GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH– SPENCER

NOVEMBER 2017

CHURCH CONFERENCE is Sunday November 5 at 2:00 p.m. “Church Conference” is the name United Methodists use for an annual meeting; a time to gather to consider what God has done, is doing and intends to do in and through the people of a particular church. It’s an exciting time as we celebrate and anticipate. This Church Conference will include only Grace UMC. Rev. Tom Carver will be here to convene our gathering and work through the praise, remembering, anticipation and business of the meeting. Hope to see you there.

ORIENTATION to the UNITED METHODIST CHURCH & Grace UMC

Want to be more informed about Methodism? Have questions about Grace UMC? Wonder how and where your interests, skills, abilities can fit in to make Grace an even more empowered vehicle for the message of God’s love in Jesus Christ? Sunday, November 12, at 12:30 pm we’ll gather for just such a session of not only sharing information but giving people an opportunity to get to know one another. We’ll be in the Fireside Room. If we’re not done by 1:45, we’ll just quit!! Bring your questions. We’ll have people there who might have answers!

You’ll notice that on the 12th of Nov. there is a Chili Cook-off & Pie Auction 11 AM -1 PM!! Yes! Come eat chili and when we’re done or full, we’ll meet in the Fireside Room.

If anyone would like to be recognized as a member of Grace UMC, we will include such recognition Sunday the 19th of November. (If you’re unavailable that day, we’ll just arrange some other! No problem!)

OFFICE CLOSED...

Grace Church Office will be closed on November 23 & November 24, for the holiday.

It’s not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, which is the true measure of Thanksgiving.

~Grace Office Staff

IN THE HOSPITAL? Please contact the church office 712-262-5970 or by email pastorpaul@spencergumc.com if you know of a person from Grace who is hospitalized and would appreciate and even benefit from spiritual care. Privacy laws are being strictly enforced so there is no communication from the hospital on such matters. Have you ever wondered why large-volume hospitals employ chaplains; or why pastors and trained lay ministers have passion for extending themselves to people in medical circumstances? I’ll hit some high points:

1. The patient is away from home, separated from everything familiar; strange bed, crazy sounds. They may even have to push a button to satisfy basic needs. The feeling might be that they’ve gone from being an independent adult to a dependent child. In such a setting, it may be helpful to be reminded we are a child – of a loving, caring, healing God!

2. They may be there for an operation. Hey, what person do you know would look forward to being “cut”?! 3. If the patient is looking forward to surgery, it likely means their life has been difficult, perhaps painful. They don’t want to

be in the hospital; it’s where they have to be. It even may be a “last option.” 4. Being in the hospital can be exhausting. I know, it sounds backwards and upside-down. Sleeping can be an issue. (see

#1 above) Furthermore, not knowing what’s next drains our emotional energy. Some tests can be physically demanding, and physical therapy can feel like two-a-days in football season! Prayers for a peaceful, calm spirit might be helpful.

5. Not all news received while at the hospital is “good news.” We all have a script, a mental plan for our lives. Sometimes the medical news derails those plans. We might feel angry; that it’s not fair. It’s good to complain! The parish visitors can let you complain; we’re not going to poke you or take blood. We won’t judge you. (If you need permission to complain, get out the Gideon Bible and try to count the number of times authors of the Psalms complain!! Get ready for a big number.)

6. After an operation we might have some days of being groggy, lethargic, and worry might creep into our thoughts. “Will I heal? Why do I hurt so much? Why don’t I feel any pain?”

7. Fact is, we don’t know for sure what’s happening; and no one enjoys the unknown. To be reminded of the companionship of Christ can be helpful, even encouraging.

8. The parish visitor is trained to listen as well for anxieties, concerns and hopes expressed by the patient and other visitors at the time. Is the family cohesive? Are tensions surfacing? Are immediate family members supported and cared for? Have the patient’s visitors, whether family or friend, given an indication of some need the church may assist?

9. We live crazy fast lives. Sometimes when we have some ‘down time,’ we can think up regrets and ‘should haves’ and ‘why didn’t I’ and all sorts of… junk. In itself, that’s not a bad thing. But we don’t want to share our bed and wounds with those thoughts. “Give them all to Jesus.” The parish visitor can assist.

10. The notice that one will soon be discharged from the hospital can bring with it a brand new set of angst! “Am I ready?” “Will I be okay?” Most people don’t have a call button after discharge. This may also provide opportunity to talk with the parish visitor about possible ways the church can assist with very basic and known needs. Maybe a cook; or meals brought in? Someone to check in every day? Or clean the floors once a week? The parish visitor will be listening!

