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UNITED CHURCH 2008
Volume 34 Issue 4 June 2008
PASTOR'S CORNER
Luke 10:2 "A large crop is in the fields, but there are only a
few workers. Ask the Lord in charge of the harvest to send out workers
to bring it in."
In the spring of 2004, I set out 8 strawberry plants in my garden. Yesterday
I picked 2 gallons of strawberries in one picking. That sounds like
a success story, but in reality I am not proud of the fact that probably
about that many were over ripe and wasted because I hadn't harvested
them when they were ready.
What a waste of good fruit!
In his ministry, Jesus challenged his followers to go forth and harvest
God's crop - followers. He warned about the same problem that I encountered
with my strawberries - that there are very many people hungering for
the Lord, but not enough people to do the work of harvesting. By harvesting,
Jesus means feeding the hungry souls with spiritual offerings so they
will decide to commit themselves to our savior. Though many centuries
have passed since the time of Jesus, the church is still faced by the
same problem. Yes even in a small town like Bennington, where we pride
ourselves in Christian belief, statistics show that there is a large
percentage of un-churched people - or at least people who don't attend
church regularly.
The challenge for all of us is to be more intentional in showing people
Jesus through our life styles, telling them about God's work in our
lives, and inviting them to attend worship, Bible studies, Sunday School,
etc. At some point the time will be right for those who are invited
to become involved in the church.
Let's do our part to keep the harvest from going to waste by being intentional
in sharing Christ with others.
Wishing you courage to share,
Warren
UNITED WOMEN WITH A MISSION
United Women met Friday morning, May 2, in Fellowship Hall, with Lucille
and Ruth as hostesses. Delicious rhubarb cake was served. The tables
were decorated with different figures that Lucille has collected down
through the years.
Darlene presided at the business meeting. Judy read several pieces of
commentary. Roll call was answered with the word "Mary" in
a Bible verse by eighteen members, with Marie McKim as a new member.
We miss our good friend and faithful member, Janet Graham
The Secretary read the minutes of the last meeting and they were approved.
She thanked Lucille for taking them at the previous meeting.
The UWWM ladies will be serving a funeral dinner on May 6, for the Keith
Neaderhiser family. Hilga will be in charge Also, she announced there
will be a Memorial Day Dinner on May26th.
Darlene received a birthday gift from her Secret Friend.
Meeting was adjourned.
PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL WELLNESS
Tips from Better Health and Living - The second tip is that a recent
study found that by simply replacing white flour with whole-wheat or
barley flour, white rice with brown rice, and standard cereals with
barley or whole wheat cereals, people were able to lower blood pressure.
The 25 over-weight men and women in the test also lost about 2 pounds
per week along with lowering the first BP # 3-7 points and lowering
the second # by 5-6 points.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Harriet Miller, Edna Boss, Mary Kay Waiss, Mamie Struble, Lee Whitman,
Norma Henry, Bill Berry, Dale Muir, John Crow, Jean Crow, Linda Lewis,
Dale Tasker, Larry & Jean Neipert, Howard Miller, Lois Boettcher,
Mattie Austin, Gene Daniels, Avis Baugh, Kristina Hunley, Roxanne Cowhick,
Ray Skanks, Leon Cico, Jerry Pitts, Doug Greenamyer, Monica Brandli,
Connie Dalrymple, Elvin Boss, Cindy Harlan, Phyllis Watts, Danny Startzman,
Kim Wallace, & Gracen Grimes.
BIRTHS
Owen Patrick Just -- 5-11-08 to Melissa and Todd Just - grandparents
- Jack & Susie Stenfors
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Many of you still haven't had your pictures taken for our new church
directory. We want your pictures. Please contact Warren or Jill Brockway
to get your picture taken. Jill will be available most Sundays after
worship or at your convenience. If any of you cannot come for pictures,
we will accept any family or individual pictures you have. Please send
them to the church at P. O. B. 68.
TORNADO RECOVERY GATHERING --MAY 10, 2008
Thank you to everyone who helped with the service out at the lake to
remember those affected by last year's tornado. The weather was a bit
wet, nippy, and windy, but the gathering still provided the victims
with an opportunity for closure. The meal of hamburgers and hotdogs
was enjoyed by the group of about 60 people who gathered.
SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE
The summer worship schedule starts the second Sunday in June this year.
