The Tower - Newsletter of Linn Memorial United Methodist Church Church

Eric Moore, Pastor
Barbara Gregory, Music Director
Ruth Spayde, Organist
Marquise Francis, Church Secretary
web page: www.gbgm-umc.org/LinnMemorial

March 2008

The old joke about Easter being so early that Lent begins during Advent nearly held true this year. Easter falls on the Sunday after the first full moon following the first day of spring. Over the decades, we've grown accustomed to Easter falling in early-to-mid April, even reckoning its often-chilly arrival in late March - but March 23, as the holiday falls this year, is the earliest Easter in the next 250 years! And so, if it seems that the church is gearing up to Easter a bit earlier this year, you're exactly right!

If you're in the worshipping habit on Sundays, I pray this season of Lent is especially blessed for you and yours. And if you're not in the Sunday worshipping habit, I join the many Linn families in praying that you'll feel moved to recommit to your worship life. Worship is the place where we gather as a church family and embody Christ's commands for us - worship is the place where we pray for one another, fellowship together, and grow in our individual journeys of faith. In the spirit of the wonderful old hymn, worship is the place where the ties that bind are truly blessed.

Here are some special worship dates to keep in mind this Lenten season:

* Palm Sunday - March 16, 10:00am. This Sunday that marks Jesus' entry into Jerusalem to waving palm branches will be lived out at Linn with children waving palm branches and processing during our first hymn. Our 3rd graders will receive a Bible in a special presentation that day, and who knows - we might even sing a little during the Children's Sermon time!
* Maundy Thursday - March 20, 7:00pm. The people of Linn join together in our sanctuary on this Thursday evening to hear the story of the Last Supper, and will remember this last evening before Jesus' died by partaking in Holy Communion. This is a very informal, come-as-you-are kind of service in which every family in our community will feel welcome.
* Good Friday - March 21, 12:15pm. The folks of Linn will gather in our sanctuary along with our friends from First Christian and St. Paul UMC for a brief, quiet remembrance of this day that Jesus died. Worship will adjourn before 1:00pm, in order for folks to return to work. See elsewhere in the newsletter for information regarding another youth potato-bar fundraiser to be held this day at lunchtime for their summer mission trip.
* Easter Sunday - March 23, 10:00pm. We gather in a beautifully adorned sanctuary for a triumphant celebration of Christ's Resurrection in song, word and fellowship together!

Stay tuned for information in future church bulletins about an invitation from St. Paul UMC to worship at Easter Sunrise with their congregation.

Please note that you can dedicate an Easter Lilly in honor or remembrance of a loved one, to be placed around the altar on Easter Sunday. You will need to fill out the form in the March bulletins through March 16, or simply call the office. You provide the flower - it can be dropped off in the Parish House in the days immediately prior to Easter.

Hope to see you in the gathering place this blessed season!

Eric

SHARING OUR JOYS AND CONCERNS

Our Sympathies To:
* Family & friends of Janice Woodward

Health Concerns:
* Carl Acton
* Lorie McDavid
* Graden Moon
* Sally Murtagh
* CiCi Otto
* Rev. Ron Page
* Stephen Schewe
* Al Shaw
* Mary Tausch
* Lorena Tinker
* Kim Wayland

Other Prayer Requests/Joys:
* Jud & Joanna Evans & family upon the birth of Kayla Judith
* Tony & Cindy Ford & family upon the birth of Anthony Ryan
* All of our homebound members: Katharine Alexander, Mary Lou Forbes, Morrisson Gose, Blanche Schafer, Rose Shiflett, Roy Werner.
* Victims of tragedies around the world
* Those preparing to serve & safe return of all those in service around the world
* World peace

Please Continue to Hold in Prayer:
* Messica United Methodist Church & Rev. Baquette (Mozambique)

New Arrivals
Joanna and Jud Evans are proud to report the birth of Kayla Judith. Kayla arrived on Feb. 20th at 6:31 am; weighing 8 pounds 14 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long. We join Joanna, Jud, and Kayla's siblings Zachery, Carson, Lauren and Blake in praising God for Kayla!

Cindy and Tony Ford are also proud to report the birth of Anthony Ryan. Anthony also arrived on Feb. 20th and weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces. We celebrate with Cindy, Tony and older brother, Garrison, this gift from God!

