Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Post ...€¦ · close the door against need or...

Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Post Office Box 127 Viroqua, WI 54665 PHONE: 608-637-3551 (Office/Kristin) 608-638-7627/Office/Pastor Jean) FAX: 608-638-3651 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ViroquaUMC.org [email protected]

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Liberty Pole United Methodist Church– 9:00 A.M.

Viroqua United Methodist Church– 10:30 A.M.

SUNDAY SCHOOL Liberty Pole UMC– 9:15 A.M.

Viroqua UMC– Adults-9:00 A.M., Children-10:45 A.M.

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Viroqua, Wisconsin

54665

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THE CROSS & THE FLAME

Viroqua UMC offers 2 Sunday school classes from 9:00 am - 10:00 am

February 2017 EVENTS

February Calendar enclosed


P.O. Box 127, Viroqua, WI 54665 February 2017

Viroqua &

Liberty Pole

United Methodist Churches

Dear Friends,

The month of February has become the “Love” month. Just look around and you will see the colors red

and pink everywhere; or so it seems. We are in the second month of a brand new year. How are you do-

ing? I made it through January with my challenge and am planning on continuing it into this month. As I

applied my steps (see January letter; center fold), my focus shifted from the person or persons on my list

to prayer and Scripture. The person or persons on my list soon were bathed in prayer and Scripture. Alt-

hough some situations aren’t resolved for the person or persons that I am praying for and covering with

Scripture, I have given the driver’s seat to God; spiritually speaking. This month, I have added a few

“love” Scriptures that I will be using along with the January scriptures for my challenge. God is love and

it is out of love that we are mandated to pray for all people: friends, family and enemies. What we give

out and give away will return to each of us as a blessing even though we don’t feel it, realize it, or experi-

ence at the time. God is sure patient with each of us and loves each of us so much. You are loved!

Enjoy the following Scriptures:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others,

it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. I Corinthians 13:4-5

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Then you will win favor and a good name

in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. I John 4:16

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. I John 3:18

In Christian Love, Pastor Jean

2 THE CROSS and THE FLAME

TABLE OF CONTENTS February Scriptures.........................................................pg. 3

The “Big Thing”.............................................................. pg. 3

Worship Committee Minutes.........................................pg. 4

Anniversaries, Birthdays................................................ pg. 5

Confirmation Class Update............................................pg. 5

Newsletter Deadline for February .............................. pg. 5

New Years Greeting from Bishop Jung..........................pg. 6

Health and Wholeness (Book of Resolutions of the

Methodist Church) ................................................pg. 6

Thank You Note from Vernon Inn.................................pg. 6

United Methodist Church-Susan Hogan.........................pg. 7

John Wesley on Health ..........................................pgs. 8 & 9

Women’s Retreat—Lake Lucerne Camp..............pg. 10

President’s Day—February 20th...........................pg. 10

Viroqua Trustees Committee Meeting Minutes............pg. 11

Viroqua UMW Meeting Minutes.....................................pg. 11

The Cross & The Flame is published monthly by the Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches for our congregation and friends. We welcome you

with open hearts, open arms and open doors.

VIROQUA UMC/OFFICE

221 S. Center Ave.

Viroqua, WI 54665

Phone: 608-637-3551

Fax: 608-638-6351

Email: [email protected]

www.ViroquaUMC.org

OFFICE HOURS 8:00 A.M. - Noon Monday & Wednesday

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Thursday & Friday

(Church door opens at 9:00 a.m.)

LIBERTY POLE UMC S 6759 St. Hwy. 27

Viroqua, WI 54665

Phone: 608-675-3630

STAFF Jean Waldron, Pastor

Parsonage Phone: 608-637-7614

Pastor’s Direct Line: 608-638-7627


Kristin Potochick, Secretary Office Phone: 608-637-3551

Liberty Pole UMC Service Assistants

Ushers/Greeters Feb. 5th - Paul Adams Feb. 12th - Jim Cochiola Feb. 19th - Steve Thompson Feb. 26th - Paul Adams Liturgist - Sandy Marohl

Viroqua UMC Service Assistants

Ushers Feb. 5th - Ardith Olson/Janet Welch Feb. 12th - Joanne Hornby/Minie Hirschfield Feb. 19th - Layne & Janette Hanson Feb. 26th - Paul & Sonja Bjerkos Greeters Feb. 5th - Annabel McGarry Feb. 12th - David Peterson Feb. 19th - Dan Casper Feb. 26th - Shirley Gilman Liturgist - Cavan Fang

John Wesley Quote

“Wesley taught that God cares for the health of our minds

and bodies as well as our souls.”

THE CROSS and THE FLAME 11

Viroqua United Methodist Women Meeting Minutes—January 12th

The Viroqua Methodist Women met January 12th at Maplewood with Joanne Hornby as hostess.

Janet Welch read two letters that we received from the Child Fund boy we sponsor in Mexico.

Each member volunteered to furnish an asking from Vernon Manor for their monthly program.

A kitchen committee was formed to check and purchase items needed. Annabel McGarry, Lynn

Whitney, and Barb Casper will be on this committee. It was decided the February meeting will be

used to clean the kitchen.

