S
THE FLAME AND THE CROSS
Mesquite United Methodist Church |
November 2009 |
Vol. 14, No. 11 |
WHY THANKSGIVING IS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY!
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love food!! And I love to cook!! And I love the fact that family gathers all together around the table and we share time and memories together. I love the crispness that begins to be felt in the air, the smell of pies and turkey and dressing and candied potatoes and setting the tables… I just love everything about Thanksgiving.
I have to describe the Praise-a-Thon on KILA in other newsletters, but you can tune in and hear it for yourself. I first discovered the Praise-a-Thon in the 1980’s and was so impressed that people went on for days saying what they were thankful for and praising God. I could not believe the things people were saying – and I couldn’t stop listening. I was so mesmerized by the stories people told that I found myself calling in year after year to praise God.
When I was a youth director I practiced praising God with the youth. Each one had to give thanks. No one could repeat what someone else had said. I started by naming everything I could think of so no one got the advantage. Then to make it doubly difficult after everyone had given thanks, I had to finish with one final thanks. What we all learned was to give thanks to God, not just for the simple easy things, but also for every-thing in our lives.
When we talk to God in prayer it is not all about asking for things but for giving thanks. I think I like Thanksgiving because everyone seems to be grateful and praising God, even if it is only for a day. I like it because it “officially” kicks off the Christmas shopping season -–- the good will towards all -–- spirit of care and generosity.
When we read in the Bible about Jesus and prayer, we always think of the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus often went off by himself to pray. When we pray, we are speaking to God – it is like having a conversation with a good friend who loves us unconditionally. We can talk to God about anything at any time. When you stop and think about it, it is amazing how the God who created the universe and every little thing in it, cares about each one of us.
I like Thanksgiving because it comes right before Advent, which is the beginning of the Christian year. I like the preparation, the decorating, the shopping and wrapping – all to get ready to once again celebrate the birth of our Savior. I like the get togethers of friends, family and groups. I like singing carols, spiced cider, and cookies.
My favorite holiday is the one that brings us together. We come from different places, from different backgrounds and traditions, but we all come together to worship. In worship we praise God, we share our joys and concerns, we are nurtured and ministered to, and we receive the strength and encouragement we need to make it through another week.
My favorite time is anytime we connect with God. I think I like the holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas because of the spirit of good that it brings out in everyone. This time of year is our time as Christians to share our faith and the real “reason for the season.” To welcome all those who come through our doors and encourage them to come back again.
God bless you all as you gather with your family and friends. Thank God for all your blessings and encourage others to do the same.
In Christ, Rev. Lois
“SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT”
By Jim Bailey
Have you ever wondered why some people would rather hire staff to do ministry rather than do it themselves? There are some clergy that fit well with congregations who want to “hire” someone to do ministry rather than do it themselves. (Thank God, Rev. Lois is not one of them.) These are the folks whose solutions to opportunities facing a congregation is simply “hire additional staff.” There is nothing “wrong” with this approach to ministry. But I do think it puts enormous pressure on under-standing the role a staff person has in a congregation. (I am constantly amazed that throughout our adult lives we gain experience and knowledge, only to “retire” and seldom ever use any of what we gained in our lifetime.)
I am reminded of a very small Presbyterian congregation in northeastern Utah where I had the opportunity of leading worship several times this summer. The community of Myton is located between Duchesne and Roosevelt, close to the Unita Mountains (the only range in North America that runs East and West). It is Utah’s oil and gas area. This congregation has survived because its lay leadership, which by the way is exclusively females, refuses to let it die.
They have not had a pastor for years, even though they do have a nice parsonage (a three-bedroom double-wide trailer) right next door. The leadership is involved in Sunday School, ministry to the county jail, attends Presbytery in Salt Lake City and Women of Faith meetings in Denver.
How have they done it? Being committed disciples of Jesus and using the knowledge and experience gained throughout their lives in their congregation.
