How do you explain the unexplainable?
When we encounter God, or when God encounters us, explaining the experience can be a challenge. We may do so haltingly, with fear that others will misunderstand us or think we’re mentally unstable.
St. Paul tried to explain this type of encounter. Yet readers of his mystical experience found in 2 Corinthians 12 may be puzzled. Paul says he was so deep in prayer that he didn’t know whether he was in or out of his body. He refers to “the exceptional character of the revelations” (2 Corinthians 12:7, NRSV).
This passage deals with going deep in the Spirit when praying. Mystics, people who patiently make real and vital contacts with God, understand the strange spiritual experiences that are possible when deep in prayer. They understand that the unexplainable can’t be explained. They can only reveal that they’ve related intimately to God.
The good news is that you don’t need to be an apostle or pastor to experience this close relationship with God. All of us have 24/7 access to our Savior, who longs to hear from us.
Is it me or has this fall been unusually beautiful? The splendor of the colors shouts the Glory of God, the creation, in all of its joy and color, moves us to see the hand of God working in a regular and routine fashion as the fall turns to color.
The miracle is the trees are being prepared for the cold and harshness of winter. One just doesn’t expect the change of preparation to be so spectacular. Change is a part of God’s plan for human life. It comes to all of us whether we are ready or not. Sometimes it is hard to see the presence of God in our change for we are not left alone but God is continually a part of our change.
As we sometimes fail to see God amidst the change of the fall as our Creator so at times it is hard to see God present with us in times of change, the promise from Romans 8:38-39, is that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
May you continually see God present in all of the changes that life brings you.
Shalom,
Steve
Nov. 2: Joshua 3:7-17, Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12
Nov. 9: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, Psalm 78:1-7, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13
Nov. 16: Judges 4:1-7, Psalm 123, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Matthew 25:14-30
Nov. 23: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 2-24, Psalm 100, Ephesians 1:15-23, Matthew 25:31-46
Nov. 30: Isaiah 64:1-9, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:24-37
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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
Our Nation
Judy Tonseth's sister, Margaret, Frances Mishler, Billie Somerville's friend, Carol, Cindy Jordon, Carol Stull, Bruce Wood, Koko's niece, Liz, Carol Marche, Joy Olmsted's son, Todd, Valynn's niece, April, Mary's daughter-in-law, Tammy, Donna Davis, Keith and Joy's son, Todd, Barry's sister, Susan, Mary Breed's son, Fred, Chris Vannice, Kay's mother-in-law, Muriel, Mary Mattison, Carol Stull's brother-in-law, Cris Abbott, Rubye's sister, Lois, Ruth Johnson, Deb's daughter, Jennifer, Virginia Sparling, Roger Gimmestad, Abby Ekblad, Kat Stromberger, Ida Langdalen, Lois McLean's daughter, Rachel, Rene Perrow, Doug & Nina Hafsos & their family, Schmekel family,Ruth Webb, Barb and John Williston, Cleo & Dan Days, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Newman (Becky Herrst)congratulations on their marriage.
All those traveling
For joy and sadness - in life and aging - and the power of Prayer
Peace and Justice in our World and in our Hearts.
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. 23 Elaine Westman, Nov. 24 Danielle Bray, Nov. 29 Ted Smith, Nov. 30 Tim Lewis
TRANSFORMING TEAM NEWS:
A new pre-school (up to 2nd grade) class is starting Sunday mornings, in the church nursery. This class will be led by MaryLou Herrst with stories and crafts for the seasons of the church. Welcome!!!
YOUTH GROUP NEWS:
For fall and winter, the youth group will be changing its schedule. We will be meeting the 1st or 2nd Sunday afternoon every month. The first Sunday will be announced soon.
Reminder notes will be sent to group members.
Call Shannon 997-2220 to be added to the mailing list.
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.
STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN 2009
CONSECRATION SUNDAY IS COMING - November 16th - WILL YOU BE HERE????
So here we are coming up on our 12th 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 16th 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.
New bishop named for PN Conference
The Rev. Grant Hagiya of Pasadena, California, has been named as bishop for the Pacific Northwest Conference for the next quadrennium. Born in 1952, he earned three degrees at Claremont School of Theology in California and is working on a doctorate degree with anticipated graduation in June of 2009. He has served churches at North Gardenia, Berkeley; has been on the teaching staff at Claremont until the present time; was Los Angeles district superintendent from 2000-2008; and held other leadership and teaching positions.
In addition to the foregoing he has been active in ecumenical and interfaith and community functions working for a broadening of understanding.
He comes to a conference of 267 churches with a broad diversity of peoples of many backgrounds and faith orientations. There is a lively spirit of ecumenical and interfaith cooperation in the region, both at the grass roots and among denominational leaders.
“If you really believe the Christian gospel -- God behind us, his cause committed to us, his power available for us -- then proclaim it, live it, implement it, for humanity’s hope depends upon it. It is, indeed, a faith for tough times.”
-- Harry Emerson Fosdick
Please remember all of the Seven River District and the Pacific Northwest Conference congregations in your prayers in the coming weeks:
Nov. 2 Pray for Peace for all God’s Children
Nov. 9 Kahlotus Church & Pastor Dennis Evans
Nov. 16 Kennewick First Church and Pastors Roger Barr & Doug Mowry
Nov. 23 Kennewick West Highlands Church & Pastor Edward Branham
Nov. 30 Leavenworth Church & Pastor Roger Hudson
Dec. 7 Mabton Church and Lay Missioner Ruben Escalera
Dec. 14 Malott Church and Pastor Rick Weber
Dec. 21 Manson Church and Pastor Eleazar Rivera-Garcia
Dec. 28 Pray for Peace in our World and in our Hearts
UMW News
UMW Up-coming Events
November 6th - 10:30am - Pack college boxes in the Fellowship Hall. After we finish, we will go to The Hub for lunch.
November 16th - Sunday Last chance to bring Operation Christmas Child boxes to the church.
November 18th - Monthly UMW meeting - 1:00pm, Fellowship Hall.
November 22nd - 1st Christmas Bazaar, Twisp. 9:00am-2:00pm; UMW will have a table.
December 6th - 2nd Twisp Christmas Bazaar 9:00am-2:00pm; UMW will have a table.
December 13th - 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.
BOOK GROUP
2nd Sunday of each month
4:00pm
Fellowship Hall
This month we will be discussing:
Babette’s Feast
by
Isak Denesen
[For more information call: Cathie Lewis 996-3766]
December 5th—Bronn Journey will perform at the Barn, sponsored by the Methow Valley United Methodist Church —more information to come.
Red Apple 1% Rebate Program
Ever wonder what that container on the name tag table is for, and what all those sales receipts are doing in there? The receipts are from purchases from Red Apple food store in Winthrop. The receipts are complied and sent back to the Red Apple and they in turn send us 1% of the total spent on the receipts. What a deal. All you have to do is, when you shop at Red Apple, is bring us the receipts. This money has been used for landscape projects, and may be used to help with the redesign of the Memorial garden. In 2007 we received $134.34 and so far this year we have received $70.45 under this 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.
These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
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.
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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.
MEN'S BIBLE STUDY & PRAYER BREAKFASTCome 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
After discussion at the last Administration Board Meeting, the latest plan for fellowship time was agreed upon.
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 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 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.
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.