Starting June 8, worship will be at 9:30 a.m. Also again this summer
we will worship at Ottawa County State Lake on June 8, July 13, and
August 10. On June 8, Michele McHenry of Delphos will preach at the
State Lake. On July 13 and Aug. 10, there will be a second service at
11:15 a.m. at the church.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL
New this summer will be summer Sunday school. We will try a variety
of activities during worship on the first, third, fourth, and fifth
Sundays of June, July, and August. Sunday school will meet in the basement
during worship with 2 stations needing 2 adults. We hope to use different
volunteers from the regular Sunday school teachers and there will be
sign up sheets at worship. On the first and third Sundays, we hope to
have one station with crafts and music, and another station with Bible
story telling. On the fourth Sunday, there will be a movie for the group.
We haven't decided what to do on the fourth Sundays yet. This program
will begin on Sunday, June 15.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS NEWS
Monthly Speakers: On May 27, Heather West of the American Cancer Society
gave a presentation about services offered for cancer prevention and
treatment. Those in attendance enjoyed a meal featuring stromboli. We
will not have another speaker until July.
Exercise opportunities: Join either one of our exercise groups. We are
having lots of fun and shedding a few pounds and shaping up a little.
The Gentle Fitness Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
at the Senior Center. The fitness ball class meets on M-Th. of each
week at 7:30 at the church.
We will probably take a break from the fitness balls for the summer,
but we will substitute some outdoor activities in their place.
Convalescent aid lending agency: So far the only item we have for the
public to use is a walker. If any one needs this, please call Warren
or the church office. We will accept any other items that you wish to
let others use.
Temple Thursday after-school program: After we return from the mission
trip, we will be meeting regularly on M, W, F at 9:30 a.m. to look after
all the produce in the garden. We got off to a late start due to the
rain, but things are growing well now - especially the weeds. If any
young people can help with the care and harvest of the garden, your
help would be appreciated. So far, we have been able to harvest lettuce,
radishes, broccoli, and Swiss chard. Soon we will have lots of cabbages
if we can keep the bugs away.
MONTHLY ACTIVITY: On Saturday, May 3, 30 people participated in the
5K run and 2 mile walk. We appreciate all of those who helped with the
event.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Received March 5-4 - 5-25 $3900. Needed $6,624.00
Bridges to the Future donations through April 27-- $282.00
MEMORIAL DAY DINNER
A big Thank You goes out to Hilga Trow and her church crew for serving
the Memorial Dinner once again this year. As always there is a large
turn out for the event and everyone appreciates the fellowship and good
food.
RODEO FUNNEL CAKE STAND
WOW! Another year under our belt! It is officially over now since once
again the McClain's opened their home to the homeless funnel cake mix!
This year we had lots of extra mix left over and the Spears opened their
home and freezer also. Thank you to both households.
The Lord was good to our stand once again with no rain and plenty of
customers. Thursday and Friday nights the crowds were a little smaller
but come Saturday we made up for it. Due to the donations and work put
in for the rodeo stand we cleared approximately $2,100.00. We again
need to thank the Lions Club members for letting us have this opportunity
to have our stand and raise this money.
We are grateful to now have two new cookers. Thanks to Brian & Kathy
Laflen for purchasing the base and Bobby Boss getting the big pan made.
It certainly makes the operation run more smoothly and gives quicker
service to our patrons.
Our congregation does an outstanding job of supporting this fund raiser
through prayers, cash donations, propane donations, pies, brownies,
time and effort working. We seem to have it pretty well down pat, from
Bob Boss getting our spot set up and taken down, to all of our cookers
knowing just the right touch at making the funnel cakes-even some of
the guys seem to flip the cakes in the air a few times!? A talented
crew, that also includes some terrific mixer gals, catcher people, sugar
shakers, money takers, pie servers, loaders, unloaders, dish washers
and pie & brownie bakers. Everyone contributes!
Hopefully our church is witnessing for Christ in the way we serve the
people and community at the rodeo.
THANKS TO ONE AND ALL!! It takes a whole congregation to raise a funnel
cake stand!!
Vicki Tebo & Susie Stenfors
PARISH COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Moderator Rev. Warren Cico convened the regular meeting of the Parish
Council on Wednesday, May 21, at 8:06 p. m. with prayer and a scripture
reading.
Members Present: Shirley Heald, Brian Laflen, Alta Scheibler, John Ihnken,
Phil Windhorst, Hilga Trow, and Kebby Underwood
Members Excused: Susie Stenfors, Kathy Laflen
Members Absent: Tiffany Eaton, Vicki Tebo, and Adrian Hunley
Others Present: Stacey Windhorst, Treasurer, Ted Waiss, Clerk, and Rev.