Here is my point: as followers of Jesus, he asks us to bring all of our resources, for me that means all of the knowledge, experiences, wisdom, time, money and love gained throughout our lives and commit these all to his ministry and mission. To help us accomplish this, we want people to come alongside of us who can interpret God’s word and give us the benefit of their experiences. What we don’t need are “hired hands or employees” who do for us what we can and should be doing ourselves.
Remember we are: FOLLOWERS OF JESUS!!
“Welcome Back” Picnic A Big Success
Members of the Growth & Communications Ministry Team (G&C) extend a special thanks to all who participated in making the 1st Annual All-Church Picnic a success. At least 70 were in attendance and all had a good time. Rev. Lois welcomed everyone and gave the opening prayer. There was lots of lively chatter and some extemporaneous singing of old favorite hymns.
Special thanks to Cliff and Susan Jenkins and their teams, United Methodist Men and Fellowship, for cooking, hauling stuff and ordering the food and pitching in to help in many aspects of the event. Also, thanks to all the cooks who provided the side dishes. No one went away hungry. The UMW, Youth and Music ministries pitched in to help; all this cooperation made for a very successful event.
G & C want to make this an annual event every October. It serves as a welcome back, a time for fellowship and a kick-off for the season ahead. Let members of G & C Ministry team know your thoughts.
BYOB 4 YBS
Bring your Bibles and your questions and study together the Word of God. If you do not have a Bible, one will be provided for you. Be there or be square! Rev Lois leads this Bible study for the Junior and Senior High youth each Wednesday evening from 6:30 – 7:30.
Guaranteed to be a fun event!
Confirmation Class
Confirmation classes are open to anyone in the sixth grade or older. If you or someone you know are interested in joining MUMC and attending the confirmation class, call the church office (346-4663) for details. Adults are also welcome to attend the class. The class looks into church history, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible and the United Methodist Church, and explores what they all have to do with us. ALSO anyone who wants to assist with this class can call the church office to sign up or speak to Rev. Lois for more information.
Call The Office
If a change is made regarding the day or time when your group or ministry team meets please let MUMC’s office know. The secretaries try to keep a current and accurate master calendar in order for our members to be informed.
MUM Men’s Meeting
Mesquite United Methodist Men met Saturday, Oct. 10th 2009 with breakfast at 8:00 AM in Fellowship Hall. President Cliff Jenkins reminded those present of the upcoming events in November and December.
Mesquite City Councilman Karl Gustafson spoke about his career before moving to Mesquite and how he became involved with politics in Mesquite. He answered many questions regarding business, NDOT, road repairs and downtown. Chaplain Rich Omta closed with a devotion and prayer.
The next meeting scheduled for November 14 has been cancelled due to scheduling conflicts. In December the United Methodist Men will sponsor the 2nd Annual MUMC Golden Anniversary luncheon to be held December 6th in Fellowship Hall following worship. (See article on page 7). The Men’s Group is also hosting the Annual Christmas Lunch which will be held on Thursday, December 10th at noon at Sundancers at Oasis Golf Club. Watch the Weekly News for details. The regular monthly meetings will return on Saturday, January 13th.
FROM THE EDITOR
In this November issue we bring you up-to-date on the progress of our parsonage. Did you see the picture of it in the Desert Valley Times recently? Rev. Lois will move into it once it is completed. We welcome most of our “Snowbirds” back this month and look forward to another winter in marvelous Mesquite. I understand that the Welcome Back fellowship went well, with many of the “Snowbirds” in attendance. We are always glad when they all return.
Always remember that The Flame & Cross (F&C) is your newsletter and we depend on you providing us the information that will make it vital for you to read. It is up you to keep us informed so we can get the information to you on what is currently happening in MUMC and coming up in the months ahead. The F&C is on www.gbgmumc.org/mesquite.
Grace and Peace,
Jim Bailey, Editor
Email: jvbailey@msn.com
ANNUAL CHARGE CONFERENCE
Remember, Wednesday, December 2nd at 7 PM is our Annual Charge Conference. (For non-Methodist-our annual congregational meeting.) All members and associate members are encouraged to attend and participate.