Our April meeting will be at Parkview Manor for a Bingo party.

We will do a new Handbook as soon as we receive District meeting dates.

Joanne led a program on how minimum wage affects restaurant workers.

Our UMW has purchased a new cupboard for Sunday morning coffee in the chapel. It will re-

place the table and cart, and keep everything out of sight.

Dates to Remember: January 27th—pie for Vernon Manor (Annabel) February 9th —UMW Meeting—clean kitchen (Lynn Whitney, hostess) February 18th—”The Big Thing” February Cookies & Coffee—Hospitality 1 .

Present: Aaron Hanson, Pete Gilman, David Peterson, Gregory Cheever Officers remain the same. Received snow removal bill from Roy Gunn for the period of December 2016 in the amount of $930.00. We received notice that the City will be replacing the church water meter in January. At the same time David Peterson will be checking about replacing the shut-off valve on our side of the meter. Motion was made and approved to have UMW add a cabinet for coffee hour. Thank you. UMW. Thank you to “Steam-A-Way for the excellent job steam cleaning the carpet in the chapel (FREE)!!!


The Leaders of Earth’s Nations and Peoples (REF: Prayers for All Occasions by Roger Pearson)

Almighty and eternal God, you who have needs that only human hearts and hands can satisfy and

whose power is often revealed through human action, we call to your remembrance of the leaders of earth’s

nations and peoples. No one knows better than you how fearfully the peace and justice of the world depend

on those leaders, and we pray that they may not betray their stewardship, neither mistake the nature of their

obligations.

When they think of themselves, let them never doubt that those not with you are against you, and may

they not deal lightly with their own weaknesses and sins. Save them from craving adulation as gods when

they have not even earned respect as decent human beings. Grant them never to be so anxious about the

specks in other people’s eyes that they do not see the logs in their own. Guide them not to feed upon their

people but to feed them, and not to think that praising justice excuses them from doing it. Chasten them to

honesty and kindness, and deny them the complacency that they are too important to obey their own laws.

By whatever name they call you, vouchsafe that they stand with you, work for you, and bear with you the

heavy yokes of righteousness and truth.

Yet we pray, too, that when these leaders of their nations and their peoples think of others than them-

selves, they may hear the kindred word that those not against you are for you. Let the iron of your justice

disincline them to the softness that is stranger to fact, but drain not their veins of the blood of compassion.

Impel them to use with full passion the talents you gave the, but foster alive in their hearts the awareness

that you have many witnesses and many loves and many mysteries. They see only in part, O Lord, as do all

of your children, but we ask that you push afar their horizons: that you so lengthen their sight and enlarge

their sympathies that they find no man so ugly or woman so troublesome or child so insignificant that they

close the door against need or shut their eyes upon hope. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

President’s Day—February 20th, 2017


Liberty Pole - Sunday,

October 5th

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Adults/$8.00

Children 6-12/$5.00

5 and under/$2.00

February Scriptures

February 5, 5th Sunday after the Epiphany

Holy Communion – Intinction

Psalm 112 UMH 833

Isaiah 58:1-12

I Corinthians 2:1-16

Matthew 5:13-20

“You Are the Light of the World”


Psalm 119:1-8 (only) rsp. 3 UMH 840

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

I Corinthians 3:1-9

Matthew 5:21-37

“Loved, Forgiven and Reconciled”



Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18

I Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23

Matthew 5:38-48

“The Foolishness of God is Wiser than Men”

February 26, Transfiguration Sunday

Psalm 99 UMH 819

Exodus 24:12-18

2 Peter 1:16-21

Matthew 17:1-9

“What Is Most Precious to God?”

The BIG Thing!!!

All-Church FUNdraiser

February 18, 2017

4:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m.

The evening will include a Spaghetti Supper, Silent Auction, and Live Auction. While we do hope to

raise a good amount of money to bolster up the church’s general operating fund, we also hope to raise a

good amount of community and fellowship among our congregants and those nonmembers who join in

the fun.

Everyone can be involved! You can donate items for the auction, attend the event – eat spaghetti

and buy things at the auction, help on a committee, and/or invite others to the auction. We need you all

to make this a success!

If you have any questions, please ask one of the members of the Big Thing Planning Committee Sonja

Bjerkos, Gregory Cheever, Cavan Fang, Kathy Hanson, David Peterson.


Worship Committee Minutes—January 19th—6:30 p .m.

Present: Pastor Jean, Dan Casper, Cavan Fang, Barb Casper

We discussed upcoming dates:

Feb. 5th Soup & Subs fundraiser

Feb. 12th Birthday Potluck at noon, VUMC

Feb. 18th The Big Thing, 4:00 pm—6 p.m. Spaghetti Meal, silent and live auction @ V

Ash Wed., March 1st—Service at Viroqua is at Noon; Service at Liberty Pole is at 7:00 p.m. Both churches will have ashes.

