October 2007 - Newsletter:
God's WisdomI like science fiction movies. Well, most of them. I grew up watching Star Trek television shows, and then the movies, with Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise traveling throughout the universe at warp speed getting into, and then out of, all kinds of trouble. I enjoyed the Star Wars series of movies depicting the constant struggle between good and evil, with good ultimately winning, taking place as various life forms from different planets and solar systems tried to learn how to live in relationship with each other. One of the things I find interesting in these science fiction shows and movies is the apparent abundance of life throughout the universe. It seems that no matter where the characters go, they encounter life on a vast number of planets. Are we alone, or is there life on other planets? There is a line in a movie starring Jody Foster where her character says about the vastness of the universe, “If there isn't any other life out there, then it's an awful waste of space.” Scientists are constantly looking for evidence of life on other planets using radio telescopes, the Hubble telescope, and other tools, not to mention all of the reports of UFO sightings. While a number of planets have been discovered in various solar systems, none of them appear to be able to support life as we know it. It appears that many things have to exist in the right circumstances in order for a planet to have the capability to support life. Let's look at some of the circumstances that would make life impossible on this planet if they were slightly different. Earth's orbit is just the right distance from the sun. A few thousand miles closer or further away and the difference in temperature and other effects of the sun's gravity and solar radiation would make life impossible. Even the tilt of the earth's axis is critical. If it wasn't for that tilt, we wouldn't have the variation of seasons and weather that is necessary for our life. Instead, we would have extreme ranges of temperature between day and night that would make life impossible. We also need to be thankful for our moon and for Jupiter's place in our solar system. While we know that the earth has been hit by meteorites in the page, and those impacts have caused considerable damage and impacted life, the earth has been protected from many other impacts. Scientists have determined that Jupiter and our moon have severs as “meteorite vacuum cleaners” and have saved the earth from additional impacts. As evidence, when you look at the moon, you will see thousands of crater impacts on the moon's surface. What would life be like on the earth if there were a similar number of impacts? Impossible. Be thankful that God made life possible for us on this wonderful planet. Gail |
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Remember These in Prayer...
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October Mission Offerings |
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Our mission offerings for October are World Communion Sunday and United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. We will take our first offering on October 7 for World Communion Sunday. World Communion Sunday is a United Methodist Program. World Communion Sunday's offering provides scholarships for U.S. (racial and ethnic-minority) and international students, on both undergraduate and graduate levels. Israel Alvaran, a graduate student, helped by these scholarships says, "Our lives should be our offering. Please give generously on World Communion Sunday, the first Sunday of October. Your gift makes a world of difference! Thank you!" The 2004 General Conference created the UMC Global AIDS Fund with the goal of raising $8 million over the next four years. This fund provides United Methodists with a dedicated way to address the AIDS pandemic around the globe. The fund will assist local congregations and conferences in identifying and creating global partnerships for mutual HIV/AIDS ministry. It provides support for projects sponsored bylocal congregations or organizations related to the UMC. It advocates for increased governmental and non-governmental funding. It explores partnerships with government funding initiatives as well as the Global Fund for AIDS TB and Malaria. It also helps develop appropriate promotional materials and funding guidelines. |
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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS |
The Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church is accepting applications for Director of Finance/Treasurer. The starting date for this position will be March 1, 2008, thereby allowing three months of training with the current director. This position will become available June 1, 2008 following the retirement of the current director. Required qualifications include bachelor's degree and knowledge of United Methodist structure. Desired qualifications include 5 years of experience in related field; skilled in personnel and financial management techniques; working knowledge of computer based network systemrs; and proficiency in fund balance accounting. Send resume, refernces and letter of application by October 5th t: BOnnie Carlson, Dakotas Conference, P.O. Box 460, Mitchell, SD 57301-0460 or e-mail bonnie.carlson@dakotasumc.org. |
ATTENTION UM LAITY |
The Dakotas Conference Board of Laity is offering two courses in lay training by Video Conferencing. The of each course is $35.00 per person. The first "The Gift of Giving - Lay Leaders Lead in Stweardship" will be offered Saturday, September 15 from 9:00am to 4:00pm CDT and Friday, October 19 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm CDT. The second "Lay Speakers Preach" will be offered October 2, 9, 16 & 23 from 6:30 pm to 9:00pm CDT. Locations are Sioux Falls UMC, Bismarck UMC, Fargo UMC, Piedmont UMC & Jamestown UMC. At least three persons must register for a site to be opened. Registration forms are on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. |
Women of Excellence Class |
Class will meetin One Night Only - One Hour Only October 6, 2007 following Saturday night church service. |
Birthday Celebration |
You are invited to an open house luncheon to honor |
HISTORY MOMENTS |
Belle Fourche Bee - September 14, 1939 Methodist Church Notes: As it was 45 years ago this month that the local Methodist Church was dedicated, we will commemorate the event by honoring the three remaining charter members: Mrs. W. Hubbard, Mrs. C.S. Small and S.W.P. Sellars. A historical record will be presented. A few old-time pictures will be on display. Anyone having a picture of some old-time resident or scene will do us a great favor by calling Mrs. S.W.P. Sellars. We want a large display. There will be special music as well as a special sermon by thepastor. A few greetings will be read from former pastors and members. Epworth League Service: All young people from the seventh through the high school grades, and high school graduates, are invited to a social hour in the church basement at 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. There will be a few quiet social games. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a regular Epworth League Service. prof. Nickisch will be the sponsor. Edw. C. Antrim, Pastor |
Chuckwagon Special |
Anyone who knows of someone in the Church that is ill, has lost a loved one or is hospitalized and is in need of a meal, please call: If you would like to be included on the list to help with the preparation of meals and/or delivery, please let us know. |