Chairpersons of ministry teams and church officers should have your annual reports in to the office by November 15th. The secretaries and Rev. Lois will put together all Conference required documents in time for distribution at the Charge Conference. Call the office if you have questions.
Stephen Ministers: Living Right
“I must be living right!” You’ve probably spoken those words in the midst of a very good day. What does it mean to “live right”? Peter lays it out for us: “As servants of God, live as free people...Honor everyone...” (1 Peter 2:16-17 NRSV).
Those involved in Stephen Ministry, our congregation’s one-to-one care giving ministry, do just that. They serve God and respect others by providing Christian care. If you know of someone who could use a Stephen Minister or if you feel you need one, please contact Joanne Johansen-345-3407 or Arlene Bean-335-5322. For the third quarter, 173 hours and 63 calls have been made.
MUMC’s Prayer Shawl ministry meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. at Norma Wegner’s house, 365 Colleen Court. They are making scarves and hats for the Las Vegas Outreach program, who are trying to collect 3000, so the ones already made will help to reach that goal. The Shawl Ministry would like to get as many made as possible for this fall. The group enjoys a soup and salad luncheon prior to each meeting. It is a time of fellowship and getting better acquainted. Please bring a beverage and something to add to the salad.
BIRTHDAY LUNCH
The November birthday celebration lunch will be noon at the Los Lupes on November 19th. All those with birthdays in November and friends are invited to attend this no-host lunch. Just show up!
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1 |
Mary Walsh, Micheline De Mulder, Sam Latendresse |
5 |
Arleen Stiffler |
6 |
Steven Good |
7 |
Mitzi Adams, Carol Ann Maloney |
8 |
Jim Gauger, Woody Hudson |
11 |
Francisca Baffoe-Bonnie |
12 |
Beulah Burney, Donna Lubach |
15 |
Libby Clark, Bob Lame, Maurice Nelson |
16 |
Joanne Helms |
17 |
Maxine Murphy, Donald Spence |
19 |
Marjorie Omta |
23 |
Jackie Ott |
24 |
Bonnie Doyle |
25 |
Kathy Sansone |
26 |
Susan Clapp |
28 |
Rick Parsons |
NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
8 |
Naime & Ed Hoffer, Peggy & Woody Husdon |
11 |
Darlene & Don Hircock, Doreen & Maurice Nelson |
14 |
Marilyn & Bob Meacham |
17 |
Marni & Mel Brown, Sharon & Richard Szarzi |
18 |
Joyce & Roy Stotts |
28 |
B. J. & Jim Gauger |
The women’s Bible Study, using Beth Moore’s Breaking Free, is an 11-week study that began in September. Since it is a video series, the DVD can be checked out if you need to get caught up. It meets on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall at MUMC. Contact Donna Lyng at 346 2187 or 702 808 2008 for more information.
Operation Christmas Child is our next focus. It is time to start preparing for this event that brings enormous joy and hope to so many children in desperate situations worldwide. If you need a shoebox, talk to Mary Daigle or call her at 346-3848.
Directions for packing your boxes and age group labels are available in the Narthex at MUMC. Pack your shoeboxes with small, safe toys and/or other gifts depending on age of child for whom the box is intended. Christmas wrap the box and lid separately, in order that the lid can be removed easily. Last year MUMC gave over 80 boxes Our goal for 2009 is 100 boxes to make even more children throughout the world happy!
With cooler weather and the return of the Snowbirds, many of the Neighborhood Fellowship Groups have resumed their meetings. Remember the purpose of these groups is to give you the opportunity of getting acquainted with your neighbors in Christ. Some Neighborhood Fellowship Groups still need a point of contact. If you are unsure which group you are in or interested in being a point-of-contact, call Donna Lyng at 346-2187 or 702 808 2008 (cell) or email her at dlyng2@rconnects
If you are interested in membership or transferring your membership, please see Rev. Lois. Remember that the United Methodist Church has Associate/Affiliate Memberships. You may keep your membership at your home church and also become a member of Mesquite UMC.