March 5th—the first Sunday of Lent

Wed., March 8th—Lenten service to be announced

March 12th—2nd Sunday of Lent

Wed., March 15th—Youth Taco Feed, 4:30 pm (set up earlier TBA) with service at 7:00 p.m. @ V

March 19th—third Sunday of Lent

Wed., March 22nd—Service to be announced

Sun. March 26th—4th Sunday of Lent

Wed., March 29th—Lenten service at Liberty Pole 7:00 p.m.

Sun., April 2nd—5th Sunday of Lent

Wed., April 5th—Service to be announced

Sun., April 9th—Palm Sunday with procession of Palms

Tues., April 11th—9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Set up Stations of the Cross

4:00 p.m. LEAPs will walk through Stations of the Cross

Wed., April 12th—10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross open to the public

3:30 p.m. Confirmation Class will walk the Stations of the Cross

Thurs., April 13th—Maundy Thursday/Tenebrae service

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Soup Supper with cheese and crackers @ V

6:30-8:00 p.m. Service @ V; prayer vigil to follow

Fri., April 14th—1:00 p.m. Good Friday service @ V

Sun., April 16th—Easter Sunrise service @ V @ 7:00 a.m. More information TBA.

Next Worship meeting, Thurs., Feb. 23rd at 6:30 p.m.

Viroqua & Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Mission Statement

The Viroqua & Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches exist for the purpose of carrying out Christ’s Great

Commission by enabling all who come to personally know the joy of God’s love and forgiveness and to lovingly

share this joy in the fellowship of the church and in reaching people throughout the world.


John Wesley, the histor ic founder of The United Methodist Church, is known for his car ing for souls, but he was also passion-

ate about keeping himself and others physically fit. Attendees of the 2016 Wesley Pilgrimage in England saw evidence of his

healthy habits while touring the home where he spent the final 12 winters of his life. John Wesley's home at Wesley’s Chapel in Lon-

don is decorated in the way it may have looked when Wesley lived there. Items he owned and used are displayed alongside things that

belonged to his hymn-writing brother Charles Wesley and period reproductions.

John Wesley kept a chamber horse in his dining room to keep him in shape for his grueling riding schedule. Photo

courtesy of the Trustees of Wesley’s Chapel, City Road, London. See chair on page 8.

Exercise equipment In the dining room, an odd-looking chair caught my attention. One of the docents, dressed in period costume, noticed me looking at

this strange piece of furniture. Pressing down on the tall seat several times to demonstrate the spring action of the bellows hidden in-

side, she explained it was an “exercise chair.”

I later learned that this “chair” was actually a reproduction chamber horse, a piece of exercise equipment from the 1700s. Sitting in

the chair, one would bounce up and down, mimicking the activity of riding a horse, the 18th century equivalent of a stationary bike or

treadmill. (see picture page 8) While wintering in London, John Wesley used a chamber horse to help him stay in shape for

his grueling riding schedule the rest of the year. Overseeing the Methodist movement, Wesley traveled long distances on horseback

well into his 80s. While the dining room may seem like an odd place for a piece of exercise equipment, historians are certain this is

where Wesley kept it. He said so in a letter to his niece, Sarah Wesley, dated August 18, 1790, when Wesley was 87:

[Y]ou should be sure to take as much exercise every day as you can bear. I wish you would desire George Whitfield [a Methodist preacher] to send you the chamber-horse out of my dining-room, which you should use half an hour at least daily.

Daily exercise was advice Wesley often shared with friends to help them remain healthy.

Wesley provided four electrical machines that were placed in locations throughout London for the public to use for

“electrification treatment.” Photo courtesy of the Trustees of Wesley’s Chapel, City Road, London. See page 8.

Caring for the body Another object I could not identify is on display in Wesley’s study. The mechanical looking device made of wood, glass and metal is

an “electrical machine.” (see equipment page 8) Cranking the handle creates low-level electric current many believed had healing

properties.

In his book, Primitive Physick, or, an Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Diseases, Wesley lists more than 40 ailments for

which he prescribes “electrifying.” At worst, it couldn’t hurt, Wesley writes, “unless the shock were immoderately strong.”

Primitive Physick was Wesley’s bestselling book during his lifetime. It included home remedies for other ailments like asthma, bald-

ness (onions and honey), earaches, bee stings, kidney stones, vertigo, and much more.

Alongside these treatments, he offers tips on maintaining wellness through exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep...the same

things experts recommend to us today. Caring for the body was an important part of Wesley’s ministry. Under his leadership, Method-

ist preachers and meetinghouses were known as dispensers of remedies for illnesses, especially for those who could not afford to see a

doctor. Primitive Physick was their primary reference.

Wesley understood that physical and spiritual health were connected. In a letter dated October 26, 1778, he offers this telling advice

to his friend, Alexander Knox:

Alleck… it will be a double blessing if you give yourself up to the Great Physician, that He may heal soul and body together. And unquestionably this is His design. He wants to give you…both inward and outward health. Wesley taught that God cares for the health of our minds and bodies as well as our souls. The United Methodist Church continues in

that tradition today.