March Fellowship Events

Wednesday, March 19. Soup/sandwich carry-in dinner with a Dominoes Extravaganza afterwards. Dinner at 5:45 and all ending by 8pm. Bring in your own dominoes if you like, otherwise, we will provide them.

Potato Bar before the Good Friday Service
There will be a Potato Bar on March 21st, before the Good Friday service, from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm in the Fellowship Hall of the Parish House. This endeavor will benefit the youth group's summer mission trip.
Any and ALL are welcome. They will take donations towards the meal, and diners will be given a baked potato with a full fixin's bar and dessert.
The youth will be providing service in the state of Missouri and will be gone approximately 3 days. In summer 2009, we plan to attend a weeklong mission opportunity at Heifer Ranch in Arkansas.
The summer mission trip is open to any 6-12th grader who is in Church Street Youth or wants to join. Contact Pastor Eric or Joy Flanders for more information.

Fellowship Time Sign-up
We all enjoy Fellowship Time after worship service and appreciate the individuals that provide this service for us. If you are interested in performing this service for our congregation in the future please contact Kristin Himmelmann.
Thanks!

The United Methodist Men will meet for breakfast on March 15th at 7:30 am at St. Paul UMC.

United Methodist Women
* Mary Circle will meet on March 10th at 7:00 pm in the Wesley Room of the Parish House.
* Wesley Martha Circle will meet on March 12th at 12:15 pm in Schnell Hall.
* Lydia Circle will meet on March 28th at 9:30 am in the home of Susan Chambers.

UMW Notes

   About 1 in 3 American women have been physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. In 1996, 30% of all female murder victims were killed by their husbands or boyfriends. Between 40% and 60% of men who abuse women also, abuse children. These are sobering statistics. Domestic violence is control by one partner over another in a dating, marital or live-in relationship. The means of control include physical, sexual, emotional and economic abuse, threats and isolation. Chances are you know a woman who has been abused!

   On Saturday, March 29th, at 10:30 A.M. the United Methodist Women will host a brunch. JoRene Howard will be our guest speaker. She represents the "Women in Need" or "WINGS" program in Boonville. She will give a short presentation about the program that operates there. This is a serious problem. We all need to know about domestic violence. This is a way for us to be in mission to the needs of women and children right here in our community. Please put this date on your calendar and plan to attend.

  Even though we are talking about a serious issue, we are not going to have a boring brunch! This event will be EXTREME! Do you watch Extreme Makeover with Ty Pennington, the TV program where a family in need gets a new home? We are going to have an Extreme Dress Up Brunch. (I wish I could get Ty Pennington to come and be the Master of Ceremonies!) This is your chance to wear your most elegant outfit or (on the other extreme) your most outrageous mis-matched outfit. Maybe you will win the prize for the most outlandish purse or the fanciest hat. There will be prizes for the "best" outfits.

The idea is to have lots of fun and raise some money for a good cause. Tickets for $1.00 will be available at Commercial Trust and from selected UMW members so we can get an idea of how many ladies will be attending. An offering will also be taken. The nursery will be open so our young mothers may attend. Of course, we will also serve a delicious brunch with quiche, breads, fruit salad, and coffee or punch. Please spread the word. Invite a friend. Tell your neighbors. Let's have a wonderful morning enjoying the company of women united to make a difference in our community.

  The Spring Meeting will be March 15th, at the New Bloomfield United Methodist Church from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The program will be "The State of Public Education" and the speaker will be Dr. Marianne Inman from Central Methodist University. Registration is at 9:30 am and the cost is $6.00, which includes lunch.

I hope you will plan to join me for an inspirational meeting. May you experience a blessed Lenten season filled with the presence of the Living Christ.
In Christian Service,
Deborah Hanson

Savannah Byrd, our nursery attendant, would like to thank everyone who has remembered the needs of the nursery over the past few weeks. If you would like to help, the nursery still needs colored pencils, coloring books, drawing paper, construction paper, children's scissors and scotch tape. During this cold and flu season, the nursery can really use Kleenex and sanitizing gel. Thank you for your support of this vital ministry in our church.

Where's the Upper Room???