MUMW Annual Craft Boutique and Bake Sale Needs Your Help!
Tired of politics and economics? What to do? Did you know that the best therapy is to work with your mind, hands, and gifts God has given you by creating something unique? Keeping that in mind, why not make something only you can produce and donate it to the MUMW annual Boutique/Bake sale?
The date is November 14th, so you still have plenty of time. We’ll accept your item – or items – from 9:00 am through noon on Friday, November 13th, right here in the Fellowship Hall.
(Thanks to our Church Directory) we know that you have wonderful hobbies and talents that include photography, woodworking, crafting, scrap booking, painting, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, gardening, fishing (can you tie a super fly?) and baking. Each item will be unique because you made it. And each baked good will be mouth watering, because we all know Methodists are excellent bakers! If you can bake it, we can sell it!
Questions? Contact Doris Points at 346-7958, Carolyn Chuatiuco at 345-3076 or Norma Wegner at 345-6852.
FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY FUNDRAISER:
COME AND JOIN THE FUN!!!!!!!!!!
The Fellowship Committee invites everyone to a “Special” FUND RAISER, celebrating Veteran’s Day, on Nov. 8th following morning worship. Help us pay “Tribute to all of our Veterans!!! There will be lots of singing by the Grace Notes, and a good “Down Home” all-American meal served.
And you ask, How Much for all this? Only a mere $10.00 per person ($5.00 for children under 12) or a maximum of $25.00 per family at the door.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT
LYDIA CIRCLE
The Lydia Circle meets the first Tuesday of each month at 9:30 AM at the home of one of the members. We welcome new ladies to our group any time. The next meeting will be held Tuesday, November 3 at 9:30 AM at the home of Judy Adams, 1431 Wheelwright Ct. Please call at 613-4214 to let her know you are coming.
Mark your calendars so you don’t miss it! The next Fifth Sunday Community Sing will be at MUMC, Sunday, November 29th at 6pm. Each fifth Sunday which is approximately quarterly, one of the Protestant churches in Mesquite hosts a Community Sing. There will be singers and groups from several other Mesquite Churches, as well as MUMC participating. Cathy Petrus and George Hicks are coordinating the event. According to them, members of the congregation should expect to sing a lot too! Look for more details in the Weekly News.
UMCOR SUPPORTED BY MUMW
Mesquite United Methodist Women pursue their mission in a variety of ways. Each year we support local youth programs with donations to Vacation Bible School and sponsorship of one or more youth to summer camp.
Monies we forward through District UMW help fund the many UMW mission projects worldwide. Our local UMW unit also supports the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). UMCOR is a nonprofit agency of the United Methodist Church that provides relief in five core areas in locations all over the world. Founded in 1940 in response to the devastating effects of World War II, UMCOR has now served people in nearly 100 countries. UMCOR addresses needs relating to hunger, health, refugees, emergencies, and relief supplies. Unlike most relief organizations, UMCOR was designed so that 100% of all donations go directly to the intended projects. UMCOR is currently responding to three emergencies: Philippines typhoon, South Pacific earthquake and tsunamis, and the West Sumatra earthquake.
Each year MUMW selects one or more projects to support. Last year we purchased supplies for flood buckets used for clean up in areas contaminated by floodwaters. You will find a wealth of information about this organization by going to the UMCOR web site. For further information or to comment regarding our local UMW unit’s projects for this year, contact Doris Points at 346-7958.
Thursday night
6 PM – 7:30 PM
Starting November 12th
in the Fellowship Hall
“Happy is he who reads aloud and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and who observe the things written in it; for the appointed time is near.” Revelation 1:3
Our Bible study, for the next eighteen weeks, is on the Book of Revelation. Our endeavor will be to be more fully and scripturally accurate in our understanding of this life changing Book. Each member of this study will be given a copy of “Life Application Study Bible” and a personal tablet for note taking. You are encouraged to bring a pen and a highlighter.