*Joe Iovino works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications. Contact him by email or at 615-312-3733

http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/glossary-wesley-john


http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/wesleys-diet-exercise-tips-promote-health

http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/wesley-pilgrims-visit-the-past-to-shape-the-future

http://wesleyschapel.org.uk/index.htm

http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/charles-wesleys-gift-of-music

http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/umtv-worship-and-workout

http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/rural-roots-of-united-methodism

http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790b/#Six


http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1778/

http://www.umc.org/topics/four-areas-of-focus-improving-global-health


mailto:[email protected]

http://www.umcom.org/



John Wesley’s Advice on Health

John Wesley taught that God cares for the health of our minds and bodies as well as our souls.

“Primitive Physick” was a best-seller in Wesley’s day. He first published it anonymously. “It sold more books than anything that he ever wrote,” said Randy Maddox, a John Wesley specialist who teaches at Duke University in Durham, N.C.

John Wesley said: “Those who read or write much, should learn to do it standing; other-wise it will impair their health.” Other Wesley diet and exercise tips include:

—Drink lots of water; it’s the healthiest of all drinks.

—Avoid coffee and tea; they elevate anxiety.

—Exercise, preferably walking, is necessary for good health.

—Cold baths promote circulation.

—Exercise on an empty stomach.

—Go to bed at 9 p.m. and rise at 4 a.m. or 5 a.m.

John Wesley’s Exercise Equipment back from the 1700s


With wishes for many more!

VIROQUA UMC

Allen Primmer February 1st

Mary Fox February 6th

Peach Hoiland February 7th

Lynn Whitney February 10th

Sonja Bjerkos February 19th

Kate Mulvaney-Kemp February 20th

Barb Casper February 20th

LIBERTY POLE UMC

Becky Jerome February 4th

Vanessa Lohr February 7th

Trista Diehl February 8th

Iva Cade February 14th

Axell Lepke February 15th

Alan Christianson February 17th

Renae Diehl February 17th

James Vikemyr February 17th

Riley Gardner February 19th

Isabella Ritter-Robson February 20th

Tanner Robson February 21st

Birthdays

VIROQUA UMC

Dale & Jolene Gudgeon February 5th

Harry & Mary Fox February 21st

Happy Anniversary

Newsletter Deadline The deadline for the March newsletter is

February 24th. Please provide your

submissions as early as possible so that we

produce the best newsletter possible!

Thank you!

CONFIRMATION UPDATE, Jan. 19th

There are 13 youth in Confirmation; 7 from Liberty

Pole UMC and 6 from Viroqua UMC. So far the topics

we have covered include: Beginning our Confirmation

journey, What is Confirmation?, What is a Christian?,

What is the Church?, and Our Jewish Heritage. The

class will be watching the 1956 classic, The Ten Com-

mandments, for two to three classes, with discussion,

to give them a visual overview of the Exodus with

Moses and the beginnings of God’s chosen people.

After the Ten Commandments, the class will be ex-

ploring the Bible in more depth: Old Testament then

the New Testament. On January 8th, the class cele-

brated their Christmas party and gift exchange.

PLEASE KEEP THE CONFIRMATION CLASS AND

THEIR PARENTS/GUARDIANS IN YOUR PRAYERS!

Sincerely, Pastor Jean


New Year’s Greetings from Bishop Jung

“In the beginning was darkness, mystery, and you. By your Word, you shattered the darkness with light.

You set in the sky radiant beams of sunlight and punctured the night sky with sparkling jewels.

You forever changed our darkness. Though there are shadows and worries,

You have placed your Word in us to be a lamp for our feet. You have given your Spirit like a bright guiding star.

You fill us with your Love as glorious as the sun. You place your Truth like a crescent moon.

Every darkness is overcome with Light. And every Light contains shafts of your Eternal Light.”

(Eucharist Prayer by Larry Peacock)

May you and your family have a bright and blessed New Year.

Grace and Peace, Im and Hee-Soo Jung

On Health and Wholeness

The United Methodist Church’s statement of belief on health and wholeness says in part: “As disci-

ples of the One who came that we might have life and have it abundantly, our first and highest priori-

ty regarding health must be the promotion of the circumstances in which health thrives. A leading

health expert encourages the study of health not from the perspective of what goes wrong, but of

what goes right when health is present. These ‘leading causes of life’ include coherence, connec-

tion, agency (action), blessing, and hope. Our lives are healthy when we are linked to a source of

meaning, when we live in a web of relationships that sustain and nurture us, when we know we have

the capacity to respond to the call God has placed on our lives, when we contribute to affirmation of

another at a deep level, and when we lean into a future that is assured, in this life and forever.”

Excerpted from The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2012 (The United Methodist Publishing House),

www.umc.org/what-we-believe/health–and-wholeness.

Thank You note from the Vernon Inn:

“Thank you very much for delivering Christmas treats to the Vernon Inn this year!

What a wonderful gesture!”

God Bless! Happy New Year!


By Susan Hogan* The United Methodist Church (UMC.org)

A few years ago, Cecille Corsilles-Sy organized a health fair at her church. Volunteers showed up bearing plates of

cookies and brownies. "They didn't see the contradiction," laughed Corsilles-Sy, a member of Beacon United Methodist

Church in Seattle. The following year, Corsilles-Sy sent out a list of acceptable foods to bring. Fatty, artery-clogging

treats were out. High fiber, diabetic-friendly foods were in. Without knowing it, Corsilles-Sy was following in the foot-

steps of Methodism founder John Wesley. He said good health requires a strict diet and regular exercise.