Warren Cico, Moderator.
Clerks Report: Minutes of the regular meeting of April 16, 2008 were
reviewed. Phil Windhorst made a motion that the minutes be approved
as printed. The motion was seconded and passed.
Treasurers Report: The financial report for the months of March and
April were reviewed. Kebby Underwood made a motion that the report be
accepted. The motion was seconded and passed.
Correspondence: Several letters from the Presbytery of Northern Kansas
were reviewed. One was a request that a stewardship team be invited
to attend a future Session (Parish Council) meeting. It was agreed by
consensus that the team be invited to the June meeting with the August
meeting serving as an alternate.
Commission Reports:
Nurture: Met on May 3. Planning for a joint UCB/Bible Church vacation
bible school is underway. Summer Sunday School will begin on June 15.
Recruiting for teachers for the fall is ongoing.
Witness & Mission: Did not meet
Community & Worship: Did not meet. Preparations for the Memorial
Day dinner are complete.
Stewardship: Met on May 21. The wind damage to the roof has been repaired.
The custodian duties list was reviewed and felt to be satisfactory for
a discussion with Donna Herring. A new proposal for a one-screen Sanctuary
projection has been obtained from Toms Music House.
Pastor/People: Did not meet. Next meeting is scheduled for June 30.
Health & Wellness: A speaker from the American Cancer Society will
speak at the May 27th luncheon on the Relay for Life. A 5K run/ 2 mile
walk will be held on May 31. The feasibility of a Farmer's Market for
Bennington is being explored by the City Council. Play day in the Park
will be held on May 25th.
Pastor's Report: Communion was served to 54 on May 4. March travel on
church business was 963 miles. Funerals were conducted for Janet Graham
and Keith Neaderhiser. The clerk was instructed to record Janet's death
in the church records and to remove her name from the active roll.
Parish Council Composition: This Parish Council is composed of nine
women between the ages of 25 and 75, and three men between the ages
of 30 and 70, representing a protestant, largely Caucasian, congregation.
Old Business: John Ihnken made a motion to instruct the Memorial Committee
to proceed with the purchase of a sanctuary projection system similar
to the one described in the Stewardship Commission's report. The motion
was seconded and, after some discussion, passed.
New Business: None
The Moderator adjourned the meeting at 9:23 p. m. with prayer and the
Passing of the Peace.
Clerk
JUNE BIRTHDAYS
June 2nd Don Plowman June 3rd: Kristina Hunley
Joan Godsey
Dedra Francis
June 7th: Virginia Whitman
June 8th: Rick Underwood
June 9th: Jerry Spears
June 10th: Norma Henry
June 14th: Brody Laflen
June 19th: Lloyd Swagerty
June 21st: Connie Spears
June 23rd: Rich Hunley
Debbie Trimble
June 25th: Jan Pilcher
June 26th: Janice Bulleigh
Judy Swagerty
June 29th: Tim Hensley
Eric Underwood
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
June 1st: Lee & Virginia Whitman
June 2nd: Ron & Karen Cherry
June 3rd: Rich & Leslie Hunley
June 4th: Melvin & Darlene Reed
June 17th: Frank & Jean McCready
June 21st: Jerry & Connie Spears
June 27th: Derek & Michele McKellips
June 29th: Carmen & Nancy Trahan
JUNE CALENDAR
7-14 Mission trip to Oljato, Utah
8 9:30 a.m. - service at State Lake
9 5:00 p.m. - Matthew Bible Study at the church
9 & 11 Gentle Fitness at Senior Center
14 Men's breakfast - Warren won't be here
15 Father's Day
9:30 - worship and Sunday School at the church
16 5:00 p.m. - Matthew Bible Study
6:30 p.m. - Witness and Mission Commission
16, 18, 20 9:30 p.m. - Temple Thursday
16 & 18 Gentle Fitness at the Senior Center
17 7:00 p.m. -- Stewardship
18 7:00 p.m. - Parish Council
19-25 Warren will be on vacation in Houston
22 9:30 a.m. - Worship will be led by the Gideon's -- also SS at 9:30
a.m.
23 5:00 p.m. - Bible study on Matthew
23 & 25 10:00 a.m. - Gentle Fitness
23, 25, 27 9:30 a.m. -- Temple Thursday
26 noon - Hospice meeting
29 9:30 a.m. - Sunday school and worship at the same time
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