Our study of Revelation will feature Hal Lindsay on audio as he is teaching a group of believers in Palm Desert, CA. Further, we will read aloud and discuss passages of scripture being discussed that evening. The interaction and dialogue at Bible Study is an essential to our understanding of the scriptures discussed. We will always seek the assistance of the Holy Spirit to clarify every conclusion we draw from our 1½ hour together.
I fully believe that we can grow in our Christian commitment in service to Jesus Christ by participating in the study of His WORD! Please sign up for this class on the sign-up sheet in the narthex.
Yours in Christ,
Jeff Stiffler
P.S. We have no experts in Biblical expertise attending this study. We’re all learners.
The parsonage is almost finished, but closing will not occur until the middle of December. This allows our first mortgage payment to be after Jan. 1st. The monthly payment will be in lieu of a housing allowance. It has 1,803 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and is located in the Trailside subdivision at Hafen Lane and Grapevine. MUMC is responsible for the back yard. Negotiations are under way with Kokopelli Landscape, as they have done all the work in the subdivision.
AED (defibrillator) Training Set for November 21st in conjunction with CPR certification. All are invited. Contact Norma Wegner.
Lay Leader requested that Rev. Lois be kept informed of MUMC happenings. Also with growth in the Sun City area members should be thinking about ways to tell people there about MUMC.
Rev. Lois Hedden reports positive response of meeting congregational members and getting to know people better.
Fellowship team’s concern about Fellowship Hall’s condition following a wedding reception led to an approved recommendation, effective immediately, that the Trustees establish a $200 cleaning deposit on all events scheduled at the church. A committee was appointed to review all the fees charged. Susan Jenkins will be chairperson. Rev. Lois, Fred Davison, Jean Burdett and Jeannie Norris are members.
Gratitude was expressed for Paul Freese repairing and/or replacing faucets in the kitchen.
Worship requested that the Trustees put a lock on the choir cabinet since the portable sound system has arrived
Finance announced that future fund-raising projects should have approval of the Finance Team in order to coordinate all finance efforts. They also announced that MUMC overpaid Worker’s Comp insurance and should receive a rebate; Worker Comp showed MUMC employing a custodian. Rev. Lois will get a certificate of insurance from contract janitorial service with MUMC listed. Finance requested that any errors in team expense reports be reported to Fred Davison immediately for correction. Don Wamre will chair the Stewardship Team again for 2010. He is looking for help. Finance is currently working on the 2010 budget.
Trustees: Rev. Lois will pass on the following recommendations to the Trustees: 1) that Rich Szarzi and Joe Lyng be appointed as Air Conditioning Coordinators and that the system be programmed based on the church calendar. A thermostat in the Fellowship Hall doesn’t work. Trustees were directed to replace it immediately.
Treasurer presented the current balance sheet. Land value was questioned being on the balance sheet. Necessary corrections will be made based on outcome of meeting. Treasurer was directed to make a $5,000 apportionment payment for September, October and November with the balance paid in December.
Memorial Team is providing $900+ from their fund to purchase portable sound system.
Info Technology reported that Tom Keefe will be Joe Lyng’s back-up person.
Care reported concern about a member who may be a candidate for a Stephen Minister.
Rev. Lubach announced his conclusion of service at Valley Presbyterian Church. They have a new organizing Pastor. Rev. Lubach announced he is also serving as spiritual leader with Virgin Valley Hospice.
Parking lot repairs are nearly complete thanks to George Hicks and his large crew of workers.
Decorating the church for Christmas is done the Saturday before the 1st Sunday of Advent, November 29. That means for this year, Saturday, November 28, MUMC will decorate the sanctuary. Be on the lookout for the details in the Weekly News. Jean Burdett is retiring as Chair of the Worship Ministry team. Anyone interested should let Rev. Lois know, as she heads the Nominating Committee. Also announced was the acceptance by Jeannie Norris of the unpaid position of Wedding/Memorial Coordinator. Ruth Allen has asked to be relieved of the communion duties for Saturday nights. Rev. Lois and Susan Jenkins, as Communion Steward, are looking for a replacement.