"Nothing conduces more to health than abstinence and food with due labor," Wesley wrote in his 1747 book, "Primitive

Physick: or An Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Disease." Corsilles-Sy said she wasn't aware of Wesley's views

on health, but likes what she's learning. "Our congregation is mostly Filipino," she said. "When people come to this

country, their diets change. They become obese. The health issues are enormous."

"Primitive Physick" was a best-seller in Wesley's day. He first published it anonymously. "It sold more books than any-

thing that he ever wrote," said Randy Maddox, a John Wesley specialist who teaches at Duke University in Durham,

N.C.

4 a.m. wakeup call Among Wesley's advice: Eat a light supper at least two or three hours before bed. Oprah could not have said it better.

Wesley's counsel to scholars also may seem relevant to couch potatoes, computer addicts and people who work in cubi-

cles. "Those who read or write much, should learn to do it standing; otherwise it will impair their health," Wesley said.

Low-fat church potlucks Some people's "temples" are in need of an overhaul. Despite these members' best efforts, church fellowship hours and

potlucks are often their undoing. "That's starting to change as society as a whole becomes more health conscious," Ham-

ilton noted. "A good doctor's scale in the church bathroom will do wonders."

For three years, she and her husband led a health group that met weekly at their church. At first, they experimented with

"health recipes" that called for soy. At church potlucks, they made sure there were healthy alternatives to the usual fare.

These included low-fat vegetarian chili and fresh fruit. Eventually, the group started exercising together. They walked,

pitched horseshoes and tried line dancing.

"We never mastered the line dancing," Hamilton laughed. Wellness programs cropping up across The United Methodist

Church are reinforcing the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

One such program is the Duke Clergy Health Initiative, a seven-year program intended to improve the health and well-

being of United Methodist clergy in North Carolina. The program stresses that physical health and spiritual health go

hand in hand.

Wesley said as much. That's why he advocated forgoing certain foods: "All pickled or smoked or salted food, and all

high-seasoned, is unwholesome," he wrote.

Edtor's Note: This story was first published on Feb. 9, 2010. *Hogan is a freelance writer based in Chicago.

News media contact: Vicki Brown, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or [email protected].

https://divinity.duke.edu/initiatives-centers/clergy-health-initiative


John Wesley’s Advice on Health

John Wesley taught that God cares for the health of our minds and bodies as well as our souls.

“Primitive Physick” was a best-seller in Wesley’s day. He first published it anonymously. “It sold more books than anything that he ever wrote,” said Randy Maddox, a John Wesley specialist who teaches at Duke University in Durham, N.C.

John Wesley said: “Those who read or write much, should learn to do it standing; other-wise it will impair their health.” Other Wesley diet and exercise tips include:

—Drink lots of water; it’s the healthiest of all drinks.

—Avoid coffee and tea; they elevate anxiety.

—Exercise, preferably walking, is necessary for good health.

—Cold baths promote circulation.

—Exercise on an empty stomach.

—Go to bed at 9 p.m. and rise at 4 a.m. or 5 a.m.

John Wesley’s Exercise Equipment back from the 1700s


With wishes for many more!

VIROQUA UMC

Allen Primmer February 1st

Mary Fox February 6th

Peach Hoiland February 7th

Lynn Whitney February 10th

Sonja Bjerkos February 19th

Kate Mulvaney-Kemp February 20th

Barb Casper February 20th

LIBERTY POLE UMC

Becky Jerome February 4th

Vanessa Lohr February 7th

Trista Diehl February 8th

Iva Cade February 14th

Axell Lepke February 15th

Alan Christianson February 17th

Renae Diehl February 17th

James Vikemyr February 17th

Riley Gardner February 19th

Isabella Ritter-Robson February 20th

Tanner Robson February 21st

Birthdays

VIROQUA UMC

Dale & Jolene Gudgeon February 5th

Harry & Mary Fox February 21st

Happy Anniversary

Newsletter Deadline The deadline for the March newsletter is

February 24th. Please provide your

submissions as early as possible so that we

produce the best newsletter possible!

Thank you!

CONFIRMATION UPDATE, Jan. 19th

There are 13 youth in Confirmation; 7 from Liberty

Pole UMC and 6 from Viroqua UMC. So far the topics

we have covered include: Beginning our Confirmation

journey, What is Confirmation?, What is a Christian?,

What is the Church?, and Our Jewish Heritage. The

class will be watching the 1956 classic, The Ten Com-

mandments, for two to three classes, with discussion,

to give them a visual overview of the Exodus with

Moses and the beginnings of God’s chosen people.

After the Ten Commandments, the class will be ex-

ploring the Bible in more depth: Old Testament then

the New Testament. On January 8th, the class cele-

brated their Christmas party and gift exchange.

PLEASE KEEP THE CONFIRMATION CLASS AND

THEIR PARENTS/GUARDIANS IN YOUR PRAYERS!

