Have we forgotten God?

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has grown.

But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.

Intoxicated with unbroken success we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole of the American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.

--Abraham Lincoln
1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation

From the Pastor's pen

These days it’s not unusual to hear Christian faith-the church - talked about in many unflattering ways. Sometimes we’re referred to in a very hostile manner, taking on the sins of those who represent our faith in a negative way, representing an experience in a person’s life where a Christian or church acting in the worst possible way so as to leave a huge wound. There are those who look upon us as if we are irrelevant. They suggest that “no good could come out of Nazareth…” and therefore what we represent about God’s life and forgiveness through Jesus Christ is totally useless. There are those who simply are indifferent towards the church or Christian faith. Their experience of Christianity leaves them with so little information about who we are, they shrug their shoulders as if they find nothing important

I agree with Kathleen Norris who has written, “I am spoiled by the company I keep (people) who know from their experience that prayer is important, that worship serves a purpose, that God is a part of everyday life and that singing ‘nearer my God to thee’ is good for a person.”

May God truly bless your life with love and grace and forgiveness and hope. May our church be a blessing to you. May you grow in Christian faith and may you continue to experience God’s presence through the Holy Spirit.

Shalom,
Steve

The underlined scriptures are the texts that will be used in the worship services during the month.

May God add His blessings and understanding to our hearts and lives as we read and study His word

God hears our prayers and knows our hearts

/

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Nov. 2 Nancy Acheson, Nov. 5 Gail Hunter, Nov. 6 MaryLou Herrst, Nov. 7 Connor Weaver, Nov. 10 Sandy Pease, Nov. 11 Adrian Chavey, Nov. 15 Helen Buzenberg, Carol Gaston, Nov. 16 Linda Mendro, Nov. 24 Danielle Bray, Nov. 29 Ted Smith, Nov. 30 Tim Lewis

Present: Judy Tonseth, Bill Massengill, Carol Gaston, Bob Hoffman, Rick Lewis, Glenn Schmekel, Shannon Fharnham. Belva Hoffman, John Roth, Steve Schroeder, Nancy Acheson.

Carol Gaston opened the meeting at 11:15am. Bob Hoffman led us in prayer.

Minutes of the September 20, 2009 meeting were approved as read.

Treasurer: There were no outstanding bills yet to be paid this month. Following a general discussion, Judy’s report was accepted as presented.

Team reports: Transforming: Dana is serving as temporary team chair. Extra Christmas celebrations at church this year will be simple and fun. Shannon will be going to the October district youth retreat at Lazy F on October 23. It is homecoming that weekend so she is uncertain which youth from the church will attend. The youth will be meeting monthly. Wednesday night was suggested as the one night there were no sport activities.

Attracting: Rick will check with Brad Pinkerton regarding completion of the new signboard.

Circling: Belva said the dessert auction has been cancelled for the time being. The team is planning the development of small “get acquainted” groups using the map they made showing where the church members live. Circling team will meet next Sunday.

SPR: The group will meet this week to finalize the pastor’s salary package to present at the November charge conference. Judy will get L&I and electric rates so we can complete the necessary budget. Trustees: Bill Massengill sat in for Roger Gimmestad. Roger is working with Brandenburg regarding the church entrance; trustees expect the pad to be completed this week. The irrigation system has been turned off and drained. The trustees continue to look into proposals to cut the noise in fellowship hall.

Judy noted the memorial committee has presented a “giving tree” design for consideration by Barry; the “tree” will be in the church entryway.

Finance: Bob reviewed plans for consecration Sunday. Reservation cards for the November 8th luncheon will be distributed on Sunday, November 1. Tuesday, November 3, soup and salad will be provided at 6 p.m. for those who come to contact folks who have not filled out a reservation card. Steve will be the speaker for consecration Sunday. Rick and Tim Lewis will provide entertainment while Judy Tonseth and Carol Gaston count pledges.