THANKSGIVING 
SERVICE
There will be a Thanksgiving service for all the family on Thanksgiving Eve Wednesday November 26th at 7 PM in the sanctuary. Come and join us with family and friends as we give thanks for our many blessings this past year.
THANKSGIVING DINNER
You are all invited to attend our annual Thanksgiving dinner which is held in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone attending is asked to bring a dish and join in this time of fellowship and prayer. A sign-up sheet is available in the Narthex for all who wish to attend.
CHRISTMAS LUNCH SCHEDULED
The annual Christmas lunch hosted by United Methodist Men this year is set for Thursday, December 10 at noon at Sundancers. Keep on the lookout for the details in the Weekly News.
Lay Leadership Committee (Nominating Committee) will meet on Tuesday, November 3rd at 6:30 PM.
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON SET
For all of those who are fortunate enough to be celebrating 50 plus years together and are still talking to each other (some days), the 2nd Annual MUMC Golden Anniversary luncheon will be held Dec 6th in Fellowship Hall. It will be along the lines of last year’s event, with a few changes here and there. Jim Stroup is trying to arrange the entertainment. There are at least 20 couples at MUMC who have reached or exceeded that goal. It is so much fun, you don’t want to miss it.
Yes, that’s right! The time is here to order poinsettias to be used to decorate the sanctuary for the Christmas Holidays. The deadline has been stepped up this year by the florist, and they will need your orders by November 29th. If you wish to purchase a poinsettia “in honor of” or “in memory of” a loved one, please fill out the form inserted in your weekly bulletins and leave it in the collection plate along with a check for $15.00 for each poinsettia. Make it payable to Mesquite United Methodist Church and write “poinsettias” on the memo line. This has been a tradition at Mesquite United Methodist Church and gives us a glorious display as we celebrate Christ’s birth and an opportunity to honor or remember loved ones.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY
There is Children’s Sunday School at 10:00 AM each Sunday morning, and we encourage all to attend.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Rev. Dr. Douglas Harrell, founding pastor of Mesquite United Methodist Church. He touched many, many lives during his nearly 67 years of ministry. Dr. Harrell returned to his Heavenly Father on October 14, 2009. If you would like to send a card to Jeri Lee Harrell you may do so at P.O. Box 1448, Parowan, UT 84761. Gifts in memory of Rev. Dr. Harrell will go toward the purchase of a carillon for Parowan United Methodist Church.
ABC KID’S CLUB
We have a wonderful opportunity to share a couple of hours with some truly special people. A.B.C. (All ‘Bout Christ) Kid’s Club began its new season Wednesday, October 7th from 5 to 7 pm for preschool through fourth grade children and from 6 to 8 pm for 5th and 6th grade children. Let every child and parent in your neighborhood know about this exciting club designed to share Jesus and His love with all children in the community. ABC Kid’s Club focuses on teaching children about Christ, using His example to help in the home with family, in the church with teachers and other children, and in the community with service for others. This VBS-formatted Club offers a time of Bible lessons, music, crafts, and sharing time together in games and community activities. It is a great time to be a “grandparent” for one night, whether it is every week or once a month. If you would like to join us in a time of fun and learning, please let Norma Wegner know at 702-345-6852. It will be the time of a lifetime---guaranteed!
Mesquite United Methodist Church
420 N. Pioneer Boulevard
The mailing address is:
PO Box 2940
Mesquite, NV 89024-2940
Phone: 702 346-4663
Fax: 702 346-5765
e-mail: mumcnv@cascadeaccess.com
Web Site:
www.gbgm-umc.org/mesquite
Rev. Lois Hedden, Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jim Lubach, Assoc. Pastor