Sincerely, Pastor Jean


Worship Committee Minutes—January 19th—6:30 p .m.

Present: Pastor Jean, Dan Casper, Cavan Fang, Barb Casper

We discussed upcoming dates:

Feb. 5th Soup & Subs fundraiser

Feb. 12th Birthday Potluck at noon, VUMC

Feb. 18th The Big Thing, 4:00 pm—6 p.m. Spaghetti Meal, silent and live auction @ V

Ash Wed., March 1st—Service at Viroqua is at Noon; Service at Liberty Pole is at 7:00 p.m. Both churches will have ashes.

March 5th—the first Sunday of Lent

Wed., March 8th—Lenten service to be announced

March 12th—2nd Sunday of Lent

Wed., March 15th—Youth Taco Feed, 4:30 pm (set up earlier TBA) with service at 7:00 p.m. @ V

March 19th—third Sunday of Lent

Wed., March 22nd—Service to be announced

Sun. March 26th—4th Sunday of Lent

Wed., March 29th—Lenten service at Liberty Pole 7:00 p.m.

Sun., April 2nd—5th Sunday of Lent

Wed., April 5th—Service to be announced

Sun., April 9th—Palm Sunday with procession of Palms

Tues., April 11th—9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Set up Stations of the Cross

4:00 p.m. LEAPs will walk through Stations of the Cross

Wed., April 12th—10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross open to the public

3:30 p.m. Confirmation Class will walk the Stations of the Cross

Thurs., April 13th—Maundy Thursday/Tenebrae service

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Soup Supper with cheese and crackers @ V

6:30-8:00 p.m. Service @ V; prayer vigil to follow

Fri., April 14th—1:00 p.m. Good Friday service @ V

Sun., April 16th—Easter Sunrise service @ V @ 7:00 a.m. More information TBA.

Next Worship meeting, Thurs., Feb. 23rd at 6:30 p.m.

Viroqua & Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Mission Statement

The Viroqua & Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches exist for the purpose of carrying out Christ’s Great

Commission by enabling all who come to personally know the joy of God’s love and forgiveness and to lovingly

share this joy in the fellowship of the church and in reaching people throughout the world.


John Wesley, the histor ic founder of The United Methodist Church, is known for his car ing for souls, but he was also passion-

ate about keeping himself and others physically fit. Attendees of the 2016 Wesley Pilgrimage in England saw evidence of his

healthy habits while touring the home where he spent the final 12 winters of his life. John Wesley's home at Wesley’s Chapel in Lon-

don is decorated in the way it may have looked when Wesley lived there. Items he owned and used are displayed alongside things that

belonged to his hymn-writing brother Charles Wesley and period reproductions.

John Wesley kept a chamber horse in his dining room to keep him in shape for his grueling riding schedule. Photo

courtesy of the Trustees of Wesley’s Chapel, City Road, London. See chair on page 8.

Exercise equipment In the dining room, an odd-looking chair caught my attention. One of the docents, dressed in period costume, noticed me looking at

this strange piece of furniture. Pressing down on the tall seat several times to demonstrate the spring action of the bellows hidden in-

side, she explained it was an “exercise chair.”

I later learned that this “chair” was actually a reproduction chamber horse, a piece of exercise equipment from the 1700s. Sitting in

the chair, one would bounce up and down, mimicking the activity of riding a horse, the 18th century equivalent of a stationary bike or

treadmill. (see picture page 8) While wintering in London, John Wesley used a chamber horse to help him stay in shape for

his grueling riding schedule the rest of the year. Overseeing the Methodist movement, Wesley traveled long distances on horseback

well into his 80s. While the dining room may seem like an odd place for a piece of exercise equipment, historians are certain this is

where Wesley kept it. He said so in a letter to his niece, Sarah Wesley, dated August 18, 1790, when Wesley was 87:

[Y]ou should be sure to take as much exercise every day as you can bear. I wish you would desire George Whitfield [a Methodist preacher] to send you the chamber-horse out of my dining-room, which you should use half an hour at least daily.

Daily exercise was advice Wesley often shared with friends to help them remain healthy.

Wesley provided four electrical machines that were placed in locations throughout London for the public to use for

“electrification treatment.” Photo courtesy of the Trustees of Wesley’s Chapel, City Road, London. See page 8.

Caring for the body Another object I could not identify is on display in Wesley’s study. The mechanical looking device made of wood, glass and metal is

an “electrical machine.” (see equipment page 8) Cranking the handle creates low-level electric current many believed had healing

properties.

In his book, Primitive Physick, or, an Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Diseases, Wesley lists more than 40 ailments for

which he prescribes “electrifying.” At worst, it couldn’t hurt, Wesley writes, “unless the shock were immoderately strong.”

Primitive Physick was Wesley’s bestselling book during his lifetime. It included home remedies for other ailments like asthma, bald-

ness (onions and honey), earaches, bee stings, kidney stones, vertigo, and much more.

Alongside these treatments, he offers tips on maintaining wellness through exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep...the same

things experts recommend to us today. Caring for the body was an important part of Wesley’s ministry. Under his leadership, Method-

ist preachers and meetinghouses were known as dispensers of remedies for illnesses, especially for those who could not afford to see a

doctor. Primitive Physick was their primary reference.