Lay Leadership: The committee has almost completed its work. UMW: The women will meet this Tuesday. The program is “Where the money goes.” The women will sponsor Operation Christmas Child again this year. College boxes will go out the first week in November. Carol Gaston attended the annual UMW meeting at Mount Vernon First United Methodist Church.

Old Business: Rick Lewis will contact Don Becker (DOT) on November 4 regarding the problem with the intersection at the north end of the church property.

New Business: None
Pastor’s Report: None
Steve gave the closing prayer.
Meeting adjourned

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Acheson
Secretary

So here we are coming up on our 13th Consecration Sunday Celebration. And what a special time of the year this is. We celebrate our commitment to our Lord and our church family through our gifts and tithe.

You have heard several people speak so wonderfully to the importance of the various ministries we offer here and how we are connected to all parts of the globe from our community here in North Central Washington; how our music reaches way out beyond our sanctuary and touches so many people; about breaking down the world community into degrees of separation that, instead of serving as walls, connect us by our close proximity.

So we now dedicate ourselves to that vision of our interconnected ministry through our stewardship of time and resources, so very vital to making our church family work. We have so many things we want to do beyond paying the bills.

We will always be able to pay the pastor and keep the lights on. We have to do that. We will be able to paint, fix and replace stuff. We need to do that. We want to expand out ministry to reach out and touch more people, bring more into the flock and serve our neighbors, on a global basis. We are charged and challenged by our faith to do that.

Sunday November 8th is our day to do all of this stuff as we rededicate ourselves to God’s service. Please join us for this important celebration and prayerfully consider how you can better serve through your time, talents and tithe.

I see the Valley quilters are back from their summer vacation, and all those colors and patterns of material are once again turning into nice and warm lap quilts for The Cove. Maybe they will make me a small one.

Wow, that front entry walk is going to be nice, I won’t have to worry so much about slipping and falling on the way into the church., and its even heated, so the snow and ice will melt off, and the walk will stay clear.

Dana is still looking for more voices to come and join the choir. I’m practicing my squeak so maybe she can find a place for me. You may see me up there with them soon.

I heard Nancy and Judy talking about doing Thanksgiving dinner again this year. Same time and same place. Thursday, November 26th from noon until 4:00 pm in the Church Fellowship Hall. Hope they leave something for me.

I’m going to get some items for Operation Christmas Child to put into some shoe boxes. Are you? They last day for boxes is November 15th.

I plan on attending the Consecration Sunday Service on November 8th and will be taking up my Pledge to help support the works of the church. I will be putting my pledge and my This I Believe letter on the alter as an offering to the Lord. Of Course I’ll be staying for the meal. Come and join me.

I saw the UMW putting their Christmas raffle baskets together the other day. One is a kitchen theme and the other is tools. There are lots of good stuff in both. Stop by the Christmas Bazaars in Twisp, one on November 21st and the other on December 5th , the winners will be announced at the end of the December 5th bazaar.

I saw Tim selling Fair Trade items for the Youth the other day. Maybe he will forget to pack away one of those candy bars and I can have something to munch on. I’ll keep checking, just in case.

I Think I'll go for a snack, have you seen my cheese anywhere around here? Can you help me find it? If you do please let Deb know .

UMW News

UMW Upcoming Events

TUESDAY - November 3rd - 10:30am - Pack college boxes in the Fellowship Hall. After we finish, we will go to Home Town Pizza for lunch.
SUNDAY - November 15th - Sunday Last chance to bring Operation Christmas Child boxes to the church.
TUESDAY - November 17th - UMW 12:00pm-Lunch, 1:00pm meeting, Fellowship Hall. Guest speaker will be Derrick Rhyn from The Tacoma House - one of the missions we support. The units from Chelan, Omak, Okanogan, and Oroville have been invited to attend.
November 21st - 1st Christmas Bazaar, Twisp. 9:00am-2:00pm; UMW will have a table.
December 5th - 2nd Twisp Christmas Bazaar 9:00am-2:00pm; UMW will have a table.
December 12th - Winthrop Christmas Bazaar 9:00am-2:00pm, at The Barn

Without your help and support we would not be able to assist with the missions that we do. May God richly bless you.

