 14th—Meeting Night
17
10
3
Friday
30
31
23
24
10:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
—Pastor @ HSCI Peer November
Newsletter Articles
Group
Due
16
9
2
Thursday
2014
25
9:00 a.m. - Women’s
Study
18
9:00 a.m. - Women’s
Study
11
9:00 a.m. - Women’s
Study
4
9:00 a.m. - Women’s
Study
Saturday
PAGE 9
Geneseo United Methodist Church
Geneseo United Methodist Church
3127 115th Street
Buckingham, IA 50612
Phone: 319-478-8788
E-mail: gumc@fctc.coop
Web-site:www.geneseoumc.org
The mission of Geneseo United Methodist Church is to make
disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Geneseo United Methodist Church
3127 115th Street
Buckingham, IA 50612