(Okay, I was going to quit with 10. But there’s one two more I need to mention.) 11. Parish visitors, especially the pastor, have a role and responsibility to assist in advocating for the patient, and patient’s

family. A story from another time, another place: A woman, 88 years old, needed by-pass. For 3 consecutive days she was scheduled… and by-passed (!), being told there was another patient with “more urgent” situation. After three days of prepping with no surgery, her 2 daughters took me in a place of privacy and unloaded. I wondered if they had a point. So I made some contacts, eventually finding a person from the hospital who came to hear them out. The next day, their mom had her surgery; and lived many years longer than anyone could have imagined! She was still alive when I left that church more than two years later. The daughters didn’t want to make a big noise. This was their mom. She would not want them to raise an issue; nor to feel like she’s receiving special attention. (Mom, after all, was framed by The Great Depression!) Nor would it have been helpful for their mom’s healing if she discovered her daughters’ angst. But I was the patient’s pastor.

12. We better not forget that Jesus spent a lot of time concerned for and healing the wounded, broken and diseased.

In the name of Jesus, may we help one another be well,

After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— ~Ephesians 5:29

Finance News As I mentioned in the October Newsletter, week 4 of The Disciple's Path talks about financial generosity. Even if you are not participating in a GIG at this time, the materials are worth reading. The timing couldn't be better as we start our three week series on Stewardship, beginning Sunday, October 22 and ending with Consecration Sunday on November 4. Our hope is to have testimonials on those Sundays about "Why" we/I give. An excerpt in the Companion Reader, by James Harnish, says “Generosity begins not with what I give to God, but with what God has given me." He goes on to say that generosity is essential, is intentional, grows with practice, and is joyful. He ends by saying "Generosity results in blessing. Ultimately a generous heart is its own reward." I love the last line. How true! Thank you for your generosity in so many ways that help Grace Church, our community and our World. May God Bless, Dennis Spooner, Finance Chair

Thank you from Pastor Paul & Jane...

It is SUCH a testimony of the Spirit of Grace (UMC) that you use the occasion of “Pastor Appreciation” to donate to the Food Pantry. Thank you! Such thoughtfulness will make a difference one family at a time throughout the year. I can feel guilty, though. Frequently, I get to be the one who takes a family to the pantry and say, “Here’s a bag [or two…] Fill it with what you’ll eat.” It’s not unusual that they then say, “Really?!”

And what can we say about the reception after worship on the 15

th?? I mean, really. Gina’s cupcakes?! Praise be to

God for the many ways we see and experience God’s love in the world!!!

Pastor Paul & Jane, too

Birth: Charlotte Lee Marie Gustoff to Callie Hoffman, Monday afternoon, Oct. 2, 2017. Grandparents include Nancy Hoffman; Brian Swanson. Aunt: Bailey Swanson

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

SPELLER: GUMC has a sign that needs to be changed once a week – weather-permitting. YOU might be the one to share Jesus through that sign! Must be able to spell; helpful to have a handle on the English language, but transcript not required. Apply in person at the office. NUMBERS: Someone to come in, usually Monday, to process Sunday attendance. (The biblical book of Numbers keeps track of the people!) Can include writing to visitors, making phone calls – depending on your comfort with such things. Apply, by phone, email or in person, to the church office. H.S. YOUTH LEADER (Sunday morning): Teams welcome to apply; resources and youth provided, but some ‘marketing’ expected. Apply at church office. YOUTH LEADERS: Youth Group, U.M. Youth Fellowship or UMYF, meets twice a month, Sunday evening. Youth grades 6 – 12 welcome. This position would have some PR to do; have fun working with the youth. Development of a core group of adults to work with youth ministry is a major part of this position.

The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it.

~Proverbs 10:22

United Methodist Men will hold their breakfast meeting on Saturday, November 18, at 8 AM in the Wesley Room. The program will be presented by Gordon Watson, former senior Pastor of Grace Church. Many of you may recall that Gordon collected antique cars. Since Gordon and Jan moved back to Spencer, I found out that Gordon has the same passion for antique trucks. This program is about trucks. You will learn about an antique truck museum, that recently opened in Sanborn, which is outstanding. You will also hear about Gordon’s plan to organize a new chapter of the American Truck Historical Society in Northwest Iowa. For the Grand finale, you will hear about the truck ministry that Gordon started while serving the Methodist Church in Fort Dodge. A semi-truck (driven by Gordon) would take the worship service directly to unchurched people in other locations. All men and women are invited to attend. Please come and enjoy Gordon’s program along with good food and fellowship. Lou Reed

The Table Thursday, November 30

5:00 PM to 6:30 PM Community Meal: Come and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with new friends... Bring a neighbor with you. All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you.