Special Mission Recognition

Quite often when we think of missions and the mission field we think of people who leave their family, friends and homes to go on mission trips in other lands. But there are many opportunities for missions right here at home.

With a friendly serving heart and a love of music Dana Stromberger has made directing the choir her mission field. Dana sends many hours researching music, practicing with the choir and directing them during church. She has put together several cantatas and other musical presentations drawing on musicians and singers from the community to help fill the choir. Dana is Lay Leader and has filled the pulpit on several occasions when Steve was away. She is also a member of the Lilies of the Valley quartet.

A Special Mission Recognition pin and certificate is given to honor Dana, and a gift for ministries with women, children and youth was forwarded to the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries in Dana’s name. Thank you Dana for showing and sharing your love of Christ thru music. May God continue to richly bless you.

CIRCLING TEAM

   The Circling Team had its meeting on the 18th of October, completing its task of forming "clusters" of people in our church that will meet when they agree to do so. These clusters will form their own identification, i.e. game night, dessert & wine get-together, dinner out, dinner in, etc.   Whatever it takes to get to know one another in your area.

Our goal is to be available to our church body and support one another in a way that is loving and healthy.  

If you are interested or have the gift of hospitality please let us know if you would be willing to be the first to organize your cluster and call the first meeting.  It doesn't have to be formal or complicated, just fun!  We have all the necessary information to make the calls.  Please contact Belva Hoffman at 997-8141 if you have any questions, or any of the other Circling Team members: Bob Hoffman, Youngme Lehman, Joy Olmsted, Janet Mehus or Phyllis Boulton.

Please remember all of the Seven River District and the Pacific Northwest Conference congregations in your prayers in the coming weeks:

Nov. 1 Kennewick First Church and Pastors Roger Barr & Doug Mowry
Nov. 8 Kennewick West Highlands Church & Pastor Edward Branham
Nov. 15 Leavenworth Church & Pastor Roger Hudson
Nov. 22 Mabton Church and Lay Missioner Ruben Escalera
Nov. 29 Malott Church and Pastor Rick Weber
Dec. 6 Manson Church and Pastor Eleazar Rivera-Garcia
Dec. 13 Pray for Peace in our World and in our Hearts

HAPPENINGS . . .Around Town

Nov. 10 Neighbors Helping Neighbors: First planning meeting at MV Senior Center for the annual Christmas food and toy drive. Packing and delivery volunteers needed. 997-7393. 9am

Nov. 14 Harvest Dinner: Potluck and musical entertainment at the Twisp Valley Grange. 997-0775. 5:30pm

Nov. 15 Home Cooking: “Cooking with Local Foods” class with Tess Hoke at Local 98856, Twisp. Today’s topic: side  dishes for the Thanksgiving table. $35. 997-0978. 3-5pm

Nov. 21 Christmas Bazaar: Local vendors and crafters in the MV Community Center, Twisp. 997-2926.

Nov. 27-Dec. 6 Christmas at the End of the Road: Stories, balloon glow, pictures with Santa, town tree decoration, caroling, town lighting hay rides, chili feed, fireworks and much more in Winthrop.

Dec. 4-20 Live Theater: Performances of It’s a Wonderful Life at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. 997-7529.

Dec. 5 Christmas Bazaar: Local vendors and crafters in the MV Community Center, Twisp. 997-2926.

Dec. 19 OVOC: Okanogan Valley Orchestra and Chorus Christmas concert at Omak PAC, featuring a collaborative piece written and composed by orchestra conductor Terry Hunt. (509) 322-5854. 7pm

CHURCH LIBRARY

Now in the library - several of the Book Group books. These are available for borrowing.
The Shack - William P. Young
Life and Holiness - Thomas Merton
Not For Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade and How to Fight It - David Batstone
Dinner With A Perfect Stranger - David Gregory *****

RIVERS OF PRAYER . . .