Wesley understood that physical and spiritual health were connected. In a letter dated October 26, 1778, he offers this telling advice

to his friend, Alexander Knox:

Alleck… it will be a double blessing if you give yourself up to the Great Physician, that He may heal soul and body together. And unquestionably this is His design. He wants to give you…both inward and outward health. Wesley taught that God cares for the health of our minds and bodies as well as our souls. The United Methodist Church continues in

that tradition today.

*Joe Iovino works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications. Contact him by email or at 615-312-3733




http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/wesley-pilgrims-visit-the-past-to-shape-the-future

http://wesleyschapel.org.uk/index.htm

http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/charles-wesleys-gift-of-music

http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/umtv-worship-and-workout

http://www.umc.org/news-and-media/rural-roots-of-united-methodism

http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1790b/#Six


http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1778/




http://www.umcom.org/



The Leaders of Earth’s Nations and Peoples (REF: Prayers for All Occasions by Roger Pearson)

Almighty and eternal God, you who have needs that only human hearts and hands can satisfy and

whose power is often revealed through human action, we call to your remembrance of the leaders of earth’s

nations and peoples. No one knows better than you how fearfully the peace and justice of the world depend

on those leaders, and we pray that they may not betray their stewardship, neither mistake the nature of their

obligations.

When they think of themselves, let them never doubt that those not with you are against you, and may

they not deal lightly with their own weaknesses and sins. Save them from craving adulation as gods when

they have not even earned respect as decent human beings. Grant them never to be so anxious about the

specks in other people’s eyes that they do not see the logs in their own. Guide them not to feed upon their

people but to feed them, and not to think that praising justice excuses them from doing it. Chasten them to

honesty and kindness, and deny them the complacency that they are too important to obey their own laws.

By whatever name they call you, vouchsafe that they stand with you, work for you, and bear with you the

heavy yokes of righteousness and truth.

Yet we pray, too, that when these leaders of their nations and their peoples think of others than them-

selves, they may hear the kindred word that those not against you are for you. Let the iron of your justice

disincline them to the softness that is stranger to fact, but drain not their veins of the blood of compassion.

Impel them to use with full passion the talents you gave the, but foster alive in their hearts the awareness

that you have many witnesses and many loves and many mysteries. They see only in part, O Lord, as do all

of your children, but we ask that you push afar their horizons: that you so lengthen their sight and enlarge

their sympathies that they find no man so ugly or woman so troublesome or child so insignificant that they

close the door against need or shut their eyes upon hope. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

President’s Day—February 20th, 2017


Liberty Pole - Sunday,

October 5th

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Adults/$8.00

Children 6-12/$5.00

5 and under/$2.00

February Scriptures


Holy Communion – Intinction

Psalm 112 UMH 833

Isaiah 58:1-12

I Corinthians 2:1-16

Matthew 5:13-20

“You Are the Light of the World”



Deuteronomy 30:15-20

I Corinthians 3:1-9

Matthew 5:21-37

“Loved, Forgiven and Reconciled”



Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18

I Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23

Matthew 5:38-48

“The Foolishness of God is Wiser than Men”

February 26, Transfiguration Sunday

Psalm 99 UMH 819

Exodus 24:12-18

2 Peter 1:16-21

Matthew 17:1-9

“What Is Most Precious to God?”

The BIG Thing!!!

All-Church FUNdraiser

February 18, 2017

4:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m.

The evening will include a Spaghetti Supper, Silent Auction, and Live Auction. While we do hope to

raise a good amount of money to bolster up the church’s general operating fund, we also hope to raise a

good amount of community and fellowship among our congregants and those nonmembers who join in

the fun.

Everyone can be involved! You can donate items for the auction, attend the event – eat spaghetti

and buy things at the auction, help on a committee, and/or invite others to the auction. We need you all

to make this a success!

If you have any questions, please ask one of the members of the Big Thing Planning Committee Sonja

Bjerkos, Gregory Cheever, Cavan Fang, Kathy Hanson, David Peterson.


TABLE OF CONTENTS February Scriptures.........................................................pg. 3

The “Big Thing”.............................................................. pg. 3

Worship Committee Minutes.........................................pg. 4

Anniversaries, Birthdays................................................ pg. 5

Confirmation Class Update............................................pg. 5

Newsletter Deadline for February .............................. pg. 5

New Years Greeting from Bishop Jung..........................pg. 6

Health and Wholeness (Book of Resolutions of the

Methodist Church) ................................................pg. 6

Thank You Note from Vernon Inn.................................pg. 6

United Methodist Church-Susan Hogan.........................pg. 7

John Wesley on Health ..........................................pgs. 8 & 9

Women’s Retreat—Lake Lucerne Camp..............pg. 10

President’s Day—February 20th...........................pg. 10

Viroqua Trustees Committee Meeting Minutes............pg. 11

Viroqua UMW Meeting Minutes.....................................pg. 11

The Cross & The Flame is published monthly by the Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches for our congregation and friends. We welcome you

with open hearts, open arms and open doors.