Grace Hand Bell Choir

Wednesdays at 7:30 PM

Open to anyone interested in being A part of the Bell Choir.

Question contact Judi Calhoon.

ADVENT:

It’s going to be a fast Advent season, starting Sunday Dec. 3. “Fast” because the 24

th is the 4

th

Sunday of Advent (in the morning) and we’ll celebrate the Birth of Jesus that night at 7:00 PM

Included with this newsletter is a sheet of brief thoughts to guide some of your “Christmas shopping.

November November 5: Veronica Studer, Trinity Meany November 12: Tyler Storey, Abby O’Clair November 19: Ryonna Faulkender, Easton Beehler November 26: Monroe & Harrison Daniels

Festival of Lessons

and Carols

The Spencer Messiah Board invites everyone to attend the performance of

the Festival of Lessons and Carols.

December 3, 2017 - 3:00 PM Sacred Heart Catholic Church

The Festival tells the Christmas Story

through music and scripture. We invite everyone to attend this great

ecumenical Christmas Program.

WORSHIP in November

5: Communion; All Saints; Stewardship Celebration Day Bible: Revelation 7:9-17; I John 3:1-3

12: “Witness” Final Sunday of themes from A Disciple’s Path Bible: Joshua 24; I Thessalonians 2:9-13

19: Recognizing new members of Grace UMC Bible: Judges 4 & the Story of Deborah & Sisera: God Wins! Active Praise: Bell Choir & Grace Choir

19 : Thanksgiving Service at 6:00 p.m. Bible: I Thessalonians 5:16-19

26 : Rejoice!! Christ the King Sunday Bible: Ephesians 1:15-23; Ezekiel 34:11-16 & 20-24

NEW STAFF HIRED

Tom Steinkoenig has accepted the position of Music Ministries Coordinator. Tom and his wife Ruth have long histories of inspired service in Christian churches. Currently residing in Laurens, Tom is excited to have the challenge offered by Grace. Ruth is an organ instructor and life-long church organist.

Tom taught in public schools 28 years, covering in that duration vocal, instrumental and orchestra. His music degree from UCLA is instrumental, with trombone his primary instrument. He was also privileged to direct for a number of years the Denver, CO Concert Band; a prestigious honor.

Ruth is a keyboard player with preference for the organ. Her early-marriage-career plan was to be a director of music for churches. She took classes at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque… until she was a young widow with four small children. But doing whatever she had to as single mother of four children, she still served as organist.

Tom is a go-getter. His beginning goal is a 40-voice choir. Rehearsals begin Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. starting November 8. We also plan to have the bell choir practicing regularly. They have begun rehearsals October 25 but if there is interest another can be started! If you’re an instrumentalist you might want to get it out and blow the dust off. We plan to utilize all the gifts and talents of the church!! Welcome Tom and Ruth!!

Hanging of the Greens

Our Annual “Hanging of the Greens” Party, in

preparation for Advent and Christmas, is scheduled for

Sunday, November 26th, after the worship service. It

is always a lively, festive time of decorating the

sanctuary and narthex along with the sharing of a great

soup lunch to reenergize us. Willing hands and ladder

climbers are all much appreciated. Contact Peg Palm

(260-8707) to offer your services for decorating and/or

lunch provisions.

As we are being encouraged in “A Disciple’s Path

study group, James A. Harnish writes “Our active

participation in worship becomes the practice by which

we break free from self-centered existence and

discover a Christ-centered life.” There are numerous

ways you can use your talents and gifts to bless our

church community such as special music, drama,

visual arts, helping serve communion, Sunday service

worship readers, Advent readers and candle lighters,

rides for members who no longer drive, and helping to

assist the elderly into the church on icy, snowy

mornings. What is God placing on your heart to do?

Please contact Cyndi O’Hara or the church office.

Just a reminder!

We have a walker and wheelchair

available for use as needed along

with hearing aid devices. If the hearing

devices are not working properly, please

bring to the office.

Thank You...

Thank you for your generous contributions

to the food pantry in honor of Pastor

Appreciation Month. These donations will be

given to individuals who come to the church

needing assistance, shared with people who

come to The Table, and donated to the Upper

Des Moines Opportunity.

A BIG thank you goes out to ALL who are

helping in any way with the first annual

Rummage Sale, donating items, coming to

shop or hauling anything left to charity. As you

can imagine, hours of work go into the set-up,

clean-up and into the sale itself. This

newsletter will be mailed before the sale is

over, so we will let you know later about any

profits. All profits will go toward the next

Mission work trip!