We are in the process of updating our Prayer Chain - to include an emailed version entitled “Rivers of Prayer”. In the email version we will send prayer concerns by email to any and all who would like to receive them. For those on the ‘traditional Prayer Chain’ - you will still need to call those on your list - as not everyone has access to email. If you would like to be included in these ‘emails’ or if you have prayer requests you would like sent out, please call the office at 997-9292 or email your requests to:
newsletter@schroederfarm.com.

Red Apple 1% Rebate Program

Sunday Fellowship Hour

We all enjoy the coffee, deviled eggs, sandwiches, cookies, pies on Sunday morning. It is a great ministry of our church . . . time to visit, to welcome new people, to enjoy being the family of Christ. It is also a busy time for a few people as they make the coffee, bring refreshments, serve and clean up. You may or nay not know how these goodies appear each Sunday. There are 8 groups who bear the responsibility for the Fellowship Time. They are the 4 programs areas: Attracting, Circling, Transforming, Sending; and the official areas: United Methodist Women, Finance and Stewardship, Staff-Parrish Relations, and Trustees. Each quarter there is a 5th Sunday, and we have a potluck. All of these groups could use some help. Both with providing goodies, and helping set up and clean up. Sometimes only one person from a group is there to help clean up - additional help would be very welcome. There is a schedule of serving in the Fellowship Hall and the schedule is also listed in this Newsletter, monthly (see above article). Check it out, and plan when you can help out. The old adage “Many hands make light work…” is true. Come help make the work lighter.

Fragrance FREE Area

The back three, south west corner, pews have been designated as a “Fragrance Free Area” in an attempt to create a more comfortable church environment for those who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivities. If you experience difficulty in being around fragrances - then this is the area for you. WELCOME!

THE COVE

The third Thursday of each month is our church's opportunity to help pack and serve bags of food to people of our community. We also keep a box in the entry way for your donations.

To participate in this ministry, arrive at 11:00 am at The Cove, in downtown Twisp.

Often people ask if there are things they can do around the church. We are starting a new program called "Helping Hands" on a monthly basis.

If you see anything on the "Helping Hands" chart you would like to do, please sign up.

Come and breakfast with the men, Friday mornings at 7:30 am at the Branding Iron - in downtown Twisp. Come and help share God's love for you with the other men of our church. !

If we are spiritually blind, Lord, open our spiritual eyes. If we are deaf to your voice, keep speaking until we hear you. If our hearts and mouths do not properly praise you, be patient with us until we get it right. Amen.

OFFICE NEWS

Recently - the office's computer had a meltdown. So I am trying to rebuild all the email addresses I lost. If you would like me to have a list of your email address - please send it via: newsletter@schroederfarms.com thanks Deb

Remember - All Newsletter articles, information, etc., need to be submitted to the church office no later than the 15th of each month. Articles and information may be delivered by hand (we always enjoy talking to you!) or you may choose to send your info over the internet, just contact Deb by clicking here on her name.

Prayer Chain

Just what is the Prayer Chain?

It is a chance to pray for all the people who ask for our prayers.

What is the requirement?

Someone will call with a specific prayer request. You then call the person's name that is next to yours. Tell them the specific request. Pray for this request yourself in the privacy of your own home.

If you would like to help with this ministry or would like to know more please call Frances Mishler at 996-2184, or the church office at 997-9292.

God is faithful and prayer is the best avenue for our personal needs, illness, problems, loss of a loved one, etc.

For any request (nothing is to great nor to small) to be added, please contact Frances Mishler ( 509/996-2184).

God's promises are available for us to claim. Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive. Matthew 21:22.

We are awaiting your call when you need us.

""Where two or three are gathered there am I in the midst".