Some of you may have been wondering where the March/April Upper Room publication was in late February. The publishing company issued a letter apologizing for the late arrival; evidently, there were some technical difficulties and they didn't get them out as early as usual. They are out now in the back of the sanctuary and outside the church office. Thank you for your patience!

Office Hours:

Rev. Moore: Monday - Thursday mornings;
visitation, meetings & sermon prep. in afternoons
Marquise Francis: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Monday and Tuesday, 8:00 - 10:30 am Wednesday thru Friday

2008 OFFICERS & COMMITTEES of Linn Memorial United Methodist Church

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL
Chairperson   Dennis Potter
Vice-Chairperson   Jane Shover
Recording Secretary   Judy Tayloe
Treasurer   William McIntosh
Financial Secretary   Sarah Morrow
Lay Leader   Shirley Dougherty
Lay Member to Annual Conference   Connie Shay
Alternate Lay Member to Annual Conference   Bill Shay
United Methodist Women - President   Debbie Hanson
United Methodist Men - President   Dennis Potter
Pastor/Staff-Parish Relations Committee Chair   Linda Quinley
Trustees Chairperson   To be elected in 2008 (currently Ted Spayde)
District Conference Delegate   Joan Moon
CLASS of 2008   CLASS of 2009   CLASS of 2010
Betty McIntosh   Berre Robinson   Barbara Davis
Keith Keeling   Ann Robinson   Norma Anderson
   Donna Stearns   John Flanders

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Chairperson-Joy Flanders; Sunday School Secretary-Frances Eaton; Youth Ministries Program Director-(TBD); Child Care Coordinator-Amy Valencia; Sarah Morrow and all Sunday School teachers

ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE: Chair-Keith Keeling; Chairperson of Administrative Council (Dennis Potter), a representative of the Trustees (TBD), Chairperson of the Finance Team (Roger Lembke), Church Treasurer (William McIntosh).

CLASS of 2008	CLASS of 2009	CLASS of 2010
Janet Jacobs	Mark Harbison

LAY LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE: Chairperson/Pastor - Eric Moore; Vice Chairperson - TBD; Lay Leader - Shirley Dougherty

CLASS of 2008	CLASS of 2009	CLASS of 2010
Cara Owings	Ilene House	Norma Anderson
Stephanie Moore	Ted Spayd	Jane Shove
Kitty Schewe	Rebecca Harbison	Tom Yancey

MEMORIAL & BEQUEST COMMITTEE: Chairperson-Marjorie Keeling; Representative from Christian Education (Joy Flanders), Representative from Organ Committee (Bill McIntosh), Representative from Outreach Committee (Connie Shay), Representative from Trustees (Barbara Davis), Representative from U.M.W. (Shirley Dougherty), Representative from Worship Committee (Marjorie Keeling), Pastor (Eric Moore), and two members-at-large: Tom Yancey and Joy Flanders

OUTREACH COMMITTEE: Chairperson-Connie Shay;

CLASS of 2008	CLASS of 2009	CLASS of 2010
Trish Hilgedick	Alice Burke	Charles Moor
Willa Moore	Patsy Harrington

PASTOR/STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE: Excluded from membership are immediate family members of pastor and staff. Lay Member to Annual Conference, Connie Shay; Lay Leader, Shirley Dougherty

CLASS of 2008	CLASS of 2009	CLASS of 2010
Brandy Lembke	Karen Jefferies	Ilene House
Donna Stearns	Tom Yancey	Ray Banning
Iva Bannin	Linda Quinley (chair)	Linda Lembke

STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE COMMITTEE: Chairperson-Roger Lembke; Committee Members: Pastor (Rev. Eric Moore), Lay Member of Annual Conference (Connie Shay), Council Chairperson (Dennis Potter), PPRC Representative or Chair (Linda Quinley), Trustees Representative (TBD/Ted Spayde), Lay Leader (Shirley Dougherty), Financial Secretary (Sarah Morrow), Church Treasurer (Dr. William McIntosh), Stewardship Chair (Barbara Davis/Roger Lembke)

CLASS of 2008	CLASS of 2009	CLASS of 201
Bill Shay	Jerri Carter	Barbara Davis
Joe Weiker	Judy Tayloe	John Flanders