Thank you to all who’ve contributed to the

Thanksgiving Ingathering! We will be

dedicating the quilts and kits on October 27

during worship. It’s amazing to see what

happens when we work together!

Thanks to all who’ve helped make The Pit

Stop on Wednesday nights a success! To

ALL who’ve attended, donated food, and

volunteered in any way….THANK YOU! We

hope that, for those who’ve participated, The

Pit Stop has provided a midweek break and

chance to refuel! The Pit Stop will continue on

Wednesdays through November 15. Meal

served 5:30-6:15, worship 6:06-6:30, GIG at

6:30, and Bell Choir at 7:45 pm. Check it out!

All are welcome!

Paul and I appreciate the support we’ve

both received during Pastor Appreciation

Month. Your donations to the Food Pantry,

reception after worship, cards, words of

encouragement in addition to your presence in

worship & involvement in Grace ministries

mean a lot to us. We are enjoying Grace

UMC and Spencer. It is a joy to be in ministry

with you. May we all continue to learn what it

means to know, grow, serve and share Christ!

Thanksgiving Pool Offering The Missions Team is collecting a Thanksgiving Pool offering this month as one of our special Mission offerings in 2017. (In 2018, we will collect this offering at Easter time.) Rather than collect ten special United Methodist offerings throughout the year, the Missions team has chosen to “pool” those offering into one special offering. The total amount given will be divided evenly toward ten special offerings including Human Relations, Neighbor Helping Neighbor, Peace with Justice, World Communion, United Methodist Students, Golden Cross, Disabilities Awareness, Christian Education, Rural Life and Hispanic Ministries. In upcoming newsletters, we will share more details about each of these ministries. A special offering envelope is included in this newsletter and may be returned any time this month. As with any special offering, our gifts are intended to be over and above the offerings given toward the general budget of the church. Please give generously. Thank you!

Mission News... Change the World… Donate Your Change

The Missions team kicked off our “Change the World” campaign at the beginning of October. The first week we raised $93 for Missions. The globes will continue to be

at the back of the sanctuary each week. We encourage you to save your change and drop it in the globe (or basket) before or after worship. All donations will support Mission projects close to home AND around the world. Together we can and will make a difference!

Alternative Christmas Market Looking for the perfect gift for someone who has everything? Consider giving an “Alternative Christmas Gift” this year. The Mission’s Alternative Christmas Market offers a perfect opportunity to give beyond the ordinary with alternative gifts - the practice of giving a donation in someone’s honor rather than a physical gift. Buy a gift to missions in honor of family and friends, co-workers and employees, teachers and leaders. Pick up a brochure in the Narthex any time and choose from the different mission projects. You may place your order after worship in the Narthex on Sundays, December 3, 10, and 17. Make your check out to Grace UMC and we’ll see that it gets to the appropriate mission project. You will receive a Christmas card with a description of the mission project to give to the person/people you are honoring. It is really two gifts in one - a gift to the people it helps and a gift to the person you honor. 100% of your gift reaches its intended mission and ministry.

“There are only three ways to teach a child. The first is by example, the second is by example, the third is by example.”

― -Albert Schweitzer

Adopt-A-Family

Our church will choose families needing assistance this Christmas from the families listed in an upcoming Daily Reporter. Please consider your blessings and help support these families as you’re able. It’s easy to participate. We are also collecting mittens, hats and socks especially for preschoolers (i.e. Head Start). We’ll also be collecting gift cards for Pastor Paul to use as part of the Grace Caring (benevolence) fund throughout the year.

Here’s all you need to do: 1. Select tag(s) for gift(s) you’d like to purchase off the

Christmas tree located in the Narthex. Purchase and wrap the gift(s), then attach the tag and receipt to the outside.

2. If you decide to purchase mittens, hats or socks, simply put them in the basket provided.

3. If you’d prefer to purchase gift cards (i.e. grocery stores, Walmart), take them directly to the office so Pastor Paul can use them as individuals in need are identified throughout the year.

4. If you’d prefer to donate money, write “Adopt A Family” in the memo line of your check and put it in the offering plate.

3. Please return any gifts or contributions to the church by the date listed on the tags.

Thank you for sharing God’s love and helping to make Christmas brighter for our friends, neighbors and strangers!