Please call the church with prayer request if you wish - 997-9292.

There are many committees/teams that need more volunteer help. If you would be interested in serving the church in a particular area, please contact the church office to obtain information. Office hours are Monday - Thursday from 9:30 AM - Noon.

NEED TRANSPORTATION ??? If you ever need a ride to our church service or to a meeting/ activity at our church, please feel free to contact the church office (997-9292). We have church families in Winthrop and Twisp that have willingly agreed to provide transportation to anyone requesting a ride. It is our church's desire to have everyone present that desires to be here

NEW FELLOWSHIP HOUR SCHEDULE

After discussion at the last Administration Board Meeting, the latest plan for fellowship time was agreed upon.

*We are going to add responsibility for fellowship time to the Trustees, SPR, and the Finance Committee.

*We are also going to add Fifth Sunday responsibility for fellowship time to the congregation by having a potluck meal.

Attracting: 1st Sunday of Jan - Mar - May - July - Sept - Nov

Circling: 2nd Sunday of Jan - Mar - May - July - Sept - Nov

Transforming: 3rd Sunday of Jan - Mar - May - July - Sept - Nov

Sending: 4th Sunday of Jan - Mar - May - July - Sept - Nov

UMW: 1st Sunday of Feb - April - June - Aug - Oct - Dec

Trustees: 2nd Sunday of Feb - April - June - Aug - Oct - Dec

SPR: 3rd Sunday of Feb - April - June - Aug - Oct - Dec

Finance: 4th Sunday of Feb - April - June - Aug - Oct - Dec

Potluck Meals provided by the congregation will be all 5th Sunday's.

Our desire is to make this time of fellowship the best it can be and sharing the preparation and clean up amongst us all will make that happen.

The ACTS of the Valley United Methodist Church

(The ACTS are the ways in which we implement the MISSION of our church).

Several years ago, we went through a "Journey" process. We studied our church programs, how to maximize our time and efforts, and to be effective in our Christian outreach. We established the four teams to vision what we wanted our church to be, to plan what we wanted to accomplish, and then fashion programs to carry out these plans. We have not had much discussion about the teams in awhile...many of you may not know what they are, or that you can take part in them. Our Mission Statement is printed on the back of the Newsletter, along with the Teams and the statements of each.

The ACTS...

The Attracting team...doing what we can to invite and welcome newcomers to the church and the valley. We have ads in the newspaper. We have had welcoming gifts for newcomers. Valynn Putzke is the chair of this team.

The Circling Team...doing what we can to include everyone in the circle, to feel a part of the family. The Circling team hosts special recognitions, Kalling all Kids (for 55 yrs. plus), potlucks and parties for holidays, the pictorial family tree...just a few of their activities. Belva Hoffmann is chair of this team.

The Transforming Team...doing what we can to provide for our spiritual formation as Christians. Our music ministry, Christian Education, retreats, adult classes, and special church services are some of the important ways which help us grow in our spiritual development. Lotty Ekblad and Carolyn Schmekel are co-chairs.

The Sending Team...doing what we can in service in our church, our community and our world. We want to share our Christian faith in service to others. We support a World Vision Mission child, help Neighbors Helping Neighbors,and the Cove. Pearl Ramcke and Linda Mendro are the co-chairs. There are opportunities for you to become involved in the work of the church. Talk with these team leaders...find out more about what is being done. Bring your ideas to the team leaders. Together we can work towards implementing our mission statement...to attract people to God and Jesus Christ, grow in our spirituality, and in our service to the community.

MEMORIAL STAIN GLASS PIECES

As you enter the church look up in the front entry, and enjoy the two beautiful new stained glass pieces in Memory of Marian Court, Dorothy Kittrell, Lucille Thurlow, Dorothea Boesel, Gus Smith and other departed Saints. Many hours of love went into the creation of these pieces by Rubye Hagemeister and Deb Schroeder. When you see Rubye or Deb please thank them for all their labor of love.

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