TRUSTEES:

CLASS of 2008	CLASS of 2009	CLASS of 2010
Ted Spayde	Joe Weiker	Larry Anderson
Nick Owings	Jud Evans	Barbara Davis
Chester Hanson	Julee Sherman	Bonnie Potter

WICKS ORGAN RECITAL COMMITTEE: Chairperson-Ruth Spayde

CLASS of 2008	CLASS of 2009	CLASS of 2010
Tom Yancey	Bill McIntosh	Linda Lembke

WORSHIP COMMITTEE: Chairperson- Debbie Hanson, Organist (Ruth Spayde) and Music Director (Barb Gregory)

CLASS of 2008	CLASS of 2009	CLASS of 2010
Sally Shoemaker	Marjorie Keeling	Tom Yancey
Mallory James	Kelly Beeler

COORDINATORS:
Acolyte Coordinator: Joy Flanders, and Connie Pettit
Caring Cooks: Bonnie Potter
Fellowship Time Coordinators: Kristin Himmelmann (supplies by Marjorie Keeling)
Greeter Coordinator: Jane Shover
Liturgist Coordinator: Debbie Hanson
Historian: Betty Collier
Prayer Ministry Coordinator: Ilene House
Scouting Coordinator: Ivan Moore

*Every effort is made to ensure that the above information is correct. If you notice an error please contact the church office. Thank you!

Easter Offering for Mozambique

The Linn Memorial Administrative Council voted to direct our special Easter offering towards our covenant relationship with Messica United Methodist Church in Mozambique. Please give generously to support our brothers and sisters in Mozambique!

March Birthdays and Anniversaries

March 1
* Jeffry Paige
March 2
* Betsy Dobbs
* Ilene House
March 3
* Ruby Remington
* Matthew Sherman
March 5
* Crystal Beeler
* Delmar Carter
March 6
* Morgan Harbison Ross
March 7
* Tommy Cunningham
* Kate Lopez
March 8
* Kathy Wilkerson
March 11
* Connie Shay
March 14
* Alex Hilderbrand
March 15
* Virginia Monroe
* Alvin Shaw
March 17
* Larry Anderson
* Robert Dobbs
March 19
* Chuck McCutcheon
March 22
* Zachery Evans
March 23
* Eric Lembke
* Amanda Schwartze Miller
* Barbara Stone
* Jim & Helen Thogmorton
March 24
* Daniel Dodson
March 26
* Joan Moon
March 27
* Chip & Marty Ferry
March 28
* Lisa Shrum
March 30
* Kathryn Diane "KD" Polson

Serving Our Church in March

Altar Guild: Mrs. Chuck McCutcheon, Mrs. Newell Ferry & Mrs. William Shay
2nd   Acolytes: Hank Hilderbrand,
   Max Hilderbrand, Davis Valencia
   Childcare: Savannah Byrd
   Fellowship: Kristin & Kurt Himmelmann
   Greeter(s):   Martha Baylor
   Liturgist: Joy Flanders
   Usher Captain(s): Fred & Julie Menees

9th Acolytes:      Carson Evans,
   Lauren Evans, Zach Evans
   Childcare Savannah Byrd
   Fellowship: __________
   Greeter(s): Billy & Jessica Quint
   Liturgist: Linda Quinley
   Usher Captain(s): Don & Linda Syferd

16th Acolytes: Melissa Blumer,
   Nicole Blumer, Tessa Chambers
       Childcare: Savannah Byrd
   Fellowship: John & Joy Flanders
   Greeter(s): Jane Shover
   Liturgist: Jerry Moon
   Usher Captain(s): Mark & Rebecca                                         Harbison

23rd Acolytes: Shelby Dodson,
   Annaliese Moore,
   Mackenzie Smentkowski
   Childcare: Savannah Byrd
   Fellowship: __________
   Greeter(s): John & Joy Flanders
   Liturgist: Daryl Jefferies
   Usher Captain(s):   __________

30th Acolytes: Melissa Blumer,
   Nicole Blumer, Dwight Marsh
   Childcare: Savannah Byrd
   Fellowship: __________
   Greeter(s): John & Joy Flanders
   Liturgist: Jane Weiland
   Usher Captain(s):   __________

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