VIROQUA UMC/OFFICE

221 S. Center Ave.

Viroqua, WI 54665

Phone: 608-637-3551

Fax: 608-638-6351


www.ViroquaUMC.org

OFFICE HOURS 8:00 A.M. - Noon Monday & Wednesday

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Thursday & Friday

(Church door opens at 9:00 a.m.)

LIBERTY POLE UMC S 6759 St. Hwy. 27

Viroqua, WI 54665

Phone: 608-675-3630

STAFF Jean Waldron, Pastor

Parsonage Phone: 608-637-7614

Pastor’s Direct Line: 608-638-7627


Kristin Potochick, Secretary Office Phone: 608-637-3551

Liberty Pole UMC Service Assistants

Ushers/Greeters Feb. 5th - Paul Adams Feb. 12th - Jim Cochiola Feb. 19th - Steve Thompson Feb. 26th - Paul Adams Liturgist - Sandy Marohl

Viroqua UMC Service Assistants

Ushers Feb. 5th - Ardith Olson/Janet Welch Feb. 12th - Joanne Hornby/Minie Hirschfield Feb. 19th - Layne & Janette Hanson Feb. 26th - Paul & Sonja Bjerkos Greeters Feb. 5th - Annabel McGarry Feb. 12th - David Peterson Feb. 19th - Dan Casper Feb. 26th - Shirley Gilman Liturgist - Cavan Fang

John Wesley Quote

“Wesley taught that God cares for the health of our minds

and bodies as well as our souls.”


Viroqua United Methodist Women Meeting Minutes—January 12th

The Viroqua Methodist Women met January 12th at Maplewood with Joanne Hornby as hostess.

Janet Welch read two letters that we received from the Child Fund boy we sponsor in Mexico.

Each member volunteered to furnish an asking from Vernon Manor for their monthly program.

A kitchen committee was formed to check and purchase items needed. Annabel McGarry, Lynn

Whitney, and Barb Casper will be on this committee. It was decided the February meeting will be

used to clean the kitchen.

Our April meeting will be at Parkview Manor for a Bingo party.

We will do a new Handbook as soon as we receive District meeting dates.

Joanne led a program on how minimum wage affects restaurant workers.

Our UMW has purchased a new cupboard for Sunday morning coffee in the chapel. It will re-

place the table and cart, and keep everything out of sight.

Dates to Remember: January 27th—pie for Vernon Manor (Annabel) February 9th —UMW Meeting—clean kitchen (Lynn Whitney, hostess) February 18th—”The Big Thing” February Cookies & Coffee—Hospitality 1 .

Present: Aaron Hanson, Pete Gilman, David Peterson, Gregory Cheever Officers remain the same. Received snow removal bill from Roy Gunn for the period of December 2016 in the amount of $930.00. We received notice that the City will be replacing the church water meter in January. At the same time David Peterson will be checking about replacing the shut-off valve on our side of the meter. Motion was made and approved to have UMW add a cabinet for coffee hour. Thank you. UMW. Thank you to “Steam-A-Way for the excellent job steam cleaning the carpet in the chapel (FREE)!!!

Viroqua and Liberty Pole United Methodist Churches Post Office Box 127 Viroqua, WI 54665 PHONE: 608-637-3551 (Office/Kristin) 608-638-7627/Office/Pastor Jean) FAX: 608-638-3651 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ViroquaUMC.org [email protected]

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Liberty Pole United Methodist Church– 9:00 A.M.

Viroqua United Methodist Church– 10:30 A.M.

SUNDAY SCHOOL Liberty Pole UMC– 9:15 A.M.

Viroqua UMC– Adults-9:00 A.M., Children-10:45 A.M.

Address Label

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Viroqua, Wisconsin

54665

Permit Number 11

DATE SENSITIVE


Viroqua UMC offers 2 Sunday school classes from 9:00 am - 10:00 am

February 2017 EVENTS

February Calendar enclosed


P.O. Box 127, Viroqua, WI 54665 February 2017

Viroqua &

Liberty Pole

United Methodist Churches

Dear Friends,

The month of February has become the “Love” month. Just look around and you will see the colors red

and pink everywhere; or so it seems. We are in the second month of a brand new year. How are you do-

ing? I made it through January with my challenge and am planning on continuing it into this month. As I

applied my steps (see January letter; center fold), my focus shifted from the person or persons on my list

to prayer and Scripture. The person or persons on my list soon were bathed in prayer and Scripture. Alt-

hough some situations aren’t resolved for the person or persons that I am praying for and covering with

Scripture, I have given the driver’s seat to God; spiritually speaking. This month, I have added a few

“love” Scriptures that I will be using along with the January scriptures for my challenge. God is love and

it is out of love that we are mandated to pray for all people: friends, family and enemies. What we give

out and give away will return to each of us as a blessing even though we don’t feel it, realize it, or experi-

ence at the time. God is sure patient with each of us and loves each of us so much. You are loved!

Enjoy the following Scriptures:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others,

it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. I Corinthians 13:4-5

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Then you will win favor and a good name

in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. I John 4:16

Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. I John 3:18

In Christian Love, Pastor Jean

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