Grace United Methodist Church

311 2nd Ave West • Spencer, Iowa 51301 (712) 262-5970 • www.spencergumc.com

Worship with us on Sundays at 9:30 AM Sunday school for all ages at 10:45 AM

Pastor Paul Frederiksen pastorpaul@spencergumc.com

Committee Contacts: Ad Council Chair: Judith Olson SPRC Chair: Phil Kohrs Finance Chair: Dennis Spooner Trustee Chair: Gary Small Lay Leader: Ryan Odor & Sandy Heerdt ADT: Jane Moen Missions Chair: Gina Kohrs Worship Chair: Cyndi O’Hara Education Chair: Bri Pullen UMW: Linda Johnston UMM: Roger Ingledue

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S.POSTAGE SPENCER, IA 51301 PERMIT NO. 145

Return Service Requested

November 1 11:00 AM Central Iowa Det. testing 1:30 PM That the World May Know Study 5:30 PM Pit Stop 6:06 PM Praise & Worship 6:30 PM Small Group Studies 6:30 PM Community HS Girls Study 7:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal November 2 9:30 AM Pastor Assoc. Meeting November 3 Youth to Cherokee– Ingathering November 4 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM Ingathering– Cherokee 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Prayer Vigil– Chapel November 5– All Saints/ Daylight Savings 8:00 AM A Disciples Path Study 9:30 AM Worship 10:45 AM Classes for all ages 10:45 AM Revival Study 10:45 AM A Disciples Path Study 2:00 PM Church Conference– BenTena Room 4:00 PM Youth Group November 6 11:00 AM Central Iowa Det. testing November 7 6:45 AM Community Bible Study 5:30 PM Grace Cares 5:30 PM PALS Board Meeting 6:30 PM District Boy Scouts Meeting 7:00 PM Troop 123 November 8 1:15 PM Communion Longhouse/ Northshire 1:30 PM That the World May Know Study 5:30 PM Pit Stop 6:06 PM Praise & Worship 6:30 PM Small Group Studies 6:30 PM Community HS Girls Study 6:35 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal November 9 9:30 AM UMW Spiritual Bazaar Coffee 10:30 AM UMW Spiritual Bazaar Program

12:00 PM UMW Spiritual Bazaar Luncheon November 10 9:00 AM Food Prep for GGT Vender/ Craft Bazaar November 11 9 AM to 2 PM GGT Vender/Craft Bazaar 11 AM to 1 PM GGT Luncheon at Bazaar November 12 8:00 AM A Disciples Path Study 9:30 AM Worship 10:45 AM Classes for all ages 10:45 AM Revival Study 10:45 AM A Disciples Path Study 11 AM to 1 PM Chili Cook off & Pie Auction 12:30 PM Grace Orientations New Members November 13 6:30 PM Trustee Meeting November 14 6:45 AM Community Bible Study 8:00 AM DHS Meeting 7:00 PM Troop 123 November 15 11:00 AM Central Iowa Det. testing 1:15 PM Communion Longhouse/ Northshire 1:30 PM That the World May Know Study 5:30 PM Pit Stop 6:06 PM Praise & Worship 6:30 PM Small Group Studies 6:30 PM Community HS Girls Study 6:35 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal November 16 9:30 AM Lydia Circle 9:30 AM Ruth Circle 1:30 PM Martha Circle 1:30 PM Mary Circle November 19- New Member Sunday 8:00 AM A Disciples Path Study 9:30 AM Worship 10:45 AM Classes for all ages 10:45 AM Revival Study 10:45 AM A Disciples Path Study 4:00 PM Youth Group 6:00 PM Thanksgiving Worship Service

November 20 11:00 AM Central Iowa Det. testing 3:00 PM Program 4:05 PM Staff Meeting 6:00 PM Finance Meeting November 21 6:45 AM Community Bible Study 7:00 PM Troop 123 November 22 6:30 PM Community HS Girls Study November 23 Grace Church Office closed for the Holiday November 24 Grace Church Office closed for the Holiday November 25 10:00 AM Worship Meeting 4:00 PM Journey to Bethlehem Set up to begin November 26– Hanging of the Greens 8:00 AM A Disciples Path Study 9:30 AM Worship 10:45 AM Classes for all ages 10:45 AM Revival Study 10:45 AM A Disciples Path Study 4:00 PM Youth Group November 27 8:00 AM FSA Meeting 12:00 PM Fellowship of Widows 6:00 PM Children’s Ministry Meeting 6:00 PM Mission Meeting 7:00 PM Ad Council November 28 8:00 AM FSA Meeting 5:30 PM Iowa State Extension Meeting 5:30 PM GGT Meeting 7:00 PM Troop 123 November 29 8:00 AM FSA Meeting 6:30 PM Community HS Girls Study 6:35 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal November 30 5:00 PM The Table

November Calendar of Events...